Many health professionals may offer supportive naturopathic therapies to help improve their cancer patients’ quality of life. These therapies are used as complementary approaches to conventional cancer treatments. In other words, they are not used to treat cancer, but to support conventional treatments and help patients manage side effects.
Research into these naturopathic therapies includes a variety of modalities such as vitamin C infusions, viscum album therapies, modified citrus pectin, and certain homeopathic remedies. Below, I’ve outlined the current evidence and research on treatments I commonly use in practice to help support MIMC’s patients with cancer.
You can learn even more about integrative cancer care with the link provided below:
High-dose vitamin C infusions have been studied for their potential role in supporting cancer treatment. Research suggests that at pharmacologic concentrations, vitamin C can have pro-oxidant effects that may damage cancer cells while sparing normal cells. Some studies have also indicated that vitamin C infusions can improve the quality of life and reduce the side effects of chemotherapy in cancer patients when used in complementary naturopathic therapies.
Clinical Evidence: A study published in the journal Antioxidants reported that high-dose intravenous vitamin C might help improve the symptoms and quality of life in patients undergoing cancer treatment.
Mechanism: According to research published in Science Translational Medicine, vitamin C at high concentrations can induce cytotoxicity in cancer cells through the production of hydrogen peroxide, which can damage the cancer cell’s DNA.
2. Viscum Album (Mistletoe) Therapies
Viscum album, commonly known as mistletoe, is widely used in Europe as an adjunctive cancer treatment. It is believed to stimulate the immune system and potentially inhibit tumor growth. Mistletoe stimulates the immune system, which is particularly beneficial for patients with neutropenia. It’s also utilized in naturopathic therapies to improve fatigue related to chemotherapy.
Clinical Trials: A review in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that mistletoe extracts might improve survival rates, quality of life, and symptom relief in cancer patients.
Mechanism: Research published in PLOS ONE indicates that mistletoe extracts can induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells and enhance the body’s immune response against tumors.
MCP is derived from the pith of citrus fruits and is modified to be absorbable in the human digestive tract. It is believed to interfere with cancer cell growth and metastasis, and is therefore utilized in some naturopathic therapies.
Anti-Metastatic Properties: A study in Integrative Cancer Therapies demonstrated that MCP could inhibit the metastasis of prostate cancer cells in animal models.
Immune Modulation: Another study, published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, found that MCP could enhance the activity of natural killer cells, which play a role in the body’s defense against tumors.
4. Homeopathic Medicines
Homeopathy involves the use of highly diluted substances to trigger the body’s natural healing processes. These are an excellent option in naturopathic therapies for cancer care, as the medicines are so diluted that they do not interact with conventional treatments. Some homeopathic remedies, such as Ferrum phosphoricum and Carcinosin, are especially explored for their potential roles in cancer care.
Ferrum Phosphoricum: This homeopathic remedy is traditionally used for conditions involving inflammation and fever. I commonly prescribe this homeopathic medicine to help with fatigue related to anemia.
Carcinosin: This is a homeopathic remedy made from cancerous tissue. It is used by homeopaths based on the principle of “like cures like,” aiming to stimulate the body’s defense mechanisms. I typically reserve this medicine for late-stage patients, or those with inoperable tumors.
Individualized Care and Support
While many of these naturopathic therapies can be helpful for a variety of patients, some conventional treatments, health concerns, or current medications may not be recommended alongside specific supportive therapies. Therefore, you should be sure to work closely with your healthcare team, as those professionals will be sure to thoroughly examine your medical history to determine any conflicts with the above-mentioned supportive treatments.
If you have questions or interest in these therapies, be sure to contact your medical oncologist or other related healthcare providers. At MIMC, we happily work in collaboration with patients’ oncologists to ensure all supportive therapies are aligned with your specific health goals.
Dr. Kiana Ruch is one of our awesome naturopathic doctors, who is also a Genomics Specialist—meaning she can explore patient conditions even deeper with genetic testing! She utilizes this incredible knowledge while providing treatment for her patients to create a more in-depth approach for their health goals.
