Why do some people get cancer? The answer is more complicated than just family genetics, because something turns the whole process “on”. Many of the cancers we fight today such as breast, colon, prostate, and uterine cancer are all related to a metabolic condition referred to as insulin resistance.
Insulin resistance arises when a portion of the brain called the hypothalamus is damaged by the excessive consumption of processed carbohydrates and fats.
The connection between hunger and cancer starts in your brain because the hypothalamus controls your sense of hunger, body fat and sugar metabolism. Damage to this part of your brain results in altered levels of hormones (insulin, IGF, adipocytokines). These hormones fuel the growth of cancer by increasing the rate of cell replication and allowing cells to live much longer than normal.
Understanding the relationship between excess calories and hormone levels in setting the stage for cancer is very important. If people are able to decrease their calorie intake, these hormone levels can return to normal and their risk of developing cancer can be dramatically reduced within only 12 months.
On the other hand, if people are unable to decrease their caloric intake, they will continue to increase their risk of developing cancer. The consumption of carbohydrates and sugar actually feeds the cells in many types of cancer.
Cancer grows whether you are thin or overweight because what really matters is your caloric intake, not necessarily how much fat you might produce. In fact, thinner women are more prone to pre-menopausal breast cancer than overweight women. This explanation goes against our common perceptions that being “healthy” means just being skinny or athletic.
If you have never had an occurrence of cancer and you are interested in cancer prevention, there are things your doctor can suggest that will alter your hunger and reduce your risk. My first set of recommendations to my patients often includes a high potency supplement of fish-based omega-3 fatty acids, a reduction in total carbohydrates to less than 100 grams per day, and the elimination of non-sugar sweeteners.
If you have a history of cancer or your hunger is still a problem after making those basic dietary changes, consider a thorough autonomic evaluation to identify other sources of excess hunger. We really are what we eat, so this is a powerful way to take control of your health and fight one of the most devastating diseases of our time.
© 2014. Dr. Patrick Nemechek. All Rights Reserved.