BY GINA VAN THOMME

What should cancer patients know about intermittent fasting? 

https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/what-to-know-about-fasting-during-cancer-treatment.h00-159694389.html

Intermittent fasting means only eating between certain hours of the day and fasting for the rest. It includes time-restricted eating.

Patients who practice intermittent fasting with proper guidance can see benefits, Farooki says. These benefits include blood sugar control, better mental clarity and more energy.

She explains that when you eat, your body releases insulin – a hormone made in the pancreas – to lower the amount of sugar in your blood.

“Periods of fasting will decrease the amount of insulin circulating in the bloodstream because it will not be needed as often,” she says. “It also lowers the risk of developing certain diseases like pre-diabetes.”

While Farooki says intermittent fasting may also support weight loss efforts, patients in cancer treatment should speak with their care team about their weight loss goals to determine the best way to proceed.

Morse says more definitive research on fasting and cancer treatments in humans is still needed. 

“This is an area of great interest for patients and clinicians alike,” she says.

This is for good reason. Morse says time-restricted eating may help patients achieve better energy balance and body composition after cancer treatment. 

Additionally, she says fasting correctly has been shown to reduce inflammation, enhance cellular repair and stabilize certain hormone levels, which can benefit metabolic health, recovery and longevity.

“Still, patients should consult with a registered dietitian before fasting to ensure that the plan they intend to follow will still support their body’s nutrient and energy needs,” she says.

No matter when you choose to eat, Farooki says it is important to ensure you’re meeting your nutritional needs.

“If the patient’s not eating well to begin with, intermittent fasting won’t be the best option for them,” she says. 

MD Anderson dietitians recommend eating meals rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts and seeds.  

“The goal is for humans to get adequate calories, protein and fluids, regardless of when you eat. It doesn’t have to be three times a day with snacks in between,” Farooki says.