Gluco Hx
Gluco Hx Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND When it comes to helping someone regulate their blood sugar one of my favorite supplements is Gluco Hx. But why is this such a great product? Well let’s get into it, shall we? To start with Gluco Hx …
Tag: wellness
From a Naturopathic Point of View
From a Naturopathic Point of View Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND Throughout this series I will be reviewing certain health topics that I find tend to be the least well understood. I especially want to focus on a holistic point of view. The fist topic …
Stress and Anxiety
Stress and Anxiety
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
Before we move on to a different topic I felt it was important to talk about our mental health. Being diagnosed with cancer or any other chronic illness is much more than just the physical aspects of the illness. There is also the stress that is associated with diagnosis. In fact studies have found almost half of all people who are diagnosed with cancer have some degree of anxiety. In addition studies have found that approximately one fourth of people with cancer report a high level of anxiety. It has also been found that as the cancer spreads or the treatment becomes more aggressive the amount of anxiety experienced becomes more pronounced. (1)
What are some of the most common symptoms of anxiety? Well you may feel irritable or feel as though you’re “going crazy”. You may notice shortness of breath, fast heartbeat that may even make you feel like you’re having a heart attack. Additionally you may start sweating and feeling nauseated as well as dizzy. In some cases your muscles may become tight. (1)
What are some of the factors that can worsen anxiety? Having a history of anxiety as well as a history of physical or emotional trauma can also increase your risk of anxiety. Having a poor support system can also increase anxiety risk. Having cancer that is not improving with treatment or has metastasized can also increase anxiety. In addition having pain or other physical symptoms that are not controlled can also worsen the anxiety you experience. (1)
The amount of anxiety that is experienced can vary greatly from person to person. Just because your experience is different from someone else doesn’t mean that your personal experience isn’t still valid. If you feel that the anxiety you have impacts your life it doesn’t matter if you don’t have the classic signs. Everyone is different and so everyone has a different experience. Now some people who are diagnosed with cancer may have what is referred to as a normal adjustment. There may be psychological and social distress. Some people may also be diagnosed with an adjustment disorder. Lastly an induvial may be diagnosed with a specific anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders can include diagnoses such as generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety and panic disorder. Lastly anxiety disorders can also include specific phobias (for example fear of mice) and agoraphobia. Even obsessive compulsive disorders and PTSD are forms of anxiety. (1)
What can you do to help control your anxiety?
- One of the things that can be helpful is actually counseling. Working with a qualified professional can include different techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy, problem solving techniques, positive therapy and even hypnosis. (1)
- It is also important to have a strong support system both during and after treatment. This can include family, friends or even support groups. (1)
- But what about diet? Studies have found that Mediterranean diet can help to improve our mental health. (2) Please see Invite’s extensive line of powders full of antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables!
- L Theanine has been found to help reduce anxiety and even help improve sleep quality in studies. (3) Please see Invite’s L Theanine formula!
- Magnesium has been found by the Cleveland Clinic to help reduce cortisol which is important in helping with anxiety. (4) Please see Invite’s Bio Avail Magnesium, Magnesium Glycinate and Citrate.
- Omega 3s have been associated with a reduction in anxiety in studies. (5) Please see Invite’s Fish Oil and Krill Oil!
- B vitamins have also been associated with lower levels of anxiety. (6) Please see Invite’s Methyl-B and B Complex 100.
Overall I hope that this series has been helpful for anyone who has any concerns about side effects related to cancer treatments. Remember if you have any questions you can always reach out to an Invite nutritionist.
Sources:
- https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/coping/feelings/anxiety-distress-pdq
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/mediterranean-diet-may-help-ease-depression
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6836118/#sec5-nutrients-11-02362title
- https://health.clevelandclinic.org/magnesium-for-anxiety
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6324500/#H1-5-ZOI180124title
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33848753/
Hair and Skin Changes Due to Cancer Treatments
Hair and Skin Changes Due to Cancer Treatments Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND Cancer treatments can have different side effects when it comes to our hair and skin. Let’s start with our skin, shall we? Certain cancer therapies can cause skin to become dry. They …
Cancer Related Fatigue
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 fatigue. So let’s get into this interesting topic, shall we?
