Intermittent Fasting And Chemotherapy
The last thing I wanted to talk about regarding intermittent fasting and cancer specifically is the potential role that fasting may play in assisting chemotherapy .
Initial research has shown that performing a short fast before chemotherapy has been shown to protect your healthy cells from treatment damage. Moreover, the glucose restriction mentioned above also appears to facilitate drug delivery into the cancerous cells.
As a result, the combination of chemotherapy and intermittent fasting to treat cancer may have some rather serious potential but again, more research in humans is needed before this can be said with any certainty.
The First Physiological Changes Upon Fasting
The liver plays a significant role in homeostasis by maintaining blood glucose balance, which is essential for many mammalian cells . Under fasting conditions, the liver can synthesize glucose as an energy source for other tissues, including the brain and muscles . After approximately 30h of fasting, almost all the stored glycogen in the liver is depleted, and the liver starts to synthesize de novo glucose or gluconeogenesis . In addition to the involvement of certain key enzymes, transcription factors such as cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein are also involved in the process of gluconeogenesis . CREB is one of the major transcriptional factors that has been shown to induce gluconeogenesis . Protein kinase A activation then induces CREB through its serine 133 phosphorylation .
Fig. 1
As the most efficient form of vitamin E, -tocopheryl succinate has also been proven to interfere with the ubiquinone binding site of mitochondrial complex II, leading to an impairment of the electron transfer along the redox chain and stimulate ROS production . Besides, fatty acids derived from dietary fats can also induce ROS production by promoting the carboxylic acid cycle in mitochondria . Overall, high oxidative stress and abnormal ROS-related pathways in cancer cells, especially advanced cancer, are a few of the key mechanisms of anti-cancer techniques targeting metabolism-related pathways .
How To Break A Fast Aka How To Refeed
Refeeding Syndrome is a rare condition where your nutrient-depleted body doesnt have whats required to digest your first meal and so pilfers from more critical systems. Its generally not something you need to worry about for fasts of a week or less. Nevertheless, consult with your doctor especially if youre planning a longer fast. General guidelines are:
- For the first refeed, limit yourself to 10 calories/kg of body weight per day , with a daily increase of 5 calories/kg . For example, if you weigh 60kg, you want your first day of eating after an extended fast to be 600 calories, your second day 900 calories, etc.
- Take supplemental electrolytes and B vitamins at least 30 minutes before eating. In my case, I take a multivitamin along with my usual salt supplementation if Ive been fasting 5+ days.
- Eat something easy to digest. Save the spicy salami for another meal.
- And, too, you have this beautiful, clean, rested digestive tract. Dont fill it up with crap.
Brad and I break our weekly fast with a salad made from dark greens, avocado, homemade sauerkraut, and a dressing of flaxseed oil, apple cider vinegar, mustard and raw garlic. This salad, in fact. Its delicious, supportive of the digestive systems, and very healing.
For an extended fast, I break with homemade bone broth and then follow with the salad or some avocado mashed with sauerkraut and flaxseed oil.
Don’t Miss: Best Intermittent Fasting Plan For Maximum Weight Loss
Water Fasting And Cancer A Relationship That Needs To Be Understood In Terms Of Its Ability To Restore Health
Can water fasting help with cancer treatment? Yes! In a new video, An Oasis of Healing founder and integrative oncology expert Dr. Thomas Lodi explains why water fasting should be considered as a form of cancer treatment.
Cancer lives on glucose and it can also ferment glutamine, he said. Even a ketogenic diet doesnt deprive people of glutamine. Thirty percent of people on ketogenic diets can still have cancer.
Glutamine is a type of amino acid. Amino acids are molecules that serve as building blocks for proteins. A ketogenic diet is a low-carb and high-fat diet. It decreases blood sugar and insulin levels and allows the body to become incredibly efficient at burning fat for energy.
According to Dr. Lodi, water is the ultimate ketogenic and glutamine-free diet.
He explained, Being on a water fast means that 100 percent of the fuel that cancer needs to live on is gone and cancer cant survive. Conversely, the rest of your body will be living on the fats and ketones. Once a person has no more body fat, including fat around the organs, which is monitored, the water fast is over.
