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The Metabolic Approach to Cancer: Integrating Deep Nutrition, the Ketogenic Diet, and Nontoxic Bio-Individualized Therapies
"Read this important book to learn how cancer is an environmental, metabolic disease with many small causes that stack up―and what you can do to prevent or even reverse it."―Dave Asprey, New York Times bestselling author of The Bulletproof Diet The Optimal Terrain Ten Protocol to Reboot Cellular Health! The Metabolic Approach to Cancer offers an innovative, metabolic-focused nutrition protocol that works. Naturopathic, integrative oncologist and cancer survivor Dr. Nasha Winters and nutrition therapist Jess Higgins Kelley have identified the ten key elements of a person’s “terrain” (think of it as a topographical map of our body) that are crucial to preventing and managing cancer. Each of the terrain ten elements―including epigenetics, the microbiome, the immune system, toxin exposures, and blood sugar balance―is illuminated as it relates to the cancer process, then given a heavily researched and tested, non-toxic and metabolic, focused nutrition prescription. The ketogenic diet―which relies on the body’s production of ketones as fuel―is the centerpiece of The Metabolic Approach to Cancer . Further, Winters and Kelley explain how to harness the anticancer potential of phytonutrients abundant in low-glycemic plant and animal foods to address the 10 hallmarks of cancer―an approach Western medicine does with drug-based therapies. The optimized, genetically-tuned diet The optimized, genetically-tuned diet Other components of their approach include harm-reductive herbal therapies like mistletoe (considered the original immunotherapy and common in European cancer care centers) and cannabinoids (which shrink tumors and increase quality of life, yet are illegal in more than half of the United States). Through addressing the ten root causes of cancer and approaching the disease from a nutrition-focused standpoint, we can slow cancer’s endemic spread and live optimized lives. " The Metabolic Approach to Cancer is a powerhouse of detailed information on how to prevent, manage, and treat cancer. . . . It is written in an intimate conversation style that comes from decades of deep personal experience, research, and genuine passion."―Travis Christofferson, author of Tripping over the Truth
408 pages, Hardcover
Published May 11, 2017
621 people are currently reading
1336 people want to read
About the author
Nasha Winters
6 books10 followersNasha Winters, ND, FABNO (Fellow of the American Board of Natu-ropathic Oncology) is a global healthcare authority and best-selling author in integrative cancer care and research (DrNasha.com). Con-sulting with physicians around the world, she has educated hundreds of professionals in the clinical use of mistletoe. She has created robust educational programs for both healthcare institutions and the public to incorporate well-vetted integrative therapies into cancer care to enhance outcomes. Dr. Winters is currently focused on opening a com-prehensive metabolic oncology hospital and research institute (Meta-bolic Terrain Institute of Health) in the U.S., which will provide the best that standard of care has to offer alongside the most advanced integrative therapies. This facility will be in a residential setting on a gorgeous campus, against a backdrop of regenerative farming, EMF mitigation, and wellness-oriented retreat space.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
June 3, 2017
This book is SUPER important. It's also super depressing. Basically, everything in our modern environment, from our food, to our water, to the air we breathe, to the clothing on our backs, to the cleansers (both personal and for inanimate objects), EVERYthing is trying to kill us. And since it's all been created or tampered with by other humans, basically humanity is trying to kill itself, slowly and one person at a time.
BUT there IS hope. We can't become hermits and hope to avoid toxins, that's not possible with our Global Village, unfortunately, BUT we CAN mitigate the damage by being well educated and doing the best we can to affect our own personal environment. We can decide what we put in, on and around our bodies. This book is to help those specifically with cancer, but also those who want to prevent cancer, to do just that.
They are VERY careful to state that many of these steps shouldn't be done without a professional health care provider and LOTS of blood work. Since we are all genetically different, with different mutations on different genes, how we react to certain de-toxification actions will differ. Some won't work, some will do more harm, some will work miracles. But you need to know how you will react before doing any of them. Knowledge is power and key in keeping one's self healthy and able to fight off cancer and the daily toxins we encounter.
They DO have a couple of suggestions that I am not sure about, such as drinking in ounces half of one's total body weight in water. Example, 120 pound female, 60 ounces of water DAILY. You can over-do water. So I'm not sure about that. They also VERY briefly mention marijuana, but state that the part that isn't the high inducer, so not the THC, is that part that is beneficial for certain people. Again, I'm not sure about that, but it is only briefly mentioned and isn't a pro-MJ screed, so it doesn't make this book drop any stars.
This book is repetitious, but that seems to be because it isn't necessarily designed to be read straight through. In the beginning of the book, there are ten different sets of questions to focus on which of the ten terrains you should be focusing on cleaning up first. There is a chapter that focuses on each of the ten terrains. You can skip ahead to the chapter that will best help you, or you can read front to back. Since each chapter can be read on it's own, there is by necessity, some repetition in the intro to each chapter. I found it somewhat lengthy and to the point of boring, but I read straight through. Not a huge negative, as I understand the why of it, but it did make the book seem MUCH longer than it was.
I also loved the bibliography. Seriously, this book added like 10 more books to my TBR and some of them I already HAD on my TBR, which made me feel super smart! Yay ego-boost! LOTS of notes and other sources, which I really appreciated. If you are coming across as an authority on something, I want to see other already established authorities and studies backing you up. They bring it in spades.
So, long story short, EVERYone needs to read this book, not just those with cancer. Understanding your body and how the environment it is in affects it is key to health. It makes sense, you put sugar in a gas tank on a car, it is NOT going to do well. Same with our body. With all of the crap we put ourselves and bodies through, is it any wonder that diseases, including cancer, is taking hold?
This book is NOT preaching that chemo and other modern ways of treating cancer is bad and wrong, but discussing how to bolster the body's ability to help with fighting the cancer and to be stronger so the healthy parts don't get sick from the chemo, which is also a carcinogen. It's maybe not the best way, but it can be augmented by the foods we eat, the toxin-free environment we create for ourselves and by paying attention to our bodies on a genetic level. The authors aren't fond of the modern Western way because it ignores the more intuitive Eastern way that is understood to not be the only way. An integrated approach is probably the best way to attack any health problem.
Again, this should be necessary reading for ALL, especially the law makers and lobbyists. They should at least understand that the laws they pass and the "food" they are working to make super cheap is killing everyone. They won't stop, money is more important than the people they are helping to slowly kill, but it might make them a little more aware of what they are doing, if only for a little while.
Anywho, five huge, you need to read this right now, stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Chelsea Green Publishing for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
BUT there IS hope. We can't become hermits and hope to avoid toxins, that's not possible with our Global Village, unfortunately, BUT we CAN mitigate the damage by being well educated and doing the best we can to affect our own personal environment. We can decide what we put in, on and around our bodies. This book is to help those specifically with cancer, but also those who want to prevent cancer, to do just that.
They are VERY careful to state that many of these steps shouldn't be done without a professional health care provider and LOTS of blood work. Since we are all genetically different, with different mutations on different genes, how we react to certain de-toxification actions will differ. Some won't work, some will do more harm, some will work miracles. But you need to know how you will react before doing any of them. Knowledge is power and key in keeping one's self healthy and able to fight off cancer and the daily toxins we encounter.
They DO have a couple of suggestions that I am not sure about, such as drinking in ounces half of one's total body weight in water. Example, 120 pound female, 60 ounces of water DAILY. You can over-do water. So I'm not sure about that. They also VERY briefly mention marijuana, but state that the part that isn't the high inducer, so not the THC, is that part that is beneficial for certain people. Again, I'm not sure about that, but it is only briefly mentioned and isn't a pro-MJ screed, so it doesn't make this book drop any stars.
This book is repetitious, but that seems to be because it isn't necessarily designed to be read straight through. In the beginning of the book, there are ten different sets of questions to focus on which of the ten terrains you should be focusing on cleaning up first. There is a chapter that focuses on each of the ten terrains. You can skip ahead to the chapter that will best help you, or you can read front to back. Since each chapter can be read on it's own, there is by necessity, some repetition in the intro to each chapter. I found it somewhat lengthy and to the point of boring, but I read straight through. Not a huge negative, as I understand the why of it, but it did make the book seem MUCH longer than it was.
