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What's Missing from Medicine: Six Lifestyle Changes to Overcome Chronic Illness
In the fall of 1995, Dr. Saray Stancic was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. By 2003, she walked regularly with a cane, had given up virtually all unnecessary physical activity, and was on numerous medications, all with horrible side effects.
After stumbling upon some studies that linked MS outcomes to diet and lifestyle, Dr. Stancic undertook a radically different approach to managing her illness. Within a relatively short time period she was off all MS medications, walking normally, resumed dancing, and in 2010 she ran a marathon!
Today she lives an active, symptom free life, and takes no medications for multiple sclerosis.
Now, in What’s Missing from Medicine: Six Lifestyle Changes to Overcome Chronic Illness, Dr. Stancic shares her own inspiring story and explains the incredible power that specific lifestyle changes can have for those living with chronic illness. Her prescription to prevent, treat, and even reverse chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, autoimmune diseases like lupus, multiple sclerosis, and many others, is what readers will find in this book.
Dr. Stancic is also highly critical of the medical community’s lack of success when it comes to treating chronic illness, and that’s why What’s Missing from Medicine is both a prescription for a better life for each of us, as well as a clarion call for the medical establishment to make these lifestyle changes an integral part of the practice of medicine.
After stumbling upon some studies that linked MS outcomes to diet and lifestyle, Dr. Stancic undertook a radically different approach to managing her illness. Within a relatively short time period she was off all MS medications, walking normally, resumed dancing, and in 2010 she ran a marathon!
Today she lives an active, symptom free life, and takes no medications for multiple sclerosis.
Now, in What’s Missing from Medicine: Six Lifestyle Changes to Overcome Chronic Illness, Dr. Stancic shares her own inspiring story and explains the incredible power that specific lifestyle changes can have for those living with chronic illness. Her prescription to prevent, treat, and even reverse chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, autoimmune diseases like lupus, multiple sclerosis, and many others, is what readers will find in this book.
Dr. Stancic is also highly critical of the medical community’s lack of success when it comes to treating chronic illness, and that’s why What’s Missing from Medicine is both a prescription for a better life for each of us, as well as a clarion call for the medical establishment to make these lifestyle changes an integral part of the practice of medicine.
224 pages, Hardcover
Published January 12, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 19, 2021
The author encourages readers to eat less or even no meat, to move more, sleep better and to stress less. I think it would have been even better if she had included more personal stories about having MS.
March 1, 2021
A great book on lifestyle medicine and how it can help people prevent and reverse chronic disease. Dr. Stancic herself used lifestyle medicine to slow the progression of MS. This is a great resource for anyone interested in lifestyle medicine and a plant based diet!
August 8, 2021
Great refresher, easy read. Good references for further reading. Need to up my meditation and sleep hygiene.
November 7, 2023
Through his personal triumph over multiple sclerosis, Dr. Stancic shares guidance on lifestyle changes to manage chronic disease.
In the autumn of 1995, Dr. Saray Stancic received a life-changing diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS). By 2003, she found herself relying on a cane and enduring the side effects of numerous medications, which severely limited her physical activity.
However, a serendipitous encounter with research connecting MS outcomes to lifestyle and diet sparked a radical change in her approach to managing the illness. Through sheer determination and hope, she embraced transformative lifestyle changes, leading to remarkable results – she became medication-free, regained her ability to walk normally, resumed dancing, and even achieved the incredible feat of running a marathon in 2010.
In her book titled ‘What’s Missing from Medicine: Six Lifestyle Changes to Overcome Chronic Illness,’ she shares her inspiring journey and highlights the profound impact of lifestyle modifications for those living with chronic conditions.
Author’s background
Dr. Saray Stancic, MD, is a renowned Lifestyle Medicine physician and the founder of Stancic Health and Wellness, a prominent Lifestyle Medicine practice situated in New Jersey.
Her journey into this field began when she triumphantly conquered multiple sclerosis, inspiring her to specialise in empowering patients through lifestyle changes. With her expertise and personal experience, she advocates for the transformative power of lifestyle choices in optimising health and well-being.
What is the book about?
