Resources

Integrative Medicine Web Resources

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH): This branch of the National Institutes of Health focuses on complementary and integrative health research. It includes literature reviews and education on CAM modalities and integrative practice.

University of Wisconsin Integrative Medicine Program: This program offers patient handouts and educational material for integrative approaches to common medical conditions. It focuses on bringing integrative medicine into primary care delivery models.

COVID Prophylaxis & Treatment, FLCCC Alliance I-MASK+

Lifestyle: Nutrition

The Elimination Diet

The Anti-inflammatory Diet

Medical Conditions

Diabetes

TABLE 32-1 Glycemic Effects and Cardiovascular Benefits of Different Treatments for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (from Rakel’s Integrative Therapy)

TherapyEffectsCardiovascular Benefits
Arsenic exposure avoidanceArsenic exposure increased risk 358% in population studies
Emotional stress avoidanceEmotional stress increased risk 60% to 236% in population studiesCV and all-cause mortality
Egg avoidanceEgg consumption increased risk 50% in two population studiesCV disease
CoffeeReduced risk 40% in meta-analysisLipids, CV mortality
Leafy green vegetablesReduced risk 14% in meta-analysisBP, lipids, all-cause mortality
Moderate alcohol consumptionReduced risk 50% in meta-analysisLipids, CV and all-cause mortality
Avoidance of sugar-sweetened beveragesSugar-sweetened beverages increased risk 26% in meta-analysis
Treatment of periodontal diseasePeriodontal disease increased risk 150% to 225% in population studiesMI and stroke risk
Lifestyle interventionHbA1c decreased 0.3% in meta-analysisBP, lipids
Regular exerciseHbA1c decreased 0.6% in meta-analysisBP, lipids, CV and all-cause mortality
Low-glycemic dietHbA1c decreased 0.5% in meta-analysisLipids, CV disease
Beans and pulsesHbA1c decreased 0.5% in meta-analysisBP, lipids
ChiaBP, C-reactive protein
Cognitive-behavioral therapyHbA1c decreased 0.78% in meta-analysis
BiofeedbackHbA1c decreased 0.8% in one trial
Treatment of vitamin D deficiencyMay decrease type 2 DM riskEndothelial function
ChromiumHbA1c decreased 0.6% in meta-analysis
Alpha-lipoic acidDecreased diabetic neuropathy? Liver, CV disease
Omega-3 fatty acidsLipids, platelets, CV disease
MagnesiumHbA1c decreased 0.3% in meta-analysis
Reduces type 2 DM risk 16%
Lipids, endothelial function
L-Carnitine? Insulin sensitivityLipids, lipoprotein(a)
BenfotiamineEndothelial function
Vitamin K2? Stimulates beta cellsCV disease
Avoidance of seleniumSelenium may increase risk 55%
Avoidance of high-dose vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folateThese vitamins may increase nephropathyIncreased CV disease
BerberineHbA1c decreased 0.9% in one trial
CinnamonHbA1c decreased 0.5% in one trial
GinsengImproved glucose parameters
FenugreekHbA1c decreased 1.4% in one trial
Ivy gourdHbA1c decreased 0.6% in one trial
Momordica charantiaImproved glucose parameters in four trials
Prickly pear cactus stemImproved glucose parameters in one trial
PycnogenolHbA1c decreased 0.8% in one trial
MetforminHbA1c decreased 1.0%CV and all-cause mortality
SitagliptinHbA1c decreased 1.25%
SulfonylureaHbA1c decreased 1.0%May increase risk
PioglitazoneHbA1c decreased 1.25%
Bariatric surgeryCurative in 78% of patients? CV and all-cause mortality
InsulinDose-dependent

BP, blood pressure; CV, cardiovascular; DM, diabetes mellitus; HbA1c, glycosylated hemoglobin; MI, myocardial infarction.

Prostate Cancer

Therapeutic Review: from Rakel’s Integrative Medicine

Nutrition

  1. Follow the ACS and AICR guidelines on nutrition. Focus on increasing fruits and vegetables (minimum five servings per day), limiting red meat, alcohol, and energy-dense foods like sugary drinks. Consider incorporating foods like soy, flaxseed, drinking green tea (two to three cups per day), lycopene from cooked tomatoes, and pomegranates. Refer receptive patients to a qualified dietitian. 

Exercise

  1. Exercise for 30 minutes or longer five times weekly. 
  2. Consider referral to a physical trainer or physical therapist, especially for patients with physical impairments or risks such as bone metastases.

Supplements

  1. Check vitamin D levels, and if <30 ng/mL, consider supplementation with vitamin D3, especially important for patients with bone metastases. 
  2. Avoid any kind of hormonal supplements like DHEA, human growth hormone, androstenedione, chondroitin sulfate, and supplemental androgens.

Mind-Body

  1. Discuss mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques, especially for men with high risk, and refer receptive patients to a qualified professional. 

Acupuncture

  1. Consider using acupuncture to help with symptoms of pain, nausea, or hot flashes. 

Tobacco

  1. If currently using any form of tobacco, assess for willingness to quit and consider referral to a tobacco treatment program.

Resources