2024-02-09 20:00:00
The idea that fasting might be a miracle cure for cancer has been widely promoted by controversial figures and has sparked growing public interest. This notion is based on preliminary scientific research on the potential beneficial effects of fasting, but which has never provided any proof to resolve this thorny debate. In the absence of consensus, conflicting information spreads. Here’s what the studies really say regarding it.
Fasting, an age-old practice embedded in various cultural and religious traditions, has recently attracted increased interest as a potential cure for cancer. This idea was fueled by preliminary research suggesting that fasting may have health benefits, including in the prevention and treatment of cancer. But these scientific studies were followed by sensationalist claims from influencers and controversial figures, which fueled popular enthusiasm around the practice. The question is, however, thorny, because some people with cancer go so far as to deprive themselves of food for days in the hope of curing or limiting the impact of this disease. An approach that is very poorly received by doctors and which can be dangerous. But then, what do the scientific articles say? This is what we will see in this article.
A study takes stock of existing scientific evidence: are there any benefits to fasting when you have cancer?
In study carried out by Doctor Christian Mottet, Head physician of the Gastroenterology department at Sion hospital and Doctor Sophie Sierra, Phd, doctorate in medical sciences at the University of Oxfordwe can read that fasting might have beneficial effects.
What does the study say?
Indeed, listing the various scientific research on the benefits of fasting carried out over decades, the authors noted that “periodic lack of food alternating with periods of abundance shows an improvement in stress response and an increase in lifespan“. Then on page 5 of the study, these authors stipulate this time: “In oncology, cancer cells are targeted by genotoxic chemotherapies which induce the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). These drugs are supposed to be selective for cancer cells, however they induce many side effects“. Given that in mice, fasting “increases resistance to oxidative stress and chemotherapy-induced toxicity“, there might be the same benefits in humans. But, this is not the conclusion that these scientists give. Because the test was only carried out in animals.
Side effects of chemotherapy
After reading this study, one might be tempted to say that patients who fast before undergoing chemotherapy would have fewer side effects. This is also what we can read on page 7 of this study: “Patients who voluntarily fasted (48 hours to 72 hours) before and following chemotherapeutic treatments reported fewer side effects… They experienced little or no nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps (10 cases)“. However, the authors point out that the protective effect of fasting once morest the side effects of chemotherapy has not not yet fully proven. Which implies that even here, we do not know at this stage whether fasting is really the cause of this resistance side effects of chemotherapy.
What to conclude?
At the end of the study, the authors explain: “The majority of studies are of the case series type, of average or low quality, rarely controlled, and often with a low level of evidence. Long-term assessments are either missing or imprecise“. Clearly, we agree that fasting may be beneficial in certain cases, according to scientific studies carried out over decades, but the evidence is so inconsistent that it is better to talk regarding “placebo“what real therapy.
What are the other scientific studies on fasting and cancer?
It should be noted that research on fasting in the context of cancer is still ongoing and the evidence is currently limited and often preliminary. However, some preliminary studies have observed promising results, although further research is needed to confirm or refute these observations. Here are some examples :
Reduction of tumor growth
Of the studies on animal models suggested that intermittent or prolonged fasting may reduce tumor growth and cancer progression. These effects might be attributed to mechanisms such as reduced glucose intake, which is essential for cancer cell growth. But to date, no tests have been carried out in humans attesting to the effectiveness of such a practice.
Improved response to cancer treatments
Some research has suggested that fasting may improve the effectiveness of cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, as mentioned above in the study by doctors Sophie Sierro and Christian Mottet. This might make cancer cells more sensitive to these treatments while protecting healthy cells from damage. Here once more, tests in humans remain very ambiguous and therefore unreliable.
Modulation of metabolic pathways
Fasting may influence various metabolic pathways involved in the development and progression of cancer, such as the fasting signaling pathway. insulin and IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1) as well as the mTOR pathway (target of rapamycin in mammals), both of which are involved in the regulation of cell growth and survival. This is also a point which is also noted in the study by doctors Sophie Sierro and Christian Mottet. Except that at the conclusion of the studies of the two researchers, we note that fasting is not a cure for cancer. Because this has not yet been proven in humans.
So why do some people claim that fasting is a cure for cancer?
In an interview on January 31, Donatien Le Vaillant, head of the Miviludeswhich is a section of the Ministry of the Interior responsible for monitoring sectarian abuses, declared that promoting fasting as a benefit once morest cancer “leads to abandonment of treatment, therefore a loss of opportunity for the patient“. He will also say that this type of speech “constitutes a criminal offense“. Clearly, it is quite simply “conspiratorial speeches of certain anti-medication naturopaths“.
So fasting is not a cure for cancer?
If the 2016 Nobel Prize in Medicine, Yoshonori Ohsumi, recommended fasting, it was not to cure cancer, much less Alzheimer’s. For this doctor, in the event of an absence of nutrients for a good period of time, autophagy occurs. That is to say, cells eliminate unnecessary, defective or toxic constituents, and recycle those that can be recycled to produce what is absolutely necessary and healthy for the body.. Simply put, autophagy is a metabolic process or a cell “going to eat” itself to eat very healthily and fight once morest infections. And therefore for certain pseudo-experts or naturopaths, when a subject does not eat, the cancer cells, having no nutrients, will eat each other and make the disease gradually disappears. Although this is not the case according to doctors.
True or false: fasting is a cure for cancer?
We note that in relation to all these scientific arguments and testimonies, fasting is a powerful ally for the body’s cells. But, once morest cancer, this remedy remains to be proven. Because scientifically, there is no concordant evidence that might give credence to such a practice.. If you have a GP, please take all necessary advice before beginning any fast for your cancer or a specific illness.
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