Age Well with Dr Sophie Shotter

The brain health episode Find out more by heading to https://drsophieshotter.com/ Follow Dr Sophie on Instagram… https://www.instagram.com/drsophieshotter/?hl=en …and Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@drsophieshotter?lang=en Co-host https://fionamattesini.co.uk/ Professor Mark D'Esposito is a highly acclaimed neurologist and distinguished professor of neuroscience and psychology at the University of California, Berkeley. You can find out more by looking at his lab here: https://sites.google.com/berkeley.edu/desposito-lab Professor Mark mentions, among other things: The work of https://ianrobertson.org/ Brain HQ https://www.brainhq.com/ The Brain Health Project - find out more via https://centerforbrainhealth.org/ Read more about this in the USA https://www.alzheimers.gov/clinical-trials/brainhealth-project Professor Mark also talks about Goal Management Training https://gmt.learnworlds.com/ A bit more information on goal management training is here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/psychology/goal-management-training This may be of interest to UK listeners: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/events/launch-of-centre-for-brain-health The content in this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or to replace or substitute advice given by, or consultation with, your doctor or any other healthcare professional. Please contact your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your health. Dr Sophie Shotter, her company and any employees or representatives are not liable for any claims arising out of or in connection with this podcast.

The self esteem episode Find out more by heading to https://drsophieshotter.com/ Follow Dr Sophie on Instagram… https://www.instagram.com/drsophieshotter/?hl=en …and Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@drsophieshotter?lang=en Co-host https://fionamattesini.co.uk/ Find Danae Mercer on her socials @danaemercer as well as on her website https://danaemercer.com/ Danae on Insta quick link > https://www.instagram.com/danaemercer/ We mention that it was only in 2023 that researchers tested period products using blood as opposed to water. We namecheck another influencer Alex Light – find her on socials @alexlight_ldn The book Danae mentions is “Eve: How The Female Body Drove 200 Million Years of Human Evolution” by Cat Bohannon. Dr Sophie mentions a mediation by Dr Joe Dispenza. Danae mentions a podcast - we checked and it's this one: https://open.spotify.com/episode/36v2KWpyUBK1MYkv3YqjF6?si=llXrEXYFS7WhkkkFz73qkA&nd=1&dlsi=1997fc5a09724b77 Danae mentions she takes prenatal vitamins; ashwagandha; and a @womensbest super green smoothie powder and a @womensbest collagen supplement. Support for eating disorders is here: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/ - follow on socials @beatedsupport Support for body dysmorphia is here: https://bddfoundation.org/ - follow on socials @bddfoundation Further reading: UK talent management agency Gleam Futures has taken a stand against the use of AI beauty filters. In partnership with its creators, in 2023 the agency launched a campaign called “Bold Influence”, celebrating what it calls “eight billion versions of beautiful”. The campaign features names from Gleam’s roster of creators including Gemma Styles, Adele Roberts, Anna Whitehouse, Grace Victory and Poppy Deyes. The creators themselves have signed up to the business’ new manifesto agreeing not to use beauty filters such as Facetune, Perfect365 and in particular TikTok’s AI filter Bold Glamour. At the time of writing in the UK: the Online Safety Bill has now passed its final Parliamentary debate and is now ready to become law. The bill takes a zero-tolerance approach to protecting children and makes sure social media platforms are held responsible for the content they host. The content in this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or to replace or substitute advice given by, or consultation with, your doctor or any other healthcare professional. Please contact your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your health. Dr Sophie Shotter, her company and any employees or representatives are not liable for any claims arising out of or in connection with this podcast.

Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, a gastroenterologist, discusses gut health with Dr. Sophie Shotter. They cover topics like fiber's impact on health, the microbiome's intricacies, and the importance of monitoring bowel movements. They also explore the effects of different diets on health, the significance of supplements, and the role of probiotics in gut health.

