Unveiling the Root Cause of Cancer

Introduction:

We often associate cancer with genetics, but did you know it might be linked to something much more basic? Let’s dive deep into the surprising root cause of cancer as explained by Dr. Thomas SeyfriedA Boston College professor specializing in cancer biology and metabolic theory, participated in a groundbreaking study..

00:01 Primary risk factor to cancer is damage to cell’s respiratory capacity

• The various secondary risk factors include chemical carcinogensA carcinogen is something that can cause cancer. It can be a substance, like a chemical or radiation, or even a behavior like smoking. But why is this word used, and how does it connect to cancer? Etymology of Carcinogen: • Carcinogenic: This key part of the word comes from the… Read More, radiationRadiation is invisible energy that moves around like super-fast waves or tiny packets of energy. It’s kind of like when you feel the heat from a campfire, even if you’re not touching the fire. Where did the word come from? The word “radiation” has its roots in an old language… Read More, chronic inflammationChronic inflammation is like a fire smoldering in your body for a long time. It’s different from the acute inflammation you experience with a cut or a bruise, which is a short-term response to heal an injury. Chronic inflammation, however, lingers for months or even years, and while it may… Read More, hypoxiaHypoxia, a condition characterized by insufficient oxygen levels in tissues, is a critical threat to cellular health and function. Imagine your body as a bustling city, with oxygen as the essential fuel powering its activities. Hypoxia is like a power outage, disrupting the city’s operations and potentially leading to widespread… Read More, inherited mutations, oncogenic virusesA virus is a tiny, infectious particle that can invade living cells and hijack their machinery to reproduce. Imagine them as microscopic hitchhikers that need a host (like you!) to survive and multiply. Viruses aren’t quite alive on their own, but they can sure cause problems inside your body! The… Read More, etc.
• Even though the originsWhat is an origin? An origin is the starting point, the place or source where something begins. It’s like the very first chapter in the story of that thing. Examples: • The origin of a river: Where the river first starts to flow, like from a spring or a melting… Read More of cancer may vary, the outcome is similar due to the common factor of disrupted cell growth regulation.

02:48 Cancer development is linked to damage to the cell’s respiratory capacity.

• Various provocative agents can lead to cell respiratory damage, triggering cancer development.
• Genetic factors play a role in cancer risk, but defective oxidative respiration is a significant factor.

07:49 Cancer is not solely a genetic disease

• Cancer driver mutations do not directly cause cancer, but are downstream effects
• The prevailing dogma that cancer is genetic overlooks evidence showing mutations as effects, not causes

10:11 Cancer cellsThe cell is the basic building block of the human body, a tiny, microscopic (too small to see without a magnifying tool like a microscope) unit that works together with billions of other cells to form every part of the body, from the skin to the heart. Each cell is… Read More get energy from sugar and amino acidAmino acids are the tiny building blocks that make up proteins, which are essential for almost every process in your body. Think of them like Legos – different combinations of these small pieces can create all sorts of structures, from simple toys to complex buildings. Similarly, different combinations of amino… Read More glutamineGlutamine is the most abundant amino acid in your body, meaning it’s a crucial component of the proteins that make up your muscles, tissues, and organs. But glutamine’s role goes beyond just being a building block. It’s also a versatile energy source for certain cells, especially those in your gut… Read More through fermentation“Ferment” describes a process where microorganisms like bacteria, yeast, or mold break down organic substances (often carbohydrates) in the absence of oxygen. This breakdown creates a variety of products, including acids, gases (like the bubbles you see in some fermented foods), and sometimes even alcohol. While fermentation isn’t directly involved… Read More.

• Cancer cells can generate energy without oxygen through fermentation pathways.
• The primary fuels driving the fermentation of cancer cells are sugar (glucoseGlucose, a simple sugar (a sweet substance the body uses for energy), serves as a vital component in the human body, acting as the primary fuel for cells (tiny units that make up the body). Imagine the body as a bustling factory, where glucose is like the electricity powering the… Read More) and the amino acidA Deep Dive into pH, Health, and Everyday Life Have you ever puckered your lips after biting into a lemon or felt a burning sensation in your chest after a spicy meal? That’s the tangy sensation of acidity in action. While we often associate acidity with food and taste, it’s… Read More glutamine.

