The Cancer Pod: Integrative Medicine Talk

Dr. Tina Kaczor and Dr. Leah Sherman

3 Creators

Join Tina and Leah, two naturopathic physicians with lots of experience in natural medicine and cancer care. Leah is the ”cancer insider.“ Tina is the science-y one. Listen in and join us as we talk with each other or respected experts in integrative oncology. Whether it is you or a loved one, whether you are in treatment or beyond, you'll find helpful info, tips, and tricks to get through tough times. We frame things around cancer, but honestly, anyone can benefit. So, tune in, join our community of like-minded folks, and please let us know what you think!

Disclaimer: This podcast is for education, entertainment, and informational purposes only. Do not apply any of this information without first speaking to your doctor. The views and opinions expressed on this podcast by the hosts and their guests are solely their own.

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Top 10 The Cancer Pod: Integrative Medicine Talk Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The Cancer Pod: Integrative Medicine Talk episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The Cancer Pod: Integrative Medicine Talk for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The Cancer Pod: Integrative Medicine Talk episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Supplements 101: The Basics

The Cancer Pod: Integrative Medicine Talk

02/02/22 • 40 min

Supplement use during and after cancer treatment is common. But do you really need to take supplements? How do you even begin to prioritize what (if any) supplements are right for you?
As naturopathic doctors, Tina and Leah talk about supplements all the time. In this episode, they open up about how they approach their use. Instead of saying, "must do this or that," they talk about how you can prioritize supplements.
And yes, they talk about times when supplements may not be appropriate too. As Kenny Rogers famously put it, "you gotta know when to hold 'em."
They talk pros and they talk cons. By the end of this episode, you will walk away with a better understanding of appropriate supplement use and a framework for their use.
Links we mentioned on this episode and other cool stuff:

Here are some databases to look up supplements to check for interactions. The databases are always updating information. If something you are looking for is not in the database, it does not mean there is no interaction. Always check with your doctor before adding a supplement to your regimen.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center About Herbs Database (Free)
Natural Medicines Database (Subscription)
Medline Plus Herbs and Supplements medlineplus.gov
Dietary Supplement Use is Prevalent Among Cancer Survivors Medscape, December 2021
Facts About the Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMPs) from the FDA
The Effect of Cytochrome P450 Metabolism on Drug Response, Interactions, and Adverse Effects American Family Physician 2007
Get to Know an Enzyme: CYP3A4 Pharmacy Times
Get to Know an Enzyme: CYP2D6 Pharmacy Times
Get to Know an Enzyme: CYP1A2 Pharmacy Times
Get to Know an Enzyme: CYP2C9 Pharmacy Times
St. John's Wort The ASCO Post
New York Attorney General Targets Supplements at Major Retailers New York Times 2015

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Side Eff#%ks: Nausea & Vomiting

The Cancer Pod: Integrative Medicine Talk

09/29/21 • 49 min

It's here! The first in what we hope to be many episodes on cancer treatment-related side effects. The most common questions we get have to do with integrative oncology approaches to managing common, and not so common, side effects when patients go through chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. (Immunotherapy and targeted therapies are included whenever we say "chemo.")
We kick off this first pod with our nausea and vomiting episode. We cover a number of causes for nausea and vomiting, how different medicines work, and of course, our favorite integrative medicine approaches.
Talking about puking might trigger some folks, so there's a content warning at the beginning of this podcast. We must say the word "vomit" like a gazillion times. Oh, and I for sure though we were going to earn an Explicit on this episode but we decided to censor it and keep it clean for the kids.
Maybe you've heard this all before, maybe this information is new to you. We hope you enjoy listening. Remember to share The Cancer Pod podcasts if you think they might be helpful to someone you know.

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Good for You, Bad for You: Alcohol

The Cancer Pod: Integrative Medicine Talk

09/15/21 • 44 min

Alcohol might be a solution, but it won't solve your problems. Okay, cheesy chemistry jokes aside, alcohol is always in the news. One day we read alcohol is going to save us from heart disease, the next day we're reading for every drink over the recommended limit, *someone* is going to take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes off of our lives (yes, this was an actual study a few years ago in The Lancet). So, who do we believe? Tina and Leah conquer this very intoxicating subject on this episode of The Cancer Pod. Look for us on Pinterest to find links to some of the things we mention on our shows.

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Omega-3 Fatty Acids : Supplements 101

The Cancer Pod: Integrative Medicine Talk

02/09/22 • 46 min

What exactly are omega-3 fatty acids? They are essential, but what does “essential” even mean? Why do we need them? How are they used in our bodies? What foods are the best sources?

In this episode, Tina and Leah tackle these questions and more. They also discuss the role of omega-3s before, during, and after treatment for cancer. They include a few studies that show particular benefits during conventional cancer treatments and some cautionary notes too.

And , keep an ear out for hot tips and trivial bits, all relevant to omega-3 fatty acids, of course. So sit back (or drive, or walk, or do whatever you do when you are listening to a podcast) and enjoy this latest episode in their series Supplements 101.
Links we mentioned on this episode and other cool stuff:
Higher Dietary Intake of Alpha-Linolenic Acid May Lower Mortality Risk

Essential Fatty Acids Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University

Structure of a lipid bilayer

Is fish oil bad for LDL cholesterol?

