There is no single diet that doctors recommend for all people with a pituitary tumor because these growths can affect individuals in different ways. Some may experience weight gain, while others have weight loss.
As a result, the foods to avoid with a pituitary tumor will depend on the type of tumor the person has and the symptoms it is causing.
As a baseline, consuming a diet that supports overall health and is anti-inflammatory may help. This means avoiding foods that are high in saturated fat and added sugars.
From there, people can adjust aspects, such as calorie intake and other factors, to meet their individual needs. A dietitian can help people tailor their diet to their needs.
This article will discuss foods to avoid and eat with pituitary tumors, nutrition during treatment, whether foods can shrink tumors, and which vitamins can help.
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There is no specific list of foods that all people with pituitary tumors need to avoid. This is because these tumors can have a variety of effects depending on:
- the type of tumor
- whether it is cancerous
- whether it is functional, meaning it produces its own hormones
- whether it affects the functioning of the pituitary gland
For example, if a person is experiencing weight gain due to a tumor, they may need to adjust their calorie intake or avoid foods that may contribute to weight gain. These could include items high in saturated fat or added sugars, such as:
- processed meats
- full fat dairy products
- soda
- candy and chocolate
- sweet baked goods
In contrast, some with pituitary tumors may experience weight loss, in which case the dietary changes they need may be very different. For example, a person with this symptom may need to avoid filling up on low calorie foods so they can focus instead on calorie-dense foods.
No foods or diet can cure pituitary gland tumors. Generally, however, eating a balanced diet may help someone get the nutrients they need during treatment, maintain their strength and energy, and aid in the recovery process.
- a variety of fruits and vegetables each day
- carbohydrates, mainly consisting of complex carbohydrates and whole grains
- lean proteins such as chicken, fish, soy, and legumes
- lower fat, no added sugar dairy products
- seeds and nuts
It is also important to get enough water and fluids.
Treatment for tumors can sometimes cause side effects that make it challenging to get adequate nutrition.
For people who lose their appetite, it
- nutrient- and calorie-dense foods such as eggs, dairy products, and avocados
- high protein foods such as meat, fish, or protein supplements
- liquid foods, such as smoothies, milkshakes, or soups
- foods that smell or look the most appealing
If someone is experiencing nausea, it may help to eat:
- foods that are bland, dry, and easy to digest, such as toast and crackers
- smaller meals and snacks throughout the day
- eating larger meals when feeling able to do so
Eating some food, even if it is not the most balanced option, is better than not eating at all. This is especially the case if a person has underweight.
In addition to trying to get enough nutrients, it is also important for people undergoing cancer treatments to avoid foods that have a higher risk of food poisoning, as cancer therapies can lower the immune system. The Brain Tumor Charity recommends avoiding:
- unpasteurized milk or yogurt
- certain soft or blue-veined cheeses, such as brie and gorgonzola
- raw or undercooked meat, fish, or seafood
- raw or lightly-cooked beansprouts
A person also needs to consult a doctor about nutrition during treatment. Healthcare teams may prescribe nutrition counseling or certain diets based on someone’s needs.
No foods are scientifically proven to shrink tumors.
Current strategies for removing or shrinking pituitary tumors
Getting enough vitamins can generally benefit someone’s overall health, but there is currently no evidence that taking specific vitamins can help treat or shrink a pituitary tumor.
Some vitamins are especially important for the health of the pituitary gland. According to a 2022 review, vitamins D and E play an important role in the gland’s function.
However, this does not mean that taking these vitamins will have a beneficial effect on pituitary tumors themselves.
That said, taking vitamin or mineral supplements may be useful if a person is having difficulty eating a balanced diet. Which supplements could help will depend on the gaps in a person’s diet.
The outlook for pituitary tumors depends on many factors, such as:
- the tumor type and size
- how far the tumor has spread, if at all
- how early treatment begins
- an individual’s overall health
Pituitary tumors are not usually cancerous and typically do not spread. Generally, with prompt and appropriate medical treatment, there is a
Noncancerous tumors that are functioning and produce additional hormones can lead to other conditions, which may affect a person’s outlook.
A doctor can provide more accurate details about someone’s outlook according to their situation.
There is no specific diet for pituitary tumors. People can experience different symptoms as a result of these tumors and may therefore have different dietary needs.
However, it is important to consume a varied and balanced diet. If a person is experiencing symptoms, such as appetite changes, weight gain, or weight loss, a dietitian can advise on ways to tailor the diet to manage this.
While no foods or vitamins are proven to shrink tumors, good nutrition and a diet rich in vitamins can support someone’s overall health, particularly during treatment.