The Cancer Pod: Integrative Medicine Talk

Join Dr. Tina Kaczor and Dr. Leah Sherman as they delve into the complexities of heart toxicity in cancer care. This enlightening episode sheds light on the heart’s resilience and the specific challenges posed by cancer treatments known for their toxic effects on the heart muscle. Through engaging dialogue, the hosts explore topics such as risk factors, treatments associated with the highest risk of heart damage, and integrative me...

Tina and Leah have an insightful conversation with Natasha Ewa, a licensed social worker, psychotherapist, founder of I Thrive Therapy & Wellness, and #cancerinsider who was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer at the age of 29.  Natasha shares her perspective on dealing with PTSD, grief, and death from the standpoint of wellness, based on her professional experience and personal journey as a cancer survivor. 

In her ...

An inflamed bladder (cystitis) can be caused by infections (urinary tract infection, UTI) or from treatment itself (radiation, chemotherapy, other drugs). Did you know some foods can irritate an inflamed bladder? Removing them can provide relief! Tina and Leah discuss the many ways that you can soothe and support your bladder with diet and herbs. Join the discussion and learn how to improve your own bladder health!

Foods t...

Pelvic health is often overlooked, especially in cancer care.  Dr. Alex Hill shares invaluable insights and practical strategies for addressing common issues like urinary incontinence, sexual dysfunction, and constipation. Join us in this enlightening discussion about the tools of the trade, types of pelvic floor exercises (Spoiler: It's not just Kegels), and why you really should not hover over the toilet when you urinate.

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!

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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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