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Everything you need to know about neuroendocrine tumors (NETs)

What Are NETs? What Causes NETs? Symptoms of NETs How Common Are NETs?

Types of NETs What May Happen Long Term? Your Care Team Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Diagnostic Tests Tumor Marker Tests

Imaging Methods Other Tests For NETs

Learn how to cope and live with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs)

Coping With Emotions Talking About NETs Gathering information about NETs Information For Caregivers

How are NETs treated? Liver-directed therapies Carcinoid syndrome treatments What to expect

Diet & Nutrition Keeping Track of Medical Care Traveling with NETs Working with NETs Managing Symptoms & Side Effects Hobbies & Interests Preparing for Imaging Scans Patient App

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Diet and nutrition

According to the Carcinoid Cancer Foundation (CCF), neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) can affect your diet and digestion and your body’s ability to extract nourishment from food, depending on the type of tumors that you have. Certain foods or eating habits may trigger common symptoms related to NETs and carcinoid syndrome. Diet and nutrition may play an important role in helping to:

Reduce NETs symptoms
Improve your quality of life

The dietary suggestions that doctors give will vary depending upon a person’s symptoms; ask your doctor what is suitable for your situation.

Dietary tips for diarrhea

Diarrhea is a symptom that often occurs in several types of NETs. Chronic diarrhea can cause dehydration and weight loss. Make sure to speak to your doctor about any diarrhea you experience. Always ask them before you take any medications for diarrhea since these may interact with some NETs treatments. Diarrhea may also be attributed to other aspects of your treatment such as surgery or medication, so always talk to your doctor about the cause of your diarrhea and how to treat it.

Drinks that can help to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance:

Apple juice with mineral water
Light tea with a little sugar
Broth

Foods that may be better tolerated:

Peaches
Apples
Potatoes
Oatmeal
White rice
Crackers

Foods to avoid to reduce the possibility of diarrhea:

Prunes, figs, dried fruit
Whole wheat, bran products
Dried beans and peas
Lentils and nuts

Loss of appetite and weight loss

As someone living with NETs, you may lose your appetite if you’re feeling unwell due to various symptoms and treatment side effects. This can also lead to weight loss.

Although you may not feel like eating, remember that getting good nutrition and keeping a healthy weight are important parts of your recovery. Ask your doctor for suggestions about ways to relieve other gastrointestinal symptoms you may have, such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, or stomach pain.

Tips for getting nutrition when your appetite is poor

Eat five to six small meals a day and snack whenever you are hungry
Determine which times of day you are hungry, make sure to eat at those times, and do not limit how much you eat
Eat nutritious snacks that are high in calories and protein, such as nuts, yogurt, cheeses, eggs, milkshakes, ice cream, cereal, and pudding
Keep your favorite foods on hand for snacking
Add calories and protein to foods by adding sauces, gravy, butter, cheese, cream, and nuts
Drink fluids between meals, rather than with meals. Drinking during a meal may make you feel full too quickly
Choose nutritious or filling drinks, such as milk or nutritional milkshakes or smoothies
Ask family members or friends to get groceries and prepare food for you when you are too tired to shop or cook, and consider buying precooked meals or order your groceries online