Many popular health claims suggest that fasting can "cleanse" the body of toxins or even cure cancer. However, medical experts widely state that these claims are largely unsupported by scientific evidence and can even pose significant health risks. The human body possesses highly efficient natural systems designed to detoxify itself without the need for special fasts or cleanses.^{[1][2][3][4][5]} ### Your Body Cleanses Itself Naturally The idea that the body needs external help to "detox" is a common misconception. Your body is perfectly equipped to eliminate unwanted substances on its own. The primary organs responsible for this continuous process are the liver, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract, supported by the lungs and skin.^{[1][3][4][5][6]} These organs work tirelessly, 24 hours a day, to process substances and remove what the body does not need. The liver, for example, filters blood from the digestive tract and converts toxins into forms that the body can excrete.^[6] The kidneys filter blood, removing waste through urine.^[6] The large intestine helps expel waste as stool.^[5] "Nothing you can do externally can outperform what the body already does," said Dr. Thomas Hopkins, an internist with Sutter.^[3] He explained that the body's systems are extremely effective and do not require much assistance.^[3] Many "detox diets" or "cleanses" often involve strict food restrictions, juice-only fasts, or the use of herbal teas and supplements.^[2][7][8] There is little scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of these programs for detoxification.^{[1][3][4][7][8]} In fact, these regimens are often vague about which specific "toxins" they claim to remove.^[9] Wellness dietitian Lindsey Wohlford told MD Anderson Cancer Center that strict detox regimens can cause electrolyte imbalances, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, diarrhea, and fatigue.^[2] Some herbal remedies promoted for detoxification can even be toxic to the liver.^[2] Any initial weight loss observed during these fasts is typically due to fluid loss, not actual fat reduction, and is usually not sustainable.^{[2][7][10][11]} To support your body's natural detoxification, experts recommend a nutrient-dense diet rich in protein, fruits, and vegetables, along with adequate water intake and regular exercise.^[1][12][4] ### Fasting and Cancer: No Proven Cure Claims that fasting can prevent or cure cancer also lack strong scientific backing in human clinical trials. While research in this area is ongoing and some findings are "tantalizing," there is little clinical evidence in humans to prove that fasting reduces cancer risk or improves the ability to fight the disease.^{[13][14][15][16][17][18]} Leading medical organizations, including the American Cancer Society, state that available scientific evidence does not support claims that fasting is effective for preventing or treating cancer in humans.^[16] Professional societies in France and the United Kingdom have reached similar conclusions.^[16] For individuals undergoing cancer treatment, fasting can be particularly dangerous. Cancer patients often need extra calories, protein, and nutrients to maintain their body weight and strength, support healing, and reduce side effects of treatments like chemotherapy and radiation.^{[15][19][20][11]} Fasting can lead to malnutrition, further weight loss, increased fatigue, and slow the healing process, making it harder for patients to cope with their treatment.^{[13][21][22][15][19][11]} Dr. Sudipto De, a robotic cancer surgeon specializing in genetics and onco-nutrition, stressed that fasting is ineffective during ongoing cancer treatment. He highlighted that cancer cells are "rogue" and will take nutrition meant for regular cells, keeping themselves alive even during a fast.^[20] Malnutrition can worsen treatments, he added.^[20] ### Ongoing Research Explores Fasting's Role Despite the lack of definitive evidence for fasting as a standalone cancer treatment, some research is exploring its potential role as an *adjunctive* therapy, meaning it could be used *in combination* with conventional treatments under strict medical supervision.^{[13][22][14][19][23][24][17][18][25]} Preclinical studies (in animals and in vitro) suggest that certain forms of fasting, like fasting-mimicking diets or short-term fasting around chemotherapy, *might* make cancer cells more sensitive to treatments while potentially protecting healthy cells from side effects.^{[13][22][14][19][23][24][17][18][25]} This theory suggests that depriving cancer cells of glucose could make them more vulnerable, as normal cells can adapt to alternative energy sources during fasting.^{[22][23][24][17][18][25]} A 2016 University of Southern California study, for instance, suggested fasting could make cancer cells more sensitive to chemotherapy and protect normal cells.^[13] A small human study involving 34 patients with gynecologic and breast cancers indicated that intermittent fasting *might* lessen chemotherapy side effects such as fatigue and nausea.^[19] A 125-patient randomized trial on breast cancer also showed some clinical and pathological benefits when a fasting-mimicking diet was combined with chemotherapy.^[23] However, these findings are from limited studies and represent ongoing research. They are not yet conclusive evidence for widespread use in cancer treatment.^{[13][22][14][19][17][18][25]} Crucially, medical professionals emphasize that any cancer patient considering fasting *must* consult their oncologist or care team first. Fasting may not be safe for individuals who are malnourished, have cancer cachexia (muscle wasting), diabetes, or a history of eating disorders.^{[13][21][15][19][24][11][17][26]} Some research in mice even suggested that intermittent fasting could increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer by affecting immune cells and causing inflammation.^[27] While fasting can induce a cellular process called autophagy, where cells recycle old or damaged parts, the direct link between this process and effective human cancer treatment still requires extensive research.^[28][29][26] In conclusion, while fasting has gained popularity for various health reasons, medical consensus confirms that it is not a proven method for detoxifying the body or curing cancer. The human body has its own robust systems for cleansing itself, and for cancer patients, nutritional support is paramount for successful treatment and recovery. Always consult with healthcare professionals before making significant dietary changes, especially when dealing with serious health conditions like cancer.