Podcast Summary: Episode 155. Taylor Dukes: How She Beat Cancer with Functional Medicine
Introduction
In Episode 155 of The Ultimate Human podcast, host Gary Brecka engages in a profound conversation with Taylor Dukes, a functional medicine practitioner who overcame a daunting cancer diagnosis through integrative and holistic approaches. This episode delves deep into Taylor's personal journey, the functional medicine strategies she employed, and her mission to empower others to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Taylor's Personal Journey
Taylor Dukes begins by recounting her life before cancer: a thriving functional medicine practice, a loving family with two children, and meeting her life partner. However, her seemingly perfect life took an unexpected turn when she discovered a massive brain tumor in her right frontal lobe during a routine health scan, despite having no symptoms.
Taylor Dukes [00:00]: "Life was good. I have a thriving functional medicine practice of my own at this point... I got the curveball of my life."
The diagnosis was a shock, as she had always been healthy and active. Taylor highlights how this experience reshaped her career trajectory from predicting mortality in the life insurance industry to dedicating her life to helping others achieve optimal health.
Integrative and Functional Medicine Approach
Gary and Taylor discuss the philosophy behind functional medicine, emphasizing the integration of conventional and holistic practices for the best outcomes.
Taylor Dukes [00:37]: "I just felt led to take an integrative approach. I like saying integrative because you take the best of the conventional, the best of the holistic, and you integrate the two for the best possible outcome."
Taylor's approach involved comprehensive lifestyle changes, including diet modification, eliminating toxins, and strengthening her immune system. She underscores the importance of viewing diseases like cancer as a result of metabolically sick cells that can potentially be healed.
Practical Steps and Therapies
Taylor details the specific therapies and lifestyle adjustments she implemented to combat her brain tumor:
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Dietary Changes and Ketosis:
- Transitioned to a ketogenic diet, emphasizing high-quality fats and moderate protein.
- Focused on whole foods, avoiding processed items and inflammatory oils.
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Supplementation and Therapies:
- High-dose vitamin C (up to 75 grams).
- Methylene blue infusions and oral drops.
- Red light therapy using a neuronic helmet from Germany.
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy and ozone therapy.
- Continuous glucose monitoring (CGMs) to maintain ketosis.
Taylor Dukes [23:28]: "I did high dose vitamin C. I had to work my way up to like, 75 grams... I did methylene blue infusions."
- Parasite and Toxin Cleansing:
- Conducted thorough testing and treatments for parasites, heavy metals, and mycotoxins.
- Used pharmaceuticals like ivermectin and herbal remedies to eliminate infections.
Taylor Dukes [28:18]: "I tested positive for parasites in stool... I did ivermectin, I did all sorts of mabendazole."
- Mindset and Stress Reduction:
- Emphasized the role of mindset in healing, avoiding identification solely as a cancer patient.
- Practiced deep breathing, meditation, prayer, and journaling to manage stress.
- Underwent biofeedback and EMDR therapy for emotional trauma.
Taylor Dukes [25:06]: "Deep breathing, you know, my infrared sauna is super calming for me... grounding time outside."
Mindset and Emotional Health
Taylor highlights the critical role of mindset in her healing process. She maintained a proactive and hopeful outlook, refusing to let fear dictate her decisions. This positive mindset, combined with comprehensive functional medicine therapies, was instrumental in her recovery.
Taylor Dukes [20:14]: "I am doing so many things to prevent cancer from coming back because I am cancer free. But my mindset, I live life like I'm healed too."
Building a Community and Ongoing Mission
Post-recovery, Taylor founded an online community, Taylor Dukes Wellness, to support like-minded individuals, particularly moms, in adopting healthier lifestyles. She emphasizes practical, budget-friendly healthy swaps and educates her community on gut health, stress management, and holistic wellness practices.
Taylor Dukes [46:24]: "It starts with moms for our next generation... get them out in sunshine and fresh air."
She also launched her own line of clean supplements and wellness products, ensuring they are free from artificial flavors and additives, aligning with her mission to provide accessible health solutions.
Taylor Dukes [50:35]: "We flavor ours with organic fruit juice powder... no food dyes, no chemicals."
Conclusion and Key Takeaways
Taylor Dukes' story is a testament to the power of integrative and functional medicine in overcoming severe health challenges. Her holistic approach—encompassing diet, supplementation, toxin elimination, and mindset—offers a blueprint for those seeking to enhance their health and longevity. By fostering a supportive community and providing practical health solutions, Taylor continues to inspire and empower others to become their ultimate selves.
Taylor Dukes [57:08]: "Spiritually for me that's having a relationship with God... physically, eating healthy food, sleeping, managing our stress... emotionally, having purpose and community."
Notable Quotes:
- Taylor Dukes [00:37]: "I just felt led to take an integrative approach..."
- Taylor Dukes [20:14]: "I am doing so many things to prevent cancer from coming back because I am cancer free."
- Taylor Dukes [28:18]: "I tested positive for parasites in stool... I did ivermectin."
- Taylor Dukes [46:24]: "It starts with moms for our next generation..."
- Taylor Dukes [57:08]: "Spiritually for me that's having a relationship with God..."
Connecting with Taylor Dukes
For those inspired by Taylor Dukes' journey and eager to learn more, you can connect with her on Instagram at @taylordukeswellness or explore her products at Shop Dukes Wellness.
This summary captures the essence of Episode 155, providing insights into Taylor Dukes' transformative journey and the functional medicine strategies that empowered her to overcome cancer.