About this episode
In this episode of the Metabolic Mind podcast, Dr. Bret Scher speaks with L.J. Amaral, a registered dietitian, certified in nutrition oncology, and PhD student researcher at Cedars-Sinai, about where ketogenic therapy may fit into cancer care. Together they emphasize a crucial point: in oncology, we’re not just treating the tumor, we’re treating the whole person. The quality of life, physical strength, and day-to-day function of patients matter in prognosis.L.J. covers:How shifting fuel toward ketones may influence metabolism, inflammation, fatigue, and even muscle preservation during treatment.Why many tumors crave glucose, and why that matters for dietary strategies.The potential of ketogenic therapy used alongside standard of care (surgery/chemo/radiation), with early signals around feasibility, daily living, and patient well-being.The real-world nuance of responders vs. non-responders, and why personalized coaching is key.How some patients pair fasting windows with treatment, and the practical safeguards to consider.What’s next: details on an NIH-funded, multi-center phase 2 trial comparing a ketogenic approach to an American Cancer Society–style diet.Ketogenic therapy in oncology is early but advancing. If you’re curious about science-backed nutrition strategies that support both treatment and daily life, this conversation is for you.👉Interested in learning more about metabolic health and ketogenic therapy? Subscribe to Metabolic Mind for the latest research, expert interviews, and updates: https://www.youtube.com/@metabolicmind.#MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #CancerTreatment #FoodAsMedicineExpert Featured:L.J. AmaralLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ljamaral/Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Lj-AmaralResources Mentioned:A phase 1 safety and feasibility trial of a ketogenic diet plus standard of care for patients with recently diagnosed glioblastomahttps://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-06675-6Successful application of dietary ketogenic metabolic therapy in patients with glioblastoma: a clinical studyhttps://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2024.1489812Free CME Clinician Trainings:Are you a clinician who would like t
