Alert: Ellen Davis’ book has been picked up by a publisher and will be available in print in Summer/Fall 2016. More information available here.
A very welcome stroke of luck brought us a copy of the eBook Fight Cancer with a Ketogenic Diet, 2nd Edition by Ellen Davis. It was a joy to read because of its timeliness, accuracy, and its clarity. It is written in a clear and straightforward fashion that could only come from the pen of a scholar proficient in nutritional science.
You will find Ms. Davis’ book far more instructive than the 5-star-only-diet-book-you-will-ever-need volumes on amazon.com or the well-touted, best selling diet books in book stores. Ms. Davis’ book is available on an informative website dedicated to helping people regain health through ketogenesis (www.ketogenic-diet-resource.com).
Fight Cancer with a Ketogenic Diet is not an academic exercise in what a ketogenic rendition of an anticancer diet should be. The information is firmly based on the science and research of Dr. Thomas Seyfried, who proposes that cancer is a metabolic disease, and on consultation with both Drs. Seyfried and Dominic D’Agostino on design and implementation of a ketogenic diet. Sound biochemical and physiological sciences support the book’s explanations and recommendations.
The goal of this eBook is to help people affected with cancer utilize a ketogenic diet to manage the disease and better tolerate chemotherapy and radiation protocols they may face. It provides a complete resource for planning a ketogenic diet; however, it is not intended to be a self-help book but rather an adjunct to the care, treatment, and monitoring of progress on a ketogenic diet provided by the attending physician.
Chapters 1 and 2 discuss what a ketogenic diet is and how it works. Chapter 3 provides detailed information about who should NOT follow a ketogenic diet. The latter information on contraindicated metabolic and health conditions and contradicted medications is not readily available in popular diet books advocating low- or no-carbohydrate diets.
Chapter 4 mentions specific issues related to use of a ketogenic diet in cancer treatment. It discusses goals, benefits, potential side effects, and monitoring progress of treatment. Chapter 5 discusses the details of planning a ketogenic diet, including the contribution of the macronutrients plus a section on fasting and intermittent fasting. The section on macronutrients includes definitions of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fats. This book’s acknowledgment of the importance of the inflammatory properties of omega-6 fatty acids and advice that the omega-6 and omega-3 in the diet should be balanced are worthy of note. To our knowledge, there are no popular diet books that mention the nutritional requirements for essential fatty acids. Imbalances in the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 could negate the benefits of a ketogenic diet.
Chapter 6 continues with advice on customizing the diet, foods that are allowed or disallowed, meal preparation, and how to follow the diet when away from home, such as restaurant or travel dining. Chapter 7 presents a number of diverse topics of great practical importance especially to a cancer patient but seldom mentioned in popular diet books: alcohol consumption: how to handle incidental illnesses; sick days and menstrual cycles; stress; exercise; acidity and alkalinity; and vegetarianism. Finally there are 12 appendices that provide convenient worksheets and a wealth of advice and information that will save many telephone calls, and trips to the library or internet.
Apart from valuable information specific to the use of ketogenesis in treatment of cancer, the entire book useful for anyone interested in nutrition. Fight Cancer with a Ketogenic Diet is highly recommended as a resource for anyone pursuing ketogenic nutrition to fight any chronic disease, not just cancer.
Fight Cancer with a Ketogenic Diet is also highly recommended for people in good health who want protect their health and prevent disease. The ketogenic diet is an anti-inflammatory, healing diet. Thus, it is also a primary prevention diet. Prevention of inflammation is basic to prevention of noninfectious chronic diseases including cancer.
Drs. Mary Dan and Michael Eades do discuss the natures and effects of the omega-3/omega-6 fats and their optimum ratios in both “Protein Power” and “Protein Power LifePlan”, at some lengths. It was this sort of exposition that convinced me straightaway to buy their books and use them to guide me.
Oh, Leaf, we would never group PP and PPLF with the overhyped Hollywood-fad diet books so common now-a-days. We regret we did not make ourselves clear about what diet books we meant. As you know, PP and PPLF stand alone. They are bibles. We are pleased you helped us clarify this issue.
Did you know that Drs. Mike and MD, based on study of archeological records, were among the first, if not actually the first, to describe (and employ in their practice) what is now known to be the true and proper nutritional diet plan required by humans for good health and well being?
I am Stage 4 metastatic adenocarcenoma -pancreatic cancer, but no removable tumor or mass. I am looking into a ketogenic diet to treat my cancer and effects of chemotherapy. My only concern is losing weight on this diet. Doe this book address maintaining weight?
Thank you.
You are in our prayers, Sue. Be comforted by the fact that you are on the right track. The ketogenic diet is a healing, ant-cancer diet.
There is such a worth of practical information in Ellen’s book that we are sure you would find something about weight management, but we do not know if it would be specific enough to help you. We suggest that you go to Ellen’s website, (http://www.ketogenic-diet-resource.com), which is a valuable resource for implementing a ketogenic diet. There you can get a great deal more information and help about the book. More important it will put you in touch (if you wish) with dedicated and knowledgeable professionals who have hands-on experience working with and treating people who have cancer.
