IGF-1 Growth Factor & Fasting to slow tumor growth
I've been looking at some journals articles on aging and cancer. I found out about research being done on fasting. Quick summary:
Protein stimulates cell growth through the gene IGF-1. Now cell growth is wonderful, but we in the First World eat too much protein. The effect is that our cells are always in constant growth, so our DNA does not have time to repair itself. When we slow down cell growth by reducing protein (and other foods that promote cancer like milk with the growth hormone rBGH) and glucose which also fuels the system, we can reduce the amount of IGF-1 growth factor in our bodies by 50%. How? Intermittent fasting.
Serious research in aging and cancer are showing that intermittent fasting (3 days once a month or 2 days each week or fasting alternate days) can reduce our risk of getting cancer, or slow a tumor's growth once we have cancer in our system.
Of course, all things in moderation! To fix one problem you can cause another. While high levels of IGF-1 growth factor have been found to be associated with the risk of breast cancer and reduction of IGF-1 with slowing the growth of tumors, low levels of IGF-1 have been associated with osteoporosis! We do not need broken bones!
I can't find much on this site that deals with the current research. I am not proposing that we all start fasting! But it is certainly interesting, although fasting 2 days a week will not work for most people. Any thoughts?
Hap
Comments
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Hap, I've been collecting articles and studies on this subject for a long time. It's all so elusive. A clue here and another there. What intrigues me are the people who claim they've been on a Gerson type diet, or here in Australia, the similar Ian Gawler protocol, and their terminal cancer has disappeared. It's frustrating that no researchers are jumping all over these successful people, validating the extent of their illness and recovery with their doctors and then studying everything they've done, from conventional treatments to alternatives, diet, supplements, attitude, outlook on life, work, personal relationships, religious or spiritual practices etc. Maybe a specific combination is the secret, or different protocols for different cancers.
By ignoring these people or writing their success off to "spontaneous remission" or conventional treatments (that failed to save similar cases), they are missing a resource that could be saving millions of lives. So we are left groping in the dark for something that might work for lack of validating studies.
I'll try to find some studies that give clues though I'm sure there are many vital pieces of the puzzle missing.
This article explains how Metformin acts as an NF-Kb inhibitor which is another way of inhibiting tumour growth.
Scientists use diabetes drug in double hit to starve cancer cells - Sunday 28 August 2011
Other NF-kB inhibitors are strong antioxidants, even Tamoxifen is an antioxidant. Cox-2 inhibitors such as Aspirin and Naproxin (Aleve), Alpha Lipoic Acid(ALA) supplement, Resveratrol, Melatonin and Green tea. These seem to be the strongest sources but green tea would have to be taken as a supp as a few cups of tea a day may not be enough. Natural flavonoids can be added in the form of highly coloured fruits.
Many of these antioxidants are also anti-inflammatory and caloric restriction mimetics (CRM) which have the same effect as restricting calories to extend life and are important for slowing down tumour growth.
Other good reads are "autophagic tumor stroma model of cancer" or Reverse Warburg Effect, and the Warburg Effect. Wikipedia NF-kB talks of using caution and after much reading it's easy to see how cancer manages to morph itself to get around all our efforts to starve or poison it, so cycling through multiple strategies seems to be one way to attempt to beat it.
I was intermittent fasting for three months from October to December last year, only eating during a four hour window each day and felt really good on it, but would not continue without a long break, maybe once a year might be enough to nip any early mets in the bud.
Here are some dietary links. The first is long but well worth the read. The abstract, introduction and conclusion should give you an idea whether it's worth the long read, though I suspect you may have seen most of these links from your very informed OP.
Review
Is there a role for carbohydrate restriction in the treatment and prevention of cancer? 2011Intermittent, Low-Carbohydrate Diets More Successful Than Standard Dieting, Study Finds (at reducing insulin resistance and BC risk.) Dec 2011
Low-Carbohydrate, High-Protein Diets May Reduce Both Tumor Growth Rates and Cancer Risk - Science Daily (June 14, 2011)
Most of these ideas have been discussed in this thread near the beginning. An Alternative approach to Stage IV Health and choices
Note, prunes cause the same dilemma, increasing IGF-1 levels which helps with osteoporosis, but possibly increases tumour growth. As I have osteoporosis it seems everything I do is good for one and not the other apart from exercise, which may provide the answer to both problems. I might write further about exercise in another post in a few days if anyone is interested.
