Culture Apothecary with Alex Clark
Episode: Just The Basics: Starting Your Non-Toxic Journey | Taylor Dukes Wellness
Release Date: December 10, 2024
Introduction
In this enlightening episode of Culture Apothecary with Alex Clark, host Alex Clark engages in a profound conversation with Taylor Dukes, a functional medicine nurse practitioner and founder of Taylor Dukes Wellness. Taylor shares her inspiring journey from traditional nursing to holistic healing, her battle with brain cancer, and offers invaluable insights for those embarking on a non-toxic lifestyle.
Taylor Dukes' Health Journey and Transition to Functional Medicine
Background and Initial Health Struggles
Taylor Dukes began her career in traditional nursing, aiming for high-stress environments like the ER and ICU. However, her trajectory shifted dramatically after her health deteriorated during medical missions abroad.
- Quote:
"I was sick and desperate. I was a regular college girl, went to nursing school at TCU, and was ready to get a job in either ER or ICU."
[02:55]
Taylor experienced severe symptoms such as hair loss, joint pain, and skin issues, which led her to seek alternatives to conventional medicine. Her mother’s intuition prompted a visit to an integrative doctor, marking the beginning of her transformation.
- Quote:
"We have to look at the person as a whole. We have to look at, were they the sick kid growing up, were they on antibiotics all the time?"
[04:10]
Embracing Functional Medicine
Driven by her personal health crisis, Taylor immersed herself in functional medicine, embracing dietary changes, eliminating chemicals, and undergoing comprehensive hormonal and gut testing. This holistic approach not only restored her health but also redirected her career path towards integrative healthcare.
- Quote:
"I changed my diet, I got rid of chemicals. I was able to get off my prescriptions."
[05:17]
Battle with Brain Cancer: Diagnosis and Integrative Treatment
Unexpected Diagnosis
Two years prior to the episode, Taylor was unexpectedly diagnosed with a brain tumor during a routine full-body preventative scan. Despite her non-toxic lifestyle, her immune system had been suppressed due to factors like heavy metal toxicity and Lyme disease, allowing the tumor to develop unnoticed.
- Quote:
"I was reading it and I'm thinking, this is the wrong person. There's no way this is me."
[07:27]
Integrative Treatment Approach
Refusing to rely solely on conventional treatments, Taylor opted for an integrative approach, combining holistic therapies with necessary surgery. She undertook various treatments such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy, high-dose vitamin C, ozone therapy, and red light therapy, which successfully shrunk her tumor by half before surgery.
- Quote:
"We can integrate both for the best possible outcome."
[09:59]
Taylor emphasizes that integrating holistic methods with conventional medicine can lead to optimal health outcomes, advocating for personalized treatment plans that address the root causes of illness.
- Quote:
"You have to treat them as an individual. You can't just say you have this type of cancer. This means you do this, this and this."
[21:27]
Understanding Cancer: Beyond Conventional Medicine
Critique of Traditional Cancer Treatment
Taylor critiques traditional medicine's approach to cancer, arguing that it focuses solely on attacking tumors without addressing the underlying causes and immune system dysfunction.
- Quote:
"They are just looking at it as a problem to attack, attack, attack. No one's asking the why question."
[21:27]
She highlights that cancer development is often due to immune system suppression and environmental toxins, advocating for preventative measures and holistic therapies to enhance immune health and prevent recurrence.
- Quote:
"If you don't get to the root cause of why it occurred in the first place, there's a huge likelihood of it coming back."
[21:27]
Lifestyle and Environmental Factors in Health
Impact of Toxins and Lifestyle Choices
Taylor delves into how lifestyle choices and environmental toxins contribute significantly to health issues, including cancer. She discusses factors such as:
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Vaccinations and Immune System: Traditional vaccination schedules and their impact on children's health.
- Quote:
"There are so many more contributing factors to cancer than genetics and we shouldn't live in fear."
[13:10]
- Quote:
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Parasites and Heavy Metals: The role of parasitic infections and heavy metal toxicity in compromising the immune system.
- Quote:
"Parasites, there's a huge link between parasites and brain cancer."
[14:29]
- Quote:
Non-Toxic Living Basics
Taylor offers practical advice for reducing toxin exposure:
- Dietary Changes: Emphasizing real, whole foods and a ketogenic diet to starve cancer cells of glucose.
- Product Swaps: Replacing toxic household and personal care products with non-toxic alternatives.
- Environmental Adjustments: Improving indoor air quality through ventilation and air purifiers.
- Quote:
"Get back to eating real food. Shop the perimeter of the grocery store."
[33:02]
Practical Tips for Starting a Non-Toxic Lifestyle
Simple Steps for Beginners
Taylor breaks down the non-toxic journey into manageable steps:
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Focus on Product Removal: Start by eliminating the most harmful products from your daily routine, such as toxic laundry detergents and deodorants.
- Quote:
"Focus on removal. So what's polluting your home?"
[31:09]
- Quote:
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Basic Swaps: Replace common household items with safer alternatives. For example, use wool dryer balls instead of dryer sheets and clean laundry detergents like Branch Basics.
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Dietary Fundamentals: Incorporate nutrient-dense foods, ensure adequate hydration with electrolytes, and consider supplements like magnesium to address common deficiencies.
- Quote:
"You're going to get enough magnesium."
[53:08]
- Quote:
Advanced Practices for the Intermediate
For those looking to deepen their non-toxic lifestyle, Taylor suggests:
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Comprehensive Lab Testing: Regularly monitor health through extensive lab panels beyond standard medical check-ups.
- Quote:
"Run an A and A with a reflex to titer."
[67:00]
- Quote:
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Integrative Treatments: Utilize therapies like PEMF mats, detox baths, and frequency therapies to enhance overall health and recovery.
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Balanced Approach: Avoid overcomplicating health routines with excessive fear or stringent regulations. Adopt a balanced, personalized approach to wellness.
- Quote:
"Don't over complicate your health. Get back to the things that God gave us."
[73:39]
- Quote:
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Taylor Dukes emphasizes the importance of returning to basic, holistic health practices while integrating necessary conventional treatments. Her journey underscores the potential of functional medicine in addressing chronic illnesses and highlights the significance of lifestyle and environmental factors in overall health.
- Final Remedy:
"Get back to basics. Don't over complicate your health. Get back to the things that God gave us."
[73:39]
Taylor encourages listeners to take incremental steps towards a non-toxic lifestyle, advocate for their health, and adopt personalized approaches to wellness.
Notable Quotes
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"You are your child's best advocate."
— Taylor Dukes [00:24] -
"When you know better, you do better."
— Taylor Dukes [05:50] -
"Const doesn't just mean doing everything perfectly overnight."
— Taylor Dukes [35:37] -
"Women are usually deficient in magnesium."
— Taylor Dukes [53:31]
Resources Mentioned
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Taylor Dukes Wellness: taylordukeswellness.com
Use code Alex Clark for discounts on supplements, protein powders, and more. -
Instagram: @TaylorDukesWellness
For those seeking to embark on a non-toxic journey, Taylor Dukes offers a blend of personal experience, professional expertise, and practical advice to guide you towards a healthier, more holistic lifestyle.