paisleydoc – Dr. Rose Paisley, ND

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Supporting Children Affected by Cancer with Naturopathic Medicine

October 22, 2014 / paisleydoc / 0 Comments

In recognition of Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month, here are latest statistics to come out of the American Cancer Institute [1]:

Childhood cancer is the leading cause of disease-related death among children and adolescents (ages 1 to 19 years) in the United States, although cancer among children is rare.
Survival rates for most childhood cancers vary widely across cancer types. Survival rates for some cancers have improved in recent years, and, overall, more than 80 percent of children and adolescents who are diagnosed with cancer live at least 5 years after their diagnosis. However, for some childhood cancer types, survival rates remain low.
Children and adolescents who have been treated for cancer need regular follow-up care for the rest of their lives because they are at risk of late side effects that can occur many years later, including second cancers.
The most common types of cancer diagnosed in children and adolescents are leukemia, brain and central nervous system, lymphoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, neuroblastoma, Wilms tumor, bone cancer, and germ cell tumors.

Recently, I spoke at a Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Conference on the implementation of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in Children with Cancer. In preparation for the lecture I re-evaluated the literature on both the demand for and the evidence to support the use of CAM in this population. The rising trend towards use continues, with up to 90% families looking beyond conventional medicine in the care of their children with cancer. [2] Only about 50% of them inform or disclose their use to their health care providers. [3] The majority of these patients are utilizing CAM therapies without the guidance of a trained professional. Unfortunately, while many of these therapies are safe standing alone, pharmacological medicines in conjunction with certain natural biological substances poses a potential risk for an interaction that could lead to toxicity and/or decreased efficacy of proven therapies. Now more than ever, it is vital that we create integrative health communities that communicate openly. Dialogue among practitioners creates an opportunity to learn and grow from one another’s others area of expertise as well as protect and empower our patients.

Why are patients using CAM?

According to current literature, patients turn to CAM to reduce side effects of the disease, reduce treatment related side effects, management of co morbidities, improve quality of life, improve immune system, and receive compassionate and holistic approach to their care. According to a recent publication, Asking the Experts: CAM and Cancer, “the field of oncology is often perceived as insufficient, particularly when it comes to what we call bed side manners, the way patients are dealt with, lack of empathy, lack of time and so forth—and alternative providers give all of that in high measure to our patients…” [4] Increasingly accepted, is the idea that CAM is a viable option for families looking beyond the limitations of conventional cancer care to optimize health and wellness.

Great strides have been made in pediatric oncology; currently there is upwards of an 80% 5-year survival rate for children with cancer. [1] However, many types of cancer such as gliomas are still very difficult to treat. In addition, cancer treatments pose significant risk for both short and long term side effects. The need for therapies that support these children, while increasing tolerance and efficacy of conventional therapies is undeniable. In naturopathic medicine, we may have the ability to do just that. It is well known that cancer survivors are at a significant risk for chronic diseases. In fact, a study found that almost half of childhood cancer survivors experience a serious or life-threatening condition or death between 5 and 30 years after diagnosis and that almost three-quarters develop at least one chronic condition. [5] Another study of adult survivors of childhood cancers found that by age 45, 96 percent of them had developed a chronic health condition and 81 percent had a severe or life-threatening condition. [6] The risk of developing a health condition increased over time. The preventative model rooted in naturopathic medicine is ideal for families looking to improve the quality of life and reduce the long-term risk for these children.

Speaking the Same Language

Currently, CAM is the commonly used term when it comes to implementing many of the tools that naturopathic physicians recommend. A preferred term by many oncologists and naturopathic physicians that specialize in oncology is that of integrative oncology. [7] Integrative oncology is an evidence-based approach to reducing symptoms and improving quality of life with non-pharmacologic therapies in conjunction with conventional cancer care. There is substantial value is this approach to childhood cancers. It can help patients complete treatments in a timely manor and maintain some health through their treatments. Naturopaths can support children with vitamins, herbs, hydrotherapy, homeopathy, and even IV therapies. Naturopathic medicine can also be helpful with choosing which foods to focus on during treatment, whether the child is having taste changes, nausea, or decreased appetite.

