The ketogenic diet involves increasing the consumption of fat while reducing carbohydrate consumption to a minimum. The body enters a metabolic condition called ketosis. In this state, glycogen (which is made from carbohydrates sugars) in the body has been depleted. The body then begins to burn fat as a primary fuel source. The body uses ketones as energy.
It has been proven that the ketogenic diet can have many health benefits. These include improving insulin sensitivity, blood sugar control, reducing swelling, and promoting healthy weight. The ketogenic diet may have benefits for people with neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s and epilepsy.
According to new research, the ketogenic diet could be used as a complementary treatment for cancer.
How the Ketogenic diet may help fight cancer
Keto is effective against cancer for several reasons.
By reducing the carbohydrate you consume, you can reduce the glucose that cancer cells have access to. Keto diets can also reduce inflammation by increasing the production of ketones. Cancer development is linked to inflammation.
A Keto diet can also increase the effectiveness of cancer treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy. Keto diets induce oxidative stress in cancer cells, which makes them more susceptible to these treatments.
Cancer patients may also benefit from a Keto diet in terms of their overall health and well-being. It has been proven that the diet reduces side effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatment, including fatigue, nausea and vomiting.
The Keto diet is also helpful for weight loss. This is especially important for cancer patients as obesity increases the risk of certain cancers.
Evidence from Clinical Studies
It is important to remember that research is in its infancy.
Some clinical studies reported positive results while others did not. It is necessary to conduct more research in order to determine whether a ketogenic cancer treatment can be effective.
Several animal studies have shown a ketogenic dietary inhibits tumor cell growth , and improves survival rates.
The limited human trials that have taken place have not proved to be so conclusive. Some research suggests that a ketogenic diet can help to fight cancer cell proliferation, but other studies found that the benefits are not as significant.
The keto diet could also be harmful to cancer patients. The keto diet promotes the consumption of red meat which is linked to certain cancers. The keto diet also limits your intake of fruits and whole grains, which contain antioxidant compounds proven to prevent cancer.
Consult your doctor before trying a ketogenic eating plan for its purported benefits. The ketogenic is not meant to replace conventional cancer treatment. It should be used with other standard treatments under the supervision of a health professional.