Another note, there are some on BCO who developed BC despite long term low carb diets or intermittent fasting. That's why we need good studies and research to fine tune any findings.
Sorry this is so long with so much reading in the links. Take your time, it's all very interesting.
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I find the idea of fasting two days a week very intersting and fully intend to try it. First, however, I need to put on a few pounds because I have gotten too skinny.
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Momine & Joy,
A friend of mine in England sent me CD of this show that just aired in the UK. Here's the link to a BBC article about it http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-19112549 Edit: It's now on Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pfna7nV7WaMThat's what got me started on this topic-- in the hour right before I heard that I had IDC, Grade 3.
Momine, of course, you should talk with your doctor. While the theory is that you will eat enough in the 5 days to keep your weight steady even with the fasting, I wouldn't count on that if your appetite is already low.
Joy, Thank you for all the information. (I am an info hound.) It is obvious that 99% of doctors know next to nothing about nutrition and its role in health & illness. They even say they have no training--and wave you off to see a nutritionist, who course knows nothing about oncology. So we are left with having to trawl the journal articles ourselves.
I think the main difference between the articles you & I are reading and the research sited in that BBC Horizon medical science piece is that the emphasis is that this new research is pushing protein restriction, rather than carb restriction, and the use of intermittent fasting is more effective than daily calorie restriction.
It does look as though all my efforts to keep osteoporosis at bay have only increased my vulnerability for breast cancer. But now that I have breast cancer in an "aggressive" form, I have little choice but to focus on that. So I walk and run to try to help both. Google the research at Oregon State University on stomping, power marching, and osteoporosis. Here's one link: http://www.centerworks.com/blog/2009/12/10/osteoporosis-and-exercise/
As for trying the fasting, my husband (who has residual prostate cancer after an otherwise successful radical prostatectomy but won't do radiation) and I just completed a 3 day fast. One of the researchers mentioned in the BBC TV show on fasting and aging, uses a 3 day fast to jump start reduction of IGF-1 growth factor. After the 3 days of fasting the IGF-1 factor can be down by as much as 50%. However, it won't stay down longer than 3 weeks to a month, so more fasting is required. Other researchers have found that fasting 2 days each week and eating as usual the reast of the week will have the same effect of a 50% reduction IGF-1 after 5 to 6 weeks.
We figured there's no time like the present (especially since I am not getting any Tx yet). so we fasted for 3 days, which ended yesterday. It really was not that hard, maybe because I'm looking over my shoulder at cancer. Ha. We had low-sodium bouillon for breakfast and dinner (or any instant soup packet less than 50 cals), along with LOTS of water, and a little black tea (because we still are caffeine addicts & didn't want caffeine headaches), and green tea. We thought we would be hungry and feel weak, but we never felt hungry, we just felt the habbit of eating tugging at us. We didn't feel muzzy-headed and tired until the night of the 3rd day, and by the next morning we knew we were done. So we went to a great restaurant and had a healthy brunch. We shared each dish because we knew we would be full quickly. Even with that I felt like I had swallowed a cannon ball. Over those 3 days we fast walked 4 miles each evening and my husband went on a 20 mile bike ride (admittedly we were way slower on the 3rd day).
Do we know if it's actually helped lower the IGF-1? Obviously we won't have clue yet. But since we feel great, we figure we will continue to do the fasting 2 days a week. When my husband has his next PSA check in about 3 months if this regime is actually working, his doubling rate should be lower. For me, it's something i can do for myself which makes sense to me, unlike a lot of crank theories. This has evidence based research behind it done by highly respected researchers. And because big pharma's hands aren't all over this (hard to make money out of fasting--something in our control), the research in my mind is more reliable than research funded by those with a profit motive.
One thing that surprised us since ending the fast yesterday, is that we don't feel ravenous. In fact, we seem to have changed our habits, so that we don't head for the snack cupboard. Don't know how long this will last but it is interesting! No, we're not anorexic. We eat! And my backside has about 10 extra pounds on it.
BTW, I'm not advocating fasting for anyone. Just sharing info!
Hap
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Thanks for the links and info. My appetite is fine, but because I have tried to clean up my diet, and there are so many things to avoid with BC and femara, I am finding it tricky to get enough calories, so my weight has gotten too low at this point. I want to solve the general calorie problem before I start fasting. My docs would twll me I was crazy if I even mentioned the fasting, lol. One does not believe in any dietaey interventions and the other doesn't know anything about diet.
