Learn how targeting mitochondrial health supports cancer prevention and overall wellness.
Today, I want to touch on a subject that’s close to the heart for many of us: cancer. There’s a buzz in the wellness world around a new approach that targets cancer on a cellular level, known as the Mitochondrial-Stem Cell Connection (MSCC). This approach dives deep into how our cells generate energy, aiming to cut cancer off at its source rather than just treating the symptoms.
A recent study in the Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine breaks down this concept and introduces a powerful protocol that focuses on mitochondria and cancer stem cells (CSCs)—the resilient cells often responsible for the spread and recurrence of cancer. Let’s explore what this could mean for those seeking more holistic and integrative options.
The MSCC theory suggests that cancer may begin when mitochondria—the “energy factories” of our cells—stop working effectively. This dysfunction can turn normal stem cells into aggressive cancer stem cells, which continuously fuel cancer growth and spread. Imagine if we could get to the root of this issue by boosting mitochondrial health—stopping cancer from growing in the first place.
Here are the essential parts of this groundbreaking protocol that may provide new hope for fighting cancer on a metabolic level:
Research shows that vitamins like Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and zinc are powerful in this fight. Vitamin C can penetrate cancer cells and disrupt their environment, effectively starving them of the fuel they need to grow, especially when delivered intravenously. Vitamin D helps regulate cell function and may support the body’s immune response against cancer. And zinc protects the mitochondria and has shown specific toxicity toward cancer cells without harming healthy ones.
One drug with remarkable potential in this field is ivermectin. Known widely as an antiparasitic, ivermectin is now showing promise against cancer cells by inducing autophagy and apoptosis—the body’s natural way of cleaning out damaged cells. It specifically targets cancer’s energy systems, disrupting its ability to survive. In certain studies, it has even outperformed traditional chemotherapy, targeting stubborn cancer stem cells and reducing tumor growth significantly. In my own practice, I’ve seen the power of ivermectin as part of a holistic detox approach.
Cancer cells thrive on glucose (sugar) and certain amino acids like glutamine. A ketogenic diet (high in healthy fats, low in carbs) reduces glucose, effectively starving cancer cells. Intermittent fasting also supports this process, creating an environment where cancer cells struggle to survive while nourishing normal cells.
Exercise and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) have significant impacts on mitochondrial function. Oxygen serves as a natural cancer-fighter, enhancing mitochondrial health and creating a high-oxygen environment that cancer cells can’t easily adapt to. Moderate exercise—just enough to increase heart and respiratory rate—has also shown benefits by supporting tissue health and metabolism.
When it comes to preventing and managing cancer, a robust immune system is essential. Imagine your immune system as a thousand-soldier army, strong and ready. Now, picture that army going against only ten invaders—a quick and easy victory, right? But what happens when it faces 10 million invaders? The outcome changes.
Many factors weaken our immune system: viruses, bacteria, parasites, hormonal imbalances, chronic infections like Lyme disease and Epstein-Barr, liver overload, emotional stress, heavy metals, and more. Each of these “invaders” puts pressure on our immune defenses, allowing disease to take hold. That’s why I focus on holistic detox in my practice—helping to reduce the burden on the body and clear out as many of these invaders as possible so the immune system can do its job effectively.
One vital part of this approach is eliminating parasites, as they’re a common but often overlooked cause of immune stress. That’s where my supplements, ParaDTOX and ParaBinder, come in. Formulated to tackle parasites effectively, these products support the body’s detoxification and immune function by removing these unwanted intruders, freeing up immune resources to focus on health and healing.
With all these layers combined, it’s clear that prevention and immune support can play a pivotal role in our fight against cancer. These insights just scratch the surface of what functional medicine can do. I’m putting together a comprehensive Preventive Functional Medicine Guide to Cancer Prevention, which will cover everything from diet and lifestyle practices to detox protocols. If you’re curious or ready to explore how these strategies can support your health, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
Warmest regards,
to your INVISIBLE BATTLES & UNSEEN STRENGTH,
Carola Le-Wriedt
Founder, Wellhistic & The Holistic Detox
