Tea shows up everywhere in cancer conversations — often framed as either a miracle cure or something meaningless. And neither of those extremes is helpful.

In this episode of The Flourish After Cancer Podcast, I walk through how tea fits into post-treatment healing using research, clinical experience, and traditional use — explaining why small, consistent inputs like tea can help shape inflammation balance, immune regulation, detox pathways, and cellular resilience over time.

Episode Relevant Resources:

• E15 Coffee Vs Cancer: Can you enjoy your cup without fear? https://youtu.be/HU3zZtzREgw
• The First 4 Steps To Staying Cancer Free After Cancer: http://flourishaftercancer.com/presentation
• Book a call to learn more about working with me and my team: http://flourishaftercancer.com/nextsteps

⚠️ This is a must-listen if:

• You’ve heard mixed or confusing messages about tea and cancer

• You want supportive daily habits without fear or perfection

• You’re rebuilding trust in your body after treatment

• You’re looking for science-informed guidance that’s realistic and gentle

💊 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why tea shows up in cancer research — and what the research does and doesn’t say

• What polyphenols are and how they influence inflammation, DNA protection, and cell signaling

• Why consistency matters more than “strong” or aggressive strategies

• My favorite teas to enjoy regularly after cancer, and why

• Important tea safety considerations after treatment

💡 You’ll leave this episode with:

• A clearer understanding of how tea fits into recovery without overpromising

• Confidence to use tea as a supportive, calming daily ritual

• A gentler mindset around healing and long-term resilience

• Practical ways to support your body without feeling overwhelmed

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.

Let's Connect!

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.

Inflammation is everywhere in the cancer conversation — and for good reason. But when everything gets labeled “inflammation,” it can start to feel vague, overwhelming, or even scary.

In this episode, we slow the conversation down. We talk about what inflammation actually is, why it’s not something you want to eliminate, and how chronic, unresolved inflammation — especially after cancer treatment — can quietly affect recovery, energy, and long-term recurrence risk.

This is a grounded, practical look at inflammation as something we can measure, understand, and work with — rather than fear.

In this episode of The Flourish After Cancer Podcast, I break down inflammation through a post-treatment lens using clinical insight, research, and what I see every day with women after cancer — exploring why inflammation can be both protective and problematic, and what it takes to help the body resolve it instead of staying stuck.

✨ Episode Relevant Resources:

• The Blood Work Clarity Live Bootcamp (Jan 22, 23, 26, & 27): www.FlourishAfterCancer.com/bootcamp
• Episode 23: Alcohol & Cancer — Is Any Alcohol Safe?: www.FlourishAfterCancer.com/Blog/S01E23
• The First 4 Steps to Staying Cancer-Free: www.FlourishAfterCancer.com/presentation

⚠️ This is a must-listen if:

• You keep hearing “inflammation” but no one explains what it really means for you
• You’re done with treatment but don’t feel fully recovered yet
• You’ve been told your labs are “normal,” but your body says otherwise

💊 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What inflammation really is — when it supports healing and when it becomes a problem
• Cancer as a regulation issue — how damage, resources, and immune function interact over time
• The two sides of inflammation — short-term healing vs. chronic, draining inflammation
• Common inflammatory drivers — including blood sugar imbalance, infections, stress, sleep disruption, and environmental load
• Why inflammation often lingers after treatment — and why it doesn’t always resolve on its own
• How we address inflammation — certain steps you don’t want to forget

💡 You’ll leave this episode with:

• How to tell the difference between helpful inflammation and the kind that stalls healing
• Why your body may still feel behind even though treatment is “over”
• What keeps inflammation turned on after cancer — and why willpower isn’t the issue
• A calmer, clearer path forward when inflammation is addressed in the right order

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.

✨ Let's Connect! 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.

Don’t forget to check out my upcoming Blood Work Clarity Bootcamp over at www.FlourishAfterCancer.com/bootcamp

You’ve finished cancer treatment — but then you’re handed another rule that can feel just as scary and overwhelming: “Sugar feeds cancer.”

Maybe you’ve cut out fruit. Avoided carbs. Felt guilt or fear every time something sweet touched your plate.

And maybe you’re wondering… am I doing enough to protect myself? Is it worth all the restrictions?

In this episode of The Flourish After Cancer Podcast, I’ll break down why the idea that “sugar feeds cancer” is an oversimplification — and why the real issue isn’t sugar itself, but blood sugar regulation.

This conversation is designed to help you exhale, release fear-based food rules, and understand what actually supports healing and long-term health after cancer.