Dr. Ruch has expertise with autoimmune disorders, hormonal imbalances, mood disorders, nervous system disregulation, and adjunctive oncology. She provides holistic, individualized care for each of her patients by using both evidence-based naturopathic therapies and conventional methods to provide the best possible results!
Many people know that cancer and the conventional treatments used to fight it often involve a variety of side effects for patients. The body is doing a lot of work to fight back, after all! Therefore, this process can take a toll on the body, and create side effects like stress, pain, digestive issues, nausea, and more. Therefore, to combat these effects, it is very important to make sure you are caring for your body and making sure it receives the nutrients it needs.
IV therapy can be a great supportive treatment option alongside conventional treatments. This type of therapy is customized to the patient’s needs, and provides support that helps lessen the toll of side effects on the body. It is not meant to cure cancer, but can make it and the treatments used to fight cancer more manageable. Overall, using IV therapy for cancer support can help improve a patient’s quality of life.
Our clinic offers IV therapy tailored to support cancer treatment, leveraging the benefits of high-dose vitamin C and other essential nutrients. Our standard protocol includes a combination of vitamin C (ranging from 5 to 20 grams per infusion), calcium, and magnesium.
High-dose vitamin C, exceeding 20 grams per infusion, is a common complementary treatment for cancer. Vitamin C is not a cure—but it is studied for its ability to improve the quality of life for cancer patients and lessen the side effects of cancer. Therefore, incorporating vitamin C into IV therapy treatments can be a great supportive cancer therapy option for many.
However, it’s crucial to note that this high dosage can be dangerous for individuals with specific genetic conditions like G6PD deficiency and hemochromatosis. Additionally, caution is advised when using vitamin C in melanoma cases, due to its role as a precursor for collagen production. This is why MIMC works closely with our patients to understand their health history and unique needs.
Magnesium is also thought to play an important supportive role in fighting cancer and is therefore commonly used in IV therapy for support. Many chemotherapy treatments deplete magnesium, especially platinum-based chemotherapeutics such as carboplatin or cisplatin. Replenishing magnesium can help maintain normal blood pressure levels and minimize cardiotoxicity resulting from chemotherapy.
Calcium gluconate helps to improve absorption and replaces minerals lost from the bones during treatments like chemotherapy. This helps to prevent future complications such as osteopenia and osteoporosis. Calcium is also synergistic with vitamin C, making them even better when used together.
As you can see, each of these nutrients are chosen and utilized to support a patient’s health and minimize certain side effects they may experience during their conventional treatments. Many of these nutrients are included in IV formulation because they are necessary nutrients for the body that are often lost during conventional treatment. In other cases, some nutrients in supportive therapies are used for their potential beneficial cancer-supporting effects, such as vitamin C or mistletoe.
Because every person’s situation and needs will vary, we make sure to customize treatment appropriately when using IV therapy for cancer support. To optimize the therapeutic benefits for our patients, we formulate the IV nutrients based on the primary tumor location and associated side effects of conventional treatment. For instance:
For gliomas: We may add vitamins B1, B9, and B12 to the infusion.
Chemotherapy-related neuropathy: Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant frequently used to address neuropathy (a condition that affects the nerves) following chemotherapy treatments such as cisplatin or paclitaxel.
Primary hepatic cancers and hepatic metastases: N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is often included, which is beneficial for gastrointestinal and gynecological cancers with liver metastasis.
Our approach when using IV therapy for cancer support is informed by the latest research and best practices in the field. If you’d like to learn more, you can refer to detailed studies and expert insights from reputable sources such as:
Overall, IV therapy for cancer support focuses on addressing the patient’s quality of life and how we can better support them as they receive treatment. These supportive therapies aim to improve a patient’s health, minimize symptoms, and prevent future complications. However, using IV therapy for cancer patients is just one part of integrative cancer care. MIMC considers many aspects of a patient’s life in integrative care, which you can read about in the blog linked below.
By integrating these advanced therapies, we aim to provide comprehensive support to our patients undergoing cancer treatment. To begin working with MIMC, receive a personalized consultation, and learn more, please contact our clinic.
Dr. Kiana Ruch is one of our awesome naturopathic doctors, who is also a Genomics Specialist—meaning she can explore patient conditions even deeper with genetic testing! She utilizes this incredible knowledge while providing treatment for her patients to create a more in-depth approach for their health goals.
