Can The Keto Diet Prevent Cancer? - Doctor Reacts

Summary

In this video, Dr. Eric Westman discusses the potential of a ketogenic diet in preventing or treating cancer. He features Nick Norwitz, a medical student at Harvard, who explains how ketones, particularly beta-hydroxybutyrate, can disrupt cancer cell metabolism by inhibiting key enzymes and growth pathways. While the science is promising, Dr. Westman cautions that it's still theoretical and not yet ready for clinical application. He highlights the need for more research and evidence before keto diets can be recommended as a cancer treatment.

Takeaways

• 🧬 Dr. Eric Westman introduces the potential of a keto diet in treating or preventing cancer, based on the insights of Nick Norwitz, a medical student at Harvard University.
• 🔍 The video discusses the biochemical reasons why ketones might be beneficial, suggesting they can rewire metabolism and potentially inhibit cancer growth.
• 🏥 Dr. Westman offers an online course on metabolic nutrition for cancer, taught by Dr. Christe Kesslering, an oncologist experienced in metabolic therapies.
• 🍽 The script challenges the common perception of keto as merely an elimination diet, emphasizing it also adds a beneficial metabolic state—ketosis.
• 🧪 New research published in 2024 suggests that ketones, particularly beta-hydroxybutyrate, can inhibit key enzymes in cancer cell metabolism, such as LDHA, which is involved in glycolysis.
• 🚫 The Warburg effect, which notes that cancer cells predominantly use glucose, is mentioned as a historical context for current research on how a keto diet might impact cancer cells' energy sources.
• 🛑 Dr. Westman cautions that while the theory is promising, the practical application of a keto diet in cancer treatment is not yet ready for prime time due to the early stage of clinical research.
• 🧪 The video suggests that in addition to dietary changes, supplemental ketones might be a future avenue for cancer treatment, though this is still in early research stages.
• 🍹 The taste and palatability of ketone supplements have improved significantly, making them a more viable option for those looking to increase ketone levels without a full keto diet.
• 📈 Dr. Westman expresses optimism about the future of keto diets and supplementation in cancer treatment, while acknowledging the current lack of high-level clinical evidence.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Dr. Eric Westman's channel?

Dr. Eric Westman's channel focuses on reviewing and debunking nutritional information online.

What is the theoretical and biochemical reason discussed for ketones being useful in treating or preventing cancer?

Ketones, specifically beta-hydroxybutyrate, can be useful in treating or preventing cancer by inhibiting key enzymes in glycolysis, such as aldolase B, which helps break down sugar. This action impairs cancer growth by blocking glycolysis and inhibiting mTOR, a master regulator of growth.

Who is Nick Norwitz and what is his role in the video?

Nick Norwitz is a medical student at Harvard University and an up-and-coming star in the field of biochemistry and the ketogenic diet. He discusses the potential of ketones in cancer treatment in the video.

What is the 'metabolic nutrition for cancer' course mentioned in the script?

The 'metabolic nutrition for cancer' course is an online course that teaches about the connection between sugar, insulin, and cancer, and how to use a customized ketogenic diet as part of cancer treatment.

What does Dr. Westman argue about the ketogenic diet in relation to cancer cells?

Dr. Westman argues that the ketogenic diet is not just an elimination diet but also an additive one, as it adds a metabolic state of ketosis, which can potentially reshape cancer metabolism and impair cancer growth.

What is the Warburg effect and how does it relate to cancer cells?

The Warburg effect is the observation that cancer cells predominantly use glucose for energy. This effect is mentioned in the context of how cancer cells are sensitive to glucose and can potentially be affected by a diet that restricts carbohydrates.

What is the current state of research on the use of ketones in cancer treatment?

The research on the use of ketones in cancer treatment is still in its early stages, with the script mentioning that it is not yet ready for prime time and requires further clinical trials to establish its efficacy.

What is the significance of the paper 'Ketogenic diet reshapes cancer metabolism through lysine beta-hydroxylation' mentioned in the script?

The paper is significant because it provides a recent (2024) scientific perspective on how a ketogenic diet can influence cancer metabolism, specifically by reshaping it through the action of ketone bodies like beta-hydroxybutyrate.

What are the limitations Dr. Westman acknowledges about using a keto diet for cancer treatment?

Dr. Westman acknowledges that while the theory behind using a keto diet for cancer treatment is solid, there is not yet high-level clinical trial evidence to guarantee its effectiveness in preventing or reversing cancer.

What is the current status of ketone supplementation in cancer treatment according to the script?

The script suggests that ketone supplementation in the form of a pill, drink, or gummy is an area of research that is still in its infancy, with the potential to be used as an adjunct to cancer treatment.

