Bad Beverages to Skip
If you or someone you know has a desmoid tumor, it’s important to be mindful of what you drink. Desmoid tumors are rare growths that can occur in the body’s connective tissues. While they aren’t cancerous, they can be aggressive and cause problems if they grow too large. Eating and drinking the right things can help you stay healthier.
10 Drinks to Avoid
1. Sugary Sodas
Sugary sodas are loaded with sugar, which can lead to inflammation in the body. Inflammation is something you want to avoid, especially if you’re dealing with a tumor. High sugar intake can also weaken your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off illnesses or manage existing health conditions.
2. Sweetened Fruit Juices
While fruit juice might seem healthy, many store-bought options contain added sugars. These extra sugars can cause spikes in your blood sugar levels and contribute to inflammation. It's better to avoid these sweetened juices and opt for fresh, whole fruits instead.
Overactive bladder medication that's over the counter is a treatment option, but is it effective? Find out here.
3. Alcoholic Beverages
Alcohol can weaken your immune system, which is crucial when managing any health condition, including desmoid tumors. Drinking alcohol can also interfere with medications and make it harder for your body to heal. For these reasons, it’s best to skip alcohol if you have a desmoid tumor.
4. Energy Drinks
Energy drinks are packed with caffeine and sugar, both of which can be harmful if you have a desmoid tumor. The high caffeine content can increase stress and anxiety, while the sugar can cause inflammation. These drinks are also often full of artificial ingredients that aren’t good for your health.
5. Caffeinated Coffee
While moderate coffee consumption is okay for some people, too much caffeine can cause stress and anxiety, which isn’t helpful when dealing with a tumor. Caffeine can also interfere with your sleep, making it harder for your body to recover and stay strong.
6. Flavored Sports Drinks
Sports drinks are often marketed as healthy, but many contain high amounts of sugar and artificial flavors. The sugar in these drinks can cause blood sugar spikes and lead to inflammation, which isn’t good for managing a desmoid tumor. Unless you’re engaging in intense physical activity, it’s best to avoid these drinks.
7. Sugary Iced Teas
Iced tea might seem like a refreshing choice, but many pre-packaged versions contain lots of added sugars. Just like with sugary sodas, this extra sugar can contribute to inflammation and weaken your immune system. If you enjoy iced tea, try making your own at home with minimal or no sugar.
8. High-Calorie Milkshakes
Milkshakes are often high in sugar, fat and calories, which can all contribute to weight gain and inflammation. When dealing with a desmoid tumor, it’s important to maintain a balanced diet that supports your overall health, and high-calorie drinks like milkshakes don’t fit into that plan.
9. Artificially Sweetened Sodas
Even though they don’t contain sugar, artificially sweetened sodas can still be harmful. Some studies suggest that artificial sweeteners can have negative effects on your metabolism and overall health. It’s better to avoid these drinks and stick to more natural, healthier options.
10. High-Sugar Cocktails
Cocktails often combine alcohol with sugary mixers, making them doubly harmful. The sugar can cause inflammation, and the alcohol can weaken your immune system. This combination is particularly bad if you have a desmoid tumor, so it’s best to steer clear of these drinks altogether.
Best Drinks for Desmoid Tumors
Water
Water is always the best choice. It keeps you hydrated and helps your body work better.
Herbal Teas
Herbal teas, like chamomile or peppermint, can be calming and good for your overall health.
Fresh Fruit Smoothies
Smoothies made from fresh fruits and vegetables can be full of vitamins and nutrients that help your body stay strong.
Green Tea
Green tea has antioxidants that can help protect your body’s cells.
Treatment Options
If you have a desmoid tumor, your doctor will help you decide the best treatment plan. Some common treatments include:
- Surgery: Doctors may remove the tumor if it’s causing problems or growing too large.
- Medication: There are medicines that can help shrink the tumor or stop it from growing.
- Radiation therapy: This uses high-energy rays to target and shrink the tumor.
- Watchful waiting: Sometimes, if the tumor isn’t causing any issues, the doctor might just keep an eye on it to see if it changes over time.
Desmoid Tumor Care
Making healthy choices, like avoiding sugary drinks, alcohol and too much caffeine, can help you feel better if you have a desmoid tumor. Instead, focus on drinking water, herbal teas and fresh fruit smoothies to support your health. Always follow your doctor’s advice for the best treatments to manage your condition.
Learn about the worst drinks for EoE.