Dr Sophie Shotter Dr. Sophie and Fiona discuss: • The Sensate • Vagus nerve toning • New research on the vagus nerve • The parasympathetic system • The Eight Sleep mattress • Data around sleep • Dr Matthew Walker • The Oura ring • The Whoop tracker • Sauna blankets • Portable ice baths • Budget options • Weighted blankets • Acupressure mats • Cuddle parties Find out more by heading to https://drsophieshotter.com/ Follow Dr Sophie on Instagram… https://www.instagram.com/drsophieshotter/?hl=en …and Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@drsophieshotter?lang=en This podcast was produced by https://thepodcastpeople.co/ Dr Sophie and Fiona mention a few devices, people, ideas and studies – all the links are here (press ‘episode website’ for the full list): The Sensate The Eight Sleep mattress The Oura ring Whoop Apollo Myzone Aeyla weighed blankets vBloc have FDA approval for a pacemaker-like device that can be implanted in patients with high body mass index. Another company have created a wire you could wrap around the vagus nerve in the neck, potentially helping to reduce the frequency of seizures in people with epilepsy. There’s also an earbud device that stimulates a part of the vagus nerve that branches out into the middle of the ear to help reduce anxiety. There are even some schools of thoughts that vagus nerve stimulation – or vagal toning - might improve brain health. There’s emerging data that if you pair vagal nerve stimulation with certain behaviours, you can improve “plasticity.” For example, one study has been pairing vagal stimulation through the ear with teaching babies how to breastfeed. It could also potentially help stroke patients who are trying to gain mobility in parts of their bodies – or even someone trying to learn a new skill such as learn a new language. There’s emerging science from Dr Joe Dispenza on the health benefits of mediation. Dr Sophie mentions Dr Matthew Walker and ‘Why we sleep’ inc. the data he’s amassed – for example: After one week of short sleep, blood sugar levels are disrupted so significantly that your GP would classify you as pre-diabetic. Men who are limited to just four or five hours of sleep a night in just one week will have a level of testosterone usually seen in someone 10 years older. Lack of sleep can increase risk of diabetes, obesity and dementia. A lack of sleep will cause you to eat more during the day. Because when you’re tired your body produces more of a hormone call ghrelin, which tells you you’re hungry. That can lead to people who are not getting sufficient sleep eating somewhere between an extra 280 to 400 calories every single day. The show briefly mentions Sleepme’s Chilipad Dock Pro; BedJet 3; and Sleep Number Climate360. The Oura can be paired with the Natural Cycles app. The show mentions Aeyla’s weighted blankets and acupressure mats from Bed of Nails. More on cuddle parties here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuddle_party The content in this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or to replace or substitute advice given by, or consultation with, your doctor or any other healthcare professional. Please contact your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your health. Dr Sophie Shotter, her company and any employees or representatives are not liable for any claims arising out of or in connection with this podcast.

Dr. Sophie Shotter Dr Sophie and Fiona discuss: • What is microneedling and how does it work? • Derma roller versus Skin Pen • What Victoria Beckham posted on socials • What can microneedling treat? • Does it hurt? • What’s the downtime like? • Do’s and Don’t’s post treatment • How soon can results be seen? • How to amplify the results with serums / PRP • Can you microneedle your body? • Microneedling and scarring / stretch marks • How often should we get it done? • Combining with other treatments • Who shouldn’t microneedle? • Dr Sophie’s thoughts on at home micro needling devices Find out more by heading to https://drsophieshotter.com/ Follow Dr Sophie on Instagram… https://www.instagram.com/drsophieshotter/?hl=en …and Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@drsophieshotter?lang=en This podcast was produced by https://thepodcastpeople.co/ Dr Sophie mentioned the Skin Pen’s FDA clearance as a de Novo technology. She also mentioned combining microneedling with Profound RF or Morpheus 8. The content in this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or to replace or substitute advice given by, or consultation with, your doctor or any other healthcare professional. Please contact your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your health. Dr Sophie Shotter, her company and any employees or representatives are not liable for any claims arising out of or in connection with this podcast.

