Podcast Summary: The Thyroid Fixer Episode 535 – High Dose Melatonin, Mistletoe, and Other Cancer Modalities

Release Date: June 20, 2025
Host: Dr. Amie Hornaman
Guest: Stephanie Gratz, Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Founder of Health Spa

Introduction

In Episode 535 of The Thyroid Fixer, Dr. Amie Hornaman welcomes Stephanie Gratz to discuss innovative cancer prevention and treatment modalities. The conversation centers around high-dose melatonin, mistletoe therapy, vitamin C infusions, ozone therapy, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). Both hosts emphasize the importance of integrative and functional medicine approaches in addressing cancer and thyroid-related health issues.

High Dose Melatonin

Understanding High-Dose Melatonin

Dr. Amy introduces the topic by highlighting her personal experience with melatonin and its effects on sleep and energy levels. Stephanie Gratz elaborates on the distinctions between low and high doses of melatonin:

• Low Doses (3 mg): Mimic natural circadian rhythms by acting on MT1 and MT2 receptors, regulating sleep and hormonal balance.

• High Doses (100-200+ mg): Bypass circadian pathways to directly impact cellular detox and mitochondrial protection. Stephanie compares it to high-dose vitamin C, which shifts from being an antioxidant to an oxidative therapy useful in cancer care.

Notable Quote:
Stephanie Gratz explains, “High-dose melatonin is really helping with like the redox pathways and opening up all of those systems. So it really is acting like a miracle antioxidant. It's more powerful than glutathione, vitamin C, vitamin E...” (10:56).

Benefits and Usage

High-dose melatonin offers multiple benefits:

• Blood Sugar Regulation: Enhances insulin sensitivity and stabilizes glucose levels.
• Inflammation Reduction: Lowers overall inflammation, aiding in weight loss and cognitive protection.
• Immune Support: Strengthens the immune system, making it beneficial during illnesses like COVID-19 and for general immune health.

Dr. Amy notes her improved tolerance to high-dose melatonin without experiencing the grogginess or nightmares often associated with lower doses, suggesting a different mechanism of action at higher concentrations.

Notable Quote:
Dr. Amy shares, “What blew me away about your high dose melatonin that I'm now taking? There's none of that. There's no fatigue. There's no nightmares.” (16:04).

Mistletoe Therapy

Function and Application

Stephanie introduces mistletoe therapy as a method to stimulate the immune system. Mistletoe extracts are tailored based on the type of cancer:

• Breast/Ovarian Cancer: Derived from apple trees.
• Prostate Cancer: Sourced from pine or fir trees.

Mechanism:
Mistletoe stimulates the immune system to recognize and eliminate cancer cells, effectively "burning off" abnormal cells.

Notable Quote:
Stephanie describes, “Mistletoe is used for stimulating that immune system response to burn... It's getting our immune system looking around and seeing what doesn't belong in getting rid of it.” (35:09).

High-Dose Vitamin C

Oral vs. IV Administration

• Oral Vitamin C: Limited by gut absorption and often causes diarrhea at high doses.
• IV Vitamin C: Allows for much higher doses (up to 50,000 mg) to exert oxidative effects similar to chemotherapy, targeting cancer cells without harming normal cells.

Benefits:
High-dose vitamin C via IV can kill cancer cells by generating hydrogen peroxide, acting as an oxidant rather than an antioxidant.

Notable Quote:
Stephanie explains, “When it goes into the veins, it turns into hydrogen peroxide in the body and then that's what goes around and kills the cancer cells.” (37:40).

Cautions:
Certain cancers may react differently to high-dose antioxidants, necessitating personalized treatment plans.

Ozone Therapy and Ozone Sauna

Types and Benefits

• Blood Ozone: Detoxifies cells and improves oxygen utilization.
• Ozone Sauna: Involves sitting in a steam chamber infused with ozone to detoxify the skin and cells.

Applications:
Effective for general detoxification, viral infections, enhancing energy levels, and supporting immune function.

Notable Quote:
Stephanie states, “Ozone is a potent cleanser of cells and toxins... helps to really detoxify the cells.” (40:19).

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

Understanding HBOT

HBOT involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber, which increases oxygen levels in the blood and tissues.

Benefits:

• Cancer Treatment: Enhances the efficacy of radiation and certain chemotherapies by generating free radicals that target cancer cells.
• Anti-Aging and Healing: Promotes stem cell production, aids in wound healing, and supports brain health.

Types of HBOT Chambers:

• Medical Chambers (up to 3 ATA): Typically used in hospitals for wound healing and severe conditions.
• Soft Chambers (up to 1.3 ATA): More accessible, safer for regular use, and beneficial for prevention and general health.

Notable Quote:
Stephanie shares, “We used to think that was the best... but soft chambers are safer and highly effective for prevention and cancer.” (44:26).

Comprehensive Cancer Testing and Prevention

Advanced Testing Protocols

Stephanie outlines the comprehensive testing approach used at her clinic:

• Cancer Markers: Comprehensive panels for different cancer types.
• Circulating Tumor Cells: Using companies like Signatera for early detection of recurrence.
• Infections and Toxins: Screening for parasites, viruses, bacteria, mold, and heavy metals.
• Hormonal Balance: Assessing estrogen dominance and other hormonal imbalances.

Notable Quote:
Stephanie emphasizes, “We look at everything from vitamins, hormones, to infections and toxins to get to the root of all of that.” (23:52).

Prevention Strategies:

• Lifestyle Modifications: Diet, stress management, and detoxification.
• Supplementation: High-dose melatonin, vitamin C, adaptogenic mushrooms, and more.
• Therapeutic Interventions: HBOT, ozone therapy, and mistletoe injections.

Integrative Approach and Patient Support

Tailored Treatment Plans

Stephanie highlights the importance of personalized treatment plans that consider the unique needs and conditions of each patient. This includes leveraging a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive support.

Patient Support Systems:

• Advocates: Providing emotional and logistical support throughout the treatment journey.
• Continuous Monitoring: Regular lab tests and adjustments to treatment protocols based on patient responses.

Notable Quote:
Stephanie advises, “Don't feel alone on your journey. Get the support that you need because it can make all of the difference.” (50:26).

Accessing Stephanie Gratz’s Services

How to Begin:

• Contact: Email Stephanie at stephanie@thehealthypractitioner.com for initial consultation.
• Lab Testing: Advanced lab kits available at SelectBalance.com with specialized protocols.
• Discounts and Offers: Use promo codes provided during the podcast for discounts on supplements and treatments.

Notable Quote:
Stephanie explains, “For people at a distance that want to work, it would be best to give them kind of... they can email me and we can route them in the right direction.” (48:52).

Conclusion

Episode 535 of The Thyroid Fixer offers an in-depth exploration of alternative cancer therapies and preventive measures. Dr. Amie Hornaman and Stephanie Gratz emphasize the significance of integrative medicine, personalized treatment plans, and proactive health monitoring in combating cancer and thyroid disorders. Listeners are encouraged to consult with healthcare professionals to explore these advanced modalities tailored to their unique health needs.

Disclaimer: The information shared in this summary is intended solely for informational and educational purposes. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your health regimen.