The constantly growing number of cancer diagnoses and emerging questions about the causes of the disease mobilize researchers and scientists to intensive searches. Because knowing the causes, understanding the disease gives a greater chance for full recovery. In the integrative approach, this search is not limited only to the physical body. It also includes emotions, spirituality, relationships, and the environment, assuming that each disease usually has many dimensions. Among the various concepts regarding the development of cancer, the so-called metabolic theory is increasingly emerging, according to which only 5–10% of cancers have a genetic basis, the remaining 90–95% is the result of unhealthy nutrition and a bad lifestyle.
How should cancer treatment look like with this approach, what should anti-cancer prevention look like? I will ask. Dr. Nasha Winters, a specialist in the field of integrative oncology, who has experienced cancer herself, and is the author of the book "Metabolic Approach to Cancer", director of the nonprofit Metabolic Terrain Institute of Health (MTIH).
What is pink?no siYour approach to cancer treatmentaboutin from conventional methods? What ledabout youto such a perspective?
My approach to cancer is based on systems biology, not on symptom suppression. It focuses on the so-called terrain (environment, ecosystem of the organism), is patient-oriented and based on the principle: Test, Evaluate, Act™, don't guess. Unlike conventional oncology, which focuses mainly on the tumor, we focus on optimizing the environment in which the tumor develops.
This perspective was born out of necessity. More than 30 years ago, I was diagnosed with terminal cancer and given only months to live. That experience began a lifelong journey of exploration, learning, and clinical practice. Since then, I have worked with thousands of patients around the world, witnessing firsthand how empowered individuals—supported in mind, body, and spirit—can transform the course of chronic disease, including cancer.
What exactly is the metabolic approach to cancer? What therapies does it include? Does it include raboutalso conventional treatment?
The metabolic approach treats cancer as a mitochondrial and metabolic disease, not just a genetic one. It focuses on restoring metabolic flexibility, healthy mitochondrial function, and redox balance. The entire ecosystem of the body is assessed through advanced testing that goes beyond standard laboratory testing—including epigenetics, toxin exposure, glucose-insulin metabolism, immune function, inflammation, and other factors.
Therapies include: metabolic nutrition (e.g., ketogenic or fasting-mimicking diet), mistletoe therapy, hyperbaric chamber, intravenous therapies, repositioning medications, mitochondrial support, and lifestyle strategies such as circadian rhythm, stress management, and social support.
Conventional therapies—surgery, chemotherapy, radiation—can all be part of a metabolic approach. When needed, we help patients improve the effectiveness of these treatments and reduce side effects through strategies that optimize the body’s internal environment. We don’t take an either/or approach; rather, we strive to use the right tool at the right time for the right patient.
Is there scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of this approach? What are its effects?
A growing body of research supports the metabolic theory of cancer and the efficacy of metabolic therapies. From the discoveries of Otto Warburg to the contemporary work of Dr. Thomas Seyfried, Dr. Adrienne Scheck, and Dr. Dominic D'Agostino, we have growing evidence of the role of metabolic flexibility, ketones, glucose restriction, and mitochondria in cancer development and response to treatment..
Research in integrative and metabolic oncology shows improved quality of life, better treatment tolerance, enhanced immunity, and even improved survival. At the Metabolic Terrain Institute of Health (www.MTIH.org), we conduct our own research and develop tools to track treatment outcomes in the real world.
What does this approach mean for the patient – in the context of the effectsaboutin the side, somehowyou life, risk of disease recurrence and long-term effectsaboutin treatment?
The terrain-based approach is designed to be personalized. It seeks to minimize harm and maximize healing potential. Patients often report improvements in energy, sleep, digestion, mood, and agency—even with conventional treatment.
By addressing the causes of the disease and supporting the body, we can not only reduce side effects, but also increase the effectiveness of treatment and reduce the risk of relapse. In the long term, people who adopt a lifestyle that supports a healthy terrain (body environment) are often healthier than before diagnosis.
