High protein low carb diets can help kill cancer cells

[oldiesman]

Dear Folks,

The discussion about the positive effects of Ozempic got me to thinking about this topic.   What is your opinion?   The general idea is that cancers are largely caused by parasites in the body that feed on glucose and these parasites can be starved with the proper diet.  Below is data from AI:

AI Overview

 

There's growing interest and research around the potential link between low-carbohydrate, high-protein diets and cancer treatment and prevention

. The underlying idea is that many cancer cells rely heavily on glucose (a type of carbohydrate) for energy and growth, a phenomenon called the Warburg effect. 

Here's a breakdown of the key points:

• Glucose Deprivation: By drastically reducing carbohydrate intake (as in a ketogenic diet), the body shifts from using glucose to burning fat for energy, producing ketone bodies. This can create a metabolically unfavorable environment for cancer cells, potentially hindering their growth and survival.
• Insulin and IGF-1 Reduction: High carbohydrate intake can lead to elevated blood glucose, which in turn increases insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) levels. High levels of these hormones have been associated with promoting tumor cell proliferation. Low-carb diets aim to normalize these levels, potentially reducing cancer risk and slowing tumor growth.
• Ketone Bodies and Cancer Metabolism: Some research suggests that many cancer cells, unlike normal cells, may not be able to effectively utilize ketone bodies for energy. This could give healthy cells a metabolic advantage while simultaneously starving cancer cells.
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• Evidence from Research:
  • Preclinical studies (in vitro and animal models): Have shown promise, demonstrating that low-carb and ketogenic diets can slow tumor growth, reduce tumor incidence, and potentially enhance the effects of chemotherapy and radiation.
  • Clinical Trials: Limited human clinical trials, mostly small and non-randomized, suggest that low-carb diets may be safe and feasible for cancer patients, potentially showing some benefits like reduced tumor size or improved treatment response. For example, one trial found that breast cancer patients on a ketogenic diet showed a better response to chemotherapy. However, larger, well-designed trials are needed to draw definitive conclusions.
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• Important Considerations:
  • Metabolic Flexibility: Some cancer cells have shown the ability to adapt and utilize other energy sources when glucose is restricted.
  • Potential Side Effects: Some studies suggest that ketogenic diets could potentially increase the risk of tumor metastasis in some cases, highlighting the need for further research on the potential risks and benefits in humans.
  • Individualized Approach: The effectiveness of a low-carbohydrate diet may vary depending on the type of cancer and individual metabolic characteristics.
  • Professional Guidance: Anyone considering adopting a low-carbohydrate or ketogenic diet for cancer treatment should consult with their oncologist and a registered dietitian nutritionist to ensure it's appropriate and safe for their specific situation. 

Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making any decisions about your health or treatment.

 

 

[Rocky]

I'm leery of AI generated answers because we generally don't know how broadly the particular model has been "taught." 

In this case, it occurs to me that the scenario presented by the AI seems to make inferences about why/how low-carb diets may work to minimize cancer risks.

There MAY be other mechanisms at work to cause the effect in the scenario. For example, I've gotten info from VA dietitians that suggests it's not just a matter of ketogenic diets. Rather over the course of more than two decades, they've advocated eating fruits and veggies which may not necessarily be strictly low-carb. 

However, it's worth doing more research and I hope there are people exploring these questions.

Thanks Oldiesman for your post.