Fasting, Fasting Mimicking and Time-Restricted Feeding During Chemotherapy

There has been various research conducted into the potential benefits of fasting during cancer treatment.

Different fasting practices may have the potential to reduce side effects and protect healthy cells.

However, this is not a practice suitable for everyone, and potential risks associated with fasting need to be considered especially if you are underweight, frail or malnourished.

Current medical guidelines still recommend a well-balanced diet, eating light meals before and after cancer treatment to manage side effects rather than any form of fasting.

Research published in GeroScience indicates different dieting methods may show potential in enhancing the efficacy of chemotherapy while also reducing its side effects.

The fasting practices outlined in the research are periodic fasting (PF), intermittent fasting (IF), fasting mimicking diets (FMD), and time-restricted feeding (TRF).

The theory suggests fasting triggers physiological responses that protect normal cells, possibly inhibiting tumour growth while maintaining healthy cell integrity – a phenomenon known as differential stress resistance (DSR).

Fasting lowers blood glucose, insulin, and insulin like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), impeding tumour expansion fuelled by glucose.

Fasting reduces inflammation and oxidative stress which helps suppress tumorigenesis.

Fasting could promote the regenerative effects of autophagy the naturally occurring mechanism of recycling cellular components while disposing of damaged and defective parts.

Periodic Fasting (PF) and Intermittent Fasting (IF)
Involves cycling between periods of eating and fasting for a set time of hours or days.

Fasting Mimicking Diets (FMD)
A structured, plant-based, low-calorie, low-protein, and high-fat regimen usually lasting 4-5 days.

Time-Restricted Feeding (TRF)
This involves calorie restriction and various intermittent fasting patterns (such as the 16:8 method).

Although promising, the research showed varying results with limited human studies involved.

Large scale clinical trials are still required before fasting regimes can be incorporated in standard patient care.

Without close supervision, fasting practices may worsen malnutrition, muscle loss, wound healing, and cachexia, which can lead to poorer outcomes.

You should never start a fasting regimen without consulting your oncologist to discuss safety and risks associated with different fasting practices.