#36 - Starving to Live: How to Beat Cancer | Dom D'Agostino
Mar 18, 2020
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Guest Dom D'Agostino, an expert in metabolic therapies, discusses the potential of the ketogenic diet for cancer and epilepsy. They explore Navy SEAL limitations, neuroscientific techniques, and the keto diet's benefits in improving cognitive and physical performance. They also touch on intermittent fasting, high-quality meats, fish varieties, desserts, coffee preferences, and a cognitive enhancing supplement. The effectiveness of the ketogenic diet for epilepsy and cancer treatment, as well as the benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, are also discussed.
Metabolic therapies like the ketogenic diet can effectively treat cancer and epileptic seizures.
Collaborations with the Department of Defense led to Dr. D'Agostino's interest in the ketogenic diet for cancer treatment.
Podcasts like Joe Rogan and Tim Ferriss have helped Dr. D'Agostino reach a wider audience to promote the benefits of the ketogenic diet.
The ketogenic diet, with limited processed carbs and increased healthy fats, is optimal for weight loss and overall health.
Fasting can enhance the effects of cancer treatments and boost the immune system's efficacy.
Deep dives
Importance of the Ketogenic Diet for Cancer and Seizure Treatment
Dr. Dominic D'Agostino discusses his research on metabolic therapies like the ketogenic diet, which can effectively treat many forms of cancer and epileptic seizures. His work focuses on developing and testing these therapies and their potential to improve health outcomes.
Connection Between the Military and Research on Ketogenic Diet
Dr. D'Agostino explains how his research on oxygen toxicity seizures and metabolic therapies led to collaborations with the Department of Defense. He discusses the use of hyperbaric chambers and how it sparked his interest in the ketogenic diet and hyperbaric oxygen therapy for cancer treatment.
The Role of Podcasts in Spreading Awareness of the Ketogenic Diet
Dr. D'Agostino describes how his research and TEDx talk on the ketogenic diet gained exposure through smaller podcasts and eventually led to appearances on popular shows like Joe Rogan and Tim Ferriss. He reflects on the impact of these podcasts in reaching a wider audience and promoting the benefits of the ketogenic diet.
Exploring the Origins and Optimal Diet for the Average Person
Dr. D'Agostino discusses the origins of the ketogenic diet and its potential as an optimal diet for weight loss and overall health. He emphasizes the importance of limiting processed carbohydrates and sugars while increasing the intake of protein and healthy fats, like fatty cuts of meat and fatty fish. Additionally, he highlights the benefits of intermittent fasting and incorporating organ meats into the diet.
The Benefits of Fasting in Cancer Treatment
Fasting can enhance the effects of chemotherapy and radiation by weakening the antioxidant defenses of tumors and lowering glucose availability. This can make the tumor more vulnerable to cancer-killing modalities that rely on oxidative stress. Fasting can also rejuvenate the immune system and enhance the efficacy of immune-based therapies. Patients with cancer can participate in clinical trials that study the effects of fasting in combination with standard treatments.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Cancer Treatment
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which increases the oxygen levels in tissues, can be used in combination with radiation and chemotherapy to enhance their efficacy. By hyperoxygenating a tumor, its vulnerability to these treatments increases, as the killing effects depend on the presence of molecular oxygen inside the tumor. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can also reverse tumor hypoxia and improve wound healing in diabetic and chronic wounds.
Strength Training and Fasting's Anti-Aging Effects
Strength training is considered an anti-aging therapy and has psychological benefits. Fasting, when combined with resistance training, may enhance muscle activation, leading to improved performance during exercises like pull-ups and deadlifts. Fasting also stimulates autophagy and can enhance the immune system's ability to combat viruses and bacteria. It is recommended for individuals with hereditary predispositions to diseases like cancer, Alzheimer's, and type 2 diabetes to practice fasting.
Importance of a Balanced Approach to Diet and Advocating for Realistic Expectations
It is crucial to avoid sensationalizing scientific results or overselling diets, especially in the context of cancer and rare disorders. While the ketogenic (QJank) diet has shown promise as a medical therapy for epilepsy and can be modified for improved health, it may not be optimal or suitable for everyone. The focus should be on minimizing processed carbohydrates and sugar, as they have become predominant sources of calories in our diets. Government policies should prioritize subsidizing vegetable growers and supporting smaller farms to promote healthier and more sustainable food choices.
The Relationship Between Diet, Immune System, and Overall Health
Nutrition plays a crucial role in supporting the immune system and overall health. Intermittent fasting, low-carb diets, and ketogenic diets can enhance immune system vigilance and better equip the body to fight against viruses, like the coronavirus. Psychological stress can compromise the immune system, highlighting the importance of managing mental health and engaging in activities that promote relaxation and well-being. Sleep is also found to be a vital factor in maintaining a strong immune system. While hyperbaric oxygen therapy shows potential benefits for certain conditions, more research is needed to explore its applications fully, particularly in traumatic brain injury and stroke recovery.
Dominic D'Agostino is an associate professor in the department of molecular pharmacology & physiology at the University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, and a senior research scientist at the institute of human and machine cognition. Dom's primary focus is developing and testing metabolic therapies like the ketogenic diet, which can effectively treat many forms of cancer and epileptic seizures. In addition to being one of the smartest people I know, he is also one of the strongest. Dr. D'Agostino has deadlifted 500 LBS for 10 reps immediately after a 7 day fast, as weight training & fitness have always been a big part of his life. Much of his research has been funded by the department of defense, the office of naval research, and many other private organizations.
