Does fasting during treatment make it work better? Does overnight fasting stave off recurrence? How does fasting affect cancer in general? Tina & Leah talk about the benefits (and risks!) of limiting food intake during and after cancer treatment. 

Links we mentioned on this episode and other cool stuff:

Fasting alongside neoadjuvant chemotherapy in those with breast cancer (2013) 

Clinical trial on fasting during chemo, currently enrolling those with breast cancer (currently recruiting) 

Review of the “effect of fasting on cancer” (2022)

Clinical trial that provides all meals and uses amino acid deprivation for those with colorectal cancer (FAETH) (Currently recruiting)

Prolonged overnight fasting in breast cancer (2016) Conclusion: “Prolonging the length of the nightly fasting interval (>13 hours) may be a simple, nonpharmacologic strategy for reducing the risk of breast cancer recurrence.”

Overnight fasting improves blood sugar control (2015) 

The chemo trial (10 patients) that started it all: fewer side effects with fasting! (2009)

Into mechanisms? Here’s some fasting biochemistry (2015) 

Glioma (glioblastoma) and fasting- you’ll lose weight, but it could help too. (2021)

Stage III low-grade follicular lymphoma regressed with fasting (2015)

Protein restriction improves immunotherapy (2018)

Amino acid depletion as therapy for cancers (2021)

Potential metabolic targets in triple-negative breast cancer (2020)

Rebecca Katz’s Magic Mineral Broth recipe

Valter Longo, PhD - Originator of the Fasting Mimicking Diet

Autophagy - How cells recycle themselves

Dr. Kaczor’s article on methionine restriction and cancer growth & control (2015)

Leave a message with your thoughts about the episode!

Support the show

Become a member of The Cancer Pod Community! Support the podcast and gain access to exclusive content and more! Join today on Buy Me a Coffee or Patreon.

Check out thecancerpod.com! Looking for more information? The website has blogs, merch, and all of the episodes listed by season and category. 

Shop the Bookshop! The shelves at Bookshop feature books by authors who have been on the show and other fav books.

Buy The Cancer Pod merch! Whether it’s a cozy hoody or a handy water bottle, we have something for everybody.

Have a comment or suggestion? Email info (at) thecancerpod (dot) com

Follow @TheCancerPod on social media:

• Instagram
• Bluesky
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• YouTube

We're talking talk sh!t in this one, survivorsh!t, that is.  Along the way, we drop tips for how to lessen the long-term side effects of cancer treatments that put a real wrench in survivorship. This 40,000-foot view hits on many lingering effects and helps you understand how and why some may improve while others may not. Tune in to be entertained and enlightened; at least, that’s the idea!

Links we mentioned on this episode and other cool stuff:

File under "weirdness:" How toxoplasmosis makes rats want to befriend cats

You've got good reasons: Chocolate makes you feel better by affecting your gut bacteria.

I'm not crying, you are:  Here's why Navy Seals use breathing techniques to stay calm (Box Breathing). 

Try this: How to Box Breathe  

Tactile calming strips- ooh, so calming...

Flower Power! 20 Edible Flowers You Can Grow 

Data Drop: Heart failure risk lingers long after chemotherapy, regardless of dose

Factoid: Brown rice has red/blue/purple pigments

Good news! Probiotics during chemo reduced the incidence of chemobrain!

Links to some of our previous episodes:
E 1 Hot Flashes: Talkin’ ‘bout Triggers
E 2 Hot Flashes: Talkin’ ‘bout Treatments
E 3 HotFlashes: Talkin’  ‘bout More Treatments
E 15: Survivorship/ Survivorsh!t Bone Health
E 40 Curcumin: Supplements 101
E 16: Survivorship/ Survivorsh!t: Chemo Brain
E 14: Survivorship/ Survivorshi!t Fatigue
E35: Chemotherapy-induced Peripheral Neuropathy

Leave a message with your thoughts about the episode!

Support the show

Become a member of The Cancer Pod Community! Support the podcast and gain access to exclusive content and more! Join today on Buy Me a Coffee or Patreon.