In the face of modern medicine’s remarkable advancements, chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity remain inadequately treated, leaving many patients feeling helpless and confused. Dr. Caroline Leaf, a physician and neuroscience expert, questioned the focus on symptom management rather than addressing root causes. Her own diagnosis of multiple sclerosis led her to delve into research and discover the impact of lifestyle choices on disease outcomes.
Inspired by the transformative power of lifestyle changes in her own life, Dr. Leaf set out to share this healing message with others by writing a book ’What’s Missing from Medicine.’ Her book serves as a comprehensive guide for those suffering from chronic illnesses or looking to manage their risk factors for developing such conditions. She presents evidence-backed information on optimising nutrition, physical activity, stress management, sleep hygiene, and reducing substance intake while fostering social connections. Each aspect is examined in-depth, and the book provides practical tips, exercises, and plans to aid readers in implementing positive changes.
With her book, Dr. Caroline Leaf aims to spark a revolution in medicine, encouraging a paradigm shift towards preventive and lifestyle-based approaches in healthcare. She advocates for a healthcare system that focuses on preserving health rather than solely treating sickness. By empowering readers to take control of their health and make informed lifestyle choices, she believes that chronic disease can be better managed and prevented, leading to a life of improved well-being and vitality.
Key takeaways from ‘What’s Missing from Medicine’
1. Environmental factors play a more important role in chronic disease occurrence than genetics
One of the most compelling revelations from ‘What’s Missing from Medicine’ is the transformative power of environmental factors, particularly diet, on the management of chronic diseases like multiple sclerosis. Dr. Starry Stancic’s exploration of twin studies challenged the notion of genetics as the sole determinant of autoimmune conditions, as she found only about 25% overlap in identical twin studies. This realisation led her to believe that environmental exposures and diet play a significant role in the development and progression of such diseases, rendering them potentially controllable. Dr. Stancic’s discovery of Dr. Roy Swank’s work further reinforced this belief, as Dr. Swank’s low-fat diet approach resulted in exceptional long-term outcomes for his multiple sclerosis patients. By adopting a low-fat vegan diet herself, Dr. Stancic exemplifies how lifestyle modifications can positively impact health and inspire hope for those facing chronic conditions.
2. A healthy sleep schedule and quality will help you stay disease-free
In her own example, Dr. Stancic demonstrates the essential role of sleep in warding off diseases. Before her diagnosis, she worked as a full-time doctor and often neglected her diet and sleep. However, after realising that she had to fight for her health, Dr. Stancic incorporated regular exercise into her routine, starting with a stationary bike and progressing to walking, jogging, and even running a marathon – an extraordinary transformation from relying on a walker. Over 25 years after her diagnosis, Dr. Stancic is off all medications and continues to work as a physician, a testament to the profound potential of lifestyle modifications in chronic disease management.
3. Human connections have healing power
Besides focusing on the importance of sleep and nutrition in achieving chronic-disease-free life, Dr. Stancic also beautifully illustrates the profound impact of social connections on our physical and psychological well-being. The book shares remarkable stories and scientific evidence showing how human connections influence our health outcomes, ability to thrive, and even longevity.
The book emphasises the importance of forging meaningful connections with family, friends, and communities, urging readers to cultivate forgiveness, vulnerability, and openness as essential ingredients for fostering strong social bonds. By prioritising social connections and embracing forgiveness, we can unlock the transformative potential of human connection and lead healthier, happier lives together.
Strengths and weaknesses, according to readers’ reviews
Strengths:
• Provides comprehensive insights into lifestyle medicine and its potential to prevent and reverse chronic diseases.
• Dr. Stancic’s personal experience with using lifestyle medicine adds credibility and relatability to the content.
• Easy to read and serves as a great refresher on healthy living principles.
• Includes well-researched content with references for further reading.
• Offers practical and actionable guidelines for living a healthy lifestyle.
• Provides hope and encouragement for those living with chronic illnesses, offering a clear path towards better health.
Weaknesses:
• The author takes a strong stance against eating animal products without addressing other perspectives or considering potential environmental and ethical concerns related to veganism.
• Some readers expressed their opinion that the book could have been longer and more detailed.