Dr. Sophie Shotter Dr. Sophie and Fiona discuss: • Crepey skin on the knees • Profhilo Body • New techniques with bio-stimulators • What surgery entails • Thread lift procedures • Wrinkle relaxers • A holistic approach • Excess fat on the knees • AirSculpt • The Emerald Laser • Fat dissolving injections • Nail staining (+ DIY hacks) • Hand creams • Prominent veins on the hands • Filler on the hands • HArmonyCa in the hands • Specialist surgery • Chemical peel techniques + laser treatments • Excess fat on the arms • Profhilo • RF microneedling • CoolSculpting • An arm lift/brachioplasty • Lines and wrinkles on the decolletage • Injectables • Energy-based tech • Microneedling • Necks and non-surgical solutions • Skincare for the neck and decolletage • Jowls (and the options available) • Volux • Options for a double chin Find out more by heading to https://drsophieshotter.com/ Follow Dr Sophie on Instagram… https://www.instagram.com/drsophieshotter/?hl=en …and Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@drsophieshotter?lang=en This podcast was produced by https://thepodcastpeople.co/ Dr Sophie and Fiona mention a few studies – all the links are here (press ‘episode website’ for the full list): The various treatments and tweakments Dr. Sophie mentioned include: Profound RF microneedling SkinPen microneedling BELKYRA fat dissolving (Kybella in the US) CoolSculpting (plus the CoolMini and Cool Petite) The Emerald laser The liposuction procedure Dr. Sophie mentioned is called Air Sculpt - developed by Dr. Aaron Rollins. HarmonyCa Profhilo Juvelook Sofwave PhilArt (skin booster) VOLUX from Juvederm Dr Sophie recommended: BodiFirm by Revision Skincare Sally Hanson’s Tinted Colour Correcting Nail treatment Creative Nail Design’s Rescue Daily Keratin Treatment Meder beauty ‘s Salva Hand Cream and their Circa Hand Cream Otto’s CBD hand balm La Roche Posay’s Cicaplast hand cream Revision Skincare’s Nectifirm Advance Skin Better Science’s Techno Neck Perfecting cream Alastin’s Restorative Neck Compex Absolute Collagen’s Deep Lift Neck and Dec cream Fiona mentioned the Nora Ephron book, “I Feel Bad About My Neck: And Other Thoughts on Being a Woman” The content in this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or to replace or substitute advice given by, or consultation with, your doctor or any other healthcare professional. Please contact your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your health. Dr Sophie Shotter, her company and any employees or representatives are not liable for any claims arising out of or in connection with this podcast.

Dr. Sophie Shotter Dr Sophie and Fiona discuss: • What are fillers? • The different types of filler (inc. hybrid injectables) • What results can be achieved with fillers? • So much choice – is it different brands or different products? • Fillers and skin boosters – what’s the difference? • HArmonyCA v Radiesse • Which is better for lines – fillers or wrinkle relaxers? • What’s the experience like (and does it hurt)? • Do’s and Don’ts before treatment • How soon to see results – and what’s the downtime like? • Risks and side effects • Post treatment protocols • Lip filler / baby lip filler / staying natural • Results – and how long it lasts • Where does filler go once it’s worn off? • The Alice Hart-Davies report on extended longevity • Getting filler dissolved • Post-Hyaluronidase Syndrome • How to stay looking natural • Regulations and safety in the UK • Is there anyone who can’t have fillers? • Final thoughts and tips Find out more by heading to https://drsophieshotter.com/ Follow Dr Sophie on Instagram… https://www.instagram.com/drsophieshotter/?hl=en …and Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@drsophieshotter?lang=en This podcast was produced by https://thepodcastpeople.co/ Dr Sophie mentions a few brands plus a study and an article – all the links are here (press ‘episode website’ for the full list): These are some of the key brands Dr Sophie uses in clinic (some are fillers – some are skin boosters or hybrid products): HArmonyCa VOLBELLA, VOLUMA, VOLUX, VOLIFT (in the USA: Vollure) and VOLITE (in the USA: SKINVIVE) – all from Juvéderm JUVELOOK & LENISNA Profhilo Viscoderm Hydrobooster Dr Sophie also mentioned using fillers in conjunction with Profound RF or Sofwave. Dr Sophie also mentions these brands: Restylane Teoxane Sculptra Ellansé Radiesse MaiLi IBSADERMA Aliaxin Dr Sophie mentions these products: Alastin’s Immerse serum SkinCeuticals HA Intensifier Serum The Youthful Lip Replenisher from Revision Skincare The study Dr Sophie mentioned is here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38655103/ More on the Alice Hart-Davies report Dr Sophie mentioned can be found here: https://thetweakmentsguide.com/blog/how-much-filler-did-alices-mri-reveal/ In the UK, there are resources including: https://www.jccp.org.uk/ and https://www.saveface.co.uk/ Plus you can check the regulatory register to find out if your practitioner is a registered healthcare provider. This includes the General Medical Council, the General Dental Council and the Nursing and Midwifery Council. The content in this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or to replace or substitute advice given by, or consultation with, your doctor or any other healthcare professional. Please contact your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your health. Dr Sophie Shotter, her company and any employees or representatives are not liable for any claims arising out of or in connection with this podcast.

