Nutrition Diet: What foods should you avoid with mesothelioma?

October 14, 2025 •

4 min read

For mesothelioma patients, proper nutrition is crucial, as certain foods can exacerbate treatment side effects like nausea and mouth sores. Knowing what foods should you avoid with mesothelioma? is a key step in managing symptoms and supporting your overall health during treatment.

Quick Summary

This article details specific foods to avoid, including processed meats, sugary drinks, and raw foods, to minimize side effects and reduce infection risk during mesothelioma treatment.

Key Points

Avoid processed meats: Cured and processed meats like bacon and hot dogs contain nitrates and high salt that can increase inflammation.
Limit sugary foods and drinks: Excess sugar can cause inflammation, blood sugar spikes, and offers little nutritional value needed for recovery.
Eliminate raw and undercooked foods: Raw eggs, meat, seafood, and unpasteurized dairy pose a high risk of foodborne illness for those with a weakened immune system.
Manage treatment side effects with food choices: Avoid acidic, spicy, or crunchy foods if you have mouth sores or digestive issues.
Steer clear of highly processed items: Packaged snacks, frozen meals, and other ultra-processed foods are often low in nutrients and high in unhealthy additives.
Practice strict food safety: Always wash produce, cook meats thoroughly, and keep raw foods separate from cooked items to prevent contamination.

The importance of nutrition for mesothelioma patients

A proper nutrition diet is a critical component of care for individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma. The body needs ample energy and nutrients to endure aggressive treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, which can weaken the immune system and cause significant fatigue. Some cancer treatments can also cause adverse side effects that directly impact appetite, digestion, and the ability to consume and process food. Therefore, understanding and controlling dietary intake is essential for managing symptoms, preserving muscle mass and strength, and improving overall quality of life. Just as certain foods can help, others can worsen side effects or pose infection risks, making it vital to know what to exclude from your diet.

Processed and red meats

Processed meats contain high levels of nitrates and other preservatives that can increase inflammation, which may negatively impact treatment efficacy and overall health. High salt content in these products can also contribute to fluid retention, potentially worsening shortness of breath.

Examples of processed and red meats to avoid:

Bacon
Sausage
Hot dogs
Deli meats (ham, bologna)
Beef, pork, and lamb (limit intake)

Instead, opt for lean protein sources that support tissue repair and immune function, such as poultry, fish, eggs, and plant-based proteins like beans and lentils.

Sugary foods and beverages

Excessive sugar intake can lead to spikes in blood sugar, promoting inflammation and potentially impacting the immune system. Many sugary treats are also nutritionally empty, meaning they provide calories without essential vitamins and minerals needed to fight cancer.

Sugary foods and beverages to avoid:

Soda and other sugar-sweetened drinks
Candy
Cakes, cookies, and other refined baked goods
Sugary breakfast cereals
Fruit juice that is not 100% juice

Raw and undercooked foods

Mesothelioma treatments can compromise the immune system, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses from harmful bacteria. To minimize this risk, it is crucial to avoid foods that are not thoroughly cooked or pasteurized.

Foods to avoid for safety reasons:

Raw or undercooked meat, poultry, and eggs
Raw seafood, including sushi and sashimi
Unpasteurized dairy products (milk, cheese)
Unwashed fruits and vegetables
Raw sprouts, like alfalfa

Foods that can aggravate treatment side effects

Certain foods can intensify common side effects of chemotherapy and radiation, such as mouth sores, nausea, and changes in taste.

Foods to avoid based on side effects:

Acidic and spicy foods: Citrus fruits, tomatoes, spicy curries, and hot sauces can irritate mouth sores.
Greasy and high-fat foods: Fried foods and fatty meals can worsen nausea and digestive issues.
Hard and crunchy foods: Chips, pretzels, nuts, and crackers can be difficult to chew and hurt a sensitive mouth.
Strong-smelling foods: If nausea is an issue, potent food smells can be off-putting.
Alcohol: Can damage cells, interfere with medications, and worsen mouth sores.

