Food, Fitness & Cancer Facts with Dr. Krystle Zuniga, PhD RD CSO

Dr. Krystle Zuniga, PhD, RD, CSO, LD, is a board-certified specialist in oncology nutrition with over 14 years of experience encompassing research, higher education, and clinical practice. As the owner of Cancer Nutrition HQ, she is dedicated to providing evidence-based nutritional support to cancer survivors, aiming to enhance their health and quality of life.

In today’s episode, we sit down with Dr. Krystle to bust myths and break down what the science actually says about cancer prevention, survivorship, and the power (and limits) of nutrition. From supplement risks to the misunderstood role of sugar, Dr. Krystle explains the nuance often lost in sensational headlines and social media soundbites. We also explore how movement, muscle, sleep, stress, and even connection with others tie into cancer risk and recovery - zooming out from individual nutrients to look at health through a truly holistic lens. Dr. Krystle offers compassionate clarity in a sea of misinformation, arming listeners with tools to support themselves or loved ones without fear-based messaging or false hope.

If you’ve ever wondered about alcohol, processed meats, or whether “sugar feeds cancer,” this conversation is a must-listen.

“If you respect the power of nutrition, you also respect what it can’t do on its own.”

- Dr. Krystle Zuniga, PHD RD CSO

“We can't reduce risk to zero - but the good news is, the basics go a long way - not just for cancer, but for lifelong health.”

- Dr. Krystle Zuniga, PHD RD CSO

This week on Here’s the Deal: Fitness, Nutrition and Mindset for People Who Don’t Want Life to Suck:

• The difference between cancer prevention and cancer risk reduction - and why that language matters
• Why cancer isn’t a monolith, and it must be discussed accordingly
• Why the recommendation to avoid supplements for cancer prevention is based on actual trials
• How resistance training and muscle mass affect immune function and treatment outcomes
• The problem with “sugar feeds cancer” and how that message can backfire dangerously
• What “processed” really means and how not all processed foods are created equal
• How alcohol affects hormone metabolism, especially in relation to breast cancer
• The importance of rest, recovery, stress management, and social connection for whole-body health
• Why food isn’t medicine—and why that doesn’t mean nutrition doesn’t matter
• Lifestyle habits to reduce the risk of developing cancer

Connect with Dr. Krystle Zuniga:

• Cancer Nutrition HQ Website
• Dr. Krystle Zuniga @cancernutritionhq on Instagram
• Plant Based Proteins with Samara @nomeatmacros

Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of Here’s the Deal: Fitness, Nutrition, and Mindset for People Who Don’t Want Life to Suck, where we challenge the common understanding of what it means and what it takes to be fit and healthy! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

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