Ketones are a type of acid made in the liver. They are produced when the body does not have enough insulin to convert glucose into energy. They are then sent into the bloodstream so the muscles and tissues can utilize them for fuel.
Boosts The Immune System To Better Fight Cancer
As you most probably already know, stem cells are incredibly important to us due to their regenerative abilities. In a 2014 study, researchers found that fasting can activate the renewal and repair of stem cells from the immune system.
In addition to reducing damage to cells, the study also demonstrated intermittent fastings ability to replenish white blood cells and replace damaged ones. Dont know what white blood cells are?
Well, white blood cells are the defenders of your body they fight infection and eliminate potential disease-causing cells.
One of chemotherapy’s common side effect is a decrease in the number of white blood cells in a patient’s body. As a result, the person with cancer faces a much more challenging time when it comes to warding off infections and recovering from cancer.
Thankfully, as mentioned earlier, fasting has been shown to increase stem cell production in the body, leading to a rise in white blood cell levels.
Also Check: How To Lose Belly Fat With Intermittent Fasting
Effect Of Fasting On The Cancer
Fasting strategies aim to promote metabolic pathways that stimulate anti-carcinogenic effects, such as the insulin signaling pathway. The inhibiting effect of fasting towards cancer progression occurs by the blocking of energy intake and nutrients to affect other metabolism-related pathways. Sirtuin 1 is an NAD+-dependent histone deacetylase that negatively regulates liver GH-mediated IGF-1 mRNA production, thereby reducing serum IGF-1 levels . In the fasting state, the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase can promote lipid oxidation and increase the ratio of NAD+ / NADH, thereby activating SIRT1 and then inhibiting IGF-1 production . Due to the reduction of IGF-1 during fasting, it has been shown that the IGF-1 binding protein IGFBP-1, which can reduce IGF-1 levels and block the IGF-1 signaling pathway, can increase significantly 11.4 times in 72-h STF .
Also, it has been shown that TRAIL levels in the natural killer cells of fasting mice can be up-regulated by HSP70 expressed on the surface of tumors, where HSP70 is a heat shock protein produced in excess under fasting conditions . TRAIL+ NK cells have been shown to attack transformed cells, including tumor cells.
Mechanisms Rationale Actions And Effects
Until we have studies in humans demonstrating a benefit of intermittent fasting, it’s important to look at how intermittent fasting may affect cancer, or the potential mechanisms. A number have been proposed that may support the role of time-restricted eating/prolonged fasting in either cancer prevention or treatment.
You May Like: Which Form Of Intermittent Fasting Is Best
Can A Combination Of Intermittent Fasting And Exercise Be A Form Of Cancer Prevention
Given the evidence to support both exercise and intermittent fasting as preventive measures against cancer, you might be asking the very important question: Can intermittent fasting and exercise prevent cancer?
And to put it simply, I would respond with a large and resounding yes.
While there are currently no research studies looking at the combined effects of these two super promising preventative measures, it would be safe to assume that when performed together they are likely to have an even better impact than when they are used in isolation.
Does Intermittent Fasting Prevent Cancer
Now for the big one can intermittent fasting help fight against cancer?
The first thing I really want to point out here is at this precise moment in time, we do not have enough human research to draw any definitive conclusions however, we do have some very interesting animal research suggesting that we may be onto something.
And as I mentioned above, it all starts with autophagy .
See, during cellular autophagy, those cells that are most likely to be broken down and replaced with new cells are those that are old, damaged, and becoming increasingly inefficient.
Interestingly, it also these same cells that are more likely to become cancerous.
Through this process, there is reason to believe that Intermittent fasting may hold one of the keys to preventing cancer occurring in the first place.
Recommended Reading: Can Fasting Help You Lose Belly Fat
What You Need To Know About Fasting And Cancer
This page adheres to our medical and editorial policy and guidelines.
People fastabstain from food or drinkfor a variety of reasons. Some fast to prepare for a medical procedure or blood test. Others for religious reasons. And the hottest diet trend these days is intermittent fasting, a weight-loss strategy that focuses more on when you eat rather than what you eat.