Outlines

00:00

🧬 Exploring the Ketogenic Diet's Impact on Cancer

Dr. Eric Westman introduces the topic of whether a ketogenic diet can prevent or treat cancer. He features Nick Norwitz, a medical student at Harvard University, who discusses the theoretical and biochemical reasons why ketones might be beneficial in cancer treatment. The video promises to explain how ketones can rewire metabolism and potentially block cancer growth. Dr. Westman also mentions an online course on metabolic nutrition for cancer, taught by Dr. Christe Kesslering, which covers the connection between sugar, insulin, and cancer, and how a customized ketogenic diet can support treatment.

05:00

🔬 Ketones as Metabolic Signaling Molecules in Cancer

This paragraph delves into how cancer cells reprogram their metabolism to facilitate growth, primarily through the glycolysis pathway. It explains that ketone bodies, specifically beta-hydroxybutyrate, can inhibit key enzymes like LDH-A involved in glycolysis, thereby impairing cancer cell growth. The discussion highlights that ketones are not just a fuel source but also signaling molecules that can reshape cancer metabolism. The video acknowledges that while the science is promising, it is still in early stages and not yet ready for widespread clinical application.

10:03

🏥 The Clinical Readiness of Ketogenic Diets for Cancer Treatment

Dr. Westman concludes the video by tempering the excitement around ketones and cancer with a dose of realism. He emphasizes that while the theoretical framework is solid, clinical evidence supporting the use of ketogenic diets to prevent or treat cancer is not yet robust. He mentions that some anecdotal evidence and early research suggest certain types of cancer, like glioblastoma multiforme, might be particularly responsive to ketogenic diets. However, he stresses the need for higher-level evidence before recommending ketogenic diets as a standard treatment for cancer.

Keywords

💡Ketogenic Diet

A ketogenic diet, or keto diet, is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that shifts the body's metabolism away from glucose and towards fat for energy, resulting in the production of ketones. In the context of the video, Dr. Eric Westman discusses the theoretical and biochemical reasons why ketones, produced by the body during a ketogenic diet, may be useful in treating or preventing cancer. The diet's potential to 'reshape cancer metabolism' is highlighted, as it may inhibit pathways that cancer cells use for growth (source: [^1^][^5^]).

💡Ketones

Ketones, such as beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), are molecules produced by the body when it burns fat for energy instead of glucose. They are portrayed as not only an alternative fuel for the body but also signaling molecules that can rewire metabolism. In cancer treatment, ketones are suggested to inhibit key enzymes like LDH-A and HSD17B10, which are involved in cancer cell metabolism, thereby potentially impairing cancer growth (source: [^1^]).

💡Cancer Metabolism

Cancer metabolism refers to the unique way cancer cells obtain energy and grow. Cancer cells often exhibit a preference for glycolysis, even in the presence of oxygen, a phenomenon known as the Warburg effect. The video discusses how a keto diet might interfere with this metabolism by reducing the availability of glucose and increasing ketones, which cancer cells are less efficient at using (source: [^5^]).

💡Nick Norwitz

Nick Norwitz is a medical student at Harvard University and an emerging figure in the fields of biochemistry and ketogenic diet research. He is highlighted in the video for his work on the theoretical and biochemical reasons why ketones can be useful in treating or preventing cancer. His personal journey with metabolic health and his mission to make it mainstream are also mentioned (source: [^3^]).

💡Glycolysis

Glycolysis is a metabolic pathway that breaks down glucose into pyruvate, producing energy in the form of ATP. Cancer cells often rely heavily on glycolysis for growth, even when oxygen is available, which is inefficient compared to oxidative phosphorylation. The video suggests that ketones, by inhibiting glycolysis, can impair cancer cell growth (source: [^1^]).

💡mTOR

mTOR, or mammalian target of rapamycin, is a protein kinase that regulates cell growth, proliferation, and survival. It is often overactive in cancer cells, promoting their growth. The video explains that ketones can inhibit mTOR, which may help in treating cancer by slowing down the growth of cancer cells (source: [^1^]).

💡Metabolic Therapies

Metabolic therapies are treatments that target the metabolic processes of the body, particularly those that differ between healthy and diseased cells, such as cancer cells. The video mentions that Dr. Westman teaches a course on metabolic nutrition for cancer, which includes the use of a customized ketogenic diet as part of treatment to support successful outcomes (source: [^5^]).

💡Warburg Effect

The Warburg effect describes the observation that cancer cells often prefer to use glycolysis for energy production rather than oxidative phosphorylation, even in the presence of oxygen. This effect is discussed in the video as a potential target for keto diets, which may starve cancer cells of the glucose they preferentially use (source: [^1^][^5^]).

💡Ketone Supplementation

Ketone supplementation involves the use of exogenous ketones, such as ketone esters or salts, to raise blood ketone levels without the need for dietary restriction. The video suggests that this form of supplementation could be a potential area of research for cancer treatment, as it may provide the metabolic benefits of ketosis without the dietary changes (source: [^5^]).

