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Keto for Cancer: Ketogenic Metabolic Therapy as a Targeted Nutritional Strategy
Based on the Metabolic Theory of Cancer
Although evidence supporting the benefits of ketogenic diet therapies continues to mount, there is little to guide those who wish to adopt this diet as a metabolic therapy for cancer. The Ketogenic Diet for Cancer fills this need. Inspired by the work of Dr. Thomas Seyfried and written by nutritionist Miriam Kalamian, this is the first book to lay out guidelines that specifically address the many challenges facing those with cancer.
Kalamian, a leading voice in the keto movement, is driven by passion from her own experience in using the ketogenic diet for her young son. Her book addresses the nuts and bolts of adopting the diet, from deciding whether keto is the right choice, to developing a personal plan for smoothly navigating the keto lifestyle. It is invaluable for both beginners and seasoned users of the ketogenic diet as well as for health care professionals who need a toolkit to implement this targeted metabolic therapy.
The book guides readers to a deeper understanding of the therapeutic potential of the ketogenic diet which extends well beyond simply starving cancer emphasizing the powerful impact the diet has on the metabolism of cancer cells. Nutritional nuances are explored in sections such as Fasting Protocols and Know What s in the Foods You Eat while meal templates and tracking tools are provided in Preparing Keto Meals .
Kalamian also discusses important issues such as self-advocacy. Readers of The Ketogenic Diet for Cancer are empowered to get off the bench and get in the game. To that end, Kalamian offers tips on how to critically examine cancer care options then incorporate what resonates into a truly personalized treatment plan.
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Although evidence supporting the benefits of ketogenic diet therapies continues to mount, there is little to guide those who wish to adopt this diet as a metabolic therapy for cancer. The Ketogenic Diet for Cancer fills this need. Inspired by the work of Dr. Thomas Seyfried and written by nutritionist Miriam Kalamian, this is the first book to lay out guidelines that specifically address the many challenges facing those with cancer.
Kalamian, a leading voice in the keto movement, is driven by passion from her own experience in using the ketogenic diet for her young son. Her book addresses the nuts and bolts of adopting the diet, from deciding whether keto is the right choice, to developing a personal plan for smoothly navigating the keto lifestyle. It is invaluable for both beginners and seasoned users of the ketogenic diet as well as for health care professionals who need a toolkit to implement this targeted metabolic therapy.
The book guides readers to a deeper understanding of the therapeutic potential of the ketogenic diet which extends well beyond simply starving cancer emphasizing the powerful impact the diet has on the metabolism of cancer cells. Nutritional nuances are explored in sections such as Fasting Protocols and Know What s in the Foods You Eat while meal templates and tracking tools are provided in Preparing Keto Meals .
Kalamian also discusses important issues such as self-advocacy. Readers of The Ketogenic Diet for Cancer are empowered to get off the bench and get in the game. To that end, Kalamian offers tips on how to critically examine cancer care options then incorporate what resonates into a truly personalized treatment plan.
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400 pages, Paperback
Published September 27, 2017
278 people are currently reading
393 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 4, 2017
As a person who believes in natural methods to cure disease, I was very interested to read Keto for Cancer. I have followed a ketogenic diet and have been very interested to note how it has helped people with many different medical issues.
I appreciate the author’s sharing of her son’s cancer diagnosis. She first used the ketogenic diet to help him when there were no other options for treatment. Although it didn’t ultimately cure him, it did slow the cancer enough to give him more time. She eventually went back to school to study nutrition and is now in private practice helping her patients through the use of the ketogenic diet.
The book was fascinating. The science behind why it works and how to use the diet are all outlined within.
This book is everything I hoped it would be and I highly recommend it.
“Let food be thy medicine and m
I appreciate the author’s sharing of her son’s cancer diagnosis. She first used the ketogenic diet to help him when there were no other options for treatment. Although it didn’t ultimately cure him, it did slow the cancer enough to give him more time. She eventually went back to school to study nutrition and is now in private practice helping her patients through the use of the ketogenic diet.
The book was fascinating. The science behind why it works and how to use the diet are all outlined within.
This book is everything I hoped it would be and I highly recommend it.
