Functional Medicine in Cancer Care

Unlocking Better Health Through Gut Testing (Episode 23)

The podcast reviews Dr. Brian Lawenda's article on the crucial role of gut health in overall well-being, arguing that imbalances like dysbiosis and leaky gut significantly impact energy, mood, and immunity, often manifesting as subtle symptoms. He highlights the importance of stool testing to identify these hidden issues early, even in seemingly healthy individuals. The article details how stress negatively affects gut health and proposes solutions such as probiotics, prebiotics, and stress management techniques to restore gut balance. A case study illustrates how a seemingly healthy patient, upon testing, revealed significant underlying gut problems. Ultimately, the article advocates for proactive gut health monitoring through stool testing to prevent the development of chronic conditions.

Forever Chemicals: A Toxic Threat to Human Health (Episode 22)

This podcast discussed Dr. Brian Lawenda's article on the pervasive presence and severe health risks associated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as "forever chemicals." These man-made chemicals are highly persistent in the environment and the human body, accumulating over time and causing a wide range of health problems, including cancers, immune system dysfunction, and hormonal imbalances. Dr. Lawenda's article details how PFAS contaminate various products and water sources, stressing the urgent need for increased awareness, testing, and preventative measures. It also explores functional medicine approaches to address the health impacts of PFAS exposure. Finally, he offers practical steps individuals can take to minimize their exposure and support their body's detoxification processes.

Semaglutide & Tirzepatide For Cancer Prevention (Episode 21)

This podcast reviews Dr. Brian Lawenda's article examining semaglutide and tirzepatide, medications for insulin resistance and obesity and their role in cancer prevention. The podcast details the mechanisms of these drugs, focusing on their potent appetite-suppressing effects and resultant weight loss. It emphasizes the importance of comprehensive monitoring, including DEXA scans, to track body composition changes and prevent muscle loss. Lifestyle modifications, such as resistance training and high-protein diets, are presented as crucial components for optimal results. Finally, the podcast highlights the potential of these medications to reduce cancer risk by improving metabolic health and reducing inflammation.

Blood Sugar, Insulin Resistance, and Cancer (Episode 20)

Dr. Brian Lawenda's article argues that cancer is a metabolic disease fueled by high blood sugar and insulin resistance. He explains the Warburg Effect, where cancer cells preferentially use glucose for energy, and how insulin resistance, often undiagnosed, creates a perfect environment for cancer growth. The article emphasizes the importance of achieving optimal metabolic health, including maintaining low blood sugar levels, which can be monitored using Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs). Lawenda details lifestyle changes, such as diet, exercise, and stress management, to reverse insulin resistance and reduce cancer risk. Ultimately, the piece stresses proactive health choices to prevent cancer development.

The Testosterone Crisis: Diagnosis and Treatment (Episode 19)

Dr. Brian Lawenda (through podcasters) examines the significant decline in testosterone levels among men today compared to the 1980s. This decrease is attributed to poor diet, sedentary lifestyles, environmental toxins, stress, and insufficient sleep. The podcasters highlight the health consequences of low testosterone, including increased risks of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. It emphasizes the importance of measuring free testosterone, not just total testosterone, for an accurate assessment of hormonal health. Finally, they discuss various medical interventions for low testosterone, including testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and other options, along with lifestyle changes that can improve testosterone levels.

Mycotoxins: Invisible Saboteurs of Health (Episode 18)

Mycotoxins, toxic compounds produced by mold, pose a significant health risk often overlooked because they are invisible and pervasive. These toxins impact nearly every organ system, exacerbating chronic conditions and increasing cancer risk. Testing for mycotoxins in both individuals and their environments is crucial for diagnosis and remediation, as early identification is vital to prevent long-term health consequences. Ignoring mycotoxin exposure can lead to years of suffering from unexplained symptoms and worsening illnesses.

Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women (Episode 17)

Dr. Lawenda advocates for hormone replacement therapy (HRT), emphasizing its benefits beyond menopause symptom relief. The podcasters discuss his FaceBook post that highlights the early onset of hormonal changes in women's 30s and 40s, advocating for early intervention via targeted testing and personalized HRT. He details various FDA-approved and compounded HRT options, including estrogen and progesterone therapies, addressing the Women's Health Initiative controversy and emphasizing the importance of timing and individual needs. Finally, he discusses testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for women and outlines contraindications for HRT.

Wine, Cancer, and Health: A Complex Relationship (Episode 16)

Several studies explore the relationship between moderate wine consumption and cancer risk, challenging the conventional view that all alcohol is carcinogenic. A large meta-analysis suggests moderate wine intake, particularly red wine, may not increase cancer risk and might even reduce it for certain cancers due to its unique bioactive compounds like resveratrol. Other research supports beneficial effects of moderate red wine consumption on various health outcomes, including mortality and dementia. We also discuss the Dietary Guildelines for Americans (DGA) 2025 on the health impacts of alcohol and the potential biases in the included studies. The overall consensus indicates the need for a nuanced approach, acknowledging both potential benefits and risks depending on consumption levels and individual factors.

Complementary Cancer Care: A Systems-Based Approach (Episode 15)

Dr. Brian Lawenda describes a complementary cancer care approach integrating functional medicine, lifestyle modifications, and metabolic therapies. This system targets multiple cancer-promoting factors, including metabolic dysregulation, inflammation, immune deficiencies, toxic burden, hormonal imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, and gut dysbiosis. The approach uses biomarker testing to personalize interventions, aiming to create a less favorable environment for tumor growth. It complements, not replaces, traditional cancer treatments, offering patients evidence-based tools to improve their overall biological terrain. The goal is to optimize patient outcomes by addressing interconnected pathways driving cancer.

Micronutrient Testing: Why Everyone Should Get This Done (Episode 14)

Dr. Brian Lawenda advocates for micronutrient testing to detect silent deficiencies and imbalances that increase the risk of cancer, accelerate aging, and weaken immunity. He highlights common deficiencies like low antioxidants, B vitamins, and minerals, emphasizing that these often go unnoticed despite seemingly healthy lifestyles. He stresses the long-term health consequences of these imbalances and proposes personalized solutions through targeted supplementation and dietary changes based on test results, promoting proactive healthcare. Ultimately, he promotes early intervention through testing to improve overall health and longevity.