Do’s & Don’ts of Eating While Taking Tamoxifen
There are some foods you should not eat while taking tamoxifen. There are other foods that are fine to eat. And there are some foods that can make your tamoxifen work harder for you. I am going to tell you some of the do’s and don’ts of eating while taking tamoxifen.
I took tamoxifen for a little over 1.5 years for my ER+ breast cancer. I didn’t tolerate it well and asked for my oncologist to find another way to prevent my breast cancer from returning. However, hundreds of thousands of women are alive today because of this drug. While it has a long list of side effects, tamoxifen can save lives.
Estrogens Promote Growth of Some Breast Cancers
Over 70% of breast cancers respond to the female hormone, estrogen. The estrogens stimulate the cancer cells to grow and replicate, making tumors bigger and spreading the cancer to other areas of the body. So, doctors are always trying to reduce a breast cancer patient’s estrogen levels or response to estrogen. There are a few techniques that oncologists use to do this, but by far tamoxifen is one of the most common.
There are millions of people taking tamoxifen to prevent estrogen responsive breast cancer growth and recurrence. It is the most widely prescribed hormonal drug for cancer patients on the market.
What Is Tamoxifen & How Does It Work?
Tamoxifen is a drug classified as a SERM, or selective estrogen receptor modulator. This means that tamoxifen binds to estrogen receptors and blocks the effects of estrogen on breast cancer cells. Thus, these cells can’t grow or replicate. Hence, tamoxifen stops breast cancer from growing and spreading. And it is very successful at doing its job. Tamoxifen reduces the rate of breast cancer recurrence by 30 – 50% and mortality rates by 25% over 10 – 14 years.
What Is The CYP Catalytic Cycle?
CYP stands for Cytochrome P. There are many different liver enzymes that belong to the Cytochrome P450 family. But the one that is most important for people taking tamoxifen is CYP2D6. This is the enzyme, found in the liver, that breaks down tamoxifen into its active compounds. People taking tamoxifen that have low CYP2D6 levels seem resistance to tamoxifen and are at a higher risk of cancer recurrence.
Drugs & Foods Can Affect The CYP Catalytic Cycle
This is important to know because many drugs, supplements and some foods affect the level of CYP2D6 activity in our liver. There also seems to be a genetic and ethnicity component to the level of this enzyme activity. I will just be talking about food in this article. But it is important for you to talk to your oncologist or pharmacist about all the drugs & supplements you are taking while on tamoxifen.
There are many drugs, including over the counter medications, and concentrated supplements, including those found in health food stores, that can lower activity of these enzymes and prevent you from getting the full benefit from tamoxifen.
You can see some of the drugs that interact with the CYP enzymes here. But, honestly, it’s easier just to have a chat with your pharmacist. That is what they are there for, after all.
Foods Can Affect The CYP Cycle.
There are some foods that can activate or inhibit CYP2D6. However, for the most part, if you eat in moderation and eat a variety of foods, you should be fine. There are studies published that focus on specific foods and the effects they have on the CYP cycle. But if you dive in and read the research in depth, many of those studies are using levels of food concentrates that we just don’t consume when we eat normally.
But there are some foods that have enough scientific evidence that justify tweaking our eating habits. I have simplified this research into do’s and don’ts of eating while taking tamoxifen below.
Be Careful with Food Supplements
But before we get to that, let me just say one thing. Be careful with taking concentrated food supplements. For example, you may have heard that turmeric is good for breast cancer patients. And while that seems to be true, if you take tamoxifen, you should not take a concentrated turmeric supplement. Turmeric in higher doses can inhibit CYP enzymes and limit the effectiveness of tamoxifen.
It is a good idea to also discuss all supplements you may be taking with your oncologist or pharmacist.
Okay, now let’s get to what you have been waiting for… The do’s and don’ts of eating while taking tamoxifen.
The Do’s of Eating While Taking Tamoxifen
Eat More Vegetables, Fruits & Whole Grains
Many organizations recommend that cancer patients move to a plant-based diet. That doesn’t mean eliminating meat entirely. But, animal fats and proteins should be consumed in limited amounts. I explain why later in “The Don’ts of Eating while taking Tamoxifen” below.
