Episode 68: From Patient to Advocate: A Dietitian's Cancer Journey and Self Love

Discover the unexpected connection between cancer treatment and a primal health coach's journey. From battling ovarian cancer to empowering self-love, Martha Tettenborn's unique approach offers a fresh perspective on nutrition and mental wellness. 

Uncover the surprising impact of a low-carb diet on cancer metabolism and find inspiration in Martha's journey of resilience and self-empowerment. 

Don't miss out on Martha's story, as she shares how self-love and nutrition can transform the cancer experience.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Impact of Diet on Cancer Treatment: Learn how dietary choices can positively affect your cancer treatment outcomes.
• Discover the potential benefits of a ketogenic diet in supporting your cancer treatment journey.
• Manage Chemotherapy Side Effects with Diet.
• Explore how specific dietary adjustments can help manage the side effects of chemotherapy.
• Explore the Role of a Cancer Doula in Patient Support.
• Gain insights into the valuable support a cancer doula can provide throughout your cancer care journey.
• Prioritize Self-Love and Mental Health During Cancer Care.

My special guest is Martha Tettenborn

Martha Tettenborn, a registered dietitian and certified primal health coach with over 30 years of experience. She brings a wealth of knowledge to our discussion. Her work in long term care and gerontology, coupled with her personal experience in managing stage one ovarian cancer, has driven her to explore the impact of diet on cancer treatment. 

Martha's journey, from her early years motivated by her mother's battle with breast cancer to her own diagnosis and subsequent research into cancer metabolism, has led her to develop a protocol centered around a low carb or ketogenic diet with targeted therapeutic fasting. Her commitment to empowering others facing similar challenges is evident in her book, "Hacking Chemo using ketogenic diet, therapeutic fasting and a kick ass attitude to power through cancer. Martha is also a coach for individuals navigating cancer. Martha's unique perspective and dedication to reshaping the narrative around cancer make her an invaluable resource in the realm of nutrition and cancer treatment.

I refuse to be a cancer victim. I refuse to go there. I chose a different path. I chose a path of self empowerment through what I could do myself, which was the nutrition. But I also chose the path of what I call self love. - Martha Tettenborn

Key moments in this episode are:

00:01:10 - Martha's Cancer Diagnosis 

00:02:36 - Understanding Cancer Metabolism 

00:06:14 - The Renegade Low Carb Dietitian 

00:11:32 - Impact of Low Carb Diet on Cancer Metabolism 

00:15:33 - Evolution of the Western Diet 

00:17:07 - Impact of Modern Diet 

00:20:51 - Mindful Eating and Ultra-Processed Foods 

00:24:57 - Empowerment in Cancer Care 

00:31:42 - Martha's Journey with Cancer and Blogging 

00:33:54 - Evolution of Martha's Practice and Role as a Cancer Doula 

00:35:41 - Martha's Mission and Perspective as a Cancer Doula

00:36:46 - Final Thoughts and Message of Self-Love 

00:38:26 - Wrap-up and Next Episode Preview 

Resources:

Martha Tettenborn – Website and Resources

Hacking Chemo – The Book