Cancer Cured Me

Win a place at my next private day retreat!To celebrate 100 episodes of Cancer Cured Me, I’m giving one listener a place at my private day retreat in Berkhamsted on Sunday 15 November 2026, worth £147.Enjoy women’s health and hormone education with Adele Wimsett, nourishing food from our nutritionist chef, a facial massage workshop with pro-ageing expert Susanne, a sound bath, a goody bag and time with me, Alex. A beautifully curated day to feel cared for.To enter: email alex@balancedbodyandretreats.com with the subject 100 EPISODES GIVEAWAY, your name, your favourite episode and what stayed with you. Closes 11.59pm UK time, Sunday 8 November 2026. Free entry. UK residents aged 18+. Travel and accommodation excluded. Full rules below.Please also help me celebrate by following the podcast, downloading an episode and leaving an honest review. I’d love to see your screenshots! These actions are optional and don’t affect your chance of winning.Here it is - our 100th episode! Breast Cancer Awareness Month. And some beautiful timing.This milestone falls in the very week my guest Chloe Jane launches her non-toxic clothing brand, Cloco. I couldn’t have planned a more fitting conversation.After five members of her family experienced cancer, Chloe became determined to understand more about prevention and what we can do to look after ourselves. That determination led her to establish Cloco Health, working as a cancer prevention specialist, and now to launch her own organic cotton underwear and activewear brand.What makes me particularly hopeful is that Chloe is still in her twenties. It’s thrilling to see someone of her generation taking such an interest in health, asking questions and turning everything she’s learnt into a fabulous business with purpose.We talk about cancer prevention, everyday environmental exposures and what we wear against our skin, alongside the passion and resilience it takes to bring an idea like this to life.As someone who has experienced breast cancer, this conversation meant so much to me. I’m delighted to share it with you for episode 100.Connect with Chloe JaneCloco: www.clocoofficial.comCloco Health: www.clocohealth.comInstagram: @clocohealth and @_clocoofficialTo every guest and everyone who has listened, shared or sent me a message - thank you for being part of these 100 episodes.Giveaway rules• One prize: one retreat place worth £147 on 15 November 2026 in Berkhamsted, including the programme and food above. Travel and accommodation excluded. Non-transferable; no cash alternative.• Open to UK residents aged 18+ available to attend. Promoter, draw administrators and their immediate families excluded.• Free entry by email as described above. One entry per person. No purchase, follow, download, review or screenshot required. Entries open on episode publication and close at 11.59pm UK time on 31st October 2026.• One winner selected at random on 1 November 2026. Acceptance required within 48 hours or a replacement will be drawn. Venue details supplied privately.• Entry details used only to administer the draw and prize, without marketing sign-up. Non-winning emails deleted within 90 days of the retreat.• Promoter: Alexandra Simms, Cancer Cured Me. Address: Castle Hill, Berkhamsted, HP4 1HE Not sponsored, endorsed or administered by Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Instagram or Facebook.Guest perspectives and personal experiences, not medical advice. Clothing and lifestyle choices cannot guarantee cancer prevention or replace medical care.

