Five to Thrive: Your Cutting-Edge Cancer Prevention Plan

242 Pages·2011·3.47 MB·English

by  Lise N. Alschuler

Transform your
internal landscape with
these five pathways:
Immune
r!?f
Inflammation
lH
Hormones
r!?f
Insulin Resistance
IH
Digestion/Detoxification
r!?f
Lise N. Alschuler, ND, FABNO, and Karolyn A. Gazella
PRAISE FOR FIVE TO THRIVE
"The study of epigenetics is completely changing the way we view disease
prevention and treatment. In Five to Thrive, information about the epigenetic
impacts on cancer prevention is shared with the general public in an easy-to
understand, life-changing way. By describing the epigenetic impacts on five
key bodily pathways, the authors are able to effectively teach readers how to
use this information to positively transform their health. Tracing the epigen
etic impacts of diet, lifestyle, and dietary supplements on cancer prevention is
innovative and necessary. This book is likely to help a lot of people."
-Ajay Goel, PhD, Director of Epigenetics and
Cancer Prevention at Baylor University
"This stellar book is for all cancer survivors who have asked 'What now? What
else can I do?' Five to Thrive provides authoritative, natural approaches for
thriving after cancer. I strongly recommend this book for all cancer survivors
and the people who care for them. "
-Gregory A. Plotnikoff, MD, FACp, Integrative Medicine Physician
Penny George Institute for Health and Healing
"This book is not only a passionate and well-written reminder to live life to
the fullest it is a template for how to do so. As a physician for over twenty
years, I have witnessed remarkable survivals against great odds. We do not
teach patients, however, how to transition from a survivor to a thriver. All of
us can benefit from this well researched and articulate review of the influenc
ers of 'vital living: But for cancer survivors like myself, this book should be
required reading. I have told patients that their diagnosis can offer a bless
ing of opportunity to enrich every remaining moment of their lives. These
authors have blessed us with Five to Thrive, a blueprint for building a better
life in which we can thrive."
-Susan W Ryan, DO, Emergency Physician
Denver, CO, and Melanoma Survivor
"Reading Five to Thrive is like having a conversation with a caring and very well
informed friend, intent on educating you to make healthy lifestyle changes
and motivating you to sustain them. This incredibly valuable resource will
serve not only to reduce the risk of cancer and its recurrence, but will also
decrease obesity, diabetes, heart disease and many other chronic ailments in
those who follow its sound advice. If Five to Thrive-with its focus on health
and wellness-were mandatory reading, there would be no need for Health
Care Reform! I only wish my parents had had access to this information-for
their sake and mine."
-Donald 1. Abrams, MD, Chief, Hematology-Oncology, San Francisco General Hospital
and Integrative Oncologist, with UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Medicine
"Combining scientifically reliable information and compassion, Alschuler
and Gazella have created a useful and practical cancer prevention plan. The
personal stories from the authors that are peppered throughout the book
make it even more interesting and compelling. If you are concerned about
preventing cancer, you should read this book."
-Alan R. Gaby, MD, author of the textbook Nutritional Medicine
"Destined to become a go-to handbook for anyone interested in improving
their health, this book can help diffuse the fears so often associated with the
hows and whys of preventing cancer. Amassed with personal insight, experi
ence and dignity, the new work from the desks of Alschuler and Gazella is a
must-read for anyone whose life has been affected by the disease."
-Daniel Rubin, ND, FABNO, Naturopathic Oncologist and
Founder/Medical Director of Naturopathic Specialists, LLC, in Scottsdale, AZ
"Alschuler and Gazella are recognized leaders in the field of natural cancer
prevention and treatment. Now, they've distilled all their vital, cutting-edge
information about cancer into a simple, easy-to-read book, a must-have
resource for cancer patients and their families, as well as those who want to
embrace a cancer-preventive lifestyle. Highly recommended!"
-Ronald Hoffman, MD, Founder and Medical Director
of the Hoffman Center in New York City
"Scientifically sound, and deeply moving, Five to Thrive is a rare combination
of education and inspiration that motivates and empowers the reader to create
the habits necessary to help keep cancer at bay. Nowhere have I read such an
in depth explanation of why such things as exercise and laughter affect our
risk of cancer so profoundly. The information on how the five pathways affect
cancer risk is conveyed in a fun and approachable manner. Congratulations
to Alschuler and Gazella for creating a simple, yet comprehensive plan that
correctly prioritizes what we all need to do to be healthy."