What is Naturopathic Oncology?

Naturopathic Physicians are medically trained physicians, offering many modalities focused on the prevention and treatment of disease. We have a four year post doctorate degree and are licensed to practice primary care in the state of Oregon. (licensure varies by state and exsists in 16 states). When a child is diagnosed with cancer, naturopathic physicians can help support their bodies, making them better able to cope with the mental, emotion and physical stress of both disease and treatment. Many of the modalities used can reduce side effects, support the immune system, reduce weight loss, and reduce fatigue. Naturopathic physicians can address neuropathy (numbness and tingling), hearing changes, mouth sores, xerostomia, weight loss, and radiation burns – currently conventional medicine has little to nothing [4] (as with cardio toxicity, ottotoxity and xerostomia) to offer in these situations.

Upon completion of treatment, during survivorship, naturopathic medicine can support the body in returning to optimal function. A naturopathic physician that specializes in oncology can help reduce the long-term side effects from treatment. Some of the long-term side effects can include immune deficiency, metabolic disease as with diabetes, heart and lung damage, thyroid dysfunction, and low red and white blood cell counts. For example, consider this staggering statistic: at diagnosis, 21% of children were overweight or obese. At the end of treatment and 5 years post-treatment, approximately 40% were overweight or obese. [8] This is an area where naturopathic oncology really shines, education and behavioral modification tools rooted in natural medicine can significantly reduce obesity and empower patients to live long, active, healthy lives.

Modalities:

Diet/Exercise •Nutritional Supplementation •Botanical Medicine
Homeopathy •Counseling •Hydrotherapy
Physical Medicine •Oriental/Ayurvedic Medicine •Pharmacology

While many of these modalities have been in practice for 100s to 1000s of years, more recent discoveries about cellular metabolism, epigenetics, phamacognacy and the like have led to new clinical applications. For example, with a greater understanding of the specific cellular demands of cancer cells, we are better able to explore possible nutritional approaches to reduce cancer cell viability. Years of research by Dr. Seyfried, of Boston College, has produced an increased interest in the use of a Ketogenic Diet for certain cancers and data is surfacing that supports a therapeutic potential in the treatment of cancer. Another area of interest is that of genetic SNIPs, or single nucleotide poly morphisims. The understanding of how genetic mutations effect human physiology have led physicians to explore how well a medicine will work, the potential for toxicity as well as the risk for development of cancer. In a recent article, the authors found that with the MTHFR mutation, patients with the 677T genotype had an approximately six-fold greater risk of developing hematological toxicity compared with wild-type carriers and have reduced disease-free survival compared with wild-type patients (67% vs. 100%). [9] What’s exciting is that the MTHFR mutation can be easily addressed with vitamin supplementation, lowering the risks associated with this SNIP.

The Future of Integrative Cancer Care in Children

We currently have a developing body of research to support and guide practitioners in the reasonable and safe use of integrative medicine in the setting of cancer. According to a recent article, clinicians should consider the role of CAM in the adoption of healthy lifestyles. [9] It is exciting to consider that – whether we are trying to reduce inflammation, lower IGF, or enhance naturally killer cells – children, with their epic vitality and resilience respond beautifully to naturopathic medicine. We have a growing body of evidence demonstrating safety with several non-pharmacological therapies. More research is, of course, needed to and as always, this begins by working from what we know from existing science and emerging studies in pediatric and adult populations, and extending that knowledge base into clinical practice.

Given the number of children and families that are affected by cancer, it is likely that you or someone you know is struggling with the myriad of challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis. If you are interested in finding a naturopath that can support a child with cancer, please call Dr. Rose.