Dr. Sophie Shotter Dr. Sophie and Fiona discuss: • The issue with young people using actives • The role of sugar (and cortisol) • What happens during puberty • Teenage spots versus acne • A good basic skincare routine • Do pre-teens need skincare? • Dr Sophie’s recommended products and brands • What can a doctor prescribe? • Lymecycline (and other antibiotics) • Azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide • Adapalene • The pill • Roaccutane – the full lowdown • Final tips Find out more by heading to https://drsophieshotter.com/ Follow Dr Sophie on Instagram… https://www.instagram.com/drsophieshotter/?hl=en …and Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@drsophieshotter?lang=en This podcast was produced by https://thepodcastpeople.co/ Dr Sophie mentions a few products and brands: Heliocare 360 Oil-Free gel Byoma skincare Indu skincare Sam Farmer skincare Cerave skincare La Roche-Posay’s Effaclar range Oxygenetix Acne Control Foundation The content in this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or to replace or substitute advice given by, or consultation with, your doctor or any other healthcare professional. Please contact your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your health. Dr Sophie Shotter, her company and any employees or representatives are not liable for any claims arising out of or in connection with this podcast.

Dr. Sophie Shotter Dr Sophie and Fiona discuss: • Spontaneous tumour regressions • The role of the immune system • The work of Dr. Joe Dispenza • Off licence meds • Early cancer detection tests • Gut health in relation to cancer • Autophagy and theories on cancer as a metabolic disease • The role of glucose • Dental health • Environmental chemicals / heavy metals • Obesity - insulin resistance - inflammation • The role of alcohol / exercise / diet The podcast is for entertainment / information purposes only. Always seek medical advice from a registered doctor. Find out more by heading to https://drsophieshotter.com/ Follow Dr Sophie on Instagram… https://www.instagram.com/drsophieshotter/?hl=en …and Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@drsophieshotter?lang=en This podcast was produced by https://thepodcastpeople.co/ Dr Sophie and Fiona mention a few studies – all the links are here (press ‘episode website’ for the full list): This ep mentions the stories of: Ole Nielsen Schou, a Danish pharmaceutical production manager (when his abdominal cancer tumour was removed, they found lots of white blood cells, the lead weapon in the body's immune system). Sharon Belvin from North Carolina. Joseph Rick from LA. GlaxoSmithkline is in final-stage tests of a vaccine to prevent lung cancer from coming back after surgery. In an early trial it slashed the probability of cancer recurrence by 27%. More recently, there was a peer reviewed publication showing that meditation can block the COVID virus from entering cells. It examined how blood plasma can limit viral infection in cultured lung cells. Read more here https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666354623000893#abs0015 Another interesting discovery is that meditation can elevate a protein called SERPINA5. Read more here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666354623000893#abs0015 Fiona mentioned the work of Jane McClelland and her book ‘How to starve cancer’ - Jane has an active Facebook group. Meds discussed include herceptin, ivermectin, resveratrol, merformin, herceptin, LDN, and melatonin. Never take meds without a doctor's advice. Erbitux discussed re colon cancer – designed to disrupt the growth of cancer. Might perform a second role which is flagging the immune system to actually kill cancer. Ivermectin - used to treat parasitic infections. It’s been linked to treatment for various cancers as well as COVID 19 – but we have no firm data (there’s also concern about whether it causes infertility in men). Resveratrol (found in grape skins) has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and cardio-protective effects – potentially has anti-cancer properties by activating or deactivating molecular pathways. But no hard data - much more research is needed. Metformin, this is a medication that helps the insulin you produce work better. It's for people with type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes. A series of epidemiological studies have suggested that metformin may prevent cancer – on the Cancer Research UK site, it mentions a study on metformin and breast cancer. We don’t have the results yet. Interesting article here https://sperlingprostatecenter.com/biohacking-with-metformin/ Re MSM (methylsulfonylmethane). Some research suggests MSM may help slow the spread of certain cancers and even promote cancer cell death. One study showed MSM inhibited (HER2) in breast cancer cells. Another study suggests MSM may improve the way chemotherapy drugs affect cancer cells and may itself induce endometrial cancer cell death. But no firm data. MSM supplements might also decrease the appearance of wrinkles and improve skin firmness and elasticity. This was a small 2022 study in the