A low calorie diet has been credited with shrinking tumors – twice as much as chemotherapy alone, according to scientists. Reducing caloric intake in a carefully controlled diet is believed to affect and boost the chemotherapy effects, for those who want to receive it – according to studies by American and French researchers.
The scientists believe that this occurs because of the fasting effect on the body and how it weakens tumor cells whilst boosting the presence of T cells that can kill cancerous cells.
Clinical trials are currently being planned, and if successful, this could provide the patients with a much improved chance of surviving life-threatening cancers.
In The Daily Mail it has been reported that within separate studies published in the journal Cancer Cell, that scientists discovered the effects of dieting in mice with tumors while taking medication. The US study published by the University of Southern California conducted tests on subjects fed a low sugar, low protein and a high fat, low calorie diet while being given chemotherapy drugs or none at all.
After a half dozen weeks the test subjects put on a special diet and given medication to help shrink tumors. They were found to have decreased in size to about half the size of the tumors in the test subjects that were only given chemotherapy. One of the research scientists involved in the study believed that fasting led to lower levels of oxygenase, a protein normally occurring at high levels within cancer cells.
As the oxygenase levels fell, the researchers discovered that the T-cells that attack tumor cells began to flourish and this reduced tumor size while helping to eliminate the disease. One of the research scientists involved in the study has hinted that it’s possible that fasting may have been successfully used by ancestors long ago to revitalise the immune system and prevent cancerous cells from spreading.
By limiting calories and sugar, as studies indicate, it’s possible to reduce cancerous tumors and achieve better health in the long term. This is especially beneficial when following a ketogenic diet that is high-fat, contains adequate protein and is low in carbohydrates.
Avoiding starchy carbohydrates and refined sugars is highly recommended as it’s these foods that can spike blood sugar and insulin levels, effectively feeding cancerous cells. Eliminating starchy carbs in the form of breads, cereals, pasta and whole grains along with all junk and processed food is essential.
Worried about what to eat instead? Try these foods instead: Dark skinned berries and fruits, dark leafy green vegetables, sprouted oats, legumes, nuts and seeds. Drinking at least 8 glasses of water is also essential to stay hydrated and to keep the body healthy.
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