National Cancer Institute, 2014
Bishop FL, et al, 2010 Apr;125(4)
Davis EL, et al, The Oncologist. 2012, 17:1475-1481
Miller, G et al Asking the experts: CAM and Cancer, Medscape, Sep, 02, 2014
Oeffinger KC, et al, Chronic health conditions in adult survivors of childhood cancer. New England Journal of Medicine. 2006;355(15)
Hudson MM, et al Clinical ascertainment of health outcomes among adults treated for childhood cancer. JAMA. 2013;309(22):2371–2381
Mythbusters: complementary and Alternative Treatments in Cancer, Sep 02, 2014
Zhang FF, et al, Predictor of being overweight or Obese in Survivors of ALL, Pedatric Blood cancers. 2014;6
D’angelo V, et al, Influence of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphisms on the outcome of pediatric patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma treated with high-dose methotrexate. Leuk lymph. 2013 Dec, 54 (12)

Pediatric Cancers

October 22, 2014 / paisleydoc / 0 Comments

Naturopathic medicine in pediatric oncology setting

Most current surveys suggest that up to 84% patients with childhood cancers seek (CAM) to reduce dose limiting side effects associated with cancer therapy, as adjuvant to conventional medications, improve quality of life, and provide support for coping with the diagnosis of cancer. Upwards of 50%-85% of these patients are under reporting the use of CAM. (Soo Yeon Kim. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013; 812054.) Families use CAM in conjunction with conventional therapies, with relatively few reports describing the use of CAM in lieu of conventional medicine. Parents and children use CAM for a variety of reasons including: “to try everything possible,” to reduce the stress of illness, improve quality of life, symptom management, and sometimes for a cure. Strides have been made over the past several years in demonstrating the safety and efficacy of several CAM therapies, however, there is still limited data regarding the use of CAM in combination with conventional cancer therapy among children with cancer.

Why CAM for survivors of childhood cancer?

As conventional medicine becomes increasingly effective at treating children with cancer, the challenges of survivorship have become a priority area for research. Studies have estimated that 60-70% of children will have at least one disability as a result of cancer therapy including fatigue, bone density, pain syndromes, and anxiety, and are at increased risk for heart disease, osteoporosis, infertility, and second malignancies (Oeffinger, CA Cancer J Clin 2004; 54:208-36). Survivors of childhood cancer report the use of CAM to reduce risk of relapse, cope with late effects from cancer therapy, or reduce their risk of developing a late effect.

We have yet to see the research investigating the efficacy of CAM among survivors of childhood cancer, however, CAM as a component of a healthy lifestyle may provide support to survivors in coping with many of the late effects of cancer therapy. Several studies demonstrate the safety and efficacy of CAM use for prevention and co-management of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, neurological developmental conditions and osteoporosis. Potential CAM therapies that may be of specific benefit to survivors of childhood cancer include nutritional counseling and some biological supplements as they may have a role in the survivor population. With many supplements there is less of a concern for interactions with conventional medications. Yoga and meditation, which may help with coping with the anxiety of cancer recurrence, disturbances in balance or gait, or as an aid to maintain a healthy weight and bones. Acupuncture may also provide relief to patients who are challenged with fatigue, recurrent pain, infertility or those experiencing disturbances in hormone balance.

Palliative care

Conventional therapy alone has not eliminated pain and suffering at the end of a child’s life. Providing optimal palliative care for children with advancing cancer may include the incorporation of CAM modalities into the care of the child suffering with unresponsive cancer. Massage, Reiki, and breathing techniques have shown to help comfort children with cancer at the end of life.

Childhood Obesity Myths and Facts

May 31, 2012 / paisleydoc / 0 Comments

More recently parents have been asking me to come to their homes, look in their cupboards, and teach them and their children how to eat. Usually they have just come from a well child exam and their doc said that their kid needs to loose 10 -20 lbs. I have noticed that many questions come up that need clarifying.

The take home message from busting the following myths is that obesity is primarily rooted in behavior and behaviors are developed, curbed and molded in the home.

