Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
Cancer Related Fatigue Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND I wanted to talk about cancer related fatigue because it’s so common in those who have cancer. It can also be difficult to work with because there can be a number of reasons why a person feels …
Opportunistic Infections Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND What do we mean by the phrase opportunistic infections? Well it is exactly what it sounds like, it is an infection that takes the opportunity to grow when your immune system is compromised. Some types of cancer and …
Min Acid
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
Min Acid is an excellent formula for helping heal our digestive tract. However I get quite a few questions about this item. In this blog I’ll be reviewing some of the most common questions I get asked! Let’s start with what is probably the most common question I have gotten thus far about this product. “I have high blood pressure is this product safe for me to use?” Licorice extracts normally contain a compound called glycyrrhizin. This is the part of licorice that affects blood pressure. DGL, or deglycyrrhizinated licorice does not contain glycyrrhizin and thus should not affect potassium levels. According to Mount Sinai DGL “does not seem to have the undesired side effects of licorice”. (1) In other words by removing the glycyrrhizin it makes the DGL form different in that it “does not alter blood pressure, kidney function or even hormones”. (2) Therefore YES it is safe to use!
The next question I will be discussing is also very common. If I take Min Acid will it stop me from breaking down my food? Simply put – NO it won’t. That is because of the way it works. For example DGL helps to promote mucous which protects the mucous membranes from harm. In other words rather than inhibit acid DGL works to improve our bodies’ defenses against the acid. (3) Marshmallow root, another nutrient in Min Acid is an anti-inflammatory. (4)
What does Min Acid do for us? DGL has been found to reduce gastric and intestinal discomfort. Studies have found DGL can also help with an inflamed throat. (5) Marshmallow as I said is found to have anti-inflammatory benefits. (4) Studies have also found that marshmallow root can help to heal wounds. It can also help to reduce pain such as when you have a sore throat. Studies have found that in addition to helping with ulcers, acid reflux it may help repair a damaged gut lining! Marshmallow may also help with constipation. (6) Plantain root adds certain benefits as well. One of these benefits is that it is a prebiotic and helps to “feed” the good bacteria that protect our GI tract. (7) Slippery elm has been found to help increase mucous secretion in our digestive tract. This is how it protects us form things such as stomach ulcers, colitis, diverticulitis and any GI tract damage. Slippery elm has also been found to help with either diarrhea or constipation and eve n reduce any inflammation in our gut. (8)
Another question I get asked is how do I take this product? Well it is recommended to chew and swallow after food. Now just as an aside I have had people who find that taking it before meals works better. If you find that Min Acid doesn’t work as well as expected you can try taking it before food or even in the middle of your meal. On a similar note I’ve had a few people ask me if they have to chew it. The answer is yes, it is better if you chew and swallow. If you think about it this makes sense. As you chew and then swallow the nutrients coat the cells of your mouth, throat and digestive tract thus promoting their health. In my clinical experience working with people who have digestive concerns a formula such as Min Acid works better in a chewable form than a pill.
How does all this related to my blog on mucositis? Well as I’ve said the benefits of Min Acid include reducing inflammation, heat gut damage and even help to reduce diarrhea/ constipation. These benefits are important for those who have mucositis. For more information on mucositis please see my blog on this topic!
Overall Min Acid is an excellent formula for our overall gut health. Our next topic will be Opportunist Infections.
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Protein Powders Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND Invite health has a number of different type of protein powders. These include a whey based protein, a plant based protein and even a weight management powder that can help improve our overall nutrition. That being said why is …
Cancer and Weight Loss
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
Weight loss is a common side effect experienced by those with cancer. This weight loss can occur for a number of reasons. To start with, having cancer can lead to weight loss. This is because in some cases cancer cells can release hormones that alter the sensation of hunger. This clearly leads to weight loss because if you’re not hungry you usually cut down what you eat leading to less calories being consumed and thus weight loss. Cancer cells may also “take up space in the GI tract or abdominal cavity” thus causing you to feel full after only a small amount of food. Additionally those who have cancer often experience extreme pain which can decrease appetite. Cancer can also increase inflammation. This increase in inflammation decrease’s the hormones that stimulate appetite while also increasing metabolism. Lastly a diagnosis of cancer can lead to depression and anxiety. Both of these can cause a general loss of appetite thus leading to weight loss. (1)
Constipation can occur as a result of both cancer itself and different cancer treatments. It can cause you to feel full fast. It can also reduce your appetite. Constipation can also cause nausea and vomiting. This can, as anyone who has ever been nauseous can attest to lead to a decrease in appetite. It also leads to a decrease in our ability to absorb nutrients. (1)
Cancer treatments of different types can affect our weight. This can occur for a number of reasons. To start with the different treatments can decrease our overall appetite. Different treatments can decrease our sense of taste. On the same note different cancer treatments can change our perception of different flavors. What this means is you may find foods to be unappealing. You may even find that you dislike some of your favorite foods. (1)
Another way that different cancer treatments lead to weight loss is by causing nausea and vomiting. As I said previously in this blog having nausea and vomiting can lead to weight loss by decreasing appetite as well as by decreasing your overall nutritional intake. (1)
Diarrhea is another cause of weight loss in those undergoing different cancer treatments. This is partly due to the loss of good bacteria which can allow the growth of pathogenic organisms that can trigger diarrhea to occur. Additionally certain treatments affect our GI tract in a way that can trigger diarrhea. (1)
Cancer treatments can also lead to mucositis, or mouth and throat sores that occur when healthy cells are damaged by cancer therapies. Cancer therapies are made to eliminate cancer cells, these are typically fast growing cells. However sometimes healthy cells that have a high turnover or fast growth rate can be targeted as well. These cells often include the cells in the mouth, throat and GI tract. When you have mucositis it can be painful to eat thus reducing food intake and leading to weight loss. (1)
What can you do if you have weight loss while undergoing cancer treatments?
HAPPY GUT SMOOTHIE† (this recipe is from BREAST CANCER AWARENESS~ HEALTHY RECIPE GUIDE)
By: Allie Might, FMC, INHC, ATT
2 scoops InVite Vanilla Whey Protein
1 scoop G.I. Maintain
1 Probiotic Hx
1 cup water or non-dairy milk
1 cup ice cubes
1 banana
1 Tablespoons nut butter (peanut, almond, cashew, etc.)
Empty the contents of the Probiotic Hx and combine with the other ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth, drink and enjoy! For more ideas please check out the original blog!
Our Product highlight will be Invite Protein Powders!
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