Cancer
Breast health talk October 24th
17/Oct/12 10:37 PM
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
I will be giving a free talk on Breast Health and Cancer Prevention on Wednesday, October 24th, 7pm at the Deer Park Library (40 St. Clair Avenue East, Toronto).
Attention ladies! Identify risk factors you can control and how natural medicine can help treat and prevent breast cancer.
See my Events page for more upcoming dates and topics!
I will be giving a free talk on Breast Health and Cancer Prevention on Wednesday, October 24th, 7pm at the Deer Park Library (40 St. Clair Avenue East, Toronto).
Attention ladies! Identify risk factors you can control and how natural medicine can help treat and prevent breast cancer.
See my Events page for more upcoming dates and topics!
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Breast health talk October 17th
09/Oct/12 02:05 PM
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
I will be giving a free talk on Breast Health and Cancer Prevention on Wednesday, October 17th, 7pm at the at the Main Street Library (137 Main Street, Toronto). Call the library at 416-393-7700 to RSVP!
Attention ladies! Identify risk factors you can control and how natural medicine can help treat and prevent breast cancer.
See my Events page for more upcoming dates and topics!
I will be giving a free talk on Breast Health and Cancer Prevention on Wednesday, October 17th, 7pm at the at the Main Street Library (137 Main Street, Toronto). Call the library at 416-393-7700 to RSVP!
Attention ladies! Identify risk factors you can control and how natural medicine can help treat and prevent breast cancer.
See my Events page for more upcoming dates and topics!
Guest post: Sex as medicine
27/Oct/11 11:44 AM
Guest post originally published by Shelly Reitkop, ND
How many people think about the benefits of sex before they jump into the sack? Chances are, you don’t. Believe it or not, sex does more than just satisfy; it boosts your immune system, facilitates weight loss and even protects against cancer. I can easily give you 10 good reasons why you should maintain a healthy sex life.
1. Sex reduces stress
Sexual intercourse leads to the release of “happy hormones” called endorphins and a reduction in cortisol levels, the hormone released in response to stress. Prolonged elevation in cortisol levels lead to high blood pressure, suppressed thyroid function, impaired cognitive performance, increased abdominal fat and lowered immune function. Sex enhance the release of endorphins, the body’s natural “happy hormone.” Endorphins act as opiods and work to reduce pain, improve mood and aid with sleep.
2. Sex supports immune functioning
Yup, you heard me! Sex helps to prevent cold’s and flu’s by increasing the production of IgA, an antibody known to fight off infections. Don’t get too excited though, studies found that the optimal number of times a couple should engage in sexual intercourse is 1-2x/week. Sex also increases body temperature creating a suboptimal environment for bacteria and viruses to survive and propagate. Yay to free natural treatments to preventing cold’s and flu’s!
3. Sex can be slimming
Did you know that 35 minutes of sex burns an average of 85 calories? Sex is also one form of exercise that can include both cardiovascular and strength training! Physical activity, especially endurance training, increases Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) – the amount of calories your body burns at rest. It is an extra form of physical activity you can incorporate into your weight wellness program.
4. Sex saves the heart!
Being a form of physical activity, sex helps to increase blood and lymphatic circulation throughout the body. It helps to exercise the heart muscle. Researchers found that engaging in sexual intercourse 2x +/week reduced the risk of fatal heart attack by 50% for men.
5. Sex increases self-esteem
According to sex therapists, one of the reasons people have sex is to improve their self-esteem. One therapist found that people who already have a healthy self-esteem feel even better when engaging in regular sex with their partner. Great sex begins with self-esteem; if the sex is genuine, loving and with someone you feel connected with, a persons’ self-esteem will be further enhanced.
6. Sex enhances intimacy
The act of sex causes the release of a hormone called oxytocin. This naturally occurring chemical has been notoriously called “the love hormone” because it helps a person bond and build trust (it’s true – there are studies that prove this!!). The more physical contact a person has with another individual, the greater the level of oxytocin.
7. Sex subsides pain
Oxytocin is not the only chemical released during sex; intercourse results in the release of another substance: endorphins (refer to point 1!). Recall: Endorphins work to reduce pain while simultaneously improving mood.
8. Sex reduces prostate cancer risk
Frequent ejaculation (5+/week) during a male’s mid-20′s has been correlated with a reduced risk of developing hormone-related cancers such as prostate cancer. Who would have known, right?
9. Sex strengthens the pelvic floor
Many women have heard or even tried Kegel exercises to strengthen their pelvic floor muscles as a way to improve the sensations experienced during sex; however, if you exercise your pelvic floor muscles DURING sex you’ll both notice a difference. Strong pelvic floor muscles are important to prevent conditions such as incontinence in later years.