What if the sugar alternative you’ve been searching for has been growing on trees in India for thousands of years?If you’ve ever struggled with sugar cravings, emotional eating, fluctuating energy levels or finding a natural alternative to refined sugar that actually tastes delicious, this episode of Cancer Cured Me is one you won’t want to miss.I’m joined by Kristina Locke, founder of SugaVida, to explore Palmyra Blossom Nectar, an ancient Ayurvedic ingredient that’s being introduced to a whole new generation of health-conscious consumers.As someone who’s had a lifelong love affair with sugar, I was absolutely fascinated when I first discovered SugaVida. A naturally sweet, caramel-flavoured alternative to refined sugar that I could use in my cooking, baking, coffee and Greek yoghurt? I was already interested. But when I started learning about its traditional uses, nutritional profile and the research Kristina is involved in, I knew I had to share her story.And believe me, this conversation goes far beyond sugar!Kristina spent years working in the high-pressure world of London PR before travelling to India, immersing herself in yoga, Ayurveda and traditional nutrition. That journey eventually led her to the remarkable Palmyra palm tree and the creation of SugaVida.Together we explore the relationship between sugar, blood glucose, gut health, the nervous system, hormonal wellbeing, energy, sleep and the importance of nourishing our bodies with real food.Enjoy 15% off SugaVidaI’ve been enjoying SugaVida myself, and I’m delighted that Kristina has kindly offered Cancer Cured Me listeners a special discount.Use discount code ALEXANDRASIMMS for 15% off your SugaVida order.CLICK HERE TO BUY SUGAVIDAWhether you’re looking for a refined sugar alternative, interested in Ayurvedic nutrition or simply curious about making small changes to your everyday wellbeing, I really hope this conversation inspires you to explore what’s possible.Because sometimes the most interesting discoveries aren’t new at all. They’ve been part of traditional food cultures for centuries.Enjoy listening!Follow SugaVida on InstagramCancer Cured Me explores personal experiences, complementary wellbeing practices and conversations with guests from across the world of health. Health claims expressed by guests are their own. Research into Palmyra nectar’s specific therapeutic effects remains developing, and no sugar product has been established as a treatment for cancer, diabetes or other medical conditions.

What if something as simple as touch could help you feel calmer, sleep better and reconnect with your body?In this episode of Cancer Cured Me, I’m joined by my wonderful sister-in-law, Harriet Maton, an experienced reflexologist and Reiki Master with over 20 years of experience and a passion for natural health.Reflexology was one of the first complementary therapies I turned to during my own breast cancer journey, and its impact on my wellbeing was profound.Together, we explore what reflexology actually is, how it works, and why this ancient therapy is attracting interest for stress relief, relaxation, sleep and nervous system wellbeing.We also discuss:The benefits of reflexology for stress, sleep and relaxationReflexology during and after cancer treatmentReflexology Lymph Drainage (RLD) for breast cancer-related lymphoedemaHarriet’s remarkable experiences supporting clients with chronic health conditionsThe importance of human touch and connectionSimple self-reflexology, acupressure and breathing techniques for the whole familyHarriet’s beautiful new Reflex Balm, designed to make natural wellbeing accessible at homeThis is a fascinating conversation about taking a more active role in your wellbeing, getting curious about your body and discovering the power of small, nurturing practices.Resources and linksWebsite: www.harrietmaton.co.ukInsta: @harriet_matonFind a qualified reflexologist through the Association of Reflexologists: https://www.aor.org.uk/custom/far-search/Find a specialist Reflexology Lymph Drainage practitioner: https://www.reflexologylymphdrainage.co.ukReflexology is a complementary therapy intended to support wellbeing alongside appropriate medical care.

Coming to you from New York with a story I genuinely couldn’t have planned.A completely unexpected act of generosity led to an unforgettable 21st birthday, Harry Styles at Madison Square Garden, a dream coming true and a pretty big realisation for me about how uncomfortable I can be with simply receiving.In this little solo episode, I’m talking about letting go of control, allowing good things to happen without immediately wondering what we need to give back, and why some of the very best moments in life happen when we stop rushing long enough to actually notice them.I’m also sharing a little about my recent women’s wellbeing day retreat, the conversations around hormones, health, sleep and our nervous systems, and why I’ll definitely be creating more of these days.Sometimes we don’t need to make more happen. Sometimes we need to create enough space to receive what’s already coming.

