Posts Tagged "sleep"

Four Pillars of Cancer Prevention

Posted on Apr 18, 2013 in Introduction to Integrative Oncology

I am excited to share a guest article from naturopathic oncologist Dr. Dave Allderdice of Sage Cancer Care in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Allderdice has helpful advice on something we all need to know — how to protect our families from cancer. Four Pillars of Cancer Prevention By Dr. Dave Allderdice, ND, FABNO Currently one in three of us will deal with cancer at some point in our lives. Science has discovered some of the genetic links that trigger cancer and in doing so, we’ve also learned that the vast majority of cancer is caused by the way we live our lives. In fact, over 90% of cancers...

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Nighttime Lights Suppress Melatonin

Posted on Mar 31, 2013 in Research

If you’re seeking better sleep, try switching up your nighttime lightbulbs to lower wattages. In a Harvard Medical School study, people in a dimly lit room made the sleep hormone melatonin 2 hours before bedtime, while those in a brightly lit room didn’t make melatonin until 23 minutes before bedtime. Other research has linked low melatonin levels to increased risk of hypertension, breast cancer, and type 2 diabetes, so this simple switch could make a big difference.

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More Than Just a Good Night’s Sleep: What Melatonin Can Do For You.

Posted on Mar 25, 2013 in Introduction to Integrative Oncology

While melatonin is best-known as a sleep aid, it also regulates the immune system. For people with cancer, melatonin has many important benefits: Activates the “self destruct” process in tumor cells. Doctors call this apoptosis. Blocks estrogen receptors, like the breast cancer drug tamoxifen. Decreases the creation of estrogen, like the breast cancer drug Arimidex. Protects bone marrow cells during chemotherapy, reducing the likelihood of a chemotherapy dose reduction or chemotherapy-related infection. Protects the lining of the stomach during chemotherapy or radiation. Supports...

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