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Researcher who studied CANCER for 30 years shares 6 simple tips to reverse it

TOI Lifestyle Desk
| ETimes.in | Last updated on - Aug 7, 2025, 08:25 IST
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1/14

What all did we not know about cancer?


For over three decades, Dr Thomas N Seyfried has dedicated his life to studying cancer, not from just a genetic angle, but from a metabolic one. His work doesn’t just question what causes cancer, but deeply explores how cancer cells feed, grow, and survive. What stands out from his research is this idea: cancer can often be managed, slowed down, or prevented by changing how the body is fueled and how it heals.

2/14

Simple lifestyle changes that can help reverse cancer

This isn’t about magic pills or one-size-fits-all cures. These are just some simple lifestyle tweaks. Nothing drastic. Nothing unrealistic. Just smart, steady changes that create an environment where cancer cells struggle to thrive.
Here are 6 important lessons from this lifelong researcher.

3/14

Steady blood sugar is a silent shield

Keeping blood sugar levels stable may actually make it harder for cancer cells to grow.

Dr Seyfried’s research leans heavily on the Warburg Effect, which explains how cancer cells love glucose. In fact, they thrive on it. Big spikes in blood sugar? That’s like a buffet for them. By keeping those sugar highs and crashes in check, the body doesn’t feed the enemy.

This doesn’t mean cutting out all sugars, but rather avoiding refined carbs, sweetened drinks, and anything that causes sudden jumps in glucose. Balanced meals, small portions, and fibre-rich foods can help keep things calm inside, quietly guarding the cells from damage.

4/14

Cut carbs smartly, not drastically

Low-carb, high-fat (ketogenic) diets can starve cancer cells of their favorite fuel, glucose.

By reducing carbohydrates and increasing healthy fats (like avocado, olive oil, ghee, nuts), the body shifts to burning fat instead of sugar. This state, known as ketosis, produces ketones. Cancer cells struggle to use these, but healthy cells adapt just fine.

This strategy isn’t meant to be trendy. Seyfried points out that even clinical trials are now exploring how ketogenic diets can support cancer treatments. But it’s a method that should be guided by professionals, because while powerful, it’s also precise.

5/14

Move often, move kindly

Movement is medicine, especially when it comes to cancer.

Regular physical activity does far more than burn calories. It improves insulin sensitivity, balances hormones, and reduces systemic inflammation. In Seyfried’s world of metabolic cancer research, this matters deeply.

Simple walks, gentle swimming, dancing to a favorite song, or doing a few squats at home, every little bit counts. It’s not about intensity but consistency. Exercise also boosts mitochondrial health, which plays a crucial role in stopping abnormal cell growth.
See More: Cancer Symptoms: ​7 early warning signs of different Cancers in women that may often be deemed as 'regular'​

6/14

Fasting

Fasting flips a metabolic switch that weakens cancer cells.

Intermittent fasting (like a 16:8 window) or periodic extended fasting under supervision pushes the body into ketosis, lowers insulin, and limits the energy supply to cancer cells. During fasting, cells also clean themselves through a process called autophagy, removing damaged parts and regenerating.

This doesn’t mean skipping meals randomly. It means creating space between meals where the body can rest, recover, and reset. It’s not about deprivation, it’s about design.

7/14

Stress isn’t just mental. It’s metabolic.

Chronic stress alters blood sugar, triggers inflammation, and damages mitochondria, the tiny powerhouses inside every cell.

Seyfried’s work points out that stress doesn’t just make one feel off, it creates an internal storm where cancer can grow faster. When the body is constantly flooded with cortisol (a stress hormone), immune function drops, and inflammation spikes.

Even ten minutes of deep breathing, time in nature, or journaling can ease this internal pressure. Emotional well-being directly connects to cellular health. Stress isn’t just a side effect, it can be a serious driver of disease.

8/14

Diet

What you eat really matters. Whole foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats are good for your health. Ultra-processed foods on the other hand, has been linked with increased risk of cancer.

9/14

Chronic inflammation

Chronic inflammation fuels cancer and damages the body’s repair systems.

Inflammation is supposed to help the body heal. But when it becomes constant, due to processed food, poor sleep, pollution, or hidden infections, it begins to harm instead. It breaks down healthy tissue, supports tumor growth, and messes with immune responses.

Seyfried and others stress an anti-inflammatory lifestyle: whole foods, clean fats, enough sleep, and minimal toxins. Even small changes, like swapping refined oils with cold-pressed ones, or eating more green vegetables, can lower this dangerous fire.

[Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It does not substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Lifestyle changes, especially related to diet and fasting, should always be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider.]


10/14

Do not ignore these

Do not ignore these habits. If you notice these signs, ensure to talk to your doctor.

11/14

Why is cancer so harmful?

Cancer is so harmful because it is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. These malignant cells can form tumors that invade and destroy healthy tissues and organs, disrupting their normal function. As cancer progresses, it can metastasize, or spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, making it much more difficult to treat.

12/14

Stay stress free

Stress also plays a huge role in worsening cancer, even if not directly. You can manage stress by practices such as mindfulness or yoga.

13/14

Start today

Your wellness journey doesn't have to wait. Start today.(Image: canva)

14/14

Stay healthy and wise

Follow these tips, and you will hopefully keep cancer at bay. Good habits can always improve health. Even small steps matter.

Top Comment
J
Jayan Nair
298 days ago
Simple but informative.
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