Marsha’s Story & Dave’s Story

Dr. Al Danenberg ● Nutritional Periodontist

May 30, 2021

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Marsha’s Story

I heard a story the other day that brought tears to my eyes.

A young woman was given the prognosis of less than a year to live. And she was only 36 years old. Marsha had three little children and an endearing husband.

About 7 years ago, Marsha and Brian were married. They seemed to have a charmed life. He was a professor at a local college, and she was an artist with many masterpieces to her credit. They started a family and wound up with two beautiful girls and one mischievous little baby boy.

As fate would have it, Marsha began to have headaches. They were not usual for her, but she assumed they were the result of the stress of raising an active family and the strain of deadlines she put on herself for her paintings. Yet they became more frequent and intense.

Advil and Tylenol were not helping with the pain.

Once the headaches started to affect her ability to paint, she took them more seriously. Marsha made an appointment with her medical doctor.

Tests were run, specialists were consulted, and then more tests were run. Marsha was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme.

This type of brain cancer is vicious and indiscriminate. It grows and spreads rapidly. Usually, it is confined to the brain and does not spread to other parts of the body. It feeds on the vast supply of blood vessels in the brain. Some of the symptoms include headache, nausea, drowsiness, blurred vision, personality changes, and seizures. Conventional treatments today include radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery.

Marsha and Brian were stopped in their tracks. It was as though a ton of bricks fell on their heads. They had to make decisions very quickly. Her oncologist recommended all three conventional therapies to be started ASAP. Marsh’s doctor did not suggest any other form of treatment. And Marsha and Brian did not know the other questions to ask.

Marsha scheduled to begin the treatment plan the next day.

The life expectancy for patients with glioblastoma is about a year. However, this monstrous and unforgiving cancer progressed rapidly for Marsha. She died only 4 months after her diagnosis and the start of her treatment.

Dave’s Story

Then I read about a patient who was treated at the Paleomedicina Clinic in Budapest, Hungary. The Clinic’s doctors treat serious chronic diseases and cancers. They publish some of their case reports. Here is a summary of this patient’s Case Report from 2019.

A male patient (whom I will call Dave) was 52-years old. He was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme, and his conventional oncologist treated him with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. He went into remission for 7 months, only to have the disease reappear with a vengeance.

Although similar treatment was recommended again, Dave refused additional conventional therapy and went to the Paleomedicina Clinic to discuss his options. He wanted a more holistic and less invasive way around his malignancy if that were possible.

The doctors performed various tests and made their recommendations. Dave opted to incorporate the Paleolithic Ketogenic Diet (PKD) as a stand-alone therapy.

Following the implementation of the PKD in September 2016, the progression of the disease completely halted. The Clinic published Dave’s Case Report after the 38th month of treatment. The brain cancer had not progressed for over three years. And during that time, Dave was free of symptoms. He was not in remission, but he had no side-effects from the glioblastoma and enjoyed an excellent quality of life without the use of drugs or supplements.

PKD

The Paleolithic Ketogenic Diet is an animal-based diet. For Dave, the doctors put him on the strict version – no plant foods, no dairy, no supplements, and no pharmaceutical drugs. He ate when he was hungry and drank when he was thirsty. Dave’s food consisted of all animal parts from nose to tail. These included cattle and pork muscle meats, saturated fats, organs, and connective tissue and collagenous parts. The proportion of fat-to-protein was a ratio of approximately 2 grams of fat to 1 gram of protein.

This way of eating put Dave into physiologic ketosis where his body primarily was burning fat for fuel, and his liver was producing ketones. In addition, necessary glucose could be formed from the glycerol molecule that is released after lipolysis breaks down triglyceride into 3 fatty acids and 1 glycerol.

Although ketosis is an important component for healing from this animal-based diet, the medical staff claims the crucial factor is a healthy gut. Success is dependent on returning the gut microbiome to a healthy balance and reestablishing an intact gut epithelial barrier. In other words, Dave’s goals were to have no gut dysbiosis and no leaky gut.

In addition to Dave’s case report, the Paleomedicina Clinic also has documented various successes for severe chronic diseases among its 5,000-plus patient population over the last 10 years using the PKD exclusively. Their published case reports include:

  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Type 1 diabetes
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Gilbert’s syndrome
  • Epilepsy
  • Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
  • Soft palate cancer
  • Rectal cancer

Is PKD the Answer?

Could this strict way of eating be the answer for severe chronic diseases and cancers? Based on the clinical outcomes of patients adhering to the PKD, this diet might offer hope. If this diet did not resolve the disease, it reduced the severity significantly.

I emphasize the elements of the PKD in my Better Belly Blueprint.

There is no way to know if an animal-based diet could have prevented Marsha’s brain cancer from progressing. In addition, there are many other alternative protocols that claim varying degrees of success for various types of cancer.

But the science that the Paleomedicina Clinic puts forth and the compelling results they report were the primary reasons that I incorporated this way of eating into my Unconventional Cancer Protocols as of 1/1/20. (As you probably know, I was diagnosed with incurable bone marrow cancer in 2018 and was given 3-6 months to live if I didn’t start chemotherapy right away. I rejected chemotherapy and began my Protocols.)

I am not in remission, but I am thriving today!

 

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Passion to Thrive
– My Spiritual Cancer Journey –

Dr. Al Danenberg ● Nutritional Periodontist

May 23, 2021

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Most of my followers know that I have been on a personal cancer journey since September 2018. And most know that I was placed in a hospice hospital in late August 2019 to die. But most don’t know what happened to me during those hospice days of deep depression and preparing for death. And then how my spirituality lifted me up to where I am today.

 

Hospice

The severe pathological fractures of my right femur, right humerus, and 2 ribs (which occurred all at once) put me in hospice. During those few weeks, I felt I had lost any chance for a quality of life. I was ready to die and wanted to die. I gave up. I saw no path forward. And I was surrounded by dying patients.

But a change in the wind was coming. Eventually, it would ignite my passion to thrive.

As fate would have it, during the first week of September 2019, a fierce hurricane threatened the hospice hospital and forced an evacuation of all patients. The hospital staff did not know where to send me. So, my wife quickly arranged for a hospital bed to be sent to my home, and I was transported there.

At home, I remained heavily drugged, catheterized, and demoralized. I continued to be under hospice care. My bones were healing, but I was still ready to die and wanted to die.

After getting home, my wife gave me some tough love. She can be a very persuasive and stubborn person!

She literally pulled me up emotionally and rekindled my spirituality to change the course of my life. What a woman!

My spirituality had been the backbone of my ability to cope with cancer up to the event that caused me to enter hospice.

Within weeks of being home, I began to rally. I developed not only a desire to live but also a passion to thrive. I revoked hospice care and began the first day of the rest of my life. I realized that I had a purpose in life and that I could act on it positively.

 

My Spiritual Beliefs

I am not driven by a religious philosophy but rather by an intense spirituality. In the weeks following the hurricane, my wife helped me reconnect to my previous spiritual experiences.

I believe we all are on earth to learn lessons. I can trace my beliefs back to some of my early readings of Ian Stevenson[1] and Edgar Cayce[2], both of whom wrote extensively about reincarnation. These views also are influenced by my research about “out of body” experiences by Robert Monroe[3] and “near-death” experiences by Dr. Raymond Moody[4]. My spiritual feelings are confirmed by the in-depth research of Dr. Michael Newton[5], whose patients clearly revealed under hypnotic regression that our souls have an existence between incarnations. Dr. Newton coined the term, “Life-Between-Lives”.

