Remi Odisho Integrative

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Remi Odisho Integrative Hi, I'm Remi!

I'm an Integrative Naturopath and Acupuncturist who works at the intersection of functional medicine and traditional therapies to restore balance across the nervous, digestive, hormonal, and immune systems.

18/09/2026

Could eating less for a short period actually change how the body responds to chemotherapy?

This is one of the more fascinating areas of integrative oncology research.

During fasting, several metabolic changes occur: insulin and IGF-1 signalling falls, mTOR activity decreases, AMPK becomes more active, and healthy cells begin shifting away from growth towards cellular maintenance and stress resistance.

Researchers call one of the theories behind this Differential Stress Resistance.

The idea is that healthy cells may temporarily become more resistant to stress, while cancer cells—because of dysregulated growth pathways—may be less able to enter this protective state.

It’s biologically compelling.

But compelling biology ≠ established clinical practice.

Human trials are still relatively small, and fasting during chemotherapy is not appropriate for everyone.

I’ll be unpacking the research—and the limitations—over the next few posts!

One of the reasons fasting research is so interesting is that food isn't simply “fuel.”Food sends metabolic signals.When...
16/09/2026

One of the reasons fasting research is so interesting is that food isn't simply “fuel.”

Food sends metabolic signals.

When nutrients are abundant, insulin, IGF-1 and mTOR help signal that resources are available for growth.

During fasting, those signals change.

The body begins shifting towards energy conservation, fat metabolism and cellular maintenance.

Researchers are investigating whether this metabolic state could help healthy cells cope with chemotherapy differently to cancer cells.

That does not mean fasting is appropriate for everyone undergoing cancer treatment.

In some people, preserving weight and muscle is far more clinically important.

Individual biochemistry is always important to consider.

11/09/2026

Soy after breast cancer is one of the most common nutrition fears I hear.

Many people have been told to avoid soy because it contains “plant oestrogens.”

But food-based soy is not the same as oestrogen.
And eating tofu is not the same as taking a high-dose isolated isoflavone supplement.

The research we have in breast cancer survivors generally supports soy foods as safe, and in some studies, soy intake is associated with better outcomes.

This includes foods like:
Tofu
Tempeh
Edamame
Soy milk
Miso

Of course, individual tolerance matters. If soy does not suit your digestion or preferences, you don’t have to eat it.

But for many people, soy can be a useful source of protein, fibre and phytonutrients.

The bigger nutrition picture after breast cancer is not about fearing one food.

It’s about building a dietary pattern that supports metabolic health, gut health, muscle, energy, cardiovascular health and quality of life.

If you have breast cancer and need support around diet and functional nutrition, head to the link in my bio to book an appointment.

“Can I take supplements with tamoxifen?”This is one of the most common questions I get in clinic.And the honest answer i...
28/08/2026

“Can I take supplements with tamoxifen?”

This is one of the most common questions I get in clinic.

And the honest answer is: it depends.

Some supplements may be appropriate. Others may be unnecessary, poorly matched, too high dose, low quality or potentially risky depending on your medications and treatment plan.

With tamoxifen, we need to think about metabolism.

Tamoxifen is converted into active metabolites, including endoxifen. This process can be influenced by liver enzyme pathways, medication interactions and potentially some supplements.

That does not mean you need to avoid every natural product.

It means your supplement plan should be specific.

Before taking supplements with tamoxifen, I want to know:

What dose?
What form?
What brand?
What other medications are you taking?
Are you on chemotherapy, radiation or endocrine therapy only?
Are you preparing for surgery?
What are we trying to treat?
Is there evidence this will help?
Could food or lifestyle do this more safely?

Supplements should be used with a reason, not out of fear.

Book a consultation via the link in my bio if you’d like a personalised supplement safety review.

26/08/2026

Turmeric in food and curcumin supplements are not the same thing.

This distinction matters if you are taking tamoxifen.
Using turmeric in cooking — for example in soups, curries or dressings — is very different from taking a concentrated curcumin capsule, especially a high-absorption formula or one combined with piperine.

Some clinical pharmacokinetic research has suggested that curcumin, with or without piperine, may reduce exposure to tamoxifen and endoxifen.
Endoxifen is one of tamoxifen’s important active metabolites.

So my clinical approach is not “turmeric is bad.”
It is:
Food-level turmeric? Usually a very different conversation.
High-dose curcumin supplement? Needs individual review.
Curcumin with piperine? Definitely worth checking before use.
Multiple supplements plus tamoxifen? Please get a safety review.

This is why integrative oncology needs nuance.
Natural does not automatically mean safe.
Evidence-based does not mean anti-natural.

It means we use the right tool, at the right dose, for the right person, at the right time.

Save this post if you’re taking tamoxifen or book a consultation via the link in my bio for supplement safety support.

