🔬 Can your metabolism help fight gastrointestinal cancer?

Surprisingly, the answer might be yes.

A recent review explores how nutrition-based strategies — the Ketogenic diet (KD) and the Fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) — could support cancer treatment by reshaping the way tumours use energy and interact with the immune system.

What’s the idea?

Cancer cells thrive on certain fuels and signals.

By changing the body’s metabolic environment, we may make life harder for tumours and easier for treatments to work.

Here’s what researchers are finding:

• Disrupting tumour metabolism

  The ketogenic diet lowers insulin and IGF-1 (growth signals), increases oxidative stress in cancer cells, and suppresses pathways that help tumours grow.

• Boosting the immune response

  Fasting-mimicking diet cycles seem to reduce regulatory T cells (which can dampen immunity), activate CD8+ “killer” cells, and improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

• Early clinical signs are encouraging

  In cancers such as pancreatic, colorectal, and gastric, small studies suggest better treatment tolerance, improved body composition, and in some cases, unexpectedly longer survival.

This research is still in its early days and ketogenic diets aren’t a replacement for standard cancer therapy, but the biological logic is strong.

🥊 Summary

If targeting tumour metabolism could make treatments more effective, why aren’t we using these strategies more widely in cancer care?

🧠 Could a metabolic shift ease Parkinson’s symptoms?

A recent review looked at whether the Ketogenic diet (KD), a high-fat, very low-carb eating plan, could improve quality of life for people living with Parkinson’s disease (PD).

The findings are mixed, but interesting.

What did the studies show?

Across six clinical trials, the ketogenic diet didn’t significantly change the classic motor symptoms of Parkinson’s (e.g. tremor, stiffness, or slowness of movement).

But something else happened, and it matters a lot for daily life:

• Less fatigue

• Better sleep

• Improved mood and reduced anxiety

• In some cases, sharper thinking

For a condition that affects every aspect of living, even small improvements in these areas can feel like a breath of fresh air.

What about metabolism?

The pattern was consistent:

• Lower blood sugar swings

• Reduced HbA1c (a marker of long-term glucose control)

• Lower triglycerides

• Modest weight loss

Side effects were mostly mild and short-lived.

However, this is early science. The studies were small, used different protocols, had short follow-up periods, and carried a high risk of bias.

🥊 Summary

Targeting energy metabolism might offer a new way to ease non-motor symptoms: the very symptoms that most strongly shape quality of life in Parkinson’s. Ketosis is a promising but experimental frontier in Parkinson’s disease care.

🎄 5 strategies to stick to a keto diet this holiday season

1. Plan ahead with “If–then” strategies

When we’re stressed or tired, the brain defaults to old habits like reaching for sugar or carbs.

“If–then” planning helps break that cycle. It works like this: “If I’m offered dessert, then I’ll say I’m full and ask for tea instead.”

These simple mental scripts turn good intentions into action and keep you calm under pressure.

2. Prepare for social pressure

Saying “no” at parties can be hard, especially when you’re tired.

Reduce decision fatigue by scripting your responses ahead of time:

• “I feel so much better without sugar. Thank you, but I’ll pass.”

• “I brought something that works for me. Want to try it?”

Having your words ready helps you stay confident and connected.

3. Reduce friction

Decision fatigue is real. The more choices you face, the harder it gets.

• Eat a satisfying keto meal before parties.

• Keep sugary foods out of sight (or out of the house).

• Pre-plan meals so you’re not scrambling when hungry.

Make the “right” choice the easy choice.

4. Make keto food sound tempting

Language matters. Instead of calling something “low-carb,” describe it deliciously:

• “Buttery rosemary-stuffed mushrooms” sounds far better than “keto snack.”

This shift turns restriction into abundance and makes meals something to celebrate.

5. Reframe cravings with creativity

Cravings often come from emotion, not hunger.

Instead of feeling restricted, recreate your favourite holiday dishes with keto-friendly ingredients.

It might take time to adjust, but your taste buds will adapt, and you’ll stay connected to the traditions you love.

🥊 Summary

The holidays can be tough when you’re trying to stick to a ketogenic lifestyle, but with a little planning and some neuroscience-backed tips, you can stay on track without feeling deprived.