A 10-year cancer survivor reveals how daily intermittent fasting supports his health and recovery journey

Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern that alternates between periods of eating and voluntary fasting, focusing on when you eat rather than what you eat. This approach is known to improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and support metabolic health, while giving the digestive system time for repair and cellular cleanup. For some, it is a trend, but for cancer survivors, it can be a deliberate lifestyle choice. Women’s health coach Dilan, a ten-year cancer survivor, has practised intermittent fasting daily for over 15 years. He shared on Instagram how not eating breakfast aided his cancer journey.Dilan’s journey into intermittent fasting was catalyzed by a cancer diagnosis, forcing him to reassess his lifestyle, including food habits, stress levels, and sleep routines. He realised that constant eating—long promoted as a way to boost metabolism, was counterproductive. “Because I learned (the hard way) what happens when the body never gets a break,” he explains. “When you’re constantly feeding, your body is constantly digesting.”This continuous state of digestion prevents the body from repairing itself, leaving little opportunity for cellular restoration. For cancer survivors and those recovering from illness, this insight is especially crucial. By incorporating structured fasting, Dilan allowed his body the space it needed to recover, repair tissues, and regain balance. A study published in NIH discusses how intermittent fasting can activate autophagy, the body's natural process of cleaning out damaged cells, which may play a role in cancer therapy resistance.During fasting periods, the body initiates a powerful process called autophagy. Autophagy is the body’s natural self-cleaning mechanism, in which cells break down and recycle damaged or unnecessary components. Dilan describes it as “your cells literally start cleaning house.”The benefits of autophagy are particularly valuable for cancer survivors. By removing damaged cells, inflammation is reduced, hormonal balance is restored, and the body gains time to repair itself. This cellular reset supports recovery, strengthens resilience, and enhances long-term health. Fasting gives the body a necessary break from constant digestion, allowing it to prioritise healing and restoration over energy-intensive food processing.Many people eat continuously from morning until bedtime, leaving minimal time for cellular repair. Dilan warns that this habit can contribute to inflammation, fatigue, and hormonal imbalance. Cancer survivors, in particular, may face greater challenges if their bodies never get the opportunity to rest and repair.He emphasises that hunger itself is not dangerous; the real concern lies in depriving the body of periods of rest. Intermittent fasting allows the body to tolerate periods without food while activating vital repair processes. For cancer survivors like Dilan, this approach has been key to maintaining health, resilience, and energy levels over the long term.For Dilan, intermittent fasting is not a temporary diet but a sustainable lifestyle practice. After surviving cancer, he adopted fasting as a tool to support long-term health, helping regulate blood sugar, reduce inflammation, and improve digestion. Beyond disease recovery, intermittent fasting supports metabolic balance, weight management, and overall wellness.Cancer survivors can particularly benefit from structured eating patterns that allow the body to rest and repair. By focusing on when to eat rather than constantly consuming food, fasting encourages better cellular health, reduced oxidative stress, and improved resilience.Intermittent fasting is a lifestyle that prioritises the body’s natural cycles of digestion, repair, and regeneration. For cancer survivors like Dilan, it has been a crucial tool for healing, balance, and long-term wellness. By incorporating structured fasting, the body is given the opportunity to undergo autophagy, reduce inflammation, restore hormonal balance, and improve resilience. Even for those without a history of illness, intermittent fasting supports metabolic health, weight management, and overall vitality. With mindful eating, hydration, and a focus on recovery, intermittent fasting can become a sustainable, long-term approach to health and healing.Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or lifestyle change.Also Read: Side effects of ashwagandha: 7 risks you should know before taking this herb