Objective: To understand how a ketogenic diet can prevent or block cancer.
Common Misconception: Many people view keto as an elimination diet focused on cutting carbs, which can cause adverse reactions due to emotional connections with carbs.
People often perceive it as subtracting something bad (carbs/sugar) resulting in an anti-cancer effect.
Reframing Keto
Keto as Addition: Instead of subtraction, keto is viewed as the addition of a metabolic state (ketosis).
Ketosis involves the production of ketone molecules which act as fuel, hormones, and signaling molecules.
Key Ketone Body: Beta-hydroxybutyrate, which does more than just provide energy; it can direct metabolic processes in the body.
Key Findings From New Research
Research Paper: "Ketogenic Diet Reshapes Cancer Metabolism Through Lysine Beta-Hydroxybutyration."
Main Point: Cancer cells need metabolic reprogramming to grow, typically relying on glycolysis (sugar breakdown).
Cancer Cells' Strategy: Use glycolysis to break down glucose into pyruvate and acetyl-CoA for growth.
Warburg Effect: Cancer cells' preference for glycolysis even in the presence of oxygen.
Mechanism of Action
Beta-Hydroxybutyrate's Role:
Inhibition of Aldolase B: This ketone body inhibits an enzyme crucial in glycolysis, aldolase B.
Impact on mTOR: By inhibiting aldolase B, beta-hydroxybutyrate also inhibits mTOR, a protein complex and master growth regulator.
Result: A 'one-two punch' that reshapes cancer metabolism, impairs growth, inhibits glycolysis, and mTOR.
Conclusion
Perspectives on Carbohydrates and Cancer:
Carbs are not inherently evil, but cancer is seen as harmful.
Establishing a metabolic state and signaling molecules that inhibit cancer growth is significant.
Implication: Understanding the keto diet as a positive addition can help block cancer, providing significant health benefits.