Nature's Pharmacy: The Science of Medicinal Mushrooms in Cancer Care with Catalina Fernández de Ana Portela

Nature's Pharmacy: The Science of Medicinal Mushrooms in Cancer Care with Catalina Fernández de Ana Portela

What if some medicinal mushrooms could make chemotherapy work better AND reduce its side effects at the same time? In this fascinating episode, Dr Elizabeth Thompson sits down with Dr Catalina Fernández de Ana Portela - scientist, pioneer and founder of Hifas da Terra - to explore one of the most exciting frontiers in cancer care today: medicinal mushrooms. Catalina's story is extraordinary. Growing up in Galicia, Spain, surrounded by her father's mycology research, one of Europe's leading mycologists, she built a science-led company that is now running landmark clinical trials within the Spanish NHS. The results are turning heads in oncology worldwide. In this episode you will discover: 🍄 How medicinal mushrooms act as biological response modifiers, safely balancing the immune system 🔬 Findings from two ground-breaking clinical trialsin colorectal and breast cancer 💊 How mushroom extracts can enhance chemotherapy's effectiveness while reducing toxic side effects 🧬 Why not all mushroom products are safe during cancer treatment and what to look for 🌿 The case for starting mushroom support BEFORE treatment begins ❓Why only 3% of cancer risk is genetic and what that means for all of us This is a conversation that blends cutting-edge science, ancient wisdom and genuine hope. Whether you are a healthcare professional, a cancer patient or simply curious about the future of integrative medicine, this one will stay with you. About our guest: Catalina F. de Ana Portela is a leading expert in integrative oncology, combining scientific excellence with a commitment to advancing patient-centred care. She holds a PhD in Medicine in new research in Clinical Oncology, bringing a rigorous academic foundation to her work at the forefront of cancer care innovation. As the founder of Hifas da Terra, Europe’s leading mycotherapy laboratory, she has been instrumental in pioneering the use of medicinal mushrooms as evidence-based supportive therapies in oncology. With a background in biology and extensive research experience, Catalina bridges the gap between conventional medicine and integrative approaches, driving forward new possibilities in cancer treatment. At this event, she will shareher expertise on the role of mycotherapy and integrative strategies in enhancing patient outcomes. Full show notes can be found here: https://ncim.org.uk/podcast-catalina-fernandez [https://ncim.org.uk/podcast-catalina-fernandez] If you’re interested in learning more about Integrative Medicine, you can:  👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for our free newsletter Integrative Medicine Matters⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://ncim.org.uk/news-blog] 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for our NCIM Membership, just £4.99 per month⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://ncim.org.uk/membership] ⁠⁠⁠⁠👉 ⁠Sign up for our free Introduction to Integrative Medicine course⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.healthelearning.online/courses/introduction-to-integrative-medicine-taster]⁠ 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore our 10 CPD Point Discovery Course in Integrative Medicine⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.healthelearning.online/courses/introduction-to-integrative-medicine-part-1-accredited] 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Find out more about our master’s Level 7 Diploma⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://ncim.org.uk/diploma], including ⁠⁠⁠⁠single modules⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://ncim.org.uk/diploma#singlemodule] you can enrol in today!   NCIM also offers an Integrative Medicine Clinic, where our expert team of Integrative Medicine Doctors and Integrative Clinical Team work collaboratively to support your health and wellbeing. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more and book an appointment⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://ncim.org.uk/wellbeing-2].   We would love to get your feedback on the topics and conversations we feature. Follow and connect with us on social media – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/ncimorguk], ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/ncimorguk], and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/ncimorguk] –and let us know your thoughts.   Don’t forget to subscribe and share if you enjoyed this episode!   Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or treatment plan.