Dr. Ruch has expertise with autoimmune disorders, hormonal imbalances, mood disorders, nervous system disregulation, and adjunctive oncology. She provides holistic, individualized care for each of her patients by using both evidence-based naturopathic therapies and conventional methods to provide the best possible results!
This sample cancer diet plan was created by a MIMC professional to help patients support healthier habits. Before reading the plan, learn about how food choices and cancer are correlated, as well as what helpful food types were selected for this plan and why!
How Diet Relates to Cancer
Different types of cancer can result in a variety of side effects, many of which can affect eating habits and a person’s quality of life. Those currently undergoing cancer treatment will want to maintain healthy meal habits to support their body as they experience treatment and bodily changes. This means lowering the consumption of harmful foods like salty, processed meats and instead balancing your diet with a variety of nutrients to maintain a healthy body.
Utilizing diet plans catered to your personal needs can help improve your quality of life while receiving cancer care. Some symptoms of cancer can affect your eating habits, and change the way you receive nutrients. It is highly recommended to work alongside a professional to better understand your body’s needs and how to provide it with sufficient nutrients.
However, we understand that changing your food habits is not always easy. It is arguably just as important to have an interesting diet as it is to have a healthy diet, otherwise eating can start to feel boring, or even like a chore. To help bring you some healthy ideas for a cancer diet plan, we’ve provided a sample diet plan below—containing 3 meals per day for 5 days, plus a daily snack for some nutritious inspiration. You can also learn more about cancer diet plans and nutrition goals with Cancer.gov.
This 5 day long sample cancer diet plan emphasizes the importance of incorporating complex carbohydrates, plant-based fats, and grass-fed pasture-raised meats into your meals—as well as avoiding processed and preserved meats. The plan balances macronutrients and includes nutrient-dense, whole foods to support overall health and well-being, particularly for those undergoing cancer treatment. Read more about these suggested nutrients below:
Complex Carbohydrates: Essential for fiber, aiding in digestion for regular bowel movements, detoxification, and maintaining steady blood sugar levels.
Fats from Plant Sources: Healthy fats from nuts, seeds, and olive oil support overall health without harmful additives.
Grass-Fed Pasture-Raised Meat: Provides higher nutrient levels (minerals, antioxidants, fatty acids) and fewer pollutants compared to conventionally raised meat.
Vitamin C: Crucial for collagen production, wound healing, and energy—often found in fruits and vegetables like berries, citrus, and bell peppers.
Now that you know about the purpose of the foods used in this sample diet plan, explore the daily meals below for some nutritious ideas!
Day 1
Breakfast: Oatmeal with Berries and Nuts
1 cup cooked steel-cut oats
1/2 cup mixed berries (blueberries, strawberries)
1 tbsp chia seeds
1 oz chopped almonds
1 cup green tea
Lunch: Grilled Chicken Salad
4 oz cooked chicken breast (pasture-raised)
Mixed greens (spinach, arugula, kale)
1/2 avocado
1/4 cup cherry tomatoes
1/4 cup sliced cucumbers
Olive oil and lemon vinaigrette
Snack: Apple Slices with Almond Butter
1 medium apple, sliced
2 tbsp almond butter
Dinner: Baked Salmon with Quinoa and Steamed Broccoli
4 oz baked salmon (wild-caught, preferably)
1 cup cooked quinoa
1 cup steamed broccoli
Lemon wedge for seasoning
Nutritional Focus:
Day one of this sample cancer diet plan incorporates complex carbohydrates from oats and quinoa to provide fiber for detoxification and blood sugar regulation. It also includes vitamin C from berries and broccoli, to support collagen production and energy levels.
