Remi Odisho Integrative

Could eating less for a short period actually change how the body responds to chemotherapy?

This is one of the more fascinating areas of integrative oncology research.

During fasting, several metabolic changes occur: insulin and IGF-1 signalling falls, mTOR activity decreases, AMPK becomes more active, and healthy cells begin shifting away from growth towards cellular maintenance and stress resistance.

Researchers call one of the theories behind this Differential Stress Resistance.

The idea is that healthy cells may temporarily become more resistant to stress, while cancer cells—because of dysregulated growth pathways—may be less able to enter this protective state.

It’s biologically compelling.

But compelling biology ≠ established clinical practice.

Human trials are still relatively small, and fasting during chemotherapy is not appropriate for everyone.

I’ll be unpacking the research—and the limitations—over the next few posts!

Soy after breast cancer is one of the most common nutrition fears I hear.

Many people have been told to avoid soy because it contains “plant oestrogens.”

But food-based soy is not the same as oestrogen.
And eating tofu is not the same as taking a high-dose isolated isoflavone supplement.

The research we have in breast cancer survivors generally supports soy foods as safe, and in some studies, soy intake is associated with better outcomes.

This includes foods like:
Tofu
Tempeh
Edamame
Soy milk
Miso

Of course, individual tolerance matters. If soy does not suit your digestion or preferences, you don’t have to eat it.

But for many people, soy can be a useful source of protein, fibre and phytonutrients.

The bigger nutrition picture after breast cancer is not about fearing one food.

It’s about building a dietary pattern that supports metabolic health, gut health, muscle, energy, cardiovascular health and quality of life.

If you have breast cancer and need support around diet and functional nutrition, head to the link in my bio to book an appointment.

Turmeric in food and curcumin supplements are not the same thing.

This distinction matters if you are taking tamoxifen.
Using turmeric in cooking — for example in soups, curries or dressings — is very different from taking a concentrated curcumin capsule, especially a high-absorption formula or one combined with piperine.

Some clinical pharmacokinetic research has suggested that curcumin, with or without piperine, may reduce exposure to tamoxifen and endoxifen.
Endoxifen is one of tamoxifen’s important active metabolites.

So my clinical approach is not “turmeric is bad.”
It is:
Food-level turmeric? Usually a very different conversation.
High-dose curcumin supplement? Needs individual review.
Curcumin with piperine? Definitely worth checking before use.
Multiple supplements plus tamoxifen? Please get a safety review.

This is why integrative oncology needs nuance.
Natural does not automatically mean safe.
Evidence-based does not mean anti-natural.

It means we use the right tool, at the right dose, for the right person, at the right time.

Save this post if you’re taking tamoxifen or book a consultation via the link in my bio for supplement safety support.

Hot flushes after breast cancer treatment can be intense.
They may affect sleep, mood, energy, confidence and your ability to function during the day.

And for many woman, this is not simply “normal menopause.”

Hot flushes may be influenced by:
Tamoxifen
Aromatase inhibitors
Ovarian suppression
Chemotherapy-induced menopause
Surgical menopause
Stress and nervous system activation
Sleep disruption
Alcohol, heat or dietary triggers

Because standard menopausal hormone therapy is often not appropriate after hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, support needs to be thoughtful and non-hormonal.

That may include acupuncture, sleep strategies, nervous system support, exercise, nutrition, trigger identification and medical options through your oncology team.

Please be careful with herbs or supplements marketed for menopause. Some are not well-studied in breast cancer survivors, and some may not be appropriate depending on your diagnosis and treatment.

If you’re in need of personalised support head to the link in my bio to book a consultation.

Tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors are often grouped together as “hormone therapy,” but they do not work in the same way.

Tamoxifen blocks oestrogen signalling in breast tissue but can behave differently in other parts of the body.
Aromatase inhibitors, including letrozole, anastrozole and exemestane, lower oestrogen production by blocking the aromatase enzyme.

This matters because the mechanism helps explain the symptoms.

Joint pain, stiffness, vaginal dryness, bone density changes, hot flushes, sleep disruption and fatigue are not random. They often reflect how these medications change oestrogen signalling throughout the entire body.

This is also why support should be individualised.

A person with severe aromatase inhibitor joint pain may need a different plan to someone on tamoxifen who is mainly struggling with night sweats, poor sleep and uterine monitoring concerns.

Endocrine therapy support should be evidence-based, safe and specific to you.

If you’re in need of personalised support head to the link in bio to book an appointment.