I also loved the bibliography. Seriously, this book added like 10 more books to my TBR and some of them I already HAD on my TBR, which made me feel super smart! Yay ego-boost! LOTS of notes and other sources, which I really appreciated. If you are coming across as an authority on something, I want to see other already established authorities and studies backing you up. They bring it in spades.
So, long story short, EVERYone needs to read this book, not just those with cancer. Understanding your body and how the environment it is in affects it is key to health. It makes sense, you put sugar in a gas tank on a car, it is NOT going to do well. Same with our body. With all of the crap we put ourselves and bodies through, is it any wonder that diseases, including cancer, is taking hold?
This book is NOT preaching that chemo and other modern ways of treating cancer is bad and wrong, but discussing how to bolster the body's ability to help with fighting the cancer and to be stronger so the healthy parts don't get sick from the chemo, which is also a carcinogen. It's maybe not the best way, but it can be augmented by the foods we eat, the toxin-free environment we create for ourselves and by paying attention to our bodies on a genetic level. The authors aren't fond of the modern Western way because it ignores the more intuitive Eastern way that is understood to not be the only way. An integrated approach is probably the best way to attack any health problem.
Again, this should be necessary reading for ALL, especially the law makers and lobbyists. They should at least understand that the laws they pass and the "food" they are working to make super cheap is killing everyone. They won't stop, money is more important than the people they are helping to slowly kill, but it might make them a little more aware of what they are doing, if only for a little while.
Anywho, five huge, you need to read this right now, stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Chelsea Green Publishing for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
July 9, 2019
Bad!! I could only read 7 chapters. Controversial, it just focus in sugar and treats it as it is the cancer itself. Although it is a contributing factor, it is not by any mean the main one.
Even some fruits are taken as poison!
If you want to become paranoid, then read this book. Otherwise, don’t waste your time
Even some fruits are taken as poison!
If you want to become paranoid, then read this book. Otherwise, don’t waste your time
September 11, 2018
As a cancer survivor, I fell on this book hoping it would clue me in to what causes cancer and more importantly, how to prevent a recurrence.
There is that info in the book ... but it is very 'buried' among tons of research that really doesn't help the survivor who is looking for concrete means to prevent cancer. Then there's the fact that 'everything' in today's world seems to be able to trigger tumours and cancer and disease in the body, so you really wonder what's the point unless you go live in a bubble somewhere- but wait, even the air in that bubble might be making you sick...
I'd qualify this kind of approach as alarmist, frankly, but thankfully, there are things you can actually do to put the odds on your side regarding cancer and recurrence.
I also dislike books that make their authors seem like saviours and wonder-people (Dr. Nasha does this, Dr. Nasha does that...and she is awesome because of all that and more!- gets a tad grating after a while)
There is information in this book, but it would pay to go in with a highlighter in hand so you can actually highlight the relevant info and leave the rest to the wayside.
There is that info in the book ... but it is very 'buried' among tons of research that really doesn't help the survivor who is looking for concrete means to prevent cancer. Then there's the fact that 'everything' in today's world seems to be able to trigger tumours and cancer and disease in the body, so you really wonder what's the point unless you go live in a bubble somewhere- but wait, even the air in that bubble might be making you sick...
I'd qualify this kind of approach as alarmist, frankly, but thankfully, there are things you can actually do to put the odds on your side regarding cancer and recurrence.
I also dislike books that make their authors seem like saviours and wonder-people (Dr. Nasha does this, Dr. Nasha does that...and she is awesome because of all that and more!- gets a tad grating after a while)
There is information in this book, but it would pay to go in with a highlighter in hand so you can actually highlight the relevant info and leave the rest to the wayside.
January 6, 2025
As an avid health enthusiast and one who has much experience with fasting as a way to promote health, delete and diffuse allergies and improve prayer life, I truly did enjoy this book. The Ketogenic and Paleo diets, have become quite popular so this book meets a need for good research and science to back up these diets and lifestyles.
I find it extraordinarily encouraging and miraculous when I learn of a complete healing or remission due to changes in diet, environment and lifestyle, of the dreaded cancers, which plague our modern life. Dr. Nasha’s life story, which I saw on a Youtube Interview with Mike Mutzel, was engaging and intriguing. After I forwarded this video to my best friend, her husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer. She bought the book and I felt compelled to also buy it so that we could discuss its contents. It is a good thing that I did buy this book because we have had some interesting conversations and I am much better able to guide and support.
This book contains an overview of the Ketogenic diet as it pertains to cancer and other inflammatory diseases. The book has lots of suggestions and insights into health and nutrition which can seem overwhelming and daunting to the novice and those who are just diagnosed with cancer. The authors take a loving approach though, and seem to understand the dilemma of the novice. A cancer diagnosis can be a shock, there are therefore, various emotional hurdles for the cancer patient to overcome as well as drastically changing diet, environment and lifestyle. Cancer, according to the authors, is not a one size fits all disease with a one size fits all cure all, however, they also emphasize that there are certain things that work and have worked well with cancer patients.
The concept of “terrains” presented was quite intriguing to me. When I read the description of the ten “terrians” and the things that I might be doing to disrupt them, I found, even myself, to be lacking. At this point, I thought, that those who are new to this will probably feel overwhelmed. But all is not lost, as the authors try to assure.
So what are some takeaways from this book?
SUGAR feeds cancer, it causes inflammation and other diseases.
Carbohydrates turn to sugar.
Legumes have lectins which can cause inflammation.
Grass-fed and grass finished meat is a must.
Dairy is not digestible BUT there are certain cows which actually produce digestible dairy with an A2 protein, they are: Jersey, Guernsey and Normande cows. (p. 284)
Gluten causes inflammation.
Organic produce only.
Switch to fruits that are low in sugar content.
Some things I question:
While the authors give a great summation of the Ketogenic diet, they don’t get into the various blood types, nor do they call upon the work and study of Dr. D’Adamo in his groundbreaking Eat Right For Your Type book. The authors do state vaguely, that everyone is different, but they don’t and can’t get into the specifics of each person. Interestingly, though, the authors have a hard time with vegetarians and vegans because of their staunch paradigms. I too, have seen many overweight vegans chowing down on legumes and carbs in satisfaction that they are not eating animal products. Even I was caught in the vegan mindset for many years until I opened up to the possibility that I might need to change.
The authors also state emphatically that they are not proponents of wheatgrass juice which I have used for many years. I agree, that gulping down wheatgrass juice is first of all difficult and often not efficacious, however, I have found that swishing in my mouth for a good 2-5 minutes and then swallowing helps digestion and overall health tremendously. So there is a technique to it because we are not cows with 4 stomachs to digest grass!
Which leads me to the next thought, the authors actually cite a book written by Drs. Brian and Anna Marie Clement called, “Killer Clothes” and yet they do not endorse their good work at the Hippocrates Health Center. There are many who have regained their health and their lives in Florida at this great resource and resort and simply not to state that they, too, are doing a good work is sad. Alas, I wonder though, if the Clements would endorse the Ketogenic diet because they are firmly rooted in the wheatgrass juice and raw foodist movement.
Both the Ketogenic/Paleo Diet and the Raw Foodists have important commonalities:
Organic fruits and veggies are best.
Detox environmental toxins including electromagnetic fields and pesticides.
Emotional and spiritual renewal and support.
So, while we’re there on the spiritual support idea, I’d like to just say add that “spirituality” does not have to be devoid of Christianity. Jesus healed and is still healing due to the prayers of the faithful. I’m not sure why so many health advocates do not touch on the Lord Jesus and His miraculous love for us as well as His support during times of distress. Prayer works, Jesus laid His hands on the sick and healed, He raised the dead, He is the Great Healer and moreover, Lover of our souls. The Christian cancer patient who is going through this time can dig deep into his or her wellspring of faith. It is important not to push the “spiritual meditation” of Eastern religions on those of us who stand firmly and believe firmly in the Christian church. As a Catholic and one who has seen many miracles occur due to prayer, I’d say to any Christian who encounters this disease, to stand firm and hold on to faith in Jesus and ask for prayer.
