Can a low-carbohydrate diet be a method for cancer treatment? – Study
The prevalence of cancer worldwide poses a serious health issue, as statistics indicate that one in three Europeans will suffer from these diseases during their lifetime. The increasing incidence of cancer is alarming, and the scientific community is continuously seeking new solutions in the fight against it. In addition to traditional treatment methods such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, a new approach has emerged that focuses on examining the energy supply and nutritional habits of cancer cells.
Research has concluded that a patient’s nutrition plays a crucial role in determining whether a tumor becomes benign or malignant. Malignant tumor cells ferment glucose to produce lactic acid, which serves as an energy source for them, in contrast to the mitochondria of healthy tissues, which more efficiently burn this substance in the presence of oxygen.
The Energy Balance of Cancer Cells
Understanding the energy usage of cancer cells has been a research topic for a long time. German physician Otto Heinrich Warburg drew attention to the differences in metabolic processes between cancerous and healthy cells as early as the early twentieth century. According to Warburg’s observations, cancer cells exhibited disproportionately high levels of lactic acid, which was attributed to mitochondrial dysfunction. The researcher explored therapeutic possibilities arising from the metabolic discrepancies in cells, although he could not provide scientific evidence.
The phenomenon known as the Warburg effect has regained attention in recent decades. Recent research indicates that cancer cells can obtain energy in two main ways: one is through oxidative phosphorylation, used by healthy cells, where they convert sugar into water and carbon dioxide with the help of oxygen, and the other is through anaerobic fermentation that promotes lactic acid production. The acidic environment created by lactic acid is favorable for tumor cells, making the surrounding tissues acidic, which promotes tumor growth and renders the cells resistant to traditional treatments.
The Role of Nutrition in Cancer Diseases
Nutrition can significantly impact the treatment and prevention of cancerous diseases. Research suggests that reducing the consumption of sugar and carbohydrates may contribute to the fight against cancer. Ulrike Kämmerer, the lead researcher at the University Hospital of Würzburg, who is studying the sugar metabolism of cancer cells, emphasizes that the viability of cancer cells largely depends on the amount of sugar ingested through food.
In recent years, Kämmerer and her team have applied a ketogenic diet to their patients, which involved a carbohydrate-free diet. During the study, several participants reported improvements in their condition. Additionally, animal experiments support that the ketogenic diet can effectively slow tumor growth. However, human clinical trials are still in the early stages, but Kämmerer is optimistic about future possibilities.
Given the spread of cancer and the effectiveness of traditional treatments, it is essential for the scientific community to continue research and find new approaches to improve patients’ quality of life. The role of nutrition in the fight against cancer is becoming increasingly prominent, and it is expected to receive more attention in future therapies.
