Julie Figgins ND

11/02/2024

Join me at WEllensburg in Downtown Ellensburg this Afternoon! -

To learn more about this incredible community event hosted by Northwest Mind Body Spirit, please click the link below.  You will find a full schedule of events taking place in downtown Ellensburg November 1 - 3.  Hope to see you there! 

10/24/2024

I was treated to a beautiful and wholesome lunch artfully crafted by Chef Mataio at the North Central Farm-to-School Culinary Training & Networking event at Pybus market on Tuesday. Our family beans were featured on this plate, along with many other nutritious local treasures. It’s a true honor to witness Whole Foods nutrition, community, and schools come together in one room.

10/16/2024

Funny! I just put my overnight oats in the fridge for the morning! I love it when simple and sustainable works so well! 🥣

  We’ve all heard countless times that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But in choosing what to eat in the morning, we’d do well to

10/16/2024

Breakfast and lunch are the two meals I find easiest to enjoy plant-based eating. Today I harvested the last of our yellow garden tomatoes and basil and paired them with sustainably-sourced black beans from Central Bean Company to add protein, fiber and phytonutrients. I added crunch with celery and red onion and topped it off with avocado and olive oil to balance out with healthy fats. Scrumptious!

09/30/2024

The Power of Diet in Cancer Prevention: Plant-Based vs. Ketogenic Diets:

As we see rising rates of cancer and metabolic disorders like obesity, the importance of nutrition has never been clearer. Many people are curious about how different diets can impact health, especially when it comes to cancer. Two popular dietary approaches today are the whole foods plant-based diet (WFPBD) and the ketogenic diet (KD). Let’s break down what the research says about these diets and their potential benefits for cancer prevention and overall health.

Nutrition and Cancer:

Research shows that what we eat can influence cancer risk and tumor progression. A diet rich in plant foods—fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes—has been linked to a lower incidence of cancer. Health organizations often recommend such a plant-based diet as part of a cancer prevention strategy.
On the other hand, the ketogenic diet, which is low in carbs and high in fats, has gained traction for its potential benefits in weight loss and reducing inflammation. Interestingly, both diets can lead to similar outcomes, like weight loss and decreased insulin levels, but they achieve these results through very different nutritional pathways.

The Benefits of a Whole Foods Plant-Based Diet:

A WFPBD is not just about reducing cancer risk; it also offers a wealth of health benefits. This diet is high in fiber, phytochemicals, and beneficial compounds like butyrate, which can support overall wellness. It also tends to lower levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), a hormone linked to cancer growth.

Exploring the Ketogenic Diet:

While the ketogenic diet can be beneficial in specific situations—like for certain types of tumors treated with specific medications—its use is less straightforward. The KD works by increasing levels of β-hydroxybutyrate, which may have some anticancer properties. However, this diet is not universally recommended for cancer treatment or prevention.

What the Research Tells Us:

Most studies have focused on the benefits of increasing fruit and vegetable intake rather than directly comparing WFPBD and KD for cancer treatment. The current consensus in the research community leans toward supporting plant-based diets over ketogenic diets when it comes to reducing cancer risk and improving metabolic health, especially for survivors.

Moving Forward:

The evidence so far suggests that a plant-enriched diet should be a priority for anyone looking to reduce cancer risk. However, more rigorous studies are needed to explore dietary modifications throughout the cancer journey. Future research could help personalize dietary recommendations for those diagnosed with cancer, ensuring they receive the most effective nutritional support.

Final Thoughts:

Nutrition plays a vital role in our overall health and well-being, especially in the context of cancer. While both the whole foods plant-based diet and the ketogenic diet have their merits, the evidence currently favors a plant-based approach for reducing cancer risk and enhancing metabolic health. If you’re considering dietary changes, consulting with a healthcare professional or a naturopathic doctor can help you find the best path for your health journey!

Source: Shah, U. A., & Iyengar, N. M. (2022). Plant-Based and Ketogenic Diets As Diverging Paths to Address Cancer: A Review. JAMA oncology, 8(8), 1201–1208. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaoncol.2022.1769

09/11/2024

🌟 Spotlight on Lifestyle Medicine: How What We Eat Impacts Our Health 🌟

Hey everyone! 🍎 Ready to dive into something truly eye-opening? I recently came across a fascinating chart from JAMA that’s definitely worth a closer look. Trust me, you’ll want to blow this up and really take it in!

This chart sheds light on something we’ve all heard before but may not fully grasp—the profound impact our lifestyle choices have on our health. It ranks the top 17 leading risk factors for death, and guess what? Dietary risks take the #1 spot. 😲 That’s right—what we eat has a stronger correlation with serious health conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer (when combined) than any other risk factor!

But here’s the silver lining: this is where lifestyle medicine comes into play! 🌿 By embracing healthier eating habits and making conscious lifestyle choices, we have the power to significantly reduce our risk of these diseases. It’s a compelling reminder that the path to better health starts on our plates.

So, let this be your friendly nudge to prioritize your well-being. Small changes can lead to big results. Let’s make those plates vibrant, colorful, and full of life! 💪

US Burden of Disease Collaborators, Mokdad, A. H., Ballestros, K., Echko, M., Glenn, S., Olsen, H. E., Mullany, E., Lee, A., Khan, A. R., Ahmadi, A., Ferrari, A. J., Kasaeian, A., Werdecker, A., Carter, A., Zipkin, B., Sartorius, B., Serdar, B., Sykes, B. L., Troeger, C., Fitzmaurice, C., … Murray, C. J. L. (2018). The State of US Health, 1990-2016: Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Among US States. JAMA, 319(14), 1444–1472. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2018.0158

09/10/2024

Exciting News: My Naturopathic Practice is Relaunching! 🌿

Life’s journey has taken me on a path full of learning and growth, and I’m thrilled to share that I’m relaunching my naturopathic practice—this time, exclusively through telemedicine!

Over the past year, I pursued a Master of Arts in Teaching with the hope of becoming a secondary science teacher. While this journey deepened my passion for education and holistic health, the changing landscape in our local schools led me to re-evaluate how I can best serve my community.

I’ve decided to return to my roots as a naturopathic physician, bringing with me a renewed commitment to guiding others on their health journey. Now, through telemedicine, I can provide personalized, holistic care no matter where you are (as long as you're in Washington)! Whether you're looking to manage a specific health condition or simply want to live a healthier, more balanced life, I’m here to help.

Visit my website to learn more and schedule your first virtual visit. I can’t wait to reconnect with you and support your wellness goals in this new chapter!

www.docerelifestylemed.com

Special promotion for former patients re-establishing care: 40-minute telehealth visit for $125

08/19/2024

I was truly touched to come across this review of the Environmental Medicine course I taught for five years at NUHS. There is so much to consider when it comes to everyday low-dose exposure to environmental toxicants. Fortunately, our bodies have remarkable mechanisms to process these micro-insults, but it's always wise to take a personal inventory of your exposures and explore ways to reduce your risk.

ND student shares her interest in environmental medicine and toxicology studies at NUHS.