Fasting has become a popular form of diet in the UK, and unsurprisingly has gained attention as a possible tool for improving health outcomes, including in cancer care. There are a variety of types of fasting diets, including intermittent fasting, where you fast for a set amount of time and eat within a timed window, juice fasting, where only juices are consumed for a period of time, and water-only fasting where you consume nothing for a period of time.
Research is starting to suggest that fasting may have a role to play in the management of cancer. Early studies are exploring the effect of medically-supervised fasting, alongside conventional treatment, as a potential way to reduce side-effects and protect healthy cells. At this stage there is not enough evidence to support fasting as beneficial for people with lymphoma. There are a few case studies specific to lymphoma, but these are not supported by clinical trials.
The NHS and other leading health bodies continue to recommend a balanced, nutritious diet for people with cancer. Fasting should never replace conventional treatment and can carry potential risks such as unintended weight loss, fatigue and dizziness, which can affect your ability to receive or tolerate treatment.
It is important to discuss with your medical team before making any significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
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