Book Summary: Keto for Cancer by Miriam Kalamian

Have you ever wondered if what you eat could play a bigger role in fighting cancer? In Keto for Cancer, Miriam Kalamian dives deep into this question, exploring how the ketogenic diet—a way of eating that’s high in healthy fats, moderate in protein, and very low in carbs—can become a powerful tool in managing cancer.

Kalamian’s personal story gives the book heart. After her young son was diagnosed with brain cancer, she threw herself into researching how diet could help.

The Big Idea: How It Works

Here’s the premise: cancer cells thrive on sugar. They rely on glucose to grow and multiply. Kalamian breaks it down step by step, explaining the “metabolic theory” of cancer. Instead of seeing cancer purely as a genetic disease, this theory focuses on how cancer cells rely on an inefficient energy system—fermenting glucose instead of using oxygen. By cutting off their sugar supply, the ketogenic diet may slow tumor growth and make conventional treatments like chemotherapy or radiation work better.

The ketogenic diet flips the switch on that by slashing carbs and putting your body into a state called ketosis, where it burns fat for fuel instead of sugar. Ketones, the byproduct of this fat-burning process, nourish healthy cells but leave most cancer cells starving.

Making It Happen

The book doesn’t just throw science at you—it gives you a roadmap to get started:

• What to Eat: Think avocados, coconut oil, fatty fish, nuts, seeds, and plenty of non-starchy vegetables. Say goodbye to bread, pasta, and sugar.
• Balancing Macros: She walks you through calculating your fat, protein, and carb needs to hit the right ratios for ketosis.
• Tracking Progress: Want to know if you’re doing it right? Blood or urine tests can show if you’re in ketosis.

The Benefits (and the Hard Stuff)

So, why bother with such a restrictive diet? Kalamian shares how the ketogenic diet may:

• Stabilize your energy levels
• Reduce inflammation
• Support your body during tough cancer treatments
• Even improve mental clarity!

But let’s be real—it’s not always easy. Transitioning to keto can feel rough (hello, keto flu!), and sticking to the diet when you’re not feeling well or surrounded by tempting foods can be a challenge. The book is full of tips to make it work, from meal planning to troubleshooting common issues.

Diet, Not a Cure

What’s refreshing about this book is that Kalamian doesn’t push keto as a miracle cure. Instead, she sees it as a powerful complement to conventional treatments. She encourages readers to work closely with their doctors, emphasizing that the diet is one piece of a larger puzzle.

Why This Matters

Keto for Cancer is about giving people tools and hope. It’s practical, scientific, and packed with resources like meal plans, recipes, and shopping tips. Whether you’re a cancer patient, caregiver, or someone curious about the link between diet and health, this book provides a thoughtful, science-backed guide to navigating a tough journey.

The Takeaway

If you’re looking for a way to take control in a situation that often feels uncontrollable, Keto for Cancer offers a path forward. It’s not about ditching conventional treatments—it’s about adding a metabolic twist to your toolbox. Kalamian’s conversational tone, combined with her deep dive into the science, makes this an empowering read for anyone facing cancer or supporting a loved one through it.

#health #cancer #keto