We Can Be Part of Our Own Cancer Team: Dr. Paul Stallone describes how to be an active participant in one's treatment plan.

Treating cancer is not just a job for an oncologist. Cancer patients and their families can be active participants in their treatment by making crucial decisions at home that complement both Western and alternative cancer treatment. With almost 40 percent of the population being affected by cancer at some point during their lifetime, every advantage is greatly needed. While desperate times may call for desperate measures, taking risks can be dangerous, because nothing is one-size-fits-all. Consult with a physician about things to do at home.

Cancer should be viewed as a living entity, and all life requires some form of food or energy to survive. Research continues to demonstrate that sugar is the main source of fuel which feeds cancer. Cancer cells gorge themselves on glucose by having 10 times more insulin receptors than normal cells. This allows them to absorb glucose and other nutrients at a very high rate.

Eliminating certain foods or following specific diets can help starve the tumor. Some foods have the ability to help alkalize the body, which is also important, considering cancer thrives in an acidic environment. A ketogenic diet contains little to no carbs, low protein and high amounts of saturated fats. As glucose and insulin levels fall, cancer cells are faced with an energy shortage, creating metabolic stress. Many recommend this diet in conjunction with additional therapies. It is non-toxic to the rest of the body and may help conventional treatments be more effective. When the cell is in distress, it is more sensitive to radiation and chemotherapy.

Another form of treatment that the patient can employ is immunotherapy. This type of therapy involves anything that stimulates an immune response, expecting the patient’s own immune system to detect and destroy cancer cells. To accomplish this, anything from supplements to nutritional intravenous therapies are utilized. Pharmaceuticals, along with natural substances, are used to jolt the immune system, restoring strength to attack cancer cells. The end goal of this approach is to allow the patient’s own body eradicate their cancer.

Nutrients can be much more than the food we eat. Supplements contain extraordinary levels of substances that could never be consumed. According to more than 2,000 published studies, curcumin is a powerful cancer killer, but it can be difficult to incorporate into our diet because it is not absorbed easily. Taking a high-quality supplement allows us to take very high therapeutic amounts much more conveniently. This applies to any supplement.

Nutritional intravenous therapies capitalize on the same principals. Vitamin C is another killer of cancer, yet you could never eat enough foods containing vitamin C as what can be delivered with an IV. Tailored nutritional IVs bypass the GI tract, allowing nutrients to go directly into the bloodstream. They are important in the treatment of any disease, especially cancer.

The immune system can be distracted by other illnesses or burdens. When this occurs, it can’t focus 100 percent on treating cancer, because it can’t prioritize threats. Detoxing can help remove distractions and other factors that could be suppressing the immune system. It should involve purging our entire life of harmful chemicals. Harsh cleaning supplies, perfume, pesticides, synthetic candles and cosmetics should all be closely investigated for any adverse ingredients.  

Addressing cancer is multifaceted, and there are many choices a patient can make to improve their chances preventing cancer in the first place, making a full recovery and preventing its return. With so many choices, things can get confusing. Anyone who has a cancer diagnosis or would like to prevent one should consult with a physician experienced in this field. Some naturopathic physicians are knowledgeable about both allopathic and alternative approaches. This gives the patient every advantage, but a naturopathic physician will also provide advice and recommendations for treatments the patient can do at home. A cancer patient needs as many people in their corner as possible, especially themselves.

Paul Stallone, NMD, founded the Arizona Integrative Medical Center, located at 8144 E. Cactus Rd., Ste. 820, in Scottsdale. He combines natural/alternative/conventional treatments for each patient’s needs. For more information, call 480-214-3922 or visit DrStallone.com.