Dr Liz O’Riordan on Cancer and Food: Separating Myths from Medicine

In this episode of Chew On This, I sit down with the brilliant Dr Liz O’Riordan, former consultant breast surgeon, three time breast cancer patient and all round myth buster, to talk about one of the most confusing topics out there: the link between cancer and food. Together we unpack the claims that flood social media, from “sugar feeds cancer” and alkaline diets to fasting before chemo, clean eating, detoxes, parasite cleanses and the fear around ultra processed foods. Liz explains what the evidence actually shows, why no diet can cure cancer, and how extreme restriction can do real harm when your body is already under strain. We talk about alcohol, processed meat, exercise as powerful treatment support, and why basic balanced eating is far more effective than any supplement or protocol sold online. If you or someone you love is navigating cancer, or you are simply confused by the endless nutrition noise, I hope this conversation feels grounding, reassuring and genuinely useful. Find Liz: Website: https://liz.oriordan.co.uk Instagram: @oriordanliz Buy Her Latest Book 'The Cancer Roadmap': https://amzn.eu/d/iOis606 Sourdough study: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4131439/ Find Anna: Website: https://www.dranna.co.uk/about Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drannacolton Book (Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/How-Talk-Children-About-Food/dp/1785120557 Timecodes:00:34 Dr. Liz's Journey: From Surgeon to Cancer Survivor 01:36 Debunking Cancer Myths: Sugar, Detoxing, and More 03:02 The Reality of Diet and Cancer 06:00 The Impact of Ultra-Processed Foods 21:35 The Role of Exercise in Cancer Recovery 24:25 The Joy of Dancing as Exercise 25:31 Debunking the Myth of Clean Eating 26:37 Alcohol and Processed Meat: The Real Risks 30:10 Obesity and Cancer: Understanding the Link 33:04 Portion Sizes and Mindful Eating 35:13 Navigating Misinformation and Finding Reliable Sources 41:40 The Truth About Supplements 46:02 Final Thoughts and Resources