Best quotes from ‘What’s Missing from Medicine’
“As I got to know him better, he confided in me that his biggest regret was spending so much time building his business that he neglected his wife, children, and other close connections in the process. Unfortunately, I hear this type of thing a lot. Not only can we not get that time back with our loved ones, but this behavior can contribute to our health problems as well.”
“Distorted social norms falsely lull some of us into believing that high-level athleticism is the trump card when it comes to achieving optimal health. Loosely put, the idea seems to be, “If I can do all of these superathletic things and I look like the models in the ads, then my health must be great.” So this messaging can not only lead to feelings of shame for people who run slower than others or have different body types, but can also mask serious health problems hidden behind a “healthy-looking” body…”
“Author and researcher Brené Brown says that she keeps a Polaroid picture of her walking shoes taped to the inside door of her pantry. She realized that when she was bored, restless, or stuck on a page of writing, she often found herself opening that pantry looking for a snack. Seeing the shoes reminded her that getting outside for a walk almost always helped her solve problems, elevate her mood, and reset her ability to work better than any snack could. This is a perfect example of how the spokes on the lifestyle medicine wheel can work together: diet, exercise, and a peaceful walk can help you reduce stress and reset…”
Final takeaway
Dr. Starry Stancic’s book, ‘What’s Missing from Medicine,’ serves as a powerful manifesto for the potential of lifestyle medicine in preventing and reversing chronic diseases. Drawing from her personal experience with multiple sclerosis and her expertise as a Lifestyle Medicine physician, Dr. Stancic presents a comprehensive guide to optimising health through nutrition, physical activity, stress management, sleep hygiene, and social connections.
If you suffer from chronic illnesses, are interested in preventive health measures, or seek to optimise your well-being through evidence-based lifestyle changes, then you should read this book.
In the autumn of 1995, Dr. Saray Stancic received a life-changing diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS). By 2003, she found herself relying on a cane and enduring the side effects of numerous medications, which severely limited her physical activity.
However, a serendipitous encounter with research connecting MS outcomes to lifestyle and diet sparked a radical change in her approach to managing the illness. Through sheer determination and hope, she embraced transformative lifestyle changes, leading to remarkable results – she became medication-free, regained her ability to walk normally, resumed dancing, and even achieved the incredible feat of running a marathon in 2010.
In her book titled ‘What’s Missing from Medicine: Six Lifestyle Changes to Overcome Chronic Illness,’ she shares her inspiring journey and highlights the profound impact of lifestyle modifications for those living with chronic conditions.
Author’s background
Dr. Saray Stancic, MD, is a renowned Lifestyle Medicine physician and the founder of Stancic Health and Wellness, a prominent Lifestyle Medicine practice situated in New Jersey.
Her journey into this field began when she triumphantly conquered multiple sclerosis, inspiring her to specialise in empowering patients through lifestyle changes. With her expertise and personal experience, she advocates for the transformative power of lifestyle choices in optimising health and well-being.
What is the book about?
In the face of modern medicine’s remarkable advancements, chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity remain inadequately treated, leaving many patients feeling helpless and confused. Dr. Caroline Leaf, a physician and neuroscience expert, questioned the focus on symptom management rather than addressing root causes. Her own diagnosis of multiple sclerosis led her to delve into research and discover the impact of lifestyle choices on disease outcomes.
Inspired by the transformative power of lifestyle changes in her own life, Dr. Leaf set out to share this healing message with others by writing a book ’What’s Missing from Medicine.’ Her book serves as a comprehensive guide for those suffering from chronic illnesses or looking to manage their risk factors for developing such conditions. She presents evidence-backed information on optimising nutrition, physical activity, stress management, sleep hygiene, and reducing substance intake while fostering social connections. Each aspect is examined in-depth, and the book provides practical tips, exercises, and plans to aid readers in implementing positive changes.
With her book, Dr. Caroline Leaf aims to spark a revolution in medicine, encouraging a paradigm shift towards preventive and lifestyle-based approaches in healthcare. She advocates for a healthcare system that focuses on preserving health rather than solely treating sickness. By empowering readers to take control of their health and make informed lifestyle choices, she believes that chronic disease can be better managed and prevented, leading to a life of improved well-being and vitality.