In conclusion, I greatly appreciate the hard work and effort the authors put into this work and would definitely recommend a read through to anyone interested. If the ideas and suggestions resonate, use this book as a reference guide and continue to dig deeper. There are lots of books suggested in this book so there is much more to read on this very interesting topic. May the Lord richly bless the work of these authors as they continue to bring healing to the world and those under their watch.
To the Editor: This book, unfortunately has quite a few grammatical errors which it ought not to have since it’s a book published by a doctor (p 148 (This) , 150 (froot), p 175. ( a ….responses), p. 181 (what is still allows), p. 197 (their lost direction), p. 208 (were not get) p. 299 (some people’s heads many be). Please check and revise!
I find it extraordinarily encouraging and miraculous when I learn of a complete healing or remission due to changes in diet, environment and lifestyle, of the dreaded cancers, which plague our modern life. Dr. Nasha’s life story, which I saw on a Youtube Interview with Mike Mutzel, was engaging and intriguing. After I forwarded this video to my best friend, her husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer. She bought the book and I felt compelled to also buy it so that we could discuss its contents. It is a good thing that I did buy this book because we have had some interesting conversations and I am much better able to guide and support.
This book contains an overview of the Ketogenic diet as it pertains to cancer and other inflammatory diseases. The book has lots of suggestions and insights into health and nutrition which can seem overwhelming and daunting to the novice and those who are just diagnosed with cancer. The authors take a loving approach though, and seem to understand the dilemma of the novice. A cancer diagnosis can be a shock, there are therefore, various emotional hurdles for the cancer patient to overcome as well as drastically changing diet, environment and lifestyle. Cancer, according to the authors, is not a one size fits all disease with a one size fits all cure all, however, they also emphasize that there are certain things that work and have worked well with cancer patients.
The concept of “terrains” presented was quite intriguing to me. When I read the description of the ten “terrians” and the things that I might be doing to disrupt them, I found, even myself, to be lacking. At this point, I thought, that those who are new to this will probably feel overwhelmed. But all is not lost, as the authors try to assure.
So what are some takeaways from this book?
SUGAR feeds cancer, it causes inflammation and other diseases.
Carbohydrates turn to sugar.
Legumes have lectins which can cause inflammation.
Grass-fed and grass finished meat is a must.
Dairy is not digestible BUT there are certain cows which actually produce digestible dairy with an A2 protein, they are: Jersey, Guernsey and Normande cows. (p. 284)
Gluten causes inflammation.
Organic produce only.
Switch to fruits that are low in sugar content.
Some things I question:
While the authors give a great summation of the Ketogenic diet, they don’t get into the various blood types, nor do they call upon the work and study of Dr. D’Adamo in his groundbreaking Eat Right For Your Type book. The authors do state vaguely, that everyone is different, but they don’t and can’t get into the specifics of each person. Interestingly, though, the authors have a hard time with vegetarians and vegans because of their staunch paradigms. I too, have seen many overweight vegans chowing down on legumes and carbs in satisfaction that they are not eating animal products. Even I was caught in the vegan mindset for many years until I opened up to the possibility that I might need to change.
The authors also state emphatically that they are not proponents of wheatgrass juice which I have used for many years. I agree, that gulping down wheatgrass juice is first of all difficult and often not efficacious, however, I have found that swishing in my mouth for a good 2-5 minutes and then swallowing helps digestion and overall health tremendously. So there is a technique to it because we are not cows with 4 stomachs to digest grass!
Which leads me to the next thought, the authors actually cite a book written by Drs. Brian and Anna Marie Clement called, “Killer Clothes” and yet they do not endorse their good work at the Hippocrates Health Center. There are many who have regained their health and their lives in Florida at this great resource and resort and simply not to state that they, too, are doing a good work is sad. Alas, I wonder though, if the Clements would endorse the Ketogenic diet because they are firmly rooted in the wheatgrass juice and raw foodist movement.
Both the Ketogenic/Paleo Diet and the Raw Foodists have important commonalities:
Organic fruits and veggies are best.
Detox environmental toxins including electromagnetic fields and pesticides.
Emotional and spiritual renewal and support.
So, while we’re there on the spiritual support idea, I’d like to just say add that “spirituality” does not have to be devoid of Christianity. Jesus healed and is still healing due to the prayers of the faithful. I’m not sure why so many health advocates do not touch on the Lord Jesus and His miraculous love for us as well as His support during times of distress. Prayer works, Jesus laid His hands on the sick and healed, He raised the dead, He is the Great Healer and moreover, Lover of our souls. The Christian cancer patient who is going through this time can dig deep into his or her wellspring of faith. It is important not to push the “spiritual meditation” of Eastern religions on those of us who stand firmly and believe firmly in the Christian church. As a Catholic and one who has seen many miracles occur due to prayer, I’d say to any Christian who encounters this disease, to stand firm and hold on to faith in Jesus and ask for prayer.
In conclusion, I greatly appreciate the hard work and effort the authors put into this work and would definitely recommend a read through to anyone interested. If the ideas and suggestions resonate, use this book as a reference guide and continue to dig deeper. There are lots of books suggested in this book so there is much more to read on this very interesting topic. May the Lord richly bless the work of these authors as they continue to bring healing to the world and those under their watch.
To the Editor: This book, unfortunately has quite a few grammatical errors which it ought not to have since it’s a book published by a doctor (p 148 (This) , 150 (froot), p 175. ( a ….responses), p. 181 (what is still allows), p. 197 (their lost direction), p. 208 (were not get) p. 299 (some people’s heads many be). Please check and revise!
February 7, 2021
Utterly disappointing. All kinds of correlation equals causation arguments. (Cancer increased at the same time as GMOs. Therefore, GMOs cause cancer.) Nonsensical extrapolations from existing research. (DNA from the foods we eat can be found in out body's circulatory system, therefore DNA from the foods we eat enters our genome?! Um. No. That's not how it works. Paleo people were taller than agrarian people, and were, therefore, better nourished. Huh. Well, people are taller now on the standard American diet than they have ever been. So....)
While all kids of research *does* exist regarding the efficacy of a ketogenic diet in some cancer cases, that research is not well represented in this book, and there are all kinds of extraneous claims made that are not proven. The book also fails to acknowledge research that the ketogenic diet appears to sometimes accelerate cancer growth (examples exist in the case of leukemia).
It's so disappointing to read a book that mixes good, sound principles (low sugar diet, avoiding processed foods, filtering water, decreasing stress, eating whole foods, eating more vegetables, etc...) with pseudoscience. This is why people continually write off alternative therapies, nutrition science, and herbal medicine. Good, sound, time-proven principles don't gain traction because of practitioners like this.
While all kids of research *does* exist regarding the efficacy of a ketogenic diet in some cancer cases, that research is not well represented in this book, and there are all kinds of extraneous claims made that are not proven. The book also fails to acknowledge research that the ketogenic diet appears to sometimes accelerate cancer growth (examples exist in the case of leukemia).
It's so disappointing to read a book that mixes good, sound principles (low sugar diet, avoiding processed foods, filtering water, decreasing stress, eating whole foods, eating more vegetables, etc...) with pseudoscience. This is why people continually write off alternative therapies, nutrition science, and herbal medicine. Good, sound, time-proven principles don't gain traction because of practitioners like this.
September 12, 2019
Can’t recommend
I was really looking forward to this book, until I started reading it. Overall, the philosophy is very much in line with my own, but the book falls apart on the details. So many times reading a section, I questioned something and the references didn’t line up with the claims or the interpretation was just plain wrong. A few significant typos also marred the read. Sadly, the forest got lost for the lack of attention to the trees in this one. Maybe the authors will consider hiring a fact checker and an editor with a scientific background for the second edition. Until then, it’s a pass from me.
