Dietary Side Effects of Mesothelioma

Why Mesothelioma Causes Dietary Side Effects

Mesothelioma and its treatments can affect how your body handles food in several ways. The disease increases your energy needs while often lowering your appetite, leading to unplanned weight loss. At the same time, you may feel too tired to prepare or eat regular meals, making it harder to get enough calories and protein to stay strong.

Chemotherapy, radiation, and other treatments can also upset the digestive system. These therapies may cause nausea, vomiting, mouth sores, or changes in taste and smell that make food less appealing. Some medications can slow or speed up digestion, leading to constipation or diarrhea.

Emotional health plays a role, too. Feeling anxious, sad, or overwhelmed can reduce your appetite. Let your cancer care team know if eating has become difficult. You can work together to adjust your diet and nutrition, manage side effects, and find ways to maintain your strength throughout treatment.

Download our Free Mesothelioma Nutrition Guide to learn more about managing dietary side effects and finding foods that work best for your body.

What Are the Dietary Side Effects of Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma patients may deal with several dietary and nutrition-related side effects that can impact their ability to enjoy food and maintain their daily routines.

Common dietary side effects of mesothelioma include:

Dehydration
Diarrhea or constipation
Difficulty swallowing
Dry mouth
Fatigue from eating large meals
Loss of appetite
Mouth sores
Muscle wasting
Nausea and vomiting
Taste changes
Weight loss

These side effects may vary depending on the type of treatment, the patient’s overall health, and whether the cancer has spread.

Managing Common Dietary Side Effects of Mesothelioma

Below are some of the most frequent diet-related treatment side effects seen in mesothelioma patients. Each one can affect how you eat and how your body uses food. There are practical ways to manage each of them so you can maintain your strength throughout treatment.

Appetite Loss

Loss of appetite is very common during mesothelioma treatment. You might feel full quickly, have little interest in food, or notice that meals no longer taste appealing. Fatigue, stress, and certain medications can make this worse, but it’s important to keep your body fueled.

“Sometimes patients have lost their appetite and just don’t feel like eating. That’s a big problem. They need to fuel their bodies so they can recover.”

– Dr. Andrea Wolf, mesothelioma specialist at Mount Sinai Hospital

To combat appetite loss, eat snacks or small meals every few hours instead of three large ones, and focus on high-calorie, high-protein foods like smoothies, yogurt, or peanut butter. Keep easy snacks nearby so you can eat whenever you feel hungry, and drink liquids between meals to avoid feeling too full.

If appetite loss continues or you’re losing weight quickly, let your care team know. They may suggest medications, supplements, or meal plans to help you eat enough and stay energized during treatment.

Changes in Taste

Some cancer patients report that food tastes metallic, bitter, or simply “off.” These taste changes are often caused by chemotherapy drugs or radiation to the head and neck. Loss of taste or distorted flavors can make eating less enjoyable, contributing to malnutrition.

Here are some tips that can help:

Avoid red meat if it has an unpleasant aftertaste.
Experiment with citrus, herbs, or marinades to enhance flavor.
Try using plastic utensils instead of metal to reduce metallic tastes.

Taste changes tend to fade over time, but in the meantime, keep trying different foods. You might be surprised by what still tastes good. Even small flavor adjustments can help you get the nutrients you need without feeling discouraged.

Constipation

Constipation from mesothelioma can be caused by certain pain medications, lack of physical activity, or not getting enough food and water.

Tips for managing constipation in mesothelioma patients include:

Drink warm liquids in the morning.
Eat high-fiber foods like lentils, whole grains, and fresh fruits.
Incorporate light exercise if possible.

If constipation continues, ask your mesothelioma doctor about a stool softener or laxative. Treating it early prevents discomfort and helps you feel better overall.

Dehydration

Many treatment side effects can lead to fluid loss, making hydration especially important. Fighting cancer is best managed with proper hydration and good nutrition.

Here are tips for avoiding dehydration in cancer patients:

Add electrolyte drinks or broths when vomiting or sweating.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate.
Drink half your weight in ounces of water daily.