“Let food be thy medicine and m
June 8, 2019
Very insightful and full of knowledge. I give this book 4 stars instead of 5 because it references too many seeds and plants (like flax and chia) that are high in estrogens, which can be an issue for those with hormonal driven cancers.
December 31, 2018
I wanted to like this book. Kalamian is extremely knowledgeable and necessarily pragmatic about the potential therapeutic benefits and limitations of the ketogenic diet for some cancer patients. I found her very credible and authoritative in this area. HOWEVER, she loses credibility when she promotes non-GMO and organic food as somehow safer and better. I find this very ironic because she otherwise rightly calls out those who only cite evidence which supports their own beliefs or position while ignoring other pertinent data, yet on this topic she sadly ignores the scientific consensus on the safety and the many benefits of GM technology and the prudent use of synthetic pesticides. I also used to believe these false and misleading claims made by Big Organic which are meant to scare consumers into buying their products. I hope she, too, does a little more research on this topic and in future editions of the book throws out the non-GMO/organic hype. It's quite enough to ask a person fighting cancer to completely turn their diet upside down without the added layer of unnecessarily worrying about this red herring.
January 29, 2019
I received this book from NetGalley prior to publishing, in order to review it. I chose it as I was very interested in the idea that a diet could positively affect cancer, and was already interested in the Keto diet from the auto immune angle.
*Keto for Cancer*is due to be published in October 2017. The author, Miriam Kalamain, first used the diet with her own son, Raffi, when he had reached the point of no further available options for his brain cancer in 2004. Raffi saw immediate improvement on the diet, and remained on it until his death in 2013.He had gained 8 years using only the diet to slow the disease. Kalamain studied nutrition at university during this time, in order to better administer the diet, and has now gone into professional practice, advising the use of the Keto diet to cancer patients and guiding them through this journey. She maintains a website and blog at *dietarytherapies*.com.
If the book were merely to contain the story of Miriam's son, Raffi, it would be fascinating enough, but this book is designed to be a hands on approach so that anyone in the same situation, can use the diet, even if they are not near enough to personally visit the author for support.
The book covers everything a person would need to begin using the diet, a few recipes, meal templates, but mostly very intricate and detailed information of how to gain ketosis and stay there.
The largest part of the book contains the science behind each point being discussed. Some of this is very dense and perhaps too detailed, but it is clear enough that you can initially skim and then return later to understand more. There are also copious references throughout the book to other resources and in the full resource section at the end of the book.
Every aspect of the diet and how it works is covered in small detail. In addition she discusses all the small complications that are likely to arise. Co-morbid diseases are discussed, and many considerations are given to why you may not find the diet suitable for yourself. The author pulls no punches, and explains how difficult it is to follow and that you should only do it if you are determined.
She also covers other diets and modifications of the diet. Intermittent fast and methods of easing into the diet if you have certain medical issues.
Her attention to detail is impressive. Throughout the book are interspaced darker boxes, with relevant but slightly different material. I found this made the book harder to read, but it did break up the text and provide a mental break.
She also shared several stories of clients and experiences they had with the diet. Personally, not being a scientist, I would have swapped some of the dense scientific material for more testimonies, but appreciated her determination to be honest and scientifically based.
I got a lot from the book, even though I decided I could not personally manage the full Keto diet, I did feel a modified version would be worth trying in my case. As a diabetic, I gained a lot from the information she shared about the effects on the body of insulin resistance and how gaining Ketosis might help my glucose levels to stabalise, and why presently they are not.
I would recommend this book highly for anyone dealing with cancer, who wishes to look beyond the standard treatments. Even if the diet is not for you, the science will fascinate and inform. You will not leave the book with the same opinions.
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June 29, 2023A Comprehensive Guide for Patients and Practitioners
Although evidence supporting the benefits of ketogenic diet therapies continues to mount, there is little to guide those who wish to adopt this diet as a metabolic therapy for cancer. Keto for Cancer fills this need. Inspired by the work of Dr. Thomas N. Seyfried, PhD, nutritionist Miriam Kalamian has written the first book to lay out comprehensive guidelines that specifically address the many challenges associated with cancer, and particularly the deep nutritional overhaul involved with the ketogenic diet.
