Starve Cancer

Can we eat to starve cancer?

Cancer is a disease that affects millions of people globally, and it’s characterised by uncontrolled growth and the spread of abnormal cells. While conventional treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery play a crucial role in managing fast-dividing cancer cells, many people are turning to integrative therapies to help manage the disease. 

One of the hot topics in cancer right now is the concept of starving and weakening cancer through several different means. Jane McClellands book “How To Starve Cancer ” has been at the forefront of the crusade to search for other ways to manage cancer.

The idea of “starving” cancer through diet, supplementation and medication is based on the theory that limiting the nutrients cancer cells need to grow can slow down or stop the progression of the disease. In this blog post, we’ll explore the theory behind starving cancer, ways that are said to be effective, and outline the best diet to follow for people looking to use nutrition as a tool in their cancer management.

Starve cancer diet

Cancer cells need a constant supply of nutrients to grow and multiply. The cancer cell will use glucose, glutamine and fatty acids to fuel its growth. Many people would be familiar with glucose, or sugar, feeding cancer. This is true, however, there is much research now in regard to the other nutrients cancer requires in order to grow. The Warburg effect, first described by Otto Warburg in the 1920s, is a phenomenon in which cancer cells primarily produce energy through aerobic glycolysis, even in the presence of oxygen. This means that cancer cells consume large amounts of glucose to produce energy, leading to high levels of glucose uptake in cancer cells compared to normal cells.

This theory is demonstrated when a person has a PET Scan. The dye injection that is injected in is a glucose substance with a positron-emitting substance that will light up and show how active the cancer is, i.e., how much sugar the cancer cell is taking in for fuel.

Cancer cells require a lot of glucose

Research has shown that the faster a tumour grows, the more aggressive it is. There are particular quirks that the cancer cell has that normal cells do not. Cancer cells ferment glucose in their cytoplasm (the jelly of the cell). Normal cells produce energy through the mitochondria. Cancer cells require a lot of glucose to produce just a small amount of energy compared to the normal cell. The mitochondria (little powerhouses of the cell) have been shown to look and behave in a dysfunctional way in the cancer cell. In a nutshell, cancer cells require a lot of energy to grow and stopping the fuel lines could be a novel target.

The theory behind starving cancer

The theory behind starving cancer is that by reducing the amount of nutrients available to cancer cells, we could slow down disease progression by reducing nutrients and weakening the cancer so it could be easier to kill with conventional therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation. Taking only glucose away does not do a complete job as cancer is ‘metabolically flexible’, meaning it can switch its fuel source to use glutamine or fatty acids instead. There is much research available now supporting the use of certain pharmaceuticals to block the main nutrition supplies to cancer. Some cancers use fuel differently and may have a preference for one in particular.

Foods that are said to starve cancer cells

Implementing a low methionine diet can assist in reducing the way cancer builds itself – refer here to theory behind a low methionine diet. This diet can work well alongside standard-of-care therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation. The ketogenic diet can be successfully applied to certain types of cancer, but may fuel others. It is important to work with a qualified health practitioner familiar with metabolic blocking.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to what foods can help starve cancer, as everyone’s body is unique, and different types of cancer respond differently to other diets. However, certain foods have been more effective in reducing the progression of cancer. Here is a list of some of the most commonly recommended foods to add to the diet if you are looking for ideas.

Cruciferous Vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower and brussel sprouts contain compounds that can help reduce the amount of estrogen in the body. Estrogen may assist in the growth of some cancers.

Fresh Herbs and Spices: These contain active properties that can positively affect the body. Turmeric, for example, is a great anti-inflammatory. Pepper can be added to help the absorption and activity of Turmeric.

Berries: Berries, such as raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries, are high in antioxidants, which help to prevent oxidative damage in cells, and are also low in carbohydrates and low GI, meaning their energy is released slowly to the body.

Nuts and seeds: Nuts and seeds, such as almonds, walnuts, and flax seeds, are high in healthy fats and fibre and are a good source of protein. If a person is looking to reduce methionine, then macadamia nuts are the best choice. All nuts should be soaked and activated. 

Fatty fish: Fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines, are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties and can help to reduce oxidative damage in cells. Fish Oil high in EPA and DHA can reduce inflammation which can be a big problem in cancer. 

Best diet to starve cancer cells

The best diet to help manage cancer is low in sugar, methionine and low GI. It would be impossible to starve all pathways to cancer without starving yourself, and this is where the concept of adding in medications and supplements that can block the fuel lines to cancer.

There are other lifestyle changes that you can make to help starve cancer. These include:

Exercising after meals: This helps the body pull glucose into muscles and away from the bloodstream.

Managing stress: Stress has been linked to increased glucose levels in the body. High-stress hormones create a ‘fight or flight’ scenario. The body will dump glucose into the bloodstream when these hormones are activated. There is much research on the stress hormone cortisol and its link to cancer and its progression. So it is essential to manage stress to help prevent cancer.

While there is no cure for cancer, there is evidence that holistically addressing cancer can play a role in preventing and managing the disease. By following certain eating plans that reduce the fuel supply to cancer, exercising regularly, and managing stress, you may be able to help make the body hostile to cancer growth

If you are concerned about cancer, you must talk to your doctor to get the best advice and treatment plan for your needs.