💡Oxidative Stress

Oxidative stress refers to an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the ability of the body to counteract their harmful effects through detoxification. The video mentions that ketones may induce oxidative stress in cancer cells, which can lead to cell death, potentially offering a therapeutic advantage (source: [^1^]).

Highlights

Dr. Eric Westman discusses the theoretical and biochemical reasons why ketones may be useful in treating or preventing cancer.

Nick Norwitz, a medical student at Harvard University, presents on the potential of ketones in cancer treatment.

Ketogenic diets may offer benefits beyond just eliminating carbs, by inducing a metabolic state of ketosis.

Ketones, particularly beta-hydroxybutyrate, are suggested to have a dual role as fuel and signaling molecules.

Cancer cells require metabolic reprogramming, including upregulating glycolysis for growth.

Beta-hydroxybutyrate can inhibit key enzymes in glycolysis, such as aldolase B, thus impairing cancer growth.

Inhibiting aldolase B also affects the mTOR pathway, which is a master regulator of growth.

The concept of ketosis as an 'addition' of a metabolic state and signaling molecules is emphasized.

Dr. Westman acknowledges the emotional attachment many people have to carbs and the resistance to viewing them as harmful.

The Warburg effect, which suggests cancer cells predominantly use glucose, is discussed in the context of keto diets.

Cancer's ability to use amino acids for growth even when sugar is cut out is highlighted.

The potential of adding ketones in supplement form to enhance the effects of a keto diet is mentioned.

Improvements in the taste and palatability of ketone supplements over the last decade are noted.

Dr. Westman expresses the need for higher level evidence before keto diets can be recommended as cancer treatments.

Anecdotal evidence and some cohort studies suggest certain types of cancer, like glioblastoma multiforme, may respond well to keto diets.

The video concludes with a call to action for viewers to engage with the content and explore further resources.

Transcripts

can a keto diet prevent or treat

[Music]