Key takeaways from ‘What’s Missing from Medicine’
1. Environmental factors play a more important role in chronic disease occurrence than genetics
One of the most compelling revelations from ‘What’s Missing from Medicine’ is the transformative power of environmental factors, particularly diet, on the management of chronic diseases like multiple sclerosis. Dr. Starry Stancic’s exploration of twin studies challenged the notion of genetics as the sole determinant of autoimmune conditions, as she found only about 25% overlap in identical twin studies. This realisation led her to believe that environmental exposures and diet play a significant role in the development and progression of such diseases, rendering them potentially controllable. Dr. Stancic’s discovery of Dr. Roy Swank’s work further reinforced this belief, as Dr. Swank’s low-fat diet approach resulted in exceptional long-term outcomes for his multiple sclerosis patients. By adopting a low-fat vegan diet herself, Dr. Stancic exemplifies how lifestyle modifications can positively impact health and inspire hope for those facing chronic conditions.
2. A healthy sleep schedule and quality will help you stay disease-free
In her own example, Dr. Stancic demonstrates the essential role of sleep in warding off diseases. Before her diagnosis, she worked as a full-time doctor and often neglected her diet and sleep. However, after realising that she had to fight for her health, Dr. Stancic incorporated regular exercise into her routine, starting with a stationary bike and progressing to walking, jogging, and even running a marathon – an extraordinary transformation from relying on a walker. Over 25 years after her diagnosis, Dr. Stancic is off all medications and continues to work as a physician, a testament to the profound potential of lifestyle modifications in chronic disease management.
3. Human connections have healing power
Besides focusing on the importance of sleep and nutrition in achieving chronic-disease-free life, Dr. Stancic also beautifully illustrates the profound impact of social connections on our physical and psychological well-being. The book shares remarkable stories and scientific evidence showing how human connections influence our health outcomes, ability to thrive, and even longevity.
The book emphasises the importance of forging meaningful connections with family, friends, and communities, urging readers to cultivate forgiveness, vulnerability, and openness as essential ingredients for fostering strong social bonds. By prioritising social connections and embracing forgiveness, we can unlock the transformative potential of human connection and lead healthier, happier lives together.
Strengths and weaknesses, according to readers’ reviews
Strengths:
• Provides comprehensive insights into lifestyle medicine and its potential to prevent and reverse chronic diseases.
• Dr. Stancic’s personal experience with using lifestyle medicine adds credibility and relatability to the content.
• Easy to read and serves as a great refresher on healthy living principles.
• Includes well-researched content with references for further reading.
• Offers practical and actionable guidelines for living a healthy lifestyle.
• Provides hope and encouragement for those living with chronic illnesses, offering a clear path towards better health.
Weaknesses:
• The author takes a strong stance against eating animal products without addressing other perspectives or considering potential environmental and ethical concerns related to veganism.
• Some readers expressed their opinion that the book could have been longer and more detailed.
Best quotes from ‘What’s Missing from Medicine’
“As I got to know him better, he confided in me that his biggest regret was spending so much time building his business that he neglected his wife, children, and other close connections in the process. Unfortunately, I hear this type of thing a lot. Not only can we not get that time back with our loved ones, but this behavior can contribute to our health problems as well.”
“Distorted social norms falsely lull some of us into believing that high-level athleticism is the trump card when it comes to achieving optimal health. Loosely put, the idea seems to be, “If I can do all of these superathletic things and I look like the models in the ads, then my health must be great.” So this messaging can not only lead to feelings of shame for people who run slower than others or have different body types, but can also mask serious health problems hidden behind a “healthy-looking” body…”
“Author and researcher Brené Brown says that she keeps a Polaroid picture of her walking shoes taped to the inside door of her pantry. She realized that when she was bored, restless, or stuck on a page of writing, she often found herself opening that pantry looking for a snack. Seeing the shoes reminded her that getting outside for a walk almost always helped her solve problems, elevate her mood, and reset her ability to work better than any snack could. This is a perfect example of how the spokes on the lifestyle medicine wheel can work together: diet, exercise, and a peaceful walk can help you reduce stress and reset…”
Final takeaway
Dr. Starry Stancic’s book, ‘What’s Missing from Medicine,’ serves as a powerful manifesto for the potential of lifestyle medicine in preventing and reversing chronic diseases. Drawing from her personal experience with multiple sclerosis and her expertise as a Lifestyle Medicine physician, Dr. Stancic presents a comprehensive guide to optimising health through nutrition, physical activity, stress management, sleep hygiene, and social connections.
