Episode #45: Avoid Ultra Processed Foods to Lower Cancer Risk

About the Guest(s): Dr. Kristin Hieshetter is a distinguished chiropractor and host of Functional Health Radio. Known for her expertise in functional health and university-level teaching, Dr. Kristin is an advocate for natural wellness practices and reducing dependency on ultra-processed foods. She aims to enlighten listeners worldwide about holistic approaches to health, combining knowledge from chiropractic care, functional medicine, and neurology. As a leader in wellness, she is also at the forefront of creating an online educational platform, Functional Health Mastery, to guide providers interested in functional medicine. Episode Summary: Join Dr. Kristin Hieshetter in this enlightening episode of Functional Health Radio, recorded in January 2025. Embarking on a New Year journey, Dr. Kristin emphasizes awareness and action against ultra-processed foods, highlighting their negative impact on health. As a global leader in wellness, she uses her expertise to advocate for a proactive approach to health, focusing on simple, cost-effective lifestyle changes that can enhance the quality of life. Dr. Kristin unpacks the alarming reality of ultra-processed foods, using comprehensive studies and statistics that link these foods to increased cancer risks, including breast cancer. She paints a vivid picture of how pervasive chemicals in processed foods and environmental toxins create what she terms a "biochemical bruise," triggering unseen inflammation and health crises. Dr. Kristin calls for urgent dietary shifts, urging listeners to adopt perimeter shopping and focus on organic, whole foods to stave off these preventable diseases. Her advice extends to practical solutions, like assessing water quality through the Environmental Working Group and avoiding known carcinogens like titanium dioxide. Key Takeaways: Ultra-processed foods significantly increase the risk of cancer, particularly breast cancer, due to their high content of sugars, chemicals, and additives. Avoiding ultra-processed food and adopting organic, whole foods can drastically improve health and reduce chronic disease risk. Environmental toxins in air and water can contribute to a "biochemical bruise" that may lead to unexplained pain or inflammation. Awareness and proactive management of personal diet choices and environmental exposure can significantly impact health outcomes. The educational initiative Functional Health Mastery is launching to support providers interested in functional medicine education. Notable Quotes: "The point that we all hold dear across the health provider board is that we have more say over our health than we are led to believe." "The top 25% of ultra-processed food consumers have a 23% increased risk of cancer, with breast cancer risking rising sharply." "Avoid titanium dioxide; it's known internationally to give you colon cancer." "You'll be dead faster if you eat that garbage in the middle of the grocery store." "Everything you put in your mouth either immediately helps you or immediately harms you." Resources: Functional Health Mastery Group  Environmental Working Group (EWG) for water quality testing British Medical Journal Article: "Consumption of Ultra Processed Food and Cancer Risk Results from Nutri Net Sante Perspective Cohort" Upcoming Functional Health University courses (Stay tuned for more details on enrollment) Get ready to transform your approach to health by listening to the full episode. Stay tuned for more insightful discussions from Dr. Kristin Hieshetter on Functional Health Radio, as she continues to unveil practical strategies for thriving in an increasingly challenging food landscape.