Can We Really Reverse Disease with Food? Dr William Li Says Yes—Here’s How

Can We Really Reverse Disease with Food? Dr William Li Says Yes—Here’s How

At Zing Wellbeing we are BIG believers or food as medicine and we have huge advocates of this since the day we launched

And today we wanted to share information from Dr William Li who is a globally renowned physician, researcher, and author of Eat to Beat Disease.

Dr Li believes we can fight and even reverse chronic disease—including some cases of stage 4 cancer—by using food strategically to activate the body's own defence systems.

His message is clear: food isn’t just fuel—it’s medicine. And the choices we make on our plate every day can either feed disease… or help fight it.

And this is the same view we have at Zing Wellbeing so we thought today we would dive into his belief system and if you want to eat a diet based around food as medicine check out out app and Zing Wellbeing program here 

🔬 1. The Body Has 5 Defence Systems—And Food Can Support Them

Dr Li explains that the body is naturally equipped to resist disease through five powerful defence mechanisms:

  1. Angiogenesis (blood vessel health)

  2. Immune function

  3. Regeneration via stem cells

  4. The gut microbiome

  5. DNA protection (via antioxidants and repair systems)

Each of these systems can be supported—and sometimes supercharged—by the foods we eat.

🫀 2. Angiogenesis: Starving Cancer by Controlling Blood Vessels

Cancer can’t grow without a blood supply. It “hijacks” the body’s angiogenesis system to build new blood vessels that feed tumours.

🔍 What helps:

  • Green tea – Rich in catechins that inhibit abnormal blood vessel growth.

  • Soy – Contains genistein, a natural angiogenesis inhibitor.

  • Tomatoes (cooked) – High in lycopene, which has been shown to reduce tumour blood supply.

  • Blueberries and blackberries – Packed with anthocyanins that help cut off blood supply to abnormal cells.

🚫 What to avoid:

  • Processed meats and ultra-processed foods – Linked to inflammation and irregular angiogenesis.

  • High-glycaemic, sugar-laden diets – Promote excessive insulin and growth factors that stimulate blood vessel formation.

🦠 3. Immune System: Activating Natural Killer Cells

Your immune system constantly patrols your body for abnormal cells. Dr Li discusses how certain foods can increase the activity of natural killer (NK) cells—the “assassins” that eliminate viruses and even cancer cells.

🔍 What helps:

  • Mushrooms (especially shiitake and maitake) – Boost NK cell function.

  • Pomegranate juice – Promotes immune signalling and reduces inflammation.

  • Broccoli and cruciferous veg – Contain sulforaphane which enhances immune response.

  • Fatty fish (salmon, sardines) – Provide omega-3s to regulate inflammation and immune activity.

🚫 What to avoid:

  • Refined sugars and seed oils – Can dysregulate immune response and promote chronic inflammation.

  • Alcohol in excess – Suppresses immune system and damages the gut lining.

🧬 4. DNA Protection: Repairing and Defending Against Damage

DNA damage is a key trigger in cancer formation. But certain nutrients help protect your genes and repair damage.

🔍 What helps:

  • Berries (especially blueberries) – High in antioxidants that neutralise DNA-damaging free radicals.

  • Nuts (especially walnuts and almonds) – Rich in vitamin E, which protects cell membranes and DNA.

  • Carrots and pumpkin – High in carotenoids that defend DNA integrity.

  • Extra virgin olive oil – Contains hydroxytyrosol, which protects DNA from oxidative stress.

🚫 What to avoid:

  • Charred and overcooked meats – Contain heterocyclic amines that can damage DNA.

  • Highly processed snacks – Often contain additives and preservatives linked to oxidative stress.

🧪 5. Stem Cell Activation: Encouraging Natural Regeneration

Stem cells help regenerate damaged tissues. As we age or become ill, this regenerative capacity slows—but Dr Li highlights foods that help reignite it.

🔍 What helps:

  • Dark chocolate (85%+) – Stimulates stem cell activity in blood vessels.

  • Oysters and clams – High in zinc and other nutrients that support tissue repair.

  • Kiwifruit and citrus fruits – High in vitamin C to aid collagen and tissue regeneration.

  • Turmeric – Contains curcumin, shown to help stimulate stem cell production in animal studies.

🚫 What to avoid:

  • Chronic stress, sugar, and poor sleep – All hinder the body’s regenerative capacity.

🌿 6. Gut Health: Feeding the Microbiome to Fight Disease

Up to 70% of your immune system lives in your gut. Dr Li places major importance on feeding the microbiome to create resilience against disease.

🔍 What helps:

  • Fermented foods – Like sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, and yoghurt to increase microbial diversity.

  • Prebiotic fibre – From garlic, onions, leeks, asparagus, bananas, and oats.

  • Polyphenol-rich foods – Green tea, berries, and extra virgin olive oil to reduce inflammation in the gut.

🚫 What to avoid:

  • Artificial sweeteners (like aspartame) – Disrupt gut bacteria.

  • Highly refined carbs – Feed harmful microbes and increase gut permeability (“leaky gut”).

💬 Can Stage 4 Cancer Really Be Reversed?

Dr Li discusses remarkable stories of patients who were diagnosed with advanced cancer—and experienced recovery or remission after combining medical treatment with dietary and lifestyle interventions.

⚠️ While Dr Li never claims food alone cures cancer, he stresses that when you nourish the body correctly, you empower it to do what it was designed to do: defend, repair, and heal.

📝 Conclusion: Eat to Beat Disease—Starting Today

Dr William Li’s message is both empowering and evidence-based: you can use food to transform your health.

By choosing foods that support your body’s defence systems and avoiding those that promote inflammation or disease, you give yourself the best chance to prevent illness—or recover from it.

🎯 Start with this daily habit:
Try a smoothie with blueberries, ginger, turmeric, and a clean plant-based protein (like Zing Wellbeing’s gut-friendly blend) to support immunity, gut health, and cell repair.

💛 Want to Learn More?

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