Metabolic Health: The Missing Link in Cancer Therapy? | Dr. Christy Kesslering | The Metabolic Link Ep. 83

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Dec 16, 2025

Dr. Christy Kesslering, a former radiation oncologist turned metabolic health practitioner, explores the crucial link between metabolism and cancer. She discusses how mitochondrial dysfunction could be a common thread in cancer development, delves into the impacts of processed foods and lifestyle, and emphasizes the role of insulin in cancer growth. Dr. Kesslering advocates for individualized dietary approaches, including ketogenic therapy, to enhance treatment outcomes. Her insights offer a hopeful perspective on the evolving landscape of cancer care.

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ANECDOTE

From Radiation Oncology To Low‑Carb Advocacy

Dr. Christy Kesslering began using low-carb (Atkins) personally and then introduced it to patients during her radiation oncology practice.
She ran monthly support groups and found dramatic patient improvements like weight loss and diabetes reversal, which convinced her to expand into metabolic care.

ANECDOTE

Hidden Metabolic Illness In Breast Cancer

Many breast cancer patients were metabolically unhealthy despite not being obese, prompting Dr. Kesslering to measure insulin and teach metabolic care.
She spent half of some consults on metabolic education and gave meal plans and follow‑up testing to support change.

ADVICE

Measure Insulin And Use Optimal Ranges

Order metabolic labs beyond standard glucose and A1c, including fasting insulin, IGF‑1, triglycerides and nutrient markers.
Use optimal ranges (not standard lab references) and calculate insulin resistance scores to guide personalized diet interventions.

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After 20+ years treating cancer patients, Dr. Christy Kesslering started asking a question her colleagues weren't asking: why are so many of my breast cancer patients metabolically sick — even when they're not obese?

That question changed everything.

Dr. Kesslering is a classically-trained radiation oncologist, metabolic health practitioner, and terrain theorist. She spent two decades practicing oncology in the Chicagoland area before transitioning to focus full-time on what she believes is the missing piece in cancer care: mitochondrial health, and metabolic dysfunction. She now works with cancer patients and chronic disease clients through a telehealth practice built on comprehensive lab work, real-food nutrition, and terrain-based principles.

Questions Answered in This Episode:

What is mitochondrial dysfunction and how does it relate to cancer?
Are processed foods, seed oils, and glyphosate implicated in rising cancer rates?
Can fasting or ketogenic diets reduce chemotherapy side effects?
What's the difference between cachexia and healthy fat loss in cancer patients?
How do you identify which foods are problematic for your body specifically?
What does Dr. Kesslering believe has the biggest impact on cancer outcomes?

A rare look at what happens when a passionate physician follows the data wherever it leads — and why she believes the future of cancer care starts with metabolism.

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Please keep in mind: The Metabolic Link does not provide medical or health advice, but rather general information that does not serve as a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional. Never delay in seeking medical advice from an appropriately licensed medical provider for any health condition that you may have.