Here are three interesting interviews – one with Robert Monroe, a short one with Dr. Ray Moody, and the last with Dr. Michael Newton:

26-minute video with Robert Monroe

2-minute video with Dr. Raymond Moody

43-minute video with Dr. Michael Newton

 

 

Spiritual Encounters

I had two spiritual encounters in the past that I now know related to my present diagnosis of cancer and subsequent cancer journey.

1992

Way back in 1992, I had the opportunity to attend a 6-day intense program at the Monroe Institute in Faber, VA. It was called “Gateway Voyage”.[6] In those days, the program was held live at the Institute and was limited to about 15 people. The participants experienced progressive states of altered consciousness through the guidance of recorded audio tapes while experiencing the brain enhancing frequencies called HemiSync[7].

Hemi-Sync (hemispheric synchronization) is an audio-guidance process using headphones. It works through the generation of complex, multilayered audio signals that are slightly different for the left ear and the right ear. Together, these frequencies create a resonance of brain waves in the left and right hemispheres which assists an individual in “balancing” both hemispheres and entering various states of altered consciousness. The process is like transcendental meditation, but much quicker. HemiSync gets you “there” almost immediately.

Each of the attendees had a private cubicle where we would lie down for each session, put on the headphones, and listen to the verbal guidance which had HemiSync frequencies embedded. The cubicles also were our “sleeping quarters” for the entire stay. Each day we had 4 separate audio sessions. After each session, the group leader would assemble all 15 participants to discuss our experiences.

In one session, I was guided to a level of altered consciousness and was able to visualize in my mind’s eye going up a mountain to open a door. The door was supposed to open to my future. But I couldn’t open the door. The door was blocked.

During the group discussion which immediately followed, the leader explained to me that there was a major event in my future that I was not supposed to know yet. In time, I would learn what that was. And he emphasized that it would be life changing.

2012

Fast forward twenty years …

I had been doing significant reading in all areas of past life regression and life-between-lives. My belief turned into a knowing. I was convinced we are here on earth for various incarnations to learn specific lessons so our soul could evolve.

In 2012, I saw a hypnotherapist who specialized in Life Between Lives Regression. She was trained by the Newton Institute.[8] This was an intense session that lasted 6 hours on a Friday evening and then another 4 hours the following Saturday morning. During this experience, I had significant breakthroughs. But again, I ran into a block.

During the hypnotic regression, I was not able to “open the door” to a future experience. My therapist explained that something very significant would be happening to me in the future, but now was not the time for my consciousness to uncover what my soul had planned for me.

This sounded familiar. In 1992 and again in 2012. What could it be that was so major in my life that my life-between-lives regression would not allow me to peek at that plan?

2018

Six years later, in September 2018, my most life-changing event occurred. I was diagnosed with incurable bone marrow cancer and was given 3-6 months to live. At that time, I viewed it as a death sentence. But it turned out to be the exact opposite. It was the opening of a door that completely changed the course of my life for the better.

2021

Today, I believe that the event of, and personal growth from, developing terminal cancer were blocked from my consciousness in 1992 and again in 2012.

I believe this blocked door was the gateway for me to learn this life’s purpose. The lesson I was to take away was that I could survive my prognosis, thrive, and begin helping others in similar situations.

 

We All Have a Journey

No matter where we are in our life’s journey, there is a purpose. In my belief system, my soul designed this current experience before incarnating in my physical body to learn a critical lesson. As time moves on, the soul will continually perfect itself as it becomes enlightened and approaches one with the almighty source.

When I was able to rediscover my spirituality, I was able to find strength and resolve to persevere. Everyone dealing with a life-threatening situation can find solace if they connect with their soul and discover their meaning of life.

For many people, they find comfort in religion and its doctrine. For me, I found meaning by knowing that my immortal soul is learning important lessons in my current mortal body.

My exciting journey is just beginning. Who knows what other doors I will encounter? I’m looking forward to a bright future and many meaningful years to come.

 

[1] https://www.carolbowman.com/dr-ian-stevenson

[2] https://www.edgarcayce.org/the-readings/reincarnation/

[3] https://www.monroeinstitute.org/products/monroe-robert-a-journeys-out-of-the-body

[4] https://www.amazon.com/Life-After-Bestselling-Investigation-Experiences/dp/006242890X/

[5] https://www.newtoninstitute.org/books/

[6] https://www.monroeinstitute.org/pages/our-purpose

[7] https://www.monroeinstitute.org/blogs/blog/so-hemi-sync%C2%AE-works-but-how

[8] https://www.newtoninstitute.org/

 

 

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PAIN?
– My Solution –

Dr. Al Danenberg ● Nutritional Periodontist

March 28, 2021

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Pain is very subjective. What is painful for one may be only slightly uncomfortable for another.

 

I live with pain all the time. But I now have a new solution that can help me deal with it.

 

I have bone pain from multiple myeloma as well as leftover pain from my pathological fractures of both my femurs, my right humerus, several ribs, and 2 vertebrae. Most of the time, Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) Therapy (part of my Unconventional Cancer Protocols) has reduced this pain to tolerable levels. However, some pain gets to me, and I need something additional for relief.

 

Usually when I need pain medication, I go for ibuprofen 600mg as needed. I have tried CBD oil, but I have not had success with it. I do not take narcotics.

 

Now I found a new substance that works well for me – Boswellic Acids. It works better than ibuprofen with minimal side effects. And when I discussed it with my conventional oncologist, he was impressed and was interested in the medical journal reports I shared with him.

 

Also, since I need to take a small dose of dexamethasone (a corticosteroid) along with my monthly immunotherapy, Boswellic Acids may be a perfect substitute for that steroid. There is evidence that Boswellic Acids may replace this steroid while providing the same results with little to no side effects.

 

If I still were treating patients in my office, I would not hesitate to recommend this medicine as an anti-inflammatory and pain reliever.

 

 

What are Boswellic Acids?

Boswellia, also known as Indian frankincense, is an herbal extract taken from the Boswellia serrata tree. It is a series of pentacyclic triterpene molecules. Boswellia resin made from boswellia extract has been used traditionally for thousands of years. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is one of the most prized medicinal herbs for the treatment of arthritis and inflammatory disorders. Today, research is discovering Boswellia’s efficacy in treating a number of health problems, which I list later in this post.

 

Boswellic Acids from the resin are responsible for the herb’s anti-inflammatory properties. These acids are reported to have expectorant, antiseptic, anxiolytic, anti-neurotic, analgesic, tranquilizing, and antibacterial effects. The strength of Boswellia products is generally rated on its concentration of Boswellic Acids in the product. I look for at least 65% Boswellic Acids in the capsule or softgel. These medicaments are available as a resin, pill, or cream.

 

Based on the research I have read and my personal experience, Boswellic Acids appear to be a healthier alternative to steroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NASIDS) for pain and inflammation.

 

CAVEAT: If you have gastritis or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), you may not be able to take Boswellia. If you are taking blood thinners or on prescription steroids, you must consult with your doctor before you try Boswellic Acids.

 

 

Problems with NSAIDS Like Ibuprofen[1],[2],[3]

NSAIDS are the go-to, over-the-counter drugs of choice for pain. However, ibuprofen and other NSAIDS can cause bleeding, increased blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and renal damage. They may be the culprit in heartburn, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea or constipation. NSAIDS can also damage the gut microbiome, decrease the diversity of species in the gut, and damage the gut epithelial barrier.