Don’t know what a kegal exercise is?!? TRY THIS: tighten the muscles of your pelvic floor as though you are trying to stop the flow of urine. Count to 3 and release.
10. Sex helps you sleep
Remember our friend oxytocin? I forgot to mention that rising oxytocin levels also promote sleep, according to the latest research. The body requires a minimum of 8 hours sleep per night and good quality sleep is known to also result in healthier food choices, healthier body weight and a reduced incidence of chronic conditions such as high blood pressure.
If you aren’t sold on the benefits of sex and are in a committed relationship, my best piece of advice is this: The proof is in the pudding – try it for yourself!
Integrative cancer care in China
25/Mar/11 05:20 PM
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
I just read this great blog called “Cancer Care in China vs. North America” at Crazy Sexy Life and I wanted to share it. The author, a licensed acupuncturist, shares his observations about cancer care in China and how it is so much more integrative than in North America.
As a naturopathic doctor, I am keenly aware of the importance of supporting the body with natural therapies during cancer care and how effective this can be. Unfortunately, most conventional medical doctors are ignorant of the vast number of natural therapies that can improve outcomes for patients undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. This is a real shame because although there is not research evidence for every possible natural cancer treatment, there definitely is evidence for many. The conventional medicine approach of wreaking havoc on the body to eliminate cancer cells and then leaving a weakened patient to recover and likely return to a way of living that permitted cancer development in the first place is clearly not the best course of action for patients nor for our society as whole for whom cancer is a major health issue.
Natural medicine offers simple, effective, and safe interventions to prevent cancer, improve outcomes of conventional treatment, and prevent recurrence.
I just read this great blog called “Cancer Care in China vs. North America” at Crazy Sexy Life and I wanted to share it. The author, a licensed acupuncturist, shares his observations about cancer care in China and how it is so much more integrative than in North America.
As a naturopathic doctor, I am keenly aware of the importance of supporting the body with natural therapies during cancer care and how effective this can be. Unfortunately, most conventional medical doctors are ignorant of the vast number of natural therapies that can improve outcomes for patients undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. This is a real shame because although there is not research evidence for every possible natural cancer treatment, there definitely is evidence for many. The conventional medicine approach of wreaking havoc on the body to eliminate cancer cells and then leaving a weakened patient to recover and likely return to a way of living that permitted cancer development in the first place is clearly not the best course of action for patients nor for our society as whole for whom cancer is a major health issue.
Natural medicine offers simple, effective, and safe interventions to prevent cancer, improve outcomes of conventional treatment, and prevent recurrence.
Breast health and cancer prevention: nutrition
11/Nov/10 08:01 AM
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
In October (breast cancer month) JD Kato and I did a presentation at a local library about breast health and cancer prevention. Here is a summary of some of the more interesting information we shared. Naturopathic medicine has an important role to play in cancer prevention and treatment. One of the most often used naturopathic treatments is dietary change because diet is the most powerful factor in health. You literally are what you eat! So here is an overview of WHY diet is so important to cancer and some examples of dietary choices that will help treat and prevent cancer.
Immune system:
Your immune system is your best defence against cancer. Every day, all day, your body is making potentially cancerous cells and it is your immune system that stands between this potential and uncontrollable cancer growth. A healthy diet provides nutrients that support immune function, while poor dietary choices impair immune function.
Antioxidant-rich foods support the immune system in killing abnormal cells, preventing and treating cancer. Sugar, on the other hand, impairs the activity of your white blood cells, which target and kill cancer cells and coordinate the functioning of your overall immune response.
Inflammation:
As discussed in part 1, chronic inflammation in the body leads to increased cell division, which increases the likelihood of the creation of cancer cells and accelerates cancer growth. Chronic inflammation also increases the body’s production of cortisol, which is an immune suppressing hormone.
What type of fat you consume is often more important than the amount because the fats in your diet directly impact many bodily functions. The compounds EPA and DHA derived from or found in omega 3 fatty acids, particularly fish oil, are powerful anti-inflammatory agents in the body. But saturated fats increase inflammation and trans fats alter cell membranes to encourage inflammation.
Hormonal balance:
The endocrine system, which produces and controls hormones throughout the body has a huge impact on physiological function. Hormones can encourage cancer growth as well as influence immune function and regulate inflammation. With regard to breast cancer, we know that some types of breast cancer are estrogen dependent, but many other hormones throughout the body also relate to breast cancer, such as thyroid hormones, insulin, and cortisol.
