Thomas Seyfried and Metabolic Therapy for Cancer

Commonly accepted medical wisdom is that cancer is caused by genetic mutations and that these mutations are out of the individual's control. However strong evidence is emerging that individuals with metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes are at increased risk of cancer.  
 

As far back as the 1920's Otto Warburg observed that the majority of cancer cells obtain their energy through glycolysis, meaning they ferment glucose, creating lactic acid and leading to the acidic cancer environment. Dr. Thomas Seyfried from Yale University and Boston College rediscovered Warburg's original work and in 2012 published his theory that most cancers, have a metabolic origin.

 
The ketogenic diet has been used to manage children with epilepsy for a number of years, it requires a considerable reduction in dietary carbohydrates and protein, with a significant increase in healthy fats. The application of the ketogenic diet in cancer aims to 'starve' the cancer cells, as healthy cells can use fat as an energy source, but cancer cells cannot, leaving them unable to obtain the energy they need to survive and grow. 

 
The promising news is that adopting a ketogenic diet, is in most instances, completely complementary to chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgical interventions. 

That being said, the ketogenic diet may not be for everyone, it can be difficult to implement and the restrictive nature of the diet can lead to increased stress - the last thing needed during cancer treatment. Furthermore safety must always be the number one priority, by using personalised nutrition support we can ensure any new dietary regime would work with a person's individual lifestyle and their medical treatment plan.