Fasting as a Cancer Treatment

Fasting as a Cancer Treatment: A Comprehensive Analysis

The power of fasting in cancer treatment has been a subject of growing interest. Fasting and calorie restriction have been shown to slow and even halt cancer progression, tumor growth, and metastases, while simultaneously killing cancer cells and improving the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Additionally, fasting can boost the immune system, reduce fat in the liver and pancreas, and decrease chemotherapy side-effects. In fact, some experts recommend considering a fast from two days before to the day after chemotherapy to maximize benefits. Lastly, fasting has been linked to increased longevity.

It is essential, however, to differentiate between controlled fasting and cachexia, an uncontrolled weight loss caused by chemotherapy side effects and reduced appetite. Research on lung cancer patients showed that omega-3 from fish oils could help them regain appetite and weight, potentially avoiding cachexia. This finding may also apply to other cancers.

So, is fasting a viable component of an integrative cancer program? And if so, should it be a total, water-only fast? Or should some anti-cancer natural compounds be included? Let's explore these questions further.

Fasting, Metabolic Theory, and Cancer

A significant aspect of fasting in chronic illness management is the increasing recognition that poor metabolism, diet, and elevated blood fats, glucose, and insulin levels are the root causes of most chronic illnesses. The National Cancer Institute supports the metabolic theory of cancer, which posits that if the problem lies in metabolism, so too might the solution.

Dr. Young S. Kim, the Institute's Head of Nutrition and an epigeneticist, believes that the key is understanding how to correct what is happening in the body, rather than merely attacking a possible DNA mutation with chemotherapy or radiation.

• Fasting and Chemotherapy

Dr. Longo's work has prompted three clinical trials, and a group of 12 cancer centers worldwide is planning two more. One will investigate whether fasting can reduce chemotherapy side effects, and the other will explore if fasting can improve chemotherapy effectiveness.

USC research indicates that 70% of cancer patients would refuse a water-only fasting regime. As a result, a product called Chemolieve has been developed, which does not provide nutrients to cancer cells. However, pharmaceutical companies may not welcome fasting (or "The Food Effect") if it means fewer drugs are required.

• Preventing Dormant Cancers from Becoming Active

A March 2013 paper by the Max-Planck Institute in Germany proposes that tumor cells often lie dormant in the body. When an event triggers a change, messenger compounds stimulate blood supply development and tumor growth. The Institute suggests that restricting nutrients could help maintain these dormant cells in a harmless state. Their work, titled "Fasting Time for Cancer Cells," focuses on lung cancer.

• Inducing Ketosis through Fasting

Professor Thomas Seyfried of Boston College is a leading advocate of the ketogenic diet. He argues that reduced glucose availability targets pathways necessary for tumor cell survival and proliferation. Furthermore, dietary energy restriction elevates circulating levels of fatty acids and ketone bodies, which can replace glucose as the primary metabolic fuel.

Seyfried's research has shown promise in managing malignant astrocytoma in mice, malignant glioma in children, prostate cancer, and gastric cancer. His work also addresses concerns about cachexia, suggesting that dietary restriction therapies can potentially reduce tumor cachexia by targeting glycolytically active tumor cells that produce pro-cachexia molecules. Supplementing these therapies with omega-3 fatty acids could help maintain low glucose levels while elevating ketone levels.

In summary, time-restricted fasting appears to be most beneficial when practiced consistently for at least five years and does not lead to increased calorie consumption in shorter periods. Intermittent fasting seems to offer more advantages for men than women, typically lasting two days per week.

Fasting – and calorie restriction – before and during one-day chemotherapy sessions or throughout a radiotherapy program seems to enhance effectiveness, survival, and reduce side effects. Fasting alone, for patients who have not undergone orthodox therapies, may improve survival and even cause cancer cell death.

Hospital staff's fear of cachexia may lead them to provide misleading advice on diet during orthodox treatment. Interestingly, this topic has gained considerable attention in the United States, with several oncologists expressing their support.

Fasting may play a valuable role in cancer treatment and prevention. Further research and clinical trials are necessary to fully understand its potential benefits and limitations. As always, it is crucial to consult with a medical professional before making any significant changes to one's diet or treatment plan.

Discover the Power of Fasting and Calorie Restriction in Cancer Prevention and Treatment

Fasting and calorie restriction have been found to slow down, and even halt, cancer progression, tumor growth, and metastases. Moreover, these practices can also help eliminate cancer cells, significantly enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, boost the immune system, de-fat both the liver and pancreas, and considerably reduce chemotherapy side effects. Additionally, fasting can promote longevity and is worth considering when undergoing chemotherapy – from two days before to the day after the treatment.

The History of Fasting

Fasting has been utilized for treating illnesses since the times of Hippocrates, with Plutarch famously stating, "Instead of using medicine, rather fast a day." Ayurvedic Medicine also advocates fasting as a way to regenerate the digestive system's fire and eliminate toxins from the body and mind.

During World War II, people in countries such as Norway and Belgium faced food shortages, which resulted in weight loss but also seemingly improved their health and increased longevity. Research on fasting has continued over the years, revealing various health benefits, including reversing Type-2 diabetes and extending lifespans in rats.

Dr. Valter Longo, a bio-gerontologist and Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Southern California, is currently a leading expert in fasting. His research has demonstrated that fasting can hinder tumor growth, strip away the protective layer around cancer cells, and enhance the effects of chemotherapy.

Understanding Fasting Methods

1. Time-Restricted Fasting (TRF) – This practice involves limiting the eating period to 6-8 hours a day. Research on TRF's benefits is mixed, with some studies showing weight loss and improved blood statistics, while others find little to no significant changes.

2. Intermittent Fasting (IF) – This approach includes fasting for whole days during the week, such as the 5:2 method (fasting for two days and eating for five days). Unlike TRF, IF focuses on activating the body's self-defense mechanisms through hormone production. After fasting for 24 hours, the body produces sirtuins, which can regulate insulin levels, reduce insulin resistance, and restrict cell division. Sirtuins have also been linked to increased longevity and reduced cancer growth.

In conclusion, fasting and calorie restriction hold significant potential in cancer prevention and treatment. By understanding and implementing the appropriate fasting methods, individuals can unlock a powerful tool in the fight against cancer and the pursuit of overall health and longevity.

References:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28539118

2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24739093

3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17374948

4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24048020

5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27032109

6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3048045/

7. https://news.usc.edu/41212/fasting-makes-brain-tumors-more-vulnerable-to-radiation-therapy/

8. https://nutritionj.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1475-2891-11-69