Green leafy vegetables contain nutrients that support endocrine organs. A minimum of 5-6 servings per day is recommended. Cruciferous vegetables in particular contain compounds called calcium-D-glucarate and indole-3-carbinol which aid in metabolism and detoxification of hormones. Pesticides used on non-organic produce can contain compounds that mimic estrogen in the body and can increase the risk of many types of cancer as well as overwhelm your detoxification system.
You can download the Environmental Working Group’s Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides, which specifies which produce is best to buy organic, at this web address: www.foodnews.org
Insulin resistance:
Insulin is a hormone that allows sugar to enter cells. Over time, high sugar intake leads to excess insulin production and eventually cells become insensitive to insulin. Cancer cells use sugar as fuel and have more insulin receptors than normal cells, so while other cells are insulin resistant, cancer cells can gain more access to sugar.
Complex carbs include vegetables and whole grains and can help balance blood sugar levels and control weight, both of which prevent and reduce insulin resistance. Complex carbs are high in fibre, which binds to and eliminates toxins and hormones from your body. Try to eat foods as close to their natural state as possible rather than processed foods, which contain more simple carbs, which are easily reduced to sugar and therefore promote insulin resistance.
Digestion and elimination:
Digestion influences all other bodily functions as it is key to absorbing essential nutrients and eliminating waste products and toxins from the body.
Alcohol is an example of a substance that places an additional load on the liver, which can lead to increased toxic load in the body. Over time, this can damage cells and encourage cancer formation. Adequate water intake is necessary for optimal digestion and elimination as your body uses water to carry out many processes essential for life. A simple guideline for water intake is at least 1/2 ounce of water per pound of body weight. So a 128-pound woman should drink about 64 ounces of water daily, which is about 2 litres. Caffeine and alcohol do not count toward this intake and in fact dehydrate the body!
Beyond diet:
So far we’ve covered a lot with regard to diet, but there is so much more! As a naturopathic doctor, I work with patients to address their unique nutritional needs with a plan tailored to them. Beyond diet, I also work to create a personalized plan that may include supplements, herbs, lifestyle counselling, stress reduction, and mental/emotional work to address each patient’s unique needs and the root causes behind their health specific concerns.
With regards to cancer, naturopathic medicine is a powerful tool to both prevent and treat cancer, either alone or in conjunction with conventional cancer treatment.
In October (breast cancer month) JD Kato and I did a presentation at a local library about breast health and cancer prevention. Here is a summary of some of the more interesting information we shared. Naturopathic medicine has an important role to play in cancer prevention and treatment. One of the most often used naturopathic treatments is dietary change because diet is the most powerful factor in health. You literally are what you eat! So here is an overview of WHY diet is so important to cancer and some examples of dietary choices that will help treat and prevent cancer.
Immune system:
Your immune system is your best defence against cancer. Every day, all day, your body is making potentially cancerous cells and it is your immune system that stands between this potential and uncontrollable cancer growth. A healthy diet provides nutrients that support immune function, while poor dietary choices impair immune function.
Antioxidant-rich foods support the immune system in killing abnormal cells, preventing and treating cancer. Sugar, on the other hand, impairs the activity of your white blood cells, which target and kill cancer cells and coordinate the functioning of your overall immune response.
Inflammation:
As discussed in part 1, chronic inflammation in the body leads to increased cell division, which increases the likelihood of the creation of cancer cells and accelerates cancer growth. Chronic inflammation also increases the body’s production of cortisol, which is an immune suppressing hormone.
What type of fat you consume is often more important than the amount because the fats in your diet directly impact many bodily functions. The compounds EPA and DHA derived from or found in omega 3 fatty acids, particularly fish oil, are powerful anti-inflammatory agents in the body. But saturated fats increase inflammation and trans fats alter cell membranes to encourage inflammation.
Hormonal balance:
The endocrine system, which produces and controls hormones throughout the body has a huge impact on physiological function. Hormones can encourage cancer growth as well as influence immune function and regulate inflammation. With regard to breast cancer, we know that some types of breast cancer are estrogen dependent, but many other hormones throughout the body also relate to breast cancer, such as thyroid hormones, insulin, and cortisol.
Green leafy vegetables contain nutrients that support endocrine organs. A minimum of 5-6 servings per day is recommended. Cruciferous vegetables in particular contain compounds called calcium-D-glucarate and indole-3-carbinol which aid in metabolism and detoxification of hormones. Pesticides used on non-organic produce can contain compounds that mimic estrogen in the body and can increase the risk of many types of cancer as well as overwhelm your detoxification system.
