Clinical Trials - Fasting Mimicking diet for Cancer Patients

peterz54

There is promising work in early stages of clinical trials which uses various forms of short term fasting (or fasting mimicking diet) to strengthen the bodies normal cellular response while tamping down the cellular signals which can speed cancer growth. One researcher working in this area is Valter Longo. Here is a link to a short video where he discusses this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23tcu7q0DBU

Even if one doesn't fast, it seems to be a good idea (based on the science) to stay away from simple carbs and anything that overstimulates glucose which in turn stimulates insulin and increases potential for tumor growth.  High protein isn't a good idea either (IGF-1 pathway).

The fasting mimicking diet is a combination of very low calories (<1000 per day) for a total of 4 to 5 days starting at about 3 days prior to chemo.   The food is made up of primarily quality vegetables (no fruit due to sugar) and a small of amount of quality fats/protein like walnuts.  

Prof Thomas Seyfried is also involved in similar research and worked with a number of oncologist in small studies or clinical settings showing the positive effects of limiting glucose for short periods.  Dr Seyfried's thesis is primarily that glucose feeds cancer directly - it is true that many, but not all, types of cancer are glycolytic, taking up glucose at a much higher rate than most normal cells.

Peter