What actions and changes can a patient take to increase their chances of recovery?aboutt to health?
The healing process is a collaborative process. The doctor can be a companion, but the patient walks the path. It’s about everyday choices—how you eat, move, sleep, think, and relate—that are in keeping with the patient’s nature and individual biochemistry.
We encourage you to work with Terrain Ten™ – a program that includes: epigenetics, glycemic control, toxins, microbiome, immunity, inflammation, oxygenation, hormonal balance, circadian rhythm and the mind-body connection. Regular, conscious work with these areas improves not only physical results, but also emotional and spiritual ones.
For those recently diagnosed, this is a great tool to start your journey: the 6 steps here.
How to Find a Reliable and Experienced Integrative Medicine Physician Whoaboutry can support the patient in the healing process?
It’s important to look for someone who respects both the science and the wisdom of the body. This person should have formal training in metabolic or integrative oncology, be open to working with conventional teams, and—most importantly—listen carefully.
In Metabolic Regen (www.MetabolicRegen.com) we create a network of certified metabolic approach advisors and practitioners who support patients based on current knowledge and individual needs. Materials are available at: www.metabolicregen.com and www.drnasha.com. You can also get more information by listening to the conversations on www.metabolicmatters.com.
Since 90–95% our health depends on ourselves – how can we take proper care of ourselves? What should our daily prevention look like?
Prevention is not a product, but a practice. It is about living in harmony with the rhythms of nature: getting up with the sun, eating natural food, regular exercise, joy, social relationships and caring for the planet that feeds us.
You can't separate the health of a person from the health of the soil, the community, or the spirit. True prevention is creating an environment—inside and out—that supports life, not disease. This is the future of medicine. This is the essence of a metabolic approach to cancer.
If you want to see how we put it all together – join us at our inaugural conference in Tucson, Arizona (USA), October 9–11, 2025 – also online: https://metabolichealthday.life/2025-conference
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Dr. Nasha Winters, ND, FABNO
Dr. Nasha Winters is an integrative oncology specialist and author of the books "The Metabolic Approach to Cancer" ("Metabolic Approach to Cancer") and “Mistletoe and the Emerging Future of Integrative Oncology” ("Miloła and the Emerging Future of Integrative Oncology"), host of the podcast Metabolic Matters, former executive director of a nonprofit organization Metabolic Terrain Institute of Health (MTIH), general director Dr. Nash, Inc., and also co-founder and medical director Terrain Holding Company.
She is an internationally recognized authority in the field of integrative oncology care and a valued speaker. She promotes a comprehensive approach to cancer treatment, combining standard methods with proven metabolic and complementary therapies to achieve the best therapeutic outcomes. As a trusted consultant, she advises medical professionals and scientists around the world, offering support in assessing patients' conditions and planning treatment strategies.
Dr. Winters is revolutionizing cancer care with her vision of being a pioneering, inpatient integrative oncology center and research institute. She recently took a giant step toward making that vision a reality by opening a state-of-the-art, nonprofit research laboratory in Phoenix, Arizona, focused on personalized cancer care and early detection tools.
It also conducts educational activities in the field of cancer treatment through courses. Integrative Metabolic Oncology Course (IMOC), Advanced Integrative Metabolic Course (AIMC) and Terrain Advocate Program, training specialists and educators worldwide. Supporting patients, it raises funds to financially support access to innovative therapies.
Its commercial initiatives, MitoVida and MTOmics, respectively producing groundbreaking supplements and developing an AI-driven health data platform focused on metabolic dysfunction and personalizing treatment. Its comprehensive work is making a significant contribution to transforming global cancer care and approaches to metabolic health.
Dr. Nasha Winters: www.drnasha.com
Terrain Holding: www.terrainholding.com
Metabolic Regen: https://metabolicregen.com/
Mtomics: https://mtomics.com/
Mitovida: https://www.mitovida.com/
Metabolic Matters Podcast: https://metabolicmatters.com
The Metabolic Approach to Cancer-Books: https://www.drnasha.com/books-and-education