-Tina Kaczor, ND, FABNO, Naturopathic Oncologist and
Senior Medical Editor Natural Medicine Journal
"Five to Thrive explains vibrant, vital strategies to support cancer prevention.
With empowering information and inspiration, Alschuler and Gazella truly
guide people to thrive. Follow this path on your journey to greater health."
-Jeannine Walston, Co-Founder and Executive Director,
EmbodiWorks and Brain Tumor Survivor
"It is so important for people to have trustworthy information about how
to lead healthier lives. With a powerful voice of compassion, optimism, and
soulfulness, Five to Thrive offers just that. Readers will appreciate the wisdom
contained in this book."
-Philippa]. Cheetham, MD, Dept. of Oncology, Columbia University Medical Center,
Co-host of Katz' Corner radio show, Medical correspondent for Fox TV
CANCER PREVENTION
YOUR CUTTING-EDGE PLAN
CANCER PREVENTION
YOUR CUTTING-EDGE PLAN
Lise N. Alschuler, NO, FABNO,
and Karolyn A. Gazella
•
ACTIVE INTEREST MEDIA, INC.
Copyright © 2011 by Lise N. Alschuler, ND, FABNO, and Karolyn A. Gazella
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in an electronic
retrieval system, or transcribed in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical,
including photocopying and recording, without the prior written permission of the
publisher, except for the inclusion of quotations in a review.
Published by:
Active Interest Media, Inc.
300 N. Continental Blvd., Suite 650
El Segundo, CA 90245
Design by Judi Nesnadny and Karen Sperry
The information in this book is for educational purposes only and is not recommended
as a means of diagnosing or treating an illness. All health matters should be supervised
by a qualified healthcare professional. The publisher and the author( s) are not respon
sible for individuals who choose to self-diagnose and/or self-treat.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Five to thrive: your cutting-edge cancer prevention plan/Lise N. Alschuler, Karolyn A.
Gazella. Includes bibliographical references and index.
Cancer Prevention 2. Health and Well ness 3. Diet and Lifestyle 4. Mind/Body 5. Title
ISSN: 978-1-935297-40-6
Printed in the United States of America
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
From Dr. Alschuler
I have the unbelievably good fortune to share friendship with some
incredibly generous and authentic people. I have also been graced
by the presence of bright, compassionate, creative, and smart col
leagues. I have the further good fortune of sharing time with people
who laugh, play, and revel in life. With a sense of amazed gratitude,
I have managed to find a co-author who, in addition to her superb
writing, is all of these things as well. I cannot imagine having the
fun, insight, revelations, and commitment to the work and spirit
of this book with anyone else. Karolyn, I thank you for this most
exquisite collaboration.
Fortifying this book with the true grit of vital living are my
patients-incredible people who infuse my clinical work and writ
ing with significance and spirit. Your courage, steadfastness, and
sense of hope are daily inspiration for me. I thank you for opening
up your lives to my scrutiny and for revealing to me your pain, your
triumphs, and your aspirations. You are incredible teachers.
In many ways, for me, this book is a tribute to naturopathic medi
cine. Naturopathic medicine is the well which quenches my thirst for
understanding the dynamic forces that shape health and disease. Natu
ropathic medicine inspires me to remember the beauty and wisdom
of the healing power of Nature and the power of the innate healing
capacity within every living being. This fundamental perspective has
definitively shaped the way in which I understand health and disease.
I would like to offer my gratitude to the scientists and research
ers who have dedicated countless hours towards growing our shared
understanding of cancer and of health. I rely upon your findings to
guide my understanding and, ultimately, to bring well ness into peo
ple's lives. Your contribution is tremendous.
I am blessed with a partner who exemplifies incredibly selfless
nurturing, unconditional support, and deep rich love. I am profoundly
v
grateful for the gift of experiencing the cozy comfort of daily com
panionship. Ann, quite simply, the day is complete with you in it. I
constantly wonder at how I struck gold with each and every one of my
siblings-Britt, Alfie, and Elena. You are all such incredible human
beings. This world is a better place because of the service that is your
parenting, work, and conscientious living. Mom, you have inspired,
loved, and encouraged me always. Your exaltation of the intellect
inspires my own curiosity, which I hope to have put to good use in the
writing of this book. The pages of this book are once again graced by
the spirit of my dad, departed in body, but ever-present in my heart.
