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2018 Fall Health & Wellness Directory

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By Catherine Jozwik Special to The Freeman WAUKESHA — Holistic practices, including a healthy organic diet, yoga, meditation and essential oils, can help supplement traditional medi- cines and procedures used to treat cancer. Debra Muth, a Waukesha naturopathic doctor and women's health nurse practi- tioner, stressed that these practices are meant to supple- ment, rather than replace, cancer treatments such as chemotherapy. "Holistic treatments can work very nicely along with cancer treatments," she said. After a patient has been given a cancer diagnosis, "the first step we take is nutrition- al," she said. Muth recommends avoid- ing foods containing white sugar, lots of salt, and chemi- cal additives, as these can "feed" cancer. Stabilized blood sugar is also important when it comes to fighting the disease. Eating fruits with a low glycemic index, such as berries and green apples, along with shiitake mush- rooms, can be beneficial to one's health. Also, organic foods have more nutritional value, as fruits and veggies are grown in more nutrition- ally-enhanced soil, said the doctor. Psychological well-being is also important. Studies have shown that people with a positive mindset have an easier time coping with the side effects of radiation and chemotherapy. "The mind is also a very powerful tool for healing," she said. Nicci Van Der Merwe, cer- tified energy and sound prac- titioner and owner of Accendo Mind Body and Soul in Waukesha, feels that essen- tial oils, such as frankincense, peppermint and ginger can help ease side effects of chemotherapy and radiation, like fatigue and nausea. Although certain oils don't work for everyone, there are many others that offer bene- fits. "If something doesn't work for you, there is definitely something else to try," said Van Der Merwe. Meditation and breathing exercises can help cancer patients cope with fear and anxiety. Tips on how to employ guided meditations — the act of focusing on an image or sound — can be found on YouTube, in books, online, or through smart- phone apps. Also, engaging in repetitive activities (cleaning the house for example), and hobbies (knitting, sewing, coloring) can help cancer patients take their mind off worry. Van Der Merwe said cer- tain herb supplements, such as fish oil, which can act as a blood thinner, can be harmful to patients, and they should seek advice of a medical professional before use. "Work with a knowledge- able practitioner," she said. FALL 2018 / HEALTH & WELLNESS DIRECTORY 4 ABLE OF CONTENTS ■ Cancer emotional support . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 6 ■ Eating and energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 14 ■ Holistic treatments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 4 ■ Farm-to-table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 10 ■ Kids' snacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 8 ■ Moderation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 7 ■ Opioids use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 11 ■ Sinus care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 5 T Submitted photo Essential oils are a natural way patients can supplement traditional cancer treatments. Holistic treatments to supplement traditional medicine after cancer diagnosis

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