In a stunning statement, former cricketer and politician Navjot Singh Sidhu revealed that his wife Navjot Kaur overcame stage 4 cancer in 40 days with a simple diet and lifestyle. Claiming that her cancer treatment “cost them nothing”, Sidhu told a press conference that her diet included turmeric, im water, apple cider vinegar, lemon water and a strict avoidance of sugar and carbohydrates. He emphasized their practice of intermittent fasting with the last meal at 6:30 p.m. and the first at 10:30 a.m., starting with lemon water. Sidhu also noted his personal benefits from the regimen, saying he lost 25 kg and resolved his fatty liver.
While Kaur’s story is inspiring, medical experts caution against viewing “lifestyle change as a stand-alone cure for cancer.” Dr. Rakesh Kumar Sharma, Head and Senior Consultant, Department of Medical Oncology, SHALBY Sanar International Hospitals, Gurugram, says, “Mrs. Sidhu received all possible treatment as per the diagnosis. Stage 4 cancer with limited metastases can be cured with current treatment standards. Several studies have suggested the benefit of curcumin (a component found in turmeric) in the treatment/prevention of cancer, but there is no clear evidence in humans to support the benefit.” Dr Puneet Gupta, Head of Oncology, Asiatic Hospital, says, “Cancer cannot be cured by diet alone. However, dietary interventions are important for overall cancer management, as patients are likely to suffer from anaemia, weight loss and electrolyte imbalance.”
Dr. Debyani Banerjee, Head of Dietetics at PSRI Hospital, says, “The anti-cancer properties of turmeric make it an important component of the maintenance diet for cancer patients. Lemon water can help maintain electrolyte balance. During chemotherapy, when the immune system is compromised, neem can strengthen cells, improve gut health, and reduce inflammation.
Certain studies have shown that intermittent fasting at short intervals increases the risk of cancer by eliminating fluctuations in glucose, insulin, leptin and higher adiponectin levels, which are the real causes of cancer, says Nisha Mandal, clinical nutritionist, Motherhood Hospital, Gurugram. “One must make sure that the fast does not exceed 8 hours, and that they balance all the necessary nutrients and calorie intake during meals as prescribed,” says Mandal.
Benefits of what Kaur consumed
Turmeric: It is an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial agent. It helps in fighting inflammatory skin diseases and reduces the risk of chronic diseases.
Neem leaves: Neem’s antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties protect against oxidative damage. Its regular use helps to strengthen the immune system. Apple cider vinegar has similar properties.
Lemon water: Rich in vitamin C, it boosts immunity, helping the body fight infections. It cleanses the body of toxins by removing toxins.
