In this episode, we cover common and not-so-common nutritional supplements that we've used with our patients and some we have only heard about. We also share some clinical pearls, handy hints, and a bit of woo, because why not? And we added music to our intro! Let us know what…
Chemo brain, brain farts, brain fog, cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI)… no matter what you call it, it is a debilitating side effect that may persist for months or years after treatment ends. CRCI is more than just forgetting why you walked into a room or where you left your keys.…
Nutritional supplements are, by definition, supplemental. Tina and Leah discuss ways to approach supplements logically and effectively. You don't need to line up dozens of bottles of pills! In this episode, they help you choose and prioritize which supplements may be right for you.
Cancer-related fatigue (CrF) is common, both during treatment for cancer and afterward. Studies show up to 30% of cancer survivors experience fatigue for years following diagnosis. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill not getting a good night’s sleep or overdoing it at the gym fatigue. CrF is its own entity. It’s not…
What is genetic testing and is it appropriate for you? How do you talk to your doctor about getting tested? Tina and Leah cover what you need to know in this episode of The Cancer Pod. Hereditary cancers happen, but what are the chances? It is estimated that 10% of…
What exactly are omega-3 fatty acids? They are essential, but what does “essential” even mean? Why do we need them? How are they used in our bodies? What foods are the best sources? In this episode, Tina and Leah tackle these questions and more. They also discuss the role of…
Folate is the natural form of vitamin B9; folic acid is synthetic. Do you think you should supplement? If so, which should you take and when? When should you avoid supplementation altogether? Companies selling supplements will not tell you the whole truth and nothing but the truth, but we will.
Talk to Your Doctor is a series of episodes about, well, how to talk to your doctor! Whether it's about integrative medicine or questions you might not have thought of, we'll try and cover it in this pod. In the first episode of this series, we answer the question "How…
Sleep disturbances may affect 40% of cancer survivors up to five years post-treatment. In Episode 9 of Side Eff#%ks pod, Tina and Leah covered the causes of sleep disturbances and sleep hygiene, and now in Episode 10, they review integrative approaches to sleep management, including herbs and supplements that address…
Good quality sleep is always important, but it becomes especially precious following a cancer diagnosis. A good night's sleep supports our immune system, our mood, and so much more. It helps our body and mind heal. Anxiety, depression, and pain are only a few common causes of sleep disruption. In…
We're continuing with our theme of things that make our life miserable...side effects from cancer treatment. Mouth sores and taste changes can greatly affect quality of life when going through treatment for cancer. Tina and Leah discuss causes and both pharmaceutical and integrative approaches to managing these side effects. What…
For those who are still listening after our alcohol episode (hello loyal fans!), here is an episode that is easier to swallow. Tina and Leah talk about coffee, the good, the bad, the better, as well as that crazy hot dog article that was circulating a few weeks ago. What…
Soy was a conundrum in the nutrition and the integrative medicine realm for many years—is it helping or harming cancer patients? Tina helps clear up some of the confusion and Leah is the Debbie Downer in this podcast. Remember to comment, subscribe, rate, and review @TheCancerPod! Support the podcast here!…
The most common questions we get have to do with integrative oncology approaches to managing common, and not so common, side effects when patients go through chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. (Immunotherapy and targeted therapies are included whenever we say "chemo.") We kick off this first pod with our nausea and…
Did you give up drinking when you were diagnosed with cancer? Alcohol might be a solution, but it won't solve your problems. Okay, cheesy chemistry jokes aside, alcohol is always in the news. One day we read alcohol drinks will save us from heart disease, the next day we're reading…
Have you ever been told that sugar feeds cancer? It's one of the most common bits of "advice" cancer patients receive, avoid sugar, it's feeding your cancer! Tina & Leah discuss the background story behind this oft-heard tale. But what is the reality behind the myth? Check out this episode…
This is a hot topic, don't you think? In this episode of @thecancerpod we start to talk about ways to address hot flashes, including the pros and cons of some of the most popular drugs and phytoestrogens, and how they may or may not interact with commonly prescribed medications like…
Why does something as simple as a scoop of ice cream set off hot flashes in some people? Hot flashes are a common side effect of cancer treatments, especially hormonal cancers like breast and prostate. In this episode, Tina and Leah discuss some common, and not so common, triggers of…
Chemo brain, brain farts, brain fog, cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI)… no matter what you call it, it is a debilitating side effect that may persist for months or years after treatment ends. CRCI is more than just forgetting why you walked into a room or where you left your keys.…
Everybody makes mistakes, and we own up to them, but sometimes we edit out the gaffes and repost them at the end of the podcast. We mostly do it for our own personal entertainment, but secretly hope that some of you out there forget to turn off the podcast and…
Box breathing is a grounding technique that can help with relaxation. It’s handy anytime stress comes over you and may not only help reduce symptoms of anxiety but insomnia and nausea, particularly the anticipatory kind. You know, that queasy feeling just thinking about the next appointment or treatment. Sit in…
Ginger is a spice that has been used for thousands of years, both in cooking and as medicine. According to Ayurveda, the ancient, holistic healing tradition from India, ginger is supportive to healthy digestion and to the lungs, and is hot, sweet, and pungent. Depending on your dosha, or constitution,…
Elderberries are native to North America (Sambucus canadensis) and Europe (Sambucus nigra). Traditionally, Sambucus spp. has been used as medicine as well as food and wine. Elderberries are a deep purple in color. They are higher in vitamin C than many popular berries such as cranberries and blueberries. Packed with…
Aromatherapy can be part of an integrative treatment plan to help reduce side effects from cancer treatment, such as anxiety, nausea, and insomnia. Peppermint oil can be helpful when strong odors trigger nausea. Lavender oil may help promote sleep and decrease anxiety. Custom blends can be carried in individual inhaler…
