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.