Cancer Nutrition HQ
By: Krystle Zuniga PhD, RD, CSO
Language: en-us
Categories: Health, Fitness, Nutrition
Hosted by Dr. Krystle Zuniga RD, CSO a nutrition scientist and board certified oncology dietitian, Cancer Nutrition HQ provides evidence-based insights into cancer nutrition. Episodes include the latest research, interviews with top cancer and nutrition experts, and provide real-world guidance rooted in science. Whether you're a patient, caregiver, or healthcare professional, Cancer Nutrition HQ provides the tools to help you Know More and Fear Less.
Episodes
"Remember to Eat Your Fruits and Veggies" - The Science Behind My Sign-Off
Dec 15, 2025"Remember to eat your fruits and veggies” is how I end almost every episode, but there’s a reason I keep coming back to this message.
In this episode, I break down why fruits and vegetables matter for both cancer prevention and survivorship. I talk about phytochemicals, why variety matters, and why supplements can’t replace whole foods. I also discuss a recent study in that found meaningful survival benefits of fruit and vegetable intake for cancer survivors. Tips for how to get more fruits and veggies in the diet are also provided.
Research Referenc...
Duration: 00:19:56Foods & Supplements to Avoid on Endocrine Therapy
Dec 08, 2025Worried about whether certain foods or supplements can interfere with your endocrine therapy? You’re not alone. This episode breaks down how tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors work, how the liver metabolizes them, and which foods or supplements you actually need to avoid. (Hint: It’s a short list!) This episode can help you feel more confident and informed as you navigate endocrine therapy.
Episode 4 - The Truth About Soy and Breast Cancer
Hussaarts KGAM, et al. Impact of Curcumin (with or without Piperine) on the Pharmacokinetics of Tamoxifen. Cancers (Basel). 2019 Mar 22;11(3):403. doi: 10.3390/cancers11030403.
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Duration: 00:13:35Navigating Holiday Eating, Conversations, and Travel as a Cancer Survivor
Nov 25, 2025The holidays can be joyful, but they can also bring stress, unpredictable schedules, food pressures, and long travel days that throw off routines. In this episode, I’m checking in and sharing practical strategies to help cancer survivors feel prepared and supported during this season.
Whether you’re traveling, hosting, or heading to a gathering where the food or conversations feel overwhelming, this episode will help you protect your health, your energy, and your peace.
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Duration: 00:14:02Lung Cancer Awareness: Screening, Symptoms & Treatment | Dr. Eric Singhi
Nov 21, 2025Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in both men and women in the United States. Despite this, stigma and misunderstanding persist. In honor of Lung Cancer Awareness Month, this episode features a conversation with Dr. Singhi, a medical oncologist who specializes in diagnosing and treating lung cancer. We discuss symptoms that are often missed, who should be screened, gaps in awareness, and how the landscape of lung cancer treatment continues to evolve.
After the interview, host Krystle Zuniga, PhD, RD, CSO, shares findings from a meta-analysis examining dietary patterns and lung cancer risk, offering...
Duration: 00:32:43Nutrition Studies Explained: Separating Hype from Science
Sep 01, 2025Nutrition research can be confusing, especially when the headlines sound too good (or too scary) to be true. This episode guides you through the strengths and limitations of different research study designs so you can better understand the evidence and avoid being misled by clickbait headlines.
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Duration: 00:19:57Can You Spot Nutrition and Cancer Misinformation?
Aug 25, 2025To "Know More and Fear Less" you'll need to develop an important skill: recognizing misinformation in nutrition and cancer. From oversimplified promises to fear-based messaging and questionable credentials, this episode reviews common red flags that often signal misleading claims. You'll leave this episode empowered, able to navigate nutrition advice with confidence and avoid falling into the trap of misinformation.
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Duration: 00:23:54Do You Need to Go Vegan if You Have Cancer?
Aug 18, 2025Vegan, vegetarian, plant-based, or somewhere in between—what’s best when it comes to cancer nutrition? Whether you’re curious about going plant-based or just want clarity on how to eat during and after cancer, this episode will help you cut through the myths and focus on what really matters.
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www.cancernutritionhq.com
Duration: 00:14:03Does the Alkaline Diet Stop Cancer?
Aug 11, 2025The alkaline diet claims you can change your body’s pH to prevent and even stop cancer, but is that even possible? This episode explains where this idea came from, the science of pH and cancer, and why the real benefits of an alkaline diet have nothing to do with changing your body’s pH.
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Duration: 00:17:14The Truth About Soy and Breast Cancer
Aug 04, 2025Soy has long been a source of confusion and fear for people diagnosed with breast cancer, but does it really fuel cancer growth? This episode dives in to the history of the controversy, and what current research says about soy’s role in cancer risk and recurrence. You’ll also get practical tips for incorporating soy into your diet.
Check out these free Soy Recipes
References
Postdiagnosis body fatness, recreational physical activity, dietary factors and breast cancer prognosis: Global Cancer Update Programme (CUP Global) summary of evidence grading
Phytonutrients and o...
Duration: 00:14:11Does Sugar Feed Cancer?
Jul 29, 2025This episode tackles the pervasive myth that you can starve cancer by eliminating sugar from your diet. Explore the complexities of cancer metabolism and learn why simply cutting out sugar isn't the answer.
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Farvid MS, Barnett JB, Spence ND, Rosner BA, Holmes MD. Types of carbohydrate intake and breast cancer survival. Eur J Nutr. 2021 Dec;60(8):4565-4577.
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Duration: 00:21:30Start Here: A Practical Foundation for Eating After Cancer
Jul 16, 2025
This episode of Cancer Nutrition HQ highlights the importance of focusing on overall dietary patterns, rather than fixating on individual foods, and shares evidence linking healthy eating habits after a cancer diagnosis to improved survival outcomes. The episode provides practical tips for building a sustainable, nourishing approach to eating.
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AICR's New American Plate
Postdiagnosis dietary factors, supplement use and breast cancer prognosis: Global Cancer Update Programme (CUP Global) systematic literature review and meta-analysis
Post-diagnosis adiposity, physical activity, sedentary behaviour, dietary factors, supplement use and co...
Duration: 00:11:37Cancer Nutrition HQ - Empowering Cancer Survivors Through Nutrition
Jul 09, 2025In the first episode of Cancer Nutrition HQ, host Krystle Zuniga introduces the podcast's mission to empower cancer survivors and caregivers with evidence-based nutritional information. She discusses the prevalence of misinformation surrounding cancer diets and emphasizes the importance of understanding the role of nutrition in supporting health during cancer treatment. Krystle shares her professional background as a registered dietitian and her passion for educating others about nutrition. The episode outlines the podcast's structure, including plans for guest interviews and community engagement, aiming to create a supportive environment for listeners.
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Duration: 00:07:31