Functional Oncology Nutrition Services

Functional Oncology Nutrition:

We are a team of Oncology Nutrition Consultants™ who support individuals going through cancer treatment by helping improve their quality of life and complementing their medical care.

Our approach involves creating a personalized plan that includes diet, lifestyle, environment, and supplement adjustments. We regularly update this plan based on each person's needs and progress.

This method is based on scientific evidence showing that macro and micronutrients are essential for the body’s biochemical processes. Without proper nutrition, the body’s natural systems may become weaker. Additionally, plant-based compounds (phytochemicals) may offer potential health benefits.

We work alongside physicians and practitioners trained by experts like Dr. Nasha Winters, ND, FABNO, The Metabolic Institute of Health, and conventional oncology teams to address the underlying factors influencing the cancer process, not just the symptoms.

Our goal is to help achieve greater stability, improve quality of life, and support well-being by using food, making strategic changes to lifestyle and environment, and caring for the whole person—mind, body, and soul.

Recognize Bio-individuality

Everyone is different, with unique genetics, life experiences, lifestyles, health histories, and food preferences. Because of this, it's essential to assess all these factors to create a personalized plan that works for each individual.

We consider your genetics, current health, motivation, and lab results to develop customized recommendations. This plan adapts over time based on how your body responds to treatments and therapies.

Emphasize Nutrient-Dense, High-Quality, Whole-Foods

The best foods for your body are minimally processed and rich in nutrients. These include organic fruits, vegetables, and sustainably raised animals. We emphasize foods known for their health benefits, such as cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli), allium foods (like garlic and onions), and sources of omega-3 fats, such as flaxseed and wild-caught seafood.

Prioritize Low Glycemic and Genetically Recognizable Foods

We prioritize foods that don't cause big spikes in blood sugar and insulin. Key components are foods that are low in sugar, rich in nutrients, and high in fiber—especially vegetables and fresh herbs.

Ketogenic Metabolic Therapies

New research suggests that ketogenic metabolic therapy (KMT) may help limit the glucose that tumor cells need to grow while increasing ketones, which can serve as an alternative energy source for the body. This approach is still being studied, and some experts believe it may work best when combined with strategies to target other nutrients like glutamine. (1)

We stay up-to-date with this evolving research and consider it when tailoring personalized plans based on each individual's unique case and data.

The Metabolic Terrain Institute of Health's curated research library is an excellent resource for understanding the literature on this topic.

Optimize Omega-3 to 6 Ratio

One key focus is to limit the intake of omega-6 fats, commonly found in oils like vegetable, canola, sunflower, soybean, and corn oil. These fats can contribute to inflammation linked to various health issues. Instead, we prioritize increasing omega-3 fats from fish and flax, which may support overall health.

Utilize a Systems-Based Approach

We comprehensively examine multiple factors to create a balanced plan. This includes your diet, lifestyle, environment, and medical history to identify areas where changes could be beneficial.

The areas we evaluate include:

• Genetic factors and how your body responds to nutrition
• Digestive health and the balance of gut bacteria
• Current eating habits
• Immune system function
• Hormonal balance
• Blood sugar levels
• Exposure to environmental toxins and the body’s ability to detox
• Inflammation levels
• Oxidative stress (how well the body handles free radicals)
• Stress levels and coping strategies

Each area helps us create a personalized approach to support your overall well-being.

Oncology Nutrition Consulting is not medical nutrition therapy. It is not intended as a diagnosis, treatment, prescription, or cure for any disease, diagnosis, or medical condition or as a substitute for regular medical care.

Cancer Treatment Approach:

We do not provide cancer treatment advice as we are not licensed physicians. However, we focus on a holistic, personalized approach that considers all aspects of the individual—physical, mental, emotional, and environmental. This method uses a variety of strategies, including diet, lifestyle changes, physical activities, and supplements, alongside traditional treatments, to help promote overall well-being.

We strongly encourage clients to work with a practitioner who understands Integrative Metabolic Oncology, is certified in the Metabolic Approach to Cancer (MATC), and is trained by Dr. Nasha Winters.

If you sign up with us, we can help review your information and suggest an MATC-trained doctor suited to your needs. This physician can provide alternative treatment recommendations, focusing on protecting your healthy cells and enhancing your quality of life while complementing conventional cancer therapies.

Integrative Practitioner Directories

Global Preferred Directories:

Physicians trained in integrative metabolic oncology by Dr. Nasha Winters, ND, FABNO, are our preferred recommendation for all clients. These are the doctors we work alongside most closely and highly recommend. They operate from a test, assess, address approach, utilizing a whole stack of data gathered about their patients. They create custom treatment plans using all the tools available from all toolboxes.