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I 'm not surprised. Best of luck! Hap
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Good morning all. Or good evening for most of you. I've downloaded the video to watch later as my computer won't play videos directly off the net. So I'll just comment on the osteoporosis issue.
I use what I call "heel drops" which just require standing on toes then dropping onto the heels and can be repeated while standing at the kitchen sink or anywhere in private and anytime in addition to other exercises and are good for the hips. I'm glad the article mention weighted vests as I'm still preparing my own vest and was put off by a report that they can damage the spine. I'm thinking that anyone who is overweight would have the same risk. The important point being to gradually increase the weight in the vest so that the muscles and balance adjust to the additional weight.
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Sounds good, Joy! Anything that brings impact to the bones of leg, hip, thigh without doing damage. Some people just can't jump without killing their knees or feet. I'll try your heel drops when I just standing. Thanks! Have a great day!
Hap
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Interesting thread:
#1 there are many DIFFERENT types of fast - different fasts are suitable for different body types (i.e. an underweight person should follow a different fasting protocol than overweight person)#2 fasting has been used for thousands of years for health and spiritual benefit. I honesly think it is a function of our spoiled modern consumerism that we act as if we might die if we don't eat for 2 days? really? come on people. Man up.
That being said, 2 years ago I fasted for 9 days then broke the fast with 3 months raw food vegetarian diet. I experienced incredible spiritual breakthrough which gave me the strength to leave a bad marriage and unfaithful husband. Also great health benefits for my allergies and arthritis.
When I first suspected this tumor was cancer, I tried fasting and only made it 2 days, then had to start eating. The body changes. Fasting is beneficial if done correctly. I study Ayurveda, so I am most familiar with their guidelines for fasting. I.e. vatas should do only very limited fasts and focus on types of fast which include light meals but still eating some cooked foods. Kaphas, can afford to do total fasting and raw foods fasting. Pittas? I've not got that bit memorized yet. The point is to choose a protocol which is correct for your body type and health condition.
And NO ONE ever died from missing a few meals.
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Very interesting video! Thanks for the link, Hap.
I did a 12-month intermittent fast last year, aka time-restricted feeding as it relates to mice in this study
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22608008
with the difference that I didn't have a high-fat diet but a normal diet with lots of fruits and veggies and my eating window was mostly 7 hours, plus I took breaks on holidays. I lost one or 2 kilos, but towards the end I was starting to gorge and gaining the weight back so I stopped. I had a PET/CT after that experiment and it showed slight degeneration in my spine from the last scan. That's when I decided to have another dose of Zometa after a break of 2.5 years. These mice studies don't have any of the critters on Femara!
I started running after that and my calorie needs spiked up. I still have to find a way to combine vigorous exercise like running with intermittent fasting. For now the calorie-restricted but nutrient-rich variant shown on the video seems to combine well with my exercise regimen. Wish I could remember how much lower the IGF-1 of that guy was than the reporter's. Anyway, I think it's always a balancing act as my spine shows.
This new study from Harvard provides some evidence that increased muscle (for which you need IGF-1?) likely reduces insulin resistance.
"This study provides clear evidence that weight training has beneficial effects on diabetes risk over and above aerobic exercise, which are likely to be mediated through increased muscle mass and improved insulin sensitivity," said Hu. "To achieve the best results for diabetes prevention, resistance training can be incorporated with aerobic exercise."
At least for men, who are more like women than mice, I would think.
"Men who did more than 150 minutes of aerobics as well as at least 150 minutes of weight training per week had a 59% reduced risk of type 2 diabetes."
That's 3 days a week of aerobic exercise and 3 days a week of weight training. That leaves one day as a fast day. This sounds very doable for me. I think I'll try this out.
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Heidihill, that is really interesting. do you do a straight fast or a juice fast?
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My daily restricted-time "feeding" was a normal diet with smaller portions (maybe something like the 100+ Sikh marathon runner in the video). The one-day weekly fast I'm planning will be something like the one for the 5:2 intermittent fast in the video. One balanced meal on that day of ca. 400 calories for women. The rest of the time will be a normal "Sikh runner" diet with lots of fruits and veggies. If he can run a marathon on that, I can do one hour at the gym. I'll call it the 6:1 diet. I am too lazy to juice. And I could never last a whole day without food. OK, maybe if I'm desperate, I could.