 

 

Problems with Steroids Like Dexamethasone[4],[5],[6]

Dexamethasone is a strong, anti-inflammatory, corticosteroid drug. It is used to treat conditions such as arthritis, blood and hormone disorders, allergic reactions, skin diseases, eye problems, breathing problems, bowel disorders, cancer, and immune system disorders. It relieves pain and inflammation.

 

Unfortunately, dexamethasone has significant adverse side effects such as water retention, weight gain and puffiness, suppression of the immune system, increase in blood sugar, weakness in arms and legs, insomnia, osteoporosis, and damage to the adrenal glands. Also, steroids damage the mucous layer in the gut.

 

However, this drug is widely used and considered a necessary evil in patient management for various diseases.

 

 

Dosage of Boswellic Acids[7],[8],[9]

One study has shown that the elimination half-life of Boswellic Acids is about six hours. This means that dosing every 6-8 hours orally may be important to maintain the proper blood level. Also, it took about thirty hours after the initial dose to reach a stable blood level. So, expected benefits may not be reached until the second day after the starting dose. In addition, absorption is better when taken with a meal that is high in fat. Since I eat a high-fat diet, I’m good to go!

 

Dosing guidelines are suggested by each of the product’s manufacturer. However, the general dosing guidelines suggest taking one capsule or softgel orally one to three times a day. Different medical conditions would require specific dosing concentrations of the active ingredients – Boswellic Acids.

 

 

Rare Side Effects from Boswellic Acids

In 2019, a double-blind study was reported where 48 patients with osteoarthritis were divided into 2 groups. Over the course of 4 continuous months, the control group took a placebo, and the experimental group took 87mg of Boswellic Acids in capsule form twice a day. The experimental group’s knee pain and function significantly improved. It is important to note over the course of 120 days, there were no statistically significant changes in the participants’ body weight, blood pressure, respiratory rate, or pulse rate. Also, there were no abnormal lab or diagnostic parameters recorded. In addition, Boswellic Acids significantly reduced the serum levels of high‐sensitive C‐reactive protein, a systemic inflammatory marker. And none of the individuals developed any serious side effects during the entire 4-month study.[10]

 

Although side effects are rare, you should be aware that Boswellic Acids …

  • May accelerate menstrual flow and may induce miscarriage in pregnant women
  • May increase bleeding
  • May cause nausea
  • May aggravate acid reflux
  • May cause diarrhea
  • May cause skin rashes
  • May interact with steroids, ibuprofen, aspirin, and other NSAIDs

 

 

Boswellic Acid Science[11],[12],[13],[14],[15]

Boswellic Acids have the ability to modulate multiple mediators involved in the pathogenesis of many diverse diseases. Currently, there are a number of research projects actively investigating the efficacy of using this medicine as a treatment modality. Here are a few of the chronic diseases that have been, and are being, studied:

 

  • Osteoarthritis (OA)
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
  • Asthma
  • Various Cancers
    • Breast Cancer
    • Bladder Cancer
    • Brain Cancer
    • Cervical Cancer
    • Colon Cancer
    • Leukemia
    • Liver Cancer
    • Lung Cancer
    • Prostate Cancer
    • Pancreatic Cancer
    • Melanoma
  • Atherosclerosis
  • Renal Intestinal Fibrosis
  • Diabetes
  • Central Nervous System Disorders like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and Multiple Sclerosis
  • Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury (IRI)
  • Psoriasis

 

 

My Solution

I have read about, and experienced the benefits of, Boswellic Acids as a supplement in capsule or softgel form. There are many products on the market.

 

I selected a product that contains 65% Boswellic Acids in 500mg Boswellia Extract. Therefore, each softgel has 325mg of Boswellic Acids. The recommended dose is 1 softgel, 1-2 times per day. When needed, I take 1 softgel 3 times a day with food containing high fat.

 

For me, this is an excellent substitute for an anti-inflammatory pain medicine when I need it. It also might be considered as a promising alternative to corticosteroids in the treatment of diseases requiring steroids.

 

My oncologist has allowed me to experiment on myself. As you know, I don’t hesitate from being a study of N=1! But he will monitor me.

 

So, starting with my next monthly immunotherapy infusion, I will begin to replace my 3 declining doses of dexamethasone (4mg, 2mg, 1mg) with Boswellic Acids.

 

Even though I only take small doses of the steroid, I retain about 5 pounds of water weight as a result that lasts about one week. Also, this minimal dose of the steroid still gives me insomnia for about 5 days. I am looking forward to avoiding these steroid side effects if the Boswellic Acids work instead.

 

 

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4809680/

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7426480/

[3] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/apt.14451

[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK531462/

[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4402247/

[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279156/

[7] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15643550/

[8] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15070181/

[9] https://accp1.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0091270011422811

[10] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6681146/

[11] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7229515/

[12] http://www.koliskoinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Therapeutic-Advantages-of-AKBAv2.pdf

[13] https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/3041438

[14] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6747466/

[15] https://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2014/12/boswellia-new-studies-show-effective-pain-relief

 

 

 

 

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  My Personal 48-Hour Water Fast
– My Cancer Journey –  

Dr. Al Danenberg ● Nutritional Periodontist

March 21, 2021

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I wrote about my first 48-hour fast in 2017 – over a year before I was diagnosed with incurable bone marrow cancer. In that article, I discussed various methods of fasting and the benefits published in the medical literature. At that time, I did not do a strict “water fast”.

 

Now I am on my cancer journey. And fasting can play an important role along with my animal-based diet and my other Unconventional Cancer Protocols.

 

Just a couple of weeks ago, I finished my 48-hour water fast. Let me get into the details about fasting and then my personal experience this time around.

 

 

Caution

Always consult your doctor before attempting a 48-hour fast. Generally, there are those individuals who should not fast. They include:

  • Children
  • People with type 1 diabetes
  • People with low blood pressure
  • Those who are underweight or have a history of eating disorders
  • Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to conceive, or have a history of amenorrhea
  • Those taking certain medications such as insulin, blood pressure meds, blood thinners, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)

 

 

Basic Benefits of Fasting[1]

Hippocrates was probably one of the first advocates of fasting for medical purposes. He recommended those who were sick to fast.

 

Research suggests 9 basic benefits we can derive from fasting:

 

  1. Cellular health: Fasting can assist in cellular repair and delay tissue aging, both of which will support overall longevity. In addition, many studies indicate that 48-hour fasting can improve cellular repair and increase cellular strength more than other fasting methods.
  2. Reduced inflammation: Fasting for more than 24 hours will reduce oxidative stress, which will reduce overall inflammation.
  3. Strengthened immune system: When animals in the wild get sick, they stop eating and focus on resting. This is a primal instinct which reduces stress on their internal system and enhances their immune system to fight infection.
  4. Improved insulin sensitivity and blood sugar levels: During a 24-hour fast, glycogen (the storage form of glucose) is depleted, and insulin levels are reduced. This allows your body to burn stored fat as fuel. Decreased insulin levels can improve insulin sensitivity and improve sugar control.
  5. Heart health: Several studies suggest that fasting may lower the risk of coronary heart disease and may help lower blood pressure, triglycerides and cholesterol levels.
  6. Enhanced brain function: Animal studies show that fasting could improve brain function, increase nerve cell synthesis and protect against neurodegenerative conditions (such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s).
  7. Increased hormone secretion: Fasting can increase levels of human growth hormone (HGH), which plays a role in growth, metabolism, weight loss and muscle strength.
  8. Better digestion: Fasting gives the digestive system a break, improves the balance of bacteria in the gut, and increases bacterial diversity.
  9. Weight loss: Fasting may increase metabolism, help preserve muscle mass, and reduce body weight and body fat. A 48-hour fast, once or twice per month, will reduce your calorie intake by up to 8,000 calories per month, which can promote weight loss.

