Keto for GBM
The Ketogenic Diet has long been considered a helpful adjuvant intervention for Glioblastoma. I believe it was key to my survival.
1. Know your "why"
2. Trust your gut
3. Turn off the noise
4. Feel empowered
5. Understand those around you will eat differently
If you truly believe this is key to your survival you will have no trouble sticking with it as soon as you learn how to do it.
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Why Keto?
The ketogenic diet is considered potentially beneficial for brain cancer (especially glioblastoma) due to its effect on tumor metabolism. Here’s why:
1. Brain Tumors Rely on Glucose
Most cancer cells, including brain tumors, heavily depend on glucose (sugar) for energy, even in the presence of oxygen—a phenomenon known as the Warburg effect. These cells have limited ability to use ketone bodies (an alternative fuel produced during ketosis) for energy.
2. Ketogenic Diet Lowers Blood Glucose and Raises Ketones
A ketogenic diet is high in fat, very low in carbohydrates, and moderate in protein. It reduces blood glucose levels (starving the tumor of its preferred fuel).
Increases ketone levels, which healthy brain cells can use but tumor cells often cannot.
3. Anti-inflammatory and Neuroprotective Effects
Ketones like beta-hydroxybutyrate have:
Anti-inflammatory properties.
Neuroprotective effects that may help preserve normal brain tissue during cancer progression or treatment.
4. May Enhance Traditional Therapies
Some studies suggest the ketogenic diet can sensitize tumors to radiation and chemotherapy, potentially improving outcomes.
5. Potential to Slow Tumor Growth
Preclinical studies (in animals and cells) and a few small human trials show the diet might slow brain tumor growth, though more rigorous clinical trials are needed.
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What is Keto
Ketogenesis is when your body switches from using glucose (sugar) to ketones (from fat) as its main fuel source.
Limit carbs to 20 grams per day, ideally closer to 20g if you're aiming for fast ketosis.
Avoid bread, pasta, rice, sugary foods, fruits (except small portions of berries), and starchy vegetables.
Increase Healthy Fats
Eat more avocados, olive oil, nuts, seeds, coconut oil, butter, fatty fish, and eggs.
Fat should make up 70–80% of your daily calories.
Moderate Protein
Too much protein can prevent ketosis by converting to glucose.
Aim for moderate protein: about 0.6–1.0 grams per pound of lean body mass.
Stay Hydrated and Replenish Electrolytes
Drink plenty of water.
Replace sodium, potassium, and magnesium lost through urine (bone broth, leafy greens, and supplements help).
Exercise
Physical activity (especially fasted cardio or HIIT) helps deplete glycogen stores and speed up ketosis.
Consider Intermittent Fasting
Fasting (e.g. 16:8 or 24-hour fasts) can boost ketone production and accelerate entry into ketosis.
How Long Does It Take?
Typically 2–4 days, but it can take up to a week depending on:
Your metabolism
How many carbs you were eating before
Your level of activity
Click below for my specific protocol:
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How do I know?
In order for a ketogenic diet to be successful you need 100% adherence and you will need to test to see if you are in ketosis. A high fat diet in which you are not in ketosis is potentially dangerous.
How do you know if you're in ketosis?
Increased ketones in blood (measured with a ketone meter)
Weight loss (initially water weight)
Reduced appetite
Mental clarity and energy
"Keto breath" (a slightly fruity odor)
Click below for ways to test.