8 Things you'll never see me do as a doctor who treats cancer
1. Take estrogen without also taking progesterone: Estrogen and progesterone are meant to work in balance. Estrogen stimulates growth and cell division, while progesterone keeps that growth in check and supports differentiation. Taking estrogen alone-without progesterone to oppose it-can promote tissue proliferation, water retention, and inflammation, especially in breast and uterine tissue.
In my view, unopposed estrogen is one of the most overlooked contributors to hormonal cancers and mood disorders in women.
2. Use sunscreen when I know I'll be inside most of the day: Because I work inside, it can be difficult to get adequate vitamin D. So if I'm indoors, I skip it. When I do need sun protection, I prefer mineral-based options (like zinc oxide) and avoid sunscreens with benzenes (chemicals linked to cancer). Sunlight is medicine in the right dose.
1. Take estrogen without also taking progesterone: Estrogen and progesterone are meant to work in balance. Estrogen stimulates growth and cell division, while progesterone keeps that growth in check and supports differentiation. Taking estrogen alone-without progesterone to oppose it-can promote tissue proliferation, water retention, and inflammation, especially in breast and uterine tissue.
In my view, unopposed estrogen is one of the most overlooked contributors to hormonal cancers and mood disorders in women.
2. Use sunscreen when I know I'll be inside most of the day: Because I work inside, it can be difficult to get adequate vitamin D. So if I'm indoors, I skip it. When I do need sun protection, I prefer mineral-based options (like zinc oxide) and avoid sunscreens with benzenes (chemicals linked to cancer). Sunlight is medicine in the right dose.
3. Sleep with cellphone in my room: Phones emit electromagnetic frequencies (EMFs) that can damage cells. I charge my phone in another room and keep my sleep environment as free of digital noise as possible. Deep, restorative sleep is one of the most powerful anti-cancer therapies available.
4. Cook with seed oils: Industrial seed oils (canola, soybean, sunflower, safflower, corn) are high in unstable polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs). When heated, they oxidize easily and form toxic aldehydes that damage mitochondria and cell membranes. I stick with saturated fats like coconut oil, butter, and tallow, or monounsaturated fats like olive oil-stable sources that support metabolic health and hormonal balance.
5. Eat products that contain carrageenan or added gums: Carrageenan, guar gum, and xanthan gum irritate the gut lining and can trigger inflammation.
Carrageenan, in particular, is used in research to induce inflammation and has been linked to colon cancer.
6. Microwave food in plastic: When plastic is heated, it releases xenoestrogens-synthetic chemicals that mimic estrogen in the body. These compounds interfere with hormone receptors and have been linked to reproductive disorders and cancer. I reheat food in glass or ceramic instead.
It's a small change that makes a big difference in reducing toxic load.
7. Get gel manicures: Recent studies prompted the European Union to restrict certain UV-curable ingredients used in gel polishes, citing their potential carcinogenic and endocrine-disrupting effects. Clean, breathable polishes (or none at all) are a much safer choice for those of us who work to minimize cumulative radiation and toxin exposure.
8. Doom scroll at night before bed: Blue light from screens suppresses melatonin, increases cortisol, and keeps the nervous system in a state of alert. Scrolling through negative content also triggers emotional stress right before sleep-a time when the body should be repairing. I shut down screens at least an hour before bed and let my mind decompress.
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