cancer hi I'm Dr Eric Westman and

welcome to my channel where I review and

debunk nutritional information online in

this video we're going to hear the

theoretical and and

biochemical reason why ketones can be

useful in treating or preventing cancer

and it's done by Nick norwitz a upand

coming superstar in the biochemistry and

keto World he's a medical student at

Harvard University let's see what he has

to say be sure to wait till the end

where I give you my final thoughts want

to learn more about the metabolic

aspects of cancer wish you knew the

facts about how certain foods affect

cancer at risk our online course

metabolic nutrition for cancer will

teach you everything you need to know

about the connection between sugar

insulin and cancer and how to use a

customized ketogenic diet as part of

your treatment to support a successful

outcome it's taught by Dr christe

kesslering a leading oncologist who's

been using metabolic therapies with her

patients for years please click the link

in the description below to learn more

and to

enroll how can keto block cancer in this

video I promise to answer that question

based on brand new research but first I

will want to dissect why some people

maybe you have an adverse reaction to

the idea that keto is anti-cancer so

here's my high level take people see

keto as an Elimination Diet where you

just cut the carbs it's about

subtracting something not adding

something therefore the removal of

something presumably a bad something

carbs or sugar results in something good

anti-cancer and because people well many

people are emotionally attached to carbs

there's a negative visceral reaction as

if someone me is calling carbs evil but

you know me by now or if you don't you

will and with me there's always a

different frame a different lens a

different perspective I do not see keto

as a subtraction diet rather keto is the

addition of a metabolic state that of

ketosis where your body is making these

Ketone molecules which are not only fuel

for your body but also hormones and

signaling molecules that rewire

metabolism well so it's both it's an

Elimination Diet and an additive diet

the idea that someone has a gluten

problem and on a keto diet that's

glutenfree they get better it's an

Elimination Diet if someone has a fod

map issue meaning simple sugars cause

their irritable bowel syndrome or

heartburn and you eliminate those then

keto is an Elimination Diet but his

point is and and I understand is that

it's not just eliminating you're also

getting something beneficial from it I

remember Georgia Eid Eed who has a book

on Mental Health in the keto World

Georgia gave a talk on how if all you do

is subtract the the it was the

psychology of subtraction is was the

name of the talk and she said if you

present the keto diet just as

subtracting things people are like Nick

is saying are going to feel like they're

missing something so of course I in my

initial teaching talk about the things

you can have like bacon if people like

bacon or pork Rin in the South people

love pork Rin in North Carolina and

chichones of course other parts of the

US and the world too but so I emphasize

the foods that people can have that

maybe they thought they couldn't have

before

so it's not just entirely subtracting

out different things but so here adding

uh that spin that it's not just taking

away things you're fueling yourself on

ketones now is a really important Point

Let's see what ketones do yes I said

that Ketone bodies in particular the

Ketone body beta hydroxy butyrate is

much much more than gas for cellular

engines it can be the freaking steering

wheel and a I'll prove it to you enter

this paper ketogenic diet reshapes

cancer metabolism through lysine beta

hydroxy relation big words I know we're

going to break it down notice the date

2024 so this is uh and published August

12 20 brand new so the science coming

out on ketones is new so don't expect

your doctor or even your oncologist to

necessarily know about the things this

is this is Cutting Edge stuff cancer

cells are good at what they're good at

growing to do this they require

metabolic reprogramming that upregulates

Pathways that facilitate growth and this

includes the sugar breakdown pathway of

glycolysis which breaks down sugar

glucose into smaller carbon molecules

pyruvate and downstream of that acetal

COA you don't need to know those terms

just throwing them out there for jargon

sake anyway these can be used as carbon

building blocks for growth provided the

cancer cell can divert them as building

substrates which cancer cells are pretty

good at doing the Ketone body beta

hydroxy berate itself strangles cancer

by attaching itself to a key enzyme in

glycolysis alalas B that helps break

down sugar and in so doing it inhibits

alalas B just like I'd inhibit your

ability to run if I jumped on your back

isn't that a funny vision and in so

doing in inhibiting aldel spe it also

inhibits mtor the master regulator of

growth providing a onew punch whereby

ketones beta hydroxy berate as a

signaling molecule an enzyme modifier

reshapes cancer metabolism to impair

cancer growth blocking glycolysis and

inhibiting mtor and when you look at it

this way as the addition of a metabolic

State ketosis and the addition of

signaling molecules that result yes as a

function of carbohydrate restriction

things start to make a lot more sense so

no carbs are not evil but cancer it kind

of is and if we have a metabolic state

that helps to block cancer well you

better believe that's excellent news

because I certainly want to remain

Olive well thanks Nick for another great

video but I have to be a little bit of a

I know wet blanket it's not ready for

Prime Time meaning uh this is still

theoretical and and yet it's great it's

exciting it it's it's like you have just

um discovered the mechanism that's

needed to make a smartphone but you

don't have a smartphone yet so the the

research is still very early in terms of

progression through clinical trials and

knowing whether and how to use it in the

real oncology G world the cancer world

so the warberg effect 100 years ago or

so is the idea that cancer cells

predominantly use glucose it was sort of

rediscovered by these radiation

oncologists who were looking at tumors

lighting up because they were radiol

labeling glucose ftg glucose which is a

way to look for metastases lights up the

the Cancer all over the body glucose

uptake and then if you cut out the carbs

from the diet it it changes things that

even the heart isn't seen anymore

because the the glucose isn't taken up

by the heart on a keto diet so the

actually the heart runs on fat fatty

acids and and lactate but that's another

sidebar but so the idea that the cancer

runs on glucose is a bit limited so

while it is a factor and I see that

there now is a field of defining how

sensitive a tumor is to glucose and it

actually doesn't matter if it's you know

say for example a thyroid cancer where

what organ it is thyroid or or liver or

or breast what you want to know is the

molecular type and it's again kind of

not ready for prime time and that some

tumors rely on sugar a lot but if you

cut out the sugar it can still use amino

acids to grow and to you know shape

shift or morph to other kinds of energy

so cancer is a really tough thing to to

address and to to prevent and to treat

but other exciting things not just the

keto diet but what if you added ketones

in the form of a pill or a drink or a

gummy and that research again is in its

infancy The Taste the palatability of a

ketone drink has improved improved

greatly over the last 10 years first

ones that came around were tasted like

jet fuel and you know really hard to

drink now there are ones that are very

tasty and you can raise a ketone level

by drinking ketones so I look forward to

more research on keto diets and keto

supplementation with or without a keto

diet using keto as an adjunct or adant

an addition to cancer treatment to me

now Mak sense and I will train or teach

someone how to do a keto diet for any

kind of cancer really but I'll be very

clear is that I can't guarantee that it

will help that we don't have high level

meaning clinical trial evidence that a

keto diet will be helpful to reverse or

prevent cancer it just doesn't exist yes

there are a few anecdotes and and some

cohorts and it seems like the gleo

blastoma multiform this brain cancer

answer seems to be particularly

responsive people have come to our

meetings talking about how they're doing

and uh it's exciting to see but it's not

yet ready for a policy based on the

science yet but the the the theory is is

solid and thank you again Nick for

another great video um Nick if you

haven't watched him or subscribed to his

Channel please do he has a great story

of his own reversal of a serious

metabolic and medical issue using a keto

diet and I watch his videos all the time

to be up on the latest science as well

but in my positioning I'm in a clinic

where a patient comes to me I need

higher level evidence before I can say

that a keto diet will prevent or treat

cancer I hope that's helpful if you like

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