The Anti-Cancer Plan

Cancer can be a very frightening word in today’s world, and with just cause, as it is a leading cause of death on our planet. We can all be making some small changes to help avoid this all-too-common problem. Simple lifestyle changes will not only help avoid and treat cancer but can also do so for most diseases.

Preventing cancer, in theory, is relatively simple: eat a clean diet, exercise regularly, manage stress and avoid pollutants. However, this is a lot easier said than done. While these lifestyle choices can have a significant impact on cancer’s ability to thrive, most people are unable to commit 100 percent, leaving them vulnerable to disease. A naturopathic physician can help fill in any gaps or aid in reducing the effects of certain vices. For example, if red meat is a particularly hard food to avoid, a naturopath can recommend supplements to help with inflammation. Most negative food choices can be minimized with the right supplement, or for maximum support, a naturopath can prescribe an intravenous regimen. High doses of certain nutrients can support the immune system like almost nothing else can. Unlike a more aggressive approach involved in treating active cancer, these treatments can be administered more sporadically.

Cancer and disease flourish when the immune system is overtaxed. Removing any burdens—including heavy metal toxicity and common toxins—greatly frees up the immune system to do its job. Detoxing is an important step in preventing and treating cancer. Some naturopathic physicians specialize in the removal of toxins and heavy metals. Many feel this is a vital part of any cancer protocol.

Treating cancer involves more commitment on the patient’s part, as there is more at stake. Besides serious lifestyle changes, cancer-focused therapies are essential. By harnessing the body’s instinctual ability to fight off cancer with natural treatments, side effects associated with conventional approaches, like chemotherapy and radiation, are avoided. In fact, an experienced naturopath can help a patient avoid these side effects if the patient still chooses conventional treatments.

Cancer treatments, like intravenous therapies, create an undesirable environment that cancer struggles to survive in. Specific nutrients are used to inhibit blood vessel growth to cancerous tumors, essentially starving those cells. Other treatments help prevent the tumor from spreading. Apoptosis (cell suicide) can also be induced. Alternative treatments may be very effective for treating cancer; these therapies can be potent and aggressive. With modern advancements in both alternative and conventional medicine, some cancer specialists are able to customize a treatment plan involving both.

Those in remission aren’t out of the woods and should always be mindful of their past journey. It’s highly recommended that they continue on with some degree of cancer prevention. A specialized naturopath can navigate a patient through all stages of cancer treatment, even post cancer. Anyone concerned about cancer options should contact a naturopath to discuss what therapies might be beneficial. There are endless combinations for each individual aimed at preventing disease.

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.