The ketogenic diet, or as it’s more popularly known, the “keto” diet, has long been in the limelight for its potential health benefits. Yet, the newest study might be its most intriguing: its role in cancer prevention and treatment. Before diving in, it’s essential to understand that cancer isn’t just one disease. It’s a collection of various ailments that might react differently to treatments. Let’s explore the role of the ketogenic diet in the fight against cancer.
What is the Ketogenic Diet?
The keto diet is when you cut back on carbs and up your fat intake. This way, your body starts using fat, not sugar, as its main energy source. The result? Your body goes into a state called “ketosis“, producing something known as ketone bodies.
It changes traditional diets by relying on fats for about 55%-60% of your daily caloric intake. Carbs are limited to just 5%-10% and remain protein-neutral with 30%-35% of your intake.
It’s important to mention that the ketogenic diet doesn’t align with the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. So, it differs from the general US guidelines that emphasize more carbohydrates and significantly less fat and protein.
How Might Keto Affect Cancer?
Cancer cells are notorious for loving sugar. They feed on it. The logic is pretty straightforward. What if we starve them of their favorite food? This is where keto steps in.
The genius Otto Warburg spotted this sugar dependency almost a century ago and won a Nobel Prize for it. Basically, he discovered that these cells thrive on glucose (sugar).
By cutting out carbs and sugar, the diet aims to “starve” the cancer cells. While our healthy cells can switch to using ketones in a low-sugar environment, many cancer cells can’t. It’s like giving our body’s normal cells an advantage in a game of tug-of-war.
Additionally, the ketogenic diet manages to reduce insulin levels. Why does this matter in the context of cancer? High insulin and insulin-like growth factors are known to stimulate cancer growth. By keeping these levels in check, the ketogenic diet might indirectly hinder cancer cell increase.
Keto’s Potential Benefits in Cancer
- Impact on Cancer Cells:
Ketone bodies, the primary product of ketosis, might directly counteract cancer cells in several ways:
Starvation Strategy: Some cancer cells seem to have a hard time using ketones for energy. By promoting ketosis, the keto diet might hinder their growth.
Inhibiting Blood Supply: Cancerous tumors need new blood vessels to grow. Some research, particularly a study on the brain cancer glioma in mice, found that a ketogenic diet could hinder this process.
Direct Impact: There’s some evidence to suggest that ketone bodies could be directly toxic to some cancer types. In specific lab experiments, supplementing with ketones curbed the growth and vitality of cancer cells.
- Potential Preventive Measures:
When our body has more harmful molecules (free radicals) than antioxidants, it can lead to genetic mutations and, over time, cancer. The keto diet might help by upping the body’s protective mechanisms. Essentially, it’s like giving our body better armor against potential threats.
What Does the Research Say?
While animal studies show some promise (around 72% hint at keto slowing tumor growth), we can’t jump the gun. Some cancer types might not react or even react negatively. We’ve got some homework to do before drawing conclusions.
However, the few human studies we have, especially on aggressive cancers like glioblastoma, show potential benefits. It’s like the early glimmers of dawn, but the full sunrise is yet to come.
Glioblastoma, an aggressive type of brain cancer, seems to be where the ketogenic diet shines the brightest. But there’s also preliminary evidence for its positive effects in lung, prostate, colon, and pancreatic cancers.
Conclusion
While the ketogenic diet presents an exciting frontier in the fight against cancer, it’s important to remember that research is still in its early stages. If you or a loved one is considering this dietary approach alongside traditional cancer treatments, always consult with a healthcare professional to ensure the best strategy for your unique situation.
Remember, in the ever-evolving world of health and medicine, staying informed and open-minded is our most potent tool against ailments like cancer.
Also read,
- Antioxidants Like Vitamin C & E Increase Cancer Growth | New Study Finds!
- World’s First Use Of FDA-Approved Radiation Therapy To Treat Tumors!
