Eating a healthy diet is important for everyone, but it can be especially beneficial for those with a brain tumor. The right foods can help a person with a brain tumor maintain strength, energy and a healthy weight during treatment. Diet may also play a role in slowing tumor progression and improving quality of life.
How does diet affect brain tumors?
Research on diet and brain tumors is still emerging, but some studies suggest certain dietary factors may influence tumor development and progression:
- Antioxidants found in fruits, vegetables and tea may help protect cells from damage that can lead to cancer.
- Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, nuts and seeds may inhibit tumor growth factors.
- High-fiber foods like whole grains, beans, fruits and vegetables can help control insulin levels, which may affect tumor growth.
- Foods high in vitamin D like fatty fish, eggs and fortified dairy may slow progression in some brain tumors.
While studies are not conclusive, following general healthy eating guidelines focusing on antioxidant-rich and high-fiber plant foods and healthy fats may support the body’s defenses against a brain tumor.
What foods are recommended?
A Mediterranean style diet is often recommended for those with brain tumors. This diet emphasizes:
- Plant foods: Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds
- Healthy fats: Olive oil, avocado, fatty fish like salmon
- Herbs, spices, garlic
- Lean protein: Fish, poultry, eggs, low-fat dairy
- Water as the main beverage
- Limiting red meat and sweets
- Drinking alcohol in moderation, if at all
Some specific foods and nutrients to emphasize include:
Fruits and Vegetables
Aim for 8-10 servings per day minimum of a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables. Good choices are:
- Leafy greens: Spinach, kale, lettuce, swiss chard
- Cruciferous vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussels sprouts
- Tomatoes
- Citrus fruits: Oranges, grapefruit
- Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries
- Melons: Cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon
- Peppers
- Squash
- Mushrooms
These provide antioxidants like vitamins C, E, A and phytochemicals that help fight inflammation and protect cells.
Whole Grains
Eat a variety of whole grains like oats, quinoa, brown rice, whole wheat bread and pasta at least half of the time in place of refined grains.
Beans and Legumes
Eat beans 2-3 times per week. Varieties like chickpeas, black beans, kidney beans and lentils provide fiber, protein, and vitamins and minerals.
Nuts and Seeds
Eat nuts like walnuts, almonds and peanuts along with seeds like flax, chia and hemp a few times per week for plant-based protein and healthy fats.
Fatty Fish
Eat oily fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna and sardines 2-3 times per week. They provide anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids.
Green Tea or Matcha
Drink green tea or matcha tea to get antioxidants like EGCG that may inhibit tumor growth factors.
Turmeric
Use turmeric liberally to get anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.
Leafy Herbs
Use fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, oregano and others for antioxidant benefits.
Olive Oil
Use extra virgin olive oil as your main cooking oil and dressing. It provides monounsaturated fats that are anti-inflammatory.
What foods should be limited?
Some foods are best minimized on a brain tumor diet:
- Red and processed meats: Limit to a few times per month. High intake may promote inflammation.
- Refined grains: Limit refined breads, snacks, cereals, pasta and baked goods made with white flour.
- Fried foods: Limit fried items like fries, chips, donuts, etc. These are high in inflammatory fats.
- Sweets: Limit baked goods, candy, ice cream, soda, and desserts high in sugar.
- Processed foods: Limit packaged snacks, lunchmeats, frozen meals, sauces with preservatives.
Should specific diets be followed?
There are no definitive dietary recommendations just for those with brain tumors. However, certain diets that restrict carbs, gluten or animal products may be worth considering.
Ketogenic Diet
This very low carb, high fat diet focuses on foods like meat, fish, eggs, oils, nuts, seeds, and low carb vegetables. It minimizes grains, legumes, fruits, sweets, and starchy vegetables. This diet may help starve certain brain tumor cells of glucose they use for fuel.
Gluten-Free or Low Gluten Diet
This diet eliminates or limits gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. Some research suggests a possible link between high gluten intake and tumor growth, so avoiding gluten may be beneficial.
Dairy-Free Diet
This diet avoids milk, cheese, yogurt, butter and other dairy products and may be an option for those sensitive to dairy. However, dairy also provides key nutrients like protein, calcium and vitamin D.
Vegetarian or Vegan Diet
Diets limited in animal products may help reduce intake of saturated fat, hormones and other components that potentially promote inflammation. But these diets need to be carefully planned to avoid nutrient deficiencies.
Talk to your medical team before making major dietary changes like going vegan. Any restrictive diet can compromise nutrition if not properly implemented.
How can diet help manage symptoms and side effects?
Diet can also aid in managing common symptoms and side effects:
Fatigue
- Eat foods high in iron like red meat, beans, spinach, pumpkin seeds and lentils.
- Choose high protein foods like Greek yogurt, eggs, nuts, quinoa.
- Eat snacks between meals to maintain energy.
- Stay hydrated with water, herbal tea, broths.
Nausea
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of large meals.
- Avoid greasy, fried foods that are harder to digest.
- Sip on ginger tea or ginger ale.
- Stick to bland foods like toast, rice, oatmeal, crackers when nauseated.
Constipation
- Drink plenty of fluids like water and prune juice.
- Eat high fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, beans, lentils.
- Choose whole grains like whole wheat breads and bran cereal.
Poor appetite
- Eat smaller meals more frequently.
- Focus on nutrient dense foods when appetite is low.
- Drink nutritional shakes or smoothies when you cannot manage solid foods.
- Try appetite stimulants like ginger, mint, lemon.
Difficulty swallowing
- Blend or purée foods to make them easier to swallow.
- Thicken liquids to make them go down more easily.
- Eat soft, moist foods like scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, yogurt.
Low immunity
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants.
- Choose yogurt with live cultures.
- Eat foods with vitamin C like citrus fruits, red peppers and broccoli.
- Eat vitamin D rich foods like fatty fish, eggs, fortified milk.
Should specific supplements be taken?
Some supplements may provide benefits for those with brain cancer. Talk to your doctor before taking supplements, as some can interfere with treatment. Potential beneficial supplements include:
| Supplement | Possible Benefits |
|---|---|
| Vitamin D | May slow tumor growth and progression |
| Probiotics | May enhance immune function and reduce infection risk |
| Fish oil | Provides anti-inflammatory omega-3s EPA and DHA |
| Melatonin | May have anti-cancer effects and support sleep |
| Curcumin | Powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory effects |
What about diet during treatment?
Maintaining good nutrition during treatment is key. Side effects may make it hard to eat normally, but do your best to get nutrients in. Tips include:
- Eat several small meals instead of large ones if appetite is poor.
- Sip on nutritional drinks or smoothies.
- Focus on bland, easy to digest foods on nauseated days.
- Avoid foods prone to microbes like salad bars and buffets.
- Stay hydrated and drink during meals to manage swallowing issues.
- Ask your team about antinausea medication if vomiting is frequent.
Notify your medical team if you experience significant weight loss, fatigue from poor intake or difficulty managing nutrition. You may benefit from working with a registered dietitian nutritionist for customized dietary advice.
Conclusion
While research is still ongoing, diet likely plays an important role in brain tumor prevention and management. Emphasizing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory foods like fruits, vegetables, healthy fats and whole grains may inhibit factors involved in tumor growth and progression. Avoiding processed meats and refined carbs is also advised. Dietary approaches should always be tailored to the individual based on symptoms, treatment status and nutritional needs. Work closely with your healthcare team to determine the best dietary strategies for your unique condition.