Finding the Right Diet
Desmoid tumors are rare, non-cancerous growths that can cause pain and discomfort. While food doesn’t cause desmoid tumors, certain foods can make the body more inflamed, which could affect how your body handles these tumors. Avoiding these foods may help your overall health and improve your body’s response to treatment.
Foods to Avoid for Desmoid Tumors
1. Processed Meats
Processed meats like bacon, sausage and hot dogs are high in preservatives and unhealthy fats. These meats can lead to inflammation in the body. For people with desmoid tumors, inflammation may worsen symptoms, making it harder to feel better.
2. Sugary Snacks
Sugary snacks like candy, cookies and cakes can cause spikes in blood sugar and contribute to weight gain. These foods offer little nutrition and can make it harder for the body to fight inflammation, which can be important for managing desmoid tumors.
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3. Fried Foods
Fried foods such as French fries, fried chicken and doughnuts are high in unhealthy fats and can lead to inflammation. Eating too many fried foods can slow down recovery and worsen overall health, which isn’t helpful when managing a condition like desmoid tumors.
4. Refined Carbohydrates
Refined carbs like white bread, pastries and white rice can quickly turn into sugar in the body, raising blood sugar levels. This can increase inflammation and make it harder for the body to heal. Choosing whole grains instead may be a healthier option.
5. Soda and Sugary Drinks
Soda and sugary drinks are loaded with sugar and chemicals that can increase inflammation in the body. Regularly drinking these can also lead to weight gain and worsen overall health, making it harder to manage desmoid tumors effectively.
6. Alcohol
Alcohol can contribute to inflammation and weaken the immune system. Drinking too much alcohol may also interfere with medications used to treat desmoid tumors. It’s best to avoid or limit alcohol consumption to improve your body’s ability to fight inflammation.
7. High-Fat Dairy
Full-fat dairy products like whole milk, butter and cheese can be high in unhealthy fats, which may increase inflammation. Switching to lower-fat options or plant-based alternatives may help reduce inflammation and support better health.
8. Fast Food
Fast food is often packed with unhealthy fats, excess salt and preservatives. Regularly eating fast food can lead to inflammation, weight gain and other health issues that make it harder for your body to deal with desmoid tumors.
9. Artificial Sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners found in diet sodas, sugar-free snacks and some processed foods may cause inflammation in some people. They can also upset the balance of good bacteria in the gut, which may affect overall health and the body’s ability to heal.
Treatments for Desmoid Tumors
Treating desmoid tumors depends on their size, location and how much they affect daily life. Here are common treatments:
- Surgery: If the tumor is in an easy-to-reach area, surgery can remove it. However, desmoid tumors sometimes grow back after surgery.
- Medication: Drugs like anti-inflammatory medications, hormone therapy or targeted treatments can help shrink the tumor or stop it from growing.
- Radiation therapy: Radiation may be used to shrink the tumor when surgery isn’t possible.
- Observation: In some cases, doctors may recommend watching the tumor carefully over time if it’s not causing major issues. This approach is called "watchful waiting."
Managing Desmoid Tumors
It’s always important to talk to a doctor about the best treatment plan for your situation. Staying away from foods that can worsen inflammation might also support better overall health while managing desmoid tumors.