Day 2
Breakfast: Greek Yogurt Parfait
1 cup plain Greek yogurt (organic if possible)
1/2 cup granola (low-sugar, whole grain)
1/2 cup diced pineapple
1 tbsp flax seeds
Lunch: Quinoa and Black Bean Bowl
1 cup cooked quinoa
1/2 cup black beans (cooked)
1/4 cup corn
1/4 cup diced bell peppers
1/4 avocado, sliced
Lime juice and cilantro for seasoning
Snack: Carrot Sticks and Hummus
1 cup carrot sticks
1/4 cup hummus
Dinner: Grass-Fed Beef Stir-Fry
4 oz grass-fed beef strips
1 cup mixed vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas)
1/2 cup brown rice
1 tbsp sesame oil
Soy sauce (low sodium)
Nutritional Focus:
The complex carbohydrates from quinoa and brown rice provide fiber and energy. You’ll also gain benefits from the vitamin C found in the bell peppers and pineapple, to enhance wound healing and energy levels.
Day 3
Breakfast: Smoothie Bowl
1 cup spinach
1 banana
1/2 cup frozen mixed berries
1 tbsp chia seeds
1/2 cup almond milk
Blend and top with granola and sliced kiwi
Lunch: Lentil Soup with Whole Grain Bread
1 cup cooked lentils
1/2 cup diced carrots
1/2 cup diced celery
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
2 cups vegetable broth
1 slice whole grain bread
Snack: Orange Slices and Walnuts
1 orange, peeled and segmented
1 oz walnuts
Dinner: Herb-Roasted Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Asparagus
4 oz herb-roasted chicken breast (pasture-raised)
1 cup roasted sweet potatoes
1 cup steamed asparagus
Olive oil and herbs for seasoning
Nutritional Focus:
Complex carbohydrates from sweet potatoes and whole grain bread provide fiber and slower digestion. Vitamin C from the orange slices and berries boosts collagen and energy!
Day 4
Breakfast: Avocado Toast with Eggs
1 slice whole grain bread
1/2 avocado, mashed
2 poached eggs
Sprinkle of chia seeds
1 cup herbal tea
Lunch: Chickpea Salad
1 cup cooked chickpeas
1/4 cup diced cucumbers
1/4 cup diced tomatoes
1/4 cup diced red onion
1 tbsp olive oil
Lemon juice and parsley for seasoning
Snack: Berry Mix
1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
Dinner: Grilled Grass-Fed Lamb Chops with Millet and Green Beans
4 oz grilled lamb chops (grass-fed, pasture-raised)
1 cup cooked millet
1 cup steamed green beans
Mint and garlic seasoning
Nutritional Focus:
Day four of this sample cancer diet plan includes complex carbohydrates from whole grain bread and millet, to promote regular bowel movements. You’ll also get vitamin C from the berries and tomatoes to support collagen and energy levels.
Day 5
Breakfast: Chia Pudding with Fresh Fruit
1/4 cup chia seeds
1 cup almond milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup fresh fruit (mango, berries)
Lunch: Grilled Vegetable Wrap
1 whole grain tortilla
1/2 cup grilled zucchini
1/2 cup grilled bell peppers
1/4 cup hummus
Spinach leaves
Snack: Citrus Salad
1 grapefruit, peeled and segmented
1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
Dinner: Baked Cod with Wild Rice and Brussels Sprouts
4 oz baked cod (wild-caught)
1 cup cooked wild rice
1 cup roasted Brussels sprouts
Olive oil and herbs for seasoning
Nutritional Focus:
Finally, the last day of this sample cancer diet plan includes complex carbohydrates from wild rice and whole grain tortillas, to provide essential daily fiber and to regulate blood sugar. Vitamin C from the citrus fruits and Brussels sprouts enhances wound healing and energy levels.
MIMC and Cancer Care
Cancer diet plans and nutrition are just one part of integrative medicine that MIMC incorporates into our patients’ treatment and care. Our professionals look into all aspects of a patient’s life to determine how we can best support them during cancer treatment—to better their quality of life and lessen the intensity of side effects. While integrative care cannot completely replace conventional cancer treatment, we want to help empower our patients through their health journeys and provide them with the supportive therapies they need.
Dr. Kiana Ruch is one of our awesome naturopathic doctors, who is also a Genomics Specialist—meaning she can explore patient conditions even deeper with genetic testing! She utilizes this incredible knowledge while providing treatment for her patients to create a more in-depth approach for their health goals.
