20 Jun Personalized Naturopathic Approaches to Cancer Care in Oakville: What to Expect
Naturopathic medicine is a great approach to cancer prevention, health support during cancer, and cancer after-care to reduce the chance of recurrence. At Bronte Natural Health Clinic in Oakville, we have over 30 years of experience helping patients assess and address their level of health and wellness before, during or after being diagnosed with cancer, complex and chronic conditions. Here’s what you can expect from a naturopathic approach in Oakville.
Prevention is always the best medicine. When new patients come in, we always start with a thorough review of all symptoms and family history. This gives you doctor clues to potential health problems, based on your genes as well as your lifestyle, and the kind of early screening that would be relevant to your situation. Cancer is a metabolic condition, and usually starts years before your diagnosis, and years before there is an actual physical growth of a tumour. Changes in body chemistry, toxicity, and hormone balance lead to changes in function and physiology, leading to cell damage and tumour growth. In the early stages of cancer, most patients do not have symptoms and often have normal blood test results on the traditional bloodwork used for general annual checkups.
As a naturopath, I have focused on providing personalized naturopathic approaches to cancer patients in the Oakville area for over 30 years. Most of my patients come in when they are first diagnosed or suffering from the side effects of chemotherapy or radiation. Patients are asked to bring me copies of their test results so that we can closely coordinate the use of natural medicines with the overall treatment plan from their medical doctors. There are certain treatments, supplements and procedures that are not advised during chemotherapy or radiation, and there are others that beautifully blend both forms of medicine. Cancer is a complex condition, with multiple moving parts, and this is not the time to self-prescribe herbs and supplements without the guidance of a licensed naturopathic doctor.
A core principle of naturopathic medicine is to treat the patient, not just the condition. We focus on the root cause, not just the symptoms. And we treat the patient in a highly personalized way. If I had 10 patients with the exact same diagnosis, I would find some things in common with many of them, and other findings would be very individualized. For instance, it is common to find that cancer patients are acidic, with low basal body temperature, in need of probiotics, and adrenal dysfunction. However, some need antioxidants, and others don’t. Or I pause the use of antioxidants during certain chemos, or during radiation. It is also common for me to support the elimination pathways during or after chemo, to let the toxic waste and damaged cells out of the body. However, I may delay liver cleanses because they can also speed up the clearance of much-needed prescribed medications. Natural medicines work! That’s exactly why “natural” doesn’t always mean “safe” if you use the wrong approach at the wrong time on the wrong patient.
Other Related Links- https://brontehealth.com/how-naturopathic-medicine-supports-cancer-patients-through-treatment-and-recovery/
Health after cancer is very similar to prevention, but after the fact. Patients are often surprised by how much we can find out about their health and wellness, that they don’t “feel”. This includes acidity, toxicity, nutritional deficiencies, immune fatigue, altered microbiome, silent inflammation, hormone imbalance, and more. Based on their personal and family history, I will create a naturopathic wellness plan and a rotation of health testing, detoxes and supplements to preserve and prolong their optimum health for years to come.
We host Thermography Test Days several times a year in our Oakville clinic. These scans show areas of altered physiology, exaggerated circulation, and silent inflammation, which can be the precursors to cancer. Thermography is especially used to screen and monitor thyroid, breast,t and abdominal conditions. There is no pain, no pressure, and no radiation involved, so it’s a great choice for patients who have scar tissue or want to stay informed without increasing their radiation exposure.
Health after cancer isn’t just physical. As naturopathic doctors in Oakville, we define health as the optimum function of the body, mind, and spirit. The aftermath of cancer leaves many patients fearful of recurrence, traumatized, exhausted and financially strained. It can leave you in need of a whole Life Reset after getting a second chance in life. This can be overwhelming, but it can also be life-altering in positive ways. I love watching cancer survivors inspired with the courage to finally pursue their life purpose, make an impact on their community, participate in volunteer work, reconnect to their faith, and leave a legacy. THIS is the silver lining!
If you’re wondering about your health and wellness status or experiencing cancer, chronic or complex health issues, I’m happy to help.
We proudly support patients dealing with cancer in Oakville with expert, compassionate, and personalized care. If you or a loved one is facing cancer in Oakville, reach out to us—we’re here to help.
You can book an appointment at www.brontehealth.com, bnhc@rogers.com or 905-825-8787
