Why Try Holistic Therapies?
Even though some of the therapies and strategies shared in this guide may not yet be supported by large-scale clinical trials, many are grounded in emerging research, traditional use, and powerful patient experiences. When the risk is low and the potential benefit is high, such as improved quality of life, reduced side effects, or even enhanced outcomes, it becomes worth considering.
You are not choosing between hope and science. You are choosing to explore every possible option.
Holistic approaches often come with fewer side effects than conventional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. In some cases, they may help you tolerate those treatments better or offer an alternative when conventional options feel too harsh or have stopped working. You are not being reckless. You are being proactive, thoughtful, and empowered.
If the risk is minimal and the possibility of benefit exists, that may be reason enough to try.
Want to Learn More?
If you’re curious about the research behind any of the therapies, supplements, or strategies in this guide, we recommend exploring PubMed . This is a free, trusted database of medical studies provided by the National Institutes of Health. While some natural therapies may lack extensive clinical trials, many do have promising early data, case studies, or published results you can review.
Empowerment begins with education. Ask questions. Read the evidence. Then move forward with confidence in your choices.
WEEKS 1–2: FOUNDATION & PREPARATION
Medical
- Confirm subtype (ER+/PR+/HER2-/+ or Triple Negative)
- Determine staging TNM classification, Ki-67, Oncotype DX
- Assemble care team: Oncologist + integrative/functional medicine provider
- Imaging: Mammogram, Ultrasound, MRI
- Thermography: Optional adjunct tool for early inflammation and vascular changes earlier
- Run baseline labs: CBC, metabolic panel, CRP, ESR, liver enzymes, hormone panel, fasting insulin, vitamin D, zinc, iodine, selenium
- Consider genetic testing: BRCA1/2, PALB2, TP53
Mind-Body-Spirit
- Begin 7 day devotional
- Create a healing vision board
- Join a faith-based or cancer support community
- Identify emotional wounds and emotions and begin working through them
Nutrition
- Begin Mediterranean-style anti-inflammatory diet
- Avoid: sugar, processed foods, dairy, alcohol, fried foods, artificial sweeteners
- Focus on: cruciferous veggies, berries, leafy greens, garlic, turmeric, flaxseed, olive oil
- Drink 8–10 glasses of filtered water daily (use glass/stainless steel containers) Avoid all plastic containers
- Drink 2-4 oz NingXia Red daily, diluted in water or with a drop of lemon essential oil Best taken in the morning or early afternoon for energy and antioxidant defense
Supplements (Check with your healthcare provider)
- Vitamin D3/K2
- Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)
- Magnesium glycinate or citrate
- Probiotic (multi-strain)
- Sulforaphane (from broccoli sprouts or supplement)
- Curcumin (with black pepper for absorption)
- DIM or Calcium D-glucarate (for estrogen-positive BC)
- Iodine (if deficient and supervised)
- Selenium
- Zinc
Detox & Lifestyle
- Warm lemon water daily firs thing in the morning
- Dry brushing 3–4x/week
- Castor oil packs over liver or abdomen 3x/week
- Epsom salt baths 2x/week
- Replace chemical-laden skincare and cleaners (use natural products like Thieves)
- Gentle movement daily: 20-minute walks, yoga, stretching
- Anti-cancer support tea and tincture
- Parasite cleanse taken with binders (activated charcoal, bentonite clay)
Weeks 3–4: Hormone Balance & Continued Detox
Nutrition & Detox
- Continue clean Mediterranean diet
- Add: fermented foods, 2 Tbsp ground flaxseed/day, broccoli, kale, cauliflower
- Drink liver-supporting teas: dandelion root, burdock, milk thistle
- Start infrared sauna 2–3x/week
- Practice deep belly breathing and lymphatic drainage
Hormonal Support
- Introduce hormone-balancing adaptogens (check compatibility with subtype):
- Ashwagandha (avoid if HER2+)
- Maca (best for post-menopausal)
- Holy basil
Spiritual Practice
- Read a Psalm or devotional daily
- Speak healing affirmations: “I am healed and whole in God’s timing.”
- Continue gratitude journaling and prayer walks
Weeks 5–8: Immune Regeneration & Fasting Intro
Nutrition
- Introduce intermittent fasting (12–14 hour nightly fast)
- Eat a “rainbow plate” (7+ colorful fruits/veggies per day)
- Add: mushrooms (shiitake, maitake, reishi), green tea (2–3 cups/day), 30–40g fiber daily
- Include: bone broth or plant-based protein soups 3x/week
- Soursop (Graviola) -limit to 30 days on, 30 days off. Not for long term use
Note: Do not use during chemotherapy without guidance and avoid high doses or extended use due to neurotoxicity.
Supplements
- Turkey tail mushroom extract
- Liposomal vitamin C
- Zinc
- Beta-glucans
- Astragalus or echinacea
- Melatonin (3–20 mg nightly; studies support use in breast cancer)
Movement
- Start strength training or resistance band workouts (2x/week)
- Continue walking, yoga, or rebounding (mini-trampoline) 5x/week
- Lymphatic massage or rebounding 5–10 minutes daily
Weeks 9–12: Cellular Healing & Advanced Repair
Advanced Fasting
- Consider 24-hour water fast 1x/week (if safe and cleared by provider)
- Optional: supervised 3–5 day water/broth fast to stimulate autophagy
Emotional & Spiritual Healing
- Listen to worship music or guided prayer during walks or sauna sessions
- Attend support groups for trauma healing
- Read healing scriptures and Bible stories of restoration
- Speak affirmations daily: “God is restoring my body from the inside out.”