I was really looking forward to this book, until I started reading it. Overall, the philosophy is very much in line with my own, but the book falls apart on the details. So many times reading a section, I questioned something and the references didn’t line up with the claims or the interpretation was just plain wrong. A few significant typos also marred the read. Sadly, the forest got lost for the lack of attention to the trees in this one. Maybe the authors will consider hiring a fact checker and an editor with a scientific background for the second edition. Until then, it’s a pass from me.
September 24, 2022
There are some inaccuracies in the book. I felt that the book has strong biases against modern medicine.
Otherwise the book is a goldmine of information, hence the 5 stars.
Otherwise the book is a goldmine of information, hence the 5 stars.
November 8, 2024
The best book on nutrition as medicine! Food is so powerful… thank you, Dr. Nasha!!
December 12, 2021
utter nonsense;
it starts rather good but then suddenly dives deep into 'everything today is fucking killing you' kind of thing, I stopped tracking where it leads me;
cancer scans, sugars, stress, light, clothes - I like books offering some remedies and. for the sake of argument, it offers some right in the beginning but afterwards it gets to recommendations beyond comprehension. I am not sure whether Flinstones would pass her impossible rules;
her contradicting postulates, stories beyond cohesiveness feel frenetic and next to crazy;
just imagine an old lady complaining about everything these days and screaming that stalinism was fucking brilliant; pure theoretical nostalgia mixed with 'studies' you can't look up (just replace 'stalinism' with everything - as the book basically states everything today to make us sick and exposed to cancer)
I couldn't make it, I really tried to finish it but people like Nasha Winters shouldn't write books or (if I am crossing the line here with canceling) find a group of editors who would make it readable and useful.
Jesus, I feel physical pain when I open it.
it starts rather good but then suddenly dives deep into 'everything today is fucking killing you' kind of thing, I stopped tracking where it leads me;
cancer scans, sugars, stress, light, clothes - I like books offering some remedies and. for the sake of argument, it offers some right in the beginning but afterwards it gets to recommendations beyond comprehension. I am not sure whether Flinstones would pass her impossible rules;
her contradicting postulates, stories beyond cohesiveness feel frenetic and next to crazy;
just imagine an old lady complaining about everything these days and screaming that stalinism was fucking brilliant; pure theoretical nostalgia mixed with 'studies' you can't look up (just replace 'stalinism' with everything - as the book basically states everything today to make us sick and exposed to cancer)
I couldn't make it, I really tried to finish it but people like Nasha Winters shouldn't write books or (if I am crossing the line here with canceling) find a group of editors who would make it readable and useful.
Jesus, I feel physical pain when I open it.
December 26, 2023
*This is long.*
I struggled! Most of the time I was somewhere between fascinated and furious with this book, but I did learn a lot and for that there are some stars. I would read new editions of this book purely to see the updated research.
Key takeaways that resonated:
- Whole organic foods provide the most optimal nutrition. Food quality is paramount. Period, no compromises. YES. Louder for my supplement queens in the back!
- The emphasis on the importance of each “terrain” as well as its balancing and various interplays is beautifully presented. This was all explained clearly and as concisely as possible. I learned so much even without any medical background. Occasionally it gets dull, but worth sticking with it.
- The quiz makes it easy to find areas where you might want to focus first. You can read the last few paragraphs of each chapter if you want a concise summary.
- When footnote references are listed, they’re occasionally helpful for additional deep dives. There’s a lot of other books referenced as well that I had already wanted to read.
- Mention of the cannabinoid system, medicinal mushroom varieties and their uses (although the lack of conversation around psychedelic varieties was a disappointing oversight), as well as various other modalities (mistletoe, etc) while overwhelming, provides a lot of different avenues to focus on outside of the “one size fits all” chemo protocol. I wish the cannabinoid section was longer and more detailed.
- I appreciate the presentation of environmental toxicities in a way that focuses on key controllables as opposed to an unachievable perfection. No one can live in a bubble and our modern world is indeed unavoidable. Still, this section was so depressing and dark. It took a while to pick back up after.
- The 12th chapter. All of it. Framed everything so nicely, and tied everything up with a bow.
Not so much:
- Unfortunately a large proportion of the references are used to infer drastic correlation = causation argument fallacies. This is convenient for the theory of the book but are not actually fact-based or rooted in the science. There is a LOT of alarmism throughout this book and it is not always justified IMO, or is lacking in sufficient research for me to believe the chapter’s thesis. Is it an interesting theory? Sure. Would I bet my life on it? No. There’s a lot of data cherry picks, and no self-critical mention of any evidence contrary to the thesis.
- The vehement argument for a radically strict keto diet full of meat, eggs, wild-caught fish, and shellfish (for all the fear-mongering elsewhere, not a word about microplastics, pollutants, or parasites and only a quick wave of the hand for heavy metals). So much to unpack here, but to keep it brief: this runs in direct contrast to literally mountains of data on the cancer-reversing impacts of a whole food plant-based diet. Even when it’s explicitly mentioned that the body can break down anything for glucose, including protein and fat (“typically not protein” is stated, yet this isn’t quantified or referenced), the leap being made here is that carbs are to be pitched as enemy #1 to be avoided at all cost. Why? Because “initial research [from 2006] has suggested” that cancer cells lack the metabolics to convert glucose from sources other than carbs. Hardly a bedrock from which to shun fruit / starchy veg / whole grain, and insist cancer patients eat steak and oysters all day. No mention of the cardiac stress such a diet causes, and the lack of fiber. Not to mention the “good” stress of a constant ketosis state (the starvation state for the body) - The evidence referenced suggests that keto is not harmful for short bursts ONLY. Where is the research showing the long-term impacts of a steady ketosis state? Recent studies that have just been released show increased risk of stroke, heart attack, and high cholesterol. I agree we eat far too many carbs as a nation, and processed food is actually garbage, but demonizing higher-carb fruit and veg (and thus dismissing the well researched evidence that these do have significant benefit to cancer patients) to fit your thesis doesn’t sit well with me.
- This annoying insistence that there was no cancer before the Industrial Revolution. I don’t think it’s physically possible for my eyes to roll further.
- The idealization of the “Paleolithic lifestyle”, vilifying any whole grains and beans/legumes. These staples have been present in the human diet for thousands of years (~8000 BC for grain, ~9750 BC for legumes). Following this logic, if you want to go all the way back to our origins, why stop at the Paleolithic? Our teeth are not those of a carnivore, but rather a vegetarian. We had to “evolve” to be able to eat meat in the first place. No mention of sprouting, fermenting, or cooking methods that make nutrients more readily absorbed by the body, but ample broad-brush painting of vegetarian/vegan “deficiencies” with zero references. My biggest disappointment with this book.
- Black and white thinking throughout: “Plants used for all of human existence have helped keep us alive, while synthetic drugs are slowly killing ha with side effects and nutrient depletion. You decide.” Ok, but there’s many plants that are poisonous or harmful to us, and many “drugs” are helpful, life-saving, and/or derived from plants or natural sources in the first place. The lack of middle ground when there is competing or muddying evidence throughout the book makes me hesitant to fully believe in this theory, although I do generally accept the terrain elements.
- This book will not be very helpful if you can’t afford the diet it advocates for, which is a highly privileged position for may - unless you have a plot of land and considerable time to grow your own food and hunt your own game (yes this is actually advocated for in this book). In this economy, spending “more money per month on groceries than the mortgage” is just not feasible. Not this book’s problem, but it also offers a lack of alternative solutions. Bleak for those not in a position to spend or who live in food deserts.
- The closer you get to the end of the book, the more grammatical errors there are. Not a huge deal and not content-related, but really distracting and a huge pet peeve as a reader.
Additionally, while only somewhat relevant to this book I wanted to add that I am a caregiver for a family member who received treatment from one of Winters’ loyal followers. It’s critical to find a care team that believes in these principles and the short answer is they are basically unicorns billed completely out of pocket. When I asked for some evidence or testimonials of the “numerous” and “countless” patients Dr. Winters has treated with her methods, which is framed as highly successful throughout the book, there is absolutely NOTHING provided. Not even on Winters’ website! When I pressed further for even just general metrics of past patient outcomes and success rates, or any data whatsoever that would inform our decision to continue treatment, again absolutely nothing was provided. Any oncologist worth their copay has provided this to us and often it’s readily available transparently online. I find this extremely fishy, and it goes against her own argument in the book to “ask questions” and not be passive in treatment. It’s also frustrating that there’s very limited ways of working with Dr. Winters and like-minded practitioners after you read the book. Retreats are mentioned, but these don’t seem to exist anymore. I need more to grab onto than just a few recipes in the last chapter.
