Better Than Before Breast Cancer with The Breast Cancer Recovery Coach

Isabel Friend

Born To Heal Podcast

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#330 The Fat Switch, Breast Cancer and Fructose - Not All Calories Are Created Equal Mar 20, 2024

Show notes

When it comes to choosing the right foods after breast cancer, there are lots of options.

In fact, there are so many options that it can be overwhelming and confusing to decide what's best for you.

But on the other side of that coin is the fact that there are certain things you should not eat.

These are highly processed foods that have ingredients in them that you won't find in nature and that not only don't support your health but also change the way your body uses the energy from food, and not in a good way.

If you're the kind of person who wants to understand the why behind the statement, "That's not good for you,"

Then you don't want to miss this episode.

You'll get an understanding of what high-fructose corn syrup is, how many foods it's in, and how it undermines your health and your metabolism.

If you find yourself struggling to maintain a healthy weight, this might help you understand why.

Referred to in this Episode:

Why can't I stop eating That? The Struggle with Hyperpalatable foods.

Nearly Half of Americans Drink Soda Daily

A sweet problem: Princeton researchers find that high-fructose corn syrup prompts considerably more weight gain

Excessive Fructose Consumption May Cause a Leaky Gut, Leading to Fatty Liver Disease

The Metabolic Initiative

Why Sugar And Fructose Are So Deadly with Dr. Richard Johnson

America's packaged food supply is ultra-processed

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#329 Breast Cancer and Standard of Care - Managing Expectations to Support Treatment and Emotional Health Mar 20, 2024

Show notes

Stepping into the medical system after a breast cancer diagnosis is like a baby taking its first breath outside the womb.

It's a shocking, unfamiliar environment that most of us have no idea what we'll be expected to navigate.

Yet we also expect that our oncologist will take care of everything we need.

In my own breast cancer experience I found that this expectation led to a tremendous amount of anger and frustration.

At times I thought I just got stuck with a bad doctor. Then I started coaching other women and heard the same story and saw the same anger over and over.

In this episode, I'll offer you a perspective on the standard of care that can lead you to having a much more empowered, supportive experience and relieve you of the long-term suffering that anger and resentment add to an already difficult experience.

Referred to in this episode:

Work with Laura

Books:

Mind Over Medicine

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#328 Breast Cancer, Nausea and Toxic Burden - What You Should Know to Safely Care for Yourself Mar 12, 2024

Show notes

When it comes to nourishing your body after breast cancer, especially when you don't feel well, simple familiar choices can be easy to turn to, but are those choices always in your best interest?

In this episode, I'll give you some information on a recent turn of events with a toxic chemical used on grains that you might think of as healthy or turn to in moments of nausea.

Let's face it, nausea is not an uncommon experience when it comes to breast cancer treatment and it can be challenging to know how to find comfort and stay in a metabolically healthy space.

No worries though, I've got you covered.

I'll fill you in on the latest when it comes to what grains you might want to eat and I'll give you some healthy, sugar-free ways to support yourself when nausea is gnawing at you.

This is an episode you don't want to miss.

Referred to in this episode:

Quaker Oats class action alleges products contain high levels of pesticide

Articles:

The 6 Best Teas for Nausea:

Chlormequat: What you need to know about this problematic pesticide

Studies: Effects of the plant growth regulator, chlormequat, on mammalian fertility

The effect of aromatherapy with peppermint essential oil on nausea and vomiting after cardiac surgery: A randomized clinical trial

Products:

Pruvit Keto//OS Pro Dark Chocolate + MCT Ketones - Keto//OS Pro Supplement for Energy Boost, Better Digestion

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#327 Breast Cancer and the Shame Cycle - How Beating Yourself Up Impacts Your Health Mar 09, 2024

Show notes

In today's episode, we're talking about a topic that touches many of us but often stays hidden in the shadows: shame.

Shame is this tricky little beast that can sneak up on us, especially when we're navigating the challenging waters of breast cancer recovery.

It's more than just a fleeting feeling; it can actually have some serious effects on both our mental and physical health.

It can crank up our stress and anxiety levels, making us feel like we're constantly walking on eggshells. Worse, it can lead us down the path to depression, chip away at our self-esteem, and even make us want to hide away from the world.

On the physical side of things, shame can mess with our brains, leaving us feeling foggy or forgetful. It can put a damper on our immune system, and take a toll on our hearts, our guts, and even how well we sleep at night.

Fortunately, there are ways to overcome shame and its sneaky effects.

Check out today's episode and see if the insight I share can help you identify and break out of the shame cycle so you can love yourself more and treat yourself better.

Referred to in this episode:

Work With Laura

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#326 Simplifying Seed Oils and Fatty Acids After Breast Cancer Mar 06, 2024

Show notes

For us breast cancer survivors, the balance of essential fatty acids is not just a minor detail.

In this episode, we'll dive into the role of healthy fats, particularly polyunsaturated fats, in supporting our well-being

Research suggests that a diet rich in omega-3s and balanced in omega-6s could play a role in reducing inflammation and possibly impacting breast cancer outcomes. It's about creating an environment in our bodies that supports healing and health, not just for today, but for all our tomorrows.

Incorporating these healthy fats into our diets isn't just a step towards better health – it's a leap. So, let's make room on our plates for those omega-rich foods, knowing we're doing something powerful for our bodies and our spirits.