Plant foods, such as vegetables, fruits and whole grains, contain powerful phytochemicals that can help us fight cancer. I have already written about many of them in the Healthy Eating Archives here at Pink Ribbon Runner.
Soy & Flax Seed Are Okay
I do want to talk a bit about soy and flax seeds here. You may have heard that breast cancer survivors should not eat these foods as they contain estrogen-like chemicals. While it is true that these foods contain phytoestrogens, these plant-based estrogens don’t react with breast cancer cells like animal-based estrogens do. Many studies have found that soy and flax seeds are safe to eat.
But wait! There is more. Not only do these studies say that it is okay to eat these foods, but they also go on to suggest that people taking tamoxifen should be eating these foods. There is a synergy effect between tamoxifen and these foods that enhance the effectiveness of the drug at blocking the growth of breast cancer cells. But, don’t go overboard. Always eat foods in moderation.
Portion Control
Tamoxifen Can Lead To Weight Gain
Tamoxifen can lead to weight gain, which can lead to higher risks of cancer recurrence. Estrogens like to hang out in our fat. The more fat we have, the more estrogen can be stored up for a rainy day. So, keeping your weight in the healthy range is ideal.
And as I say that, I know how extremely hard it can be to battle weight gain on tamoxifen. I gained about 25 pounds when I was on it. But, controlling how much we eat can limit the amount of weight we gain. Had I just ate whatever I wanted, that 25 pounds may have been 50 or even 100 pounds.
I have some tips for permanent weight loss without dieting in this article found here.
Tamoxifen Can Lead To Weight Loss
Some women lose weight on tamoxifen. This can also be a troubling side effect, if they were a normal healthy weight to begin with. These women may need to also control their portions, but with larger portions of healthy foods.
We should always strive to eat portions that aim to maintain our weight, without added gain or loss, even when we are battling the side effects of tamoxifen. Journaling can help you keep track. I wrote about it in this article, 7 Benefits of Journaling Your Weight Loss Journey.
Lower Total Daily Fat Intake
Since estrogens are stored in fat, it makes sense to limit the amount of animal fat we consume to avoid exposure to extra hormones. There is also some scientific evidence that suggest that breast cancer patients on tamoxifen have better survival rates when fat is limited to less than 20% of total daily calories (the general recommendation is 20 – 35%). It is best to stick to healthy plant-based fats, such as olive oil, canola and avocado.
Drinking Coffee is Okay too
There have been a few studies that suggest drinking coffee can help prevent tamoxifen resistance. One study, published in the Cancer Causes & Control Journal, reported that tamoxifen-treated patients with ER+ breast cancer who drank 2 – 5+ cups of coffee per day had significant decreased risk for cancer recurrence. However, we need to be cautious in interpreting this finding. The researchers further went on to state that more research is needed to confirm this.
So, if you like to drink coffee, go ahead and drink coffee. If you don’t drink coffee, there is no reason to start the habit just yet.
The Don’ts of Eating While Taking Tamoxifen
Avoid Grapefruit
While I said that most foods are okay to eat in moderation, grapefruit is an exception. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice are well known CYP disruptors. Most pharmacists will tell you to stay away from grapefruit if you are taking any medications, including tamoxifen, that uses the CYP Catabolic Cycle. Just one glass of grapefruit juice is enough to limit the effectiveness of tamoxifen.
There are some studies that suggest mango and hot red peppers interfere with CYP2D6. However, it isn’t known if these foods reduce the effectiveness of tamoxifen specifically. If you like mango or hot peppers, then perhaps enjoy them in moderation.
Careful With Tangerines & Seville Oranges
These oranges contain a compound called tangeretin that is a known CYP inhibitor. However, this phytochemical is concentrated in the peel, with very little in the interior of the fruit. So, you should be fine if you peel the orange and only eat the inside. Where this may be a problem is if you eat a lot of marmalade or other products that contain the peels.
Tangeretin can also be purchased as a supplement. It is thought to have some anti-cancer properties, so may be tempting to take. But, as I have warned already, sometimes these supplements are not a good idea if you are taking tamoxifen.
Other oranges do not interfere with CYP enzymes and are fine to eat as a whole fruit. However, orange juice filters out the beneficial fiber and can concentrate other phytochemicals that can interfere with absorption of some medications. It is always better to take medications with water and not fruit juices, unless otherwise instructed by a doctor or pharmacist.