You may also write directly to Ellen ( bugellen@gmail.com). She invites messages from people who need help or advice.
We hope this proves of value to you.
Okay, I was already a fan of Ellen Davis’s web pages, but now you’ve convinced me to shell out $25 for the PDF. By the way, please our keto science blog: http://ketotic.org .
Cheers, Zooko, for supporting Ellen’s work. We are all grateful to the soldiers in the field who are doing the very important hands-on work of helping people in need.
Thank you too, for giving the address of your keto-science blog. Amber’s story is truly remarkable and inspirational for all including people who need or use ketogenic nutrition.
I have studied fasting fairly extensively, done many 10-30 day fasts, and have said to my spouse if I ever got a cancer diagnosis I would immediately fast, but since learning more about ketogenic diets, which have most of the same benefits, I would go that route without question. I recently heard that chemotherapy is only successful in 40-50 % of the time. My impression is that the average person believes chemo and radiation are far more successful than they are in fact.
I should have said “stay on” a ketogenic diet, as that is what I have been on since last summer.
It is interesting, Digby, that you should mention fasting. Ellen’s book Fight Cancer with a Ketogenic Diet contains information on intermittent fasting.
We are not experts in fasting, but we do recommend that people consider taking milligrams quantities of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) periodically during fasting. This is based on the fact that the body’s cells cannot distinguish between glucose and ascorbic acid so they will accept which ever is presented to them. Since glucose should be at it lowest level in the blood during fasting, the chances of ascorbic acid being selected are greatest. Ascorbic acid will kill cancer cells without harm to normal cells (see A Biochemical Outline of a Cure for Cancer). (see also comment on magnesium under Metabolic Energy Control)
se eu comprar em pdf, tem tradução para o Português?
Hi Ellen I am in South Africa and would like to buy a copy of you book . I am not a fan of reading on a kindle but would like a copy of the book . Were can I buy one from ?
Hi Mr. G,
We got in touch with Ellen for you. Here is her response:
HI Ellen Thanks for fast response .What a great book . I bought it online and printed it on my home printer .
How do I get this book ?
Hi Richard!
If you click on the image of the book above, you’ll be taken to the page on Ellen Davis’ website. You can buy it directly on that page.
Hope this helps!
do you have a paper back or hard back copy of your e-book Fight cancer with a ketogenic diet for sale? I am not interested in an e-mail format. I am wanting it for a friend
What can you say about Dr Gonzalas criticisms of this theory and the ketogenic diet? Like all theories and practices and diets, are there bound to be those who disagree / criticize?
Thank you very much, Betsy, for mentioning Dr. Gonzales and his views on the ketogenic diet. We had not heard of Dr. Gonzales before this. In preparing for our reply to you, we found your and your husband Bruce’s website dedicated to healing and restoring personal relationships. We mention this because we do not recall ever receiving a comment from anyone other than health care professionals or people concerned about their own nutrition.
Thus, it is a great pleasure hearing from you and learning of your work. We compliment you for recognizing the importance of nutrition for the sound health that is essential for success and fulfillment in all aspects of life; especially in building strong and rewarding relationships with loved ones.
With regard to Dr. Gonzales’ disagreement with Dr. Seyfried regarding ketogenic diets and cancer, it is known that cancer cells use glucose but not fatty acids for energy. Thus depriving cancer cells of glucose by means of a ketogenic diet is a logical approach. Beyond that, at the present time too little known about cancer metabolism to make any definitive statements about proper treatment. As lay people, we will leave the argument to medical professionals.
Because you obviously have a genuine interest in nutritional science, we would like to suggest some Ketopia posts that may help provide some more background on issues relating to ketogenesis and cancer.
A Biochemical Outline of a Cure for Cancer: This post outline steps in a natural cure for cancer. (http://ketopia.com/a-biochemical-outline-of-a-cure-for-cancer/#more-1989/)
Metabolic Energy Control: This post describes the normal sequence of stages in energy production. (http://ketopia.com/metabolic-energy-control/#more-2015/)
Prevention of Breast, Prostate, and Colorectal Cancers: This post discusses the carcinogenic effect of an omega-6 fatty acid generally ignored by nutritional science. (http://ketopia.com/prevention-breast-prostate-colorectal-cancers/#more-1920/)
A Tale of Two Truths: This post outlines suggested requirements for an optimal human diet. (http://ketopia.com/a-tale-of-two-truths/#more-2121/)
Is there recipe and menus book to purchase and where would I be able to
get it , or is it available on line
Hi Emma
We do not know the answer to your question. We suggest you contact the author Ellen Davis. Go to her website (www.ketogenic-diet-resource.com) and click on “about this site”. Then click on “contact/donate” and you will get a form to send to MS Davis with your message.
We hope this reply is helpful to you.
Can I get a hard copy of this book?
how can i get a hard copy of fight cancer with a kenogenic diet?!
Sorry, we cannot answer your question. Please contact the author, Ellen Davis: http://www.ketogenic-diet-resource.com/