Dr. Joel Guillemin, ND

17/09/2021

19/07/2021

Our body has an innate feature that prevents cancer tumours from metastasizing to other areas of the body. This is done through the production of T cells (a component of our immune system) that targets the cancer cell and destroys it.


However, there is a paradox at hand that includes the following:
- Immune cells (more specifically our T cells) target and destroy cancer cells
- The lymph nodes are home to our immune cells
- Tumour cells commonly metastasize via infiltration through the lymph nodes
So therein lies the question; how do cancer cells use our lymph nodes to spread and avoid the destruction by the lymph nodes resident T cells?
Researchers have found an interesting mechanism that may explain this. When physical pressure is added to the lymph node, the ability for T cells to enter the node becomes reduced. Therefore, when cancer cells move into the node and cause it to swell (thus exerting additional pressure) the ability for our immune’s T cells to enter and target the cancer is lessoned, allowing the cancer to move to other sites within the body.


High blood pressure has been linked to increased tissue pressure seen in the lymph nodes. Incorporating strategies that reduce blood pressure was shown to increase T cell movement within the lymph node.
So there we have it - another connection between high blood pressure and metastatic cancer.
And what’s great is reducing blood pressure can be accomplished by many different approaches, starting with modifiable risk factors such as diet and exercise!

16/06/2021

DHA: an omega-3 fatty acid has been shown to play a role in regulating inflammation, promoting brain/cognitive function, and maintaining good vision. In addition, DHA has been widely used in an adjunctive approach to cancer treatments!
In the below study, DHA is reported to reduce the severity and incidence of cancer.
"Researchers found that certain fatty acids stimulated the tumor cells while others killed them; DHA literally poisons them."
"[DHA] acts on tumor cells via a phenomenon called ferroptosis, a type of cell death linked to the peroxidation of certain fatty acids.
"... in the presence of a large amount of DHA, the tumor cell is overwhelmed and cannot store the DHA, which oxidizes and leads to cell death"
"[Researchers] also administered a DHA-enriched diet to mice with tumors. The result: tumor development was significantly slowed compared to that in mice on a conventional diet."
"This UCLouvain study shows the value of DHA in fighting cancer. 'For an adult,' the UCLouvain researchers stated, 'it's recommended to consume at least 250 mg of DHA per day. But studies show that our diet provides on average only 50 to 100 mg per day. This is well below the minimum recommended intake.'"

So-called "good fatty acids" are essential for human health. Among the Omega-3 fatty acids, DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid, is crucial to brain function, vision and the regulation of inflammatory phenomena.

21/04/2021

A recent systematic review evaluated 17 studies assessing the relationship between mushroom consumption and cancer risk.
Researchers concluded that "individuals who ate 18 grams of mushrooms daily had a 45% lower risk of cancer compared to those who did not eat mushrooms".
The cancer protective effects are largely a result of ergothioneine, an amino acid found in high levels in a variety of mushrooms. Further studies have found that ergothioneine acts as a potent anti-oxidant and protects the cell from damage.

16/04/2021

Cancer pain management;
Exercise, meditation, vitamin D adequacy, acupuncture; just a few recommendations that can be applied to all cases.
However, there's "no one approach treats all" when it comes to pain associated with cancer. So it's important to consider developing an individualized therapeutic plan that safely works alongside chemo, radiation and/or surgery, while also reducing the negative side effects that may be experienced.

LINDSAY ADRIAN, ND, FABNO  Over half of people with cancer will experience moderate to severe pain, with some estimates as high as 2/3 of cancer patients.1 Many patients’ pain will not be managed appropriately, leading to impaired sleep, mood changes, fatigue, and other significant impacts on...

13/04/2021

IP6 (inositol hexaphosphate) - a vitamin like molecule produced by the body - research has identified its potential role in treating paediatric brain cancer.
A new 2021 study reported the following (continue scrolling down for Dr. Guillemin’s key points analysis from the study):
“Deregulation of chromatin modifiers plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of medulloblastoma, the most common paediatric malignant brain tumour. Here, we identify a BMI1-dependent sensitivity to deregulation of inositol metabolism in a proportion of medulloblastoma. We demonstrate mTOR pathway activation and metabolic adaptation specifically in medulloblastoma of the molecular subgroup G4 characterised by a BMI1High; CHD7Low signature and show this can be counteracted by IP6 treatment. Finally, we demonstrate that IP6 synergises with cisplatin to enhance its cytotoxicity in vitro and extends survival in a pre-clinical BMI1High;CHD7Low xenograft model.”
KEY POINTS:
👉 The most common type of malignant brain tumour in children (medulloblastoma), has a 70 percent survival rate in those with no malignant spread. However, recurrent tumors have a very poor prognosis.
👉 Study found that within the most common & fatal subgroup of medulloblastoma, changes in energy metabolism were observed along with a reduction in inositol, promoting aggressive cell growth.
👉 Treating with IP6 appears to reverse this irregular metabolism and cell growth.
👉 Using IP6 alongside cisplatin, a common chemotherapeutic agent, increases its cytotoxic potential towards the cancer cell.
ADDITIONAL POINTS OF INTEREST:
👉 IP6, or phytic acid, may be found naturally in nuts, seeds, grain husks and legumes.
👉 IP6 may reduce the the bioavailability of other minerals, thus reducing the absorption of nutrients such as zinc, calcium, iron, etc.
👉 Prior to supplementing with IP6, be sure to consult with your health care provider if you are on any of the above agents or if you have a risk of nutrient deficiencies.