Remember, you're not just surviving; you're thriving. And part of that thriving is making choices every day that uplift and sustain us. Here's to health, to hope, and to the power of polyunsaturated fats in our journey forward.

Top of Form

Referred to in this episode:

Free Download: Guide to Essential Fatty Acids

Omega-3 Fatty Acids More Effective at Inhibiting Growth of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer than of Luminal Breast Cancers

Diet impacts triple‐negative breast cancer growth, metastatic potential, chemotherapy responsiveness, and doxorubicin‐mediated cardiac dysfunction (In this study, pay attention to the table that shows the TYPE of fat consumed on the high-fat diet compared to the type of fat in the healthy diet)

Dietary Patterns for Women With Triple-negative Breast Cancer and Dense Breasts

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#325 How Imperfect Actions After Breast Cancer Can Lead to Amazing Outcomes Mar 01, 2024

Show notes

In 2011 when I heard the words, "You have breast cancer." It was scary, I was confused, overwhelmed, and ignorant of all the things involved in the journey that was to come.

In 2020 when I heard the words, "You have cancer throughout your body." I thought my life was over. But, after I recovered from the shock I made a decision to figure out how other people healed from cancer and how I could do it too.

I've been on this path for nearly three and a half years now.

There's been a lot of time, effort, determination, frustration, money, fear, joy, excitement, and learning along the way.

It hasn't been linear and I haven't always stuck to my plan but I continue to work on getting better and in this episode, I'm going to share with you the results of all the imperfect actions I've taken along the way.

I say imperfect actions because who knew if they would work or not?

Who knew if they were the "right" things to do or not?

We never really know until we're on the other side.

I hope this episode will give you the encouragement and support to let go of second-guessing and jump into taking your own imperfect actions on the way to creating your life that's better than before breast cancer™

Helpful links:

The Metabolic Approach to Cancer

Radical Remission

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Fantastic Fungi Documentary

#324 The Benefits of Turkey Tail Mushrooms After Breast Cancer Feb 27, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, we delve into the natural wonders of Turkey Tail mushrooms (Trametes versicolor).

I'll share some personal insights and evidence-based benefits of integrating Turkey Tail mushrooms into the recovery process, highlighting its potential in immune support and cancer care.

Turkey Tail mushrooms have captivated the wellness community with their striking beauty and profound health benefits for centuries.

Rich in antioxidants and polysaccharides, such as beta-glucans, these mushrooms offer a natural boost to the body's defense system.

The episode shines a light on the scientific research surrounding Turkey Tail mushrooms, particularly their role in supporting cancer treatment and the immune system.

Show Notes:

Introduction to Turkey Tail mushrooms and their ancient use in traditional medicine.
Overview of key components: antioxidants and polysaccharides, including beta-glucans.
Discussion on the immune-boosting benefits and supportive role in cancer care.
Practical tips for incorporating Turkey Tail mushrooms into daily routines.
Reminder to consult with healthcare providers before starting new supplements.
Encouragement to embrace natural aids in the healing journey post-breast cancer.

Referred to in this episode:

Paul Stamets Ted Talk on Turkey tail and other mushroom benefits

Books: Medicinal Mushrooms The essential guide

Articles and studies: What Is Agarikon Mushroom? Medicinal Mushrooms (PDQ®)–Health Professional Version

Turkey Tail Mushrooms For Cancer Treatment?

Supplements:

Turkey Tail Mushroom Supplement

Food:

Companies I use:

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Better Than Before Breast Cancer Life Coaching Membership

#323 Self-Care After Breast Cancer - How to Honor Your Own Boundaries Feb 24, 2024

Show notes

Self-care is an important part of breast cancer recovery.

But, to practice it consistently, you must have clarity and confidence in your own boundaries. By learning to prioritize your own needs and well-being, you empower yourself to navigate life with resilience and strength.

In this episode we'll explore what it means to create and honor personal boundaries, including the power of saying no without guilt and the significance of self-compassion in this journey. By tuning into your own needs and learning to communicate them effectively, you create a safe space for healing and growth.

Join me as we uncover the transformative power of embracing healthy boundaries in your self-care routine.

Listen now and equip yourself with the tools to honor yourself on this path to recovery and beyond.

Referred to in this episode:

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

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Understanding and Managing Oxalates Free Download

#322 How to Manage Oxalates After Breast Cancer Feb 20, 2024

Show notes

What to eat after a breast cancer diagnosis can be a major source of anxiety and even guilt.

Add on to that the scare tactics that many companies use to draw you in and you can end up with a lot of food fear.

One element found in plant foods is called oxalates, and these plant compounds are often hyped up to be dangerous for consumption.

In this episode, I'm going to give you the down low on oxalates so you can understand how they work, what they do in your body, how to manage them, and more importantly, how to continue to create, consume, and enjoy a healthy balanced diet without fear.

Listen now and let's step into more confidence when it comes to feeding your body well.

Referred to in this episode:

Effect of Cooking on Oxalate Content of Foods.

J Agric Food Chem 2005 Apr 20;53(8):3027-30. doi: 10.1021/jf048128d

Department of Family and Consumer Sciences (Nutrition), Department 3354, University of Wyoming, 1000 East University Avenue, Laramie, Wyoming 82071, USA.

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