Science-Based Nutrition For Cancer with Dr. Krystle Zuniga

May 22, 2024

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Welcome to Radical Vitality! In this episode, I speak with Dr. Krystle Zuniga about nutrition strategies for cancer prevention, the misinformation surrounding cancer and nutrition, and practical steps we can all take to reduce our risk for cancer and improve outcomes in the face of a cancer diagnosis.

Cancer is one of the major disease risks we face in modern times. Preventing it and properly using nutrition once we have a cancer diagnosis is of prime importance. Dr. Zuniga and I share the frustration of witnessing so much misinformation on the internet about nutrition's role in healing. In this episode, we debunk myth after myth!

While I am passionate about providing actionable steps that support a healthy lifestyle, I do want to remind listeners that being human comes with a risk of disease and cancer, so to say we can eliminate risk is impossible. If you have a cancer diagnosis, please remember it is not your fault. Starting from here, Dr. Zuniga offers several ways to reduce cancer risk. We know about the risks associated with alcohol, smoking, and UV exposure, but there is more research than ever before now available around nutrition.

The World Cancer Research Fund offers 10 recommendations for cancer prevention, and Dr. Zuniga breaks down a few of those steps in detail. For example, focusing on plants doesn’t mean eliminating all meat when implementing a more plant-forward diet. Another current trend is eating a lot of unprocessed grass-fed red meat. While it is high in heme iron, this kind of iron can lead to oxidative stress as well as high colon and breast cancer risks. We also speak on a few other “controversial” foods: sugar, dairy, and soy. Always do thorough research on any trending advice!

While receiving cancer treatment, Dr. Zuniga recommends eating in a way that supports immune function, muscle health, and overall metabolic health. Currently, in the US, there are shockingly few dieticians available compared to the number of people with cancer, so the nutrition advice is not as individualized as it could be. Too often, people are told either that nutrition doesn’t matter or that they can eat whatever they want, both of which are false.

Overall, improving our lifestyle through better sleep, better food, and better stress management prevents cancer and many other illnesses. Magic bullet supplements or fasting techniques do not exist, but consistent small habits will always positively contribute to your well-being. Eating more plants and less processed foods is the perfect way to start today.

Episode Outline:

(06:48) Dr. Zuniga’s passion for cancer-focused nutrition

(08:34) More cancer being detected now in young people than ever, sensational or not?

(13:08) Ways to reduce cancer risks in daily life

(16:07) Plant-forward diets and processed meat

(21:06) The unprocessed red meat trend

(24:25) Berries and cruciferous veggies

(26:58) Does dairy lead to cancer?

(29:34) Myth: cancer loves sugar

(33:09) Truth around cancer supplements

(42:46) Dietary changes during cancer treatment

(49:27) Survivorship nutrition needs