D5 - Cancer, Carbs, and Controversy Flashcards
What is the primary function of mitochondria?
Mitochondria are responsible for converting energy from nutrients into ATP through cellular respiration.
What factors can cause damage to mitochondria?
Mitochondrial damage can be caused by carcinogens, radiation, and inflammation.
What does repeated blood sugar spikes lead towards?
Repeated blood sugar spikes can lead to inflammation, which, in turn, can damage mitochondria.
What can sugar cause an imbalance in?
Sugar can cause imbalances in metabolic hormones, contributing to systemic inflammation.
What is the relationship between systemic inflammation and cancer risk?
Systemic inflammation is linked to a higher risk for cancer.
How can inflammation-triggered mitochondrial damage lead to cancer?
Inflammation-damaged mitochondria can activate oncogenes, transforming normal healthy cells into cancer cells.
What is the ketogenic diet, and how does it alter metabolism?
The ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that alters metabolism by increasing the level of ketone bodies in the blood.
What are ketone bodies, and how are they produced in the body?
Ketone bodies are alternative fuel sources created when low insulin levels force the body to break down fat for fuel instead of glucose.
How do ketone bodies benefit healthy cells?
Ketone bodies can replace glucose as fuel in healthy cells and act as neuroprotectors by shielding neurons from free radicals.
Explian the relationship between tumor cells and ketone bodies.
Most tumor cells cannot use ketone bodies for energy, making the ketogenic diet a potential strategy to limit their fuel supply.
Why are cancers dependent on insulin signaling?
Cancers are dependent on insulin signaling because high levels of circulating insulin can activate signaling molecules that stimulate cell growth and proliferation.
