Functional medicine specialist Robin A. Bernhoft, M.D. in Ojai, California offers holistic treatment plans that work in conjunction with conventional cancer care to improve quality of life.

Cancer affects the whole person no matter its origin. While treating the physical manifestation of cancer is essential, it’s important to provide mental as well as emotional support. Functional medicine does this by focusing on the patient, not the disease. By enhancing the patient’s overall health and well-being, functional oncology can improve the effectiveness of conventional cancer treatments and reduce uncomfortable side effects.

Robin A. Bernhoft, M.D. helps develop comprehensive, customized plans for people with cancer to support them before, during and after treatment for people in Ojai, California.

Call (805) 586-3432 today to schedule a consultation to learn how functional oncology can help you through your cancer journey.

Functional Oncology Therapies

Functional oncology involves the use of natural, noninvasive therapies for patients currently undergoing cancer treatment and those in remission. These include:

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals, or unstable molecules that damage cells, and promotes healing. High doses of Vitamin C administered through IV therapy can reduce many of the side effects of chemotherapy.

Research suggests that one-third of all cancer cases could be prevented through proper nutrition. Following a plant-based diet made up primarily of fruit, vegetables and legumes not only prevents cancer but also improves outcomes for cancer patients.

Cancer cells thrive in low-oxygen environments. By flooding these cells with oxygen, hyperbaric oxygen therapy may slow their growth and progression while accelerating the growth of new, healthier cells.

Exercise provides both physical and mental benefits for cancer patients. Physically, it improves oxygen levels and blood circulation, thereby preventing fatigue and maintaining strength. Mentally, it reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Ozone therapy is the use of medical ozone to detoxify and heal the body. Ozone oxidizes and kills unhealthy cells, including cancer cells. Where appropriate, ozone can be injected directly into the tumor site for maximum effect.

Massage therapy is known for reducing stress and easing muscle pain. It has many additional benefits for people with cancer, from preventing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy to managing nausea.

The Role of Functional Oncology

Functional oncology is not a replacement for conventional cancer care. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and other traditional treatments are still recommended in order to attack cancer cells and prevent them from growing.

While these treatments are aggressive and effective, they unfortunately often have uncomfortable and distressing side effects. Functional oncology can help relieve these side effects, including:

  • Fatigue
  • Insomnia
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Pain
  • Weight loss
  • Digestive issues
  • Mouth sores
  • Rashes
  • Numbness

Functional medicine focuses on addressing the root cause of disease. By identifying risk factors that may have contributed to the growth of cancerous cells, functional medicine specialists can help patients make lifestyle changes that improve outcomes and reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

Functional Oncology Benefits

Functional medicine for cancer focuses on slowing the growth of cancer cells and alleviating the side effects of chemotherapy.

Some of the benefits of functional oncology treatments include:

  • Increased energy
  • Reduced stress and anxiety
  • Reduced nausea
  • Improved mood
  • Increased strength
  • Better balance
  • Improved appetite
  • Pain relief
  • Better sleep

Functional oncology also improves the patient’s overall health, which in turn allows the patient to better tolerate treatment.

ojai functional oncology doctor bernhoft

Feel Better. Fight Better. Get Better.

Functional medicine specialist Robin A. Bernhoft, M.D. is here to support you and fight with you. Call (805) 586-3432 to schedule your consultation and discover how Functional Oncology can help you today.

Dr. Bernhoft provides compassionate and sustainable treatment for patients in Ojai, California.