Episode 16: Cancer as a Mitochondrial Metabolic Disease & The Calorie-Restricted Ketogenic Diet
Aug 1, 2016
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Dr. Seyfried's research suggests that cancer is a disruption of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, not a genetic disease. Transitioning cells to ketones, targeting glucose and glutamine, and using hyperbaric oxygen therapy are potential strategies to combat cancer. The podcast also explores the use of the calorie-restricted ketogenic diet as a therapeutic approach, the potential use of D beta hydroxybutyrate as a ketone therapy, and the role of diet and nutrition in cancer prevention.
Cancer is a mitochondrial metabolic disease linked to disrupted oxidative phosphorylation, rather than solely a genetic disease.
Targeting the fuels used by cancer cells, such as glucose and glutamine, can impede their growth and proliferation.
Transitions towards a calorie-restricted ketogenic diet and the use of ketones as an alternative fuel source can effectively manage cancer and improve therapeutic outcomes.
Deep dives
The Origin of Cancer: Disruption of Oxidative Phosphorylation
Cancer originates from the disruption of oxidative phosphorylation, primarily in the mitochondria of cells. This organelle, which evolved as a symbiotic interaction, becomes dysfunctional during cancer formation, leading the cell to rely on ancient glycolytic pathways for survival and proliferation. By targeting the fuels used by cancer cells, such as fermentable fuels, it is possible to impede their growth and shut down the problem.
Cancer as a Metabolic Disease, Not Simply a Genetic Disease
Contrary to popular belief, cancer is viewed as a mitochondrial metabolic disease rather than solely a genetic disease. Though somatic mutations in the nucleus may be present in cancer cells, they are downstream epiphenomena resulting from reactive oxygen species caused by damage to respiration. Focusing solely on genetic mutations and nuclear-centered therapies has limited progress in managing cancer. The real problem lies in understanding and targeting the abnormal energy metabolism of cancer cells.
Glucose and the Role of Fermentation in Tumor Growth
Glucose plays a significant role in driving tumor growth, as evidenced by increased glucose transporters and lactic acid production in tumors. This creates an environment conducive to glycolytic fermentation and further fueling the growth of tumor cells. By understanding this reliance on glucose and inhibiting the availability of fermentable fuels, such as through the use of ketones, it is possible to impede the proliferation of tumor cells and reduce their growth potential.
Transitioning the body from glucose to ketones as an alternative fuel
To manage cancer, it is crucial to transition the body away from glucose as a fuel source and towards ketones. Ketones serve as an alternative to glucose, and by transitioning the body to ketones, tumor cells are put under pressure since they rely heavily on glucose. Additionally, some tumor cells, especially immune cells like macrophages, utilize glutamine as a fuel source. Thus, targeting both glucose and glutamine simultaneously is essential in managing cancer.
Calorie restriction and the duration of the ketogenic diet
Calorie restriction plays a crucial role in the therapeutic action of the ketogenic diet. By lowering blood sugar and elevating blood ketones, calorie restriction enhances the efficacy of the diet. However, it is important to strike a balance and avoid excessive fat intake, as it can lead to dyslipidemia and insulin insensitivity. Additionally, stress management is emphasized as a critical component to support the therapeutic benefits of the ketogenic diet. While the duration of the ketogenic diet varies for each patient, the goal is to streamline a comprehensive cocktail therapy that resolves the disease efficiently and guarantees a longer resolution with a higher quality of life.
Dr. Seyfried has dedicated his career to changing the way we think about- and therefore treat- cancer. Going back to Otto Warburg and others, couple with newer research Tom and his colleagues are actively conducting, it’s clear that the origin of cancer is in a fundamental disruption of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. Cancer is not, as is commonly thought, a genetic disease. While somatic genetic mutations abound, their origin is from a proliferation of reactive oxygen species generated by damaged mitochondrial cellular respiration. The triggering agents for cancer are anything that disrupts mitochondrial energy metabolism, from chemicals and xrays, to viruses, diet (including GMOs) and lifestyle habits. Switching primary fuel sources from glucose to ketones by using the calorie-restricted ketogenic diet (RKD), we start to shut down the energy supply to cancer cells and reverse the trajectory of the disease.
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