Dr. Ruch has expertise with autoimmune disorders, hormonal imbalances, mood disorders, nervous system disregulation, and adjunctive oncology. She provides holistic, individualized care for each of her patients by using both evidence-based naturopathic therapies and conventional methods to provide the best possible results!
Did you know that mistletoe can actually play a role in cancer care? While mistletoe may bring to mind festive holiday traditions, it holds an entirely different significance in the realm of medicine—particularly as a supportive therapy for cancer care. So, let’s unwrap the mystery and discover what this intriguing plant has to offer!
Mistletoe is a fascinating semi-parasitic plant that attaches itself to the above-ground parts of various trees. Mistletoe infiltrates and grows alongside its host tree, and the extracts made from it are occasionally named after the type of tree it was harvested from. There are various species, each associated with the tree it grows on. When used medicinally, it is formulated as an extract. Many aspects can affect the extract made from mistletoe—even the time of year it is harvested!
Mistletoe extract has been used for centuries in different parts of the world for a variety of purposes. For years, mistletoe extract has been used in medicine for a variety of ailments such as headaches, arthritis, menopausal symptoms, and much more. It has also been employed to treat conditions such as hypertension and rheumatic joint diseases in many regions.
The Role of Mistletoe Extract in Cancer Care
Mistletoe is showing potential for cancer care—and is deemed useful particularly because of its immune-modulating properties.
A well-known use of mistletoe is as an adjunct to cancer care, meaning it is supplementary to conventional cancer treatments. Research is showing positive effects from mistletoe, such as allowing patients to experience fewer adverse events and better symptom relief. Mistletoe extract is also commonly used in Europe, where it is often a type of adjuvant therapy (cancer care that lowers the risk of recurrence).
It’s essential to note that mistletoe therapy is typically reserved for late-stage and terminal cancer patients when other treatment options have been exhausted. However, complementary therapies using mistletoe are in demand and always being researched further!
Mistletoe extract acts as an immune modulator, meaning it can influence the way our immune system functions. It is thought to help the immune system mount a more effective response against cancer cells and reduce inflammation. Because of this, it is now widely studied for usage as complementary medicine in cancer care!
Research with mistletoe has shown promising results in cancer care, such as with breast cancer—where mistletoe therapy is improving quality of life, remission rates, and reducing adverse reactions to conventional treatments. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics found that breast cancer patients receiving mistletoe therapy alongside conventional treatments experienced a 20% increase in survival time compared to those who didn’t receive mistletoe therapy.
Those with pancreatic cancer may see some hope with mistletoe extract, too. Pancreatic cancer is notoriously challenging to treat, but mistletoe therapy has shown promise. Patients have reported significant improvements in pain management, appetite restoration, alleviation of insomnia, and overall survival time while using mistletoe therapy alongside their conventional treatments.
Overall, the effects of using mistletoe extract for different cancer types is still being researched, but you can find even more information about these studies through Cancer.gov.
Contraindications and Consultation
While mistletoe extract offers hope, it’s important to be aware of its limitations or possible side effects. One potential side effect of immune modulation is fever, and in severe cases, swelling in the brain can occur. For this reason, mistletoe therapy is avoided if there are brain metastases present. Regular imaging via CT scan, PET scan, or MRI is crucial to assess eligibility for mistletoe therapy and to monitor tumor size or progression.
Before embarking on a journey with mistletoe therapy, it’s imperative to consult with a medical oncologist. Mistletoe therapy is not suitable for pregnant patients, and only a qualified medical professional can determine if this therapy is the right fit for an individual’s unique situation.
Additionally, mistletoe can be found in a variety of formats or in many different products, but should only be pursued for medicinal purposes when prescribed and administered by a professional.
In closing, mistletoe is a plant with significant potential in cancer care. Its immune-modulating properties may offer hope to late-stage and terminal cancer patients. However, research is still being conducted for the possibilities of mistletoe therapy, so it’s essential to navigate this path under the guidance of a knowledgeable medical team.
Remember: Knowledge is power! Being informed about your treatment options empowers you to make the best decisions for your health. If you or a loved one are considering mistletoe therapy, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for more information and guidance. Here’s to the pursuit of hope and healing on your journey to wellness!
