Presentation overview:

Martha Tettenborn is a registered dietitian, author and cancer survivor from Ontario Canada. In this lecture, she discusses the benefits, mechanisms and implementation of fasting for chemotherapy.

Learning objectives:

• Learn about the benefits of targeted fasting for the patient undergoing chemotherapy treatment, both physical and psychological/emotional.
• Understand the impact of fasting/intentional short-term starvation on both cancer cells and healthy cells and how that differs.
• Understand the implementation of therapeutic, targeted fasting in the chemotherapy protocol and its impact on the experience of chemo-induced side effects.
• Learn how to decide on the timing of fasting depending on the patient's characteristics and status, and on the chemo protocol timing
  

Presentation summary:

Martha Tettenborn, a registered dietitian and cancer survivor, explores the benefits, mechanisms, and implementation of fasting in conjunction with chemotherapy. With a personal journey through cancer treatment, she shares insights on leveraging fasting to enhance the body's response to chemotherapy.

Benefits and Mechanisms of Fasting

Fasting deepens ketosis, downregulates healthy cell metabolism, and stresses cancer cells, following the "Press-Pulse theory." It keeps blood sugars and insulin levels stable, protects the gastrointestinal lining, reduces side effects, and empowers patients in their cancer journey.

Safety and Implementation

Studies by Dr. Valter Longo confirm the safety and efficacy of fasting alongside chemotherapy. Implementing fasting depends on factors like chemotherapy timing and the patient's condition. Strategies include extended fasting, weekly fasting, and daily intermittent fasting, tailored to individual needs.

Appropriate Fluids for Fasting

During fasting, calorie-free liquid intake is crucial for hydration without stimulating nutritional inputs. Options include water, electrolyte supplements, clear fluids like tea and coffee, and bone broth, ensuring adequate hydration and minimal calorie intake.

Sample Fasting Protocols

Tettenborn outlines sample fasting protocols based on chemotherapy administration schedules (see toolbox). These include extended fasting for 2-3 weeks interval chemo, shorter fasting for weekly chemo, and intermittent fasting for daily oral chemotherapy.

Future Prospects

As research progresses, fasting holds promise as part of standard cancer treatment, offering new avenues for metabolic therapies. Tettenborn concludes by encouraging healthcare professionals to explore fasting as a valuable intervention in cancer management.

Tettenborn's lecture highlights the transformative potential of fasting alongside chemotherapy. By understanding its benefits, mechanisms, and implementation strategies, medical practitioners can empower patients in their cancer journey, leading to improved outcomes and quality of life.

Downloadable resources:

1. Presentation
2. Reference list