Check out thecancerpod.com! Looking for more information? The website has blogs, merch, and all of the episodes listed by season and category. 

Shop the Bookshop! The shelves at Bookshop feature books by authors who have been on the show and other fav books.

Buy The Cancer Pod merch! Whether it’s a cozy hoody or a handy water bottle, we have something for everybody.

Have a comment or suggestion? Email info (at) thecancerpod (dot) com

Follow @TheCancerPod on social media:

• Instagram
• Bluesky
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• YouTube

Leave a message with your thoughts about the episode!

Support the show

Become a member of The Cancer Pod Community! Support the podcast and gain access to exclusive content and more! Join today on Buy Me a Coffee or Patreon.

Check out thecancerpod.com! Looking for more information? The website has blogs, merch, and all of the episodes listed by season and category. 

Shop the Bookshop! The shelves at Bookshop feature books by authors who have been on the show and other fav books.

Buy The Cancer Pod merch! Whether it’s a cozy hoody or a handy water bottle, we have something for everybody.

Have a comment or suggestion? Email info (at) thecancerpod (dot) com

Follow @TheCancerPod on social media:

• Instagram
• Bluesky
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• YouTube

Did you know blood levels of B12 are likely to be high in those with cancer? Is this harmful? What about B12 deficiency? What should you look for? Tina & Leah talk about vitamin B12 and why you shouldn’t just take it willy-nilly.

Cobalamin (B12) is a nutrient that can often be deficient, especially in vegans/vegetarians, anyone with chronic GI issues, and even simple aging leads to lower levels. On the flip side, those with solid tumors tend to have higher levels circulating in their blood. What’s it about? How do you navigate this? Tune in to find out!

What is Pernicious anemia?
Solid Tumors and High B12 in the serum
Another paper on Elevated B12 in those with Solid Tumors
Bacterial Origin of B12 in Ecosystems
Overview of B12 Deficiency
Cobalt is a necessary mineral for cobalamin /B12 structure
Who is Baby Huey?
Megalodon- The Giant Shark!
Nutrients (B12, etc.) in the production of serotonin and melatonin
TookTake- the product that helps you know if you took your MEDS/SUPPS!

Leave a message with your thoughts about the episode!

Support the show

Become a member of The Cancer Pod Community! Support the podcast and gain access to exclusive content and more! Join today on Buy Me a Coffee or Patreon.

Check out thecancerpod.com! Looking for more information? The website has blogs, merch, and all of the episodes listed by season and category. 

Shop the Bookshop! The shelves at Bookshop feature books by authors who have been on the show and other fav books.

Buy The Cancer Pod merch! Whether it’s a cozy hoody or a handy water bottle, we have something for everybody.

Have a comment or suggestion? Email info (at) thecancerpod (dot) com

Follow @TheCancerPod on social media:

• Instagram
• Bluesky
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• YouTube

Leave a message with your thoughts about the episode!

Support the show

Become a member of The Cancer Pod Community! Support the podcast and gain access to exclusive content and more! Join today on Buy Me a Coffee or Patreon.

Check out thecancerpod.com! Looking for more information? The website has blogs, merch, and all of the episodes listed by season and category. 

Shop the Bookshop! The shelves at Bookshop feature books by authors who have been on the show and other fav books.

Buy The Cancer Pod merch! Whether it’s a cozy hoody or a handy water bottle, we have something for everybody.

Have a comment or suggestion? Email info (at) thecancerpod (dot) com

Follow @TheCancerPod on social media:

• Instagram
• Bluesky
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• YouTube

Melatonin is a popular supplement in cancer care. Tina & Leah review the many uses of melatonin and tackle some controversies around this powerful hormone.  Join us as they chat, like only two naturopathic docs can.

Did you know melatonin was first discovered in 1958?  That’s a long time ago! Amazingly, research is still uncovering new ways melatonin affects the body. We know it sets our circadian clocks, influences immune cells and acts as an antioxidant inside cells. 

But like so many natural agents, there are some cautionary tales, too. Tina & Leah explain melatonin:  when you should take it, when you should not, and what doses are safe and effective.  

Leave a message with your thoughts about the episode!