So in conclusion, I can’t find any concrete evidence of this method actually working, and therefore I have to call it what it is: interesting, well-researched theory.
I struggled! Most of the time I was somewhere between fascinated and furious with this book, but I did learn a lot and for that there are some stars. I would read new editions of this book purely to see the updated research.
Key takeaways that resonated:
- Whole organic foods provide the most optimal nutrition. Food quality is paramount. Period, no compromises. YES. Louder for my supplement queens in the back!
- The emphasis on the importance of each “terrain” as well as its balancing and various interplays is beautifully presented. This was all explained clearly and as concisely as possible. I learned so much even without any medical background. Occasionally it gets dull, but worth sticking with it.
- The quiz makes it easy to find areas where you might want to focus first. You can read the last few paragraphs of each chapter if you want a concise summary.
- When footnote references are listed, they’re occasionally helpful for additional deep dives. There’s a lot of other books referenced as well that I had already wanted to read.
- Mention of the cannabinoid system, medicinal mushroom varieties and their uses (although the lack of conversation around psychedelic varieties was a disappointing oversight), as well as various other modalities (mistletoe, etc) while overwhelming, provides a lot of different avenues to focus on outside of the “one size fits all” chemo protocol. I wish the cannabinoid section was longer and more detailed.
- I appreciate the presentation of environmental toxicities in a way that focuses on key controllables as opposed to an unachievable perfection. No one can live in a bubble and our modern world is indeed unavoidable. Still, this section was so depressing and dark. It took a while to pick back up after.
- The 12th chapter. All of it. Framed everything so nicely, and tied everything up with a bow.
Not so much:
- Unfortunately a large proportion of the references are used to infer drastic correlation = causation argument fallacies. This is convenient for the theory of the book but are not actually fact-based or rooted in the science. There is a LOT of alarmism throughout this book and it is not always justified IMO, or is lacking in sufficient research for me to believe the chapter’s thesis. Is it an interesting theory? Sure. Would I bet my life on it? No. There’s a lot of data cherry picks, and no self-critical mention of any evidence contrary to the thesis.
- The vehement argument for a radically strict keto diet full of meat, eggs, wild-caught fish, and shellfish (for all the fear-mongering elsewhere, not a word about microplastics, pollutants, or parasites and only a quick wave of the hand for heavy metals). So much to unpack here, but to keep it brief: this runs in direct contrast to literally mountains of data on the cancer-reversing impacts of a whole food plant-based diet. Even when it’s explicitly mentioned that the body can break down anything for glucose, including protein and fat (“typically not protein” is stated, yet this isn’t quantified or referenced), the leap being made here is that carbs are to be pitched as enemy #1 to be avoided at all cost. Why? Because “initial research [from 2006] has suggested” that cancer cells lack the metabolics to convert glucose from sources other than carbs. Hardly a bedrock from which to shun fruit / starchy veg / whole grain, and insist cancer patients eat steak and oysters all day. No mention of the cardiac stress such a diet causes, and the lack of fiber. Not to mention the “good” stress of a constant ketosis state (the starvation state for the body) - The evidence referenced suggests that keto is not harmful for short bursts ONLY. Where is the research showing the long-term impacts of a steady ketosis state? Recent studies that have just been released show increased risk of stroke, heart attack, and high cholesterol. I agree we eat far too many carbs as a nation, and processed food is actually garbage, but demonizing higher-carb fruit and veg (and thus dismissing the well researched evidence that these do have significant benefit to cancer patients) to fit your thesis doesn’t sit well with me.
- This annoying insistence that there was no cancer before the Industrial Revolution. I don’t think it’s physically possible for my eyes to roll further.
- The idealization of the “Paleolithic lifestyle”, vilifying any whole grains and beans/legumes. These staples have been present in the human diet for thousands of years (~8000 BC for grain, ~9750 BC for legumes). Following this logic, if you want to go all the way back to our origins, why stop at the Paleolithic? Our teeth are not those of a carnivore, but rather a vegetarian. We had to “evolve” to be able to eat meat in the first place. No mention of sprouting, fermenting, or cooking methods that make nutrients more readily absorbed by the body, but ample broad-brush painting of vegetarian/vegan “deficiencies” with zero references. My biggest disappointment with this book.
- Black and white thinking throughout: “Plants used for all of human existence have helped keep us alive, while synthetic drugs are slowly killing ha with side effects and nutrient depletion. You decide.” Ok, but there’s many plants that are poisonous or harmful to us, and many “drugs” are helpful, life-saving, and/or derived from plants or natural sources in the first place. The lack of middle ground when there is competing or muddying evidence throughout the book makes me hesitant to fully believe in this theory, although I do generally accept the terrain elements.
- This book will not be very helpful if you can’t afford the diet it advocates for, which is a highly privileged position for may - unless you have a plot of land and considerable time to grow your own food and hunt your own game (yes this is actually advocated for in this book). In this economy, spending “more money per month on groceries than the mortgage” is just not feasible. Not this book’s problem, but it also offers a lack of alternative solutions. Bleak for those not in a position to spend or who live in food deserts.
- The closer you get to the end of the book, the more grammatical errors there are. Not a huge deal and not content-related, but really distracting and a huge pet peeve as a reader.
Additionally, while only somewhat relevant to this book I wanted to add that I am a caregiver for a family member who received treatment from one of Winters’ loyal followers. It’s critical to find a care team that believes in these principles and the short answer is they are basically unicorns billed completely out of pocket. When I asked for some evidence or testimonials of the “numerous” and “countless” patients Dr. Winters has treated with her methods, which is framed as highly successful throughout the book, there is absolutely NOTHING provided. Not even on Winters’ website! When I pressed further for even just general metrics of past patient outcomes and success rates, or any data whatsoever that would inform our decision to continue treatment, again absolutely nothing was provided. Any oncologist worth their copay has provided this to us and often it’s readily available transparently online. I find this extremely fishy, and it goes against her own argument in the book to “ask questions” and not be passive in treatment. It’s also frustrating that there’s very limited ways of working with Dr. Winters and like-minded practitioners after you read the book. Retreats are mentioned, but these don’t seem to exist anymore. I need more to grab onto than just a few recipes in the last chapter.
So in conclusion, I can’t find any concrete evidence of this method actually working, and therefore I have to call it what it is: interesting, well-researched theory.
February 3, 2026
If anyone is walking through a cancer diagnosis, whether for themselves or loved ones, I highly recommend. Also for anyone going into the medical field or wants to learn more of the medicinal effects of nutrition.
This book has over 30 years of experience and 50 pages of cited research. It is a dense, enlightening, and sometimes alarming well of information. It essentially gives people the evidence that you can control your health with food and lifestyle, and the guideline of how to do it. It proves a diagnosis is not punishment, but rather a result of factors initially out of your control. And it gives people important information often left out in doctors offices about Western medicine
This book has over 30 years of experience and 50 pages of cited research. It is a dense, enlightening, and sometimes alarming well of information. It essentially gives people the evidence that you can control your health with food and lifestyle, and the guideline of how to do it. It proves a diagnosis is not punishment, but rather a result of factors initially out of your control. And it gives people important information often left out in doctors offices about Western medicine
November 24, 2025
I don't know if it's because I read a few similar books this year and I'm getting tired of them, but this was seriously underwhelming. It has a decent logical macro structure, addressing 10 different factors that contribute to the development of disease. And most of them contain basic common sense advice like sleeping enough, not stressing, not using toxic products, choosing organic food, etc. Most of the book feels sprinkled with random specific food / spice / herbs recommendations here and there, and lots of well-meaning but obvious advice. I can't say I took a lot away.
