Summary
In the podcast episode titled "Ruth Patterson, Ph.D. on Time-Restricted Eating in Humans & Breast Cancer Prevention," Dr. Ruth Patterson, a professor at UCSD and Rhonda discuss the link between metabolism and breast cancer risk. They talk about lifestyle factors that increase the risk of breast cancer and how diet plays a significant role. Obesity, physical inactivity, and smoking are the main factors that increase breast cancer risk. Obesity, in particular, can double the risk of developing breast cancer, as it increases circulating insulin and estrogen levels.
The experts suggest that the timing of meals plays an essential role as well. Eating during the day when we are active and fasting at night appears to be metabolically beneficial. Fasting for at least 12 hours may also reduce the risk of breast cancer by lowering inflammatory markers and improving insulin sensitivity. Dr. Patterson conducted a study that showed that fasting for 13 hours reduced the risk of breast cancer recurrence and mortality.
The podcast highlights the importance of adopting healthy lifestyle choices like improving diet quality, avoiding prolonged periods of sedentary behavior, exercising regularly, and getting good sleep. They suggest that even a modest weight loss of 5% can improve metabolic health and lower breast cancer risk.
Dr. Patterson and Rhonda believe that fasting can have a positive impact on various conditions, including Type II diabetes, fatty liver, and acid reflux. They also point out that fasting is a straightforward change in eating patterns, which can contribute to reducing disease risk in the population.
Overall, the podcast emphasizes that lifestyle modifications can have a significant impact on breast cancer risk. Meal timing, along with other healthy lifestyle choices, can play a crucial role in preventing or reducing the risk of breast cancer, and whole dietary patterns, rather than individual nutrients or foods, may be more effective.
