Improving The Odds; What Everyone Should Know About Cancer
By Dr. Heather Barrett
Cancer is something that most of us will face in one way or another. Statistics show that 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will develop cancer in their lifetime.1 My question for you today is this: If there was a way to reduce the risk of getting cancer or a way to reduce the risk of it coming back–would you want to know?
Maybe you or someone you love is currently undergoing cancer treatment. If there was a way to improve your quality of life and possibly even extend the time you have left with those you love–would you be interested?
I thought so! Well keep reading because there is a way! I’m so excited to share with you a medical approach that is improving the odds for my patients and helping them feel better! Let’s take a few minutes together to explore how and why integrative naturopathic medicine works and how you can improve your health.
We all know genetics play a role in our health and the likelihood of getting cancer. But are you aware of the negative impact your environment may be having on your health and that it can also increase the likelihood of getting cancer?
The risk of cancer increase every time you’re exposed to things such as pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, heavy metals, car exhaust, air pollution, and radiation. Life style toxins such as nicotine, alcohol, recreational drugs, OTC or prescription drugs, additives in personal hygiene products, make-up and lotions, and of course poor dietary choices. All of these have a negative impact on your health.
There are also persistent viral, bacteria, yeast and fungal infections. And let’s not forget to mention the toll that stress, unresolved trauma, and unhappy relationships have on the body.
Other health issues that can be factor in raising the risk of cancer are things like being prediabetic or having high cholesterol, having too little of the B vitamins or too little zinc. Too much copper and too little D can also raise your cancer risk. The list goes on and on and unfortunately we are all exposed to multiple risks every day. Over time, these risk factors are layered upon each other and compounded. Add to that your inherited genetics which may also put you at risk for cancer.
What We Do At Walnut Creek Naturopathic
When I talk to my patients about these things, I ask them to imagine their body as the soil for which either health and wellness abound or sickness and diseases, such as cancer, can grow. My goal is to help make that soil be as inhospitable to cancer as possible. And I start that process with my patients by looking at what I call “The Terrain 10” or the ten contributing factors.
Genetics & epigenetics
Blood sugar balance
Toxic burden
Microbiome & digestive function
Immune function
Inflammation
Blood circulation & angiogenesis
Hormone balance
Stress & biorhythms
Mental & emotional states
This is just the tip of the iceberg, an overview of our systematic and comprehensive approach to your health care. When you become a patient at Walnut Creek Naturopathic we discuss all these areas with you to help and support you so you can maximize your treatment. You will receive a fully customized integrative cancer care plan designed to meet your specific needs. For example, if you currently have cancer, my job is to target your terrain while your oncologist targets your cancer. And that’s the key for optimal care, working together with a holistic approach.
At Walnut Creek Naturopathic we work alongside your conventional treatment to help support you in achieving the best outcomes.
If you or someone you know currently has, or has had cancer, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I would love to work with you and start this journey of self-discovery and healing. And if you are interested in learning how to prevent cancer, I would be thrilled to help support you with that as well!
Yours in Health,
Dr. Heather Barrett
Additional Resources
https://www.walnutcreeknaturopathic.com/cancer-care
https://www.walnutcreeknaturopathic.com/home#testimonials
1. "'1 in 2 people will develop cancer in their lifetime'." 4 Feb. 2015, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/288916. Accessed 1 Feb. 2023.