Limit Meat Protein
Leucine is one of the 9 essential amino acids. It is found primarily in animal proteins, such as beef, chicken, pork and fish. Plant proteins are low in leucine.
Recent studies in cell culture and rodents suggest that tamoxifen resistance may occur when we eat a lot of leucine in our diet. Controlled clinical trials have not been completed yet, so this is just scientific speculation at this point. However, there are other reasons to limit the amount of meat we eat, especially red meats.
Limit Red Meats
Red meats, such as beef and pork, when cooked on high heat can produce carcinogenic compounds. The scientific research is so compelling that the World Health Organization has released a statement saying that diets high in red meat have an increased risk for cancer. They further explain that we should avoid cooking these meats in direct contact with a flame or hot surface, such as in grilling or broiling. I explain this further in my blog post Are We Cooking Ourselves Sick?
Limit Animal Fats
In addition, some meats contain added estrogens, which tamoxifen is trying to combat. Some countries allow the meat industry to use growth hormones to boost growth of the animals. Neither Canada nor the USA allow this in pork and chicken, but they do allow it in beef cattle. Many European countries no longer allow this practice in any meat production. Breast cancer patients should be aware of these practices and look for meats raised without hormones. If this isn’t possible, then at least trim the fat off the meats, as the estrogens are stored in the fat, with little residue in the fleshy muscle.
Limit Milk & Dairy
In the same way that beef may contain added estrogens, milk may also contain extra hormones. Some countries, including the US, allow dairy farmers to boost production with growth hormones. Canada and some European countries do not allow added hormones in milk.
However, animal estrogens are found naturally in milk regardless. These may influence human health, perhaps even influencing the recurrence of breast cancer. However, the research to date is not conclusive.
“During the last couple of years, increasing body of evidence are indicating another property of hormones in dairy products as possible impact on human health including the role of some estrogens and insulin-like growth factor-1 in initiation and provoking of breast, prostate and endometrial tumours.” – Source: Hormones in Dairy Foods and Their Impact on Public Health
There is also some evidence that milk may increase risk for breast cancer. However, this research is not conclusive and there are an equal number of conflicting studies.
Other Articles that May Interest You:
Should you Eat Chickpeas When You Have Cancer?
Top 10 Super Foods that Fight Cancer
Food Does Not Directly Cause Cancer
It is important to point out that what you ate did not directly cause your cancer. Cancer is a complicated subject that scientists are still working hard to figure out. But diet does play a role in cancer risk and surviving cancer. We need to continue to eat as healthy as we can with the information we have today. As I always say, I will fight with all the tools in my cancer fighting toolbox. And that includes eating healthy foods.
I hope you found this article helpful.
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Thank you so much for your helpful information! I just signed up for your newsletter. I’ve been on tamoxifen for just about a year now, and I am wishing I could get off of it! My muscles ache all the time, in spite of exercising. Even a bigger concern right now for me is my hair seems to be falling out again. I have a small ball spot on the top of my head. I haven’t heard too much about hair thinning and hair loss as a result of tamoxifen, but I know it’s possible. What would be your suggestion to best fight this side effect?
Welcome to Pink Ribbon Runner. I am glad you found this article helpful. I am sorry you are experiencing hair loss with tamoxifen. I never had this issue with tamoxifen, but I do know others who have. I will dig into the medical & scientific literature to see if I can find something helpful for you.
Thank you for this, it came to me at the rignt time. I have taken Tamoxifen for more then for years. Now this mounth it is five years since á tumor was cut from my brest. I had cemo and “radiaton”.
Now at this time I want considder more about my diet and medisin, suppliments and so on.
Thank you again, I will come back and write more later.
Thanks for this informative article, I found it very useful and I will finish all my grapefruit products before taking Tamoxifen 🙂
I just finished radiotherapy this week and due to my doctor I could now start with taking Tamoxifen any day. I keep postponing it though and try to find the “right” moment to start but the box is sitting on my kitchen counter. (My doctor also told me not to read about other women’s experiences with Tamoxifen online before I have not made my own experiences, but here I am 😀 )
It certainly is scary reading about all the possible side effects of Tamoxifen. However, I know many women who have taken it. Most experience few side effects. To me, breast cancer recurrence was always much scarier than taking these medications. Read other women’s breast cancer stories for support and comfort, that they are surviving this horrid disease. But know that each of us has our own journey in survivorship. Their experiences are their own. Your experience will be your own. I hope you experience few side effects. But, remember, if you do, talk to your doctor about it. There may be alternatives for you. I wish you all the best!