Kalamian, a leading voice in the keto movement, is driven by passion from her own experience in using the ketogenic diet for her young son. Her book addresses the nuts and bolts of adopting the diet, from deciding whether keto is the right choice to developing a personal plan for smoothly navigating the keto lifestyle. It is invaluable for both beginners and seasoned users of the ketogenic diet, as well as for health-care professionals who need a toolkit to implement this targeted metabolic therapy.
The book guides readers to a deeper understanding of the therapeutic potential of the ketogenic diet―which extends well beyond simply starving cancer―emphasizing the powerful impact the diet has on the metabolism of cancer cells. Nutritional nuances are explored in sections such as “Fasting Protocols” and “Know What’s in the Foods You Eat” while meal templates and tracking tools are provided in “Preparing Keto Meals.”
Kalamian also discusses important issues such as self-advocacy. Readers of Keto for Cancer are empowered to “get off the bench and get in the game.” To that end, Kalamian offers tips on how to critically examine cancer-care options then incorporate what resonates into a truly personalized treatment plan.
Although evidence supporting the benefits of ketogenic diet therapies continues to mount, there is little to guide those who wish to adopt this diet as a metabolic therapy for cancer. Keto for Cancer fills this need. Inspired by the work of Dr. Thomas N. Seyfried, PhD, nutritionist Miriam Kalamian has written the first book to lay out comprehensive guidelines that specifically address the many challenges associated with cancer, and particularly the deep nutritional overhaul involved with the ketogenic diet.
Kalamian, a leading voice in the keto movement, is driven by passion from her own experience in using the ketogenic diet for her young son. Her book addresses the nuts and bolts of adopting the diet, from deciding whether keto is the right choice to developing a personal plan for smoothly navigating the keto lifestyle. It is invaluable for both beginners and seasoned users of the ketogenic diet, as well as for health-care professionals who need a toolkit to implement this targeted metabolic therapy.
The book guides readers to a deeper understanding of the therapeutic potential of the ketogenic diet―which extends well beyond simply starving cancer―emphasizing the powerful impact the diet has on the metabolism of cancer cells. Nutritional nuances are explored in sections such as “Fasting Protocols” and “Know What’s in the Foods You Eat” while meal templates and tracking tools are provided in “Preparing Keto Meals.”
Kalamian also discusses important issues such as self-advocacy. Readers of Keto for Cancer are empowered to “get off the bench and get in the game.” To that end, Kalamian offers tips on how to critically examine cancer-care options then incorporate what resonates into a truly personalized treatment plan.
November 18, 2017
I received an e-copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is one of the best books on the ketogenic diet that I've read, and I plan to recommend it often. Before I get to what I loved about this book, first let me acknowledge my appreciation for Ms. Kalamian sharing her family's experience with cancer and this diet. Her compassion and understanding of the trials a family will face when given a cancer diagnosis are clear from beginning to end. Her understanding of the ketogenic diet is impressive.
I loved everything about this book. She does a fantastic job outlining the science behind both cancer and the ketogenic diet. She covers supplements and nutrition thoroughly--more thoroughly than most. She devotes plenty of pages to contradictions and considerations, which highlights how seriously she takes this topic. Everything is presented in a concise and smart style that makes it easy for readers to understand. I also appreciate how she gives a nod to various other experts and books. She frequently recommends to readers to explore the information available, advocate for themselves, and always get a second opinion.
This isn't your average diet book. It's a comprehensive look at how a ketogenic diet can be a helpful tool after a cancer diagnosis. Readers will come away with a solid understanding of how to work with their medical team to incorporate this diet. They'll have more tools to work with, including website and book recommendations, online nutrition software and calculators, and most importantly, a resource written by someone who truly understands their needs and challenges.
I highly recommend this book and plan to refer to it frequently in my nutrition practice.
This is one of the best books on the ketogenic diet that I've read, and I plan to recommend it often. Before I get to what I loved about this book, first let me acknowledge my appreciation for Ms. Kalamian sharing her family's experience with cancer and this diet. Her compassion and understanding of the trials a family will face when given a cancer diagnosis are clear from beginning to end. Her understanding of the ketogenic diet is impressive.
