252: Body: Blending Integrative Oncology and Conventional Care to Treat and Prevent Cancer with Dr. Meighan Valero

Today, I am joined by one of my good friends, Dr. Meighan Valero! Dr. Valero is one of the preeminent naturopathic doctors in Canada with a focus on cancer. She believes in an integrative and evidence-based approach to supporting patients with cancer throughout conventional therapy. She utilizes a combination of techniques such as intravenous therapy, supplementation, dietary and lifestyle counseling, acupuncture, and botanical medicine. She is incredibly credentialed and experienced at what she does.   Unfortunately, it is no exaggeration to say that we all will have cancer touch our lives at some point. One in two of us will be diagnosed with cancer in our lifetimes. Understanding what is possible from an integrative approach is something that we all deserve to know and I cannot think of anyone better to drive this conversation than Dr. Meighan Valero!   In this episode, she is sharing her own personal story that has driven her to passionately explore and provide incredible integrative cancer care, as well as how she works with her current patients when it comes to addressing cancer.   Key Takeaways: [1:04] About today’s episode with my good friend, Dr. Meighan Valero. [2:37] Welcoming Dr. Valero to the podcast! [3:16] Meighan shares her story and why this particular avenue of naturopathic medicine is something she is incredibly passionate about. [6:02] What integrative oncology is and what it has the potential to be for patients with cancer. [9:47] What health consumers should know about FABNO credentialing. [13:08] Red flags to be on the lookout for when exploring integrative options with respect to cancer management. [15:22] Meighan shares what the experience is like to work with her as a patient, and gives advice to patients looking to approach their oncologist in asking them to work with a naturopathic doctor. [22:13] How patients can approach this conversation with both of their medical teams and what they can do to be proactive in their care. [25:51] One of the problems with only engaging with the traditional approach to cancer and why blending both camps is the most effective. [27:33] What treatment looks like after cancer. [30:11] Meighan’s key-performance indicators! [24:36] Where to learn more about what Meighan is doing in this world. [35:36] Reflections from today’s episode. [37:26] About next week’s episode!   Mentioned in This Episode:Dr. Meighan Valero The Entrepology Podcast Ep. 243: “Body: You Can Live and Thrive with Cancer — This is How with Dr. Lori Bouchard, ND” Integrative Oncology | Dr. Meighan Valero ND | TEDxWindsor (Video) FABNO Certification The Metabolic Approach to Cancer: Integrating Deep Nutrition, the Ketogenic Diet, and Nontoxic Bio-Individualized Therapies, by Dr. Nasha Winters, ND and Jess Higgins Kelley, MNT Peloton   More About Dr. Meighan Valero Dr. Valero’s practice focus is on adjunctive cancer care and chronic illness. Born and raised in Windsor, ON, she completed a Bachelor of Arts and Science degree with a major in Biochemistry and a minor in Psychology. She worked as a cancer research assistant for Dr. Siyaram Pandey at the University of Windsor for five years and later graduated from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine where she received special training in naturopathic oncology as an intern in Toronto and became the first Oncology Research Resident in Ottawa. Her passion lies in developing individualized treatment protocols for those who wish to prevent cancer, those living with cancer, and those with a desire to learn the tools and necessary lifestyle changes to prevent a recurrence of a previously treated cancer.   She believes in an integrative and evidence-based approach to supporting patients with cancer throughout conventional therapy. She utilizes a combination of techniques such as intravenous therapy, supplementation, dietary and lifestyle counseling, acupuncture, and botanical medicine. Dr. Valero is very open to establishing professional relationships with local oncologists in order to work together for the overall well-being and improved quality of life of the patient.   She has authored several research publications including: “Complementary Strategies for the Management of Radiation Therapy Side Effects,” published in the Journal of the Advanced Practitioner in Oncology, “Identifying and Treating Magnesium Deficiency in Cancer Patients Receiving Platinum-Based Chemotherapy,” published in Natural Medicine Journal, “Chemotherapy-Related Cognitive Impairment”; “Chemotherapy and Radiation-Induced Oral Mucositis,” published in The Journal of IHP.   Connect with my Guest: Websites: ValeroWellness.com and V-Apothecary.com Social Media: Instagram @DoctorValero, Instagram @ValeroWellness, Facebook @ValeroWellness, Instagram @V.Apothecary & Facebook V.Apothecary   If you enjoyed our conversation and would like to hear more: Please subscribe to The Entrepology Podcast on Stitcher or iTunes. We would also appreciate a review!   Come Join Your Community on The Entrepology Collective Facebook Page! They say that you’re the product of the five people with whom you spend the most time. Imagine you could spend time with hundreds of fellow entrepreneurs and go-getters looking to up-level their business, body, and mindset! Come hang out with us on Facebook and let us collectively inspire and support you towards your vision of contribution, your commitment towards better health, and your journey of mindset mastery. We’re in this together! Come join us today!   CALL TO ACTION If you haven’t already, be sure to listen to episode 243 of The Entrepology Podcast with Dr. Lori Bouchard, where we spoke about living and thriving with cancer. And, if you loved this week’s episode, be sure to leave a review anywhere you listen to podcasts!