International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research. We think this is due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. There are also products called PC-HOPE, PC-CARE and PC-PLUS - all very similar products and research on PC-HOPE and PC-SPES showed they might be active against prostate cancer cells and PC-HOPE might kill pancreatic cancer cells or help people with pancreatic cancer to live longer. But no firm data. True Check Intelli mentioned - available at Dr Sophie's Kent clinic. Alzheimers and Dr Dale Bredesen’s work mentioned. There is data that probiotics (in particular a strain called Escherichia coli) could amplify cancer immunotherapies such as CAR T therapy – which is a treatment for certain blood cancers. There’s an interesting study on this published in Science – here: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.add7034? BUT this study has been on mice and it’s not yet known how this experimental combination might work in humans. There’s emerging data on fructose receptors in cancer tissue. Dr Mindy Peltz mentioned. Autophagy has been associated with cancer because studies show that fasting reduces insulin growth factor (IGF-1) levels, a marker for increased cancer risk - but there’s no clear-cut data. For instance, some studies have shown that autophagy may prevent tumours from forming in the early stages of cancer. As just one example, pre-clinical findings from a pancreas research team in the US indicates that fasting could play a role in preventing liver and prostate cancer. But other research has shown that autophagy may encourage tumor growth by helping cancer cells function more efficiently. Also, most studies about the relationship between autophagy and disease haven’t been performed on humans. It is true that autophagy is essential for healthy cells. It’s also true that problems with autophagy are associated with some diseases. But there’s not enough research to support inducing autophagy as a wellness strategy. Studies involving animals suggest that autophagy begins somewhere between 24 to 48 hours of fasting. Some researchers believe it takes longer but we don’t have enough research on the ideal timing to trigger human autophagy. One study concluded that intermittent fasting consistently showed powerful anti-cancer effects when used in combination with conventional treatments. The fasting appeared to amplify the effects of chemo, radiotherapy and TKI cancer therapy. But as a standalone approach, this study says that fasting would probably show limited efficacy against established tumours. In fact, the researchers said it rarely matched the benefits they saw in this combined approach. That said, some people have used fasting as a stand-alone therapy with powerful results – including spontaneous remission from cancer. Here’s one study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6938162/ Maggie Jones story is here https://drmindypelz.com/ep184/ Dr Mark Hyman mentioned. Dr. Thomas Seyfried – his work is on the metabolic theory of cancer plus the role of oxidative stress, mitochondrial health, and the role of glucose in the development and progression of cancer. His theory says cancer cells need glucose and glutamine to fuel their growth and therefore why we need to deprive cancer cells of glucose. He endorses using a ketogenic diet - whereas someone like Dr Mindy Peltz endorses using intermittent fasting (which has the benefit of not needing to cut any food groups). They both get to the same end result but using different approaches. Chemicals discussed including pesticides, phthalates, bisphenol A, flame retardants, and heavy metals such as mercury, lead, and arsenic. Exposure to asbestos increases risk of lung cancer. Dr Sophie mentions the benefits of a plant-based diet especially foods with sulforaphane. This is a chemical that’s made when chewing cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and broccoli sprouts. A chemical in these vegetables called glucoraphanin mixes with an enzyme in humans called myrosinase, which produces sulforaphane. Alcohol is linked to certain cancers, particularly breast cancer. Even small amounts. Many people also believe that daily exercise, both cardio and resistance training, is imperative for cancer prevention. There’s emerging data here. The role of sleep and reducing stress levels is interesting – data emerging too. Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong is creating targeted therapies to treat cancer in every patient individually. Some scientists are making strides in cancer treatment by focusing on metabolic pathways – in particular with work on the enzyme SHMT with aggressive cancers. Dr. Dean Ornish endorses a whole-foods, plant-based diet. The content in this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or to replace or substitute advice given by, or consultation with, your doctor or any other healthcare professional. Please contact your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your health. Dr Sophie Shotter, her company and any employees or representatives are not liable for any claims arising out of or in connection with this podcast.