14:43 Highly processed carbohydratesCarbohydrates, often called carbs for short, are organic molecules that your body uses for energy. They’re one type of fuel the body can use for energy. Carbohydrates are made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms, hence the name “carbohydrate” (carbo = carbon, hydrate = water). They come in simple… Read More and poor lifestyle contribute to chronic diseases.

• Highly processed carbohydrates, lack of exercise, and poor dietary habits lead to metabolic problems, type 2 diabetesDiabetes is a chronic condition where your body struggles to regulate blood sugar (glucose) levels. Glucose is like fuel for your cells, and it comes from the food you eat. Insulin, a hormone made by your pancreas, acts like a key that unlocks cells, letting glucose in to provide energy…. Read More, obesityObesity is a medical condition where someone has excessive body fat that can negatively affect their health. It’s not just about weight, but also about the amount of fat that accumulates in the body, especially around the belly. Etymology: The word “obesity” has a long history, dating back to the… Read More, and other bloodBlood is the life force coursing through your veins and arteries, delivering vital oxygen and nutrients to every cell in your body while whisking away waste products. It’s a complex, dynamic fluid—not just a simple red liquid. Consider it a bustling highway system within your body, carrying various cellular vehicles… Read More disorders.
• Low carbohydrate diets and calorie restriction have shown promise in reducing cancer risk in mice through research.

16:58 Diet and lifestyle play a significant role in Alzheimer’s disease.

• There is a genetic component to Alzheimer’s disease, but diet and lifestyle also contribute to its development.
• Some rare inherited mutations can significantly increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, but a majority of cases are potentially preventable through diet and lifestyle.

21:05 Sugar mutations increase cancer risk

• Mutations can damage organelles needed for energy generation
• Penetrance of these mutations is higher, increasing cancer risk

23:01 The Warburg effectDecoding the Warburg Effect: A Journey Through the Legacy of Otto Warburg Imagine cancer cells as ravenous party guests, gorging themselves on sugar even when oxygen is readily available. This peculiar metabolic behavior, known as the Warburg effect, was first observed by the brilliant German scientist Otto Warburg nearly a… Read More is the continued use of fermentation in the presence of oxygen in cancer cells.

• Cancer cells have a defect in oxygen respiration, which is the primary cause of cancer.
• The Warburg effect involves the continued production of lactic acidLactic acid, often associated with the burning sensation in muscles during intense exercise, is a molecule with diverse roles in the human body. It’s a byproduct of glucose (sugar) metabolism, particularly in situations where oxygen is limited. While its association with muscle fatigue is well-known, lactic acid is much more… Read More in the presence of oxygen due to damaged or deficient respiration in cancer cells.

27:14 Cancer is a symptom of damaged respiration

• Cancer risk is reduced by keeping respiration healthy
• MitochondriaMitochondria, often called the powerhouses of the cell (tiny units that make up the body), are vital structures inside cells that produce energy to keep the body functioning. Picture the body as a busy factory, where mitochondria are like generators, tirelessly converting food into energy that powers every organ, from… Read More dictate lifespan, maintaining energy efficiency is crucial

29:20 Cancer is accelerated entropy leading to disordered cell growth.

• Normal treatments damage healthy cells to stop tumorA tumor is a lump or abnormal mass of tissue that grows in the body. It’s like a bump that shouldn’t be there. While some tumors are harmless, others can be serious and even life-threatening. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand them better: The Root of the Word: The… Read More growth.
• Targeting fermentable fuels while raising ketonesKetones, organic compounds produced by the liver, are the unsung heroes of energy metabolism, stepping in when glucose, the body’s primary fuel, becomes scarce. Think of them as a reserve power generator, kicking into gear when the main power supply (carbohydrates) is low. While often associated with the ketogenic diet,… Read More can degrade cancer without toxicity“Toxic” means something that’s poisonous or really harmful. It’s like something bad that can make you sick or even hurt you. Where did the word come from? A long, long time ago, people who used bows and arrows would put poison on the arrow tips to hunt animals or fight… Read More.

