What you may have heard
Ketogenic diets (KD), which are high in fats and low in carbohydrates, can improve cancer treatment outcomes.
What science tells us
A ketogenic diet produces ketone bodies from fats, reducing glucose and insulin levels. This might help stop cancer cells from growing and promote their death through processes like ferroptosis (a type of cell death caused by an accumulation of iron and harmful molecules that damage the cell’s membrane).
Epidemiological Evidence
Studies suggest that ketogenic diets may slow tumor growth in certain cancers by increasing cell damage and inducing cell death. They may also enhance the effectiveness of treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings for different types of cancer and patients.
Laboratory Evidence/Supporting Evidence
Research on mice and small human trials have shown that ketogenic diets can reduce insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels, which are associated with cancer cell growth. Additionally, ketogenic diets cause cancer cells to die.
However, ketogenic diets can also lead to issues like a reduction in NADPH, which weakens cell protection, and a deficiency in corticosterone, a hormone important for stress and inflammation control. These issues may worsen wasting syndrome in cancer patients.
How to reduce your risk
While ketogenic diets may offer potential benefits, they also pose significant risks. Cancer patients are already at high risk for malnutrition, and a ketogenic diet can exacerbate this, leading to weight loss, fatigue, and slower healing. The restrictive nature of ketogenic diets can make it challenging to obtain necessary nutrients, especially for patients experiencing treatment side effects like nausea and vomiting. It is crucial to maintain a balanced diet and seek advice from healthcare providers before considering a ketogenic diet. Some tips to reduce your risk follow.
- Avoid drastic dietary changes without consulting your doctor.
- Focus on balanced, small, frequent meals to avoid weight loss and malnutrition.
- Ensure adequate intake of calories, protein, and fluids.
- Limit intake of keto-friendly foods that might increase cancer risk, such as red meat.
Bottom line
While emerging evidence suggests that ketogenic diets might enhance cancer treatment by inducing mechanisms like ferroptosis and reducing insulin levels, these diets also pose significant risks such as malnutrition and long-term adverse effects. More research is needed to confirm the safety and effectiveness of ketogenic diets in cancer treatment. Until then, plant-based diets, which are associated with reduced cancer risk and improved overall health, remain the preferred dietary approach. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any significant dietary changes, especially during cancer treatment.