64: Cancer Is A Metabolic Disease, Here’s Why That’s Great

You’ve been told to lower your stress after cancer, and you’ve probably felt the quiet pressure of that advice every time life refused to cooperate. A scan date, a lab result, a hard conversation at home, and suddenly managing stress becomes one more thing you feel like you’re failing at. 😮‍💨 In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Donese Worden, a naturopathic medical doctor and researcher who has spent more than two decades studying metabolic oncology. We talk about the metabolic side of cancer and the tiny organelles at the center of it, your mitochondria. We cover why she calls mitochondria the motherboard of your body and why the goal is stress resilience rather than a stress-free life. We also get into how your muscles help your body handle glucose, and why a bag full of supplements with no plan behind it can create more problems than it solves. ⚠️ This is a must-listen if: You’ve heard cancer described as metabolic and want to understand what that means for you You feel like you’re failing at “reducing stress” because life keeps happening You have a cabinet full of supplements and no clear sense of how they work together You’re short on time and energy and want movement that fits where you are You want two doctors talking openly about what the science supports today and what’s still being studied ✨ In this episode, you’ll learn: What mitochondria do beyond making energy, including helping regulate detox pathways and whether a damaged cell repairs itself or self-destructs Why active muscle works as a glucose sink, and what emerging research says about short bursts of movement Why short, acute stress can be protective while chronic stress is the one to work on Why stacking supplements without a plan can burden your liver and kidneys and interact with treatment How Dr. Worden thinks about hope, data, and the reality that you’re more than a statistic 💡 You’ll leave this episode with: A clear picture of the basics that support metabolic health: food, movement, sleep, and stress resilience Permission to stop chasing a stress-free life A realistic way to move your body on low-energy days More confidence asking what the evidence supports before adding something new 🔗 Episode Relevant Resources Learn more about Dr. Donese Worden: https://drworden.com  Dr Donese Worden on Instagram: @DrDoneseWorden I’m Dr. Megan, a licensed naturopathic doctor. My team and I have worked with hundreds of women globally to rebuild their health after cancer and reduce recurrence risk using science-backed nutrition, lifestyle, and targeted supplement strategies — so they can feel confident, strong, and free to enjoy life again. ✨ Let’s Connect! Book a free Roadmap Call and let’s chat about how we can help: https://flourishaftercancer.com/nextsteps  Follow me: Instagram: @MeganBernardND Facebook: @MeganBernardND Website: https://flourishaftercancer.com/  Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in these videos and podcasts is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, medications, or lifestyle. Content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or care.