You may also have heard that fasting reduces cancer risk or improves your ability to fight it. Could fasting-related changes to your metabolism really make a difference, either by hurting cancer cells or enhancing the effectiveness of cancer-fighting drugs?
While research on the subject is tantalizing, theres little clinical evidence involving humans to substantiate the claims. Studies on the potential impacts on cancer treatment from various forms of fasting or calorie restriction, including the possibility that they reduce side effects, have been limited.
Cancer patients who plan to fast should first consult their oncologist or care team. Fasting may not be appropriate for malnourished individuals or those with cancer cachexia, which results in a continuing loss of skeletal muscle mass, or for people with chronic diseases. Those with diabetes need to be very careful, because of the risk of hypoglycemia, says Carolyn Lammersfeld, Vice President of Integrative Care Services at Cancer Treatment Centers of America® .
For those hungry for more information about fasting and cancer, here are some things to know:
Preventing Headaches When Fasting
Are you now convinced of intermittent fasting’s benefits on cancer? Wait before you go ahead and incorporate this eating pattern into your daily life, here’s a warning.
Fantastic as it is, fasting comes with side effects, and pesky headaches are one of them. But of course, you shouldnt deny yourself from reaping the benefits of intermittent fasting because of headaches.
And besides, there are a couple of ways to prevent them from striking you once youve figured out the reason behind them.
Don’t Miss: What Is Intermittent Fasting Definition
The Top 3 Reasons Fasting Strengthens Your Immune System
#1 The first reason why intermittent fasting is so powerful, is because of the effect it has on your gut.
Yes, you read that right. Your gut – also called your gastrointestinal system. Because 80% of your immune system is located in your gut.
Ill give you an overview of the three primary reasons fasting strengthens your immune system.
Your gut is the main point of contact with the external environment. As such, its overloaded every day with external substances or organisms, sometimes toxic ones. Thus, it has to have the structure to mount a robust immune response to try to keep you healthy.
So, your gut contains an enormous amount of immune cells. As well, the lining of your gastrointestinal tract represents almost 70% of your entire immune system with enough plasma cells to bring the total to about 80% of your overall immune system. The vast majority of the plasma cells reside in your gut lining.
When you eat, the nutrients in your food actually have to be assessed before being passed through this lining. Think of it like getting the stamp of approval from immigration to enter the country. At the same time, your gut barrier has to screen out harmful substances that may damage your health
You can see why its so important to strengthen this system.
#2 The second, related reason why fasting is like rocket fuel for your immune system is this:
#3 The third primary reason is that fasting will improve a critical function in your body called autophagy.
Reverses The Effect Of Chronic Conditions
Chronic conditions such as obesity and type 2 diabetes are risk factors for cancer. Research has demonstrated the link between the two health disorders mentioned earlier and the higher risks of multiple types of cancer and lower survival rates.
In line with this argument, if we could somehow reverse the progression of obesity and type 2 diabetes, we could, in turn, prevent cancer. But how?
Well, through intermittent fasting. A 2014 study on time-restricted found that it protects mice against obesity and metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes.
Therefore, the findings above suggest that fasting may be a probable cure for cancer.
Also Check: How Many Hours Can You Eat During Intermittent Fasting
Fasting Strategies And Clinical Trials
The importance of metabolism in cancer progression indicates that dietary habit is a huge factor in cancer outcomes . Therefore, various fasting techniques have been developed to exploit the nutrient dependency of cancer. Most fasting durations are usually short-termed, ranging from 24 to 72h. The following sections outline the types of fasting strategies and the preliminary observations obtained from ongoing clinical trials.
How Does Dietary Restriction Modulate Autophagy And Cancer Therapy
Although the results of combining IF with anticancer drugs are encouraging, the molecular mechanisms are not completely clear. Lee et al. :1564-72, http://dx.doi.org/10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-09-3228.) demonstrated that IF reduced the glucose and IGF-1 levels by 60% and 70%, respectively, in a breast cancer animal model. In a colon cancer model, IF inhibited tumor growth without causing permanent weight loss and decreased M2 polarization of tumor-associated macrophages in mice. In vitro data showed autophagy induction and CD73 downregulation, followed by a decrease in extracellular adenosine and the inhibition of M2 polarization due to the inactivation of JAK1/STAT3 :74649-60, http://dx.doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.20301.).
Table 1Figure 1
Don’t Miss: What Can You Eat On Intermediate Fasting
Intermittent Fasting And Cancer
The metabolic effects of caloric restriction on cell metabolism may offer an advantage in the prevention and treatment of cancer. A fasting mimicking diet is a high-fat, low-calorie IF method for 5 days every month.20 Some researchers have proposed that fasting or FMDs promote broad variations in growth factors and in metabolite levels, creating environments that can reduce the capability of cancer cells to adapt and survive, thereby improving the outcomes of cancer therapies.20 Data collected from 2,413 women with breast cancer without diabetes demonstrated that overnight fasting for less than 13 hours can have a significant increase in breast cancer recurrence. For every 2-hour increase in fasting duration, there was a significant reduction in hemoglobin A1c.6 In addition, IF is thought to protect normal cells from the toxic effects of chemotherapy and promote cell regeneration in normal tissues. Fasting seems to improve the response to chemotherapy by several mechanisms including the following:21
- Enhances DNA repair in normal cells but not in malignant cells
- Improves autophagy mechanisms as a protection against damage to organelles
- Promotes apoptosis by both increasing tumor cell susceptibility to apoptotic stimuli, and averting apoptosis-mediated damage to normal cells
Metabolic Pathways That Promote Cancer Progression
Homeostasis regulation of insulin and IGF-1 levels activate various pathways to mediate cell proliferation and survival, which can promote cancer cell proliferation and invasion or inhibit apoptosis . Clinical studies have shown that high levels of IGF-1 in the circulation could increase the risk of prostate, breast, and colorectal cancer . In addition, a hyperglycemic diet has been shown to affect the IGF-related pathways and is positively correlated with cancer progression by directly overstimulating insulin production .
Studies have also shown that excessive intake of dietary fat increases the risk of prostate and pancreatic cancer . Large amounts of dietary fat could also increase circulating IGF-1 levels and reduce IGFBP-3 expression, thereby stimulating the IGF signaling cascade. Stimulating the IGF signaling cascade can promote cancer cell survival .
The correlation between vitamin D levels and IGF-1 levels has also been reported . Studies have shown that vitamin D promoted the circulating levels of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 by increasing intestinal calcium absorption, leading to a negative correlation between vitamin D levels and breast cancer risk.
A high-folate diet could also promote breast cancer growth by activating cancer-related genes to promote DNA replication in tumor cells . Excessive intake of vitamin B12 and folic acid could also promote tumor progression .
You May Like: What Can I Have During My Intermittent Fasting
Where Is The Research Heading
Something that I have said several times throughout this article is that more research is needed and fortunately, we are on the right track.
There are currently several studies underway that aim to establish exactly how we can implement intermittent fasting during cancer treatment to improve the results of chemotherapy which may also enhance cancer survival rates.
In conjunction with this, more research on the impact of intermittent fasting on cancer prevention in humans is obviously needed.
Nonetheless, what we can say with certainty is that early signs are extremely positive and that the future is bright when it comes to combining exercise with intermittent fasting to help prevent and treat cancer.
Related Article: Can exercise really prevent cancer?
Is A Fasting Diet Beneficial To Cancer Patients
I read that The Fast Diet can help prevent cancer and also help cancer patients in their recovery. Is this true?”
Studies are being carried out on the 5:2 diet, including with cancer patients, however to date there is no conclusive evidence of the benefits or potential risks. For people having cancer treatment, fasting can put you at risk of not getting enough important nutrients at a time when your body needs plenty of energy, protein, vitamins and minerals to help cope with treatment.
Being a healthy weight is an important factor in preventing a number of cancers. Intermittent fasting can reduce a person’s overall energy intake and so can help some people lose weight. The 5:2 diet involves eating normally for five days of the week and then consuming a strict low energy diet for the remaining two days. It is one of the most common intermittent fasting diets. However, certain groups are advised to avoid this diet, including children, teenagers, diabetics being treated with insulin, and pregnant or breast-feeding women. As the 5:2 diet becomes increasingly popular, more research is expected to appear over coming years.
Recommended Reading: Fasting For Psa Blood Test
