What foods can help starve cancer cells?

From the Guidelines

Foods that may help inhibit cancer growth include cruciferous vegetables, berries, fatty fish, turmeric, green tea, garlic, and foods high in fiber, as they contain compounds that can reduce inflammation, support immune function, and potentially interfere with cancer cell metabolism. These foods, as suggested by the most recent and highest quality study 1, can be beneficial in supporting overall health during cancer treatment and may help reduce cancer risk.

Key Foods

• Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, kale) contain sulforaphane, which has been shown to have anti-cancer properties
• Berries are rich in antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and support immune function
• Fatty fish, such as salmon, contain omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects
• Turmeric contains curcumin, which has been shown to have anti-cancer properties
• Green tea has been shown to have anti-cancer properties and may help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer
• Garlic has been shown to have anti-cancer properties and may help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer
• Foods high in fiber, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, can help support healthy digestion and reduce the risk of certain types of cancer

Dietary Recommendations

• Limit refined sugars and processed carbohydrates, as cancer cells prefer glucose as fuel
• Focus on whole foods, including plant-based foods, lean proteins, and healthy fats
• Choose whole grains, such as brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat bread, instead of refined grains
• Include a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables in your diet to ensure adequate intake of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
• Healthy fats, such as those found in nuts, seeds, and avocados, can help support overall health and reduce the risk of certain types of cancer It's essential to note that while diet can play a role in supporting overall health and reducing cancer risk, diet alone cannot treat cancer, and these dietary choices should complement, not replace, conventional medical treatments 1. Always consult with healthcare providers before making significant dietary changes, especially during cancer treatment.

From the Research

Foods that Help Starve Cancer Cells

Foods that can help starve cancer cells include:

• Fruits, such as yellow-orange fruits, which are rich in vitamins and antioxidants 2
• Vegetables, including green leafy and cruciferous vegetables, which are rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants 2, 3
• Whole grains, which are rich in dietary fiber, resistant starch, and oligosaccharides, and can help lower colonic pH and serve as an energy source for colonocytes 3
• Legumes, which are rich in protein, fiber, and antioxidants 2
• Low-fat dairy products, which are rich in calcium and protein 2
• Lean meats, fish, and poultry, which are rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids 2, 4, 5
• Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil, which can help slow the growth of cancer cells and increase the efficacy of chemotherapy 4, 5

Mechanisms of Action

The mechanisms by which these foods help starve cancer cells include:

• Fermentation of carbohydrates in the colon, which produces short-chain fatty acids that lower colonic pH and serve as an energy source for colonocytes 3
• Antioxidant activity, which can help protect against cancer cell growth and proliferation 2, 3, 5
• Phytoestrogen activity, which can help protect against hormonally-dependent cancers such as breast and prostate cancer 3
• Glucose response mediation, which can help protect against colon and breast cancer 3
• Suppression of cyclooxygenase-2 expression, which can help decrease cancer cell proliferation and reduce angiogenesis in the tumor 4
• Induction of differentiation of cancer cells, which can help slow the growth of cancer cells 4
• Suppression of nuclear factor-kappaB activation and bcl-2 expression, which can help allow apoptosis of cancer cells 4