Diet can help to control some of the symptoms of carcinoid cancer, but food tolerance is very individual, so you may have to use trial and error to see which options work best for you. Healthy food choices also help to support your overall strength and your ability to combat the disease.
Definition
Carcinoid cancer involves slow-growing tumors that usually occur in the gastrointestinal tract, particularly the small intestine, colon, rectum or stomach, though they also may affect the pancreas, liver, bile ducts, appendix, lungs, ovaries or testes. These tumors contain hormone-producing endocrine cells and they produce abnormally high levels of certain hormones. Though the particular hormones that tumors produce differ for each person, almost all carcinoid tumors produce serotonin -- a neurotransmitter that affects mood -- and bradykinin, a polypeptide that dilates blood vessels and constricts smooth muscle, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Symptoms
Some people have no symptoms until late in the progression of the carcinoid cancer, while others suffer a range of symptoms due to the hormones and other chemical substances that the tumors produce. Diet can help to alleviate some of these symptoms, which include abdominal pain, stomach ulcers, diarrhea, rectal pain and bleeding, chest pain, difficulty breathing and skin flushing. Some patients suffer carcinoid syndrome, which causes a combination of diarrhea, facial flushing and wheezing. Attacks may be accompanied by sudden changes in blood pressure, which may cause fainting. Ingestion of chocolate or alcohol may bring on episodes of flushing.
Basic Diet
The Carcinoid Cancer Foundation Inc. recommends a high protein diet supplemented with vitamins to help control symptoms of the disease. Because carcinoid cancer cells tend to divert tryptophan---a precursor of niacin---to produce the hormone serotonin, the Foundation also recommends a low dose of niacin dietary supplements. Lack of niacin may cause digestive problems, skin flushing and mental disorders. The Foundation also recommends that you avoid coffee and alcohol because they contain substances that tend to provoke carcinoid crisis and also interfere with the effectiveness of Sandostatin, a drug used in carcinoid treatment.
Anti-diarrhea Diet
To help control the diarrhea often associated with carcinoid cancer, the information website Carcinoid Link recommends that you avoid high fiber foods, such as whole grain breads and cereals, popcorn and nuts. Opt for rice, white bread or oatmeal instead. Raw fruits and vegetables are healthy, but they can aggravate diarrhea and gastric distress. Substitute ripe bananas and canned or cooked fruits. Foods high in fat also may provoke diarrhea, so choose low-fat butter substitutes, lean meats, fish and low-fat snacks and desserts, such as pretzels, fat-free cookies and angel food or pound cake. Also, avoid dairy products.
Liver Support
If your carcinoid cancer has metastasized to the liver, a diet to support liver function may help you feel better, according to The Carcinoid Cancer Foundation. Focus on high amounts of carbohydrates and lower amounts of protein. Minimize the amount of fat you consume. Supplement your diet with a standard multivitamin and extra amounts of vitamins A, D and E. If you also suffer carcinoid syndrome, ask your doctor for a recommendation regarding protein because a high protein diet helps with these symptoms, though it is not optimal for liver disease.
