Intermittent Fasting and Cancer: Why I Would Fast Instead of Eating Every Few Hours
Extended intermittent fasting, lasting 72 hours or longer, has been researched for its impact on autophagy, insulin sensitivity, immune balance, and cellular detox. While patients are often told to eat frequently, studies suggest fasting may offer unique cellular resilience benefits.
If I were diagnosed with cancer today, I would not eat every few hours like we are often told to.
Because the truth is, much of the standard nutritional advice given to cancer patients works directly against what the body actually needs to repair and defend itself.
We are warned about weight loss. We are told we will be too weak. And then we are handed pudding cups, crackers, and bottles of Ensure as if that is real nourishment.
We are told we need calories, but almost no one talks about what constant eating does to insulin levels, immune signaling, or cancer metabolism itself.
No one explains how eating all day long keeps insulin elevated, shuts down autophagy, and pulls energy away from detoxification and immune repair.
And almost no one talks about how intermittent fasting can reduce inflammation, improve metabolic health, and give the body the space it needs to focus on cellular repair.
If I were diagnosed today, I would not eat more.
I would fast.
Strategically. Intentionally. With full-body support.
And I would work my way up to an extended water fast, potentially up to ten days, as my body tolerated it.
