Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
Neuropathy Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND Neuropathy is usually something that most people associate with diabetes. This is an accurate connection because one of the most common causes of neuropathy is diabetes. But did you know that neuropathy can also occur after cancer treatments? To …
Cerebral Care Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND I wanted to take the time to talk about one of my favorite formulas for our memory and brain health. This formula is called Cerebral Care. But what is it about this formula that I like so much? …
Combat Chemo Brain
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
One topic that comes up a lot is what to do about the side effects that can occur as a result of the different cancer treatments. The first side effect I will be talking about is called cancer-related cognitive impairment or cognitive dysfunction. You may have heard it referred to as chemo brain or chemo fog. Chemo brain refers to thinking and memory problems that can occur during and/or after cancer treatments. (1) In my professional opinion on working with those who experience chemo brain it is best to wait until treatment is complete before addressing the symptoms experienced with chemo brain. This is to ensure no potential interactions between the supplements and cancer treatments that could occur.
What are the most common symptoms of chemo brain that you may experience? Well you may notice that you are unusually disorganized and have difficulty concentrating. You may also notice that you feel confused and have a short attention span that may make it difficult to multitask. In fact you may find that it takes you longer to do things than it would normally. When you are speaking you may have trouble with finding the right words and later on you may find you have trouble with verbal memory or even visual memory. In other words you may notice you have trouble recalling conversations or in recalling a list of words. You may also experience difficulty planning activities. You may notice that there is an increased difficulty in learning any new skills. Overall you may find you have short term memory changes and a general feeling of mental fatigue. (1) Lastly you may even find it difficult to make up your mind or even plan things such as family outings. (2)
While anyone who is undergoing treatment for cancer can experience chemo brain there are some factors that can increase your risk. These can include having brain cancer or cancer that has spread to the brain. Having received radiation to the brain can increase your risk. Additionally if you receive higher doses of either chemo or radiation you are at a higher risk for chemo brain. Being either younger or older at the time of cancer diagnosis as well as treatment places you at a higher risk of developing chemo brain. (1) Being anemic or just not getting all the nutrients you need can also increase chemo brain risk. If you have an infection it can also increase chemo brain risk. Certain chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, trouble sleeping, chronic pain, anxiety or depression can all increase chemo brain risk. Additionally alcohol or other mind altering substances can increase your risk. Even certain hormonal changes such as menopause are risk factors. Lastly being weak or frail can both increase your risk of chemo brain. (2)
What can you do if you find that after treatment you have developed chemo brain?
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THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET~ THE FOOD AND SUPPLEMENTS By: Allie Might, FMC, INHC, ATT The Mediterranean Diet is often thought of as one of the best ways of eating. This is a great example of how a well-balanced diet, combined with complimentary supplements, can set …
Invite Health Powders Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND Invite Health has an amazing line of superfood powders that can easily be incorporated into your vision heath protocol. These powders include Reds Hx, Purples Hx and both Greens Hx and Organic Greens. These powders easily complement …
Bilberry for Eye Health and More!!!
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
In this blog we will be talking about Bilberry. Yes you read that correct, bilberry not blueberry. Now I bet your thinking but Dr. Claire what exactly is the difference between a bilberry and blueberry? Well that is exactly what I’m going to tell you. To start with yes bilberry and blueberries are cousins. Bilberry is considered to be the wild fruit of the family and is not cultivated or grown on farms whereas blueberry is the cultured form that you get in the supermarket. Nutritionally bilberry contains 4X the antioxidants of blueberry! Bilberry contains a higher concentration of the antioxidants anthocyanins. Bilberry also contains a higher concentration of vitamins A, C, D and even K! Bilberry and blueberries also look different. While blueberries are blue on the outside and white on the inside bilberries in contrast are dark blue- purple throughout! (1) But this article is on bilberry so let’s move on. To start with just what are the benefits of bilberry? Let’s get into it, shall we?
To start with studies have found that using bilberry can help keep our eyes healthy. (2) In another study it was found when using a combination of pine bark and bilberry there was a reduction in eye pressure, which is important in talking about diseases such as glaucoma. (3) Bilberry has also been found in studies to help reduce the risk of cataracts. (4) As I talked about in my blog on diabetic retinopathy studies have found that bilberry can help to reduce the risk of diabetic retinopathy. (5)
In addition to helping protect our vision bilberry has other benefits that help keep us healthy. In fact studies have found that bilberry can help to strengthen our blood vessels. Studies have found that bilberry can even help with reducing LDL and improve circulation. Bilberry has even been found to help with poor circulation such as in those who have chronic venous insufficiency. Studies have found that bilberry may even help to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. While more studies are needed in people with diabetes those using bilberry have reported a reduction in blood sugar. (6) In fact according to diabetes. UK bilberry may be useful a useful addition in those looking to lower their glucose levels. Why is this so important? It is important because in diabetes and basically any situation where it’s important to have good control over your diabetes any supplement that can help is always a good addition to your protocol. In fact studies have found that those who have diabetic retinopathy and use bilberry have stronger blood vessels as well as reduced hemorrhaging. (7)
Bilberry has also been used to improve diarrhea due to the fact that it contains tannins which act both as an anti-inflammatory as well as an astringent. (6)
As you can see bilberry is a powerful nutrient. But where exactly can you find bilberry in the Invite Health line of products? It is found in Macula Advanced. But if you’re not a fan of pills it’s also found in the following powders – both Greens Hx and Organic Greens, Reds Hx and Purples Hx! For more information on where to find Bilberry please feel free to contact an Invite nutritionist! Our next topic will be dry eye!
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