 

 

Cancer Benefits of Fasting[2],[3]

There are specific cancer benefits from fasting. These are related to the prevention of cancer, the decreased growth of cancer cells, and the enhancement of conventional cancer therapy.

 

Fasting …

 

  • Has only mild side effects, such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and weakness
  • Leads to alterations in growth factors and in metabolite levels, creating an environment that will reduce the ability of cancer cells to adapt and survive
  • Decreases the level of critical nutrients thereby inhibiting cancer cells from proliferating at high rates
  • Sensitizes many types of cancer cells to chemotherapeutic medicines.
  • Forces healthy cells to enter a slow division and highly protected mode that protects them against the toxicity from anticancer drugs
  • Prevents detrimental and potentially life-threatening side effects and DNA damage from various cancer treatments

 

 

My Personal 48-Hour Water Fast

To summarize my way of eating: I am following a carnivore diet and stay in ketosis about 6 days a week. To know I am in ketosis, I measure my ketone levels with the Breath Ketone Monitor several times a day. After 6 days of ketosis, I cycle out of ketosis by consuming about 150 grams of carbs to stay metabolically flexible. My carbs generally consist of raw honey and various fruits. The day after my carb day, I return to eating my animal-based diet, which will include less than 20 grams of carbs per day.

 

I started my water fast on Monday, 3/8/21, at 7PM. That Monday was my “cycle day out of ketosis”.

 

The Table below shows the progression of my ketone levels starting from the time I started my fast at 7PM on Monday night until I broke my fast with dinner on Wednesday night at 7PM. I must tell you, I broke my fast with a delicious, juicy, medium-rare ribeye steak cooked to perfection in my Ninja Foodie Indoor Grill.

 

As you can see in the Table, my ketone levels were almost non-existent when I started my fast. They fell to 0.1 mmol/L by Tuesday morning at 8AM as my body was using the available glucose.

 

After my body digested the consumed carbs from Monday and used its glucose for fuel, my body began to mobilize glucose from the glycogen stores in the liver until they were depleted. The Table suggests that my liver glycogen was depleted around 4PM on Tuesday afternoon. That was when my ketone level rose to 0.5 mmol/L, which was about 21 hours after I started my fast.

 

Lipolysis in fat cells and ketone production by the liver then began in earnest. As I continued my water fast, my ketone levels increased to 2.0 mmol/L by the time I broke my fast on Wednesday night.

 

I easily could have gone another 24 hours. My hunger level was minimal, and my energy level was good.

 

All during the fast, I only drank mineral water or non-caffeinated herbal teas brewed in mineral water. I continued to drink my 8 ounces of SOLE water first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. SOLE helps hydration and provides 84 trace minerals.

 

 

Here is a Table that identifies the different ketone levels and their significance:

 

Overall Experience

The outcome of my 48-hour water fast was nothing short of amazing.

 

Previous to the fast, I was experiencing slight stomach discomfort – almost like reflux but not to the extent of burning. It was just an “uneasy feeling” in my gut. All during the fast and thereafter, my stomach distress completely disappeared. It has not come back.

 

Also, I noticed stable and even increased energy.

 

The only “hunger” sensation was around noon on Tuesday – about 17 hours after I started the fast. To curb that feeling, I drank herbal tea, which took care of the “hunger” feeling. As Tuesday progressed and until I broke the fast, I did not have a strong desire to eat food.

 

Because of the health benefits I discussed in this writing as well as my overall feeling during the fast, I will continue to do a 48-hour water fast once a month. Maybe next time I will try a 3-day fast. I plan to start my monthly fasts following my “carb cycle day”.

 

[1] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/fasting-benefits

[2] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41568-018-0061-0

[3] https://jeccr.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13046-019-1189-9

 

 

 

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My Cancer Journey
– High-Dose Vitamins D3 & K2 –

Dr. Al Danenberg ● Nutritional Periodontist

February 7, 2021

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You know me. I’ve treated my body as a study of N=1.

 

When I learned of my dire cancer prognosis in September 2018, I knew that I could not wait 10 more years for the medical community to prove my Unconventional Cancer Protocols would heal (or even possibly cure) my cancer. You see, I didn’t have the luxury of a long-life expectancy. I was given only 3-6 months to live at that time.

 

Life is what it is.

 

So, right away I was motivated to investigate peer-reviewed methods to help heal my body and recreate a robust immune system. I was not looking for methodologies that only one investigator found successful. I wanted therapies that were successfully and repeatedly reported from various researchers throughout the world.

 

Let me be clear! I never developed a cure for cancer. But my independent research has uncovered concepts to improve my immune system. I even developed a set of 5 Tools to measure my success. And this has gotten me to a point today where I am thriving better than most healthy individuals.

 

After my diagnosis, my cancer journey followed unconventional paths with overall success but a few significant setbacks. I have written many Blogs updating my progress, concerns, and tweaks to my protocols. I have been open with my personal experiences.

 

Now, it’s time for another significant tweak. The reason comes from my continuing research. I’m a glutton for uncovering new and exciting aspects in medical science. My challenge comes from connecting the dots, but I do take “creative scientific license”.

 

My discovery: Supplementation of high-dose Vitamin D3 combined with high-dose Vitamin K2 could be positive for the treatment of cancers. Not proven, but possible!

 

 

The Research

Let’s look at the supporting science.

 

  • In 2017, Healthline summarized the metabolic benefits of combining Vitamin D3 with Vitamin K2 supplementation.

 

  • A summary statement in this 2020 VITAL Trial noted: “Our findings, along with results from previous studies, support the ongoing evaluation of vitamin D supplementation for preventing metastatic cancer – a connection that is biologically plausible.”

 

  • Vitamin D deficiency is extremely common in patients with multiple myeloma. Patients with this bone marrow cancer often complain of dull, persistent, generalized musculoskeletal aches and pains with fatigue or decrease in muscle strength. These symptoms may well be the result of Vitamin D deficiency. Here is a 2011 case report of a 63-year-old man with multiple myeloma who was taking chemotherapy. This individual presented with worsening generalized musculoskeletal pain, weakness, and multiple falls. His bone studies showed severe lytic lesions with a very low Vitamin D level of less than 8ng/mL. However, after he was treated with 3000 units of Vitamin D daily, his musculoskeletal pain decreased.

 

  • In a 2015 medical paper, 83 multiple myeloma patients had their 25 Hydroxy Vitamin D levels studied. Those with less than 10 ng/mL were associated with higher number of plasma cells in their bone marrow. When they took vitamin D3 supplementation, their hemoglobin, leukocytes, and erythrocytes increased, while their thrombocytes decreased.

 

  • In this 2017 study, osteoporosis, osteonecrosis and fracture were more prevalent in patients with multiple myeloma who had low blood levels of Vitamin D.

 

  • Another study in 2020 suggested that multiple myeloma patients with deficient 25 Hydroxy Vitamin D levels had a poorer life expectancy.

 

  • In regard to Vitamin K2, this 2015 article describes how Vitamin K2 can promote bone health.

 

  • And in this in vitro study of human myeloma cells, concentrations of Vitamin K2 inhibited the growth of the malignant cells and assisted in inducing self-suicide (or apoptosis).

 

  • This 2018 review of the literature clearly points out the Vitamin K2 can inhibit cancer cell growth.

