Episode 48: Integrative Approaches to Cancer with Gillian Bertram

Immune Health
Written By Nicole Goode
 

Gillian Bertram is a registered nutritional therapist, functional medicine practitioner, integrative health coach, and brain cancer survivor. In 2015, Gillian recovered from anaplastic astrocytoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. Whilst undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy, she introduced radical changes to her diet and lifestyle, forging an integrative approach to her cancer care.

Empowered by the knowledge she gained through this process she went on to study at the prestigious Institute for Optimum Nutrition and opened The Bertram Clinic of Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine in 2020.

In this episode, Nicole invites Gillian onto the show to discuss integrative approaches to cancer, including therapeutic nutrition, lifestyle medicine, and mindset medicine. Gillian shares her personal cancer journey, the importance of individualised functional medicine, and the role of dietary and lifestyle changes in fighting cancer.

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast and related website is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice. It is not intended to be used to diagnose or treat, instead it is designed to help educate and inspire. Always seek the advice of a professional medical practitioner or qualified health practitioner. Never ignore or disregard advice given to you based on information in this podcast or related website and do not delay in seeking medical advice.

 

Timestamps:

[02:44] - Gillian's path to integrative cancer care

[06:50] - The impact of functional medicine

[15:02] - The role of genetics and personalised treatment

[28:53] - Gillian's personal experience with brain cancer

[33:45] - Preparing for surgery and lifestyle changes

[35:38] - Facing the diagnosis and treatment options

[36:25] - Family stress and treatment decisions

[43:17] - The role of nutrition in cancer treatment

[47:19] - Exercise and mental health

[54:13] - Integrating functional medicine

[56:30] - Resources and support for cancer patients

 
“Why did this happen to me and not someone else? That was always a question I was trying to get to the bottom of, and through functional testing, that really helped clarify that for me. It made all of those lifestyle changes so much easier to follow.”
— GILLIAN BERTRAM
 

Essential learnings from this episode…

  • Gillian’s personal experience with Stage 3 brain cancer

  • Why Gillian decided to integrate medical care with nutritional and lifestyle choices for holistic health

  • What integrative cancer care consisted of for Gillian and how she approached it

  • The importance of personalised care and staying positive

 
 

Thank You For Tuning In

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Nicole Goode
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Episode 49: Root Causes and Real Solutions:Your Health Journey Explained
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Episode 47: Breaking Down Thyroid Disorders