Great information. I am BRCA1+, a 10 year survivor of ovarian cancer & recently underwent bilateral mastectomy’s due to cancer cells found in each breast. I am waiting on pathology reports to learn what will happen next. My oncologist has told me she would recommend Tamoxifen, 5-10 years. Have you read/heard that taking Tamoxifen at different times of the day or evening ease the side effects of the drug?
Your information regarding cardio + plant based diet has me thinking about adjustments in my lifestyle. I am 66 yrs old. Not to old to change!
Thank you for sharing your life, research and opinions here. I will be checking back!
So sorry you are dealing with all this. For tamoxifen, my oncologist told me to take it at night if I had side effects, so that I would sleep through them. So, I took it at night. But everyone is different. I know some survivors that take it in the morning and find that better. And I am so glad you are deciding to live a healthier life! You are so right… you are never to old to make a change. Besides 66 is still young!
I am also advised to take it in the night.. however… I still experiences the hot flushes any part of the day…and also aching of whole body as I was told tamoxifen reduce bone density mass…
Thank you for your articles. They have helped me understand a lot about tamoxifen…had surgery last august 2021 and finished radiotherapy and started tamoxifen and my sport activity just kept going g from bad to worse. I work with horses and the last weeks it’s been imposible to ride , my hips just can’t handle the movement on the saddle, my knees are swollen every morning and don’t have any strength and my lumbar is just in so much pain. I used to do 5 days a week gym and 6 days a week ride horses and also work with them manually (I’m veterinarian specialized in chiropractic, physio for horses) and now my strength is just so low…hardly have enough strength to adjust 2 horses per day and I’m done. I don’t know if these side effects will ever go away…. 😔
I am sorry you are having so much trouble. Know that you are not alone. Have you seen my article on tamoxifen and running? It may be helpful to you, as I think tamoxifen does interfere with our muscular abilities. Do what you can to stay active for now. Adjust your level of exercising as needed. I am watching the medical journals for more information. There aren’t many researchers that I know of studying this phenomenon. For now, I think that the side-effects are temporary, as I recovered and have heard other women recovering after tamoxifen is stopped.
No Comment, just interested as I start T tomorrow after a months break from Anastrozole (which was awful)
All my best for minimal side effects and maximum benefits of T for you! Thank you for taking the time to comment. It helps me to know that what I write is helping my fellow cancer survivors.
Hi. I found your articles is very useful and give me clear insights. I’be been diagnosed with breast cancer since April 2021 and just completed chemo and one side mastec last october. Just starting my first box of Temoxifen and soon will start radiotherapy.
I am sorry you have breast cancer, but I am glad you found my articles helpful. Hoping for a great outcome for all your treatments.
Recently diagnosed in late August with IDC lumpectomy surgery scheduled for Oct. 28, 2021 and trying to navigate this immense learning curve. I have enjoyed reading your very informative articles.
I am so sorry you are having to go through all this. It is a lot to take in and so very stressful. I am glad you find my articles helpful. Remember to breathe! Big hugs.
Veronica R.
Great article, your advice is very informative. My oncologist and dietitian did not give me the amount of advice/info that is in this article! Thank you so much!
You are very welcome. I am so glad you found it helpful.
Great info. I am having muscle knots which cause a lot of nerve pain. Any suggestions on how to combat the muscle knots?
Have you tried massage or physiotherapy? Myofascial massage can help with muscle knots and pain trigger points. Acupuncture might also be helpful. If it doesn’t resolve, try to see a pain specialist.
I have this problem too. I bought a massager from Amazon which helped immeasurably. Get the one with the different heads which allows more options & pressure point areas. It’s a nice thing to have & who can afford daily massage appointments, right? (Weekly, maybe, but not daily, lol.)
Good day.
I just want to know if we are allowed to have collagen?
