What you may have heard
Fasting has been suggested as a beneficial practice for cancer patients, potentially improving the effectiveness of treatments and reducing their adverse effects.
What science tells us
Fasting, including intermittent fasting, involves periods of reduced or no-calorie intake. Emerging evidence indicates that fasting might foster conditions that limit cancer cell growth and enhance the body’s response to cancer treatments. However, we still don’t have a complete understanding of how these interactions work together.
Clinical Evidence
Recent studies and clinical trials have shown that intermittent fasting can lead to:
- increased effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiation;
- reduced side effects, such as fatigue and gastrointestinal issues; and
- improved overall quality of life for patients undergoing cancer treatment.
Laboratory Evidence/Supporting Evidence
- Fasting reduces insulin and IGF-1 levels, which can suppress cancer cell growth and make them more susceptible to treatment.
- Enhanced autophagy, which is the process where cells break down and recycle damaged parts, during fasting helps improve treatment outcomes.
- Fasting can also decrease oxidative stress, which is the damage caused by unstable molecules, and reduce inflammation, potentially slowing cancer progression.
How to reduce your risk
Fasting is not suitable for all cancer patients. Risks include:
- malnutrition, leading to weight loss and slower healing;
- increased fatigue and stress during an already challenging time; and
- potential complications from not receiving adequate nutrients, especially when experiencing side effects like nausea or loss of appetite.
Religious Fasting Considerations
Many religions permit exemptions from fasting if it affects health. Patients should consult with their religious leaders and healthcare providers to find suitable alternatives. Ensure fasting plans are discussed with oncologists and dietitians. Regularly check nutritional status and adjust the fasting regimen as needed to avoid adverse effects.
Bottom line
While fasting shows potential benefits in enhancing cancer treatment, more research is needed to confirm its safety and efficacy. Malnutrition is very common in cancer patients, and eating balanced, small frequent meals is recommended to avoid weight loss and malnutrition. To date, there are no official recommendations to endorse fasting for cancer patients. It is important to have adequate calories, protein, and fluids to support overall health and treatment effectiveness.