30/03/2021

High blood pressure, Diabetes, Obesity;
The research is fairly conclusive that dietary changes offer immense benefits in correcting these chronic diseases related to metabolic syndrome.
Good News! Another piece of research can now be added to our therapeutic approach;
👉 Fasting!! 👈
New research shows that prior to starting a dietary intervention (Mediterranean diet), an individual who undergoes a brief period of fasting experiences greater effects in resolving blood pressure, weight, and metabolic markers. Furthermore, these findings also appeared to be sustained for longer periods of time.
These physiologic changes that occur during fasting seem to be primarily linked in alterations to our gut microbiome. As such, these alterations to a gut bacteria "set point" put the individual in a state where changes in diet are more effective.
Have more questions about fasting and the Mediterranean diet? Please reach out!

15/01/2021

Is screen use and bright lights in the evening affecting your ability to lose weight?
Here’s what we know:
👉 Blue wavelengths found in bright lights have unique features and interesting effects on the body. On one hand, blue light boosts attention, increases reaction time and can improve mood state.
👉 However, blue light waves at night have also been shown to increase insulin resistance, impair sleep schedules and increase the risk of obesity.
👉 Over the past 5-10 years, research has continued to point to these health risks associated with bright lights in the evening as a result of screen use and irregular sleep habits.
👉 Research has found a potential correlation between blue light in the evening and the development of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
👉 Artificial light at night may contribute to weight gain through insulin resistance and hormonal irregularities. In addition, artificial light will stimulate the production of our hunger hormones thus making late night snacking more likely.

In conclusion, there is absolutely a correlation between night time lights and weight management. This does not necessarily mean that by eliminating phones, television and bright lights in the evening, one will instantly begin losing weight. However, if you are exposed to bright lights at night, weight loss will become very challenging.
If you are attempting to manage weight and health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, eliminating the use of screens in the evening will increase your chances at being successful!

08/01/2021

Biotin, dementia, and brain health - what we need to know:
✅ biotin, a member of the B family of vitamins, is an important cofactor in mitochondrial function (the powerhouse of the cell)
✅ study found a defect in the gene that codes for these biotin-linked enzymes in the mitochondria resulted in worsening of dementia.

In addition, some important quotes from the article:
🌟"For now, who among us might benefit from taking biotin, and how much should be taken are still outstanding questions"
🌟"...if you have or suspect a deficiency, then raw egg whites [...] should be avoided, because they avidly bind to biotin."
And lastly:
⚠️ although there does not appear to be any risk of toxicity or overdose, high amounts of biotin may interfere with a number of blood tests, thus masking potential diseases or disorders
⚠️ inform your health care professional if you are taking biotin and are undergoing any medical exams

By any measure, carbon-based life originates from carboxylation. That is to say, the coupling of atmospheric carbon dioxide to sugar. Carboxylation is also critical for mitochondria to function. There are five carboxylation enzymes in mitochondria, and they share one thing in common—they are all o...

04/01/2021

Happy new year!


As a speed swimming coach, anytime I come across a new research study analyzing swimming and health outcomes, I feel instantly compelled to share it!


In this recent study published by Experimental Physiology, researchers found that swim training reduced blood pressure and protected kidney function in rats that were fed a high salt diet. In addition to this, swim training reduced the amount of sodium in the cerebrospinal fluid (aka the fluid in our brain and spinal cord) in these test subjects.
What’s particularly encouraging about this study is the benefits in blood pressure, kidney function, and fluid dynamics seen in the test subjects were fed high salt diets.


It is common knowledge that too much salt in our diet will increase health risks related to heart and kidney disease. And although we should be conscientious about the amount of salt we consume, it can be difficult to constantly monitor our intake. Therefore, it is nice to know there is an opportunity to find a 🌟realistic balance🌟 by incorporating regular swim training!


