134: Suppressing Cancer and Supporting Recovery Through Plant-Based Nutrition
Description
Podcast Show Notes: Plant-Based Nutrition for Cancer Recovery
Guest: Hanna Rakowska
Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Certified Holistic Cancer Practitioner
Hanna is a cancer survivor (Hodgkin's lymphoma, 2006) who discovered the power of plant-based nutrition during her own treatment. After her oncologist told her "there's nothing you can do at home," she knew that wasn't right and dedicated her career to helping cancer patients feel heard and empowered.
The SOAR™ Framework
Hanna's signature approach to cancer recovery:
- S - Suppress cancer cell growth using phytochemicals in plant foods
- O - Optimize nutritional status to enhance treatment outcomes
- A - Activate the body's innate healing mechanisms
- R - Reduce treatment side effects (short-term and long-term)
Key Takeaways
Protein for Cancer Patients: Need 1.2-1.4 grams per kilogram of body weight (higher than average). Best plant sources include edamame, tofu, tempeh, protein powders, and even leafy greens.
Top Cancer-Fighting Foods: Cruciferous vegetables (at least 1 cup daily), berries, turmeric, green tea, flaxseed, garlic, omega-3 rich foods like walnuts and hemp hearts.
Beyond Food: Exercise boosts natural killer cells, forest bathing stimulates immunity, and mind-body practices like meditation activate healing mechanisms.
Cancer-Specific Nutrition: Different cancers benefit from targeted foods - soy and cruciferous vegetables for breast cancer, walnuts for colorectal cancer.
Client Success
"I was in pretty rough shape after starting breast cancer treatments - fatigued, inflamed, with digestive and sleep issues. Hanna got me back on track to a balanced state of health." - Leah Avery
Connect with Our Host Stephanie
- Website: https://stephaniepeacock.com
- Instagram & TikTok: @DrStephPeacock
- Podcast: The Holistic Health Podcast (biweekly episodes)
- Schedule a discovery call through her website
Connect with Our Guest Hanna
- Website: backtobalancenutrition.com
- Instagram: @backtobalancenutrition
- Free resource: Daily Guide of Cancer-Fighting Foods
- Online course: 7-Day Anti-Cancer Diet Kickstart ($47)
Bottom Line: Food can function as "nontoxic chemotherapy" - there's so much cancer patients can do at home to support their treatment and healing journey.