Lastly, I thank you, the reader. Where would we be without inquir
ing minds? It is your quest for learning that fuels our universal under
standing of how to lead healthier lives. I honor your dedication to your
own well-being.
From Karolyn
Lise you have spoiled me. Writing with someone is not an easy task.
But with Lise, it is a true collaboration, a deep partnership, and
something I have cherished. It's as if I am writing with a sister who
can finish my sentences. To write with Lise is a treat, but to know
her as a friend is the real gift. Lise deals with her patients, business
associates, and friends all in the same way-with generosity, kind
ness, compassion, and intelligence. My first thank you is to my co
author, business partner, and good friend Dr. Lise Alschuler, most
of all because she makes me laugh.
In the pages of this book (and the last one), there is a name
that surfaces frequently, Kathi Magee. She was born Katherine Rose
Gazella and our mom named me Karolyn with a K because she
wanted some connection with Katherine with a K. While my mom
was merely trying to be creative with the names of her only two
girls, it's unlikely she realized then that she was creating a connec
tion well beyond the K-and one that would even surpass sister
hood. My sister Kathi is my best friend and she inspires me beyond
even a mother's wildest dreams for her daughters. Our relationship
transcends blood and is rooted in a deep respect and love for each
other that I wish all sisters could experience. I'd also like to thank
my sister's main man, Jerry Simonis, who has become a good friend.
VI
I adore my nephews Cody Magee and Travis Magee. You are both
amazing, caring young men. I'd like to thank my dad, Don Gazella,
and the rest of my family too for their loving support. My life is also
blessed by unconditional love from several key four-legged "family
members" most notably Beau, Sundance, and Ellie.
Our editor, Deirdre Shevlin Bell, is also a dose friend and I appre
ciate her on so many levels. I continue to be in awe of the kind, nurtur
ing behavior of my friends who are like family to me, especially Maria
Dalebroux, Kerrie Moreau, Miriam Weidner, and Susan Ryan. Susan
Mesko has also been in my life for a long time and I deeply appreciate
her friendship and love. A special thank you to Veronica Smith, who
is like a younger sister to me, and her partner Clair Pearson. Also so
much gratitude goes to my fun-loving neighbors, not only for their
friendship but also for the way they watch out for me: Carrie and Sam
Lababidi (and Cody and Jake), Terri and Paul Douglas (and their great
kids! ), and Cindy and Steve Lowe (and N ana, too). And thanks to my
fellow horse loving neighbors Vonda and Alan Kiplinger.
We chose our publisher very carefully and we are thrilled with
Active Interest Media (AIM). I have a wonderful working relation
ship with the folks at AIM, and leading the charge is Pat Fox. Thank
you Pat for everything! And a very special thanks to Joanna Shaw
who is an awesome co-worker and a good friend. The design of this
book was done by Judi Nesnadny assisted by Karen Sperry-what a
joy it is to work with you both! Also thanks to Nicole Brechka, Kim
Erickson, and our intern Teresa Peterson.
For their talent and incredible commitment to the field of inte
grative medicine, I would also like to extend special appreciation to
my associates at the Natural Medicine Journal, Drs. Tina Kaczor and
Jacob Schor and the entire Editorial Board. And to myacupunctur
ist, Jan Vanderlinden, and physical therapist, Sandy Felte-thank
you so much for your healing touch. I'd especially like to thank
Rachel Naomi Remen, MD, not only for her contribution to this
book but more importantly for her contribution to the world.
I end with extreme gratitude for my mom. She is not here and
yet she is ever present in my life. She was not perfect, but then again
perfect is not always what we need-what we need most often is
love. Thanks mom!
VII
PLEASE NOTE
The information in this book reflects the experience of the authors
and is not intended to take the place of advice from your own phy
sician. The information is for educational purposes only and is not
recommended as a means of diagnosing or treating an illness. All
health matters should be supervised by a qualified healthcare pro
fessional. You should never attempt to decrease your use of pre
scription medication without first consulting with your physician.
You should also inform your physician of any dietary supplements
you are taking. The publisher and the authors are not responsible
for individuals who choose to self-diagnose, self-treat or use the
information in this book without consulting with their own per
sonal health care practitioner.