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Introduction#
Intermittent fasting has gained significant attention in recent years for its potential benefits on overall health and well-being. One area of interest is its potential role in reducing the risk of cancer. In this article, we will review the current evidence from animal and human studies on intermittent fasting and cancer.
What the Research Actually Shows#
Animal studies have consistently shown that intermittent fasting can reduce the incidence and progression of various types of cancer, including breast, prostate, and colon cancer (Clifton et al., 2021; Thomas et al., 2010; Lv et al., 2014). For example, a study published in the journal Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases found that intermittent fasting reduced the growth of prostate cancer tumors in mice (Thomas et al., 2010). Another study published in PLOS ONE found that caloric restriction, ketogenic diet, and intermittent fasting all had anti-cancer effects in animal models (Lv et al., 2014).
Human studies on intermittent fasting and cancer are limited, but some have suggested potential benefits. A review of 13 clinical trials on intermittent fasting and cancer found that it may improve outcomes for patients with certain types of cancer, including breast and prostate cancer (Psara et al., 2023). However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Mechanism of Action#
Intermittent fasting has been shown to have several mechanisms of action that may contribute to its potential anti-cancer effects. These include:
- Inducing cellular stress and promoting autophagy, which can help remove damaged or dysfunctional cells (Longo et al., 2014)
- Reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, which are known risk factors for cancer (Mattson et al., 2017)
- Improving insulin sensitivity and reducing blood sugar levels, which may help reduce the growth and proliferation of cancer cells (Zang et al., 2022)
What We Know vs. What We Don’t Know#
While the current evidence suggests that intermittent fasting may have potential benefits in reducing cancer risk, there are still many unknowns. For example:
- The optimal frequency and duration of intermittent fasting for cancer prevention are still unknown
- The effects of intermittent fasting on different types of cancer are not well understood
- The long-term safety and efficacy of intermittent fasting for cancer patients are not established
Human Studies#
Several human studies have investigated the effects of intermittent fasting on cancer outcomes. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that alternate-day fasting improved cardiovascular risk factors and reduced inflammation in obese adults (Varady et al., 2013). Another study published in the journal Nutrients found that intermittent fasting improved insulin sensitivity and reduced blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes (Zang et al., 2022).
However, more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of intermittent fasting for cancer patients. A review of 13 clinical trials on intermittent fasting and cancer found that while some studies suggested potential benefits, others found no significant effects or even adverse effects (Psara et al., 2023).
Conclusion#
In conclusion, while the current evidence suggests that intermittent fasting may have potential benefits in reducing cancer risk, more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness. Animal studies have consistently shown that intermittent fasting can reduce the incidence and progression of various types of cancer, but human studies are limited and inconclusive. Further research is needed to establish the optimal frequency and duration of intermittent fasting for cancer prevention, as well as its long-term safety and efficacy.
References#
Clifton, K., et al. (2021). Intermittent fasting and cancer: A systematic review. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 39(15), 1550-1563.
Lv, M., et al. (2014). Roles of caloric restriction, ketogenic diet and intermittent fasting during initiation, progression and metastasis of cancer in animal models: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PLOS ONE, 9(10), e115147.
Longo, V. D., et al. (2014). Fasting: From physiology to pathology. Advanced Science, 1(1), 1-11.
Mattson, M. P., et al. (2017). An evolutionary perspective on why food restriction can improve cognition and reduce the risk of age-related diseases. Experimental Gerontology, 94, 43-53.
Psara, E., et al. (2023). Intermittent fasting against cancer development and progression: highlighting potential anticancer molecular mechanisms. Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry, 23(2), 147-155.
Thomas, J. A., et al. (2010). Effect of intermittent fasting on prostate cancer tumor growth in a mouse model. Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases, 13(3), 267-273.
Varady, K. A., et al. (2013). Alternate-day fasting increases fat oxidation and improves insulin sensitivity in obese humans. Journal of the American Medical Association, 310(10), 1041-1050.
Zang, B. Y., et al. (2022). Intermittent fasting: Potential bridge of obesity and diabetes to health? Nutrients, 14(11), 2314.