🔗 Episode Relevant Resources 1️⃣ Blood Work Bootcamp: www.FlourishAfterCancer.com/Bootcamp 2️⃣ E22 How To Block Cancer Recurrence by Changing The Tumor Neighbourhood: https://flourishaftercancer.com/blog/s01e22 3️⃣ E08 Is Your IGF-1 Fueling or Fighting Cancer? https://flourishaftercancer.com/blog/s01e08

⚠️ This is a must-listen if:

• You’ve been told to cut out sugar completely after cancer
• You feel anxious or guilty eating carbs or fruit
• You’re confused by conflicting nutrition advice online
• You want to reduce recurrence risk without living in restriction
• You want clarity rooted in physiology — not fear

🍓 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why every cell in your body (including your immune system and brain) needs glucose
• Why eliminating sugar completely often backfires and increases stress on the body
• How blood sugar spikes, insulin, and inflammation actually influence cancer risk
• The role of insulin and IGF-1 in growth, inflammation, and recurrence risk
• Why some women tolerate carbs well — and others don’t — after cancer
• How menopause, muscle mass, gut health, and stress change how your body handles sugar
• Which blood markers remove emotion and guesswork from food decisions

💡 You’ll leave this episode with:

• A calmer, science-backed understanding of sugar and cancer
• Relief from all-or-nothing thinking around food
• Confidence that stability matters more than perfection
• A new goal: a body that can handle sugar well — not avoid it forever

I’m Dr. Megan, a board-certified 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.

✨ Let's Connect! 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.

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.

You’ve heard that certain foods can help lower your risk of cancer coming back — but why and what ones are the best?

Most supplements actually start from plants — sulforaphane from broccoli, polyphenols from berries, catechins from green tea — but when we isolate them into capsules, we lose the teamwork that makes food so powerful.

In this episode of The Flourish After Cancer Podcast, Dr Megan Bernard, ND, shares how phytonutrients — the natural compounds plants create to protect themselves also protect you. She explains why whole-food synergy often outperforms isolated nutrients and highlights four foods proven to help reduce cancer and recurrence risk.

⚠️ This is a must-listen if: • You’ve been told to “eat healthy” but aren’t sure what that means after cancer • You rely on supplements and wonder if they’re enough • You want to lower inflammation and balance hormones naturally • You’re curious what the best diet is to block cancer

💊 In this episode, you’ll learn: • What phytonutrients are and how they block cancer-promoting pathways • How whole foods can create stronger protection than single supplements • The four powerhouse food groups every survivor should eat regularly • How fiber supports detoxification, hormones, and gut health • When supplements do make sense — and how to use them wisely

• A science-based understanding of why real food is your best daily defense
• Confidence to simplify your plate — and still make it powerfully anti-cancer
• Easy ways to turn everyday meals into tools for recovery and prevention

• Free Masterclass — The 3 Keys to Effective Anti-Cancer Nutrition: https://FlourishAfterCancer.com/nutritionmasterclass
• Free Blood Work Clarity Guide: https://flourishaftercancer.com/bloodworkclarity

• Instagram: @MeganBernardND
• Facebook: @MeganBernardND
• Website: https://FlourishAfterCancer.com
• Book a Free Roadmap Call: https://flourishaftercancer.com/nextsteps

Medical Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, medications, or lifestyle.

Don't forget to check out The Breast Cancer Freedom Workshop, happening November 18-20. Learn more here: The Breast Cancer Freedom Workshop: https://flourishaftercancer.com/breastcancerfreedom

What if you could shorten healing time, reduce complications, and step into surgery feeling more confident and in control?

Too often, women go into surgery with little guidance beyond the hospital packet — and then face long recoveries, unexpected side effects, and extra stress they never saw coming.

In this episode of The Flourish After Cancer Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Rebecca Knackstedt, MD, PhD — a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, certified functional medicine physician, and co-founder of Clara Recovery — to talk about how preparation can transform surgical outcomes.

⚠️ This is a must-listen if:

• You’re facing surgery after cancer and want to feel empowered, not fearful

• You’re curious about “prehabilitation” and what it means for recovery

• You want to know how stress, sleep, scars, and even supplements impact healing

• You’ve ever wondered why no one talks about this and where to actually get answers

💊 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The most common side effects women face after surgery and how to ease them

• Why preparing ahead can reduce drains, pain, neuropathy, and recovery costs

• What the research says about nutrition, scar healing, and surgical outcomes

• The one thing you can do right now to improve your surgical experience

💡 You’ll leave this episode with:

• A science-backed understanding of how to prepare your body for surgery

• Practical, real-life tools to make recovery smoother and less overwhelming

• Clarity around supplements, stress management, and what to expect when you get home

• The confidence that your healing doesn’t have to be left to chance — you can influence the outcome

I’m Dr Megan, a licensed naturopathic doctor. My team and I have worked with thousands 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.

✨ EPISODE RELEVANT RESOURCES:

• The Breast Cancer Freedom Workshop: https://flourishaftercancer.com/breastcancerfreedom

• Supporting Sexual Health Handout + Breast Cancer Thrivers Recipe Book https://flourishaftercancer.com/breastcancerrecipes

👉 Follow Dr Rebecca Knackstedt, MD, PhD:

• Instagram: @surgical_recovery

• Website: https://www.clararecovery.com/about

✨ BEST FREE RESOURCES:

• The First 4 Steps To Staying Cancer-Free: HERE

• The Blood Test Clarity Guide For Cancer Survivors: HERE

Let's Connect!

Book a free Roadmap Call and let’s chat about how we can help: HERE

Follow me:

• Instagram: @MeganBernardND

• Facebook: @MeganBernardND

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.