The Ayurvedic Approach to Cancer: Hope, Healing & Exceptional Survivors with Dr Sam WattsWhy circadian rhythm, purpose, mindset, food and even having more fun could matter far more to our health than we realiseI’m bringing you part two of my encore conversation with the brilliant Dr Sam Watts, author of The Ayurvedic Approach to Cancer, and honestly, there is SO much in this one.Sam has spent years researching Exceptional Cancer Patients, people who have survived years beyond a terminal prognosis, and instead of simply calling them statistical outliers, he wants to know why.What are they doing differently? What do they have in common? And what can the rest of us learn from them?We talk about hope, self-belief, neuroplasticity, purpose and the mind-body connection, including why Sam believes one of the biggest common threads amongst exceptional survivors is having an incredibly strong reason to live.But this episode isn’t just about cancer.We get into circadian rhythm, sleep, movement, blood sugar, Ayurveda, herbal medicine, medicinal mushrooms, olive oil, gut health and nutrition, as well as something I think we massively underestimate: actually enjoying our lives.Sam talks about the impact of work, relationships, hobbies, fun and having something that lights you up, and shares the fascinating connection between Monday mornings, job dissatisfaction and heart health.We also talk about eating with a calm nervous system, why he is obsessed with good quality extra virgin olive oil, his thoughts on mushrooms including chaga and lion’s mane, and why health may be far less about doing everything perfectly and much more about the way we live every single day.As ever with Sam, this conversation is full of hope without pretending there is one magic answer.If you’ve experienced cancer, are supporting somebody who has, or you simply want to understand more about Ayurveda, cancer prevention, integrative health and living well, I think you’ll get so much from this one.Find Dr Sam Watts:Instagram: Dr Sam WattsWebsite: mindbodymedical.co.ukBook: The Ayurvedic Approach to CancerAnd if you haven’t heard Part One yet, go back and listen to that one too because these two episodes really belong together.

Why personalised health, nervous system balance and your daily rhythm matter more than the latest wellness trendTo mark Dr Sam Watts speaking at the Yes to Life event on 26 September, I’m bringing back one of the most valuable conversations from the Cancer Cured Me podcast.Sam talks so much sense in this episode and his message feels more relevant than ever.We are surrounded by health advice telling us what we should eat, when we should fast, how we should exercise and which wellness practice everyone apparently needs to follow. But what if there is no single right answer?In this fascinating introduction to Ayurveda, Dr Sam Watts explains why something that supports one person may leave another feeling depleted, stressed or unwell. Ayurveda gives us a framework for understanding our individual needs rather than forcing ourselves to follow generic health rules.We explore how our relentless pace of life can keep the body in a stress response before the day has even properly begun and why restoring health does not have to involve completely overhauling your life.Sam shares how small, consistent practices can help us reconnect with our bodies, support the nervous system and take greater ownership of our health.In this episode, we discuss:What Ayurveda actually is and why it is far simpler than many people imagineThe three doshas: Vata, Pitta and KaphaHow to recognise what brings your individual mind and body into balanceWhy fasting, cold showers and other popular health trends are not right for everyoneHow rushing through the morning can trigger a fight-or-flight responseThe importance of natural morning light and circadian rhythmWhy sleep begins with what you do when you wake upSimple Ayurvedic practices including self-massage, oil pulling and tongue scrapingThe difference between your natural constitution and the imbalances created by daily lifeHow food, stress, relationships, work and emotional wellbeing all influence our healthThe six tastes of Ayurveda and a simple approach to nutritional varietyWhy birdsong, nature and time away from our phones can help the body feel safeHow to begin living more Ayurvedically without following another restrictive regimeThis is not about doing everything perfectly. It is about paying attention, understanding your own body and choosing a few practices that genuinely support you.As Sam explains, health and healing are not simply things that are done to us. We can place ourselves at the centre of the conversation and develop the knowledge, autonomy and agency to make more informed choices.If you have ever wondered why a supposedly healthy practice leaves you feeling worse or you are exhausted by conflicting wellness advice, this conversation is for you.Listen now and join me again next week when I republish the second part of my conversation with Dr Sam Watts. We will go deeper into his book, The Ayurvedic Approach to Cancer, and explore how Ayurvedic principles can support people living with and beyond cancer.