I loved everything about this book. She does a fantastic job outlining the science behind both cancer and the ketogenic diet. She covers supplements and nutrition thoroughly--more thoroughly than most. She devotes plenty of pages to contradictions and considerations, which highlights how seriously she takes this topic. Everything is presented in a concise and smart style that makes it easy for readers to understand. I also appreciate how she gives a nod to various other experts and books. She frequently recommends to readers to explore the information available, advocate for themselves, and always get a second opinion.
This isn't your average diet book. It's a comprehensive look at how a ketogenic diet can be a helpful tool after a cancer diagnosis. Readers will come away with a solid understanding of how to work with their medical team to incorporate this diet. They'll have more tools to work with, including website and book recommendations, online nutrition software and calculators, and most importantly, a resource written by someone who truly understands their needs and challenges.
I highly recommend this book and plan to refer to it frequently in my nutrition practice.
April 30, 2024
This book serves its purpose of guiding readers towards adopting the keto diet for managing cancer. However, it does have notable shortcomings.
1. Its content is somewhat dated.
2. It tends to overstate the efficacy of the keto diet in cancer treatment.
3. The author's approach lacks a strong foundation in data analysis, showing a reluctance towards numerical evidence.
4. The book is overly verbose.
The book presents a viewpoint suggesting that all cancer patients, including children, should adopt a stringent, semi-starved ketogenic diet. Regrettably, this stance is not entirely accurate. It oversimplifies a complex issue.
In some cases involving specific genetic mutations, the ketogenic diet may promote the growth of cancer cells and hasten adverse outcomes. See the common BRAF V600E mutation. The scientists will likely discover other mutations over time that have the same effect. You should conduct the research yourself on this crucial matter. It is the only way to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.
While the book doesn't explicitly assert it, it does subtly imply that the ketogenic diet serves as the primary treatment for cancer. This misconception can be highly detrimental. Medications, surgical interventions, and all other treatments recommended by medical professionals play significant roles in cancer management. Disregarding them in favor of the ketogenic diet can have serious repercussions.
In addition to this book, I recommend reading The Immunotherapy Revolution: The Best New Hope For Saving Cancer Patients' Lives by Jason R. Williams.
1. Its content is somewhat dated.
2. It tends to overstate the efficacy of the keto diet in cancer treatment.
3. The author's approach lacks a strong foundation in data analysis, showing a reluctance towards numerical evidence.
4. The book is overly verbose.
The book presents a viewpoint suggesting that all cancer patients, including children, should adopt a stringent, semi-starved ketogenic diet. Regrettably, this stance is not entirely accurate. It oversimplifies a complex issue.
In some cases involving specific genetic mutations, the ketogenic diet may promote the growth of cancer cells and hasten adverse outcomes. See the common BRAF V600E mutation. The scientists will likely discover other mutations over time that have the same effect. You should conduct the research yourself on this crucial matter. It is the only way to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.
While the book doesn't explicitly assert it, it does subtly imply that the ketogenic diet serves as the primary treatment for cancer. This misconception can be highly detrimental. Medications, surgical interventions, and all other treatments recommended by medical professionals play significant roles in cancer management. Disregarding them in favor of the ketogenic diet can have serious repercussions.
In addition to this book, I recommend reading The Immunotherapy Revolution: The Best New Hope For Saving Cancer Patients' Lives by Jason R. Williams.
April 4, 2023
My husband's advanced prostate cancer diagnosis has modified my reading life. #understatement
I've been a fangirl of Thomas Seyfried for a decade, so I naturally gravitated to this book. Miriam Kalamian wrote Keto for Cancer after her son Raffi was diagnosed with a brain tumor.
Cancer feeds on glucose (sugar) — we've all heard that. Not all cancers do. Prostate cancer feeds on glutamine, an essential amino acid, or protein. That is why prostate cancer doesn't show up on a regular PET scan (where glucose is injected); a PSMA PET scan (prostate-specific membrane antigen) involves injecting the patient with a radioactive amino acid.
