Igf-1 Diet Plan: What You Need To Know

Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) is a hormone that is vital to childhood growth and encourages cell growth and proliferation in adults. It is naturally produced by the liver and its production is stimulated by growth hormones. IGF-1 is also linked to cancer development. Research suggests that diets that reduce IGF-1 levels include plant-based diets, fasting, and energy-restricting diets.

Fasting and energy-restricting diets

Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) is a hormone with a similar molecular structure to insulin. It is vital to childhood growth and encourages cell growth and proliferation in adults. It is naturally produced by the liver and its production is stimulated by growth hormones. The levels of IGF-1 are highest in childhood and decline in adulthood.

Vegan diets are associated with lower levels of IGF-1 and higher levels of IGF-binding proteins 1 and 2 (these proteins limit the availability of IGF-1) compared with an omnivorous or even a vegetarian diet.

IGF-1 and insulin work together to keep blood sugar levels stable. Depending on what types of foods you eat, they determine what your body uses for energy (fat or glucose) and where excess energy is stored. Certain studies have found that when type 2 diabetic patients are treated with IGF-1, their blood sugar levels decrease, insulin sensitivity improves, and blood lipids also improve. IGF-1 may also be beneficial when you’re fasting or following the ketogenic diet because it can help you burn fat for fuel instead of glucose.

However, diets increasing IGF-1 levels are not only dangerous in terms of facilitating cancer growth but can have grave consequences in the case of hormone-sensitive cancers.

Plant-based diets

Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) is a hormone with a similar molecular structure to insulin. It is vital to childhood growth and encourages cell growth and proliferation in adults. IGF-1 is naturally produced by the liver and its production is stimulated by growth hormones. The levels of IGF-1 are highest in childhood and decline in adulthood.

Diets that increase IGF-1 levels are dangerous because they facilitate cancer growth. Studies have found that vegan diets are associated with lower levels of IGF-1 and higher levels of IGF-binding proteins 1 and 2 (these proteins limit the availability of IGF-1) compared with omnivorous or vegetarian diets.

When following a plant-based diet, it is important to ensure that you are getting enough protein, calcium, iron, and vitamin B12. There are many plant-based sources of these nutrients, such as beans, lentils, tofu, tempeh, and leafy green vegetables. It is also important to make sure that you are getting enough calories, as plant-based foods tend to be lower in calories than animal-based foods.

A plant-based diet can be a healthy and delicious way to lower your IGF-1 levels and improve your overall health. There are many resources available to help you get started, including cookbooks, meal plans, and online communities.

Insulin and IGF-1

Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) is a hormone with a similar molecular structure to insulin. It is naturally produced by the liver and its production is stimulated by growth hormones. IGF-1 is vital to childhood growth and encourages cell growth and proliferation in adults. The levels of IGF-1 are highest in childhood and decline in adulthood.

IGF-1 and insulin work together to keep blood sugar levels stable. Depending on the types of food you eat, they determine what your body uses for energy (fat or glucose) and where excess energy is stored. Certain studies have found that when type 2 diabetic patients are treated with IGF-1, their blood sugar levels decrease, insulin sensitivity improves and blood lipids also improve. IGF-1 may also be beneficial when you’re fasting or following the ketogenic diet because it can help you burn fat for fuel instead of glucose.

However, diets that increase IGF-1 levels are not only dangerous in terms of facilitating cancer growth but can have grave consequences in the case of hormone-sensitive cancers. IGF-1 promotes each of the key stages of cancer development: the growth of cancerous cells, vascularisation of cancerous tissue (blood vessel growth) and metastasis. Vegan diets are associated with lower levels of IGF-1 and higher levels of IGF-binding proteins 1 and 2 (these proteins limit the availability of IGF-1) compared with an omnivorous or even a vegetarian diet.

Dairy and sugar

Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) is a hormone that works with insulin to keep blood sugar levels stable. Dairy products, such as milk and yoghurt, contain insulin and can therefore help to regulate blood sugar levels. However, it is important to note that dairy products can also contain high levels of sugar, which can cause blood sugar spikes.

When choosing dairy products, it is important to opt for those that are low in sugar and high in protein and healthy fats. For example, plain Greek yoghurt is a better choice than flavoured yoghurt, which often contains large amounts of added sugar. Similarly, cheese is a good source of protein and calcium but should be consumed in moderation due to its high-fat content.

Sugar is a type of carbohydrate that is naturally present in some foods, such as fruit, but is also added to many processed foods and drinks. While natural sugars, such as those found in fruit, are generally considered healthy, added sugars can be detrimental to health. Excessive consumption of added sugars can lead to weight gain, tooth decay, and increased risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

The IGF-1 diet plan may recommend limiting added sugars and opting for natural sources of sugar, such as fruit. Additionally, sugar alternatives, such as stevia or monk fruit sweetener, may be suggested as they do not raise blood sugar levels in the same way as regular sugar. However, it is important to note that excessive consumption of sugar alternatives may have other negative health consequences and further research is needed in this area.

Cancer and IGF-1

Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) is a hormone with a similar molecular structure to insulin. It is vital to childhood growth and encourages cell growth and proliferation in adults. It is naturally produced by the liver and its production is stimulated by growth hormones. The levels of IGF-1 are highest in childhood and decline in adulthood.

IGF-1 has been extensively investigated as a biomarker of chronic disease risk and mortality. It is known to promote cancer development by inhibiting apoptosis and stimulating cell proliferation. Epidemiological studies have reported a positive association between circulating IGF-1 levels and various primary cancers, such as breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer.

Fasting and energy-restricting diets have been shown to reduce levels of IGF-1. In studies administering intermittent fasting, periodic fasting, or time-restricted feeding, efficacy for weight loss and improvements across multiple health indicators, including insulin resistance and reductions in cardiovascular risk factors, has been demonstrated.

Plant-based diets may also be protective against multiple sclerosis because IGF-1 can prevent our immune system from eliminating autoimmune cells. Lower levels of the cancer-promoting growth hormone IGF-1 in those eating vegan are not expected to affect their accumulation of muscle mass. However, vegans consuming 7 to 18 servings of soy foods a day may end up with circulating IGF-1 levels comparable to those who eat meat.

Milk and dairy products contain whey proteins that cause a rise in insulin, IGF-1, and growth hormone levels. A typical Western diet rich in dairy and sugar shifts growth hormone and IGF-1 balance to abnormally high levels.

Frequently asked questions