Can fasting prevent cancer?

'Recently I see many people fasting, not eating rice or meat to lose weight, detoxify, and prevent cancer. Is this good, doctor? Is there any way to fast that is good for health? Thank you, doctor'. (P.Duc, in Ho Chi Minh City).

Specialist Doctor 1 Dinh Tran Ngoc Mai, Department of Nutrition - Dietetics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, answered: Our body needs a full range of nutrients to maintain health such as:

• Starch: Is the main source of energy for daily activities. The brain and muscles need glucose from starch to function.
• Protein: Helps regenerate and repair tissues, supports immunity, especially important for cancer patients when the body needs resistance.
• Fat: Provides stored energy and helps absorb fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, K.
• Vitamins and minerals: Help boost immunity, support metabolism, and fight pathogens.
• Fiber: Improves digestion, reduces the risk of chronic diseases, including colon cancer.

Completely eliminating rice and meat can lead to energy and protein deficiencies.

Fasting or completely eliminating rice and meat can lead to energy and protein deficiencies, causing immune deficiency and muscle loss, which is especially dangerous for cancer patients or people who want to prevent disease.

According to Dr. Ngoc Mai, some unhealthy eating habits can increase the risk of cancer, including:

• Red meat and processed meat: Eating too much red meat (beef, pork, lamb) and processed meat (sausages, ham) can increase the risk of colorectal cancer because they contain harmful compounds when digested.
• Grilled and fried foods: Foods grilled at high temperatures or charred produce substances such as acrylamide and HCAs, which can cause cell mutations.
• Canned foods: Many processed foods contain preservatives, additives or high salt content, which increase the risk of digestive tract cancers.
• Diet low in fruits and vegetables: Lack of antioxidants (vitamin C, E, carotenoids) in fruits and vegetables reduces the ability to fight free radicals - the cause of cancer.

Therefore, improper fasting, especially eliminating entire food groups such as rice (starch), meat (protein) is not related to cancer prevention and also causes the following harmful effects:

• Nutritional imbalance, lack of energy.
• Immunodeficiency, reduced cell regeneration ability.
• Muscle loss, body weakness, risk of metabolic disorders.

If you want to try fasting methods (like intermittent fasting), you should seek guidance from your doctor or dietitian to ensure it's appropriate for your health and goals.

Instead of fasting, you should increase green vegetables and fresh fruits.

Instead of starving, choose a healthy diet.

Dr. Ngoc Mai said that instead of fasting, you should follow a healthy and balanced diet as follows:

• Increase green vegetables and fresh fruits: Contains lots of antioxidants and fiber.
• Limit red meat and processed foods: Reduce portions and replace them with healthy protein sources like fish, beans, and nuts.
• Prioritize healthy cooking methods: Steam, boil, or stir-fry instead of baking or frying.
• Use whole grains instead of refined ones: Brown rice, oats, and whole-wheat bread provide fiber and sustained energy.
• Reduce sugar and salt: Control the amount of sugar and salt in your diet to reduce the risk of inflammation and chronic disease.

Dr. Ngoc Mai shared that fasting is not the optimal method for weight loss or cancer prevention. The important thing is to build a balanced, healthy diet, combined with an active lifestyle to maintain the best health. If you want to adjust your diet, consult a specialist for appropriate guidance.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/bac-si-24-7-nhin-doi-co-ngua-duoc-ung-thu-185241220111831713.htm