Highly processed foods

Ultra-processed foods are often high in unhealthy fats, sugar, and salt, and low in fiber and nutrients. They are linked to chronic inflammation and metabolic issues, which can impact a patient’s overall health and treatment outcome. This category includes packaged snacks, instant soups, and frozen meals.

Comparison Table: Avoid vs. Embrace


Food Category	Foods to Avoid with Mesothelioma	Nutrient-Dense Alternatives
Protein	Processed meats (bacon, hot dogs), tough red meats	Lean poultry, fish, cooked eggs, beans, lentils
Grains	Refined white bread, sugary cereals, white pasta	Whole grains (oats, brown rice), whole-wheat pasta
Dairy	Unpasteurized milk and soft cheeses	Pasteurized milk, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, hard cheeses
Fats	Trans fats, excessive saturated fats (found in highly processed foods)	Healthy fats from avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil
Snacks & Sweets	Chips, cookies, candy, sugary drinks	Fresh or frozen fruit, nuts, plain yogurt, smoothies
Beverages	Alcohol, citrus juices (with mouth sores), sugary drinks	Water, herbal teas, broths, diluted fruit nectars

Safe food handling for immunocompromised patients

Strict food safety is essential for those with weakened immune systems to prevent infections.

Clean: Always wash your hands, utensils, and surfaces thoroughly before and after handling food. Rinse all fresh fruits and vegetables under running water.
Separate: Keep raw meat, poultry, and seafood separate from other foods to avoid cross-contamination.
Cook: Cook all animal products to the proper internal temperature to kill harmful bacteria.
Chill: Refrigerate or freeze perishable foods promptly. Never refreeze thawed food.

Navigating dietary challenges during treatment

Treatment-related side effects can make eating difficult, but there are strategies to help.

Loss of appetite: Eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day instead of three large ones. Focus on nutrient-dense foods and eat whenever you feel up to it.
Nausea: Bland foods like crackers, toast, and broth can be easier on the stomach. Avoid strong cooking odors and try colder foods.
Mouth sores: Stick to soft, non-acidic foods and use a straw for drinking. Popsicles and ice chips can offer a numbing effect.
Taste changes: Experiment with different seasonings and flavors. Using plastic utensils can help if food has a metallic taste.

Conclusion

Proper nutrition plays a significant role in managing mesothelioma and its treatments. Avoiding processed meats, sugary items, raw foods, and potential irritants is key to reducing side effects and lowering the risk of infection. A balanced diet rich in lean protein, healthy fats, and whole foods supports the immune system and maintains energy levels. It is important to work with your healthcare team and a dietitian to create a personalized nutrition plan that addresses your specific needs during and after treatment. For more information on managing diet during cancer treatment, consulting reputable resources like the Mesothelioma Center can be beneficial.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesothelioma treatments often weaken the immune system, making patients more susceptible to foodborne bacteria and infections found in raw or undercooked animal products like meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs.

While sugar doesn't directly 'feed' cancer, excessive amounts from sugary drinks and sweets can lead to inflammation and contribute to weight gain, which is a cancer risk factor. High-sugar foods are also often nutrient-poor, displacing more beneficial foods from the diet.

To prevent irritation and pain from mouth sores, you should avoid acidic foods (citrus fruits, tomatoes), spicy foods, hard or crunchy items (chips, crackers), and alcoholic beverages.

Processed and red meats often contain high levels of salt, saturated fats, and chemical preservatives like nitrates, which can promote inflammation and may interfere with treatment. Lean protein sources are a safer and healthier alternative.

While undergoing treatment, particularly with a compromised immune system, it is safer to prepare food at home where you can control the ingredients and ensure proper food handling. Buffet-style and deli counter foods should generally be avoided.

High-fiber foods are often beneficial, but if you experience treatment side effects like diarrhea, a high-fiber diet may worsen symptoms. Consult your doctor or dietitian to adjust your intake based on your specific side effects.

Unpasteurized or 'raw' dairy products and juices can harbor harmful bacteria like Listeria, which poses a serious risk to immunocompromised individuals. Always choose pasteurized versions to stay safe.