The Cancer Pod: Integrative Medicine Talk

Prebiotics feed our probiotics. So which is more important?  Should you supplement  with prebiotics?  In this episode Tina and Leah discuss the different types of prebiotics and where to find them. They also talk about ketogenic diets, when a probiotic may interfere with treatment, and the hidden benefits in potatoes, rice and pasta!

Here are the seven categories of prebiotics we talked about in this episode:
Inulin, ...

Discover valuable insights on nutrition, self-advocacy, and overcoming challenges in this heartfelt interview with Alison Tierney, MS, RD, CD, CSO, a cancer dietitian and #cancerinsider. Tina and Leah lead an engaging conversation on navigating treatment and beyond. Whether you're a beginner in healthy eating or a seasoned health enthusiast, Alison shares firsthand experiences and practical tips for self-care. Tune in for a re...

Cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli, kale, arugula, cabbage, and radishes, are sometimes called "super foods." But why? How are they good for you? In this episode, Tina and Leah answer these questions and discuss ways crucifers can be part of a healthy diet. They touch on some of the supplements that come from crucifers, too. So, hit play, and you may hear the best broccoli joke you've ever heard.

A thoro...

Berries are one of the most easily accessible, nutrient-packed plant foods we can eat. You may know that berries are good for you, but do you know what makes them so nutritious? Tina and Leah talk about common and exotic berries and tell you what's inside berries that makes them so awesome! You may even learn a few new plants you didn't know were technically berries!

Bananas are berries!
About Goji Berries

Electrolyte balance is essential for optimal function of all of our systems. This episode covers the electrolytes you should pay close attention to during and after treatment.  We're not talking designer drinks or influencer hacks to your biology,  just practical knowledge and tips to help you balance your electrolytes.  Join Tina and Leah as they talk about how to know if you have imbalanced electrolytes and what you can do t...

Ginger "root" has been used for thousands of years. Technically a rhizome, not a root, ginger's modern-day claim to fame is its ability to prevent the onset of nausea. Ginger is so reliable and safe that it's been studied to prevent nausea during pregnancy as well as chemo-induced nausea.  But that is just the beginning of the benefits of ginger. It can be used to support immune function and lower cardiovascular...

Joint pain is common, but that doesn't mean you have to suffer! There are so many natural remedies to control and relieve the discomfort. Whether you are preventing joint pain during treatment or you have ongoing arthritis-type pain, Tina & Leah talk about ways to find relief. We even tackle the tough-to-treat joint pain from aromatase inhibitors (yes, there are things you can do!). Sometimes, the answer is already in your...

We've all heard that "the dose makes the poison." Nowhere is this a more apt saying than with nutmeg.  Hey, don't get us wrong, just a wee bit of nutmeg can help you tolerate some of those holiday food indulgences! Nutmeg is warming, has anti-parasite and pain-relieving properties, and can be used topically for pain relief.  Join us as we touch on some history and give you our takes on nutmeg: the spice, the med...

'Tis the season! Pine trees are everywhere! From vitamin C to turpentine (yes, the paint thinner!), pine trees give us a lot to talk about. Listen in as Tina & Leah chat about the uses and cautions of the ubiquitous pine tree in this holiday minisode. And don't forget... hit those 5 stars and send this episode to someone you think would enjoy it! Thanks for listening!!

Memorial Sloan-Kettering's summary ...

It's that time of year! Cranberries are in season! There's a good chance you'll sit down to some cranberry dishes or drinks during the holidays. Maybe this episode can be fodder for conversation? ("Yes, Uncle Frank, those pics are... something. That chicken nugget really does look like Elvis. A-hem, how about this cranberry sauce? Did you know... ") 

In this holiday minisode, Tina & Leah chat ...

Everyone has heard a myth or two about cancer (hello, sugar!) The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) published eight "Myths and Facts About Cancer." Some of the myths they brought up were ones we've heard from patients, others...kind of cringey. We thought we should tackle them one by one. Not surprisingly, there is often a vein of truth that keeps these so-called myths alive.

Tina and Leah have d...

Herbal medicine is part of our daily lives. Coffee, tea, soup, salads... we are already consuming plants, and many are medicinal. Walking in nature and gardening, these are also aspects of plant medicine.

Listen to the latest episode of The Cancer Pod, where Tina and Leah chat with Chanchal Cabrera, MSc, FNMIH, RHT, (RH) AHG , whose career as a medical herbalist with a specialty in holistic oncology stretches over 35 years. You’re i...

We talked with Dr. Lise Alschuler about the three most important things to reduce cancer risk and its recurrence. With almost 30 years as a clinician, as well as a cancer survivor herself, Dr. Alschuler is an authority on the topic. Join Tina & Leah in this not-to-be-missed episode. Where else will you find three naturopathic physicians giving out reliable advice on cancer risk reduction?

More about Dr. Lise Alschuler

S...

Does a higher BMI sometimes lead to better outcomes? Is BMI  what we should be using to measure obesity? Whether you are considered obese, overweight, normal weight, or underweight... your BMI can be misleading. Tina & Leah delve into the details and give you some advice to achieve the ultimate goal: living your best life as long as you possibly can!

Join us for free to get the links we refer to in this episode!

Support...

Some things supporting wellness are a great idea — if you're not in the middle of cancer treatment! Tina and Leah talk about some good-for-you, healthy, and usually risk-free things you should avoid while getting active treatment.  Avoiding anything that may undermine your treatment success is a top priority, so don't miss this one!

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Our website:
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Time flies! Before you know it, another year's gone by! We've hit some hot topics this past year, and the info just keeps coming! So, Tina & Leah plucked from the headlines and updated some prior episodes with the newest info. They also look to the future of cancer diagnosis (will ants someday be involved?) and tackle a listener question about mushrooms.  Join us as we learn (and laugh!) together.

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Green tea is a hugely popular drink and supplement. But are its health claims warranted? In this episode, Tina & Leah bring you the facts about green tea's benefits. As usual, there are some unique considerations regarding cancer. So tune in to find out if this anti-oxidant-rich tea should be a high priority on your to-do list!

Memorial Sloan-Kettering summary on green tea
ASCO position paper on green tea
...

Adaptogens are all the rage, making their way into popular pick-me-up products (looking at you, Monster energy drinks).  Many different plants are adaptogens (Ashwaganda, Ginseng, Rhodiola, etc), but should these plants really be taken willy-nilly? Tina & Leah give you the low down on adaptogens, including their uses, side effects, and some contraindications.

What's an adaptogen? "a natural substance consider...

This isn't a sexy topic but darn it, someone has to talk about it! We naturopathic doctors don't shy away from sh*t talk.  In fact, we encourage it! We're rereleasing this episode because there's a slew of newer oral agents that cause loose stool and/or diarrhea. Listen in as Tina and Leah help you understand how it happens and what you can do about it.

Diarrhea management handout from equalhope.org

Mana...