April 30, 2017
I received and e-copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book is fantastic and I urge anyone interested in nutrition to read it, but especially anyone looking for nutritional support for healing during cancer treatment. It's well-researched, smartly presented, and FULL of brilliant nuggets of nutrition wisdom. Even skeptics should be happy with the wealth of studies used to support the authors' assertions. The science presented can get heavy at times for the average reader, but this book is worth taking the time to read and reread. It's one I'll reference and recommend frequently in my nutrition practice.
The authors offer a comprehensive look at each of the 10 terrains they believe need to be addressed for cancer patients, and what readers can do. The quizzes at the beginning of the book will give readers an idea of what areas they should focus on first. This book is a great resource to go over with your doctor or nutritionist because a ketogenic diet is one you want to approach thoughtfully and with expert support. Even if you're not interested in the ketogenic approach, there are plenty of ideas and suggestions anyone can implement and benefit from.
This book should be required reading in nutrition programs, and I highly recommend it.
This book is fantastic and I urge anyone interested in nutrition to read it, but especially anyone looking for nutritional support for healing during cancer treatment. It's well-researched, smartly presented, and FULL of brilliant nuggets of nutrition wisdom. Even skeptics should be happy with the wealth of studies used to support the authors' assertions. The science presented can get heavy at times for the average reader, but this book is worth taking the time to read and reread. It's one I'll reference and recommend frequently in my nutrition practice.
The authors offer a comprehensive look at each of the 10 terrains they believe need to be addressed for cancer patients, and what readers can do. The quizzes at the beginning of the book will give readers an idea of what areas they should focus on first. This book is a great resource to go over with your doctor or nutritionist because a ketogenic diet is one you want to approach thoughtfully and with expert support. Even if you're not interested in the ketogenic approach, there are plenty of ideas and suggestions anyone can implement and benefit from.
This book should be required reading in nutrition programs, and I highly recommend it.
May 21, 2024
Everybody should read this!
July 1, 2018
This book left me feeling both hopeful and hopeless. Hopeful that there are things I can do to reduce likelyhood of cancer returning such as reduce exposure to carcinogens and eliminate sugar from diet. But also hopeless because my metabolism just is not cut out for living in the toxic world modern society has created. Each chapter barely scratches the surface regarding epigenetics, diet, gut health, hormone imbalance, chronic inflammation, stress and mind body medicine. Each chapter should be a book in its own right and left me feeling frustrated with the lack of comprehensive information. It was primarily written as a wake up call to educate the general public about the reasons fueling the cancer epidemic. Having read numerous books already about diet, gut biome, hormone imbalance etc. I felt it was written in a rush and had to be short in length. I was hoping it was more of a guide to improve your lifestyle but it purposely gave you just a few nuggets of information so that you would seek out a qualified functional oncologist/nutritionist. I hunted high and low in my state for someone local and toyed with idea of phone consultation but declined to act as cancer bills mounting. Wish it were better written. I resorted to summarizing useful info in bulletin journal but even that was not practical. Resource section only mildly helpful. I had such high hopes for this book.
August 14, 2024
Very good book to read whether you have cancer or just want to understand how the food you eat helps or hurts your well-being.
Some recommendations missed the mark for me. These included colonic cleanses (no thank you), moon-bathing in the buff, and the comparison of lentils (bad, per the author) to sardines (good) for protein amounts. Who would eat a cup of sardines vs a cup of lentils? Not me.
Still, I learned a lot and have adjusted my food choices and products used based on many of the concepts within this book. I even tried the "Wet Sock Treatment" for swimmer's ear and was delighted to find it worked as a remedy for draining my sinuses.
Some recommendations missed the mark for me. These included colonic cleanses (no thank you), moon-bathing in the buff, and the comparison of lentils (bad, per the author) to sardines (good) for protein amounts. Who would eat a cup of sardines vs a cup of lentils? Not me.
Still, I learned a lot and have adjusted my food choices and products used based on many of the concepts within this book. I even tried the "Wet Sock Treatment" for swimmer's ear and was delighted to find it worked as a remedy for draining my sinuses.
January 4, 2024
This book highlights extremely important problems of modern medicine & (mostly) useful tools to address them. However, reading this book as a researcher in this space, it is clear that the audience is subject to cherry picked information & bias - two of the scariest traits in any literature. Anyone reading this book should (as with reading anything) analyse the arguments presented with skepticism until corroborated with further OBJECTIVE research using PEER-REVIEWED ARTICLES. Nonetheless, the main metabolic framework for this book is extremely promising and definitely warrants investigation. Just a more systematic and nuanced approach, rather than arriving at definitive conclusions.
June 16, 2022
0/10
This book instills fear in an already scary time in peoples lives and is largely based in “anecdotal evidence” rather than actual scientific evidence.
This book instills fear in an already scary time in peoples lives and is largely based in “anecdotal evidence” rather than actual scientific evidence.
February 15, 2025
This book is all over the place, to the degree that I'm compelled to write a longer review than I normally would. I read it because I'm currently in radiotherapy and chemotherapy after having a massive grade 3 glioma removed from my brain eight weeks ago. I also understand that many dietary choices don't affect brain cancer, because much of what we ingest can't pass through the blood-brain barrier (BBB).
I'll start by giving the author credit for knowing her stuff about micronutrients. That's the greatest value of this book. Beyond that, I'm really not sure who this book is for. Is it for a typical cancer patient? Definitely not. It's complicated and almost never helps a reader understand relative importance. EVERYTHING is toxic, she says. Sure! Even water is toxic at an excessive dose. So what's the right dose? You won't find much practical info here about that. Just "avoid this and that"—everywhere and always. Actively purge these foods and products from your life if you want to prevent cancer. ALL OF IT.
Why do some lifelong smokers not get cancer, then, if tobacco is among the most toxic products humans consume? Cancer is c-o-m-p-l-i-c-a-t-e-d and has many causes beyond diet/nutrition.
Any good nutritionist or trainer would say, "What's the best diet? The one you actually follow." This book is to nutrition what Augustine was to religion. It's dogmatic, unnaturally ascetic, and unrealistic.
Furthermore, on some things it's just plain wrong. Take glutamate for example. She calls it an excitotoxin. Is it? Did you know it's by far the most abundant amino acid in mother's milk? See https://www.umamiinfo.com/what/whatis... Not to mention it's present in foods she recommends, like mushrooms and broccoli.
And did this book really cite L. Ron Hubbard? The guy who founded Scientology? That man was an abusive fraud. Watch Going Clear and then tell me you want him guiding your life. Par for the course, as you'll find anti-vaccine sentiment and other flimsy or plain bad scientific reasoning from this author.
I don't like to criticize without offering alternatives, so here's what I'd recommend instead, in this order:
NCCN's guidelines for patients
Food Rules by Michael Pollan (extremely concise and easy to read!)
The Moss Report's free podcast
The Cancer Journey by Dr. Chadi Nabhan
Keto for Cancer by Miriam Kalamian
research of Thomas Seyfried, PhD (contact him for a free info packet)
2015 PBS documentary Cancer: The Emperor of All Maladies from 2015 (runtime 6 hours)
Help Heal Yourself from Cancer by Dr. William Sears
Natural Strategies for Cancer Patients by Dr. Russell Blaylock (though I would proceed with caution . . . these days you're probably better off using Ai prompts instead of relying on a human author)
Definitely talk with your care team about any decisions you're considering. Your oncology care team is your best resource. And I hope you experience peace and good luck during this painful ordeal. Good luck.
I'll start by giving the author credit for knowing her stuff about micronutrients. That's the greatest value of this book. Beyond that, I'm really not sure who this book is for. Is it for a typical cancer patient? Definitely not. It's complicated and almost never helps a reader understand relative importance. EVERYTHING is toxic, she says. Sure! Even water is toxic at an excessive dose. So what's the right dose? You won't find much practical info here about that. Just "avoid this and that"—everywhere and always. Actively purge these foods and products from your life if you want to prevent cancer. ALL OF IT.
