By Gabe Sanders PhD, NSCA-CSCS
The fight against cancer is a relentless experiment in medical science and interestingly, water fasting is being recognized as a potential supportive strategy or add-on approach in the battle against cancer. The practice of fasting, which includes both water-only fasting and fasting-mimicking diets, is reshaping our perspectives on cancer treatment and prevention.
More than just a simple abstinence from food, fasting acts as a deliberate tactical move in the intricate battle against cancer cells. These cells, notorious for their insatiable demand for nutrients, are left at a disadvantage in a fasting state. Fasting induces a metabolic state that impairs cancer cells' ability to adapt and thrive, marked by significant alterations in growth factors and metabolite levels. This unique metabolic milieu not only enhances the efficacy of existing cancer treatments but also plays a protective role for healthy cells.
Fasting differentiates between cancerous and normal cells
One of the remarkable aspects of fasting is potentially its ability to differentiate between cancerous and normal cells. While it sensitizes cancer cells to therapies, it simultaneously increases the resistance of healthy cells to the toxic effects of chemotherapy. This dual action not only targets the cancer cells more effectively but also preserves the quality of life for patients by reducing the debilitating side effects of cancer treatments.
Clinical trials are exploring the potential of combining fasting-mimicking diets with conventional cancer therapies like chemotherapy and immunotherapy. This combination could revolutionize treatment efficacy, prevent resistance acquisition, and reduce side effects. It's a strategy that aligns with our increasing understanding of how dietary and lifestyle factors influence cancer risk. Some cancers, more than others, are influenced by what we eat and how we live, making diet a crucial component in cancer prevention and treatment.
Water fasting induces an unfavorable response to cancer cells
Water fasting and fasting-mimicking diets induce a systemic and cellular response that's particularly unfavorable for cancer cells. By altering hormone and metabolite levels, these dietary approaches create conditions that cancer cells struggle to survive in. They reduce glucose and insulin levels, increase ketone bodies, and alter the activity of growth factors like IGF1, creating an environment that's toxic to cancer cells but protective for normal cells.
In conclusion, fasting, particularly water fasting and fasting-mimicking diets, represents a promising frontier in cancer treatment. By harnessing the body's natural response to fasting, we can target cancer cells more effectively, while protecting healthy cells and improving patient outcomes.
There is ongoing research into the effects of fasting on cancer cells and how it might be used alongside traditional cancer treatments. However, there isn't a universally accepted duration for a water fast that is considered effective for reducing cancer cells. Clinical trials and studies are exploring various fasting durations, ranging from short-term fasts (24-48 hours) to longer periods, as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Article’s Source
Nencioni, A., Caffa, I., Cortellino, S., & Longo, V. D. (2018). Fasting and cancer: molecular mechanisms and clinical application. Nature Reviews Cancer, 18(11), 707-719.
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