Diet That May Help Combat Cancer Unveiled by Longevity Doctor

A prominent doctor specializing in longevity has shared insights on a diet that he believes could not only help treat cancer but also potentially prevent it from developing initially.

Research suggests that significant calorie restrictions—specifically, consuming less than 800 calories a day—might starve cancer cells of necessary nutrients, which could stop their growth. However, adhering to such extreme restrictions has proven challenging for even the most committed individuals, and unintended health issues like muscle loss and infertility could arise.

Dr. Valter Longo, who heads the Longevity Institute at the University of Southern California, has created a diet that ‘mimics’ fasting. This method tricks the body into thinking it is fasting while still permitting food intake.

The fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) primarily includes plant-based foods that are low in protein and sugar, but high in healthy fats. Think avocados, fatty fish such as salmon and tuna, olive oil, eggs, seeds, and nuts.

Dr. Longo suggests engaging in an FMD cycle anywhere from once a month to once every few months. This approach could weaken and render cancer cells more susceptible, enhancing the effectiveness of treatments.

Dr. Longo elaborates that this diet creates biological changes similar to fasting on water alone.

Nevertheless, experts advise that FMDs should only be implemented under the guidance of oncology dietitians. They caution that these diets are not a guaranteed cancer cure. Dr. Longo remarked, “While we’ve found you can’t simply starve cancer away, fasting-mimicking diets can weaken cancer cells, making appropriate therapies more successful.”

He believes this dietary approach offers a fresh perspective, as it helps prevent cancer cells from adapting and resisting treatment.

For food inspiration, his website features recipes like anchovies with endive, stuffed artichokes, chickpeas with walnuts, and various fish dishes.

In his book on the subject, Dr. Longo presents findings from studies on extreme calorie-restricted diets conducted with animals and humans, indicating that chronic calorie restriction may help in cancer prevention for various types.

However, he points out that such diets can be difficult to follow and may lead to significant weight and muscle loss, making them impractical for many individuals.

He also notes that dietary restrictions influencing growth genes could potentially prevent many types of cancer. Yet, these strategies can’t revolve around chronic calorie restriction, as they need to be manageable and minimize side effects.

Alison Tierney, a certified oncology dietitian and cancer survivor, mentioned the increasing scientific support for FMDs, particularly in cancer contexts, as they stimulate metabolic reactions akin to fasting while still allowing for some caloric intake.

She emphasizes the importance of close collaboration between patients and their oncology teams when considering a fasting protocol, carefully assessing medical history and nutritional status. Continual monitoring is crucial to ensure that the fasting approach supports healing rather than hinders it.

She did highlight that while fasting can be beneficial in certain scenarios, it must be executed safely and tailored to the individual. Tierney warns that calorie restriction during cancer treatment can carry risks, including malnutrition and weakened immune response, particularly when the body is under stress.

Dr. Longo promotes a regimen of eating for 11 to 12 hours and fasting for 12 to 13 hours, which is a bit less restrictive compared to traditional intermittent fasting patterns. Additionally, his research has uncovered ways to combine standard treatments with the FMD tailored to a patient’s unique cellular requirements.

While healthy cells can function with lower sugar levels, cancer cells often depend on higher levels, illustrating how diet intersects with biology and cancer care. Dr. Longo advocates for a more integrated approach that encompasses both conventional oncology and nutritional strategies.

He argues for a shift in perspective on nutrition from being merely supportive to being regarded as a vital player in influential therapeutic strategies.

Fasting and FMD are often dismissed as supplementary treatments, akin to mere discussions on “fruits and vegetables.” According to Tierney, nutrition should enhance healing capabilities, not hinder them.

Research indicates that the combination of an FMD with chemotherapy could render treatments more effective, particularly in cases like breast cancer. In contrast, findings on colon cancer revealed that standalone fasting didn’t hamper cancer cells when combined with certain chemotherapy drugs, but FMD improved efficacy when used alongside more targeted therapies.

This body of research underscores Dr. Longo’s assertion that a customized FMD should be developed, with careful consideration given to caloric intake, food selection, and the frequency of cycles, all influencing the anti-cancer outcome.

Ultimately, Tierney believes solid nutrition serves as a powerful ally in the quest against cancer.

The Fasting-Mimicking Diet

• Includes foods low in protein and sugar, rich in healthy fats like avocados, salmon, and nuts.
• Lasts from four to seven days, repeatable as needed.
• Involves eating for 11 to 12 hours daily while fasting for 12 to 13 hours at night.
• Can be practiced once monthly or every few months.
• Typically low in calories, protein, and sugar, but high in healthy fats.
• Recipe examples: anchovies with endive, stuffed artichokes, hummus, octopus.