Cancer Stem Cells, Vitamin C & NAD, Dietary Shifts & Cancer – Dr. Paul Anderson & Ryan Sternagel

About This Episode

Dr. Paul Anderson, based in Seattle, shares transformative insights on holistic approaches to cancer during our Going Integrative Plus member call. 

He emphasizes clean eating’s pivotal role in cancer prevention, treatment strategies based on cancer stages, and highlights the importance of monitoring cancer stem cells (CSCs). Diving deep into IV Vitamin C treatment, Anderson notes its unique capability to harm cancer cells while supporting healthy ones. 

Furthermore, he discusses the rapidly evolving landscape of Circulating Tumor Cell Tests and their significance in monitoring cancer.

 For those navigating the cancer journey or seeking holistic health insights, this interview offers a wealth of knowledge. Dive into the summary or watch/listen for comprehensive understanding.

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Resources Mentioned:

• Dr. Paul Anderson’s Website
• “Outside the Box Cancer Therapies” (book)
• Tests:
  • CellSearch
  • Biocept
  • Maintrac
  • IvyGene
• High dose, concentrated mushroom extracts
• Exogenous ketones
• Vitamin B3
• Nicotinamide riboside

Detailed Summary

• Introduction by Ryan:

• • Dr. Anderson was Ryan’s son’s naturopathic oncologist.
  • Ryan appreciated Dr. Anderson’s vast knowledge and ability to answer difficult questions.

• Dr. Paul Anderson’s Introduction and Background:

• • Based in Seattle, Washington.
  • Met Ryan during the treatment of Ryan’s son, Ryder.
  • His practice is divided into two equal parts:
    • Treating patients with cancer, including children (which is uncommon).
    • Treating individuals with complicated chronic illnesses unrelated to cancer.
  • Teaches doctors and emphasizes on sharing knowledge.
  • Co-authored the book “Outside the Box Cancer Therapy” with Dr. Stangler.
  • Working on another book focusing on the emotional aspects and process of being diagnosed with cancer.

• Comparison between Naturopathic Oncologists and Integrative Medical Doctors:

• • Dr. Anderson emphasizes practical experience, learning from patients.
  • He offers specialized treatments, including IV therapy, hyperbaric oxygen, hyperthermia therapies, etc.
  • Naturopathic oncologists and integrative MDs can both be limited in their treatments by the hospitals or systems they work in.

• Discussion on IV Vitamin C Treatment:

• • Dr. Anderson is recognized internationally for his expertise on this topic.
  • Benefits can be gained from both low and high doses of IV vitamin C, depending on the application.
  • The amount needed can vary based on body weight and the specific health of the patient.
  • High doses can range from 50-100 grams for most adult-sized individuals.
  • Vitamin C remains in the system for about 24 hours post-IV.
  • Vitamin C is unique in that it harms cancer cells while supporting healthy cells.
  • Lower doses (around 10-15 grams) can provide significant improvements in quality of life for frail or end-of-life patients.

• Circulating Tumor Cell Tests:

• • Have improved over time; past versions like RGCC and CellSearch were not as accurate.
  • Technology is rapidly changing and affecting the reliability of these tests.
  • Biocept, Maintrac, and IVY gene are currently used tests.
  • These tests are especially useful for:
    • Monitoring cancer in remission or no evidence of disease.
    • Tracking the effectiveness of ongoing treatments.

• Treatment Strategies Based on Cancer Stage:

• • Late Stage:
    • Urgency in treatment is crucial.
    • Need a holistic approach, addressing dietary habits, toxins, infections, hormones, and overall health.
    • Aim to grab the cancer’s attention and slow its progression.
  • Early Stage:
    • There’s more flexibility in treatment approaches.
    • Focus can be on non-cancer issues like detoxifying, balancing hormones, improving gut health, and addressing mental health.
    • Treatment options can include concentrated mushroom extracts, metabolic treatments like exogenous ketones, or even dietary shifts such as raw vegan diets.

• Post-Cancer Treatment:

• • Post chemotherapy and radiation, there’s an increased risk for secondary cancers because they can stimulate cancer stem cells.
  • Importance of recovery after initial treatments and secondary prevention to ensure recurrence doesn’t occur.
  • Repairing the body and suppressing cancer stem cells is essential.

• Diet’s Impact on Cancer:

• • No single “best” diet for cancer elimination; however, diet plays a pivotal role.
  • Emphasis on clean eating: Avoid processed foods, chemicals, pesticides, and herbicides.
  • A shift in diet can have a noticeable effect on cancer within 1-3 months.

• Key Dietary Recommendations:

• • Intermittent Fasting (IF): IF for even 13 hours has shown to reduce the recurrence of breast cancer. It activates autophagy (cell cleaning) and has other metabolic benefits.
  • Diet Cleanliness: Remove junk and chemicals from diet.
  • Plant-based Spectrum: High in polyphenols, fiber, dense nutrients, and low in simple carbs. Raw food diets can quickly get the body’s attention.
  • Ketogenic Spectrum: Shifts body metabolism and may be beneficial against certain types of cancers. It’s crucial to balance protein intake since excess protein can be converted into sugar.
  • Modified Mediterranean Diet: High plant-based with clean protein and fat sources, minimal grains.

• Diet Adaptability:

• • Initial diet is about getting the body’s attention; it might differ from the long-term diet.
  • Both ketogenic and raw food diets have shown positive effects on patients with various cancer types.
  • Adapt the diet based on what a person can do and tolerate.
  • Long-term success requires consistency in dietary habits.

• Observational Cases:

• • Noted a patient surviving stage 3/4 breast cancer for over 15 years primarily using a ketogenic diet.
  • Other cases showed success with a raw food diet transitioned into a modified vegetarian diet.

• Regular Monitoring:

• • Emphasizes tracking certain blood work indicators (e.g., LDH, alkaline phosphatase, GGT) regularly.
  • These markers can provide insights into inflammation, oxygen levels, and overall body health.
  • Monitoring helps catch subtle shifts in the body’s health, guiding adjustments in treatments and dietary habits.

• Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) Insights:

• • CSCs are smarter than regular tumor cells (daughter cells).
  • While treatments like chemotherapy or radiation can reduce tumor size, they might make one prone to relapses because CSCs hide and wait.
  • Many people have dormant CSCs in their bodies.
  • The challenge is to keep these cells inactive.
  • CSCs can recruit normal cells to become cancerous.

• CSC Triggers & Management:

• • One major trigger for CSCs is inflammation.
  • Inflammation sources include lack of exercise, poor diet, toxins, infections.
  • Healthier lifestyles, such as better diets and regular exercise, produce anti-cancer metabolic triggers.
  • Intermittent fasting and periodic longer fasts can slow CSC activity.
  • Diet, detox, and addressing specific toxic exposures can help maintain an environment less favorable for CSC growth.

• NAD Therapy Insights:

• • NAD is essential for energy production in mitochondria.
  • High doses of NAD can be problematic for those with cancer because some cancers can utilize excess NAD for growth.
  • For those with a cancer history, lower dose NAD therapy can be considered safe.
  • In active cancer cases, high-dose NAD therapy should be avoided.
  • Oral supplementation with nicotinamide riboside can help, but high doses may pose risks.

• Resources and Contacts:

• • Book recommendation: “Outside the Box Cancer Therapies” provides practical insights into cancer treatments.
  • Dr. Paul Anderson’s clinic: Advanced Medical Therapies, located in Seattle, Washington.

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