It still amazes me that such a simple, straight forward phrase would change my life:
Interestingly, it is impossible for cancer to develop in an alkaline environment;
When I came across these words in Brandon Brazier’s book Thrive: The Vegan Nutrition Guide to Optimal Performance in Sports and Life , I was surprised that there was no footnote or reference to research substantiating this bold claim. I folded the page over; and while I continued reading, this phrase had piqued my interest and I couldn’t let it go.
So I read on – books, newspapers, blogs, and more. What has happened since has been a remarkable turn of events in my life. I’ve read book after book after book about the impact of nutrition and lifestyle on cancer and other chronic illnesses. My bookshelf now houses a wide variety of books about nutrition and cancer; a stranger entering my office and glancing at this collection might conclude that I am a nutritionist or physician rather than a storyteller. These books provide countless examples of just how powerful our bodies are at healing illness when given the proper tools: psychological and physical environments, nutrition, and exercise.
As I learned more about the ability each of us has to heal our illnesses, I realized that if I were facing a cancer diagnosis I would want to know ALL of the treatment options available to me – yes, there’s more than surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Drawing on one of the guiding principles of the Lance Armstrong Foundation – Knowledge is Power – I’m writing a book that highlights people who have modified their diet and lifestyle after receiving a cancer diagnosis. Some people have done this in conjunction with conventional medical treatment, while others have selected lifestyle changes as their sole method of treatment.
I hope you’ll join me for this journey and all of its wonderful twists and turns.