Swimming is one of those unique activities that can be done at all stages of life across all skill levels and abilities. And apparently in not just humans, but rats as well!


Dr. Guillemin, ND

28/10/2020

TEA CONSUMPTION AND BREAST CANCER SURVIVAL

A 2019 study in the Breast Cancer Research and Treatment journal found that:
“regularly drinking all teas (mainly green tea) except oolong after diagnosis was beneficial to breast cancer survival, particularly for women with normal lipids, while oolong tea may have an impaired effect.”
The study looked at the progression of disease following the initial diagnosis and found that women who drank all teas except oolong were less likely to have continued tumour progression. This was especially evident in women with normal triglyceride & cholesterol levels. The study predicted that 👉DRINKING TEA 7 OR MORE TIMES PER WEEK will have a better outcome in reducing the progression of breast cancer disease.
As mentioned above, the study evaluated various types of teas and determined a number of important findings:
✅ Green tea seemed to have the most benefit over all other teas
❎ Oolong tea was the only tea that they found not to have a positive outcome and in some cases actually increased the progression after breast cancer diagnosis
✅All other teas found marginal risk reduction in progression (albeit less so than green tea)
So there you have it; progression of breast cancer may be reduced through regular consumption of teas (especially green tea)! In addition, oolong teas should be avoided after receiving a breast cancer diagnosis.
Lastly, the study assessed the progression of breast cancer. The study does not evaluate the overall survival rate and does assess the use of teas and their phytochemical properties as a treatment. Based on the above, it can be suggested that drinking green tea may reduce the potential for disease progression; however, it is not likely to be enough to treat the cancer or eliminate the tumour.
With any initial cancer diagnosis, step 1 is always stop the spread and/or progression!
Zhang, J., Liao, Y., Lin, Y. et al. Effects of tea consumption and the interactions with lipids on breast cancer survival. Breast Cancer Res Treat 176, 679–686 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10549-019-05253-5

22/10/2020

WHAT EFFECT DOES JUST ONE MAJOR STRESSFUL LIFE EVENT HAVE ON BREAST CANCER?
A recent systematic review in the Breast Cancer Treatment and Review journal sought to determine the causal link between a major stressful life event and breast cancer. Compiling data from 11 individual studies, the review found that women who have had one major stressful life event had an increase risk of breast cancer by 11%. When putting on the proverbial “statistics hat”, what this would mean is if they filled a room with 100 women who’ve reported a major stressful event, eleven of them will end up getting breast cancer.
11% - A pretty shocking number when we consider how prevalent stress is in our day to day life!
Past research has identified the role stress can have on the immune system. When stress is elevated above normal levels or for a prolonged period of time, it suppresses the function of the immune system. It is this loss of immune surveillance which will allow a cancer cell to form undetected and allow it to grow into a tumour.
There are a few important messages that I want to point out from the review:
1. The systematic review was specifically looking at breast cancer. However, it is fair to suggest that this trend may be seen across many different cancers.
2. The stressful event that is perceived to cause cancer is not something that might have happened yesterday or even a year ago. The tumour in the body probably started 20-30 years ago and may have been allowed to advance or proliferate through the aid of additional elements (especially diet and lifestyle factors).
3. Lastly, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, the review identifies the role stress will have on cancer cell development. However, there are many ways a person can prevent this process from continuing on!
As I mentioned, the tumour indicated in the review is not a result of something that has happened recently, but something that may have occurred decades ago. As such, there is the opportunity to cut off this slow progression and development of the tumour through a number of lifestyle factors including:
✅ A healthy whole foods diet with limitations on sugar, processed foods and preservatives
✅ Exercise such as walking, yoga, and group activities
✅ Stress reduction techniques such as meditation, prayer, activities of daily living (ie. gardening), as well as obtaining good quality of sleep
✅ Additional therapies aimed at releasing negative energy from the body such as acupuncture, massage, reiki, etc.
✅ Applying the use of functional medicine through the addition of supplements, antioxidants and phytonutrients.
✅ And lastly, by supporting the immune system through all of the above!
The results of the systematic review should not be used to insight fear or worry, but rather it should illustrate the need to be proactive in our health and wellness! At the end of the day, we may not be able to control what goes on around us and these stressful life events are likely to occur; but what we can control is how we look after ourselves and how we can support our mind, body, and spirit.
Bahri N, Fathi Najafi T, Homaei Shandiz F, Tohidinik HR, Khajavi A. The relation between stressful life events and breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2019 Jul;176(1):53-61. doi: 10.1007/s10549-019-05231-x. Epub 2019 Apr 19. PMID: 31004298.