Glucose restriction to starve cancer - an update

My two cents:  Based on all I have read and learned, the sugar/glucose connection to cancer is simply based upon controlling blood glucose spikes in the blood, which result in the body releasing insulin to control these spikes.  Insulin contains IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor), which causes increased growth in cells in the body, both good (normal) and bad (cancerous).  

IMO it's not about doing away with all sugars entirely, it's about controlling blood glucose spikes.  Among other things, this can be done by adding fiber, healthy fats and protein (which all slow digestion), eating more smaller meals, and exercising regularly.  

I have to read up on this.  My curiousity is does sugar spike play a role in recurrence when no cancer is present?  I have a very serious sugar addiction, I've had it since I was a child, kicked it for a few years and then one tootsie roll and it was all over.  Similar to alcohol, the more you have, the more you want.  I am NED and I want to stay that way so beating my addiction has become a priority although I have not researched enough.  My doctor says sugar is not a concern but I'm not sure I agree.   I would hate to flip that one cell that encourages the others to start flipping as well all because of sugar.

Helen321 said:

I have to read up on this.

I have to read up on this.  My curiousity is does sugar spike play a role in recurrence when no cancer is present?  I have a very serious sugar addiction, I've had it since I was a child, kicked it for a few years and then one tootsie roll and it was all over.  Similar to alcohol, the more you have, the more you want.  I am NED and I want to stay that way so beating my addiction has become a priority although I have not researched enough.  My doctor says sugar is not a concern but I'm not sure I agree.   I would hate to flip that one cell that encourages the others to start flipping as well all because of sugar.

I'm sure we could all benefit from eating a little healthier; it's probably a given that most of us eat more sugar than we need to.  That said, I haven't heard any evidence that sugar can actually cause cancer to appear in an otherwise healthy person.  But Helen, that's a great question...I have no idea if, or to what extent, insulin/IGF-1 spikes are detrimental for folks that are NED or in remission from cancer but may well have microscopic cancer cells in their body still.  

...out of everything: your own fat, your own muscles, whole wheat, meat, vegetables, everything. If you don't supply it, it will turn whatever into glucose, which is the fuel of every cell in the world. Having said that, we eat way too much carbs.

Laz

...for sharing this... There's never too much information, it's nice to see links like this on the site.

Kevin

peterz54 said:

you're welcome

I hope I did not give the impression that I though that glucose control or fasting were magic bullets.  Trials are moving a lot slower than I would prefer, which is usually the case unless it's a drug with multi-billion dollar potential, such as Avastin.    There have been trials that point to a number of lifestyle changes as being beneficial, maybe at least as much as indvidual chemo drugs, these being exercise, a good diet, sleep, and stress control, all of which are vital.  

It's also been shown, in a lung cancer trial I believe, that having a good medical team which addresses symtoms/side effects immediately as they arise also makes a large difference.  

Of course, in all of this is patient participation assuming he or she is well enough or has a loved one who can help guide the process beyond blind obedience to whatever the oncologist directs, which in my experience falls woefully short.     

peter

You've always posted informative, scientific-based topics and links.  I myself have found the lifestyle change articles to be persuasive (plus what's the harm in trying to live a more healthful life?).  In fact, I recently took early retirement (I'm lucky to be able to do that) so I could focus on health, diet, exercise and decreased stress.  I hope you have found some peace.   

tanstaafl said:

asa?

Great to see you Tony.  So one might infer 81 mg aspirin + ketogenic diet as a possible improvement for patients with PI3K overexpressed?

(81 mg is 1/4 of standard 325 mg aspirin tablet in the US)

All the glucose and ketogenic diets is stuff Pete is doing or has done and didn't seem to make any difference.   His CEA is way way higher then mine(his is 44 mine is 8.1) and he is having side effects from the ketogenic diet. 

A lot of hassle for little if any benefits. 

All though a little sugar cut back never hurt anyone, it isn't something I'm going to go crazy over.

Winter Marie

manwithnoname said:

Interesting read

she is one of the pioneers, the tide is slowly turning and hopefully one day oncologists will do nutrition as well as chemicals, still as I pointed out above genetic testing for Pi3k mutation seems essential to see who this will benefit (or not).

We have just done 3 months Hyperbaric, the head doctor wanted ketogenic diet with it, we said absolutley not, sugar was limited though, multiple tumours have shrank against all expectation, just started another 3 months Hyperbaric.

 

very glad to hear that you guys have gotten some positive results.