An Integrative Approach: Working Alongside Your Medical Team

One of the most important principles of integrative naturopathic cancer care is collaboration and safety.

Your treatment plan is designed to:

• Be person-centered, leaving you feel empowered and in control

• Support your conventional care

• Avoid interactions with medications or therapies

• Be personalised to your diagnosis, treatment stage and overall health priorities

This is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Your needs at diagnosis, during chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy or post-treatment recovery will be different and your care should reflect that.

Key Areas of Support

1. Nutrition for Treatment and Recovery

Food becomes therapeutic during cancer care. The focus is on:

• Adequate protein to support tissue repair and immune function

• Nutrient-dense vegetables for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support

• Blood sugar stability to support metabolic health

• Strategies to manage appetite changes, nausea, taste alterations or weight loss

Nutrition is always tailored to your treatment phase and tolerance.

2. Supporting the Gut and Microbiome

The gut plays a critical role in:

• Immune regulation

• Treatment tolerance

• Inflammation control

• Nutrient absorption

Cancer treatments often disrupt the microbiome, which can contribute to fatigue, digestive symptoms and reduced resilience. Targeted support helps restore balance and improve recovery.

3. Reducing Inflammation and Supporting Immune Balance

Chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation can increase symptom burden and slow recovery.

Evidence-informed strategies may include:

• Anti-inflammatory nutrition

• Therapeutic nutrients and herbal support (when appropriate for your treatment)

• Lifestyle approaches to support immune regulation

The goal is not to “stimulate” the immune system indiscriminately, but to support balanced, appropriate immune function.

4. Energy and Mitochondrial Support

Cancer-related fatigue is one of the most common and persistent symptoms.

Integrative care focuses on:

• Supporting cellular energy production

• Correcting nutrient deficiencies

• Improving sleep quality

• Gradual movement and exercise where appropriate

Small improvements in energy can significantly improve quality of life.

5. Managing Stress and the Emotional Load

A cancer diagnosis affects more than the physical body.

Chronic stress can influence:

• Immune function

• Inflammation

• Hormonal balance

• Sleep and recovery

Support may include:

• Nervous system regulation strategies

• Lifestyle and routine planning

• Mind–body approaches to reduce overwhelm

Feeling supported and informed can make a significant difference to how you experience treatment.

Personalised, Evidence-Informed Care

At Zoë by Renee, integrative cancer care may include:

• Personalised nutrition plans

• Targeted supplementation (when safe and appropriate)

• Herbal medicine where clinically indicated

• Functional testing to identify underlying imbalances

• Lifestyle strategies to support long-term health and recovery

Every recommendation is tailored to your diagnosis, treatment type and stage, with a strong focus on safety and clinical evidence.

Life After Treatment: Recovery and Prevention

Support doesn’t stop when treatment ends.

Post-treatment care focuses on:

• Rebuilding strength and energy

• Restoring gut and immune function

• Addressing lingering side effects

• Supporting long-term metabolic and inflammatory health

• Reducing recurrence risk through sustainable lifestyle strategies

The recovery phase is often where integrative care has the greatest long-term impact.

You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone

Zoë (ζωή) means life in Greek, and the philosophy behind this practice is to support your body so you can move through cancer care with strength, clarity and confidence.

If you’re looking for personalised, evidence-informed support alongside your medical treatment, integrative naturopathic care can be an important part of your team.

Melbourne clinic and telehealth consultations available Australia-wide.