Mushrooms – whether or not your taste buds enjoy this edible dietary fungus, medicinal mushrooms are a major part of integrative cancer care.  Medicinal mushrooms have sparked great intrigue among those who study cancer therapies, and they are one of the most studied medicinal foods.  They are known to modulate our immune system, protect our… Read More

If you are a patient of mine, you’ve had your vitamin D tested.  In my practice, it is mandatory, and I would like to share why I feel this way.  I’m almost crazy about it.  If you have cancer, or have a history of cancer, you should have your vitamin D levels tested at least… Read More

The term phytoestrogen refers to a naturally occurring compound found in commonly consumed foods that is structurally similar to estrogen. The highest amount of phytoestrogens are found in soy based foods and flaxseed, but are also found in fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains. Friend or Foe? Phytoestrogens have a bad reputation. They are often referred… Read More

Stress is ubiquitous in everyone’s life. Major stressors include life events such as the loss of a job, moving or a divorce. Stressors can be acute, like dealing with a rude driver. Stressors can even be imagined, like worrying about the future. Regardless of the source of stress, the impact of stress on the body… Read More

Intravenous vitamin C (IVC) is a popular therapy for the treatment of cancer and its side effects. In the 1970s, Nobel prize winner Linus Pauling developed a protocol for using vitamin C with cancer patients, and noticed that there was a positive effect on survival in terminal cancer patients. Over 40 years later, IVC is… Read More

Vaginal symptoms in menopause – either natural menopause or induced menopause by cancer treatments – is one of the most common reasons women seek medical advice.  It is also common for women not to mention these symptoms due to embarrassment or discomfort.  Medical practitioners often forget to inquire about vaginal health, and thus it is an important… Read More

The fatigue that comes after cancer treatments can be physically, emotionally, and mentally distressing.  It has been described as a type of fatigue that cannot be alleviated with sleep alone, and it often takes a multi-factorial approach to treat it.  Besides exhaustion, people can experience memory loss, difficulty concentrating, nausea, and muscle weakness.  Paradoxically, they… Read More

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a cancer pain syndrome that is commonly experienced in the hands and feet.  Symptoms include sensory problems such as numbness, tingling, burning, shooting and stabbing, as well as motor symptoms such as muscle cramps and weakness.  CIPN is a common side effect of taxanes (paclitaxel, docetaxel), platins (cisplatin, oxaliplatin), vinka… Read More

Ah, the time of the year when all the “Top 10 Lists” come out.  Top 10 spring wardrobe trends.  Top 10 newsworthy stories of the past year.  And of course, the top health trends to watch out for in the coming year.  I have always wondered who made these lists, and how do they know… Read More

When you hear the word “mediterranean”, you might imagine a beautiful beach, or hear the sounds of crashing waves and wind bustling through the trees.  We often relate the mediterranean region to a slower way of life, good food, and happy people.  The mediterranean includes western European countries such as Spain, Greece, Italy and Monaco and also includes countries of… Read More