Childhood obesity is clearly on the rise. In fact according to the CDC, Center for Disease Control, childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years. Approximately 15 to 20 percent of our children are overweight or obese. This epidemic has caused several myths to surface. Myths only distort understanding. Let’s clear some of these myths up so childhood obesity can be faced and dealt with.

Myth #1 – Soda causes childhood obesity

Soda alone doesn’t cause obesity. A child who drinks a lot of soda and also has poor eating habits may be obese. If that same child is also living a sedentary life and eating additional processed foods then obesity may be the result. However, soda alone does not cause obesity.

Myth #2 – Obesity is inherited and you can’t do anything about it

It is true that you tend to see obesity run in families. If a child is obese, chances are the parents are also obese or overweight. However, it is uncommon for genetics to cause obesity. Occasionally a child may be born with a hormonal imbalance that causes obesity, but that’s not the norm.

In most cases a parent has simply passed on their poor eating habits and inactive lifestyle to their children. Those two elements combine to cause obesity. Eat a healthy diet and get active and obesity can be reversed, even if the parents stay overweight. The best scenario, however, is that the entire family works together to change behaviors as a family.

Myth #3 Obese children are just lazy

Absolutely not. Obese children are the same as any other children. They love to play and be active. However, it is also very easy to be sedentary today. Video games, electronic devices and television all keep children indoors and on the couch. Children of all ages and sizes need to be motivated by the adults in their life to get outside and to move their bodies.

Obesity can be reversed. Children can learn to live a healthy and active lifestyle. They can grow up into strong and healthy adults. However, they need the help of the adults in their life. They need guidance, controls and limits. They may also need motivation from time to time.

Basic behavioral goals that I share with my patients an children:

5-9 vegetables and fruit each day
2 hours of screen time, or less, each day
1 hour of physical activity each day
sugar sweetened beverages each day

Childhood obesity doesn’t have to be a life sentence. In the majority of cases, the simple act of eating healthier foods and getting active can turn it around. Learn the myths and uncover the facts about childhood obesity. Help your child live a better life.

Food Rules/responses to kids requests:

Try 1 bite of everything and eat all of something
You can have seconds when your veggies and fruits are gone
If you want a snack there are fruit and veggies in the frig ready to grab, help yourself
If your thirsty, have water
Milk is a food not a beverage, drink water
Every meal including snacks should have a plant food and protein
Carbs are plants and are necessary for survival – stop saying “less carbs” start saying “less sugar”. Adopt a balanced diet that includes complex carbohydrates – whole plant food.
Read labels – avoid hydrogenated, dyes, HFCS, preservatives
Meat eggs and dairy should be pasture raised and/or organic – animal fats hold onto pesticides and hormones and they are then stored in your body… potential carcinogens and hormone manipulators.
Parents must practice what you preach…if we want our kids to read we must read, if we want them to sing we must sing, if we want them to exercise we must exercise.

Our kids may not act like it but we are there greatest source of influence and inspiration when they are young so instill good habits now.

“We must be the change that we want to see in the world.” Gandhi

10 Healthy Weight Loss Tips

January 27, 2012 / paisleydoc / 0 Comments

Eat small frequent meals – balance blood sugar and stimulate metabolism
Eat half of everything you order – reduce calories and don’t gorge yourself
Cook real food and eat with friends – celebrate the bounty the earth provides with people you love – eliminate processed food!
Use a blender – a smoothie with a high quality protein powder can serve as a great meal replacement – load it with veggies!
Rainbow on a plate – 5-9 veggies/day – accessorize with protein, fat and grains
Protein and fat with every meal – high quality (clean meat) and totally satisfying
WATER – DUH! Essential for normal cell function
Move your body – everyday – for fun!
Manage your stress with positive loving relationships – stress reduction equals better metabolism and less fat storage. Most people loose weight when they fall in love so all in love every day!
Change up your exercise routine every 12 weeks – the body is a master of adaptation and will naturally take the path of least resistance to conserve energy – it’s a survival mechanism. Therefore you need to be tricking it in to overdrive all the time. Studies have shown that 12 weeks is a good change over period.