Transforming Paediatric Care with Integrative Medicine with Dr Hilary McClafferty

In this inspiring episode, Dr Elizabeth Thompson speaks with Dr Hilary McClafferty, a board-certified paediatric emergency medicine physician and founder of the Academy of Pediatric Integrative Medicine, about the transformative potential of integrative medicine in paediatric care. Drawing on decades of clinical experience, a deeply personal journey, and pioneering educational work, Dr McClafferty shares how integrative approaches, from clinical hypnosis and biofeedback to music therapy and acupuncture, are reshaping how we support children and families in both acute and chronic care settings. Together with Dr Elizabeth Thompson they explore the science of mind-body medicine, the power of language and presence in the clinical encounter, and why empowering children with lifelong health skills may be one of the most important things a clinician can do.In This Episode, You'll Learn:🌿 Integrative medicine belongs everywhere — even the ER. Mind-body tools can de-escalate even the most acute clinical situations within minutes. 🧠 Mind-body medicine is a standout in paediatrics. Clinical hypnosis, biofeedback and gut-directed hypnotherapy are safe, effective and easy for children to use independently. 🗣️ The language we use is a clinical tool. How we speak to children and families directly influences their pain experience and outcomes. 👂 Listening is not just kindness, it's efficiency. True listening mode is more patient-centred and more clinically effective. 🕯️ Hope is a clinical skill. Offering hope honestly is powerful for patients and protective for the clinician's own wellbeing. 🛡️ Clinician self-care is inseparable from patient care. The mind-body tools we teach patients are equally vital for healthcare professionals themselves. Dr. Hilary McClafferty, a well respected doctor and a prominent figure in Integrative Medicine. Dr. McClafferty served as the Co-Director of the Fellowship in Integrative Medicine and established the Paediatric Integrative Medicine in Residency program at the Andrew Weil Centre for Integrative Medicine, where she also served as an Associate Professor. As the founder and CEO of APIM (The Academy of Paediatric Integrative Medicine), she's a true pioneer in paediatric Integrative Medicine. She is also a founding member of the American Board of Integrative Medicine and has chaired the American Academy of Paediatrics Section on Integrative Medicine. She has also managed to find time to publish three books and in 2018 was honoured with the American Academy of Paediatrics' Pioneer in Integrative Medicine award. SEE FULL SHOW NOTES HERE: https://ncim.org.uk/podcast-hilary-mcclafferty-2 If you’re interested in learning more about Integrative Medicine, you can: 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for our free newsletter Integrative Medicine Matters⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://ncim.org.uk/news-blog] 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for our NCIM Membership, just £4.99 per month⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://ncim.org.uk/membership] ⁠⁠⁠⁠👉 ⁠Sign up for our free Introduction to Integrative Medicine course⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.healthelearning.online/courses/introduction-to-integrative-medicine-taster]⁠ 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore our 10 CPD Point Discovery Course in Integrative Medicine⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.healthelearning.online/courses/introduction-to-integrative-medicine-part-1-accredited] 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Find out more about our master’s Level 7 Diploma⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://ncim.org.uk/diploma], including ⁠⁠⁠⁠single modules⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://ncim.org.uk/diploma#singlemodule] you can enrol in today!   NCIM also offers an Integrative Medicine Clinic, where our expert team of Integrative Medicine Doctors and Integrative Clinical Team work collaboratively to support your health and wellbeing. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more and book an appointment⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://ncim.org.uk/wellbeing-2].   We would love to get your feedback on the topics and conversations we feature. Follow and connect with us on social media – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/ncimorguk], ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/ncimorguk], and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/ncimorguk] –and let us know your thoughts.  Don’t forget to subscribe and share if you enjoyed this episode!  Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional before makingany changes to your health or treatment plan.

Your Genes Are Not Your Destiny: The Science Behind Anxiety, Energy and Calm with Emma Beswick