Well let’s start with the beginning. What exactly do we mean when we say cancer related fatigue? It is a physical, emotional and mental fatigue in someone with cancer that does not improve with sleep or rest. This can occur during treatment and persist after treatment is concluded. When you have cancer related fatigue you may notice that your fatigue isn’t alleviated by rest. Normal activities may make you feel more tired than usual. You may feel too tired to do things you want to do. You may also feel like it’s hard to focus and you have no energy. You may also notice you feel weak, sad, cranky and frustrated. It may be hard to lift your arms and legs. You may even feel that you need more sleep than usual. (1)
Why does cancer lead to increased fatigue? Well as I said there is a number of reasons that increased fatigue can occur. Certain types of cancer can cause the release of proteins such as cytokines which can cause fatigue. Certain cancer treatments also cause fatigue. Another cause for fatigue is anemia. Hormonal changes that can occur during treatment can also trigger fatigue. Chronic pain can also lead to feelings of fatigue. Certain life style factors that can trigger an increase in fatigue include poor nutrition, lack of exercise and a decrease in the amount of sleep you are getting. Anxiety and depression can also increase fatigue. (2) It’s important to rule out certain conditions that can also mimic cancer related fatigue. For example muscle weakness can mimic fatigue. Depression can also mimic fatigue as well. (1)
What are some blood tests you can talk to your doctor about that can help to determine anything that maybe making your fatigue worse? First the doctor should check your iron levels and red blood cell counts to rule out anemia. They can also check for vitamin deficiencies such as B12, folate, or even vitamin D. Please check out my blog on Methyl-B for more information on the B vitamins. The doctor can also check for certain hormones that can trigger fatigue such as your thyroid hormones. You can also ask your doctor to check for inflammation, infections and even certain chronic diseases such as celiac disease and diabetes. (3) You can also fill out the attached questionnaire and bring it to your doctor’s visit! (2)
Questionnaire:
- When did you begin experiencing fatigue?
- Has it progressed since your diagnosis?
- How severe is it?
- How long does it last?
- What eases it?
- What makes it worse?
- How does it affect your daily life?
- Do you experience shortness of breath or chest discomfort?
- How well are you sleeping?
- How and what are you eating?
- How are you feeling emotionally?
What can you do to help with your fatigue? The following suggestions are fine for both during and after treatment.
- Make sure to address any underlying concerns that are making your fatigue worse. For example if you are deficient in iron you would want to take iron to help with the deficiency. If you are low in the B vitamins it is important to correct the deficiency. (4) Please Invite’s Iron Plus and Methyl-B for these important nutrients.
- If you are experiencing pain turmeric has been found to help reduce pain levels. (5) Please see Invite’s Bio-curcumin & 5-Loxin and Turmeric with Ginger.
- L Theanine and Magnesium have been found to help with sleep quality. (6) Please see both Invite’s L-Theanine and Magnesium Glycinate/ Citrate. For those who don’t like pills don’t forget Magnesium is available in powder form, Bio Avail Magnesium!
- Nutrition – to help improve nutrition please check out my blog on Invite protein powders!
The following can be helpful for those who have cancer related fatigue that persists after treatment. Please note that these recommendations are for after treatment, not during.
- Alcar has been found to help with both mental and physical energy. (7) Please see Invite’s Alcar with ALA!
- Green tea has been found in studies to help moderate fatigue. (8) Please see both Invite’s Green Tea Tx and Hx!
- Coq10 has been found to help moderate fatigue in studies! (9) Please see Invite’s Coq10 Ubiquinol 60mg and 120mg as well as our Oral Q10!
Our next product highlight will be the confusing world of Iron!
Sources:
- https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/side-effects/fatigue-weakness-sleep/fatigue.html
- https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/side-effects/fatigue-weakness-sleep/fatigue.html
- https://patient.info/signs-symptoms/tiredness-fatigue
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anemia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351366#:~:text=Treatment%20for%20this%20form%20of,This%20might%20involve%20surgery.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7812094/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9017334/
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-834/acetyl-l-carnitine
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10320999/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK531491/