Metabolic Health - Its Role In Cancer
Metabolic health is fundamental to overall well-being, influencing how effectively our bodies manage energy, regulate blood sugar, and respond to insulin. When these processes function optimally, we experience stable energy levels, better immune function, and reduced inflammation. Conversely, poor metabolic health can increase the risk of several chronic conditions, including cancer.
A metabolic approach to cancer care focuses on the role of the body's metabolic processes in either promoting or preventing tumour growth. Cancer thrives in a disrupted metabolic environment, where blood sugar imbalances, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation create a supportive terrain for cancer cells to proliferate. Understanding and optimising metabolic health can therefore be a powerful tool for both cancer prevention and recovery.
Metabolic Health and Cancer
Metabolic health and cancer are closely linked through several key pathways:
Glucose Dysregulation: Cancer cells are known for their high glucose consumption, relying heavily on sugar for energy production—a phenomenon called the "Warburg effect." When someone’s blood sugar levels are consistently high, it provides a ready supply of glucose for cancer cells, helping them grow and proliferate.
Insulin Resistance and Growth Factors: When the body becomes insulin resistant, it compensates by producing more insulin. High insulin levels can promote inflammation and stimulate the production of growth factors that encourage tumour growth. Insulin is not just a blood sugar regulator; it's a growth signal, which can fuel cancerous activity when in excess.
Chronic Inflammation: Poor metabolic health is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation. Inflammation can damage cells, disrupt normal immune function, and create an environment where cancer cells are more likely to survive and spread.
Obesity and Hormonal Imbalances: Obesity, a hallmark of poor metabolic health, increases the risk of several cancers. Excess fat tissue produces hormones such as oestrogen, which can drive the development of hormone-sensitive cancers like breast and ovarian cancer. Additionally, fat tissue is metabolically active and contributes to inflammation and insulin resistance.
Mitochondrial Dysfunction: Healthy metabolism is dependent on well-functioning mitochondria—the energy powerhouses of our cells. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been linked to cancer, as these organelles are key to regulating cell death and energy production. If mitochondria are impaired, cells may avoid the normal programmed cell death that would eliminate damaged or cancerous cells.
Optimising Metabolic Health for Cancer Prevention and Recovery
For those concerned about cancer prevention or those in active recovery, optimising metabolic health is a powerful tool. Here are some core areas to focus on:
Blood Sugar Control: Maintaining stable blood glucose levels through a low-glycaemic diet can limit cancer cell growth. Reducing refined carbohydrates and sugars, and increasing fibre intake, can help to balance blood sugar and insulin levels.
Anti-inflammatory Diet: A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, colourful vegetables, healthy fats (e.g., omega-3s from oily fish), and polyphenols (e.g., green tea, berries, turmeric) can help to reduce chronic inflammation, lowering the risk of tumour formation.
Weight Management: For those who are overweight, even modest weight loss can improve metabolic markers and reduce cancer risk. Fat loss reduces excess oestrogen and inflammation, creating a less favourable environment for cancer.
Exercise and Physical Activity: Regular physical activity improves insulin sensitivity and helps manage weight, reducing the risk of cancer development. Exercise also improves mitochondrial health and supports immune function, both of which are important in cancer prevention.
Intermittent Fasting and Caloric Restriction: Intermittent fasting has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and promote cellular repair processes like autophagy, where the body clears out damaged cells. Some evidence suggests that fasting may also inhibit cancer growth by reducing glucose availability and improving metabolic flexibility.
Stress Management and Sleep: Chronic stress and poor sleep both negatively impact metabolic health. Elevated cortisol levels (the stress hormone) can contribute to blood sugar dysregulation and inflammation, further compromising metabolic health. Prioritising restful sleep and effective stress management techniques (like meditation, mindfulness, and breathing exercises) supports metabolic balance.
The Importance of a Metabolic Approach in Cancer Care
By focusing on metabolic health, individuals can reduce their cancer risk and support recovery. A well-regulated metabolic system helps to control factors like blood sugar, insulin, inflammation, and mitochondrial function—all of which play a role in cancer development and progression. Whether it's through dietary changes, exercise, or managing stress, the path to better metabolic health can contribute to a stronger, more resilient body that is less hospitable to cancer.
Incorporating these principles into daily life can transform the body’s terrain, making it less favourable for cancer to thrive. As research into metabolic approaches to cancer continues to grow, it's becoming clear that optimising metabolic health is not just important for preventing chronic disease but also for improving outcomes in cancer care.
Why Blood Testing is Vital for Metabolic Health
Metabolic health is determined by the complex interaction of several factors, including blood sugar levels, insulin sensitivity, lipid profiles, inflammatory markers, and liver function. Blood testing allows us to measure these biomarkers and gain a precise understanding of where the body may be struggling to maintain balance. This data is essential for identifying early signs of metabolic dysfunction, even before outward symptoms appear.
Here are some of the key markers I focus on when assessing metabolic health:
Blood Glucose and Insulin: Elevated fasting blood glucose and insulin levels can indicate insulin resistance, a core feature of metabolic dysfunction. Persistent high levels of glucose and insulin not only increase cancer risk but can also create an environment where cancer cells thrive.
HbA1c: This marker reflects long-term blood sugar control, offering a 3-month average of glucose levels. It's particularly useful for understanding how consistently blood sugar has been managed, which is vital for preventing metabolic issues like insulin resistance.
Lipid Profile: I assess cholesterol levels, including LDL, HDL, and triglycerides. Imbalances in lipid metabolism are often linked to systemic inflammation and metabolic syndrome, both of which are known contributors to cancer risk.
Inflammatory Markers (e.g., CRP): Chronic inflammation can signal metabolic dysfunction and is a known driver of cancer progression. Markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) can help assess whether there is ongoing, low-grade inflammation in the body that requires intervention.
Liver Function Tests: The liver plays a central role in regulating metabolism. Tests that evaluate liver enzymes can help identify issues like fatty liver disease or other dysfunctions, which are often tied to poor metabolic health and increased cancer risk.
Vitamin D and Other Nutrients: Deficiencies in nutrients such as vitamin D can impact immune function, inflammation, and overall metabolic health. Monitoring and correcting deficiencies can have a significant impact on improving metabolic balance.
How I Use Blood Testing in My Practice
Blood tests are one of the foundational tools I use to create a highly personalised approach to cancer care. Every client I work with undergoes comprehensive blood work, which allows me to assess key metabolic markers and identify areas that need support. From there, I can develop a tailored plan that addresses specific metabolic dysfunctions, using targeted interventions in diet, lifestyle, and supplementation.
For example, if blood tests reveal elevated insulin and glucose levels, I may focus on implementing a low-glycaemic diet, alongside strategies to improve insulin sensitivity, such as intermittent fasting and exercise. If inflammation is detected, I might prioritise anti-inflammatory foods and specific supplements to help reduce the inflammatory load.
Blood testing also allows me to monitor progress over time. As we implement changes, I regularly reassess these markers to ensure that interventions are having the desired effect. This ongoing feedback loop is invaluable, as it allows me to adjust the approach as needed, ensuring that each client is always moving toward optimal metabolic health and a terrain that is less favourable for cancer.
In summary, blood testing is an indispensable tool in my practice, providing the insight necessary to assess, monitor, and improve metabolic health. By identifying specific metabolic imbalances through blood work, I’m able to personalise care plans that not only address cancer risk but also promote long-term health and resilience.