Fatigue after breast cancer treatment is not laziness.It is not a mindset problem.And it is not always solved by “just e...
21/08/2026

Fatigue after breast cancer treatment is not laziness.

It is not a mindset problem.

And it is not always solved by “just exercising more” or taking an energy supplement.

Cancer-related fatigue can be complex. Endocrine therapy may contribute, but so can poor sleep, pain, iron deficiency, low B12, low vitamin D, thyroid changes (common post chemo), inflammation, under-eating, low protein intake, blood glucose instability, emotional stress and nervous system overload.

This is why I like to investigate the pattern before recommending a plan.

In clinic, fatigue support may include:

Pathology review
Nutrition and protein assessment
Sleep support
Exercise pacing
Acupuncture
Stress physiology support
Gut health review
Medication and supplement safety checks

The aim is not to push your body harder.

The aim is to help your body recover capacity.

If fatigue is affecting your work, relationships, mood or ability to stay active, head to the link in my bio to book a consultation.

19/08/2026

Hot flushes after breast cancer treatment can be intense.
They may affect sleep, mood, energy, confidence and your ability to function during the day.

And for many woman, this is not simply “normal menopause.”

Hot flushes may be influenced by:
Tamoxifen
Aromatase inhibitors
Ovarian suppression
Chemotherapy-induced menopause
Surgical menopause
Stress and nervous system activation
Sleep disruption
Alcohol, heat or dietary triggers

Because standard menopausal hormone therapy is often not appropriate after hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, support needs to be thoughtful and non-hormonal.

That may include acupuncture, sleep strategies, nervous system support, exercise, nutrition, trigger identification and medical options through your oncology team.

Please be careful with herbs or supplements marketed for menopause. Some are not well-studied in breast cancer survivors, and some may not be appropriate depending on your diagnosis and treatment.

If you’re in need of personalised support head to the link in my bio to book a consultation.

Let’s talk about one of the most under-discussed side effects of endocrine therapy: vaginal dryness and discomfort.This ...
17/08/2026

Let’s talk about one of the most under-discussed side effects of endocrine therapy: vaginal dryness and discomfort.

This can happen with tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors, ovarian suppression, chemotherapy-induced menopause or surgical menopause.

Symptoms may include:

Dryness
Burning
Pain with s*x
Recurrent irritation
Urinary discomfort
Reduced libido
Feeling disconnected from your body

This is not superficial.
This is quality of life.

And it deserves proper care.

Support may include non-hormonal vaginal moisturisers, lubricants, pelvic floor physiotherapy, s*xual counselling, nervous system support and referral to a menopause-informed GP, gynaecologist or oncology team where needed.

Please don’t feel embarrassed to bring this up.

A good practitioner will not dismiss it.

In integrative oncology consultations, we make space for the symptoms that often get rushed over — because your quality of life matters too.

If you need support advocating, head to the link in my bio to book a consultation.

Aromatase inhibitor-induced joint pain is one of the most common reasons people struggle with letrozole, anastrozole or ...
14/08/2026

Aromatase inhibitor-induced joint pain is one of the most common reasons people struggle with letrozole, anastrozole or exemestane.

It can feel like stiffness in the morning, aching hands, sore knees, tendon pain, reduced mobility or feeling like your body has suddenly aged.

This is not in your head.

Aromatase inhibitors (AI) significantly reduce oestrogen, and oestrogen plays a role in joint tissue, pain regulation, inflammation and connective tissue health.

The most evidence-informed support usually includes a combination of strategies:

Movement
Strength training
Mobility work
Acupuncture
Anti-inflammatory nutrition
Vitamin D assessment (where appropriate)
Sleep and recovery support
Medical review if symptoms are severe

The key is starting where you are.

If walking around the block is your current baseline, that counts. If you’re ready for structured resistance training, that can be built in too.

A plan should be realistic enough that you can actually do it.

If you're in need of support bookings are available via the link in my bio.

12/08/2026

Tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors are often grouped together as “hormone therapy,” but they do not work in the same way.

Tamoxifen blocks oestrogen signalling in breast tissue but can behave differently in other parts of the body.
Aromatase inhibitors, including letrozole, anastrozole and exemestane, lower oestrogen production by blocking the aromatase enzyme.

This matters because the mechanism helps explain the symptoms.

Joint pain, stiffness, vaginal dryness, bone density changes, hot flushes, sleep disruption and fatigue are not random. They often reflect how these medications change oestrogen signalling throughout the entire body.

This is also why support should be individualised.

A person with severe aromatase inhibitor joint pain may need a different plan to someone on tamoxifen who is mainly struggling with night sweats, poor sleep and uterine monitoring concerns.

Endocrine therapy support should be evidence-based, safe and specific to you.

If you’re in need of personalised support head to the link in bio to book an appointment.

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Melbourne, VIC
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