 

However, high doses of Vitamin D3 can cause hypercalcemia and other toxic side effects. Because of these potential outcomes, it is necessary to include high doses of Vitamin K2 along with Vitamin D3 to improve calcium metabolism and avoid other side effects. Also, it is important to monitor various blood chemistries for possible signs of Vitamin D toxicity. As for Vitamin K2, there has never been a lethal dose detected.

 

 

My New Protocol

So, I have started a new experiment again using my body as the guinea pig. I definitely am NOT recommending any person try this protocol. I have no idea if this will work for me or even if it will be harmful. However, the medical papers I have read suggest this may be beneficial.

 

If you have followed my Unconventional Cancer Protocols, you are aware that I was taking 5000 IU of Vitamin D3 and 320 mcg of Vitamin K2 daily. The most recent result of my 25 Hydroxy Vitamin D blood test showed a level of 62 ng/mL. This blood level is higher than the recommended range for healthy individuals, which is 40 – 60 ng/mL.

 

I began my new protocol on 1/20/21 when I upped my daily doses. I started taking 20,000 IU of Vitamin D3 along with 450 mcg of Vitamin K2. My goal is to raise my 25 Hydroxy Vitamin D blood level to 100-125 ng/mL. At this new level, maybe my malignant plasma cells and dysfunctional IgA antibodies will decrease. I’ll give my body 2-3 more months on this regimen before retesting.

 

This is the only change I’m making to my Protocols. Obviously, I am not a controlled study. But by changing only one variable in my routine, I can come close to being a controlled medical trial of N=1.

 

 

Diagnostic Tests

To refresh your memory, my cancer diagnosis is IgA Kappa Light Chain Multiple Myeloma. My oncologist orders a new CBC (complete blood count) and CMP (complete metabolic panel) every 4 weeks. Every 2-3 months, I have a series of blood tests to evaluate my dysfunctional antibody production from malignant plasma cells. The test is called a Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPEP) with Immunofixation.  He also orders a 25 Hydroxy Vitamin D blood test about every 3 months.

 

On my calendar, I have a Bone Scan scheduled for March 2021, which will evaluate my overall skeletal strength. And I have my 4th PET Scan scheduled in May 2021.

 

As time goes by, I will report the results from my various tests and scans as they reflect my new Vitamin D3 and Vitamin K2 dosing.

 

My CBC and CMP have been relatively within normal ranges since 1/1/20. However, the results of my current Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPEP) with Immunofixation continue to be abnormally high. Yet they are lower with little fluctuation since starting my stand-alone immunotherapy of Darzalex in October 2019.

 

Here are two of my Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPEP) with Immunofixation results as of 1/26/21:

  • Kappa Light Chain, Free: 1060.0 mg/L (normal = 3.3 – 19.4 mg/L)
  • IgA, quantitative: 591 mg/dL (normal = 61 – 437 mg/dL)

 

In May 2021, I expect to have new numbers and information to report.

 

 

Anecdotal Evidence

I am aware of an individual who has a similar diagnosis as I and has started this new dosing protocol of Vitamin D3 and K2 as I just started. After 30 days on this dosing, her IgA level significantly decreased from 634 mg/dL to 300 mg/dL. However, her Kappa Light Chain, which was not elevated at the start, showed minimal reduction. She also reported that her hemoglobin level improved.

 

I must note that this person was taking Ninlaro (a proteasome inhibitor) intermittently. Ninlaro is an oral medication that inhibits proteasomes. Proteasomes break down other proteins that cells no longer need, as well as proteins that are damaged. Ninlaro attaches to the proteasomes and stops them from working properly. This leads to a buildup of damaged and unneeded proteins in the myeloma cells (malignant plasma cells), which causes the myeloma cells to die. But I am sure that proteasomes in healthy cells also are affected by Ninlaro in such a way that healthy cells will no longer be able to rid themselves of damaged and harmful proteins resulting in potentially severe side effects.

 

 

My Bottom Line

Without a doubt, my goal continues to be to maintain a quality life for as long as possible. Longevity has never been (and will never be) a determining factor for me. Avoiding chemical interventions that could destroy my immune system makes absolute sense to me. Why would I want to destroy the natural biochemical pathways of my body, which are critical for my overall health and healing?

 

I am already compromised with bone marrow cancer. In my opinion, my path to wellness is to enhance my body’s ability to fight the fight. If I can crowd out the pathology and replace it with functional cells, I might win this battle.

 

Keep an eye out for my updates in the future. I am excited about reporting additional positive results. You can count on me to be transparent with my successes as well as my lack of successes and failures.

 

I believe I’m here on this planet to share my experiences with all who want to read, hear, and see what I am doing. If I can be a motivational source for you, I have succeeded.

 

If you feel you need to contact me, here is a link to ask your questions. Your email comes directly to me, and I will personally respond to you.

 

 

 

 

Check out my new training on the Better Belly Blueprint! You can watch it HERE.

 

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My Cancer Journey
– 1 Year on Carnivore –

Dr. Al Danenberg ● Nutritional Periodontist

January 17, 2021

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January 1, 2021 was my first anniversary – 1 year being on a carnivore diet. This new way of eating changed my world. And it continues to be a significant factor in my Unconventional Cancer Protocols, which are responsible for the creation of my robust immune system and healing.

 

To bring you up to date, I received a diagnosis of incurable bone marrow cancer in September 2018. At that time, my oncologist gave me 3-6 months to live. I rejected chemotherapy, created my Unconventional Cancer Protocols, and am thriving today. But in August 2019, I suffered several severe pathological fractures on the right side of my body all at one time. These put me into a hospice hospital to die. Yes, to die.

 

Yet, I rallied!

 

In May 2020, my PET Scan showed no active cancer cells in my entire body, but I never entered remission. And today, I don’t know if more malignant plasma cells will continue to overwhelm my body in the future.

 

That brings me to my 1-year history of being on the carnivore diet.

 

 

Carnivore Diet

As I said, I began a strict animal-based diet on 1/1/20. My research leading up to my decision to replace my way of eating with a carnivore diet was extensive. Since my diagnosis in 2018, I had been eating an autoimmune paleo-type diet.

 

My research about the carnivore diet was replete with anecdotal stories. I also was impressed that published medical papers suggested that an anti-inflammatory diet, which created ketosis, would be ideal for cancer patients.

 

Then, I discovered compelling human case reports documenting the success cancer patients had with a strict animal-based diet emphasizing a 2:1 fat ratio measured in grams. Most of those individual studies were reported by a medical facility in Hungary – the Paleomedicina Clinic.

 

Since 2011, the Paleomedicina Clinic in Budapest, Hungary has treated over 5000 patients with severe chronic diseases and cancer. The treatment for all these patients primarily consisted of the clinic’s Paleolithic Ketogenic Diet (PKD) with no supplements or drugs. The PKD is a strict animal-based diet reminiscent of the way our primal ancestors ate. Many results of these medical successes have been published, but I focused on the clinic’s individual cancer cases. While these were not double-blind studies, they were convincing.

 

In addition, I found an abundance of support and excellent research from Paul Saladino, MD, the author of The Carnivore Code. Dr. Saladino’s book is a treasure trove of peer-reviewed research. Being rather “geeky”, I discovered his book to be “just up my alley”.

 

 

Human Evolutionary Experience

If we take a broader view of human evolution, we realize that our omnivorous ancestors preferred a nose-to-tail animal diet. Also, their meals often were intermittent with unintentional periods of fasting.

 

This way of eating provided a state of ketosis for our primal ancestors most of the time. Ketosis allows the body to use its abundant storage of fat as fuel. It also allows the liver to create ketones, which are clean burning fuels for the brain, heart, and muscles.

