What to Avoid and What to Drink
Desmoid tumors are rare, noncancerous growths that can cause problems in the body. While treating these tumors, it's important to pay attention to your diet, including what you drink. Some drinks can make things worse, while others can help you feel better.
Drinks to Avoid
Sugary Drinks
Sodas and sweet fruit juices can add extra sugar to your diet, which might increase inflammation and weight gain. It’s best to steer clear of these.
Alcohol
Beer, wine and liquor can interfere with treatments and might increase inflammation. It’s better to limit or avoid alcohol.
Energy Drinks
Drinks like Red Bull and Monster are high in sugar and caffeine, which can cause dehydration and worsen symptoms. Try to avoid these.
Caffeinated Beverages
Coffee and strong teas can dehydrate you. Drinking too much caffeine is not ideal when managing desmoid tumors.
Best Drinks to Include
Water
Staying hydrated with plain water is always a good choice. It helps your body function well and can support your treatment.
Herbal Teas
Teas made from herbs, like chamomile or peppermint, are soothing and don’t have added sugars.
Green Tea
This tea has anti-inflammatory properties and can be a good choice for supporting overall health.
Vegetable Juices
Freshly made juices from vegetables like carrots or beets can provide important nutrients without adding extra sugars.
Treatment Options
1. Surgery
Surgery is one of the primary treatments for desmoid tumors. The goal is to remove the tumor completely while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. The type of surgery performed depends on the tumor's location and size. In some cases, surgery may be followed by physical therapy to help restore function and mobility.
2. Medication
Medications can be used to manage symptoms or shrink the tumor. Options include:
- Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): These can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with desmoid tumors.
- Hormonal therapy: Since some desmoid tumors are influenced by hormones, treatments that block hormone production or action may be effective.
- Cytotoxic drugs: These are used to target and kill tumor cells. They are sometimes used if the tumor is aggressive or doesn’t respond to other treatments.
3. Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to target and kill tumor cells. It may be recommended for tumors that cannot be removed surgically or to reduce the size of the tumor before surgery. Radiation therapy can be an option if surgery is too risky or if the tumor recurs after initial treatment.
4. Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy involves using drugs that specifically target the molecular pathways that help the tumor grow. These treatments aim to interfere with the tumor’s ability to proliferate and survive. Targeted therapies are often used in clinical trials and may be considered if other treatments are not effective.
5. Observation
In some cases, if the desmoid tumor is small and not causing symptoms, doctors may recommend regular monitoring instead of immediate treatment. This approach involves regular check-ups and imaging to track the tumor's growth and intervene if necessary.
6. Clinical Trials
Participating in clinical trials can provide access to new and experimental treatments that are not yet widely available. Clinical trials often test new drugs, combinations of existing treatments or novel approaches to managing desmoid tumors.
Beverages to Watch Out for
In summary, avoiding sugary, alcoholic and caffeinated drinks while choosing water, herbal teas, green tea and vegetable juices can help you manage desmoid tumors better.
Read on to learn about the worst foods for desmoid tumors.