School Lunches And A Passion For Change!

November 17, 2011 / paisleydoc / 0 Comments

I am fired up right now, how are you feeling about the nutrition in your kid’s school?

At my daughters school we have just launched a Health Committee that is dedicated to changing the way our children think about health and nutrition. As, parents (elders) it is our responsibility to pave the way for a bright future. As many Native Americans cultures see it, to paraphrase, we are borrowing the earth from our children’s children. While we cannot change the ways of the world that we grew up in we can certainly change that of our future.

I propose we start with nutrition, the food you choose has a tremendous impact on air quality, chemical usage and exposures, animal, plant and soil health, the future of disease and health care coast, community and tradition.

Our Mission: Provide a quality-learning atmosphere that empowers students through community and environmental health!

Currently, our nation’s children face some very serious health issues:

¼ of children ages 5 to 10 years show early warning signs for heart disease.
Type-2 diabetes can no longer be called “adult onset” because of rising rates in children under the age of 15.
Obesity rates have doubled in children in the last decade.
Diet quality is directly associated with academic performance.

Better school food must be provided to every school-age child. Whole foods and fresh fruits and vegetables are necessary to build and sustain healthy bodies and brains, which support strong physical and mental health. Unhealthy ingredients must be permanently removed from our schools and the daily diets of our children in order to reverse the damage already done. The resources spent treating chronic diseases strain our health care system and our pockets. We can pay now, or pay later.

Our little health committee plans to implement healthy food tips, activities, and events on a regular basis. Our first Health Fair was a huge success and we are thrilled to have the support of our community!

I ask you, what are you doing to improve your child’s nutrition?

Here are 5 steps that you can take immediately to support your child’s health and academic performance!

Pack your child’s lunch.
Eliminate high fructose corn syrup and hydrogenated fats and oils.
Serve 5-9 servings of fruits and veggies per day.
Pay attention to portions.
Model healthy eating and discuss choosing high quality food.

Winter Workouts – Tips to help you keep it up!

November 17, 2011 / paisleydoc / 0 Comments

You can stay fit, keep warm and support your mood all year long!

Just 20 minutes of physical activity a week boosts your mood, according to a 2009 British Journal of Sports Medicine study. Further studies have demonstrated that, 30 minutes of physical exercise 3-5x/week is more effective than anti-depressants.

Don’t let the winter blue and holiday foods get in your way of your hard work and momentum: Here are 7 tips to keep you safe and comfortable!

Dress Dry – Remember, cotton kills! Wear cloths that repel moisture not absorb it. Both sweat and rain need to stay off of your skin to avoid getting chilled.

Breath well – The cold air causes your airway to narrow which can be very difficult for anyone and worse for people with asthma. Try breathing through your nose to moisten and warm the air and/or breath through a scarf or bandana.

Sip don’t slug – Your body can only absorb a few ounces at a time, drink small amounts frequently to stay hydrated. You can get just as dehydrated in the cold as in the heat.

Warm up Warm down – Muscles are at a higher risk for injury when it is cold out so stretch and warm them before you start. Further, going from strenuous exercise to doing nothing is difficult for your heart – cooling down slowly is far less stressful and allows for elimination of exercise by products like lactic acid. You will feel less sore and strained tomorrow.

Protect your skin – Dry, cold air and winter sun equals dehydration and sunburn. Drink water regularly, moisturize after showers, eat high quality fats, and consider paraben free sunscreen to keep your skin soft and smooth.

Protect your extremities – tight cloths increase circulation and shoe covers trap heat.

Wear Bright cloths – It’s dark out there, so be seen!

Remember, it is never too late to Rest Naturally!

Dr. Rose Paisley, ND

Empowering Health and Wellness