The scariest three words you could ever face in your life are “you have cancer”. And yet, the American Cancer Society states that more than 1,762,450 people (cases) were expected to be diagnosed in 2019 in the US alone. In this episode Medical Oncologist, Dr. Dev Paul shares his professional perspectives on using integrative oncology practices to support cancer patients going through treatment and explores new cancer therapies.
There are no short cuts here. Studies have shown taking a pill is not the same thing as eating raw fruits and vegetables.
Dev Paul, DO, PhD, FACP
One of the things that stood out the most to me personally, was when Dr. Paul advised me to consume 4-5 servings of raw fruits and vegetables everyday. At this point, I had already been on a plant-based diet for two years. But when he said it like that, something clicked in my mind and I heard the message loud and clear.
I had recently completed a course in enzyme nutrition and his message clicked with me. Of course! It’s the enzymes! As a matter of fact, there is a whole theory about enzyme treatment for cancer (which is too much for me to espouse on here). As part of my practice, I test for and advise about enzymes to support various conditions. Click here to learn more.
My professional perspectives are, for a cancer survivor, it’s probably optimal to have more, 8-12, servings of plant-based foods each day, both raw and cooked. But diet is personal and with so many options touted as “the one” for cancer treatment, it is controversial too. And… it is not the only practice that may be beneficial, though it may be the most important one.
Dr. Paul shared his professional perspectives on other integrative therapies as well as new experimental therapies.
Here are some highlights from our conversation:
- 1:40 Dr. Paul’s medical background and how he made the decision to be a medical oncologist and specialize in breast cancer.
- 3:25 The importance of mindset.
- 5:12 Using exercise to prevent deconditioning and promote energy.
- 7:12 Using intermittent or short-term fasting during treatment.
- 11:07 Using integrative oncology practices like diet, psychotherapy, acupuncture, and stress reduction for support during treatment.
- 13:13 The importance of eating 4-5 servings of raw fruits and vegetables each day.
- 15:45 Should you use a multivitamin or other supplements?
- 18:17 Eating superfoods for support.
- 19:57 Addressing the controversy of using a ketogenic diet for cancer treatment and achieving a healthy weight.
- 27:50 New therapies in cancer treatment – CART, immuno-therapy, targeted therapies, and genetic testing of tumors.
- 34:00 Dr. Paul’s self-care routine.
- 35:33 The importance of and recommendations for sleep.
- 37:39 Radical Remission vs Exceptional Responders…
- 40:59 What Dr. Paul considers a life well-lived.
Links mentioned in today’s podcast:
- Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers
- American Cancer Society (statistics)
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