Dr. Heather Paulson, a Naturpathic Oncologist with Arizona's Natural Health Center Cancer Care Team, advocates for cancer patients and their loved ones to recover from a diagnosis and treatment naturally. Here are 8 steps to follow for a healthy recovery.
PlanThink about who you would like to have on your medical team. Do you need a counselor? Nutritionist? Naturopathic Doctor? When you engage a team you can trust, you won't feel the need to be in charge all of the time. This will free up time to just be present in the process, as a supportive loved one.Accept Support
Accept the love and support of others. Friends and family are also having a hard time processing the cancer diagnosis, and they want to be part of the healing process.Sleep
Sleep is an important part of physical recovery, immune system function, and hormone balance. If you aren’t sleeping well, ask your doctor or counselor about strategies that might help.Eat Well
It's easy to grab "comfort" foods during times of stress. But what we really need are the phytonutrients and antioxidants available in vegetables, fruit, and berries. These help provide the strength and vitality needed to be a great caregiver and co-survivor.Get Spiritual
A spiritual practice can help you make meaning of your current circumstances. Taking a step back and looking at the big picture of life with prayer, meditation, and spiritual support provides comfort and peace.Breathe
Take a few minutes each day to simply breathe. Start by inhaling for 3-4 seconds, hold for 1 second, then exhale for 3-4 seconds.Exercise
Exercise helps the body process stress hormones like cortisol while releasing endorphins and "feel good hormones".Laugh
Laughter releases stress and increases "good" hormones. Watch a funny movie, listen to a comedy sketch on a CD, or go to a comedy club.
About Heather Paulson, ND, FABNO:
A member of the Arizona Natural Health Center Cancer Care Team and one of the most accomplished Naturopathic Oncologists in the country, Dr. Heather Paulson focuses on helping people diagnosed with cancer bring their bodies back to a natural state of wellness.