32:58 Balancing glucose and ketones is crucial for cancer treatment

• Glucose Ketone IndexThe Glucose Ketone Index (GKI) is a simple yet powerful tool for understanding your body’s energy balance. It acts like a gauge, revealing how efficiently your body is burning fuel. Imagine your body as a hybrid car that can run on either gasoline (glucose) or electricity (ketones). The GKI tells… Read More (GKI) calculator helps cancer patients optimize blood sugarsSugar is a substance represented as a simple carbohydrate (a basic type of molecule made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen) that serves as a vital component throughout the body. It is the primary source of energy for most cells, acting like the body’s main fuel. Every part of the body,… Read More and ketones for tumor cell suppression
• Managing glutamine for cancer treatment requires specialized drugs to avoid harming normal cells and essential bodily functions

35:02 Press pulse therapeutic strategy for managing cancer

• Using a glucose-lowering strategy to challenge glutamine briefly can slaughter a lot of tumor cells
• Restoring glutamine to the patient helps restore the power of the immune systemYour immune system is like your body’s own personal security force, constantly on guard against invaders like germs (bacteria, viruses, etc.). It’s a complex network of organs, cells, and proteins that work together to protect you from getting sick. But here’s the surprising thing: a healthy immune system can also… Read More and gradually degrade the tumor cells while keeping the rest of the body healthy

38:34 Drug targeting pathways to limit tumor growth

• Using a non-specific drug, 6-diazo-5-oxo-L-norleucineThe term 6-diazo-5-oxo-L-norleucine, often abbreviated as DON, refers to a specialized chemical compound (a substance made of specific molecules) with significant roles in medical and biochemical (relating to the chemistry of living organisms) research, particularly in understanding processes in the human body. This compound is a glutamine antagonist (a substance… Read More, to block glutamine pathways
• Challenges in making the drug available and its potential benefits for cancer patients

40:20 Obesity blamed on genes, not enough on food choices

• Genetic tendency for obesity due to evolved genes storing energy.
• Blaming genes for weight gain overlooks the role of diet and hunger control.

44:17 Keeping blood sugarBlood sugar, also known as blood glucose, is a type of simple sugar circulating in your bloodstream. It can be a primary source of energy for your cells. Your body can get blood sugar from carbohydrates that you eat. The Word “Blood Sugar” This term is a modern invention, emerging… Read More low can weaken tumor cells.

• Primitive tribes and ancient people were in ketosisA Deep Dive into the Metabolic State Transforming Health and Wellness Imagine your body as a hybrid car, capable of running on two distinct fuel sources: gasoline (carbohydrates) and electricity (fat). Ketosis is like switching your body’s engine from gasoline to electricity, primarily using fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates…. Read More, with low glucose and high ketones.
• Cancer cells depend on glucose and glutamine, fastingFasting simply means abstaining from food, and sometimes drinks, for a set period. It’s a practice observed across cultures and throughout history, for various reasons. What is fasting? Think of fasting as giving your body a break from eating. Instead of using the food you just ate for energy, your… Read More can reduce glutamine levels to prevent cancer growth.

46:12 Chemotherapy-induced weight loss is a form of calorie restriction

• ChemotherapyChemotherapy (often shortened to “chemo”) is a type of cancer treatment that uses powerful medicine to destroy cancer cells. It works by stopping or slowing down the growth of fast-dividing cells, and cancer cells happen to grow and divide much faster than most healthy cells. Cellular Growth: • Our body… Read More and other cancer treatments can cause weight loss through calorie restriction
• Therapeutic weight loss from fasting and low carbohydrate diets can promote health in the long term

50:01 Ketogenic diet1. Simple Definition: Imagine your body is like a hybrid car with two fuel tanks: one for gasoline (sugar) and one for electricity (ketones). The ketogenic diet, or keto diet, is like switching your car’s engine to run primarily on electricity. This means you drastically reduce your intake of carbohydrates… Read More lowers blood sugar and elevates ketones

• Anyone can follow a ketogenic diet, including carnivores, vegetarians, and vegans.
• Ketosis can be monitored using tools like the Keto Mojo meter to ensure effectiveness.

