Maui Integrative Medicine | Kihei, HI | Teri Jackson Naturopathic Physician

Meet Dr. Jackson

Naturopathic and Integrative Medicine Specialist

Dr. Teri Jackson is a formally trained Naturopathic Physician licensed to practice medicine in the state of Hawaii. She graduated from Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington with a doctorate degree in Naturopathic Medicine where she trained with the most influential experts and pioneers of evidence-based natural medicine. She received her undergraduate degree in Anthropology and Northwest Coast Archaeology from Portland State University and worked as a field archaeologist in SW Washington and NW Oregon during the 1990’s. As an interesting and unexpected segue into the world of alternative health care, it was this experience of studying the diet and herbal traditions of native Northwest Coast tribes that led Dr. Jackson’s

passion for natural medicine.

Dr. Jackson’s philosophy of medicine is deeply rooted in the traditional healing systems of North America and Europe, where Naturopathic Medicine developed and began its evolution more than 200 years ago. She is skilled at integrating natural medical principles with modern, evidence-based therapies. She utilizes therapeutic modalities such as botanical medicine, homeopathic remedies, nutritional supplements, individualized diets, body work and pharmaceutical medications to promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Dr. Jackson also has advanced training in integrative oncology by the Metabolic Terrain Institute of Health (MTIH), and practices using the Metabolic Approach to Cancer as taught by Dr. Nasha Winters, ND, FABNO. While Dr. Jackson is not a board-certified oncologist and does not claim to treat cancer directly, she does work with cancer patients to support their overall resilience so that they may thrive in the context of their illness. She takes a whole-person approach as opposed to a tumor-centric approach, helping individuals regain their health in the face of what can be a terrifying diagnosis.

With a targeted approach that applies a combination of Functional Medicine and Naturopathic principles, she addresses hormone balance, detoxification, optimal digestion, and immune function. Skilled in working with patients suffering from chronic illness, many find that they can discontinue their medications while working with Dr. Jackson because their health improves so dramatically!

In her free time, Dr. Jackson takes advantage of the natural beauty and outdoor activities of Maui, such as swimming, snorkeling, paddling, and hiking. While relaxing at home, she enjoys gardening and preparing gourmet meals from the amazing local ingredients Maui has to offer and making herbal medicines from plants that she grows herself.

Why Naturopathy

The Metabolic and Terrain-Centered Approach to Health and Wellness

The metabolic approach to cancer is gaining traction as a fascinating way to think about how we tackle this complex disease. Instead of just focusing on killing cancer cells with traditional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, this approach dives into the metabolism of those pesky cells. Essentially, it looks at how cancer cells use energy and nutrients differently than normal cells.

One key idea here is that cancer thrives in a high-sugar environment. By cutting down on sugar and refined carbs, some researchers believe we can starve these cells and slow their growth. Plus, incorporating more healthy fats and proteins can help support our bodies while they fight back.

While the metabolic approach isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, it opens up new conversations about diet, lifestyle changes, and how they might play a role in treatment plans. It’s all about empowering patients with knowledge and options beyond the conventional methods. So if you’re curious about this angle in cancer care, it might be worth exploring further!

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The metabolic approach to cancer represents a groundbreaking shift in how we understand and treat this complex disease. Traditional cancer therapies often focus on targeting the genetic mutations that drive tumor growth, but emerging research highlights the critical role of metabolism in cancer progression. By shifting our attention to how cancer cells metabolize nutrients, we can uncover new strategies for intervention.

Cancer cells have unique metabolic needs that differ significantly from normal cells. They often rely on glucose and glutamine to fuel their rapid growth and proliferation. This reliance presents a compelling opportunity: by disrupting these metabolic pathways, we can starve cancer cells of their energy sources while leaving healthy cells relatively unharmed.

Moreover, the metabolic approach encourages a more holistic view of patient care. It emphasizes lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise, which can play a significant role in altering the tumor microenvironment and enhancing the effectiveness of conventional treatments. Integrating nutritional therapy with traditional oncology practices could lead to improved patient outcomes and quality of life.

In conclusion, embracing the metabolic approach to cancer not only opens new avenues for research but also empowers patients with actionable strategies that may complement their treatment plans. As we continue to unravel the intricacies of cancer metabolism, it is crucial for both patients and healthcare providers to consider these innovative perspectives in their fight against this formidable disease.