Diet Mimicking Fasting Could Fight Cancer
A novel diet plan is emerging as a possible weapon against cancer, potentially hindering its growth. This approach, championed by a leading longevity expert, seeks to replicate the beneficial effects of fasting while still providing nourishment. The goal is to starve cancer cells and make treatments more effective.
The Fasting-Mimicking Diet Unveiled
Dr. Valter Longo, director of the Longevity Institute at the University of Southern California, has designed a diet that mimics the effects of fasting. This fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) focuses on plant-based foods, low protein, and low sugar. It is rich in healthy, unsaturated fats like avocados and olive oil. Dr. Longo recommends following an FMD cycle once a month or every three to four months.
This strategy tricks the body, making cancer cells vulnerable and improving treatment efficacy. According to Dr. Longo, the FMD stimulates changes equivalent to those of water-only fasting. Some dishes include anchovies with endive, stuffed artichokes, and hummus.
Expert Cautions and Benefits
Experts advise that FMDs should only be conducted under the careful supervision of oncology dietitians. This approach helps avoid possible complications. Dr. Longo believes that, "the ability to block cancer cells from rewiring and escaping the toxicity of the treatment is what makes the fasting-mimicking diet a very promising wild-card therapy."
“While we have learned that you cannot starve cancer with fasting alone… you can use fasting-mimicking diets to make the cancer cells so weak or desperate that the right therapy will kill them,”
—Dr. Longo, Director of the Longevity Institute at the University of Southern California
Personalized Approach to Cancer Treatment
Dr. Longo advocates eating for eleven to twelve hours a day and fasting for twelve to thirteen hours at night. This contrasts with the more restrictive intermittent fasting approach. His research suggests a combined approach, using standard therapies alongside the FMD, can fight cancer by targeting the unique requirements of cells. The idea is to starve cancer cells, which rely on high sugar levels, while sparing healthy cells.
Dietitian’s Perspective
Alison Tierney, a board-certified oncology dietitian, highlighted the importance of personalized approaches, especially in the context of cancer. She suggests that the FMD can be a beneficial tool for prevention or treatment, but it is not a universal remedy.
One study showed that an FMD in combination with chemotherapy activated immune cells, which killed cancer cells. With colon cancer, the FMD increased drug efficacy when used with targeted cancer drugs. Research indicates that patients require a personalized FMD, where the diet’s calories, ingredients, and frequency are carefully designed and monitored for the best anti-cancer effects, particularly when combined with medications. As of 2024, the American Cancer Society estimates there will be 2 million new cancer cases diagnosed in the United States (American Cancer Society).
Future Outlook
The potential of fasting-mimicking diets as a cancer treatment continues to be researched, with a focus on the personalized approach. This approach combines the FMD with traditional treatments to boost their effectiveness. This holistic method hopes to improve cancer treatment outcomes.
