The latest advance in fighting malignant mesothelioma may come from an unexpected source: food and beverages. Mesothelioma, a rare cancer that is caused by asbestos exposure, is notoriously difficult to treat and currently has no cure. Recent studies, however, indicate that micronutrients found in plant-based foods and beverages may provide a key advantage in preventing or combating the deadly disease.
When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can lodge themselves in the mesothelium cell linings, causing a chronic inflammatory response. This inflammation appears to initiate the process of healthy cells becoming cancerous, which leads to the development of malignant mesothelioma. This process can take decades, which is part of what makes the disease difficult to diagnose in a timely manner.
Polyphenols Help the Body Protect Itself
Micronutrients called polyphenols are natural anti-inflammatory agents and immune boosters. This group includes curcumin, found in turmeric; EGCG, found in green tea; resveratrol, found in red wine, berries, and peanuts; and quercetin, found in leafy greens and blueberries. Polyphenols have long been known to help prevent illness, but this combination of anti-inflammatory and immune boosting properties could prove incredibly useful in preventing and treating malignant mesothelioma.
Polyphenols target the cell-signaling pathways of pro-inflammatory molecules that enter the mesothelium cell linings. By preventing inflammation, it may be possible to prevent tumors from developing. Polyphenols also exhibit pro-oxidant activity, which can help chemotherapy drugs to target and destroy cancerous cells more effectively. Mesothelioma weakens a patient’s immune system, but polyphenols can help bolster the body’s natural defenses.
Incorporating polyphenols into a patient’s diet is an important way to stay healthy while undergoing cancer treatment, but it may not be enough on its own to eradicate the disease. Researchers are exploring the possibility of injecting polyphenols directly into the tumor, which would bypass the biological processes that dilute its power. This would be good news for the 3,000 Americans who are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year and who currently have limited treatment options.
South Jersey Mesothelioma Lawyers at Shein Law Advocate for Victims of Asbestos-Related Disease
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related disease, call the South Jersey asbestos lawyers at the Shein Law. Our knowledgeable, experienced lawyers will thoroughly review the facts of your case and prepare a sound legal strategy to get you the compensation to which you are entitled. With offices conveniently located in Philadelphia and Pennsauken, we help asbestos exposure victims throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Call us today at 1-877-SHEINLAW (743-4652) or contact us online to review your case with a qualified mesothelioma lawyer.