Cancer may not start where most people think, and the first treatment might not have to be a drug. In this episode, Mark Young interviews radiation oncologist turned metabolic health practitioner Dr. Christy Kesslering to explore a radically different view of cancer: not as purely genetic bad luck, but as a metabolic and mitochondrial problem.

Together, they discuss why simply cutting calories or relying on medication isn’t enough and how modern habits damage mitochondria. The conversation also covers ketogenic nutrition, fasting around therapy, sleep, toxins, and how optimizing metabolic health may improve treatment tolerance and outcomes.

The episode ultimately reframes cancer as a signal — a “check engine light”—and emphasizes patient empowerment. Instead of choosing between conventional or alternative care, Mark and Dr. Kesslering explain how combining approaches and supporting the body’s terrain can dramatically change the trajectory of chronic disease.

Resources:

• The Metabolic Approach to Cancer by Nasha Winters - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1603586865
• Biohacking Starts With NO by Sandy Martin - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F9VZHVY3

Connect with Dr. Christy Kesslering:

• Website: https://www.kessrx.com/

Connect with Mark Young:

• Website: https://themarkyoung.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mmlj25/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themarkyoung/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@performancedrivenlivingpodcast