Why do some lifelong smokers not get cancer, then, if tobacco is among the most toxic products humans consume? Cancer is c-o-m-p-l-i-c-a-t-e-d and has many causes beyond diet/nutrition.
Any good nutritionist or trainer would say, "What's the best diet? The one you actually follow." This book is to nutrition what Augustine was to religion. It's dogmatic, unnaturally ascetic, and unrealistic.
Furthermore, on some things it's just plain wrong. Take glutamate for example. She calls it an excitotoxin. Is it? Did you know it's by far the most abundant amino acid in mother's milk? See https://www.umamiinfo.com/what/whatis... Not to mention it's present in foods she recommends, like mushrooms and broccoli.
And did this book really cite L. Ron Hubbard? The guy who founded Scientology? That man was an abusive fraud. Watch Going Clear and then tell me you want him guiding your life. Par for the course, as you'll find anti-vaccine sentiment and other flimsy or plain bad scientific reasoning from this author.
I don't like to criticize without offering alternatives, so here's what I'd recommend instead, in this order:
NCCN's guidelines for patients
Food Rules by Michael Pollan (extremely concise and easy to read!)
The Moss Report's free podcast
The Cancer Journey by Dr. Chadi Nabhan
Keto for Cancer by Miriam Kalamian
research of Thomas Seyfried, PhD (contact him for a free info packet)
2015 PBS documentary Cancer: The Emperor of All Maladies from 2015 (runtime 6 hours)
Help Heal Yourself from Cancer by Dr. William Sears
Natural Strategies for Cancer Patients by Dr. Russell Blaylock (though I would proceed with caution . . . these days you're probably better off using Ai prompts instead of relying on a human author)
Definitely talk with your care team about any decisions you're considering. Your oncology care team is your best resource. And I hope you experience peace and good luck during this painful ordeal. Good luck.
January 6, 2025
Questions I ask when evaluating dietary and lifestyle alternatives or additions to allopathic medicine are:
♦ Does it make sense?
♦ Will it hurt (be detrimental)?
♦ May it help?
♦ How complicated is it?
I have a high interest in cancer prevention, which correlates with my high family history of cancer.
"The metabolic approach to cancer is a naturopathic nutrition program that utilizes the medicinal powers of traditional foods, therapeutic diets, and nontoxic lifestyle approaches as cancer counteragents and preventatives."
The idea is to treat your terrain, not the tumor. The ten terrains:
1. Genetics and epigenetics
2. Blood sugar balance
3. Toxic burden
4. Repopulating and balancing microbiome
5. Immune system
6. Inflammation / oxidative stress
7. Blood circulation
8. Hormonal balance
9. Stress / circadian rhythms / biorhythms
10. Mental and emotional health
We all know that -itis after the root word indicates disease. I learned that -itis means inflammation. I checked Merriam-Webster: "inflamed state of or disorder with inflammation of". Hmmm — arthritis, colitis, bronchitis, gastritis, tonsilitis, hepatitis, tendonitis, laryngitis, appendicitis, pharyngitis!
So what? What will I change? I don't agree with everything in this book, of course.
But I am slowly moving toward buying organic food, moving away from plastic, eating more: salmon, makerel, capers, Brazil nuts, fennel, mushrooms, and radishes. Will I find Jerusalem artichokes and add them to the menu? Maybe, but probably not.
Living with joy and gratitude? Yes, please.
♦ Does it make sense?
♦ Will it hurt (be detrimental)?
♦ May it help?
♦ How complicated is it?
I have a high interest in cancer prevention, which correlates with my high family history of cancer.
"The metabolic approach to cancer is a naturopathic nutrition program that utilizes the medicinal powers of traditional foods, therapeutic diets, and nontoxic lifestyle approaches as cancer counteragents and preventatives."
The idea is to treat your terrain, not the tumor. The ten terrains:
1. Genetics and epigenetics
2. Blood sugar balance
3. Toxic burden
4. Repopulating and balancing microbiome
5. Immune system
6. Inflammation / oxidative stress
7. Blood circulation
8. Hormonal balance
9. Stress / circadian rhythms / biorhythms
10. Mental and emotional health
We all know that -itis after the root word indicates disease. I learned that -itis means inflammation. I checked Merriam-Webster: "inflamed state of or disorder with inflammation of". Hmmm — arthritis, colitis, bronchitis, gastritis, tonsilitis, hepatitis, tendonitis, laryngitis, appendicitis, pharyngitis!
So what? What will I change? I don't agree with everything in this book, of course.
But I am slowly moving toward buying organic food, moving away from plastic, eating more: salmon, makerel, capers, Brazil nuts, fennel, mushrooms, and radishes. Will I find Jerusalem artichokes and add them to the menu? Maybe, but probably not.
Living with joy and gratitude? Yes, please.
January 20, 2021
This is a fantastic collection of therapeutic approaches to cancer formation and proliferation. The core of the book is the Warburg Hypothesis (recently revived by Dr. Thomas Seyfried) and the metabolic understanding of the nature of cancer. Stemming from that core concept, this book runs the full gamut on carcinogens and what can be done to prevent and mitigate cancer growth.
The book can be overwhelming, and my only wish is that the authors would make it more clear which therapies have the most "bang for the buck" as far as time and commitment, as the average reader will need some very achievable goals to strive towards. From what I've read in this area, it seems fasting therapies along with a ketogenic regimen are by far the most important, yet these are treated in the book as simply one among a great variety of therapies. Other than that complaint, the information itself is astounding and resourced from a plethora of sources, though I am admittedly not well read in these fields. For some not wanting to wade through the entirety of the book, I would recommend simply reading Chapter 4: Sugar, Cancer, and the Ketogenic Diet. That alone will suffice to bring understanding to the cancer process.
The book can be overwhelming, and my only wish is that the authors would make it more clear which therapies have the most "bang for the buck" as far as time and commitment, as the average reader will need some very achievable goals to strive towards. From what I've read in this area, it seems fasting therapies along with a ketogenic regimen are by far the most important, yet these are treated in the book as simply one among a great variety of therapies. Other than that complaint, the information itself is astounding and resourced from a plethora of sources, though I am admittedly not well read in these fields. For some not wanting to wade through the entirety of the book, I would recommend simply reading Chapter 4: Sugar, Cancer, and the Ketogenic Diet. That alone will suffice to bring understanding to the cancer process.
September 19, 2024
A brilliant book! It is well-written and easy to digest. It contains a wealth of information not only about cancer and how to change your lifestyle if you have it but also teaches good health practices that anyone can enjoy. It explains things thoroughly, and I really appreciate that the authors provide additional reading suggestions on topics for those who would like to gain more detailed information.
I don't have cancer, but I was very happy to have read this book because it gave me a better understanding of what cancer is, how it develops, and how to treat it with a proper clean diet.
Please note that this book does not support a vegan or vegetarian diet. It promotes a ketogenic diet and teaches the reader how to start adapting to these changes. However, like with everything else, the reader should approach it with an open mind and take what they need or like from this book while leaving the rest. The metabolic approach to a healthy lifestyle is not an end-all-be-all solution, but it is definitely a good place to start if you care to move in the right direction toward healing your body.
I don't have cancer, but I was very happy to have read this book because it gave me a better understanding of what cancer is, how it develops, and how to treat it with a proper clean diet.
Please note that this book does not support a vegan or vegetarian diet. It promotes a ketogenic diet and teaches the reader how to start adapting to these changes. However, like with everything else, the reader should approach it with an open mind and take what they need or like from this book while leaving the rest. The metabolic approach to a healthy lifestyle is not an end-all-be-all solution, but it is definitely a good place to start if you care to move in the right direction toward healing your body.
August 18, 2017
Written by Dr. Nasha Winters and Jess Higgins Kelley, The Metabolic Approach to Cancer: Integrating Deep Nutrition, the Ketogenic Diet, and Nontoxic Bio-Individualized Therapies is a great book.
When I saw this book on Net Galley, I wanted to read it because it would help me with my course, and cancer being one of the top battles we fight in the modern era, I was keen to know how to equip ourselves to prevent it.