In this fascinating episode of Integrative Medicine Matters, Dr Elizabeth Thompson sits down with Emma Beswick, nutritionist and founder of LifeCode GX, for a wide ranging and deeply personal conversation about nutrigenomics and what our genes can tell us about our health. Emma takes us on a remarkable journey from the powerhouses of our cells to the pathways behind anxiety, calm and cognitive function, revealing how small variations in our genetic code can have a profound impact on how we feel every day. Drawing on her own experience of lifelong anxiety and the moment she discovered her GABA pathway was genetically compromised, Emma explains how understanding our individual genetics can transform the way we approach nutrition, lifestyle and wellbeing. Warm, wise and genuinely eye opening, this conversation will change the way you think about your body, your health history and your potential. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: *Your mitochondria do far more than make energy, they have their own DNA and play a central role in inflammation, immunity and how well you age *Why chronic inflammation acts like a slow smouldering fire inside your body and what you can do to protect yourself *Why exercise is the one medicine that cannot be bottled and how it makes you more resilient from the inside out*How tiny variations in your genetic code could explain persistent anxiety, poor energy and feeling overwhelmed and why these are entirely supportable *Why your GABA pathway could be the missing piece in your mental health and the simple everyday supports that can make a real difference About the Guest Emma Beswick is an experienced Nutritional Therapist as well as co-founder and CEO of Lifecode Gx, the leading experts in nutrigenomics testing and education. She lectures widely on the subject of nutrigenomics and is well known and respected for her knowledge and ability to present complex aspects of nutrigenomics in an accessible and clinically relevant way. She has particular, and personal interests in women’s health, neurological health, metabolism, and health span. SEE THE FULL SHOW NOTES HERE [https://ncim.org.uk/podcast-emma-beswick] If you’re interested in learning more about Integrative Medicine, you can:  👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for our free newsletter Integrative Medicine Matters⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://ncim.org.uk/news-blog] 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for our NCIM Membership, just £4.99 per month⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://ncim.org.uk/membership] ⁠⁠⁠⁠👉 ⁠Sign up for our free Introduction to Integrative Medicine course⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.healthelearning.online/courses/introduction-to-integrative-medicine-taster]⁠ 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore our 10 CPD Point Discovery Course in Integrative Medicine⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.healthelearning.online/courses/introduction-to-integrative-medicine-part-1-accredited] 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Find out more about our master’s Level 7 Diploma⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://ncim.org.uk/diploma], including ⁠⁠⁠⁠single modules⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://ncim.org.uk/diploma#singlemodule] you can enrol in today! NCIM also offers an Integrative Medicine Clinic, where our expert team of Integrative Medicine Doctors and Integrative Clinical Team work collaboratively to support your health and wellbeing. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more and book an appointment⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://ncim.org.uk/wellbeing-2].   We would love to get your feedback on the topics and conversations we feature. Follow and connect with us on social media – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/ncimorguk], ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/ncimorguk], and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/ncimorguk] –and let us know your thoughts.   Don’t forget to subscribe and share if you enjoyed this episode!   Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or treatment plan.

The Whole Person Prescription: Lifestyle Medicine with Dr John Sykes

Dr Elizabeth Thompson speaks with GP and lifestyle medicine advocate Dr John Sykes about why true health goes far beyond managing biomarkers. Drawing on his work both in the NHS and private practice, John makes the case for whole person care — addressing physical activity, nutrition, sleep, mental wellbeing, harmful substances and social connection as the real foundations of health. The conversation explores the growing role of GLP-1 weight loss medications, whereJohn argues passionately that wraparound lifestyle care should be the core treatment, not an afterthought. He touches on the battle between big food and big pharma, the critical importance of muscle mass as we age, and the scienceof muscle myokines as natural anti-inflammatory agents. The episode closes on an optimistic note, celebrating community-based initiatives like Park Run and the growing momentum behind lifestyle medicine as a genuine force for change. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: • Health is physical, mental and social wellbeing, not just absence of disease • 70% of chronic disease is lifestyle driven and much of it can be reduced or reversed • Why stopping GLP-1 drugs without lifestyle support can leave patients worse off • How exercise dramatically cuts risk of diabetes, heart disease, cancer, depression & dementia • Why resistance training from midlife is essential to prevent age related muscle loss • Leg and grip strength are among the best predictors of a long functional life • Personalisation is essential as advice only works when it fits someone's real life SEE FULL SHOW NOTES HERE [ https://ncim.org.uk/podcast-john-sykes] Dr John Sykes is a GP in Bath who is as passionate about Lifestyle Medicine as he is about General Practice. Whilst living in Australia, Dr Sykes has utilised his keen interest in positive lifestyle changes to set up a Lifestyle Medicine Clinic in Sydney to reduce, prevent or reverse disease and to help his patients lead healthier, happier lives. He is a Fellow of the Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine as well as a Trustee and Director of the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine. He has organised and delivered several national and international conferences on Lifestyle Medicine in the UK. This includes the inaugural “RCGP Lifestyle Medicine” Conference, which won a local award with the RCGP.   Dr Sykes has worked in several areas of need, an experience which has shaped his interest in chronic disease management for conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, heart disease and mental health disorders.If you’re interested in learning more about Integrative Medicine, you can: 👉 ⁠⁠Sign up for our free newsletter Integrative Medicine Matters⁠ [https://ncim.org.uk/news-blog] 👉 ⁠⁠Sign up for our NCIM Membership, just £4.99 per month⁠ [https://ncim.org.uk/membership] ⁠👉 ⁠Sign up for our free Introduction to Integrative Medicine course⁠ [https://www.healthelearning.online/courses/introduction-to-integrative-medicine-taster]⁠ 👉 ⁠⁠Explore our 10 CPD Point Discovery Course in Integrative Medicine⁠⁠ [https://www.healthelearning.online/courses/introduction-to-integrative-medicine-part-1-accredited] 👉 ⁠⁠Find out more about our master’s Level 7 Diploma⁠⁠ [https://ncim.org.uk/diploma], including ⁠single modules⁠ [https://ncim.org.uk/diploma#singlemodule] you can enrol in today! NCIM also offers an Integrative Medicine Clinic, where our expert team of Integrative Medicine Doctors and Integrative Clinical Team work collaboratively to support your health and wellbeing. ⁠⁠Learn more and book an appointment⁠⁠ [https://ncim.org.uk/wellbeing-2]. We would love to get your feedback on the topics andconversations we feature. Follow and connect with us on social media – ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/ncimorguk], ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/ncimorguk], and ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/ncimorguk] – and let us know your thoughts. Don’t forget to subscribe and share if you enjoyed this episode! Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or treatment plan.

