A ketogenic, or keto, diet involves consuming foods that are high in fats, have moderate amounts of proteins, and are very low in carbs. With the keto diet, the body enters a metabolic condition referred to as ketosis, where the body uses fats to produce energy instead of carbs. Experts have proposed the keto diet as a supportive approach in the management of cancer patients. However, the keto diet is not a tested treatment for cancer and should not be used as an alternative to conventional treatments.
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What Is the Keto Diet?
The ketogenic diet involves limiting carbohydrate intake to enable the production of ketones through the metabolism of fat.
Characteristics of Ketogenic Diet
- High in good fats
- Moderate in protein
- Very low in carbohydrates
- Promotes ketosis
The diet has to be well-planned.
How Might the Keto Diet Help?
Researchers are studying possible mechanisms by which the keto diet could aid in cancer therapy.
Possible Benefits That Are Being Researched
- Could decrease blood glucose levels
- Could decrease insulin levels
- Could modify energy availability in some cancer cells
- Could maintain weight in certain selected patients
There is no sufficient evidence as yet, and findings vary according to the type of cancer.
Foods Included in a Keto Diet
Popular keto-approved foods include:
- Avocado
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Fatty fish
- Eggs
- Cheese
- Nuts and seeds
- Low-starch vegetables
- Turkey and chicken
A certified dietitian may help you develop a healthy meal plan for your body.
Keto Foods at a Glance
| Food Group | Examples |
|---|---|
| Healthy fats | Avocado, olive oil, coconut oil |
| Protein | Fish, eggs, poultry |
| Vegetables | Spinach, broccoli, cauliflower |
| Nuts | Almonds, walnuts, pecans |
| Dairy | Greek yogurt, cheese |
Potential Risks
Key factors that you need to consider include:
- Deficiencies in nutrients
- Weight maintenance problems
- Indigestion
- Feelings of fatigue during the adaptation period
- Not applicable to all cancer patients
Cancer patients undergoing treatment require special nutritional considerations.
Potential Benefits vs Risks
| Potential Benefit | Possible Limitation |
|---|---|
| May support metabolic health | Limited clinical evidence |
| May lower blood sugar | Not suitable for everyone |
| May complement research settings | Should not replace standard treatment |
| May support selected patients | Requires medical supervision |
Healthy Tips Before Trying Ketogenic
Best practices include:
- Speak with your oncologist first.
- Speak with a registered dietitian.
- Keep an eye on your nutritional status.
- Stay well-hydrated.
- Stay on track with all your cancer treatments.
- Attend your follow-up appointments regularly.
Professional guidance will help you maintain a safe and nutritionally balanced diet.
Cancer treatments affect almost all parts of the body, such as appetite, digestion, and metabolism. Many people have difficulty maintaining adequate nutrition throughout their therapy sessions. Nutritional deficiencies lower the effectiveness of the body’s defense systems, making it difficult for the body to recover from cancer treatments.
Eat Healthy to Combat Cancer
The use of the ketogenic diet in cancer therapy is currently under study. Still, the existing data cannot yet confirm its utility and therefore does not support recommending it as a monotherapy for this condition. Some preliminary results look promising, but it is necessary to conduct further studies to identify which individuals could be helped by the use of the ketogenic diet. If you would like to follow this diet when being treated for cancer, consult with your doctors. Do you want more diet tips for better health? Follow Medipedia to find more diet plans and learn how nutritious foods and drinks help control symptoms of certain chronic health conditions.