Dr. Mitchell Gaynor on Complementary/Integrative for Stage IV

[hutchibk]

This was sent around today to my local b/c yahoo support group... I thought it was very informative! Enjoy. Dr. Gaynor is Andi BB's nutritional oncologist, I think...

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Mitchell Gaynor, M.D. is founder and president of Gaynor Integrative Oncology and Asst. Clinical Professor of Medicine at Weill College, affiliated with Cornell University and New York Hospital. He has served on the Executive Review Panel at the Department of Defense – Alternative Medicine for Breast Cancer Sector and the Smithsonian Institute's Symposium on New Frontier in Breast Cancer and the Environment. He is a frequent speaker and lecturer at hospitals, conferences, and universities throughout America and abroad.

Dr. Gaynor has been listed consecutively in The Best Doctors in New York since 1997 and serves on the Board of Advisors for The Sass Foundation for Medical Research, The Center for Environmental Oncology at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and Healthy Living Magazine as well as the Editorial board at the Journal of Cancer Integrative Medicine. He is also the senior health advocate for the Carriage House Foundation. After receiving his medical degree from the University of Texas-Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, Texas, he was a clinical fellow in hematology-oncology at the New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center. He is a member of the American Society of Clinical of Oncology and the American College of Physicians.


Question:

What you think is the most important complementary/integrative component for someone who is dealing with my recent Stage IV breast cancer diagnosis?


Dr. Gaynor:

A diagnosis of metastasis breast cancer can initially be a frightening experience. Take advantage of several oncology opinions to make sure you are receiving the best medical treatment options available. In addition there are several things you can do for yourself:

1. Reduce stress - A 1998 study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute showed that women recovering from breast cancer surgery who had the most stress also had a significant decline in the parts of the immune system responsible for preventing a recurrence of cancer. Stress causes increased levels of a stress hormone called cortisol, produced by the adrenal glands, which interferes with proper immune function. Yoga, meditation, exercise and music therapy have all been found to reduce stress and enhance immune function.. I would encourage you to learn more about these on my website www.drgaynor.com.

2. Support your immune system with smart nutrition. Your immune system is dependent upon a variety of plant-based phytonutrients to function optimally. These include basic vitamins such as A, C and E as well as minerals like zinc and selenium. A major part of the immune system is located in the gut (GALT or gut associated lymphoid tissue) and thus a healthy digestive tract is critical. Consume probiotic bacteria in yogurt or supplement forms as well as foods that nourish these bacteria such as oat bran and flax meal. The probiotic bacteria such as acodophilus and lactobacillus support digestion and help keep GALT optimally functioning.

Bioflavonoids found in wheat germ blueberries and grapes are key for both immune system support and recovery.

Omega-3 fatty acids found in cold deep water fish and fish oil supplements are also important for immune function. Plant-based omega-3 fatty acids are found on flaxseed oil.

Two other nutrients important for both immunity and detoxification are alpha-lipoic acid and NAC (N-acetylcysteine) which keep our bodies supplied with glutathione. Glutathione is a key nutrient which can easily become depleted by toxic overload, inflammation and oxidative stress. Adequate intake of selenium, NAC, and alpha lipoic acid are essential to maintain glutathione levels.

3. Minimize inflammation as this depresses immunity. Natural anti-inflammatory nutrients are found in foods such as rosemary, green tea, curcumin, shitake mushroom and flaxseed. In addition avoid foods which promote inflammation such as alcohol, refined sugars, hydrogenated fats, and white flours.