What Is the Metabolic/Terrain Model of Cancer?

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This week on The Less Stressed Life, we’re digging into a bold reframe of cancer: it’s not just about the tumor, it’s about the terrain. Dr. Nasha Winters and I explore how nervous system state, mitochondrial health, oxygen, light, and circadian rhythm shape resilience and healing. We talk about why standard treatments often fall flat without nervous system regulation, how modern inputs overload our mitochondria, and the simple daily habits that create measurable shifts in terrain.

If you’ve ever wondered why some therapies don’t stick—or how breathwork, fasting, light, and minerals could matter just as much as labs and scans—this conversation connects the dots.

Find both Dr. Nasha's education courses & books here: https://drnasha.com/books-and-education

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Your nervous system is step zero—nothing works if you’re stuck in fight-or-flight
• Mitochondria are the hub of terrain and energy production
• Oxygen and breathwork are underrated tools in prevention and recovery
• Daily rhythm matters: sunrise/sunset light, post-meal walks, and overnight fasting
• Some “healthy” supplements (iron, calcium, glutathione, methyl donors) can fuel cancer if misused
• Timing is everything—especially with red light therapy

ABOUT GUEST:
Dr. Nasha Winters is a global leader in integrative oncology and the author of The Metabolic Approach to Cancer. With decades of experience, she bridges conventional care with metabolic and complementary therapies while making complex science feel accessible and empowering. Her passion lies in helping people understand their bodies, build resilience, and embrace new possibilities for healing. 

WHERE TO FIND:
Website: https://drnasha.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drnashawinters/
Practitioner Directory: https://www.mtih.org/

WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:
Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/
Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionist
Podcast Instagram: @lessstressedlife
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlife

NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE:
🍽️ Over restriction is dead
🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best
🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards)
🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone
❤️ Do your best and leave the rest

Jigsaw Health bumped our regular 10% off coupon code lessstressed10 to 15% with lessstressed15 through November (and hopefully longer). Restock your favorite potassium cocktail, magnesium, cod liver oil and more! 

I released a free training that shares the 4 steps I use to help clients reduce eczema, inflammation, and food-reaction symptoms by 50%+ in a few months — without restriction or overwhelm. The feedback has been incredible, and I answer every question inside the training. Watch here: christabiegler.com/blueprint