A proper diet is essential for a healthy life, both for humans and for dogs and cats. However, did you know that nutrition can influence the appearance and treatment of tumors?
If you already knew this, you might be familiar with the term Ketogenic Diet. The Ketogenic Diet is a high-fat, moderate-protein, and, most importantly, low-carbohydrate diet. In this diet, proteins, healthy fats, vegetables, and legumes replace carbohydrates, meaning foods like rice, wheat, flours, bread, and grains.
How Can the Ketogenic Diet Assist in Cancer Treatment?
The answer primarily relates to low carbohydrate intake. According to animal nutrition specialists, the main fuel for cancer cells is sugar, obtained from carbohydrates. When carbohydrate consumption is reduced, tumor cells stop multiplying, which helps prevent cancer progression.
But What is the Difference Between the Ketogenic Diet and a Low-Carb Diet?
The Ketogenic Diet is essentially a more restrictive Low-Carb Diet, with even lower carbohydrate intake. The foods in both diets are similar, with the difference lying in the amount of carbohydrates consumed.
Despite this distinction, both diets are recommended not only for cancer treatment but also for the prevention and management of diabetes and obesity.
Finally, What Foods are Allowed in a Ketogenic and Low-Carb Diet?
Permitted Foods:
- Protein sources: eggs, chicken, fish, beef, pork, lamb.
- Vegetables: broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, parsnips, carrots, peas, among others.
- Natural fats: olive oil, coconut oil, animal fats.
Foods to Avoid:
- Refined and processed items: flours and plant-based brans.
- Grains and cereals: corn, wheat, soy, and rice.
- Vegetable fats, such as margarine.
- Sweets and sugars.
Text written by Natália Frantz Truchinski.