 

Ketosis and ketones are potentially beneficial for cancer patients. Cancer cells are generally unable to use ketones for their fuel, and glucose (the preferred fuel of cancer cells) is no longer in abundance.

 

In addition, ketones decrease excessive free radicals, stimulate the production of endogenous antioxidants, and improve the production of ATP by healthy mitochondria. Human studies show that ketones improve lipid profiles, reduce insulin levels, and enhance weight loss without decreasing muscle mass. Also, ketones provide an anti-inflammatory effect, important signaling for biological pathways, and the ability to affect gene expression.

 

All of these factors assist in the mitigation of cancer.

 

Below is an informative interview of Dr. Thomas Seyfried discussing this subject:

 

My Status

If you looked at me, I don’t look like a guy who is dying from cancer. I am 5’7” tall and weigh 147 pounds. Since 1/1/20, I’ve lost several pounds of body fat while maintaining my lean muscle mass. I feel and look like a metabolically healthy guy – at the tender age of 73.

 

Since being on an animal-based diet, my blood chemistries and complete blood count have remained within normal ranges. My oncologist orders these blood tests every 4 weeks. He also orders specific protein blood studies to evaluate my immunoglobulins every 2-3 months. The dysfunctional IgA antibodies in my body still remain high but at relatively unchanged levels.

 

My energy level is stellar. And my biomarkers, which I described in my article “5 Important Tools for a Robust Immune System”, have suggested I have a strong and efficient immune system.

 

To help identify my current status, my doctor scheduled a bone density scan in March 2021 and another PET Scan in May 2021. I’ll be reporting the results following the tests.

 

The reality of my prognosis is unknown today. I have outlived my original prognosis by over 2 years. My quality of life is impressive. And my mental cognition has never been better. Yet, I have constant discomfort from my multiple pathological fractures, which I have experienced since my diagnosis.

 

I rarely take any medication for pain. Interestingly, I have noticed that my daily use of PEMF Therapy, which is part of my Unconventional Cancer Protocols, has significantly reduced the degree of pain I experience.

 

Exercise is another important component for healing along my cancer journey. I use a rollator to walk outside about one mile a day weather permitting. The rollator is my security if my legs were to weaken, or if I were to lose my balance. Also, I do modified body-weight exercises indoors 2-3 days a week and modified high-intensity-interval-training every 7-10 days.

 

If you have been reading my Blogs since my diagnosis, you know me. I will forge ahead. My attitude is proactive, and my resolution is to heal my body as best as I can. I want to be known as the senior poster boy for a healthy lifestyle despite my diagnosis of incurable bone marrow cancer.  

 

 

 

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I’m Soooo Grateful

Dr. Al Danenberg ● Nutritional Periodontist

December 20, 2020

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Photo by Jackson David on Unsplash

 

 

I’m so grateful!

 

I’ve had the support of family, friends, and acquaintances. I’ve taken a deadly and incurable cancer and have surprised my oncologist. I am living a quality life with minimal symptoms of any disease. Thankfully, I live in a free country where I can express my spirituality and my inner beliefs openly and courageously. And I can share all my experiences uncensored and widely. I have much for which to be grateful.

 

Most importantly, I am grateful for my readers and followers. You have touched me deeply. You have “made my day” many times over. You have no idea!

 

 

My Journaling

I began writing about my cancer journey on September 17, 2018, just after I was confronted with My Mortality. Starting then, your sincere and heartwarming comments have brought tears to my eyes! My wife thinks I’m too emotional. That may be true. But I know I’m deeply moved and thankful.

 

I want to share some of those tender sentiments. You’ll read why I have been uplifted and emotionally transformed.

 

 

Smile!

After I published Smile! on December 6, 2020, Malinda W. wrote in FaceBook about her personal experience:

 

Thanks for sharing. It was good karma that this was your post this Monday. I went for a 2 mile walk down the street yesterday. Pushing myself to do it because I really wanted to stay inside and finish my jigsaw puzzle. But the sun was out. I got just around the corner and was passed by two cyclists. I usually will smile and tip the brim of my hat/cap to acknowledge another person. As I passed, one of the men yelled back, “You have a really pretty smile” I told him thanks. As I walked on further, it really made me smile even more. It was such a good feeling and so nice of that person to take the time to say that. It has been a very long time since someone told me that. And then I started to cry a bit as smiling used to be part of my everyday with no thought involved. And I have put smiling up on the shelf. Thanks to you, I will have to practice it more and take it out of the dark place it has been hiding. Thanks Doc!

 

 

Twist of Fate

I wrote a blog about my wife having a medical concern that required me to be her pillar of strength. After I posted about this Twist of Fate on November 1, 2020, Rosemary opened her heart by writing this:

 

Thank you for sharing this today, Dr. Danenberg. I’m so sorry to hear of this new challenge your wife is facing. My heart goes out to you both and your family. One thing is for sure, you’re both incredibly strong and resilient people. I’ve been following your blog since before your diagnosis in 2018, and one of the things that has always stood out to me is the wonderful, supportive relationship you and your wife share. I’m so glad you have each other and share such a deep love & gratitude for one another. I am certain it will bring you both through the challenges, come what may. You’re both such an inspiration, truly! I’m so glad you’re not letting the “haters” get to you. I look forward to your emails and blogs each week – thank you for what you share here. Sending lots of love & healing to you and your wife!!

 

 

What Goes on in My Head

On October 4, 2020, I decided to jot down What Goes on in My Head while dealing with my cancer journey. In reference to that post, Barbara C. shared her deepest thoughts:

 

I was trying to find the words to express the depth of admiration I feel for you and your strength; physically, emotionally, and spiritually. You give me strength for those moments when my emotions try to take me down. I don’t have cancer or any life-threatening issues. I just have my own vulnerabilities and find comfort in your words. They bring me back to reality, and the understanding of how very fortunate I am, by the grace of God. I have been following you from the beginning and will follow you until the end. Thank you, and God bless you and continue to watch over you.

 

And Karen D. added:

 

Thank you for being so vulnerable & transparent about this very personal journey. Those of us navigating the cancer reality resonate with your descriptions of thoughts, fears, & anxiety that almost come out of nowhere at times. My husband is a 12-year cancer survivor having undergone every treatment available to him, including a multi-organ transplant 7 years ago. He also is not cancer free today. But it did reset the clock, and he has resumed taking advantage of available treatments & living a healthy lifestyle. The transplant has given him 7 bonus years (and counting), with innumerable blessings & opportunities to share a message of hope with others.
Cancer is a unique megaphone. Thank you for your inspiration. We should all live life intentionally because none of us knows what life-altering event or diagnosis is ahead of us. Today is a gift.
Prayers continue for your brave journey of living life abundantly!

 

 

Living with Abundance

On August 16, 2020, I wrote about Living with Abundance. Mitch P. was moved to write about his surprise:

 

Wow! Never knew of challenges 1 & 2 – only the 3rd one. Baruch Ashem (thank God). You overcame all of them! I have been following you for about 3 years. And when you were in hospice, I thought you were a goner? Keep on keeping on.

 

And Nancy M. continued with her comment:

 

Whenever I read your stories, I feel so grounded and able to put life issues in perspective. Sharing your journey with us is such a gift. Your strength (and your wife’s) is astounding. I want you to know that your writings have helped me through some tough times. Namaste.

 

 

Surprise Response to My Cancer Journey

I wrote about a Surprise Response to My Cancer Journey. Here is a reaction from Cindy S. that took my breath away. This post on June 22, 2020 referred to a “hater” who wrote some terrible things about me. Cindy expressed her concerns, her support, and finally her personal loss:

 

I appreciate all the thought, research and effort you have graciously shared with the internet community. I enjoy reading your posts and celebrating your journey.