You can download the Environmental Working Group’s Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides, which specifies which produce is best to buy organic, at this web address: www.foodnews.org
Insulin resistance:
Insulin is a hormone that allows sugar to enter cells. Over time, high sugar intake leads to excess insulin production and eventually cells become insensitive to insulin. Cancer cells use sugar as fuel and have more insulin receptors than normal cells, so while other cells are insulin resistant, cancer cells can gain more access to sugar.
Complex carbs include vegetables and whole grains and can help balance blood sugar levels and control weight, both of which prevent and reduce insulin resistance. Complex carbs are high in fibre, which binds to and eliminates toxins and hormones from your body. Try to eat foods as close to their natural state as possible rather than processed foods, which contain more simple carbs, which are easily reduced to sugar and therefore promote insulin resistance.
Digestion and elimination:
Digestion influences all other bodily functions as it is key to absorbing essential nutrients and eliminating waste products and toxins from the body.
Alcohol is an example of a substance that places an additional load on the liver, which can lead to increased toxic load in the body. Over time, this can damage cells and encourage cancer formation. Adequate water intake is necessary for optimal digestion and elimination as your body uses water to carry out many processes essential for life. A simple guideline for water intake is at least 1/2 ounce of water per pound of body weight. So a 128-pound woman should drink about 64 ounces of water daily, which is about 2 litres. Caffeine and alcohol do not count toward this intake and in fact dehydrate the body!
Beyond diet:
So far we’ve covered a lot with regard to diet, but there is so much more! As a naturopathic doctor, I work with patients to address their unique nutritional needs with a plan tailored to them. Beyond diet, I also work to create a personalized plan that may include supplements, herbs, lifestyle counselling, stress reduction, and mental/emotional work to address each patient’s unique needs and the root causes behind their health specific concerns.
With regards to cancer, naturopathic medicine is a powerful tool to both prevent and treat cancer, either alone or in conjunction with conventional cancer treatment.
Breast health and cancer prevention: risk factors
09/Nov/10 05:39 PM
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
In October (breast cancer month) JD Kato and I did a presentation at a local library about breast health and cancer prevention. Here is a summary of some of the more interesting information we shared. This first part will cover risk factors, which JD discussed. There are several non-modifiable risk factors that most people are aware of, such as age, gender, family history, etc. Let’s focus on risk factors you CAN modify…
Radiation exposure:
Ionizing radiation such as x-rays can damage the DNA of cells promoting mistakes that could lead to development of cancer. The amount of radiation of a mammogram is considered small, but yes mammograms use radiation. Other sources of radiation may be from occupational accidents and radiation treatment.
Smoking:
Smoking raises your risk for many types of cancer: lung, esophageal, bladder, stomach, and others including breast cancer.
Alcohol:
Postmenopausal women who drank alcohol had a 22% higher relative risk of breast cancer than those who do not drink alcohol. It is estimated that every additional 10g of ethanol consumed per day (approximately one drink) was associated with a 10% increase in relative risk.
Recommendation for alcohol intake for women: 0-2 drinks per day, maximum 9 drinks per week
Estrogen:
Estrogen exposure can be a contributing factor to many breast cancers. Therefore, both exogenous (outside the body) and endogenous (inside the body) sources estrogen can increase risk.
Hormone replacement and birth control pills are exogenous sources that contribute to estrogen exposure that can be avoided.
Estrogen production within the body is also important. At puberty the brain (the pituitary) tells the ovaries to start to produce estrogen and because there are receptors in the breast tissue they are signalled to grow and develop. Although they grow in number, the cells of the breast tissue do not fully mature. With each monthly cycle there are fluctuating levels of estrogen, which can contribute to the cells that could possibly develop into cancerous cells. A first full-term pregnancy after the age of 30-35 contributes a slightly higher risk.
While a woman is pregnant, there are even high levels of estrogen and so the breasts enlarge to prepare for breast feeding – again putting a woman at higher risk. When a pregnancy reaches full-term and a woman breast-feeds, then the cells finish their maturation, which then helps protect against them developing into cancer. Breast-feeding for one year is protective against breast cancer. It does not matter if this period of breast-feeding is for one child, or combined over more than one birth.
Body fat and exercise:
After menopause a woman’s ovaries do not produce estrogen as before, so most of the estrogen come from fat tissue. Estrogen comes from testosterone and in fat tissue there is the enzyme called aromatase that converts testosterone to estrogen. So having excessive body fat means you have more of these enzymes to produce estrogen which can stimulate cell reproduction in breast tissue and thus increasing the chance of tumour formation.