It is a sad world where everything is corrupt, toxic and a lot of things are scary. Everything from the food we eat, the things we buy, everything is laden with toxins. But that's the world we live in and it is survival for the fittest.
In this book, Dr. Nasha tells us how to profile ourselves, risk factors and every other information we will ever need. It is not just a book for those dealing with cancer, or have a loved one dealing with it, it one everyone should read to prevent, deal and help ourselves and the ones we care about, the right way.
**I was offered a copy by Chelsea Green Publishing through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
When I saw this book on Net Galley, I wanted to read it because it would help me with my course, and cancer being one of the top battles we fight in the modern era, I was keen to know how to equip ourselves to prevent it.
It is a sad world where everything is corrupt, toxic and a lot of things are scary. Everything from the food we eat, the things we buy, everything is laden with toxins. But that's the world we live in and it is survival for the fittest.
In this book, Dr. Nasha tells us how to profile ourselves, risk factors and every other information we will ever need. It is not just a book for those dealing with cancer, or have a loved one dealing with it, it one everyone should read to prevent, deal and help ourselves and the ones we care about, the right way.
**I was offered a copy by Chelsea Green Publishing through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
March 29, 2023
This book praises keto diets despite the fact they have been proven to create its own set of health problems. It also demonises sugar and says you shouldn’t be eating beans??? WTF? As someone who is trying to heal from eating disorders this book wasn’t helpful. In fact I think it encourages orothorexia/the eating disorder associated with pure eating. It’s also quite fear based pointing to things that sometimes are impossible to avoid like environmental toxins.
What I did like about the book is it did give some ideas of what areas in my life need work on for improving overall health. I liked the philosophy that cancer treatment is like weed killer and you have to improve the overall soil for your body and life to help it not come back.
If you read take what you want and leave the rest. Will likely take many of the things mentioned but some of what’s recommended I think is pretty ludicrous and not up to date backed with science.
What I did like about the book is it did give some ideas of what areas in my life need work on for improving overall health. I liked the philosophy that cancer treatment is like weed killer and you have to improve the overall soil for your body and life to help it not come back.
If you read take what you want and leave the rest. Will likely take many of the things mentioned but some of what’s recommended I think is pretty ludicrous and not up to date backed with science.
May 23, 2024
While I very believe in the Metabolic Approach, I think it’s so important to read this book with the understanding that you take what you will from it. Because nearly everything in our modern world is taxing on our bodies, it’s critical to determine what supports your body and what doesn’t by exploring your own triggers. If you tried to do everything in the book, it would be incredibly overwhelming and probably not even helpful given what a strain that would be.
I think there’s a critical piece to thinking of cancer as a metabolic disease that is sort of the opposite of scary, but once you feel like there are ways to keep your terrains balanced, it’s easy to fall into stress mode trying to stay balanced (which of course is an imbalance). I’ve used this book as more of an invitation to see what in my life isn’t supporting my body (I have cancer), and to stair step my way away from certain toxins etc as I am able, accepting that perfection isn’t really the goal or the cure.
I think there’s a critical piece to thinking of cancer as a metabolic disease that is sort of the opposite of scary, but once you feel like there are ways to keep your terrains balanced, it’s easy to fall into stress mode trying to stay balanced (which of course is an imbalance). I’ve used this book as more of an invitation to see what in my life isn’t supporting my body (I have cancer), and to stair step my way away from certain toxins etc as I am able, accepting that perfection isn’t really the goal or the cure.
December 24, 2017
I attended her lecture a little out of duty - to friends who are dealing with cancer and others, including myself, who may be in the future. I left that lecture relieved that this is a practitioner I feel comfortable directing people to.
This upbeat book from a 26 year cancer survivor provides some security in that you do NOT have to do something immediately when getting the diagnosis. Then it is extremely empowering. The opposite of everything else done to people diagnosed with cancer.
Is it even possible to follow her recommendations? Only you can decide. But following them sounds like a blissful walk through a forest compared to the alternatives.
Can following the information in this book help prevent cancer? I truly believe so. Some people think that preventing cancer is impossible. If you are one of those people, possibly this book could change your mind.
This upbeat book from a 26 year cancer survivor provides some security in that you do NOT have to do something immediately when getting the diagnosis. Then it is extremely empowering. The opposite of everything else done to people diagnosed with cancer.
Is it even possible to follow her recommendations? Only you can decide. But following them sounds like a blissful walk through a forest compared to the alternatives.
Can following the information in this book help prevent cancer? I truly believe so. Some people think that preventing cancer is impossible. If you are one of those people, possibly this book could change your mind.
September 26, 2022
This is a hard book for me to rate -- on one hand, all of the information is spot-0n. But on the other, it's the same generalizable "how to be healthy" stuff that shows up in every health book worth its salt... because it's all the same stuff, whether you have cancer or autoimmunity or gastrointestinal problems or anything else. This one has the particular spin toward cancer, and thus focuses on papers that specifically say, "here's how this kind of toxicity or hormone imbalance or whatever else can cause cancer," and "here's how this herb or whole food can fight against cancer," and then quotes the relevant papers to back it up. But at the end of the day, there was nothing new. I therefore skipped a lot of it (just because this is also my profession, I wrote a book just like this one on gut health, and I've read a ton of other books like this one too.)
May 26, 2024
An empowering read rich with peer-reviewed data, medical reviews and other resources to support the *fact* that cancer is a metabolic disease conventionally addressed by treating the symptoms instead of the root cause. Food is thy medicine - sustainably-sourced, CLEAN (no antibiotics, pesticides, herbicides or other toxins), wild-caught, organic, grass-fed AND finished, medicinal herbs and mushrooms (supported by 1ks of yrs of evidence-based practices), movement, mindset (reduction in stress), balanced hormones & connection to the earth through grounding are all imperative to our wellness. These actions are our responsibility to ourselves. To those who found this book depressing, I say to you, perhaps you have a great deal of accountability work to do to. Change is hard for most people but the reward in this case is wellness and longevity. Knowledge is power! *A MUST READ*
June 26, 2022
This book belongs in everyone’s collection.
Cancer cells are always living and dying in our body as a normal course of life. It is only when they don’t die and keep proliferating that we have a problem. Nasha Winters has written an excellent analysis of how to prevent your body from letting these cancer cells get out of control to the point that they keep multiplying and thus wrecking havoc with a degenerated part of your body.
There is so much information about how cancers normally thrive in our body because of the modern day diet most of us follow. Read it until you know it. Change your diet and prevent cancer from developing. I know this book has convinced me and it just may CHANGE YOUR LIFE.
Cancer cells are always living and dying in our body as a normal course of life. It is only when they don’t die and keep proliferating that we have a problem. Nasha Winters has written an excellent analysis of how to prevent your body from letting these cancer cells get out of control to the point that they keep multiplying and thus wrecking havoc with a degenerated part of your body.
There is so much information about how cancers normally thrive in our body because of the modern day diet most of us follow. Read it until you know it. Change your diet and prevent cancer from developing. I know this book has convinced me and it just may CHANGE YOUR LIFE.
April 19, 2022
3.5 stars
This book is FULL of great information for natural ways of healing from cancer. I love Dr. Nasha’s whole body focus. She discusses the Terrain Ten each of which is an important piece of our healing or conversely sickness.
The reason for the lower rating is this book is overwhelming. It’s too much information. Some of the commentary could’ve been better edited to condense the book. I’d love to have seen this edited and tightened up. It could easily be 100 pages shorter without losing the main message.
The information is solid and I’d recommend it to every cancer patient. Read through it once & keep it as a reference.
This book is FULL of great information for natural ways of healing from cancer. I love Dr. Nasha’s whole body focus. She discusses the Terrain Ten each of which is an important piece of our healing or conversely sickness.
The reason for the lower rating is this book is overwhelming. It’s too much information. Some of the commentary could’ve been better edited to condense the book. I’d love to have seen this edited and tightened up. It could easily be 100 pages shorter without losing the main message.
The information is solid and I’d recommend it to every cancer patient. Read through it once & keep it as a reference.
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