So I read Keto for Cancer carefully, realizing much of the advice wasn't applicable to my husband. Or is it? We are curtailing carbs in his diet, but not to ketogenic levels. Much information was excellent and there are many resources to explore.
My new favorite word is adjuvant. From Latin adjuváre: to aid or help. Targeted nutritional strategy is something any cancer patient can do in addition to conventional treatments. Why would anyone scoff at that?
Personal note: It is ironic and somewhat hilarious that this science-phobic person is getting into the weeds of biochemistry. That the one who only took the minimal science required is now reading through PubMed articles.
I've been a fangirl of Thomas Seyfried for a decade, so I naturally gravitated to this book. Miriam Kalamian wrote Keto for Cancer after her son Raffi was diagnosed with a brain tumor.
Cancer feeds on glucose (sugar) — we've all heard that. Not all cancers do. Prostate cancer feeds on glutamine, an essential amino acid, or protein. That is why prostate cancer doesn't show up on a regular PET scan (where glucose is injected); a PSMA PET scan (prostate-specific membrane antigen) involves injecting the patient with a radioactive amino acid.
So I read Keto for Cancer carefully, realizing much of the advice wasn't applicable to my husband. Or is it? We are curtailing carbs in his diet, but not to ketogenic levels. Much information was excellent and there are many resources to explore.
My new favorite word is adjuvant. From Latin adjuváre: to aid or help. Targeted nutritional strategy is something any cancer patient can do in addition to conventional treatments. Why would anyone scoff at that?
Personal note: It is ironic and somewhat hilarious that this science-phobic person is getting into the weeds of biochemistry. That the one who only took the minimal science required is now reading through PubMed articles.
October 23, 2023
The Keto for Cancer book should be in everybody’s home library. I found the writing style was informational as well as conversational. It was written in such a way as to engage and educate this layman. I was able to understand, being new to keto and not knowing the science behind this anti inflammatory diet. It felt as if Miriam ‘held my hand and walked me through’ every page. I now find myself referring back to the book time and again and sharing my knowledge to all who ask what I’ve done different. In referring this book I honestly believe even if there was no disease, a change to the ketogenic diet turned out to be the ideal scenario for me - and per the ripple effect - my family. .
February 22, 2018
This book is great to help you follow the keto diet for cancer. This is also used for epilepsy. Very spelled out on how to do. Also explains how it works with the cancer cell fermentation effect vs glucose.
February 8, 2018
Amazing book. You really need to read this. Even if you didnt strugle with Cancer.
February 9, 2018
Wow! Eye opening! Good scientific information on specifics of ketogenic diet and cancer with resources cited.
April 26, 2018
Great book. Learned a lot, enjoyed it a lot.
June 2, 2019
The definitive guide for anyone interested in treating cancer metabolically.
October 3, 2020
Great keto and nutrition resource
Great book for anyone interested in the keot diet and general diet and nutrition. You will learn about cancer, keto, and everything in between.
Great book for anyone interested in the keot diet and general diet and nutrition. You will learn about cancer, keto, and everything in between.
November 27, 2021
Very insightful and helpful in learning and grasping the cancer process, even if one can’t keep to a strict keto diet.
February 25, 2022
One of the most well researched keto book I've read and it was recommended to me by my oncologist. However keto was not for me so I got about halfway done and stopped reading the book
March 20, 2022
If you need to reduce your risk of cancer or know some one who is stuggling with treatment this book has a lot of good information.
February 4, 2024
I do not think it is very helpful.
May 2, 2024
It's okay. Found at a little free library. I agree with the premise of 'cancer as a metabolic disease', a la 'tripping over the truth'. I skimmed a lot.
October 7, 2024
Just don't get cancer. But if you do definitely give this a read. Do anything and everything you can to kill it.
October 9, 2019
Excellent.
Great intro by Dr. Thomas Seyfried.
Covers a lot.
In the back a comprehensive glossary, list or Resources, Notes for every Chapter,
and a great index.
I feel the difference in my life . . . Positive Results !!!
Great intro by Dr. Thomas Seyfried.
Covers a lot.
In the back a comprehensive glossary, list or Resources, Notes for every Chapter,
and a great index.
I feel the difference in my life . . . Positive Results !!!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews