The Dr. Hyman Show

Why Fasting And The Ketogenic Diet Can Help With Cancer Treatment and Prevention

May 21, 2021
Patrick Hanaway, a board-certified family physician and Chief Medical Education Officer at the Institute for Functional Medicine, shares his insights on using the ketogenic diet and fasting in cancer treatment. He emphasizes how insulin acts as a growth factor for cancer cells and how dietary changes can mitigate this risk. Hanaway discusses personal experiences managing stage IV cancer, highlighting the positive effects of fasting and dietary adjustments during chemotherapy. The conversation also touches on holistic practices that enhance immune health and support cancer prevention.
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INSIGHT

Insulin's Role in Cancer

  • Insulin, a nutrient sensor and growth factor, signals nutrient availability to the body, promoting cell growth.
  • Excess insulin, often caused by diets high in refined carbohydrates and sugar, can fuel cancer cell growth.
ADVICE

Lowering Insulin Levels

  • Reduce insulin signaling by eliminating hyper-processed foods, especially sugar, which amplify insulin response.
  • Incorporate intermittent fasting to lower insulin levels by reducing nutrient availability.
INSIGHT

Fasting, Keto, and Autophagy

  • Both fasting and ketogenic diets aim to lower insulin levels, potentially inhibiting cancer growth.
  • Fasting activates autophagy, a cellular cleaning process that breaks down old cell components and supports regeneration.
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