541-323-3833Ask the Doctor: Nausea Relief
Q: I’m having a lot of nausea with Adriamycin chemotherapy. The medications help some, but I’m still pretty queasy. What else can I try? — Sarah in Houston, Texas A: Helpful therapies to try include ginger, acupuncture or acupressure, aromatherapy with peppermint, or hypnosis. In a clinical trial, acupressure wristbands were as effective as the antinausea drug Compazine. I recommend Seaband or Bioband wristbands. To get help from ginger, start it at least 2 days before chemotherapy, and continue for several days after chemotherapy. The strength of the ginger extract is a...
Read MoreCancer Fighting Recipe: Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
This delicious recipe has a cancer fighting power that no chemotherapy has — it destroys tumor stem cells. Tumor stem cells are believed to be a primary cause of tumor recurrence. These stem cells stay inactive during conventional cancer treatment and are not destroyed by chemotherapy or radiation. Then, the tumor stem cells reactivate, producing cancer recurrence or metastases. The good news is that several healing foods destroy tumor stem cells. The cruciferous vegetable family has the super power of activating the “self destruct” mechanism in tumor stem cells. These...
Read MoreIntegrative Cancer Center Models
Patients often ask me for referrals to integrative oncology cancer centers. While many centers describe themselves as “integrative”, this may only mean that the surgeon attends meetings with the radiologist. Truly integrative cancer centers have teams naturopathic and conventional medical professionals, working together and focused on your care. Dr Jill Shainhouse, a naturopathic oncologist at Insight Naturopathic in Toronto Canada, shares a helpful article on a model for integrative cancer centers. Read the full story here.
Read MoreMindfulness Based Stress Reduction
A cancer diagnosis is stressful for the whole family. Understandably, you may feel anxious about the future, treatment, finances, or telling family. Finding ways to feel calm in the midst of difficulty can make decision making clearer and can help you gather your strength. There are many great ways to ease anxiety. One of my favorites is Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MSBR), and approach developed by Dr Jon Kabat Zinn. MSBR exercises help the mind and body to be an ease in uneasy times. Research also shows that MSBR relaxation training leads to better sleep, less pain, less nausea, and...
Read MoreAsk the Doctor: Five Ways to Make Water Taste Good
Q: I know I need to drink more water, but it just doesn’t taste good. What are some creative and healthy options? A: Check out this great advice from naturopathic physicians Dr Lyndsey Wareham and Dr Nicholas Anhorn. They’ve got delicious, fresh ideas on how to make water taste good. Yum! A big welcome to Dr. Wareham and Dr Nicholas Anhorn from Moncton Naturopathic Medical Clinic in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada. Thank you for sharing these delicious recipes.
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