• Metabolic Terrain Institute of Health Metabolic Approach to Cancer Practitioners trained by Dr. Nasha Winters, ND, FABNO
  • **Ensure that the practitioner you choose has one of the following credentials: ND, NMD, DO, MD, PA, NP
• Believe Big Integrative Practitioner Directory
• The Moss Report Doctors and Clinics Map

United States:

• OncANP Directory of Fellows by the American Board of Naturopathic Oncology (FABNO) Physicians
• Knowledge in Integrative Oncology Website Provider Network
• Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) Physician Directory
• American Association of Naturopathic Physicians

International:

• Australian Naturopathic Practitioners Association
• Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors
• UK Accredited Registers

Adjunct to Cancer Treatment:

Functional oncology nutrition consulting, including ketogenic metabolic therapies, are adjunct therapies and should never be used without a comprehensive treatment program supervised by a licensed medical oncologist.

We support those who are committed to making changes to their internal and external environments while facing all of the following circumstances:

• Complementing the medical standard of care (“SOC”) for those:
  • Undergoing current treatment
  • Progression in treatment
  • Completion of treatment
  • Recurrence after treatment
• Alternative to the medical standard of care:
  • Opt out of standard of care
  • Standard of care has failed them
• Support the goal of cancer prevention

TEST, ASSESS, ADDRESS - NEVER GUESS

Everyone is different, and so should their diet! We use specific information to tailor your nutrition, environment, and lifestyle recommendations to fit your unique needs.

Nutrigenomics Precision Nutrition

Nutrigenomics examines how food affects genes. We use reports from companies like Nutrition Genome or 3x4 Genetics to see how your body processes different fats, sugars, and proteins. This information helps us create a nutrition plan that's right for you.

These reports also show how your body handles stress, toxins, and potential DNA damage. With this information, we can design a stress management, exercise, and lifestyle plan that suits your body’s needs and sensitivities.

Metabolomics

Metabolomics is the study of the chemical processes in your body. These processes produce small chemicals called metabolites, essential for your cells' health. Since everyone’s chemical reactions are unique, it's a good idea to involve a Metabolic Terrain Institute of Health specialist to review your treatment plan. This ensures a personalized approach to your cancer treatment. (2)

Full Blood Chemistry:

Monthly blood tests (or less often for stable cases) are vital to track your progress. Ask your general doctor to test blood markers regularly. Details about your health and family history should help cover the costs with insurance.

If your doctor is unwilling to order these tests, consider inquiring with a new doctor. Remember, your doctor works for you. Sometimes, you might need to pay out-of-pocket for these tests, ranging from $160 to $700.

Complete Blood Panel Markers (FASTING!):

• CBC with Differential (Complete Blood Count)
• CMP (Complete Metabolic Panel) with Chem 20
• LDH (Lactate dehydrogenase)
• hs-CRP (High Sensitivity CRP)
• Sedimentation rate (ESR)
• Ferritin
• Vitamin D3: 25-OH (D3)- Total
• AM Cortisol
• Fasting Insulin
• IGF-1 (Insulin Growth Factor Number 1)
• HbA1C (hemoglobin A1c)
• HOMA-IR
• C-Peptide
• Complete Thyroid Panel
• Complete Lipid Panel
• Lipoprotein (a)
• Uric Acid
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEG-F)
• Copper
• Ceruloplasmin
• Fibrinogen
• Homocysteine
• Retinol (Vitamin A)
• Iodine
• Carnitine
• Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT)
• D-Dimer
• Galectin-3
• G6PD

Self-Testing at Home:

We will also ask you to regularly track your food in an online diet diary and use a glucometer to test your blood glucose and ketone levels at home.

• Blood Glucose & Ketone Testing – KetoMojo
• Continuous Glucose Monitoring
• Diet Diary & Food Logging - Cronometer

Functional Testing:

Additional testing may be recommended depending on what is seen in the blood chemistry, DNA, and health history.

• Microbiome: Diagnostic Solutions GI-Map
• Hormones: Precision Analytical DUTCH
• Mold & Mycotoxins: Mosaic Diagnostics MycoTOX
• Mitochondrial Function: Mosaic Diagnostics Organic Acids
• Heavy Metals: Quicksilver Blood Metals & Tri-Mercury
• Environmental Toxins: Mosaic Diagnostics GPL-TOX & Glyphosate

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References:

1. Winter SF, Loebel F, Dietrich J. Role of ketogenic metabolic therapy in malignant glioma: A systematic review. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol. 2017;112:41-58. doi:10.1016/j.critrevonc.2017.02.016
2. Chen Y, Li EM, Xu LY. Guide to Metabolomics Analysis: A Bioinformatics Workflow. Metabolites. 2022 Apr 15;12(4):357. doi: 10.3390/metabo12040357. PMID: 35448542; PMCID: PMC9032224.