Increased Plasma Levels of Chemoresistance-Inducing Fatty Acid 16:4(n-3) After Consumption of Fish and Fish Oil JAMA Oncology

DHA-enriched supplement ameliorates cancer-associated systemic inflammatory response via resolvin D1 production: a single institutional study. (resolvins)

Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Can Reduce C-Reactive Protein in Patients with Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials Nutrition and Cancer

Fish Oil Improves Chemotherapy Effects in Lung Cancer Patients Review of study in Natural Medicine Journal

Omega-3 fatty acids are protective against paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. BMC Cancer

The effect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on incidence and severity of oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy: a randomized controlled trial. Biomark Res.

Fish O

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Bowel Changes: The Return of Side Eff@¢ks

The Cancer Pod: Integrative Medicine Talk

03/02/22 • 36 min

Cancer treatments can be rough on the gut. The symptoms during and after treatment are no laughing matter (although well-timed potty humor can certainly be therapeutic, don't you think?).
In this episode, Tina and Leah talk poop, that is, about the fundamentals of bowel function with an emphasis on the many ways that cancer treatments can interfere with it.
As naturopathic physicians, Tina and Leah have spent their entire careers talking poop with patients. Why? Because most gut issues have to do with bowel function. Understanding the functions of the various organs involved in your digestion can help you address—and resolve— uncomfortable and unpleasant poop issues.
Get the scoop! This episode is followed by two more in this pod: Episode 24 is about constipation and Episode 25 is about diarrhea.
If you like what you hear, pass it on...

Links we mentioned on this episode and other cool stuff:

Overview of treatment-related constipation

Overview of treatment-related diarrhea

Tracking form and one-page review on diarrhea from ASCO

Special management of diarrhea from immunotherapies (ie, checkpoint inhibitors)

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Probiotics, The Bugs We Love! Supplements 101

The Cancer Pod: Integrative Medicine Talk

05/17/23 • 51 min

Probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, Oh My! The “bugs” in our guts have more to do with cancer than you may think. They interact intimately with your immune system and can influence cancer treatment effectiveness. Join Tina & Leah as they discuss the bugs we love, probiotics!
Probiotics- What they are, and what they are not
The. Federal Trade Commission challenges Dannon’s claims regarding Activia yogurt
Bacteria found inside pancreatic cancer are able to metabolize chemo (gemcitabine)
Taking an antibiotic with gemcitabine improved outcomes in pancreatic cancer (2023)
Probiotics may hamper or improve response to checkpoint inhibitors
A probiotic improved cognition in breast cancer patients receiving chemo
Fecal Microbial Transplant (FMT) was better than probiotics for gut restoration
FMT may enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapies (human—> mouse study)
Fusobacteria spp. and colorectal cancer association

The bug running the show in the movie Men in Black (1997)
A Bug’s Life - The animated movie (1998)

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Survivorship / Survivorsh!t: Chemo Brain

The Cancer Pod: Integrative Medicine Talk

12/15/21 • 48 min

Chemo brain, brain farts, brain fog, cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI)... no matter what you call it, it is a debilitating side effect that may persist for months or years after treatment ends. CRCI is more than just forgetting why you walked into a room or where you left your keys. You may find yourself struggling to remember a simple word or having a hard time concentrating on a single subject and don’t even mention multitasking!

In this last episode of the year, Dr. Tina Kaczor and Dr. Leah Sherman review the possible causes of CRCI and discuss ways that you can improve brain function. Neural plasticity, which is the ability to create new neural networks at ANY AGE, means that you have the potential for bettering brain function no matter what age you are. As always, you’ll learn a little, laugh a little, and by the end you will have ideas of how to optimize your own health. Thanks for listening!
Links we mentioned on this episode and other cool stuff (Find even more on our Pinterest page!):

Brain Cloudy Blues - Merle Haggard

MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) this is posted for informational purposes only, for accurate assessment please be evaluated by a healthcare professional

Ask the Experts: Understanding and Coping with Breast Cancer-related Cognitive Changes video Breast Cancer Resource Center

Measurement, outcomes and interventions of cognitive function after breast cancer treatment: A narrative review https://doi.org/10.1111/ajco.13484

An update on cancer- and chemotherapy-related cognitive dysfunction: current status DOI: 10.1053/j.seminoncol.2011.03.014

Acetyl L-Carnitine may increase neuropathy in patients receiving paclitaxel

Brain Facts: A Primer on the Brain and Nervous System

Functional and Structural Connectome Features for Machine Learning Chemo-Brain Prediction in Women Treated for Breast Cancer with Chemotherapy

Cytidinediphosphocholine (CDP‐choline) for cognitive and behavioural disturbances associated with chronic cerebral disorders in the elderly

