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Can a Ketogenic Diet Help Treat Cancer?
In this episode of the Metabolic Mind podcast, Dr. Bret Scher speaks with L.J. Amaral, a registered dietitian, certified in nutrition oncology, and PhD student researcher at Cedars-Sinai, about where ketogenic therapy may fit into cancer care. Together they emphasize a crucial point: in oncology, we’re not just treating the tumor, we’re treating the whole person. The quality of life, physical strength, and day-to-day function of patients matter in prognosis.
L.J. covers:
- How shifting fuel toward ketones may influence metabolism, inflammation, fatigue, and even muscle preservation during treatment.
- Why many tumors crave glucose, and why that matters for dietary strategies.
- The potential of ketogenic therapy used alongside standard of care (surgery/chemo/radiation), with early signals around feasibility, daily living, and patient well-being.
- The real-world nuance of responders vs. non-responders, and why personalized coaching is key.
- How some patients pair fasting windows with treatment, and the practical safeguards to consider.
- What’s next: details on an NIH-funded, multi-center phase 2 trial comparing a ketogenic approach to an American Cancer Society–style diet.
Ketogenic therapy in oncology is early but advancing. If you’re curious about science-backed nutrition strategies that support both treatment and daily life, this conversation is for you.
👉Interested in learning more about metabolic health and ketogenic therapy? Subscribe to Metabolic Mind for the latest research, expert interviews, and updates: https://www.youtube.com/@metabolicmind.
#MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #CancerTreatment #FoodAsMedicine
Expert Featured:
L.J. Amaral
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ljamaral/
- Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Lj-Amaral
Resources Mentioned:
A phase 1 safety and feasibility trial of a ketogenic diet plus standard of care for patients with recently diagnosed glioblastoma
Successful application of dietary ketogenic metabolic therapy in patients with glioblastoma: a clinical study
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Published on 3 weeks ago