Tag Archive for: pituitary

Navigating Nutrition and Pituitary Disorders

The New Year often starts with well intentioned resolutions. One of the most common resolutions involves improving our diet. While maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle is a good goal for everyone, it is even more important for people with a pituitary disorder who are more susceptible to certain cardiovascular and metabolic complications.

This first WAPO blog of 2024 will cover how nutrition plays a role in the overall wellbeing of patients with pituitary disorders and will explore the intricate relationship that pituitary hormones play in maintaining our health.

The pituitary gland and its hormones

The pituitary gland, often called the “master gland”, is located at the base of the brain and controls several hormone glands by releasing hormones that are responsible for various bodily functions including growth and metabolism, water balance, reproductive health and our response to stress.

A disorder of the pituitary gland leads to either too little or too much of one or more of these important hormones being produced. One of the main causes of pituitary disorders is a pituitary adenoma, which is a benign tumor of the anterior pituitary. If the tumor is “functioning” (secretes hormones) it will lead to an excess of that hormone in the blood. For example, a pituitary adenoma that secretes adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) will cause an increase in ACTH levels in the blood, which in turn stimulate the adrenal glands to produce excessive amounts of cortisol, resulting in Cushing disease. If the pituitary adenoma is “non-functioning” (does not secrete hormones) it may still disrupt the functioning of the pituitary gland and therefore the production of one or more hormones. Hypopituitarism is the term used when the pituitary gland is not producing (or producing only small amounts) one or more of its hormones.

Diet plays a major role in maintaining hormone health, with the food we eat having an impact on our hormones and consequently on the evolution of a pituitary disorder.

Nutritional recommendations for hormonal harmony

Each pituitary disorder is unique; however, there are some common nutritional recommendations that can be followed to ensure optimal health for everyone. Starting with:

  • Eating a healthy, balanced diet with a variety of non-processed foods including:
    • Whole grains for dietary fiber and complex carbohydrates such as brown rice and whole-grain bread;
    • Protein-rich foods (e.g. meat, fish, eggs, dairy or plant-based proteins);
    • healthy fats (found in nuts, seeds, and avocados)
    • Foods rich in essential vitamins and minerals such as calcium (in dairy products, salmon, leafy green vegetables) and vitamin D (in oily fish, egg yolk, fortified cereals) for bone health; iodine (in iodized salt and seafood) to maintain thyroid function; magnesium (avocadoes, seeds and legumes) as it plays a role in modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis; manganese (in nuts and leafy vegetables), as it is important for normal growth and reproduction; potassium (apricots, lentils, potatoes, tomatoes), which plays an essential role in cardiac function and regulates fluid balance, etc.
  • Reducing the amount of foods you consume that are high in refined sugars and sodium
  • Limiting your alcohol intake
  • Making sure to drink enough water (4-6 cups of water a day)

While there is no special diet for patients with a pituitary disorder, those at risk of certain complications related to their disease may benefit from adding or restricting certain foods from their diet. A recent study, for example, showed that a very low-calorie ketogenic diet and a low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet are effective in improving the metabolic and cardiovascular comorbidities seen in Cushing Disease (CD), when combined with conventional CD therapy.

There are several complications which have been associated with pituitary disorders, such as:

  • Obesity

While obesity is a problem in the general population, it is also associated with several endocrine disorders such as hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease, hypogonadism, and growth hormone deficiency. Increased cortisol levels, as seen in Cushing’s disease, can cause weight gain. Monitoring of calorie intake may therefore be suggested in order to prevent weight gain and obesity. For more information on this topic watch the WAPO presentation Obesity, nutrition and latest insights by Professor Liesbeth van Roosen.

  • Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is another complication of many pituitary disorders, including hypopituitarism, Cushing disease and acromegaly. Prolonged glucocorticoid use can also lead to reduced intestinal absorption of calcium and is a known cause of secondary osteoporosis. Adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D is therefore essential.

  • Cardiovascular comorbidities

Cardiovascular comorbidities such as hypertension, cardiomyopathy, heart valve disease and arrhythmias are also complications of certain pituitary disorders, such as acromegaly. A heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, omega-3 fatty acids and low in sodium can help manage blood pressure and may reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular complications.

  • Diabetes:

Diabetes type 1 is another possible complication of several pituitary disorders including acromegaly, prolactinomas, Cushing disease and growth hormone deficiency. Maintaining a healthy weight, keeping active and eating a healthy diet can help regulate blood sugar levels and prevent the onset of diabetes.