51:54 Nutritional ketosisUnlocking the Secrets of Nutritional Ketosis: A Comprehensive Guide Imagine your body as a hybrid car, capable of running on two distinct fuel sources: gasoline (carbohydrates) and electricity (fat). Nutritional ketosis is like switching your body’s engine from gasoline to electricity, primarily using fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. This… Read More enables lower chemotherapy doses for tumor cells.

• Patients in nutritional ketosis can tolerate lower chemo doses due to stressed tumor cells.
• Reduced chemo doses in ketosis offer greater tumor cell killing efficiency with less toxicity.

55:45 Eat minimally processed whole foods.

• Choose foods that are satiating and not drive overconsumption.
• Prefer a diet of natural nutrition, with plants that are naturally grown.

57:41 Processed foods with high fructose corn syrupHigh fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a sweetener derived from cornstarch through a multi-step process. It’s a common ingredient in many processed foods and beverages, providing sweetness and contributing to texture and preservation. Think of it like a concentrated sugar solution, but with a slightly different composition than regular table… Read More are not nutritious.

• Synthetic foods with long shelf lives are not natural and lack nutrition.
• Our bodies store energy from carbohydrates, driving our preference for easy solutions.

1:01:27 Natural diets are strongly resistant to cancer.

• Provocative agents like chemical carcinogens and unhealthy diets increase cancer risk.
• Eating organicThe word “organic” has two main meanings related to living organisms and the natural world. Here’s a breakdown of its definition, origin, and how it applies to food and health: Etymology and Origin: • Origin: The word “organic” stems from the ancient Greek word “organon” (ὄργανον) meaning “instrument, tool, or… Read More, natural foods can help prevent cancer development.

1:03:27 The benefits of natural and organic food

• Eating organic food is expensive as it is not chemically fortifiedHave you ever seen the word “fortified” on your cereal box or milk carton and wondered what it truly means? It sounds promising, suggesting an added boost of nutrients. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s embark on a journey to explore the world of fortified foods, uncovering… Read More and has a short shelf life.
• Grass-fed and corn-fed meat have different textures and health implications.

1:07:08 The impact of processed foods on health

• Discussion on the extremes in dietary beliefs
• Processed foods pose a risk for various health issues and carcinogens

1:08:50 Chemical carcinogens damage mitochondria, leading to cancer development.

• Carcinogens penetrate mitochondria, triggering a shift to fermentation mechanism.
• Long-termChronic simply means “happening over a long period of time” or “of long duration.” Imagine a situation that keeps going on and on, unlike something short-lived. • Other Names: You might not encounter many other terms for chronic in everyday conversation. In some specific contexts, terms like “long-term” or “persistent”… Read More exposure to carcinogens disrupts cell respirationCellular respiration is like the microscopic kitchen inside your cells, constantly working to convert food into energy. Imagine tiny chefs breaking down groceries (food molecules) to create fuel (energy) for all your bodily functions, from thinking to running! • Synonyms: Well-documented synonyms for cellular respiration include: • Aerobic respiration (when oxygen… Read More, creating cancerousImagine your body as a well-organized society, where each cell plays a specific role. Cancer disrupts this harmony, as a group of cells goes rogue, breaking the rules of normal growth and function. These renegade cells multiply uncontrollably, forming tumors that invade and damage surrounding tissues. Origins of the Word… Read More conditions.

1:12:33 Environmental changes contribute to cancer risk.

• Cancer risk increases when moving from natural environments to industrialized societies.
• Promoting healthy lifestyle habits like exercise and fasting can potentially help in cancer prevention.

1:14:44 Autolytic cannibalism can help the body turn on tumor cells for fuel.

• Under restricted conditions, normal cells compete with cancer cells. The body’s surveillance system dissolves inefficient cells, releasing fuel back into the bloodstream.
• Long fasts and specific diets can lead to tumor regression, as seen in the case of a dog on a carnivore diet with significant tumor reduction.

1:18:30 Chemotherapy and radiation treatments may harm the body more than cancer itself.