Support the show

Become a member of The Cancer Pod Community! Support the podcast and gain access to exclusive content and more! Join today on Buy Me a Coffee or Patreon.

Check out thecancerpod.com! Looking for more information? The website has blogs, merch, and all of the episodes listed by season and category. 

Shop the Bookshop! The shelves at Bookshop feature books by authors who have been on the show and other fav books.

Buy The Cancer Pod merch! Whether it’s a cozy hoody or a handy water bottle, we have something for everybody.

Have a comment or suggestion? Email info (at) thecancerpod (dot) com

Follow @TheCancerPod on social media:

• Instagram
• Bluesky
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• YouTube

We’re celebrating our 50th episode! Looking back, even we are amazed at how much ground we’ve covered. Join us as we hit the highlights from past and take on some listener questions. This is a one-of-a-kind episode! 

Oh, and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

If you haven’t already, hit that follow button! We’ll keep them coming. And, as always, thank you for joining us!

Okay, here are some of the topics we've covered so far: Hot Flashes, Soy, Coffee, Alcohol, Insomnia, Mouth Sores, Nausea, How to Talk to Your Doctor, Genetic Testing, Bone Health, Fatigue, Chemo Brain, Movie Reviews, Nutritional Supplements (Folate, Omega 3 fatty Acids, Vitamin C, Collagen, Vitamin D, Glutamine, Mushrooms, Curcumin), Bowel changes, Constipation, Diarrhea, Antioxidants, Cure-All Tea, Low Carb Diets, Neuropathy, Hair Loss, and Nail Changes. We also had some very special guests: Dr. Amy Rothenberg, Sammy Peterson, RD, CSO, Dr. Mary Barnhart, Amy & Stef from Cancer for Breakfast, and Leah told her story too.

We have big plans for 2023, so join us, and you can help shape the future of The Cancer Pod!

Leave a message with your thoughts about the episode!

Support the show

Become a member of The Cancer Pod Community! Support the podcast and gain access to exclusive content and more! Join today on Buy Me a Coffee or Patreon.

Check out thecancerpod.com! Looking for more information? The website has blogs, merch, and all of the episodes listed by season and category. 

Shop the Bookshop! The shelves at Bookshop feature books by authors who have been on the show and other fav books.

Buy The Cancer Pod merch! Whether it’s a cozy hoody or a handy water bottle, we have something for everybody.

Have a comment or suggestion? Email info (at) thecancerpod (dot) com

Follow @TheCancerPod on social media:

• Instagram
• Bluesky
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• YouTube

Are there any natural cancer cures out there? What the heck is the abscopal effect? Should you pursue it? What is the goal of your treatment? How do you decide between treatment A versus treatment B? Are antioxidants always a good idea? Join us in this jam-packed episode where we discuss details on these topics and much, much more. 

In this episode, Tina & Leah discuss concepts behind some natural agents used in cancer care. 
Retractions of Dr. Bharat Aggarwal’s papers on Curcumin/Boswellia

High dose, intravenous vitamin C may improve outcomes for those with pancreatic cancer receiving radiotherapy

Example of a clinic in Germany that does whole-body therapies, including hyperthermia 

Antioxidants may encourage cancer cell survival, undermining treatments that kill cells via oxidation (example: radiation)  

High doses of some natural compounds (ex: curcumin) complement treatment through oxidation, not as antioxidants 

Possible interaction of curcumin with tamoxifen/endoxifen

Tamoxifen as a prodrug, and the interactions that may occur

Previous episodes for more details on topics mentioned in this episode:
Supplements 101: Curcumin, Episode 40
The Truth about those Antioxidants, Episode 33

Dose translation from animals to humans

Curcumin can lead to cells protecting themselves through Nrf2 activation

Leave a message with your thoughts about the episode!

Support the show

Become a member of The Cancer Pod Community! Support the podcast and gain access to exclusive content and more! Join today on Buy Me a Coffee or Patreon.

Check out thecancerpod.com! Looking for more information? The website has blogs, merch, and all of the episodes listed by season and category. 