If you suffer from chronic illnesses, are interested in preventive health measures, or seek to optimise your well-being through evidence-based lifestyle changes, then you should read this book.
January 1, 2026
This book contains sound principles for health discovered by this brilliant MD when she was felled by MS. Eat plants, move your body, and other lifestyle choices can make a huge difference.
May 15, 2021
Recommended. Even a person with healthy habits could probably benefit from a tip or suggestion in this book.
January 27, 2022
This is one of those books that came to me at just the right time. I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis eight months ago. I am past the shock of diagnosis, and I’m now trying to learn everything I can about how to live my best with the disease. Healthy choices are always wise, and even though I know this and have always tried to be healthy, Dr. Stancic’s lifestyle guidelines have given me a clear path to move forward with healthy living. The guidelines she gives are practical and are things she does herself and “prescribes” to the patients in her practice. I found a lot of hope learning more about lifestyle medicine and how it can benefit everyone, but maybe especially those of us living with chronic illnesses. This book is well-researched but also easy to read. I highly recommend this to anyone who is interested in living their best life, but I would especially recommend this to anyone living with a chronic illness.
August 25, 2021
Did I read this before? The premise seemed awfully familiar. The author, having successfully treated her MS with a set of altered behaviors, writes them up as a prescription for other sufferers. And who doesn't suffer, in one way or another, from the SAD, the inactivity, and the stress of modern life?
Possibly I read a similar work or an early article by the author. I seem to remember a similar experiment that worked for a while but was followed eventually by a return f the MS symptoms. But in any case, even if it wasn't a complete cure, it gave the sufferer a lot of years of good living. Which is all we can all really hope for, isn't it?
This was very straightforward and sensible. The "why" of each element was typically glossed over with a few weak examples, but the "how" was pretty well done.
Possibly I read a similar work or an early article by the author. I seem to remember a similar experiment that worked for a while but was followed eventually by a return f the MS symptoms. But in any case, even if it wasn't a complete cure, it gave the sufferer a lot of years of good living. Which is all we can all really hope for, isn't it?
This was very straightforward and sensible. The "why" of each element was typically glossed over with a few weak examples, but the "how" was pretty well done.
August 6, 2021
My mom died after having MS 30+ years so I was excited to learn all about what this Dr did to help her MS but there are many better plant based books! I have read so many already and this one wasted a chapter previewing what the following chapters would be about and the rest I feel like Ive read before. I guess this is a good starting place but I feel like there is so much missing from this book. I’m happy I borrowed it and hopefully it helps someone else heal but if it doesn’t then pickup some other best selling plant based books
Read
November 22, 2021The story of overcoming the disability associated with MS through lifestyle changes is worth reading about. It is an amazing story with wisdom for all. The lifestyle changes Dr. Stancic recommends seem so basic, little more than commonsense, but yet not as easy to adopt. The tips for de-stressing and better sleep, as well as the importance of exercise as play are reminders everyone could use. It is a fast, but inspirational read for those who desire to improve their health and need some steps forward.
April 21, 2023
Very good introduction to Lifestyle medicine and it’s absence in medical and health provider’s training and curriculum. Her personal story of managing her MS and regaining her life through the 6 lifestyle changes is an inspiring and a gentle nudge to the readers.
More anecdotal evidence would be a nice filler and be a welcome addition.
Another book that evoked similar suggestions is Walking With Peety, the dog who saved my life by Eric O’Grey.
More anecdotal evidence would be a nice filler and be a welcome addition.
Another book that evoked similar suggestions is Walking With Peety, the dog who saved my life by Eric O’Grey.
