“Toxins are everywhere — in our food, water, and air. They damage our mitochondria, disrupt metabolism, and open the door to disease.” —Dr. Richard Cheng

In this episode of the Real Health Podcast, Ron Hunninghake, MD, sits down with Richard Cheng, MD, PhD, ABAARM — physician, researcher, and editor of Orthomolecular Medicine News Service — to explore how environmental toxins and mitochondrial dysfunction are driving today’s rise in chronic illness and cancer.

Dr. Cheng shares how decades of research have revealed the link between toxins, aging, and cancer and why supporting mitochondrial health and reducing environmental exposure may be one of the most effective preventive strategies in modern medicine.

👉 This conversation is part of the Cancer Care Reimagined Speaker Series, leading up to Riordan Clinic’s Cancer Care Reimagined Conference and 50th Anniversary Gala this November.

Highlights include:

→ Why environmental toxins are the top global health threat

→ How mitochondrial dysfunction connects aging, cancer, and chronic disease

→ The overlooked role of heavy metals, seed oils, and ultra-processed foods

→ Practical ways to reduce exposure and support detoxification

→ How vitamin C protects against oxidative damage and supports cell repair

Meet Richard Cheng, MD, PhD, ABAARM

Dr. Richard Cheng is a physician, researcher, and expert in anti-aging and integrative oncology. He trained in internal medicine in Shanghai before earning his PhD in biochemistry and molecular biology from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. He later completed fellowships at the National Cancer Institute (NIH) and the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M). As editor of the Orthomolecular Medicine News Service, Dr. Cheng advances education and research around nutrient-based and metabolic therapies for cancer prevention and treatment.

Sponsor

This series is made possible by Empower, the Platinum Sponsor of Cancer Care Reimagined and Riordan Clinic’s 50th Anniversary Gala. As a national leader in compounding pharmacy and 503B outsourcing, Empower serves providers and patients across all 50 states with safe, affordable, and personalized medications. Guided by the belief that behind every order is a person in need, they bring compassion and innovation to everything they do. Learn more at empowerpharmacy.com.

Episode Links & Resources

Watch this episode on YouTube

Register for the Cancer Care Reimagined Conference

Learn more about the Gala

Learn more about Empower Pharmacy

Explore the Riordan Clinic

Listen to more episodes of the Real Health Podcast

Episode Chapters

00:00 Welcome + intro to the Speaker Series

01:44 Dr. Ron Hunninghake welcomes Dr. Richard Cheng

03:03 Dr. Cheng’s background and training

05:03 Cancer, aging, and mitochondrial function

08:29 Environmental toxins and chronic disease

13:26 Global rise in early-onset cancer

14:18 Ten root drivers of disease

16:26 Heavy metals, seed oils, and ultra-processed foods

18:35 Microplastics and environmental exposure

21:18 Detox strategies and the role of vitamin C

24:25 Orthomolecular medicine and cellular repair

26:10 Closing thoughts + conference invitation

Topics We Explore in This Episode Include:

cancer care reimagined, integrative oncology, Richard Cheng, mitochondrial dysfunction, environmental toxins, heavy metals and health, seed oils and oxidative stress, vitamin C therapy, orthomolecular medicine, detox strategies, functional medicine, chronic illness prevention, anti-aging research, Cancer Care Reimagined Conference

Disclaimer

The information contained on the Real Health Podcast and the resources mentioned are for educational purposes only. They are not intended as and shall not be understood or construed as medical or health advice. The information contained on this podcast is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. Information provided by hosts and guests on the Real Health Podcast or the use of any products or services mentioned does not create a practitioner-patient relationship between you and any persons affiliated with this podcast.