Shop the Bookshop! The shelves at Bookshop feature books by authors who have been on the show and other fav books.

Buy The Cancer Pod merch! Whether it’s a cozy hoody or a handy water bottle, we have something for everybody.

Have a comment or suggestion? Email info (at) thecancerpod (dot) com

Follow @TheCancerPod on social media:

• Instagram
• Bluesky
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• YouTube

In this episode, Tina & Leah discuss how you can reliably reduce your risk of cancer occurrence, recurrence, or improve your odds if you currently have cancer. They pick up where they left off in Episode 47, talking about The Cancer Conflict, a 2022 documentary directed by Thomas Meadmore that follows two separate people, each with newly diagnosed cancer. One chooses to use conventional treatments, adding some cutting-edge therapies from Germany. The other chooses to pursue alternative treatments only. The challenges each of them faces are universal. This film is the inspiration to discuss what you can do to help yourself, reliably.

You don’t need to see the film to get a whole lot of useful information from this episode. Tina & Leah tell you about the foundations of health, the use of anecdotal evidence, and some hazards to being your own advocate throughout your treatment planning.

Links we mentioned on this episode and other cool stuff:

Link to the film, The Cancer Conflict on Prime Video and on AppleTV

Prior episode: Supplements 101: The Basics

Prior episodes: Sleep, Part 1  and Sleep, Part 2

Oldways, heritage diets for healthy living

Institute for Forest Bathing

The Healing Benefits of Humor & Laughter

LaughActive = Laughter Yoga

Prior episode: Supersize Me: The Cancer Pod at the Movies

Exercise is good before, during, and after treatment for cancer

Coriolus versicolor (Turkey tail) mushroom for colorectal cancer

Good sleep as a means of reducing risk of cancer and improving outcomes

Leave a message with your thoughts about the episode!

Support the show

Become a member of The Cancer Pod Community! Support the podcast and gain access to exclusive content and more! Join today on Buy Me a Coffee or Patreon.

Check out thecancerpod.com! Looking for more information? The website has blogs, merch, and all of the episodes listed by season and category. 

Shop the Bookshop! The shelves at Bookshop feature books by authors who have been on the show and other fav books.

Buy The Cancer Pod merch! Whether it’s a cozy hoody or a handy water bottle, we have something for everybody.

Have a comment or suggestion? Email info (at) thecancerpod (dot) com

Follow @TheCancerPod on social media:

• Instagram
• Bluesky
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• YouTube

How do you choose your treatment? Conventional? Alternative? A combination of both (integrative)? Listen in as Tina & Leah discuss some do’s and don’ts of decision making that you need to know.

A film called The Cancer Conflict juxtaposed two newly diagnosed patients and followed each one as they went through their cancer treatments. One person started with conventional, the other one went with alternative medicine. This film inspired our discussion about how people make such decisions and how to strike a balance between controlling your own care and submitting to recommendations by “experts.”

You don’t have to have seen the film to enjoy the chat between Tina & Leah. As always, they use their extensive experience in oncology to bring you context and helpful lessons along the way. 

The film: The Cancer Conflict

Our podcast with Dr. Mary Barnhart, surgeon

Tina’s paper on thermography

The Biology of Belief, by Bruce Lipton

The Society of Cells, by Carlos Sonnenschein

FDA approved medical device using energy, Optune for brain tumors 

Find a naturopathic physician specializing in cancer care

Find researchers and doctors specializing in integrative oncology

Leave a message with your thoughts about the episode!

Support the show

Become a member of The Cancer Pod Community! Support the podcast and gain access to exclusive content and more! Join today on Buy Me a Coffee or Patreon.

Check out thecancerpod.com! Looking for more information? The website has blogs, merch, and all of the episodes listed by season and category. 

Shop the Bookshop! The shelves at Bookshop feature books by authors who have been on the show and other fav books.

Buy The Cancer Pod merch! Whether it’s a cozy hoody or a handy water bottle, we have something for everybody.

Have a comment or suggestion? Email info (at) thecancerpod (dot) com

Follow @TheCancerPod on social media:

• Instagram
• Bluesky
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• YouTube