Your attitude toward this narrow-minded individual is to be congratulated. You show your confidence in your insightful reply and in posting his cleaned-up “4-letter vocabulary” rant. (I didn’t need those words!)

As an aside, 7 months ago, my brother discovered his stage 4 lung cancer. He died last week after months of painful traditional chemo/radiation treatment. An alternative plan takes a lot of energy, courage, faith and will that my brother didn’t have. As you know well, too much pain makes it hard to make hard choices vs going with the traditional flow. So, I love reading about your success.

 

I’m Cancer Free – Maybe

These final two expressions were in reference to my announcement on May 11, 2020 that my recent PET Scan showed I’m Cancer Free – Maybe.

 

Amelia was driven to write:

 

I’m sitting here in my lounge room in Australia reading your update on my iPhone. I know how much courage and pure grit a journey like this requires. I’m cheering you on every step of the way. Thanks for sharing your experiences because you are helping so many people … including me. All the very best to you xx

 

And Ted recounted his sad loss after reading my blog:

 

Your journey is a blessing to read and follow. My wife was diagnosed with breast cancer in June of 2015, and we had been following your path. She passed away on April 14th. It is so strange that when we first heard your diagnosis, she was doing well, and you were given such a dismal prognosis. She was on her own form of unconventional journey, tailored to her diagnosis and research. You inspire me and clearly many, many others. Keep moving forward and sharing the hope through the struggle!

 

 

I’m Humbled

I could go on with more than a couple hundred other sincere comments just as moving as these.

 

After 73 years, I know what matters in life. It’s all about living a quality life, which includes spreading and receiving love. And an important part of all this is making memories.

 

You, my wonderful and endearing readers, have provided me with outstanding and everlasting memories. I will cherish all of them for the rest my life.

 

Thank you! I am sooooo grateful!!

 

 

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Smile!

Dr. Al Danenberg ● Nutritional Periodontist

December 6, 2020

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Smile. That’s right. Just smile.

 

The first thing I want you to do in the morning is smile. Look into the mirror and show your smile. Feel it. Think about it. Smile as if your life depends on it.

 

Because it does!

 

Even if no one else is around, just smile. Smile because it is a deep expression of yourself. It’s an emotional attachment to humanity. It needs to have a life and be revealed.

 

It only takes 20 seconds. Smile with an enticing grin or a contagious, all-teeth-showing smile.

 

There may be no better way to set the tone of your day than grinning from ear to ear. Try it. It will make you feel elated and uplifted. You may start laughing – all the better.

 

Take a look at this 3-minute video by Sadhguru:

 

 

Throughout time, the magnetism of smiling has been respected and revered. In 1928, Larry Shay, Mark Fisher and Joe Goodwin wrote the music and lyrics of their timeless song, “When You’re Smiling, the whole world smiles with you“. Many artists have recorded it, but one of the most famous renditions was by one of the original entertainment masters. That was in 1929 by the acclaimed Louis Armstrong:

 

 

 

Science

There’s science behind the anecdotal benefits of smiling. A smile is contagious to those around you. It can lift your mood and those in your presence. It also can improve longevity.[1]

 

The act of smiling activates neural messaging in your brain.[2] The feel-good neurotransmitters in your brain are dopamine, endorphins and serotonin. They are released when you smile. Smiling not only relaxes your body, but it also can lower your heart rate and blood pressure.

 

When you smile, you look good. Studies have demonstrated that a person who smiles is more attractive to others than a person who does not smile.[3] You not only bring more people into your social circle; you also impress employers and coworkers.

 

You can exude gratitude when you smile. In this time in the world when a pandemic and political diversity are abundant, take the time to be grateful for all that you have. When you smile, you can express that gratitude to others.

 

 

Smile & Laugh

Laughter is one step beyond smiling. As a matter of fact, smiling and laughter have helped cancer patients.

 

In this 2017 study[4], 56 participants with cancer were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (laughter therapy) or control group (no laughter therapy). Each participant in the intervention group underwent a laughter therapy session once every two weeks for seven weeks. Each session involved a laughter yoga routine followed by traditional Japanese verbal comedy performances. At the end of the study, the intervention group had significantly better cognitive function and less pain than the control group.

 

When it comes to laughter, camps for kids get the idea. There are camps around the country that encourage laughing to have a good time. These camps are designed to perfect the quality of laughing and engage kids to participate and have fun.

 

Beautiful examples are Laugh Factory Comedy Camp[5], Camp Laughing Child[6], and Laughing Buck Farm[7]. Perhaps these camps need to expand for adults. We are never too old to learn to smile and laugh!

 

 

Smiling at My Life

Smiling for me is a new and worthwhile habit. To be honest, I never put much thought into smiling just to smile.

 

Of course, in the past I smiled when I was moved to smile. But I never just smiled to smile. I had no idea the power of smiling.

 

Since my diagnosis of incurable bone marrow cancer in 2018, I have had more than a handful of bouts of depression. I’ve fallen into the abyss of victimization for reasons that may not be too difficult for you to understand. But now I have the might of smiling.

 

You’re never too old to learn a new trick. The act of smiling has been a surprising and amazingly helpful tool for me. Most of the time, my smile is real. Sometimes, it’s forced. But all the time it has helped me stay focused with a healthier forward outlook.

 

My recommendation for you is just SMILE.

 

 

[1] https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0956797610363775?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200pubmed

[2] https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2000-08961-014

[3] https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rstb.2010.0404

[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6597115/

[5] http://www.laughfactory.com/comedy-camp

[6] https://www.laughingchild.org/

[7] https://www.laughingbuckfarm.com/

 

 

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Die Young Late in Life
– My Unconventional Cancer Journey –

Dr. Al Danenberg ● Nutritional Periodontist

November 29, 2020

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I’m outliving my original cancer prognosis by over two years now. My oncologist is surprised. Most of my family and close friends are impressed. I’m elated.

 

But my success would have meant little to me if it weren’t for the quality of life I am experiencing. Let me go into the details of my current path, others on a cancer journey, my future goals, the science supporting them, and the threads that connect all.

 

 

Current Path

Although the obvious and continuing goal of my Unconventional Cancer Protocols is to heal my body, longevity without a quality of life would be worthless to me. If I have anything to say about my mortality, I want to “die young late in life”.

 

So, what does that mean?

 

It means that I want to feel relevant and robust with no debilitating incapacities until the day I die. That may be “pie in the sky” thinking, but that is my goal. A person has to have goals in life to keep moving on – at least that’s my belief.

 

To be and stay “young”, I need to keep my body metabolically flexible and physically strong. My mind needs to be clear and inquiring. I also must do whatever is possible to enhance the health and repair of my 30 trillion human cells and my 38 trillion microbial cells.

 

My efforts to stay “young” include:

 

  • A nose-to-tail, animal-based diet (which provides all my body’s necessary nutrients and allows me to cycle “in” and “out of” ketosis to remain metabolically flexible)
  • Mineral water and Himalayan salt for necessary electrolytes
  • A healthy and diverse gut microbiome as well as an intact gut epithelial barrier
  • A robust innate and adaptive immune system
  • Optimum cellular health with enhanced ATP production
  • 7-8 hours of restorative sleep
  • Efficient exercise based on my physical limitations
  • Reframing and coming to grips with emotional stress

 

Although I have an underlying, incurable bone marrow cancer, I feel great. I feel “young”. I have energy, a clear mind, and quality of life. My wife and I enjoy time together. And we get out of the house to spend time outdoors.