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natkat, I think I am preferentially a vata.
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Heidi, I am too lazy to juice too, I just got a nutibullet and I love it! Its the best way to get healthy veggies that I would never otherwise eat. And cleaning it up is just 2 parts, the blade and the cup. And you don't lose the pulp like you do with juicing. You just put the fruits and veggies in and its totally pulverized into a drink! I have been drinking beets, spinach, kale, sparagus....just add bananas and strawberries or pineapple...any fruit you like and its awesome! I also put in my drops of Maitake, oat bran and oatmeal. You can put nuts in it too. Really powerful!
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That does look awesome, HLB! It'll even fit in my kitchen.
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hap_k, can you post the link to the research that shows a correction between too much protein and cancer? Is there a level they think is healthy vs. too much? I had eaten very little meat or dairy and was Dx'd at 46 ( no family history). During Tx I added in fish (extra protein to heal tissue) and recently added in a little organic yogurt since calcium supplements are getting a bad rap.
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On way to 1st visit BC doc. Peggy did you watch the BBC video? Look for the link above. Protein fuels IGF-1, IGF-1 fuels growth--including cancer. Watch for the researchers named in video and google them. Look for their articles. I can't find link to paper articles today. Two hour drive to do. All the best, Hap.
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As much as I believe fasting or eating a specific diet may play a role in reducing tumours or even for a lucky few, curing their cancer, I doubt on it's own it will help. My father stopped eating when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and his appetite left him. He could manage cups of tea with a little milk and about two spoons of clear soup occasionally at my mother's insistence. All other food would be refused despite my mother tempting him with all his favourite foods. He was fasting involuntarily. He only lasted six weeks. I'm not sure if the cancer killed him or the lack of food.
Just a little food for thought.
Hap, I hope your appointment went well.
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NatKat, I could never figure out which Ayurvedic type I was till I did a quiz and confirmed I have equal attributes for all three. No wonder I was always confused.
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Oh for God's sake, let's not confuse cachexia with the topic of this thread
Strict diet two days a week 'cuts risk of breast cancer by 40 per cent
'Women who follow a strict diet just two days a week can lower their risk of breast cancer by 40 per cent. British researchers found the calorie-controlled regime almost halved cancer-causing hormones in women at high risk of the disease.
The study, led by Dr Michelle Harvie (above), examined 100 overweight women from Greater Manchester. Half followed a 650-calorie-a-day diet for two days a week and ate what they wanted for the rest of the week, while the rest followed a Mediterranean diet. After six months, women on both eating plans dropped an average of 13lb and were recording significant improvements in three key areas linked to breast cancer.
Women following the two-day diet saw their levels of the hormone leptin drop by 40 per cent, while those on the Mediterranean diet saw a drop of 36 per cent. Both saw a drop in insulin levels of up to 25 per cent and levels of inflammatory protein of up to 15 per cent. Dr Harvie said the two-day diet could be a life-saver for women who found it difficult to restrict what they ate 24/7.
Research professor Gillian Haddock, who took part in the study, said she found it the easier diet option. The mother of two from Bowdon, Cheshire, said: 'I used to follow the 650-calorie diet on a Monday and Tuesday and it was great because I knew that by Wednesday I would be eating normally. 'It really suited me, I did it on my busiest work days and I would mainly have the milky drinks while I was at work so I didn't have to worry about shopping or taking in a specially prepared packed lunch.' Mrs Haddock, 47, said she has now recommended the approach to friends.
Pamela Goldberg, chief executive of the Breast Cancer Campaign, said: 'There are many breast cancer risk factors that can't be controlled, such as age, gender and family history - but staying at a healthy weight is one positive step that can be taken. 'This intermittent dieting approach provides an alternative to conventional dieting which could help with weight loss, but also potentially reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.'
The research was conducted at the Genesis Breast Cancer Prevention Centre at UHSM, and was published in the International Journal of Obesity.'
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Risk of BC for those who don't yet have it is different to risk of progression for those who've had early stage or who have mets.
Why the aggressive words Ruby? (Oh For God's sake) My father died shortly after Dx. He should have lasted at least 6 to 9 months so I don't think it was cachexia. I don't think you realise how your words cut and hurt people. Some empathy would have been more appropriate.
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I agree, why be so angry about this Ruby. We are all here for the same reason, we had no choice regarding our illness. Surely if we cannot support each other the question is should we be on this site.
