When it comes to cancer treatments, not all are effective. But there is a new cost-free, side effects-free option that is gaining popularity. It's the ketogenic diet and health experts say it may be the ticket to managing – and even beating – cancer.
Ketogenic Diet Facts
The ketogenic diet involves cutting our carbohydrates – starting with sugar. This is because cancer cells crave glucose, which carbohydrates convert to in the body. All cells need glucose. But when they're deprived of glucose, they have to rely on ketone bodies as an alternative form of fuel. Cancer cells are different. A defect means they can only be fuelled by glucose. With this in mind, people on a ketogenic diet eat a high-protein, high-fat and low or no-carbohydrate diet. This deprives the cancer cells of glucose and – according to diet advocates – kills them.
Anecdotal Evidence
Dr Fred Hatfield recently told CBN that he fought cancer by following the ketogenic diet. He's been cancer free for over a year and attributes it to his diet. "I've been in correspondence with a number of people," Dr Hatfield said. "At least a dozen over the last year-and-a-half to two years, and all of them are still alive, despite the odds. So this is very encouraging." He says normal cells have a metabolic flexibility, so they can easily switch from glucose to ketone bodies. But since cancer cells lack the same flexibility, "we can exploit that".
Going Ketogenic
When following a ketogenic diet, it's important to eat only natural proteins and fats. Processed meats are out, while avocado, nuts and olive oil are given the tick. This may alarm some people, who worry about the impact of oils and fats on heart health. But more cardiologists now agree that such foods don't harm the heart. Instead, they say processed foods, trans fats (such as margarine) and carbohydrates are the culprits. Interested in trying the ketogenic diet? Consult your health professional, naturopath, nutritionist or dietitian.
Originally published on Dec 23, 2013
