Re: Dr Furman: Does sugar feed cancer?

[Guest guest]

As usual, Dr. Furman is right, there's no scientific proof behind the theory that "sugar feeds cancer." The theory derived from Otto Warburg's discovery that in cancer cells, the oxygen respiration of normal cells is replaced by anaerobic respiration. Cancer metabolizes differently from normal body cells, by fermentation instead of oxygenation. The metabolism of cancer is also 8 times greater than that of normal cells. The overwhelming need of cancer cells to be fed causes the body to convert protein to sugars (glycogenesis).

So, the theory concludes, if cancer cells crave sugar, why feed them sugar?

Regarding research studies on the subject, there've been relatively few, a fact further beclouded by the politics and economics involved. Much of the available research has been sponsored by the multibillion dollar sugar and candy industries. One doesn't have to be paranoid to assume that such research would be unlikely to produce conclusions that would seriosly damage those industries.

So if I may, I'll withhold judgment and in the meantime point out that sugar in soft drinks, cakes and candies is definitely not a good thing for the human body - if for no other reason than for playing an important role in our growing epidemic of obesity.

Andy Gach.

Re: slightly anemic - Trudy

I think that it is important to dispell once and for all the idea that eating sugar feeds cancer cells. The body, more or less, converts everything into what it needs, including sugar. If one were to stop eating sugar, your liver would just make the sugar from proteins and fatty acids.The key to remember with regard to cancer and nutrition is eating well. Nothing moreRick Furman, MD> > > > Trudy,> > I am on watch and wait too. My red and white count is getting down now. I have this CLL/SLL since the end of 1996 or before and wouldn't go to the doctor to find out what it was until my GP told me I needed a biopsy. That was in 2000. I finally started chemo in 2002 witg FR and a steroid (don't know which one) and continued treatment until the end. I have been good until last blood CBC but I still am on W & W. It has been a solid eight years in remission. I will be getting the same treatment because I did so well on the FR. I am now 71 years old and am feeling a little tired. > > My Onc told me not to worry there are a lot of new treatments out there. This cancer seems to be growing amongst us seniors. By the way, I am down to 10.1!> > Joan>