Dr. Sophie Shotter Dr Sophie and Fiona discuss: • Taking vitamins / supplements while in treatment • Chinese herbs and UK oncology • Dr Sophie’s blood tests in clinic • Do B vitamins play a protective role? • Vitamin C • Vitamin D • Bromelain • Essiac • Laetrile • Dame Deborah James • Turmeric • Ginger • Selenium • Garlic • Green tea • Vitamin E • Iodine • The immune system • Functional mushrooms / adaptogens • Soy (and the breast cancer discussion) • NAD+ • Glutamine The podcast is for entertainment / information purposes only. Always seek medical advice from a registered doctor. Find out more by heading to https://drsophieshotter.com/ Follow Dr Sophie on Instagram… https://www.instagram.com/drsophieshotter/?hl=en …and Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@drsophieshotter?lang=en This podcast was produced by https://thepodcastpeople.co/ Dr Sophie and Fiona mention a few studies – all the links are here (press ‘episode website’ for the full list): In December 2019, a study of over 1,000 women with breast cancer found that certain nutritional supplements could reduce women’s chance of survival and even increase the chance that breast cancer would recur after treatment. The research was published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology and led by scientists at the SWOG cancer research institute. The main findings were: • Patients who reported taking any antioxidant - vitamins A, C, E plus carotenoids and Coenyzme Q10 - were 41% more likely to have their breast cancer return when they took the supplements both before and during chemotherapy treatment. • Patients had a similar, but weaker, increased risk of death when taking those antioxidants. • Patients taking vitamin B12, iron, and omega-3 fatty acid supplements were at significantly greater risk of breast cancer recurrence and loss of life. • Patients taking multivitamins showed no signs of poorer or better outcomes after chemotherapy. • But it found no evidence that taking multivitamins or vitamin D is harmful. Half a million people were behind Johns Hopkins research which concluded that multivitamins did not decrease the risk of cancer, heart disease or help with any cognitive decline. But there are other studies that state the exact opposite – more research and data is needed. Dr Bav Shergill of the British Association of Dermatologists has suggested oral niacinamide (vitamin B3) might reduce the rates of some types of non-melanoma skin cancer (as well as reduce skin redness and uneven pigmentation). Read more here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9125143/ In one study, fish oil was shown to possibly reduce the effectiveness of chemotherapy. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaoncology/article-abstract/2212208 According to some research folate and other B vitamins like B12 might offset increased risk of cancer in people who drink alcohol. Again, more research is needed. Cancer Research UK cites two studies suggesting vitamin C’s potential as a cancer treatment. However, the researchers were injecting [either mice or cancer patients] with very high doses of vitamin C – much higher than you could get from food or supplements directly. The results tentatively support the idea that high-dose vitamin C has potential as a cancer treatment. But it’s far from clear-cut because other studies suggest vitamin C could interfere with some anti-cancer drugs, with one study showing it may even stop the anti-breast cancer drug tamoxifen. So far, we don’t have enough quality research. One study is here: https://jeccr.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13046-021-02134-y Research continues to look at the role of vitamin D in the development and recurrence of different cancers. Some early studies suggest that there is a link between low levels of vitamin D and the development of cancer. One study found that vitamin K2 was effective at inhibiting the pro-inflammatory iNOS in the spinal cord and the brain immune system (this was in rats that had multiple sclerosis symptoms). Read more here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16146654 Note: MK-4 is thought to play a role in cancer protection and sexual health. Laboratory and animal studies have showed that bromelain might reduce inflammation for certain skin conditions and even osteoporosis. Some studies show that bromelain might prevent or treat certain cancers and that it might stop them from growing. Very limited data available. Several studies and reviews found that Essiac had no anti cancer effects. Likewise there’s no reliable scientific evidence to show that laetrile or amygdalin can help treat cancer. The main active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin or diferuloyl methane. Laboratory studies have shown curcumin seems to be able to kill cancer cells and prevent more from growing. There have been some clinical trials looking at curcumin in people with colorectal cancer, prostate cancer and other cancer types. It’s best to