If plain water tastes too plain, try flavoring it with lemon, cucumber, or fruit slices. Keep a bottle nearby so you remember to drink it.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea in mesothelioma patients may result from chemotherapy, radiation, or infections. It can cause dehydration and nutrient loss.

To manage diarrhea:

Avoid dairy, spicy foods, and processed meats.
Drink plenty of clear fluids.
Focus on the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast).

As symptoms improve, reintroduce regular foods slowly. If diarrhea lasts more than two days, call your care team. They can help identify the cause and recommend medications or other solutions.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is a common side effect of radiation therapy and certain immunotherapy medications. It can make chewing and swallowing difficult, especially for spicy foods, dry breads, or crunchy vegetables.

To ease dry mouth:

Choose moist foods like soups, yogurt, and mashed potatoes.
Sip water throughout the day.
Suck on ice chips or sugar-free candies.

If the problem doesn’t improve, your doctor may suggest saliva substitutes or mouth rinses that can help. Keeping your mouth moist also helps protect your teeth and prevent infections.

Mouth Sores from Chemo and Radiation

Painful mouth sores can develop from mesothelioma treatments like chemotherapy, making it difficult to eat or drink. These sores can also raise the risk of infection.

Tips for preventing or managing mouth sores during mesothelioma treatment:

Avoid acidic, salty, or hot foods.
Choose bland, soft meals like applesauce, scrambled eggs, or rice.
Use a straw to bypass sores when drinking.

Gently rinsing your mouth several times a day with warm saltwater can also help. If the sores become very painful or prevent you from eating, let your care team know so they can prescribe medication for pain management.

Nausea and Vomiting

These are among the most disruptive symptoms for mesothelioma cancer patients. Nausea can be triggered by treatment or by food smells, tastes, or textures.

To calm nausea:

Avoid greasy or strong-smelling foods.
Eat small meals frequently instead of three large meals.
Keep crackers or ginger tea nearby to help settle the stomach.

Your doctor can prescribe anti-nausea medication to help before or after treatments. Even small bites of food can make a difference in how your body handles therapy, so don’t worry about how much you eat at once — just focus on consistency.

Tips for Managing Mesothelioma Dietary Side Effects

Proper nutrition plays a key role in helping your body tolerate treatment and recover from the dietary side effects of mesothelioma. While every patient’s needs are different, a nutrient-rich diet can improve energy, support the immune system, and reduce side effects like nausea or fatigue.

Here are some simple ways to manage your nutrition during mesothelioma treatment:

Blend smoothies or milkshakes with protein powder, peanut butter, or fruit for easy calorie boosts.
Eat small, frequent meals to keep energy steady and reduce nausea.
Involve your care team to adjust medications or get symptom relief.
Meet with a registered dietitian or nutritionist familiar with cancer treatments.
Track symptoms in a journal to understand what triggers them.
Use mesothelioma dietary supplements as recommended by your doctor to boost your nutritional intake.

Remember that good nutrition doesn’t mean eating perfectly every day. Aim for small, steady progress. Even a few extra bites at each meal can help your body stay strong and recover faster.

Causes of Dietary Side Effects of Mesothelioma

Meeting your nutritional goals through a healthy diet is essential to supporting your body’s needs, but certain aspects of mesothelioma can make it difficult. Here are some ways mesothelioma can cause these dietary side effects.

Changes to Your Body’s Dietary Needs

Cancer increases the body’s energy requirements, even as appetite diminishes. Tumors can alter the way your body uses nutrients and burns calories. This sometimes causes rapid weight loss or cachexia (a muscle-wasting condition common in late-stage cancers).

“Primarily, he was doing chemotherapy, and early on, it would take a few days before he would get to the point where he could eat again and feel better.”

– Janet Putt, wife of mesothelioma survivor Arthur Putt

Patients may need high-protein and high-calorie meals even if they don’t feel hungry. Foods like peanut butter, milkshakes, and smoothies can help meet these needs in smaller, more manageable portions.

Cancer Effects on Diet & Nutrition

Having cancer can affect your body in many ways, including how you eat and use food. Even before treatment starts, cancer itself can change your appetite, digestion, and the way your body handles nutrients. These changes can make it harder to keep a healthy weight or get enough calories from your usual meals.