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Joy, you don't seem to realize how your own words often rain on one's parade given the few shreds of hope some of us are hanging onto
Aggressive (not), I am sorry for your father but I really don't see how comparing pancreatic cancer and involuntary fasting is relevant to this thread and helpful for any of us
ETA: I am certain that the results of this study apply to my own BC, as I am doing everything I can to prevent a secondary BC cancer as well as a recurrence. Not unlike some sisters who take Metformin for exactly the same purpose, the results of this study saw a drop in insulin of 25% whether or not : 'Risk of BC for those who don't yet have it is different to risk of progression for those who've had early stage or who have mets' your words
'Women following the two-day diet saw their levels of the hormone leptin drop by 40 per cent, while those on the Mediterranean diet saw a drop of 36 per cent. Both saw a drop in insulin levels of up to 25 per cent and levels of inflammatory protein of up to 15 per cent"
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I was doing the 2 day low carb diet myself and recommending it to all who would listen. We are better off lowering our insulin resistance and keeping the fat cells off. So I'm completely in agreement with the whole fasting idea, but not sure now about whether high protein is so good due to IGF-1.
My point was that we can't rely on that alone to prevent progression. We probably need a combination of things and we don't know what that is yet.
Attitude towards people and life probably make a difference too. CALM.. PEACE.. ACCEPTANCE.
Not sweating the small stuff. Increasing the good hormones and decreasing the harmful ones.
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'Women following the two-day diet saw their levels of the hormone leptin drop by 40 per cent' That's truly amazing !
May 2012 - The multifactorial role of leptin in driving the breast cancer micro environment
"leptin signaling contributes to the metabolic features associated with breast cancer malignancy, such as switching the cells' energy balance from mitochondrial β-oxidation to the aerobic glycolytic pathway. Leptin also shapes the tumor microenvironment, mainly through its ability to potentiate both migration of endothelial cells and angiogenesis, and to sustain the recruitment of macrophages and monocytes, which in turn secrete vascular endothelial growth factor and proinflammatory cytokines
Data are presented on the functional crosstalk between leptin and estrogen signaling, which further contributes to promotion of breast carcinogenesis"
http://www.nature.com/nrendo/journal/v8/n5/abs/nrendo.2011.184.html
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Hi All,
Just posted an update on my first BC doc visit http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/96/topic/792047?page=1#idx_1 All in all, it's looking good.
I told my doctor about my fasting. She says she has no problem with that as long I keep my protein levels high enough for healing from the bc surgery. Excellent point. Moderation in all things.
As for fasting in general, starvation is not likely to produce any medical benefits. No one would advocate that. But 2 days a week of fasting followed by 5 days of normal eating often does not even result in weight loss (unless the diet is moderate on the 5 days), but it does lower the IGF-1 growth factor which helps slow tumor growth. And apparenty lowers leptin, as well.
Anyway, I'm going for it for me. My Italian friend for whom eating good food is a religion, and even though she has bc, can't imagine fasting. We applaud each other's choices.
Let's applaud ourselves for sharing ideas!
Wishing you good news of every kind,
Hap
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Joy,
so sorry to hear story of your dad. Please understand that intelligent FASTING is very different than not eating. I encourage ALL of us to make healthy fasting choices as it really can benefit cancer treatment.
#1 body type - if you are vata (or if you are underweight) then you must choose type of fast where you are eating SOMETHING. fasting can also be simplified diet like bible guys eating locusts (JOKE)
But seriously, research fasts which are appropriate for YOUR body type and let your intuition guide you.
God to FARMERS MARKET. In SUMMER it is very natural to do fruit fast. I have days where all I eat is watermelon. My body guides me.
Of course if you have candida issues, fruit fast may not be for you. But fasting on locally grown seasonal foods will give you most nutrition as foods can loose much vitamins in shipping.If you are overweight or kapha - a raw vegetable diet with lots of salads and NO fancy dressings might be very beneficial. Only olive oil and lemon juice for dressing. Or better make ginger lime dressing as the fresh ginger is very good for all healing. People with extreme overweight may consider not eating at all and doing fast of only juices and teas.
Also, you must consider what meds you are on. Fasting works best with NO MEDS.
It is complex. I am not doctor. I can only encourage people to learn about fasting b/c it can absolutely help with cancer or other disease - not to mention it is very spiritual and we all need help for the spirit to combat our sadness or anger.
happy eating and fasting adventures to all!
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