Ketogenic diet and cancer
In recent years, the effect and potential of the ketogenic diet in cancer treatment has been investigated. As is known, cancer cells need high levels of glucose to reproduce. The ketogenic diet, on the other hand, is rich in proteins and fats and also contains traces of carbohydrates. In this diet, the body turns the fat in the fat stores into ketones and obtains energy from these substances, as if it is hungry.
The body, which derives its energy primarily from fats, will not give cancer cells the glucose it wants. In line with this information, researchers have expanded their studies on ketogenic diet practices in cancer patients. As a result of the studies, researchers recommend the ketogenic diet as a supportive approach to treatment in patients with tumors.
In a study published in 2020, the effect of the ketogenic diet on patients with tumor and the levels of a new tumor marker TKTL-1 enzyme were observed. In this study conducted at Viadrina European University; 78 patients with different tumors were observed for 10 months. TKTL-1 levels of the patients were examined and graded according to their adherence to the ketogenic diet.
The patients were divided into 3 groups; The first group did not apply a ketogenic diet, the second group partially applied a ketogenic diet, and the third group followed a strict ketogenic diet.
According to the results of the study;
1-) High level of TKL-1 enzyme has been found to be associated with a more aggressive and poorer disease.
2-) Ketogenic diet decreases TKTL-1 level.
3-) Increased TKTL-1 level in the blood may indicate the end-stage development of the disease.
Based on these results and patient observations, the researchers stated that the ketogenic diet may be beneficial, especially in non-terminal patients. However, more studies are needed on this subject.
Ketogenic diet is a nutrition program that can be carried out with the joint follow-up of an oncologist and a nutritionist, and requires serious monitoring because it may cause weight loss.