Timing Is Everything: How Your Circadian Rhythm is Reshaping Your Health with Adriano dos Santos

About This Episode Dr Elizabeth Thompson sits down with Adriano dos Santos, sleep medicine researcher and circadian biology specialist, for a eye-opening conversation about the scienceof your internal body clock. Adriano argues that many patients are not diagnostic failures but timing failures, and that simple adjustments to when you sleep, eat and live could transform your health.   What You'll Learn in This Episode: • Why you can feel chronically unwell despite normal test results and what circadian misalignment really means • How every single cell in your body contains its own clock and why this changes everything about how we approach health • Why when you eat matters just as much as what you eat and how to work with your body's natural rhythms • Why melatonin starts rising as early as 6pm and what you could be doing in the evening that is silently sabotaging your sleep • Why the direction of light in your home matters and the simple lamp switch that could transform your sleep • How your gut bacteria directly influence your brain's ability to produce calming neurotransmitters that help you sleep • The everyday habits backed by hard science that support better sleep, from dimming lights to gratitude journaling About the guest: Adriano dos Santos is a clinical registered nutritionist and researcher specialising in circadian biology and the gut–brain–microbiome axis. He is a speaker knownfor translating complex scientific concepts into practical insights that advance integrative health. He holds a Nutrition Science Degree (BSc Hons) andcertifications including AFMCP (Applying Functional Medicine in Clinical Practice). His expertise in sleep medicine, gut health, and metabolic syndromes, combined with his passion for improving patient outcomes, is trulyinspiring.   SEE THE FULL SHOW NOTES HERE [https://ncim.org.uk/podcast-adriano-dos-santos] If you’re interested in learning more about Integrative Medicine, you can: 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for our free newsletter Integrative Medicine Matters⁠⁠⁠ [https://ncim.org.uk/news-blog] 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for our NCIM Membership, just £4.99 per month⁠⁠⁠ [https://ncim.org.uk/membership] ⁠⁠⁠👉 ⁠Sign up for our free Introduction to Integrative Medicine course⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.healthelearning.online/courses/introduction-to-integrative-medicine-taster]⁠ 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore our 10 CPD Point Discovery Course in Integrative Medicine⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.healthelearning.online/courses/introduction-to-integrative-medicine-part-1-accredited] 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Find out more about our master’s Level 7 Diploma⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://ncim.org.uk/diploma], including ⁠⁠⁠single modules⁠⁠⁠ [https://ncim.org.uk/diploma#singlemodule] you can enrol in today! NCIM also offers an Integrative Medicine Clinic, where our expert team of Integrative Medicine Doctors and Integrative Clinical Team work collaboratively to support your health and wellbeing. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more and book an appointment⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://ncim.org.uk/wellbeing-2]. We would love to get your feedback on the topics and conversations we feature. Follow and connect with us on social media – ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/ncimorguk], ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/ncimorguk], and ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/ncimorguk] –and let us know your thoughts. Don’t forget to subscribe and share if you enjoyed this episode! Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or treatment plan.