Other factors that have an impact on your hormones and overall wellbeing

  • Stress: Stress leads to the release of cortisol (the stress hormone) and chronic stress induces the redistribution of fat to the abdominal region which can counteract your healthy eating habits. Chronic stress is also linked to anxiety and depression as well as other chronic diseases. Try to reduce your stress levels as much as possible by practicing various coping mechanisms and relaxation techniques (e.g. meditation, journaling, etc).
  • Medications: Medications can have an impact on your hormones and your weight. Certain antidepressants, for example, can cause weight gain. Glucocorticoid replacement therapy, used to treat adrenal insufficiency, can also lead to unhealthy weight gain and metabolic perturbations by stimulating appetite and increasing preference for foods high in calories and fat. Talk to your healthcare provider about any side effects that you are experiencing (e.g. significant or unusual weight gain) so that the dosage can be adapted to your needs.
  • Sleep: Sleep deprivation is associated with increased levels of stress hormones, which affect metabolism and can lead to weight gain. Insufficient sleep can also worsen any fatigue you may already have, so aim to get 7 to 8 hours of sleep daily in order to feel well rested and at your best.
  • Physical activity: Regular physical activity helps maintain muscle strength and overall physical and mental health. It is also has anti-inflammatory effects and protects against stress-related disorders. Getting in 30 minutes of physical activity per day, 5 days a week is ideal. What’s most important is to avoid a sedentary lifestyle, so start moving your body with whatever exercise feels comfortable.

Finally, make sure to talk to your endocrinologist/dietician so that they can monitor your hormone levels and give you personalized nutrition tips that are tailored to your pituitary disorder and your individual needs. Everyone is different and maintaining close communication with your team of healthcare professionals is the best way to ensure optimal management and treatment for your condition.

Starting the year off right by eating a healthy and balanced diet may not be an original resolution but through informed decisions and proactive self-care, your unique nutritional roadmap can lead you towards an increased quality of life. And that is something we wish for everyone in 2024.

To learn about the various pituitary disorders, please refer to the WAPO website’s page on pituitary disorders.

 


Sources:

Esteves, Gabriel P et al. “Nutritional recommendations for patients undergoing prolonged glucocorticoid therapy.” Rheumatology advances in practice vol. 6,2 rkac029. 21 Apr. 2022, doi:10.1093/rap/rkac029

Guarnotta V, Amodei R, Di Gaudio F, Giordano C. Nutritional Intervention in Cushing’s Disease: The Ketogenic Diet’s Effects on Metabolic Comorbidities and Adrenal Steroids. Nutrients. 2023 Nov 2;15(21):4647. doi: 10.3390/nu15214647. PMID: 37960300; PMCID: PMC10649442.

https://www.healthline.com/human-body-maps/pituitary-gland

Ylli D, Sidhu S, Parikh T, et al. Endocrine Changes in Obesity. [Updated 2022 Sep 6]. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Blackman MR, et al., editors. Endotext [Internet]. South Dartmouth (MA): MDText.com, Inc.; 2000-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279053/

Mazziotti G, Frara S, Giustina A. Pituitary Diseases and Bone. Endocr Rev. 2018 Aug 1;39(4):440-488. doi: 10.1210/er.2018-00005. PMID: 29684108.

 

 

 

Patient Solidarity Day 2023

Patient Solidarity Day takes place each December. Thousands of people across the world rally around one topic relevant to the patient community and show support for the Day by raising awareness on social media and hosting activities to mark the campaign.

This year, on Friday, 8th December 2023 health stakeholders from all over the world will stand together to celebrate Patient Solidarity Day 2023 under the theme ‘Expert patients – the indispensable voice’.

On PSD 2023, we will celebrate the strength, resilience, and knowledge of expert patients who have taken control of their health journeys and contributed to health systems strengthening in various ways.

The empowered expert patient who has taken control of their health journey and is advocating for health systems transformation is an indispensable voice in the healthcare value chain.

We will use the occasion of PSD 2023 to invite the patient community from all over the world to share with us their views of who an expert patient is – what skills and assets make them an expert patient. With this feedback, we want to start shaping collectively and collaboratively a definition of the expert patient that truly translates the views and thoughts of patients worldwide.

