Guest post by Jillian McKee, Complementary Medicine Advocate.
Bringing a wealth of personal and professional experience to the organization, Jillian McKee has worked as the Complementary Medicine Advocate at the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance since June of 2009. Jillian spends most her time on outreach efforts and spreading information about the integration of complementary and alternative medicine when used in conjunction with traditional cancer treatment.

Cancer treatments often alter our ability to meet some necessary nutritional needs. Take chemotherapy treatment — a necessary evil that wrecks havoc on the body. Chemotherapy causes a decrease in our red blood cells, which leads to anemia, the path to vitamin deficiencies, which weakens our immune system little by little. One of the ways to combat these problems is by eating well and maintaining a good weight, both during and after chemotherapy treatments.

Eating enough calories can help the body recover quicker and heal during and after chemotherapy treatments. Once weight loss begins, muscle loss, strength and energy will follow. Research studies have proven that Omega-3 supplements can help. Omega3 fatty acids tend tohelp cancer patients maintain muscle mass and stabilize weight. The Journal reported that 16 patients, taking a daily supplement of 2.2 grams of fish oil, for 10 weeks were able to maintain their weight, while 24 patients, did not take the daily fish oil supplement, and continued to lose weight. Those patients with the largest amounts of fish oil in their blood had gained muscle mass. Scientists theorize that fish oil may interfere with cancer, thereby providing a way to beat undernourishment in patients.

Ways to improve your appetite:

• Start meals with solid foods first. This will help you avoid filling up on liquids. Solid foods fill the stomach up and liquids leave the stomach quickly. Unless you are on a liquid-only diet, avoid soups unless they are thick and filled with vegetables.

• Break up meals into six or more sittings per day. One of the side effects of cancer treatments is diminished appetite. Loss of appetite also depends on the type of cancer and the type of treatment. In general, it is often difficult to eat a full meal. Eat light meals, and don’t worry so much if you do not feel like eating. Staying hydrated is more important. Drinking water, broth, non-acidic fruit juices and vegetable juices works best.

• Start an exercise plan. Of course, get approval from your physician first. Physical activity can boost your appetite and help to maintain muscle mass. Exercise will also promote more bowel movements, which flushes toxins from the system.

• Take your time and chew slowly. After the meal, do not rush to lie down; remain upright to help avoid nausea and heartburn.

Coping with treatment side effects is no easy task. Exercise and improving the appetite can help patients cope with effects such as the coughing and excess fluid. Certain foods can be especially helpful in battling certain cancers, such as broth and vegetable juices serving as natural cough suppressants for mesothelioma cancer patients.

No one can predict exactly how each patient is going to feel. Cancer is complex and everyone experiences this disease differently. The best advice is to always be proactive and anticipate ways to deal with your nutritional needs.


You can read more from Jillian on her blog: http://www.mesothelioma.com/blog/authors/jillian/