December 6, 2024
What's Missing From Medicine by Saray Stancic
Written by a woman MD who conquered her MS through lifestyle changes, this book discusses the six changes she used and recommends to her patients to "overcome chronic illness." Filled with good information, the book is quite readable for the layman, and although I've encountered most of the information before, I plan to keep this book to read it every few months to keep me motivated on my own health journey.
Written by a woman MD who conquered her MS through lifestyle changes, this book discusses the six changes she used and recommends to her patients to "overcome chronic illness." Filled with good information, the book is quite readable for the layman, and although I've encountered most of the information before, I plan to keep this book to read it every few months to keep me motivated on my own health journey.
January 21, 2022
Outstanding
This is one of the best books on how to stay healthy. I would recommend this book to anyone who needs a lifestyle change because of unhealthy habits. This book is a eye opener and is very well written. I think this book should be read not only by the patient but also by the medical community
This is one of the best books on how to stay healthy. I would recommend this book to anyone who needs a lifestyle change because of unhealthy habits. This book is a eye opener and is very well written. I think this book should be read not only by the patient but also by the medical community
June 14, 2022
I really liked this book and thought it had a lot of great info. I’m a huge advocate for primary prevention so the lifestyle medicine wheel is right up my alley. I think I just wish it was longer and more detailed with more specifics and solutions for practical application.
August 15, 2022
The advice in this book is not surprising but the author had personally tried it to help her MS. Includes some statistical data and a reference index.
August 15, 2022
Her experience makes her advice sound.
April 19, 2021
A missed opportunity. The Dr claims this is a myth: "Eating animal products of any kind is bad for your health." Taking eggs as an example ... it is against the law to say eggs are healthy, good for you nor nutritious. 1 egg has the health risk equivalent of smoking 5 cigarettes. The Dr gives the meat industry a free pass. She doesn't want to deal with the geo politics nor the ethics of exploiting animals. She avoids the word vegan like the plague ... Well not going vegan may generate the next plague. To give the meat industry a free pass is to be complicit with the perpetrators of a criminal and corrupt enterprise. It is in our best interests to go vegan ... "Changing how we eat will not be enough, on it's own, to save the planet, yet we cannot save the planet without changing how we eat." ~ Jonathan Safran Foer, We Are The Weather and Eating Animals. "Veganism is the single biggest way to reduce our environmental impact on the planet and the single biggest way to improve our own health." ~ Oxford University Program on the Future of Food ... There are more issues of concern ... depriving people in hungry countries the resources they need to feed their own families and communities, a drain on the world economy, Looking the other way when billions are tortured and slaughter to satisfy a taste and habit ... The font size of the Notes is too small to make the notes useful and there is no index. There should be a bit more rigor and less conversation.
December 23, 2021
Imagine that you're feeling unwell, or you have a chronic condition, and you're sitting in the doctor's office. Instead of handing you a prescription for a pharmaceutical, the doctor gives you a prescription for life medicine. This book is that prescription.
The six lifestyle changes Dr. Stancic prescribes are: diet and nutrition (mostly plant-strong), physical activity (aerobic and strength-training), stress management (mindfulness, breath work, setting boundaries, saying no, shifting our attitudes, getting support), sleep hygiene, substance intake (including limiting, surprisingly, supplements), and social connection. She prescribed this for herself after suffering the debilitating effects of multiple sclerosis, and turned her health around so that she now runs marathons.
Yes, it takes work, more than popping a drug, to heal thyself using life medicine. But in my opinion, taking back control is in itself a healing drug.
The six lifestyle changes Dr. Stancic prescribes are: diet and nutrition (mostly plant-strong), physical activity (aerobic and strength-training), stress management (mindfulness, breath work, setting boundaries, saying no, shifting our attitudes, getting support), sleep hygiene, substance intake (including limiting, surprisingly, supplements), and social connection. She prescribed this for herself after suffering the debilitating effects of multiple sclerosis, and turned her health around so that she now runs marathons.
Yes, it takes work, more than popping a drug, to heal thyself using life medicine. But in my opinion, taking back control is in itself a healing drug.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews