You’ve maybe seen it hanging in doorways every December but mistletoe isn’t just a holiday decoration. Across Europe, mistletoe extract has been used for decades in integrative cancer care, and now, more survivors in North America are starting to ask: Can it really help with blocking and healing after cancer?

In this episode of The Flourish After Cancer Podcast, Dr. Megan Bernard, ND, breaks down what the science actually says about mistletoe (Viscum album) and its role in supporting cancer recovery. You’ll learn where it’s used, what the research shows, and how survivors can make informed, balanced decisions about whether it’s right for them.

• The Blood Work Clarity Guide For Cancer Survivors: https://flourishaftercancer.com/bloodworkclarity
• The First 4 Steps To Staying Cancer Free: https://flourishaftercancer.com/presentation

⚠️ This is a must-listen if:

• You’ve heard about mistletoe therapy and want to know if it actually works
• You’re looking for evidence-based ways to improve quality of life after cancer
• You’re curious about how integrative therapies fit with conventional treatment
• You want clarity—not hype—on natural approaches to cancer care

💊 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What mistletoe extract (Viscum album) is and how it’s used in oncology clinics in Europe
• The research behind mistletoe’s effects on immunity, inflammation, and quality of life
• What clinical trials say about symptom relief, fatigue, and potential survival benefits
• Why mistletoe is not approved as a cancer treatment in North America (and what that means)
• How survivors can discuss mistletoe safely with their oncologist or integrative practitioner
• The balanced truth — where mistletoe fits in, and where it doesn’t

💡 You’ll leave this episode with:

• A clear, science-based understanding of mistletoe therapy
• Confidence in how to evaluate integrative options post-treatment
• Realistic expectations — and the knowledge to make empowered, informed choices
• Practical guidance for combining natural and conventional support

I’m Dr. Megan, a licensed naturopathic doctor. My team and I have worked with hundreds of women globally to rebuild their health after cancer and reduce recurrence risk using science-backed nutrition, lifestyle, and targeted supplement strategies—so they can feel confident, strong, and free to enjoy life again.

Book a free Roadmap Call and let’s chat about how we can help: https://flourishaftercancer.com/nextsteps

Follow me:

• Instagram: @MeganBernardND
• Facebook: @MeganBernardND
• Website: https://flourishaftercancer.com/

Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in these videos and podcasts is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, medications, or lifestyle. Content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or care.

In most places in the world, alcohol is a part of almost every celebration — from family dinners and holidays, to girls’ nights and “just one glass to relax” at the end of the day.

But after cancer, that simple glass of wine can raise complicated questions:

👉 “Is this safe for me?”

👉 “Will drinking increase my risk of recurrence?”

👉 “How do I say no at parties? It’s so awkward.”

In this week’s episode of The Flourish After Cancer Podcast, Dr Megan Bernard, ND is joined by Kate Bee, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Practitioner and creator of The Sober School, and they break down the research behind alcohol and cancer risk — and how to make informed, empowered decisions that align with your health and your life.

⚠️ This is a must-listen if:

• You’re wondering what the science actually says about alcohol and cancer risk
• You’ve heard mixed messages about “safe” drinking levels
• You want to enjoy social events without anxiety or guilt

💊 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How alcohol acts as a carcinogen and impacts weight gain, liver function, and estrogen levels
• How alcohol influences hormone balance, gut health, and detoxification
• Why moderation looks different after cancer — and what realistic limits look like
• Simple, practical swaps for holiday celebrations that still feel joyful and satisfying

💡 You’ll leave this episode with:

• A research-backed understanding of alcohol’s impact on your health
• Confidence to make your own informed, balanced choices
• Real-world strategies to enjoy the holidays without undoing your progress
• Freedom from guilt and confusion — because this is about living well

I’m Dr Megan, a licensed naturopathic doctor. My team and I have worked with hundreds of women globally to rebuild their health after cancer and reduce recurrence risk using science-backed nutrition, lifestyle, and targeted supplement strategies—so they can feel confident, strong, and free to enjoy life again.

👉 Follow Kate Bee of The Sober School:

Instagram: @TheSoberSchool

Website: http://www.thesoberschool.com

• The First 4 Steps To Staying Cancer Free: https://flourishaftercancer.com/presentation
• The Blood Work Clarity Guide For Cancer Survivors: https://flourishaftercancer.com/bloodworkclarity
• The Flourish Blog, "Does Alcohol Increase Cancer Recurrence Risk?": https://flourishaftercancer.com/blog/does-alcohol-increase-cancer-recurrence-risk

Book a free Roadmap Call and let’s chat about how we can help: https://flourishaftercancer.com/nextsteps

Follow me:

• Instagram: @MeganBernardND
• Facebook: @MeganBernardND
• Website: https://flourishaftercancer.com/

Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in these videos and podcasts is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, medications, or lifestyle. Content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or care.

📚 References

Bagnardi V, et al. Alcohol consumption and site-specific cancer risk: A comprehensive dose–response meta-analysis. British Journal of Cancer. 2015;112(3):580–593.

Seitz HK, et al. Alcohol metabolism and cancer risk. Alcohol Research: Current Reviews. 2017;38(2):121–129.

World Health Organization. No Level of Alcohol Consumption Is Safe for Our Health. WHO Regional Office for Europe. 2023.

LoConte NK, et al. Alcohol and Cancer: A Statement of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2018;36(1):83–93.

Most people think of cancer as just a cluster of disorganized and unpredictable cells—but the real story on how cancer cells behave lies in the neighborhood they live in.

In this episode of The Flourish After Cancer Podcast, Dr. Megan Bernard, ND, unpacks one of the most fascinating (and empowering) areas of cancer research: the tumor microenvironment — the community of immune cells, connective tissue, blood vessels, and signals that can either help or hinder cancer’s growth.

You’ll learn how this environment becomes either pro-cancer or anti-cancer, and how lifestyle, nutrition, and medical therapies can help “renovate” it back to health (and you don’t need a science degree to understand it!).

⚠️ This is a must-listen if:

• You’ve finished cancer treatment and want to understand what’s happening inside your body
• You’ve heard about inflammation or “terrain” but want the science behind it
• You’re curious how stress, oxygen levels, and immune function shape your recovery
• You want to learn how food, movement, and mindset literally change your internal environment

💊 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What the tumor microenvironment actually is — and why it’s more important than the tumor itself
• The cellular players that can either fight or protect cancer (like macrophages, fibroblasts, and immune cells)
• The non-cellular factors — like the extracellular matrix, exosomes, oxygen, and acidity — that control how cancer spreads
• Why the “acidic” environment inside tumors isn’t fixed by alkaline diets (and what really helps)
• The science of “stemness” — how some cells resist treatment and what can help target them
• How both medicine and lifestyle can help shift your internal neighborhood from cancer-promoting to cancer-blocking

💡 You’ll leave this episode with:

• A clear, relatable understanding of the tumor microenvironment
• Hope — because what’s happening inside your body can be changed
• Science-backed next steps you can use today

The First 4 Steps To Staying Cancer Free: https://flourishaftercancer.com/presentation

The Blood Work Clarity Guide For Cancer Survivors: https://flourishaftercancer.com/bloodworkclarity

Book a free Roadmap Call and let’s chat about how we can help: https://flourishaftercancer.com/nextsteps

Follow me:

• Instagram: @MeganBernardND
• Facebook: @MeganBernardND
• Website: https://flourishaftercancer.com/

Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in these videos and podcasts is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, medications, or lifestyle. Content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or care.