Ive been on Tamoxifen for 7 years now, 3 to go.
Thank you in advance
I would talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using any supplements. Recent studies have found that some supplements can interfere with treatments. And we know that breast cancer cells can use some forms of collagen to travel and metastasize.
HI I am a her2 positive breast cancer and just started on tamoxifen. I do control my diet but I am still stuck on the scale with 80kg I am taking vitamin B12 aswell.
Please advise what to avoid whilst on this medication tamoxifen.
Can you give me more info on estrogen receptors.
I am sorry your are having to deal with breast cancer. And I hope you experience very few side effects with tamoxifen. In terms of what foods to avoid while on this medication, I covered most of it in this article. But every survivor has a different path, so I encourage you to reach out to your oncology team, especially a dietitian to help you fine tune your nutrition based on your personal health.
Hi ma’am good evening. I would like to ask if have you been experiencing allergies,like itching of the eyes and hives on your face while taking Tamoxifen? Your reply is highly appreciated. Been taking Tamoxifen for 4days and I’m experiencing itching of the eyes going to my face😥. My oncologist prescribed me antamin 4mg every 6hrs and pregnison 20mg once a day. But after 5days of medication, the itching of my eyes started to return😥😥
I have not personally experienced an allergy reaction to Tamoxifen. But it is possible to be allergic to any medication. You should discuss your symptoms with your oncologist or pharmacist.
I had Stage 1 invasive and decided on a double mastectomy as mine was not genetic. I have been taking tamoxifen for a year and they said they would reevaluate after 5 yrs. I have had no major side effects. It has been a struggle to lose weight but I seem to have kept the weight off that I have lost, about 15lbs. I heard taking milk thistle is good for your liver but now I am wondering if I should still be taking it.
I am so happy you are doing well. It is always best to discuss supplements with your oncologist or pharmacist. The new research is suggesting that supplements at best, don’t help, and at worst, interfere with medications and treatments.This even includes some vitamin supplements. Although vitamin D is still recommended for those with breast cancer. There is so much we don’t know yet about taking these concentrated forms of foods and nutrients. Science hasn’t fully figured out how they interact in our bodies. It is always best to get what you need from whole foods.
Hi
Colleen here , I’ve never looked at a blog before and stumbled on yours thank you
I have a huge wall up about taking T as I had chemo first , 3 ops radiation herception then 5 years of hormones seems daunting
I had a 100 percent resolution with chemo and feel hormones maybe overkill ?
So I’m struggling with what to do
Tamoxifen is one of the drugs that helps prevent breast cancer. It blocks the actions of estrogen. There are several medications that can do this, so if you don’t want tamoxifen, ask about others. My radiation oncologist explained it all very well. She said that everything done, surgery, chemo, radiation helps. Breast cancer may have been removed fully with surgery … but there is no way to know if all the cells are gone. Same with the other treatments. There is currently no way to know if all the cancer is gone. So, suppressing hormones for hormone responsive breast cancer can help prevent recurrence. It has helped extend the lives of many women. But for each specific case, the doctors can only use statistics and averages to know what is best for anyone’s cancer. There is never a guarantee. For me… I wanted to do everything.. and that includes hormonal therapy. You need to do what is right for you. This is your battle. Hugs!
Thank you for the article. I’ve been on tamoxifen post BC surgery, chemo and radiotherapy, for over a year. I put on around 7kg and have managed to lose around 4kg but it’s a constant struggle. I eat a mostly plant based now, with the addition of seafood.
Where do you stand on alcohol consumption while on tamoxifen?
Congratulations on losing weight on Tamoxifen. That is no easy task. I am working on an article about that very thing, which I hope to publish in early 2021. As for alcohol consumption on tamoxifen… the science says that alcohol increases the risk of breast cancer recurrence. Both tamoxifen and alcohol can promote fatty liver and liver disease. But alcohol increases CYP enzyme activity, so may increase the effectiveness of tamoxifen. There are also some studies that suggest that tamoxifen can modulate the risk of alcohol on breast cancer. I cant drink alcohol now, it makes me feel so ill. But I am on aromatase inhibitors now, not tamoxifen. Ultimately, I think that an occasional drink likely isn’t harmful. Might even help.