Dr. Kiana Ruch is one of our awesome naturopathic doctors, who is also a Genomics Specialist—meaning she can explore patient conditions even deeper with genetic testing! She utilizes this incredible knowledge while providing treatment for her patients to create a more in-depth approach for their health goals.
Dr. Ruch has expertise with autoimmune disorders, hormonal imbalances, mood disorders, nervous system disregulation, and adjunctive oncology. She provides holistic, individualized care for each of her patients by using both evidence-based naturopathic therapies and conventional methods to provide the best possible results!
Gastrointestinal cancers have affected many lives, whether it’s through a friend, a family member, or our own fears about our genetic predisposition. These cancers, including esophageal, gastric, and colorectal cancers, stand as some of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. While genetics can play a role in cancer development, the choices we make and early intervention can significantly reduce the risk of these potentially deadly diseases.
Managing Risk of Gastrointestinal Cancer
In this blog, we’ll delve into strategies for limiting gastrointestinal cancers—focusing on esophageal, gastric, and colorectal cancer—by offering actionable recommendations that you can even start today. Many of these strategies will include dietary habits, lifestyle changes, and speaking with a professional for your concerns. By taking a personal and proactive approach to GI health, we can decrease our risk of these life-altering conditions.
Esophageal Cancer
Esophageal cancer often develops due to long-term exposure to stomach acid, particularly in cases of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The symptoms of this type of gastrointestinal cancer don’t often show up early, so it is important to be proactive in your health and always consult a professional with any concerns you may have. For those who are worried about their own susceptibility, here are some recommendations to help limit the risk of esophageal cancer:
Limit GERD Triggers:
Triggers include alcohol, spicy or minty foods, citrus, chocolate, coffee, and fatty/fried foods, all of which can exacerbate GERD symptoms. However, you don’t need to necessarily withhold yourself from all of these forever. Triggers can vary from person to person; therefore, it can be very helpful to work alongside a professional to identify your triggers so that you can better manage them!
Avoid Overeating:
We know the feeling—wanting to eat even more of that delicious meal. However, overfilling your stomach can cause stomach contents to back up into the esophagus, increasing acid exposure. Therefore, it is better to make a habit of listening to your stomach’s fullness cues.
Consider Supplementary Digestive Enzymes:
Digestive enzymes occur naturally in the body, aiding in digestion and helping to break down food. For some, the body does not produce these enzymes properly or create enough of them. If you frequently experience cramps, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and other uncomfortable symptoms, this one may hit close to home. However, these symptoms can be associated with a wide range of gastrointestinal problems, so it is important to consult with a healthcare professional to see if digestive enzymes could be right for you.
Manage Stress:
High stress levels can lead to excess stomach acid production, which can irritate the stomach lining and promote abnormal cell growth in the esophagus. It can be helpful to identify what causes your stress, limit those triggers, and strategize self-calming activities. We know relieving stress can be easier said than done, but still want to emphasize the importance of utilizing self-care to better your health!
We’ve all worried about heartburn from time to time, and if you’re concerned, know that proactive management of GERD, stress, and dietary adjustments can reduce the risk of esophageal cancer. If you experience symptoms of GERD such as heartburn, nausea, vomiting, or chest pain, seek medical advice and consider an endoscopy to evaluate your esophageal health.
Stomach cancer is influenced by various factors, including infections, dietary choices, and lifestyle habits. Generally, gastric cancer develops slowly over time, and doesn’t usually show symptoms in early development. However, there are multiple types of stomach cancer, all of which develop differently and require varying treatment. To lower your risk of developing gastrointestinal cancer in the stomach, consider these recommendations:
Eliminate Tobacco Use:
For those of us who’ve seen the effects of smoking, we know this can be a bit personal—however, smoking tobacco significantly increases the risk of various cancers, including stomach cancer.
Screen for H. Pylori and Pernicious Anemia:
H. Pylori is a type of bacteria that can cause an infection in the stomach. It does not always show symptoms, but in some cases can be harmful enough to cause gastrointestinal cancers in some individuals. Pernicious anemia, on the other hand, is an autoimmune condition that prevents absorption of vitamin B12. This can harm more than just your digestive system, and can create many different health problems if left untreated.
