Going through cancer treatment can leave you tired, overwhelmed and unsure what you can do for yourself between appointments. Naturopathic support during cancer therapy at Inside Health in Oakville focuses on the practical things: eating well enough to keep your strength up, staying as active as you safely can, sleeping and coping better, and making sure every supplement you take is safe alongside your treatment. This guide explains what that support looks like and how it fits with the care from your oncology team.
What Naturopathic Support During Cancer Therapy Is
Naturopathic support is complementary care. It is offered alongside surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy or hormone therapy, never instead of it. Its goal is to help you feel as well as possible, keep up your strength and function, and make informed choices about the natural health products you use.
Who It Is For
Naturopathic support during cancer therapy is for anyone who wants extra help while going through treatment: people preparing for surgery, chemotherapy or radiation, people in the middle of treatment, and people who have finished treatment and want help rebuilding strength and routine. Family members are welcome to come to appointments.
Who You Will See
At our Oakville clinic, cancer support is provided by naturopathic doctors experienced in supporting people through cancer care, including Dr. Lori Bouchard, ND and Dr. Kyle Viehweger, ND. You can book with Dr. Kyle online or call the clinic to book with Dr. Lori.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
- Your story: your diagnosis, treatment plan and schedule, how you are feeling and what matters most to you right now.
- A product and interaction review: we review every supplement and natural health product you use against your treatment. Some can interfere with chemotherapy, radiation or targeted therapy, so we tell you clearly what to pause, what to avoid and what is reasonable.
- Your priorities: together we pick the two or three areas that would help you most, such as appetite, energy, digestion, sleep or stress.
- A written plan: simple, specific steps you can start this week.
- Coordination: with your consent, we share a summary with your oncologist and family doctor.
Please bring a written list of your medications and supplements (no need to bring the bottles), your treatment schedule and any recent blood work.
Movement: What the Research Shows
Staying active is one of the best-studied parts of supportive care. An international roundtable convened by the American College of Sports Medicine reviewed the research and concluded that exercise is generally safe for people with cancer, that everyone should avoid inactivity, and that specific amounts of aerobic and resistance exercise improve fatigue, physical function and health-related quality of life (Campbell et al., 2019). Your naturopathic doctor can help you build a safe, gradual movement plan that fits your treatment schedule and energy levels.
Nutrition During Treatment
Eating well during treatment is less about perfection and more about getting enough protein, calories and fluids on hard days. We help you plan simple meals and snacks, work around changes in taste and appetite, support healthy digestion, and decide whether any nutritional products make sense for you. You can read more about our approach on our cancer support page.
Sleep, Stress and Coping
A cancer diagnosis affects the whole person. Your plan may include sleep routines, breathing and relaxation practices, acupuncture and massage. These are offered as part of your overall care and are timed around your treatment and blood counts.
Supplement Safety Comes First
Many people start taking supplements after a diagnosis because they want to do something to help. Some products are reasonable; others can interact with treatment or affect blood work. One of the most valuable things a naturopathic doctor does is review everything you take, explain the reasons behind each recommendation, and keep your oncology team informed.
How Often You Will Be Seen
Most people have a first visit of about an hour, then shorter follow-ups every few weeks during active treatment. Visits are planned around your treatment calendar so you are not coming in on your hardest days. Between visits, you can call the clinic with questions, and your plan is updated whenever your treatment changes.
Questions to Ask Your Naturopathic Doctor
- Which of my current supplements should I pause during treatment?
- What is a safe amount of activity for me this week?
- What can I eat on days when my appetite is low?
- What would help me sleep better right now?
- How will you share information with my oncologist?
- What will my care cost, and what is covered by my plan?
Frequently Asked Questions
Does naturopathic care treat cancer?
No. Naturopathic support at Inside Health is complementary care offered alongside the treatment recommended by your oncologist.
Should I tell my oncologist I am seeing a naturopathic doctor?
Yes, always. With your consent, we will also share our notes with your oncology team.
Can I start during chemotherapy or radiation?
Yes. Many people start during treatment. Your plan is adjusted to your treatment schedule, and some recommendations may wait until a particular phase is finished.
Is naturopathic care covered by insurance?
Many extended health plans in Ontario cover naturopathic visits. OHIP does not. We will tell you the cost of any testing or products before you commit.
Book Naturopathic Cancer Support in Oakville
To book with Dr. Kyle Viehweger, ND or Dr. Lori Bouchard, ND, book online through Jane or call 905-842-6654.