Modulation of cognitive performance and mood by aromas of peppermint a

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Diarrhea Revisited

The Cancer Pod: Integrative Medicine Talk

07/26/23 • 44 min

This isn't a sexy topic but darn it, someone has to talk about it! We naturopathic doctors don't shy away from sh*t talk. In fact, we encourage it! We're rereleasing this episode because there's a slew of newer oral agents that cause loose stool and/or diarrhea. Listen in as Tina and Leah help you understand how it happens and what you can do about it.
Diarrhea management handout from equalhope.org

Managing chemotherapy-induced diarrhea

Recipes from Cancer Support Community website

Chemotherapy-Induced Constipation and Diarrhea: Pathophysiology, Current and Emerging Treatments

Charcoal for diarrhea from Irinotecan (CPT-11)

Probiotics for diarrhea from Irinotecan (CPT-11)

An examination of the effect of castor oil packs on constipation in the elderly (abstract only)

Transdermal absorption of castor oil (it was the Meridian Institute, not Heritage!)

Unofficial Theme Song: L7 Sh*tlist

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Nutmeg: Tasty and... Toxic?

The Cancer Pod: Integrative Medicine Talk

12/20/23 • 30 min

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 medicine, the poison. Oh, and go ahead and share this episode with someone who would enjoy it! Maybe a friend who's a chef or a baker?
Did you know that nutmeg was a commodity so precious it was traded for Manhattan? From serving as a sleep aid (insomniacs chickens?) to its pain-relieving effects, nutmeg has lots of potential as a medicinal spice. Just remember, while nutmeg may enhance your holiday season, moderation is key, and it's always advisable to consult a professional before using higher doses of nutmeg as medicine.
Books we mention: (If you purchase, we make a small commission at no cost to you.)
Jill Stansbury's Botanical Medicine for Herbalists (formulas and how to)
A Modern Herbal, the Maude Grieves Herbal Book (originally printed in ....
Recipes:
Medieval Cookies from Atlas Obscura
Golden Milk Recipe from our blog
MEDICINAL USE:
Anti-diarrheal and Sleep inducing effects
Reduction of colon cancer (in rats)
Traditional Users: A Modern Herbal by Maude Grieves - botanical.com (FREE!)
Ayurvedic perspective of nutmeg
TOXICITY:
Brain damage (in rats) from nutmeg
German Commission E Report on Nutmeg
Case reports of toxicity over 10 years (Illinois Poison Center)

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Talk To Your Doctor: About Genetic Testing

The Cancer Pod: Integrative Medicine Talk

11/17/21 • 37 min

What is genetic testing and is it appropriate for you? How do you talk to your doctor about getting tested? Tina and Leah cover what you need to know in this episode of The Cancer Pod.

Hereditary cancers happen, but what are the chances? It is estimated that 10% of all cancers are due to genes we inherited from our parents. Yet, certain mutations can lead to personal risk of up to 80%. (We don't dwell on statistics, so no worries there.)

Knowing whether there is familial hereditary cancer syndrome can influence decision-making for the person with cancer and their family. In this podcast, we discuss who, why and how the testing for hereditary cancer syndromes should be approached. Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome, where the BRCA genes are involved, may be the most commonly known, but there are many others to look for including Lynch syndrome, Li Fraumeni syndrome, and Cowden syndrome.

We round out this episode with our unofficial theme song and a different kind of Moment of Woo.

Links we mentioned on this episode and other interesting stuff:

MD Anderson Genetic Testing Information

National Society of Genetic Counselors

Facing Our Risk - FORCE Facing Hereditary Cancer EMPOWERED

Li-Fraumeni Syndrome Association

BRCA gene mutations from NCI

Alive and Kickn: Lynch syndrome advocacy group

Cowden syndrome (PTEN Hamartoma Tumor Syndrome

Lost Women of Science website and podcast

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FAQ

How many episodes does The Cancer Pod: Integrative Medicine Talk have?

The Cancer Pod: Integrative Medicine Talk currently has 107 episodes available.

What topics does The Cancer Pod: Integrative Medicine Talk cover?

The podcast is about Survivor, Health & Fitness, Nutrition, Cancer, Alternative Health, Medicine, Podcasts, Health, Oncology and Alternative.

What is the most popular episode on The Cancer Pod: Integrative Medicine Talk?

The episode title 'Side Eff#%ks: Nausea & Vomiting' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on The Cancer Pod: Integrative Medicine Talk?

The average episode length on The Cancer Pod: Integrative Medicine Talk is 44 minutes.

How often are episodes of The Cancer Pod: Integrative Medicine Talk released?

Episodes of The Cancer Pod: Integrative Medicine Talk are typically released every 14 days.

When was the first episode of The Cancer Pod: Integrative Medicine Talk?

The first episode of The Cancer Pod: Integrative Medicine Talk was released on Sep 1, 2021.

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Comments

Stefanie LeJeunesse

@lejeunesse

Dec 15

I couldn’t pick just one episode to rave about, so I recommend the whole darn show. Tina and Leah have so much knowledge between them, and they’re out here sharing it with no copay required. Funny, smart, savvy, and never saccharine.

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