Several studies have been conducted on how fasting may affect cancer treatment. The results suggest that when people fast, the body creates conditions that limit the spread and growth of cancer cells [1]. In some cases, fasting may even be used as a treatment for cancer. This is because it can reduce the number and size of tumors in people who have already been diagnosed [2].
Preliminary studies suggest that prolonged fasting in some patients with cancer may help decrease chemotherapy-related toxicity and tumor growth.
Chemotherapy can cause serious side effects, but short-term fasting has been shown to offer protection and enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy in numerous distinct malignancies—including breast cancer, melanoma, and colorectal cancer.
Fasting may reduce blood glucose levels, making it harder for cancers to grow because they consume much more glucose than normal cells. Fasting can reduce oxidative stress, which is important because many cancers are caused by oxidative damage.
Fasting can increase the number of cancer-fighting immune cells (natural killer cells), which may be important because cancers often evade detection by the immune system. Fasting can reduce oxidative stress, which is important because many cancers are caused by oxidative damage.
Fasting can increase the number of cancer-fighting immune cells (natural killer cells), which may be important because cancers often evade detection by the immune system.
Disclaimer: However, more research is needed to determine the specific effects of fasting on human cancer incidence and prognosis. If you are diagnosed with cancer make sure to consult with your health care providers before fasting.
Sources:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35848874/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34383300/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6530042/
https://www.cancercenter.com/community/blog/2021/06/fasting-cancer