take it with black pepper to increase absorption. In 2006, researchers from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer found that ginger not only killed ovarian cancer cells, it also prevented them from building up resistance to cancer treatment. More research is needed. Too much selenium can be toxic, but doses as high as 300 micrograms (mcg) have been shown to reduce certain kinds of cancer, including lung, liver and colon. Read more here: https://www.pcrm.org/health/cancer-resources/diet-cancer/nutrition/how-selenium-helps-protect-against-cancer One trial showed that selenium might protect against the overall risk of prostate cancer in men with a history of non melanoma skin cancer. However a later systematic review found that selenium supplements had no benefit. In fact, some randomised controlled trials showed a higher incidence of high grade prostate cancer and type 2 diabetes in people taking selenium. So research in this area has produced very mixed results. There are some studies that suggest garlic has properties that block the activation of cancer-causing substances and reduce the growth of cancer cells. There are several studies that show the compounds in green tea could help protect against certain kinds of cancer. It contains chemicals called polyphenols that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. But green tea does have antioxidant properties so you do really need to check with your oncology team. Read more here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3142888/ Studies show vitamin E can decrease the risk of prostate, colon, and lung cancers. In fact, low amounts of vitamin E is shown to increase the risk of cancer. Again, be careful with taking antioxidants while in active cancer treatment. Read more here: https://www.pcrm.org/health/cancer-resources/diet-cancer/nutrition/how-vitamin-e-helps-protect-against-cancer There are theories around other supplements such as iodine. Adaptogenic mushrooms and herbs have been shown to have a balancing effect on the hypothalamic-pituitary-endocrine axis. This controls hundreds of pathways that are responsible for inflammation. And because chronic inflammation is linked to cancer (along with many other health issues), adaptogenic mushrooms have potential (though as yet unproven) benefit. Read more here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4396833/ There are several studies that show impressive results with cancer patients – including shiitake, himematsutake - also known as God’s mushroom, chaga, maitake, and turkey tail (which also has data to help SIBO and candida / yeast overgrowth). Current research says that foods containing natural isoflavones are safe. Early studies show that isoflavones may have some benefits in certain cancers. In breast and prostate cancer isoflavones may actually reduce the risk of cancer coming back. This is because isoflavones are similar to the hormone oestrogen and bind to the oestrogen receptors on cells. By doing so, it blocks cancer cells from absorbing oestrogen. While there is no research to show NAD+ can cause cancer, studies show if you cut off the NAD+ supply cancer cells die. The same applies to glucose and oxygen - but this does not mean glucose, oxygen or NAD+ cause cancer, nor is it a sensible approach to restrict any of these critical molecules. There appears to be a link between glutamine and cancer. On the flip side, glutamine supplementation may improve the overall outcome of certain cancer cases. In fact, glutamine is believed to be such an important part of tumour progression that some researchers have studied it as a potential cancer treatment. It has great potential for immune-enhancing effects which may, in part, be because glutamine acts as primary fuel in lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that helps your body’s immune system fight viruses and bacteria. And doctor-supervised glutamine supplementation may be of value in healing of tissues affected by chemotherapy or radiotherapy. It’s also been shown to have potential cognitive benefits. Plus some research indicates that higher blood glutamine levels may actually be protective against cardiovascular disease. But it’s complicated because (like NAD+) both healthy cells and cancerous cells need glutamine. NB. The body makes its own glutamine so dietary changes are likely to have little effect. It’s also found in a range of foods. Much more research is needed. Read more below. https://www.healthline.com/health/glutamine-and-cancer https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8257221/ The content in this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or to replace or substitute advice given by, or consultation with, your doctor or any other healthcare professional. Please contact your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your health. Dr Sophie Shotter, her company and any employees or representatives are not liable for any claims arising out of or in connection with this podcast.