These two factors require a strategy that involves proactive screening and professional advice. However, testing for these two things can save lives. Consult with your healthcare provider for more information about screening for H. Pylori and pernicious anemia.
Dietary Adjustments:
Avoid charred meat, particularly meats cooked over an open flame, as they create polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are a known type of carcinogen caused by the fats in meat. For grill-masters who are particularly opposed to giving up grilling, you can still make better choices during your cookout! How and what you cook on your grill can make a big difference.
Choosing leaner meats or even swapping your meats for grilled veggies instead can be a closer step to healthier choices. Avoid cooking to the point of charring your meats, and consider wrapping any meats in foil while you cook. Additionally, make healthier choices when choosing marinades or sauces.
Another dietary adjustment is to avoid the consumption of smoked, pickled, and salted foods while increasing your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables to ensure adequate antioxidants in your diet. Antioxidants help fight harmful free radicals in the body, which are thought to play a role in the development of cancer. Research on the benefits of antioxidants for cancer is still ongoing, but there is no harm in having a healthier diet!
Maintain a Healthy Weight:
We understand that every person’s health journey can be personal. However, it is important to acknowledge that obesity is associated with an elevated risk of gastric cancer. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight can help mitigate this risk, so it is important to incorporate regular exercise into your lifestyle habits.
By making lifestyle changes such as quitting your smoking habits, modifying your diet, and receiving regular screening from a professional, you can lower your risk of developing gastric cancer as well as other gastrointestinal cancers.
Colorectal cancer refers to both colon cancer and rectal cancer. It is a more common type of cancer in the US, but there are still some lifestyle changes that can help lower your risk. One of the biggest factors for this type of cancer is regular screening. The following are some suggestions to help limit colorectal cancer risk:
Screen for Lynch Syndrome:
Some individuals may have a family history of colorectal cancer—screening is especially important in that case. Those with a family history of colorectal cancer should consider genetic testing for Lynch syndrome, a common hereditary condition that increases the risk of other cancers.
Promote a Healthy Lifestyle:
Similarly with other cancers, maintaining a healthy weight with regular exercise as well as quitting habits of smoking or drinking alcohol frequently can help to lower your risk of many gastrointestinal cancers.
Also consider increasing the amount of fiber and water intake in your diet to facilitate regular and healthy bowel movements, especially if constipation is a common struggle. Those who experience chronic constipation should consult with a professional to test for possible causes such as gastrointestinal cancer.
Manage Inflammatory Bowel Diseases:
For those with IBD, it’s a personal battle to find management strategies that work best for you. However, it is very important to adhere to prescribed medications to prevent flare-ups and reduce inflammation in the colon or rectum. This is because those with IBD have an increased risk for colorectal cancer—especially gastric cancer—as inflammation is a major risk factor. Therefore, those with IBD should be sure to work closely with a healthcare professional to monitor for potential developments of gastrointestinal cancer.
Colorectal cancer risk is on the rise and a concern for many, whether due to family history or inflammatory bowel diseases. By taking steps like genetic screening, promoting a healthy lifestyle, and managing IBD, you can proactively reduce your risk of colorectal cancer.
You may know someone affected by gastrointestinal cancer, or worry about your own susceptibility. We’ve been there, too. While there are many other risk factors involved with cancer, you can still take many steps to lower your risk through healthier lifestyle choices. By adopting a proactive approach to GI health and taking these recommendations as part of our personal health journey, we can take control and work toward a cancer-free future. Lifestyle adjustments, screenings, and early interventions are not just statistics—they are our best defense against malignancy.
Dr. Kiana Ruch is one of our awesome naturopathic doctors, who is also a Genomics Specialist—meaning she can explore patient conditions even deeper with genetic testing! She utilizes this incredible knowledge while providing treatment for her patients to create a more in-depth approach for their health goals.
Dr. Ruch has expertise with autoimmune disorders, hormonal imbalances, mood disorders, nervous system disregulation, and adjunctive oncology. She provides holistic, individualized care for each of her patients by using both evidence-based naturopathic therapies and conventional methods to provide the best possible results!
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