• The side effects of cancer treatments can be severe, impacting overall health.
• Many cancer patients may die from the effects of treatments rather than the cancer itself.

1:20:19 Restricting glucose and glutamine while putting the body in nutritional ketosis can be a solution to the cancer problem.

• Many pancreatic cancer cells have damaged mitochondria and are fermenting, making them vulnerable to this approach.
• Case reports show promising results with a restricted ketogenic diet therapyTherapy is a broad term encompassing various treatment approaches aimed at improving health and well-being. It’s like a toolkit with various tools designed to address specific ailments and promote healing. While often associated with mental health, therapy extends far beyond the mind, encompassing physical and medical treatments as well. Etymology… Read More for metastaticSimple Definition: When Cancer Takes a Detour Imagine cancer cells as dandelion seeds, carried by the wind to distant lands. “Metastatic” describes cancer that has spread from its original location to other parts of the body. It’s like a traveler taking a detour, establishing new outposts far from its starting… Read More lung cancer.

1:24:04 Cardiovascular exercise promotes cellular health

• Low range of ketosis with exercise boosts normal cell vitality
• Resistance training may cause acute inflammationInflammation is your body’s natural response to injury or infection. Imagine it like a fire alarm going off in your body, sending out signals to fight off invaders and heal damaged tissues. • Other Names: You might not hear many other names for inflammation in everyday conversation. Scientists sometimes use terms… Read More, but over the long term, it reduces inflammation and improves metabolic health

1:25:54 Avoid excessive stress on the body for optimal health

• Resistant training is beneficial, but avoid excessive lifting to prevent stress on the body
• Seed oils in the standard American diet may worsen tumors, based on preclinical studiesPreclinical refers to the stage of research that takes place before a new drug, medical device, or treatment is tested in humans. It’s the behind-the-scenes work, the meticulous investigation and testing that happens in laboratories and with animal models to ensure a potential therapy is safe and effective before it’s… Read More

1:29:27 Minimize plastic exposure for holistic cancer prevention

• Plastic is an environmental contaminant and dangerous if it enters our bodies.
• Even marine life like oysters is found with minuscule plastic particles, highlighting the widespread presence and impact of plastic in our ecosystem.

1:31:14 Eating a healthy diet can reduce the risk of cancer.

• Provocative agents and chemical carcinogens in the environment put us at risk for cancer.
• Obesity epidemic and unhealthy diet increase the risk of cancer.

1:34:50 Overeating and addiction to glucose can lead to weight gain

• Addressing overeating and addiction to glucose is essential for sustainable weight loss
• Industry marketing and easy access to sweet foods contribute to the challenge of overcoming addiction to glucose

1:36:37 Muscle needs energy to spare muscle.

• Muscle does not share its energy with other organsIn the context of the body, an organ is a distinct part made up of different tissues (groups of similar cells working together) that are organized to perform one or more specific functions. Familiar examples of organs include the heart, which pumps blood; the lungs, which facilitate breathing; and the… Read More, unlike the liverThe liver is a large organ located in the upper right part of the belly, under the rib cage. Like the heart that pumps blood or the lungs that help with breathing, the liver plays a crucial role in keeping the body healthy and working properly. This important organ is… Read More, which can store glycogenGlycogen, a complex carbohydrate often dubbed “animal starch,” is the body’s primary storage form of glucose (sugar). Think of it as a strategic energy reserve, a reservoir of fuel readily available to power your muscles and brain when needed. While glucose circulates in your bloodstream, providing immediate energy, glycogen is… Read More.
• It is important to exercise during weight loss to keep the muscles strong and help you lose weight.

