There are many holistic strategies you can bring in to both enhance cancer treatment and help you stay cancer-free. Thankfully cancer is not the death sentence it used to be…partly because of these strategies. But out of ALL of these holistic strategies, if I could add only 1 it is an absolute no-brainer for me that it would be FASTING!
Fasting is the BEST strategy you can bring in to both optimize treatment and long-term prevention. Here’s why!
WHY FASTING
There are so many anti-cancer & anti-aging benefits to fasting but here are the “Top 5 Reasons” why I recommend fasting to everyone I work with.
1- Metabolic Improvement
Fasting improves ALL of your metabolic markers; especially blood sugar, insulin, IGF-1, & inflammation. This is important when it comes to cancer because it’s these markers that tell us if the environment of your body is cancer promoting or cancer fighting. It also enhances DNA repair which is critical to keeping cancer away.
2- Immunotherapy
When fasted, your cells initiate cellular repair processes. This includes apoptosis & autophagy, where the body targets and removes old and dysfunctional proteins that build up inside cells. This also includes targeting and removing viruses, parasites, and other microbes from the body.
Not only does fasting help to remove weak and damaged cells, it also boosts stem cell production. As soon as you start eating again the stem cells form new, stronger white cells…improving immune surveillance. After only 24-48 hours of fasting, it clears out 50% of the immune system in order to be rebuilt once the fast is complete.
3- Detoxification
Fasting is literally one of the best ways to help purge toxins from your cells. Cells will store toxins in order to protect the rest of your body from their damaging effect. It is difficult to get your cells to release these toxins. Sauna can help this happen, as well as fasting! Detox enzymes also increase in response to fasting; which helps us clear the toxins that are being released.
4- Resilience & Longevity
Fasting helps our cells age slower. It also imparts something known as hormetic stress. This is a kind of stress that is short but intense and helps to program healthier genes & cells. Hormesis makes our cells less complacent and boosts our health by getting rid of less efficient cells while investing in stronger ones.
Many anti-aging experts agree, “the more we are willing to be in discomfort, the more resilient we become & the healthier we will age.” Fasting is a great way to do this.
5- Treatment Enhancement
Probably the coolest benefit of fasting, especially when it comes to cancer, is thanks to something known as differential stress resistance.
In a normal, non-fasting, state, healthy cells grow and reproduce. But during fasting, their energy shifts toward repair and protection. They slow down, preserve their energy, and switch to ketones (fatty acids) as their primary fuel source.
Cancer cells, thankfully, do not respond as quickly to the external stress of energy restriction. What this means is that while healthy cells are now protected, with less drug uptake during treatment, cancer cells are no longer being fueled and become more vulnerable.
The Result = improved treatment effectiveness (aka more cancer cell death) + less side effects (& toxicity to healthy cells). A true win-win!!
You can learn more about fasting to boost cancer recovery here.
THE STYLE OF FASTING I RECOMMEND
There are many different types of fasting and thankfully they all have shown benefits. So what’s most important is that you start with whichever style you are most drawn to.
Here are the 3 styles that I encourage all of our clients & Collective members to follow:
- Overnight Fast of 12-14 hours
- Extended Fast 3-5 days once a season (4 times a year)
- Timed Fast with cancer treatment
And my favorite style for both the “Extended Fast” & “Timed Fast With Treatment” is a FASTING MIMICKING DIET.
WHAT IS A FASTING MIMICKING DIET?
This style of fasting was first brought to my attention by the research presented by longevity expert, Dr. Valter Longo. What he discovered was that by eating a very precise amount of calories & macronutrients you can mimic a fast in the body. This way you get all the benefits from fasting but without the same degree of hunger and potential complications from water-only fasting.
Here’s how it works:
On “Day 1” you aim for a total caloric intake of 4.5 to 7 kcal/lb of body weight (10% protein, 56% fat, 34% carbs). And then on “Days 2-5” you aim for a total caloric intake of 3 to 5 kcal/lb of body weight (9% protein, 44% fat, 47% carbs). You also eliminate all animal protein.
By following these formulas you can expect the following to happen:
- Day 1- Transition Day
- Day 2- Ketosis kicks in
- Day 3- Autophagy ramps up
- Days 4-5- Deeper ketosis & autophagy
- Days 6-7 (“Refeeding”)- Immune Regeneration
Dr. Longo formulated the Prolon kit which guides you through the 5 days with pre-made, ready to eat meals. This is a really easy way to get started with the fast.
Inside The Healing Collective we have created meal plans & recipes that will also guide you through the fast but with real food. The plan is formulated with plenty of detox supporting, antioxidant rich, colorful anticancer foods and includes a toolkit to help you move through the “Refeeding” days as well.
We’ve had members use both and although the Prolon kit is admittedly easier to do, the Anticancer Fasting Plan is more filling and satisfying.
WHY WE DO THIS STYLE
Here are a few reasons why I love Fasting Mimicking Diets and why I counsel our clients & Collective members to try it for themselves:
1- Because it’s easier to go longer, you get the extended autophagy & immune benefits from fasting beyond a day or two.
2- Eating foods rich in fiber helps you clear the toxins that are being released during the fast.
3- Eating foods rich in antioxidants helps to protect your cells from the toxins that have been released into the bloodstream.
4- Adding an intentional re-feeding period post-fast enhances immune regeneration & surveillance.
These benefits have been shown to continue for another 3-6 months. This is why we do the fast once every season inside The Healing Collective, to make sure we keep the benefits going year-round.
SOME CLIENT STORIES
Don’t just take it from me though. Here are just a few of the results our members have experienced.
I am now a firm believer in the seasonal fast and will be doing that again next season. I have had so many compliments on my skin and coloring and my energy levels are amazing. – Jennifer
I tried a semi fast around my chemo last week, and it already helped; my side effects were less intense & didn’t last as long. I’m excited to try a longer fast with my next round of chemo. – Kathy
The comprehensive approach provided by Dionne was just what I was looking for after going through treatment for early stage breast cancer. I learned how to be less fearful of food and more about fasting in a way that is different from the trendy buzz about it. Not only is it easy to do, I feel amazing. – Carol
READY TO TRY?
Have I convinced you yet to try it for yourself? I hope so. It really is rather magical…and I promise not nearly as hard as you may imagine.
If you’re ready to add fasting to either your cancer treatment or long-term prevention plan, then join us inside The Healing Collective.
Here’s what you’ll receive:
- A detailed fasting plan + a few different options for moving through the fast
- A recorded video walking you through how to do the fast
- Quarterly group fasts which will provide you with daily support inside the private Facebook community + a group coaching call to get any additional questions answered
You can receive all of this support (+ so much more) for as little as $47 a month!!
Head here to learn more about The Healing Collective and choose which membership option is best for you. Join us here.
