© Jan Peterson Certified Dog Nutritionist & Herbalist
Written by a Human and not AI
Plant medicine has been around for eons. This is how people and cultures around the World have healed themselves. In the wild, animals like bears, deer and moose know which plants to eat that will heal issues/imbalances going on in their bodies. Phytonutrients are the naturally occurring compounds within plants that have an affinity for strengthening the immune system, and bringing the body back into a state of balance and health.
So what does this have to do with the possibility of supporting your dogs' immune system or perhaps even healing, your dogs' cancer? Everything.
Vegetables & Fruits- Phytonutrients are found in fresh vegetables and fruits that can be sourced at your local farm stand and in your grocery stores. Adding in fresh chopped, steamed vegetables like broccoli crowns, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, dark leafy kale, carrots, zucchini, are very beneficial to support your dog's immune system. Steaming them in a good quality (low sodium) organic chicken bone broth will have them licking the bottom out of their bowl! Baked sweet potatoes, butternut squash and organic pureed pumpkin are also packed with vitamins and minerals. Finely chopped Italian flat leaf parsley & cilantro are more key anti-oxidants to add to your dog's food. And, last but not least, berries like small Maine blueberries and blackberries are packed with anthocyanins, flavonoids, and polyphenols. Many of these whole food sources are prebiotic and probiotic which is essential for gut health. Much of your dog's immune system lays within their gut.
Medicinal Mushrooms- The Magic 7 Beta Glucans and triterpinoids are important phytonutrients found in mushrooms. The mushrooms highest in cancer fighting compounds are Turkey Tail, Chaga, Reishi, Cordycep, Maitake, Phenillus & Shiitake. Sourcing a quality mushroom extract is best. Often a powder blend is most economical and can be added to your dogs' food. Just make sure they use the whole mushroom including the fruited body, and that is it 3rd party tested. Turkey Tail mushrooms have the highest amount of beta-glucans compared to any other mushroom, however, the Magic 7 work synergistically to support your dogs' immune system.
Full Spectrum Hemp Plant- Cancer-fighting terpenes, flavonoids, and cannabanoids are plentiful in high quality extracted hemp plants. By promoting apoptosis, terpenes can help regulate the cell cycle and prevent the uncontrolled proliferation of cancer cells. Additionally, terpenes have been found to inhibit angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels that tumors rely on for nutrients and oxygen.
You will want to look for Full Spectrum (alcohol) extracted organic hemp that is 3rd party tested for potency, and to make sure there are no pesticides, heavy metals, or mycotoxins in the oil. When the term full spectrum is used, it means the formulator is using the whole plant. The whole plant is where you are going to get an abundance of phytonutrients.
Jan Peterson Canine Herbalist & Nutritionist
Specializing In Canine Cancer Prevention & Support/Healing
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