Hi. Thank you for this article. I was diagnosed Stage 2 triple positive in March. I had chemotherapy and continue on HER2 drugs as well as Tamoxifen. I am one of those that cannot gain weight. I am 5’5” and weigh 115lbs. I was 135lbs before diagnosis. I have been on T for 3 months. Oncologist says eat more and does not seem to be worried. I’m not depressed, I’m taking in at least 2,000 calories daily (I record it), and I’m exercising but not as much as I did before diagnosed so I can gain weight. There is little out there that I can find on T and weight loss. This is not helping me to have a good outlook all the time bc bring too skinny is not good either. I’m borderline normal BMI/weight, but cannot lose anymore, for sure.
To better maintain weight, try boosting the amount of protein you are eating. I have a future article planned that talks about weight gain and weight loss on tamoxifen. I hope you find it helpful.
Thank you for this article! I had a double mastectomy in February of this year at the age of 45. No history at all. I have almost completely transitioned to a plant based diet, aside from cravings a couple of times a week. Luckily, I did not need chemo or radiation, but am on tamoxifen indefinitely. I don’t suffer from any side effects from it, so I hope those who are worried know that it’s different for everyone. I always worry about what I’m eating, so articles like this are super helpful for me.
So thankful to read your experience. So good to hear someone with no side effects as I prepare myself to begin T.
Great article! I am about to start tamoxifen for 10 years 🙁 and am worried. Already eat and live this way and I have gained 15 lbs just during chemo and radiation (yes, the doctors threw it ALL at me given my age and no family history) , while still maintaining my healthy habits. I don’t know what else I could do short of starvation! I remain hopeful. Maybe my side effects won’t be so bad. Looking forward to having this chapter behind me…..
Not everyone experiences side effects of tamoxifen. I know several people who are doing well on it. I am glad you are being hopeful. I hope you are one of those. Remember that you don’t have to do everything just right. We need to just breathe deeply and relax, just as much as we need to eat healthy foods. All my best!
Stay positive!
I am on tamoxifen for a few mths now after my radiotherapy ..my surgeon told me that I can eat everything but in moderate. I’m not sure if you experience like pulling muscle after you take tamoxifen.. especially lower abdomen. Sometimes feel like it’s dropping down. Other then that I’m quite alright..
Moderation is key to eating healthy, yes. But there are some foods that are better than others. Eat more whole grains, vegetables, fruits and healthy proteins. I like to call this “real food”. And limit sugary foods, baked goods, processed foods and “junk food” to special treats. It is okay to eat these things occasionally. I have experienced, as many women do, muscle cramps and pain on tamoxifen. I wrote an article on my experience with it as a runner. It was not fun for me and I can sympathize with the side effects you are experiencing. Be sure to talk to your doctor about those. And I am so happy that you are doing well otherwise. That is fabulous news!
Just starting Tamoxifen after surgery and radiation. for cancer in my right breast. Prior to surgery was on Exemestane for three
months.
I am not looking forward to 5 years of Tamoxifen.
Not everyone experiences side effects to the same degree. I know many other breast cancer survivors on Tamoxifen that are doing just fine. Stay active and eat well to help you be one of those with little to no side effects. All my best. Radiation was the easiest part for me, but I walked a lot through the whole thing.
Thank you so much for your informative article. I started Tamoxifen in January. I wanted to share that I have been intermittent fasting 16/8. It is now part of my lifestyle and it has helped me to lose weight. I know everyone’s journey is different, but this has really helped me.
I am so happy that intermittent fasting has worked for you. I wrote an article on this very thing. Check it out here.
Thank you for this useful article. I have been trying to find more info about flaxseeds, and take note of what you have written, would this include flaxseed oil with lignans?
I am glad you liked my article. It is actually the flaxseed oil that has the anti-cancer properties. It is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, from which the benefits derive. The lignans are also helpful and seem to block estrogens influence on tumor growth. HERE is a good scientific review on it, if you want more information.
I found this very interesting it is the only thing I have signed up for having found out I have c breast cancer September 2019 thank you and look forward to receiyoir emails! God bless you!
I am sorry to hear that you have breast cancer. Yes, please get out there among the trees. I have an upcoming post about the benefits of walking in the woods and cancer. Thank you for subscribing. Breast cancer is beatable. Fight!