Beyond Genes: A Fresh Look at Cancer and the Metabolism Connection

“You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and in the manner in which you live.”
– Stuart Scott

When we hear the word cancer, many of us imagine something mysterious going wrong deep inside our genes — like a code written in stone. We’re often told that cancer is caused by “bad DNA” passed down from our parents, and that it’s mostly out of our control.

But what if there’s more to the story?

Some researchers, like Dr. Thomas Seyfried, are exploring another idea: that cancer may also be influenced by how our cells produce and use energy — in other words, metabolism. While this doesn’t replace the well-known genetic and environmental factors behind cancer, it introduces a fascinating possibility that how we fuel our bodies may impact how diseases grow or shrink.

Let’s be clear: cancer is a complex disease with many causes, and no single diet or lifestyle change is a cure. But learning how our inner environment affects our health can help us make more empowered choices.

The Garden Inside You

Imagine your body as a garden. In a healthy environment, your cells grow and repair just like thriving plants. But if the soil becomes unbalanced – from stress, inflammation, or an unhealthy lifestyle – it may create conditions where problems can take root.

That’s the idea behind Functional Medicine – instead of only treating symptoms, it asks deeper questions like:

Why did this imbalance happen in the first place?
How can we support the body in becoming a place where health flourishes again?

This doesn’t mean we skip or replace proven cancer treatments. But it suggests that supporting the body alongside medical care might help the healing process.

Let’s Talk About Sugar

Some scientists, including Dr. Seyfried, have studied how cancer cells behave differently than healthy ones – particularly when it comes to energy. One theory is that many cancer cells depend more heavily on glucose (a form of sugar) to survive.

In fact, doctors even use sugar-based tracers in certain cancer scans, because tumors often absorb sugar faster than normal tissues. But this doesn’t mean sugar causes cancer or that removing sugar will treat it. The human body – and especially the brain – needs glucose to function properly.

While it’s still an evolving area of research, some experts suggest that keeping blood sugar levels stable through whole foods and fewer processed carbohydrates may support overall health, including immune function and inflammation levels.

Regardless, the bottom line remains that moderation matters. Cutting down on sugary drinks, ultra-processed foods, and refined carbs may benefit your health – not because sugar is “evil,” but because balanced nutrition helps the whole body function better.

What About Ketones?

Some early research – mostly in animals or small human studies – has explored whether a ketogenic diet (a very low-carb, high-fat eating pattern) might help “starve” certain types of cancer cells that struggle to use ketones (an alternative energy source) effectively.

This idea is still being tested. Some studies have shown promise, while others suggest that certain cancer cells can adapt to use ketones as fuel, too.

So while the ketogenic diet may benefit some people with specific conditions (like epilepsy), there’s not enough evidence yet to recommend it as a cancer therapy for everyone.

Regardless, it is always important to talk to your doctor before making major dietary changes – especially during cancer treatment. Nutrition should always support your strength, not deplete it.

Let’s Clear Up “Toxins”

The word “toxins” gets thrown around a lot – and often without much clarity. In this post, we are specifically referring to carcinogens, which are substances that may increase the risk of cancer.

Some well-known examples include:

Tobacco smoke
Excessive alcohol
Processed and red meats
Ultraviolet (UV) rays
Air pollutants like diesel exhaust

Even household items like plastics or certain cosmetics may contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals that are still being studied. While the body has built-in detox systems (like the liver and kidneys), reducing exposure to harmful substances is a smart idea.

If possible, you should always choose filtered water, avoid heating food in plastic, and opt for natural personal care products when available. These small changes may reduce your exposure over time.

Are “Healthy” Foods Always Healthy?

Not all foods affect everyone the same way. Some people are sensitive to gluten (a protein in wheat) or dairy, even without having a formal allergy. Studies have demonstrated that sensitivities can lead to low-grade inflammation, fatigue, or digestive issues – which may weaken the body’s defenses over time.

That doesn’t mean everyone should cut these foods out, but if you’re feeling off, it might be worth trying an elimination period to see how your body responds.

Keep in mind: whole-body wellness is about listening to how your body reacts – not following rigid rules.

You’re Not Trapped by Your Genes

It’s common to think, “Cancer runs in my family – so I’ll probably get it too.”

While genetics do play a role, there’s a growing field called epigenetics that shows how lifestyle habits – including sleep, movement, stress, and diet – can affect how genes behave. You might carry a certain gene, but your environment and daily choices help decide whether it gets “turned on” or not.

In one famous study, Dr. Dean Ornish found that just three months of healthy lifestyle changes could shift the activity of genes – dialing down ones linked to disease and boosting ones linked to healing.

Think of your DNA like a piano. Your genes are the keys – but your lifestyle is what plays the music.

So… Is Cancer Your Fault?

Absolutely not.

Cancer is never anyone’s fault. Many people live healthy lives and still get cancer. It’s a complex disease influenced by genetics, environment, and random chance, too.

The purpose of exploring these ideas isn’t to assign blame – it’s to offer hope.

There are choices within our control that may support our body’s natural defenses. Things like:

Moving your body daily (even a 20-minute walk)
Sleeping well
Eating more whole, colorful foods
Managing stress
Avoiding known carcinogens (like smoking or excessive drinking)

Even small steps matter. It’s not about perfection – it’s about progress.

At the end of the day, your body is like a garden. You can’t control the weather. You can’t erase your genetics. But you can tend the soil.

And when you care for the soil – with real food, movement, connection, and rest – you create conditions where health can grow, even in the face of challenges.

You’re not stuck. You’re not powerless. You are the gardener. Take gentle first steps: