According to data provided by the American Cancer Society, it is estimated that almost 105,000 Americans will be diagnosed with colon cancer in 2020. The colon, or large intestine, is the final part of the digestive tract. Tumors of the colon develop gradually from abnormal collections of cells that produce polyps. These are typically “silent,” meaning a person has no idea that anything is amiss. This is why colonoscopies are recommended starting at age 50, or earlier if there is a family hist...
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Naturopathic Oncology
Genetics Aren’t Destiny When it Comes to Cancer
We have made great strides over the last few decades when it comes to identifying the genetic mutations associated with different cancers. Genetic counseling is now available to anyone with a family history of multiple cancer types, early onset of illness, a rare cancer type, or a generational pattern of one particular cancer. Most insurances will cover this test if individuals meet high-risk criteria, and many labs offer financial assistance to those with a demonstrated need (we work with seve...
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Gut Health – a major player in all disease
A shockingly large number of Americans struggle with poor gut health: heartburn, stomach pain, gas, bloating, constipation, or loose stool. This is a common thread we see with our cancer patients.
For many, these problems have been so chronic as to seem normal. However, these symptoms are indicative of ongoing inflammation. As our patients know inflammation is the cause of all disease, our job is to figure out the cause. This gut inflammation leads to the destruction of the gut lining and ...
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Melatonin and Coronavirus
A number of studies indicate that melatonin may be useful for preventing and mitigating infection by the novel coronavirus that is currently terrorizing the world. The reason for this is melatonin indirectly regulates ACE2 receptors, which are the same receptors that the virus uses to get into the host cell. Think of ACE2 receptor as the lock in the door and Covid-19 as the key that opens door to get into your cells. The respiratory system is abundant in this particular receptor which is why th...
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Dr. Bye Receives Award for Complementary Cancer Care
We are thrilled to share the following news...
Dr. Cynthia Bye, Medical Director of Journey to Wellness Clinic, has just received the President’s Award from the Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians (OncANP) for her contributions to Naturopathic Oncology, including a transition plan for Naturopathic physicians who plan to retire, and mentorship of new doctors.
OncANP is a national association founded to advance the philosophy, science and practice of Naturopathic Medicine in ...
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The three-phased approach to complementary cancer care
My three-phased approach to a healthy garden (also a great way to understand complementary cancer care).
Phase 1 - Identify factors that allowed cancer to grow in the first place.
Cancer is a multifactorial disease. I see some common threads. I liken the body to a garden and cancer cells as weeds in the garden. We are all making some weeds every day; the question is, why is the garden letting the weeds take over to form tumors? At Journey to Wellness, we treat the multiple facto...
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