Integrative – Dr Shawn

22/Feb/2025

The unexpected discovery of metformin, a diabetes drug, as a potential ally in the fight against cancer has truly opened my eyes to the ever-evolving landscape of integrative medicine. Metformin was once only a mainstay in managing diabetes. Now, it is being praised as a promising candidate in the integrative cancer treatment scene. Recent studies are showing a hopeful picture. They suggest that metformin can slow down the growth of prostate cancer cells and reduce the side effects of traditional cancer treatments. As a naturopath in Toronto, I am looking into the benefits of metformin as an integrative approach to improving patient results.

Understanding metformin’s role in cancer therapy

Metformin, a drug that’s been a cornerstone in the fight against diabetes, is now being looked at for its potential in cancer therapy. It’s a pretty exciting time, and the possibilities are both intriguing and promising. Originally used to help manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes, metformin has shown some surprising benefits when it comes to treating cancer. Recent research has suggested that metformin might have a big impact on prostate cancer. Some studies have found that metformin can slow the growth of prostate cancer cells, which has made people wonder if it could be a helpful addition to other cancer treatments.

The beauty of metformin’s potential as a cancer-fighter lies in its multi-faceted approach. It targets not just the cancer cells, but also the metabolic pathways and inflammation that make them grow. And here’s the kicker: it seems to play nice with traditional treatments like chemo and radiation, potentially making them more effective and less brutal on the body. This, my friends, could be a game-changer in how we approach cancer care.

Here in Toronto, and in many other cities, naturopaths are leading the charge in integrating metformin into holistic cancer care. They’re the ones exploring how this medication can work in tandem with traditional therapies, aiming for a more comprehensive approach to treatment. By weaving together the best of both worlds—conventional medicine and complementary therapies—they’re striving to offer patients a more personalized and effective strategy. The fact that these trends are emerging speaks volumes about the growing recognition of metformin’s potential to elevate treatment outcomes and patient well-being.

Research findings on metformin and prostate cancer

Recent studies have illuminated the therapeutic potential of metformin in the fight against prostate cancer, with results that could very well reshape how we approach treatment. In the lab, metformin has shown a remarkable ability to hinder the growth of prostate cancer cells. It does this by disrupting the metabolic processes that these cells need to multiply. By throwing a wrench in these metabolic workings, metformin could be a game-changer, slowing the advance of the disease and complementing standard treatments.

Then there are the clinical trials that echo these promising preclinical findings. They tell us that metformin might just be the game-changer we’ve been hoping for. Patients with prostate cancer who take metformin show a slower rate of disease progression when combined with standard treatments, like surgery or chemo.

The metformin and conventional treatments duo is a beacon of hope. It’s like metformin whispers to the cancer cells, “Hey, listen up,” making them more receptive to the big guns of chemo and radiation. This tag team of treatments not only excites oncologists but also offers a ray of hope for kinder, more effective therapies for those battling prostate cancer.

The integrative path I’ve chosen is one that many are embracing these days. It’s about combining the best of both worlds—conventional treatments with complementary therapies. Metformin is becoming more and more important in this whole-body approach.

Integrative approaches to enhancing treatment outcomes

I’ve found that using common treatments with metformin and other whole-body approaches can greatly improve the quality of life and survival rates for prostate cancer patients. Metformin, a well-known drug primarily used for diabetes, has shown promising results in complementing traditional cancer therapies. By enhancing the effectiveness of these treatments and reducing their side effects, metformin offers a valuable tool in the fight against prostate cancer. Clinical trials have demonstrated that metformin can slow cancer progression and improve survival rates, making it an attractive option for many patients.

Here in Toronto, naturopaths are pioneering the integration of metformin with lifestyle changes, offering a more comprehensive approach to prostate cancer care. They’re not just looking at the disease; they’re looking at the whole person, working closely with patients to develop personalized plans. Integrative oncologists are also supportive. They often suggest metformin to help cancer metabolism and inflammation, which are important factors in the disease’s progress. By focusing on these areas, integrative treatments aim to create a more holistic and effective approach to managing prostate cancer.

Next steps for prostate cancer patients considering metformin

If you’re pondering metformin’s role in your prostate cancer journey, the next steps are all about you—a thorough evaluation of your health and some sound medical advice. Properly licensed Naturopathic Doctors are pros at integrative medicine. These folks are the real deal—they look at your health from every angle, blending the best of both conventional and complementary therapies. They can help you figure out how metformin fits into your plan and make sure it’s in sync with your health goals.

