What are these therapies?
Several types of diets and metabolic therapies are available:
- Diets generally recommended for reducing risk of cancer or recurrence
- Diets used to improve treatment outcomes for some types of cancer
- Diets or approaches such as fasting used to alter your metabolism
What are the benefits of using these therapies?
Many people with cancer make improving their diet a part of their treatment approach, and with good reason. Good evidence shows that what you eat can reduce your risks of cancer or recurrence. Your diet can also help you manage side effects and symptoms throughout your cancer experience.
Following an individualized, health-supportive eating plan together with your primary treatment is a good idea. The American Institute for Cancer Research has concluded that a plant-based, whole-foods diet is the most prudent dietary pattern to adopt for reducing the risks of cancer and possibly cancer recurrence.1American Institute for Cancer Research. Cancer Prevention Recommendations. From World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research. Diet, Nutrition, Physical Activity and Cancer: A global Perspective.Continuous Update Project Expert Report 2018. Viewed January 6, 2022.
Much less evidence supports using specific diets to improve treatment outcomes. Although a few diets have shown benefit, others show little or no benefit or may even be harmful.
Metabolic therapies aim to control or alter cancer’s growth by changing your metabolism. These approaches include fasting and a ketogenic diet.
Are they safe?
Consult your healthcare team about any dietary changes you are making or considering, especially if you are dealing with changes in your appetite, digestive function, or body weight, or if your cancer directly affects your digestive system. If you need additional support, consult a certified oncology dietician nutritionist. You can ask your physician for a referral.
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