About this episode

The episode explores the concept of cancer as a metabolic disease with Dr. Kristy Kessling, focusing on the roles of insulin, mitochondria, and metabolic health in cancer prevention and recurrence.

What if cancer isn’t primarily a genetic disease but a metabolic one? In this episode, Ben sits down with radiation oncologist Dr. Kristy Kessling to explore a radically different lens on cancer, one that centers on mitochondria, insulin resistance, inflammation, and the internal “terrain” of the body. Dr. Kessling explains why she believes cancer begins with mitochondrial stress not random bad luck and why insulin and IGF-1 may be more important drivers than most patients are ever told. We unpack the difference between attacking cancer cells and improving the body’s metabolic environment, and why those two approaches are not the same. Topics covered: Why “cancer is a metabolic disease” is more than just a slogan The role of insulin, IGF-1, and glucose in tumour growth BRCA genes: why genes are not destiny The three biomarkers Dr. Kessling prioritizes for prevention and recurrence Ketogenic and carnivore diets, what matters, and common mistakes Fasting and ketosis alongside chemotherapy (and why some patients experience fewer side effects) Cancer stem cells and the importance of terrain Why recurrence prevention mirrors prevention itself The overlooked role of stress, mindset…

People in this episode

Host: Benjamin Hopkins

Guest: Dr. Kristy Kessling

Topics covered

• cancer as a metabolic disease
• insulin resistance
• mitochondria
• ketogenic diet
• cancer recurrence
• emotional health

Keywords

• cancer
• metabolic disease
• insulin
• ketogenic diet
• recurrence
• mitochondria
• biomarkers
• fasting
• emotional health

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: BRCA

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