When you sit down with your healthcare provider, it’s a must to go over the potential pros and cons of metformin. It’s been quite the star in studies, showing some real promise in the fight against cancer, especially prostate cancer. But, like with anything, there’s a flip side—some folks might experience tummy troubles, and in very rare cases, more serious stuff. Your healthcare provider is your go-to for weighing these factors and figuring out if metformin is the right call for you. The key? Keep those lines of communication open and honest.

Now, let’s talk about how integrating complementary treatments can up the ante on metformin’s effectiveness. I’m all for lifestyle changes, dietary tweaks, and natural supplements that play nice with my conventional treatments. A Naturopath can be a guiding light, helping you choose safe and effective complementary therapies. For instance, loading up on antioxidants and anti-inflammatory goodies through diet can be a game-changer, boosting the body’s cancer-fighting mojo and keeping metformin side effects at bay.

Keeping my finger on the pulse of the latest metformin-prostate cancer research and clinical trials has been pivotal. The medical world is in a constant state of evolution, and each new discovery can be a beacon of hope. By being informed and proactive, I’ve been able to make the best choices for my patients and aim for the most positive outcomes.

By incorporating these steps into your treatment journey, you can take a holistic and informed approach to managing prostate cancer. With the right guidance and a comprehensive treatment plan, you can navigate this challenging time with confidence and hope.

Talk with a Naturopathic Doctor

DoctorShawn

01/Apr/2024

In the complex realm of cancer care, the quest for effective treatments and supportive care modalities is relentless. But for an endeavor so vital, there’s an ongoing discourse that questions the conventional approach to oncology in North America. The discussion revolves around a seemingly overlooked corner of medical practice that has captivated the interest, if not the acceptance, of a growing number of patients and health enthusiasts – Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). This divergent model offers a spectrum of therapies, ranging from herbal remedies to meditation, and with the maturation of its applications worldwide, one cannot help but ask: why haven’t these benefits permeated the core of North American oncology?

Understanding Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)

CAM encompasses treatments and healing practices outside of mainstream healthcare. This includes traditional Chinese medicine, Naturopathy, Ayurveda, Chiropractic and more. The roots of CAM are diverse, spanning centuries and continents. In juxtaposition to the high-tech and pharmacologically dominant healthcare of North America, CAM often relies on natural materials and centuries-old practices. Yet, modern CAM therapies are integrated with a level of sophistication that is constantly evolving. In several parts of the world, such as in Asia and parts of Europe, CAM is not merely an eccentric affix but a fundamental component of healthcare delivery, recognized and regulated accordingly.

The Current Landscape of Oncology Care in North America

When it comes to cancer care, the North American healthcare system predominantly defaults to what is perceived as the gold standard – surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. These modalities have made significant strides in improving survival rates for many cancer types, but they often come with a spectrum of side effects that can challenge a patient’s day-to-day life. There’s a growing understanding that cancer care should not be solely about treating the disease but also about enhancing the quality of life during the patient’s cancer journey.

Why CAM is Not Widely Embraced in North American Oncology

The relative absence of CAM in conventional North American oncology practices can be attributed to a multitude of reasons. Historically, orthodox medicine has been on a conquest to institutionalize a more standardized approach with an emphasis on scientific rigour and evidence-based practice. This quest, while invaluable in ensuring the safety and efficacy of treatments, has been somewhat exclusionary towards CAM, which often lacks the same level of randomized controlled trials and mechanistic understanding that typifies traditional Western medicine. Regulatory barriers also play a significant role, with CAM products and practices typically falling outside the purview of the FDA and similar regulatory bodies, leading to concerns about safety and efficacy.

The Potential Benefits of Integrating CAM with Conventional Oncology

Despite the barriers, there is a burgeoning body of evidence that suggests certain CAM modalities could play a supportive role in cancer care. These can include managing treatment side effects, addressing mental health concerns, improving well-being, and possibly even influencing the efficacy of conventional treatments. For example, acupuncture has shown promise in alleviating chemotherapy-induced nausea, while yoga and meditation can aid in reducing stress and anxiety, which are often elevated in cancer patients.

Learn more about integrative cancer care HERE

Overcoming Barriers to Integration

Moving towards a more integrated model of oncology is not without its hurdles, but progress can be made with a holistic approach. This would require bridging the knowledge and practice of CAM with that of conventional oncology, fostering open communication channels, and galvanizing collaborative efforts. Legislative and educational reforms could serve to demystify CAM, addressing patient safety and ensuring well-informed decision-making. Increased funding for research into CAM’s applications in oncology is also crucial, to solidify a scientific foundation on which to build integrative care models.