Follow and join the buzz on social media – #PSD2023

Stay tuned for more resources to help you call for ‘Expert patients – the indispensable voice’..
Patient Solidarity Day 

Webinar on ‘Hypercortisolism’ by Dr Blevins Jr

April 27, 2023: ‘Depression and the pituitary patient: support for them and yourself’ by Linda Rio (Marriage & Family Therapist (MFT)

May 25, 2023: ‘Health Technology Assessment‘ by Realise Advocates

Rare Disease Day – February 28 2023

 

February 28, 2023 – Rare Disease Day is the globally-coordinated movement on rare diseases, working towards equity in social opportunity, healthcare, and access to diagnosis and therapies for people living with a rare disease.

Since its creation in 2008, Rare Disease Day has played a critical part in building an international rare disease community that is multi-disease, global, and diverse– but united in purpose.

Rare Disease Day is observed every year on 28 February (or 29 in leap years)—the rarest day of the year.
Rare Disease Day was set up and is coordinated by EURORDIS and 65+ national alliance patient organisation partners. Rare Disease Day provides an energy and focal point that enables rare diseases advocacy work to progress on the local, national and international levels.

WAPO supports Rare Disease Day with a webinar on ‘Pain and Stress’ by Emilio Covarrubias (Chile) in English and Spanish. Check our Library on the website wapo.org

Want to read more or download materials, click here

WAPO Website & 2023 Webinar Series

“Your diagnosis doesn’t have to define you!”  ….. well-spoken words by Ignas Meškauskas, Mental Health Coach in the Netherlands.. Ignas kick-started our WAPO 2023 Webinar series, with this impactful session entitled “My new identity after diagnosis”, with invaluable content for anyone with a diagnosis of a pituitary disease or long-term condition. ‘Acceptance’ is the keyword in this webinar and Ignas shares a lot of his own experience and supportive ideas that will help people with any diagnosis to accept their new reality.

We met Ignas last year at the WAPO Global Summit in 2022, where he translated for his Lithuanian friend . During the event, he became more and more involved with the speakers and delegates and with his knowledge and the benefit that he can bring to our community, he prepared his presentation for the 2023 webinar series.

The set-up for our series of 9 webinars in 2023 is different from 2022. This year, the webinars will be pre-recorded and released on the WAPO website, roughly each month (except for Summer and December).
We received requests from the WAPO pituitary community about the different time zones and availability of the webinars to share with other members and we feel that this new approach will solve this issue. The webinars will be made available– in English and Spanish – directly from the WAPO website, in the Library section, and in open access. You will find the direct links below the article as well as the planned webinar topics for the year.

You may also have noticed that the WAPO website has had a make-over in the past 6 months, and is available from 27th January onwards, via www.wapo.org (same address, new content!).
The Pituitary Disease section has been completely refreshed, with updated information and accompanying animated videos, which explain the diseases and treatment in an easy, engaging way. This has been made possible by the Federation of International Nurses in Endocrinology (FINE), with special thanks to Christine Yedinak!

Currently, we are looking for additional disease, or health and exercise content to add to our specific website pages, e.g. research outcomes, clinical trial information, etc.
Please feel free to send any information that you feel would be of interest to the community to mail@wapo.org and we will be happy to include on the website. The content doesn’t have to be in English but in any other language.

Discussed topics: 

Release Date 2023: TOPIC
January 27, 2023 Mental Health Support after Diagnosis
February 28, 2023 Pain in Pituitary Disorders
March 30, 2023 Hypercortisolism – History and Future
April 27, 2023 Transition – from Child to Adult Treatment
May 15, 2023 Hormones
June 29, 2023 Growth Hormone
September 2023, TBC How to Support a Depressive Patient
October 2023, TBC Medication Waste
November 2023, TBC Clinical Trials

 

 

 

Webinars 2022

Earlier in 2022, WAPO organized a series of webinars with interesting topics, which are visible in the WAPO Library. Now, since Summer is over, we have another 3 interesting webinars for you …

Register via the following link: https://cvent.me/eOyQ4D
Feel free to share with other patient advocates, people living with the disease or their caregivers, or other stakeholders. We look forward to meeting you there.

In case you are not able to join, or want to see the presentations later, please have a look at our Library with all webinars and video presentations we already had.

We are already scheduling webinars for 2023. Please follow our social media to stay informed.

Tag Archive for: pituitary

Webinar 5-2023 – Health Technology Assessment – Realise Advocacy

Webinar 4-2023 – Depression and the Pituitary Patient – Linda M Rio

Webinar 1-2023 – Ignas Meskauskas – Mental Health & acceptance