Many people are surprised by how much their eating habits shift during this time. Knowing what might happen and planning ahead can make it easier to stay nourished and feel your best.

Cancer can affect your nutrition by causing:

A weaker immune system that uses up more energy and nutrients to fight infection
Digestive changes that make it harder to absorb nutrients
Higher calorie and protein needs because your body may burn more energy than usual
Muscle loss if you aren’t getting enough calories or protein

Understanding these possible effects and having a plan to manage them can help you keep up your strength, support your treatment, and recover more comfortably.

Physical Eating Challenges With Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma cancer can affect the body in ways that make eating and digestion physically uncomfortable. Because the disease most commonly develops in the lining around the lungs or abdomen, it can put pressure on nearby organs and change how your body feels during meals.

When the cancer affects the lung lining (pleural mesothelioma), breathing can take more effort, and eating may feel tiring or lead to shortness of breath. When it affects the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma), swelling or fluid buildup can cause a feeling of fullness after just a few bites.

These changes can make it challenging to eat enough food to meet your body’s needs. Some people start skipping meals because eating feels uncomfortable or exhausting. Others notice that their usual portion sizes suddenly feel too big, even if their appetite hasn’t changed. Over time, this can lead to unintentional weight loss and lower energy.

Download our Free Doctor Checklist before your next appointment to help you prepare questions about nutrition, side effects, and your treatment plan.

Find Support for Mesothelioma Side Effects

Coping with the dietary side effects of mesothelioma can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to manage it on your own. The right support can make eating easier and help you stay strong throughout treatment.

Mesothelioma Hope can connect you with:

Doctors and dietitians who understand mesothelioma care
Guidance on treatment options, clinical trials, and supportive care
Nutrition resources tailored to your diagnosis and treatment plan

Call (866) 608-8933 to reach our team of Patient Advocates or fill out our contact form to get compassionate support and personalized guidance for your mesothelioma journey.

Mesothelioma Dietary Side Effects FAQs

What foods should you avoid with mesothelioma?

It’s best to limit or avoid foods that can worsen side effects or make it harder for your body to recover during treatment for mesothelioma. These include processed meats (like bacon, sausage, and deli meats), spicy or greasy foods that can upset your stomach, and alcohol, which can interfere with medications and weaken your immune system.

Also try to stay away from fried, high-fat, or highly sugary foods, as they can cause fatigue, poor digestion, and unwanted weight changes. Instead, focus on mild foods that are easy on your stomach, such as cooked vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and hydrating fluids.

How does mesothelioma affect the digestive system?

Mesothelioma can affect digestion in several ways. When peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the lining of the abdomen, the cancer and fluid buildup can put pressure on nearby organs like the stomach and intestines. This may cause nausea, bloating, abdominal pain, or constipation.

Treatments such as pain medications or chemotherapy can also slow digestion or irritate the stomach, leading to loss of appetite, diarrhea, or difficulty absorbing nutrients. Working with your doctor to find the right diet for mesothelioma can help reduce complications and keep your energy levels up.

Why does mesothelioma cause weight loss?

Weight loss is common with mesothelioma because cancer can change how your body uses and burns energy. The disease often speeds up metabolism while also reducing appetite, making it hard to eat enough calories.

Treatment side effects like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea can make this worse by preventing your body from getting the nutrients it needs. Managing these symptoms with help from your care team and eating small, frequent, protein-rich meals can help you maintain strength and body weight.

Can diet affect mesothelioma treatment outcomes?

Yes. A healthy mesothelioma diet can improve how your body responds to treatment. Good nutrition supports your immune system, helps repair tissues, and gives you the energy needed to handle chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery.

On the other hand, poor nutrition can slow healing, increase fatigue, and even reduce the effectiveness of certain treatments. Many mesothelioma patients benefit from meeting with an oncology dietitian who can create a personalized plan to manage side effects, maintain weight, and support long-term recovery.

Need help creating a nutrition plan that works for you? Contact us to connect with a Patient Advocate who can answer your questions and guide you to mesothelioma nutrition resources that fit your needs.