1:40:15 Moderation and discipline contribute to good health outcomes

• Moderation in consumption of pleasurable substances can lead to better health outcomes
• strict drug diet combo can improve survival and quality of life for terminal cancerWhat does “terminal” mean in medicine? In medicine, “terminal” describes an illness that doctors believe will eventually lead to a person’s death. There is currently no cure or treatment available that can stop the illness from progressing. Here’s an analogy: Imagine you’re lost in a maze. A “terminal” illness is… Read More patients

1:42:14 Focus on extending life with quality through metabolic therapy for cancer

• Success stories of terminal patients living longer than predicted with metabolic therapy
• Funding from private foundations and philanthropy to research diet-drug combinations for cancer management without toxicity

1:45:54 Donations for cancer metabolic therapiesImagine your body is a complex machine, with metabolism as its engine, transforming food into energy. Metabolic therapy is a revolutionary approach to health and disease management that fine-tunes this engine, optimizing its function for optimal well-being. It’s like a personalized tune-up for your body, tailored to your unique needs… Read More support research efforts

• Dr. Seyfried suggests supporting research through donations to Travis Christopherson’s foundation
• Donors receive information kits for free and can make a donation if the information is beneficial

1:47:47 CortisolCortisol, often dubbed the “stress hormone,” is a dynamic chemical messenger with far-reaching effects on your body. Picture it as a conductor orchestrating a symphony of physiological processes, regulating your metabolism, immune response, and even your sleep-wake cycle. What is Cortisol? Your adrenal glands, which are located atop your kidneys,… Read More and melatonin impact glucose metabolismMetabolism is the set of chemical processes that happen inside the body to keep it alive and working. Think of the body as a busy kitchen where food is turned into energy, building blocks, and waste. These processes break down food to release energy, build new cells, and remove unwanted… Read More.

• Cortisol and high melatonin levels negatively affect glucose regulation.
• An elevated cortisol peak is harmful for glucose metabolism.

Cell’s Respiratory Capacity and Cancer Risk

The primary risk factor for cancer is the damage to the cell’s respiratory capacity, and it can be influenced by various secondary risk factors such as chemical carcinogens, radiation, chronic inflammation, hypoxia, and inherited mutations.

Cancer’s Link to Disrupted Cell Growth Regulation

Regardless of the origins, cancer development stems from disrupted cell growth regulation, triggered by damage to the cell’s respiratory capacity. Thus, it’s crucial to understand the underlying causes rather than merely focusing on the end results.

The Role of Genetic Factors in Cancer Risk

While genetic factors do play a role in cancer risk, defective oxidative respiration emerges as a significant factor in cancer development. This challenges the notion that cancer is solely a genetic disease and emphasizes the importance of considering other contributing factors.

Metabolic Factors in Cancer Development

Understanding the metabolic dynamics of cancer cells reveals their dependency on sugar and fermentable fuels for energy. Highly processed carbohydrates and poor lifestyle choices contribute to metabolic problems, ultimately impacting cancer risk.

Lifestyle Implications for Reducing Cancer Risk

Research has shown that low carbohydrate diets and calorie restriction hold promise in reducing cancer risk. Additionally, the role of diet and lifestyle in diseases like Alzheimer’s is significant, highlighting the impact of holistic wellness practices.

The Warburg Effect and Cancer Metabolism

The Warburg effect elucidates the continued fermentation in cancer cells despite the presence of oxygen. Driven by the fermentation of sugar and glutamine, this metabolic shift unveils potential avenues for targeted cancer treatments.

Novel Therapeutic Strategies for Cancer Management

Innovative approaches like the Glucose Ketone Index calculator and drugs targeting pathways for limiting tumor growth showcase the evolving landscape of cancer management, emphasizing the pivotal role of metabolic interventions.

Natural Diets and Organic Foods in Cancer Prevention

The benefits of natural and organic foods in preventing cancer development are crucial, shedding light on the impact of dietary choices and chemically unfortified options in promoting wellness.

The Role of Environment and Lifestyle in Cancer Risk

Environmental changes, provocative agents, and the ubiquity of processed foods contribute to modifying cancer risk, underscoring the need for a holistic approach encompassing dietary, environmental, and lifestyle factors.

Balancing Stress and Exercise for Optimal Health

The interplay of stress, exercise, and dietary choices in promoting holistic health is imperative, offering insights into meaningful lifestyle modifications for addressing cancer risk.

Conclusion:

Unveiling the shocking root cause of cancer has emphasized the critical role of metabolic factors, genetic dynamics, lifestyle choices, and innovative therapeutic strategies in understanding and managing cancer. By delving deeper into these facets, we can pave the way for comprehensive cancer prevention and treatment.