Patient Empowerment and Informed Decision Making

In an era where patient autonomy and shared decision-making are increasingly valued, information is key. It’s essential that patients are equipped with resources to understand the potential benefits and risks of CAM, should they choose to explore such avenues in their cancer care. A harmonious dialogue with healthcare providers, who are often the gatekeepers to medical options, can enhance patient empowerment and personalize the healing process.

Conclusion

The integration of CAM with conventional oncology care presents an opportunity to elevate the standard of cancer care in North America. While the path to such integration may be fraught with challenges, the end goal – to provide comprehensive, patient-centred care that optimizes health and well-being – is one that should merit collective exploration. By fostering a culture of openness, rigorous inquiry, and patient-centric care, we can aspire to a healthcare landscape that respects tradition while leveraging innovation to its fullest.

It’s time to ask bold questions and seek innovative solutions that accommodate the shifting perspectives and needs of those we serve. North America has the expertise and the will to innovate in its approach to health care. By working to integrate CAM with conventional oncology, we stand to better serve and support the individuals and families facing cancer, not only with the arsenal of modern medicine but with all the tools that history and culture have bequeathed.

Check out more articles on integrative approaches to cancer

DoctorShawn

18/Apr/2018

A Naturopathic Doctor can play an important role in managing CMT through dietary counseling, specialized testing and by offering relevant integrative therapies.

CMT is a hereditary disorder affecting the motor and sensory nerves. It’s characterized by progressive loss of muscle tissue and sensation in various parts of the body. Currently CMT is incurable and is the most common inherited neurological disorder and affects approximately 1 in 2,500 people.

In terms of managing CMT, by far the most important goal is to maintain movement, muscle strength and flexibility. Often overlooked is the role diet, pain management and antispasmodics can play in CMT. Having a naturopathic doctor familiar with neurological conditions can be a valuable part of a healthcare team.

Sugar

Although sugar is sweet and delicious, at high concentrations it can become a poison for the nervous system. Uncontrolled blood sugar, including diabetes, will exacerbate nerve damage and peripheral neuropathy in CMT. A naturopathic doctor can test blood sugar in order to determine if it poses a risk. Dietary counseling, such as education around glycemic index and glycemic load, can help balance blood sugar levels. There are also effective strategies that can boost insulin sensitivity thus lowering blood sugar. These include; low impact exercise and supplements like chromium, berberine, agaricus mushroom, american ginseng, and vitamin B3.

Diet

A diet rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds can greatly improve neuromotor and locomotor performance. Curcumin and vitamin C are two natural compounds that have been and are currently being investigated as potential therapeutic agents for CMT. One study demonstrated a decrease in neuron death and an increase in size and number of nerve sheath cells after administration of curcumin. Intermittent fasting is a diet strategy that promotes a 16 hour fasting period each day and has been shown to improve locomotor functioning in CMT patients after 5-months.

Nerve Pain

Nerve pain and neuropathy can be addressed through a few different approaches. Application of topical counterirritants such as capsaicin and menthol can work by overriding pain signals. Peripheral pain blockers work by re-routing pain signals locally at the source of the pain. Effective peripheral pain blockers include: acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, moxabustion and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). Central pain blockers block or override pain signals where they are interpreted, in the brain. Central pain blockers include cannabis, wild lettuce and california poppy.

Cramps and Spasms

There are many effective integrative therapies for cramps and muscle spasms. These therapies work by balancing electrical conduction at the muscle and stimulating inhibitory neurotransmitters. Some of the most effective therapies are: magnesium, acupuncture, GABA, valerian, cramp bark, skullcap, passionflower and cannabis.

Nerve-Protection

One of the largest areas a naturopathic doctor can serve as a crucial part of the integrative healthcare team is in offering strategies to prevent further nerve damage, and in some cases reversing existing nerve damage. Neuroprotectants generally belong to two main categories: antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. Neuroprotectant antioxidants include: alpha lipoic acid, glutathione, resveratrol, EGCG, flavonoids, Co-Q10, CBD and THC. Anti-inflammatory strategies include testing for food sensitivities, hormone levels and environmental toxins. Anti-inflammatory supplements include Omega 3 fatty acids, curcumin, boswelia, and CBD.

How Metformin Could Be a Game-Changer for Prostate Cancer Patients