Excess body fat, especially around the midsection, promotes inflammation in the body, which is a risk factor for many cancers. Chronic inflammation disrupts normal cell growth and development, which can promote.
Excess body weight and low physical activity together may account for one quarter to one third of all breast cancer cases! Contrast that to 3-5% of breast cancer caused by heredity…
Recommendations for exercise: 30 min 3-5 days per week (initially), then 30-60 min 5-7 days per week
In October (breast cancer month) JD Kato and I did a presentation at a local library about breast health and cancer prevention. Here is a summary of some of the more interesting information we shared. This first part will cover risk factors, which JD discussed. There are several non-modifiable risk factors that most people are aware of, such as age, gender, family history, etc. Let’s focus on risk factors you CAN modify…
Radiation exposure:
Ionizing radiation such as x-rays can damage the DNA of cells promoting mistakes that could lead to development of cancer. The amount of radiation of a mammogram is considered small, but yes mammograms use radiation. Other sources of radiation may be from occupational accidents and radiation treatment.
Smoking:
Smoking raises your risk for many types of cancer: lung, esophageal, bladder, stomach, and others including breast cancer.
Alcohol:
Postmenopausal women who drank alcohol had a 22% higher relative risk of breast cancer than those who do not drink alcohol. It is estimated that every additional 10g of ethanol consumed per day (approximately one drink) was associated with a 10% increase in relative risk.
Recommendation for alcohol intake for women: 0-2 drinks per day, maximum 9 drinks per week
Estrogen:
Estrogen exposure can be a contributing factor to many breast cancers. Therefore, both exogenous (outside the body) and endogenous (inside the body) sources estrogen can increase risk.
Hormone replacement and birth control pills are exogenous sources that contribute to estrogen exposure that can be avoided.
Estrogen production within the body is also important. At puberty the brain (the pituitary) tells the ovaries to start to produce estrogen and because there are receptors in the breast tissue they are signalled to grow and develop. Although they grow in number, the cells of the breast tissue do not fully mature. With each monthly cycle there are fluctuating levels of estrogen, which can contribute to the cells that could possibly develop into cancerous cells. A first full-term pregnancy after the age of 30-35 contributes a slightly higher risk.
While a woman is pregnant, there are even high levels of estrogen and so the breasts enlarge to prepare for breast feeding – again putting a woman at higher risk. When a pregnancy reaches full-term and a woman breast-feeds, then the cells finish their maturation, which then helps protect against them developing into cancer. Breast-feeding for one year is protective against breast cancer. It does not matter if this period of breast-feeding is for one child, or combined over more than one birth.
Body fat and exercise:
After menopause a woman’s ovaries do not produce estrogen as before, so most of the estrogen come from fat tissue. Estrogen comes from testosterone and in fat tissue there is the enzyme called aromatase that converts testosterone to estrogen. So having excessive body fat means you have more of these enzymes to produce estrogen which can stimulate cell reproduction in breast tissue and thus increasing the chance of tumour formation.
Excess body fat, especially around the midsection, promotes inflammation in the body, which is a risk factor for many cancers. Chronic inflammation disrupts normal cell growth and development, which can promote.
Excess body weight and low physical activity together may account for one quarter to one third of all breast cancer cases! Contrast that to 3-5% of breast cancer caused by heredity…
Recommendations for exercise: 30 min 3-5 days per week (initially), then 30-60 min 5-7 days per week
Surviving cancer with true wellness
02/Nov/10 09:52 PM
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
On the first page of this website I explain that true wellness is so much more than simply being free of illness. It is a state of balance of all aspects of your being, and this requires a holistic approach. Wellness is not quite the same thing as being “healthy”. One can have a disease or poor physical health and still be “well” because wellness is feeling your best no matter what ups and downs life hands to you and doing your best to support your mind, body, and spirit. Wellness has more to do with intention and balance; it is something that anyone can achieve.
This blog from Crazy Sexy Life written by a man who is a six time cancer survivor does a great job of explaining this point! Plus he’s Canadian (from New Brunswick)!
On the first page of this website I explain that true wellness is so much more than simply being free of illness. It is a state of balance of all aspects of your being, and this requires a holistic approach. Wellness is not quite the same thing as being “healthy”. One can have a disease or poor physical health and still be “well” because wellness is feeling your best no matter what ups and downs life hands to you and doing your best to support your mind, body, and spirit. Wellness has more to do with intention and balance; it is something that anyone can achieve.
This blog from Crazy Sexy Life written by a man who is a six time cancer survivor does a great job of explaining this point! Plus he’s Canadian (from New Brunswick)!