 

When my time on this planet is over, my hope is to have remained “young” until I transition from this life to my spiritual home. If I can stay young and leave this world late in life, I guess you could say I have been successful.

 

I actively am defying the odds of my diagnosis and prognosis.

 

Others on a Cancer Journey

Many patients on conventional cancer treatment are not “staying young” by my definition. Chemotherapy, radiation, and even immunotherapy can increase systemic inflammation, weaken the immune system, and result in a decrease in the quality of life.

 

This study published in November 2020 concludes that cancer patients on a specific immunotherapy do worse than those patients who were in the clinical trials, which originally proved the efficacy of such treatment. In that study, the authors suggested that patients in the real world who received the immunotherapy started off frailer than those participants in the clinical trials. Because of this underlying increased frailty, the real-world patients receiving this therapy had reduced survival rates.

 

However, the authors did not suggest the underlying causes of the observed frailty. I believe the etiologies of this weakened health state are common for most cancer patients.

 

My previous research suggests that real-world cancer patients have poor diets, weak immune systems, compromised gut health, and dysfunctional mitochondria. I believe I have had success along my Cancer Journey because I have improved these factors by adhering to my Unconventional Cancer Protocols. My Protocols have put my body into a uniquely healthier state than if I hadn’t followed them. I am confident that my efforts have improved my chances to stay “young” as long as possible.

 

One question you might ask is, “How do you measure your success?”

 

I measure my success by the robustness of my immune system. As I have described in previous Blogs, a strong immune system is vital for overall health and wellness. The biomarkers I check to assure my immune system is robust are:

 

 

 

Future Goals

Cancer and aging have much in common. By assisting my body to heal from cancer, I also am enhancing my longevity.

 

Cancer is a disease of metabolic dysfunction, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, disturbance of stem cell repair, and a compromised immune system.

 

Aging is a process of metabolic dysfunction, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, disturbance of stem cell repair, and a compromised immune system.

 

In essence, addressing my cancer should enhance my quality of life and increase my longevity.

 

Once again, I want to make this clear to everyone who follows me:

 

Although my PET Scan from May 2020 shows no active cancer cells in my entire body, I am not in remission. I do not have a cure for cancer. Certainly, I am a “work in progress” with still an unknown prognosis going forward. But I am motivated and convinced that I am doing the best for my body.  

 

I am only a study of N=1. No one is doing what I am doing for myself with my current medical challenge. That said, the following medical science encourages me and suggests that I am “right on” with my thinking and my current path.

 

 

Medical Science

Ketones[1],[2],[3],[4],[5]

 

My animal-based diet will keep me “young” by my definition.

 

This diet is very low in carbohydrates and allows fat to be burned as fuel. The metabolic process is called physiologic ketosis. When in ketosis, the liver produces ketones, which are clean burning fuels. That means ketones are easily used to create energy for brain, muscle, and heart cells with less creation of free radicals. Excess free radicals are bad.

 

Excess free radicals are unstable molecules that are missing an electron in their outer shell. They are destructive to all tissues in the body. They are produced as a byproduct of metabolism or by exposure to toxic elements. Excess free radicals will replace their missing electron by reacting with other healthy molecules. The result is called oxidative stress and can damage DNA, lead to cancer, and accelerate aging. They also can damage proteins (called sirtuins) that function to repair damage in DNA as well as proteins that naturally cause apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cells that are beyond repair.

 

In addition to reducing excess free radical creation, ketones stimulate endogenous antioxidant production (ex: glutathione, superoxidase dismutase, and catalase).

 

Other benefits of ketones include decreasing inflammation, improving sirtuin’s ability to repair DNA, maintaining proteins that control genetic upregulation and down regulation, and improving stem cell viability. Viable stem cells replace cells that have undergone apoptosis as well as increase longevity.

 

 

PEMF Therapy[6],[7],[8],[9],[10]

 

Other factors to help me “stay young” are functioning mitochondria and cell membranes. Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) Therapy using a full-body mat can assist in cellular health. It can increase blood flow and oxygenation, improve ionic transport into and out of the cell membrane, enhance the millivoltage potential of the cell, and improve mitochondria’s ability to produce ATP.

 

 

Gut[11],[12],[13],[14],[15],[16]

 

The last factors to help me “stay young” are my garden of gut bacteria and my gut epithelial barrier. A diversity of species in my gut is necessary to support my immune system and overall health. An intact epithelial barrier is necessary to prevent the leakage of toxic substances into my blood circulation. I maintain my gut by consuming an animal-based diet, enhancing my cellular health, and including spore-based probiotics.

 

 

Connecting the Threads

I know I may sound silly by pursuing these efforts to “stay young” until I die. It is my basic desire to live a life of quality as best as I can. I’m never going to give up. Actually, being consumed with these desires and efforts makes me feel connected and vigorous.

 

Yet in a selfish and possessive way, I want to spend more and more quality time with my wife. Unfortunately, my adult children and grandkids live many miles away from me. And I wish I could have more quality time with them. I’m working on it.

 

[1] http://www.aginganddisease.org/EN/10.14336/AD.2016.1230

[2] https://lab-a-porter.com/2020/03/stem-cells-links-to-human-cancer-and-aging/

[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5609489/

[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3735349/

[5] https://iubmb.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/iub.1627

[6] https://www.cell.com/biophysj/fulltext/S0006-3495(18)30572-1

[7] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29901507/

[8] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27086866/

[9] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5119968/

[10] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24039828/

[11] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6529202/

[12] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6356461/

[13] https://www.cell.com/trends/cancer/fulltext/S2405-8033(20)30017-0

[14] https://gut.bmj.com/content/69/10/1867

[15] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6747470/

[16] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304383519300278

 

 

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My Cancer Journey
– a Twist of Fate –

Dr. Al Danenberg ● Nutritional Periodontist

November 1, 2020

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My cancer journey up to this point has been nothing less than spectacular. I’ve progressed…

 

  • From an incurable cancer diagnosis in 2018 with 3-6 months to live…
  • To the creation of my unconventional cancer protocols…
  • To rallying and then thriving…
  • To severe bone fractures landing me into a hospice hospital to die…
  • To a PET Scan in May 2020 showing no active cancer cells.

 

Wow! An amazing path! But I’m not in remission yet. I’m a work in progress.

 

I’ve made my experiences transparent. Most people are never able or allowed to discuss their mortality. It was important to me that I share all my accomplishments and setbacks. Sadly, I remember when my Dad was dying in the early 1980s, and my Mom never allowed any of the family to speak about death to him. How scary and awful it must have been for him.

 

Readers have commented that I have been their inspiration and an example of a healing body. Some even have called me a medical miracle. Yet others have scolded me as being a fake or just an emotional storyteller. Oh well. I have never had the gift of gab.

 

 

My Pillar

All the emotional strength that I required came from my adoring and disciplined wife. She was my pillar. On those days that I became deeply depressed, she was there to pull me up by my bootstraps. When I was at the edge of death, she dealt me serious tough love. She made me realize that I was not a victim but rather a survivor. To put it bluntly, I owe my life to her.

 

Now, I must be strong. Now, the tables have turned. Now, there is a twist of fate.

 

My beautiful wife was just diagnosed with a compromising health condition.

 

Several months ago, she developed a cold. It lasted for several weeks. Finally, it seemed to pass. But she had a lingering cough.

 

We both had several COVID tests, yet they all were negative. Then a few weeks ago, she began to wheeze. Shortly after that, she could hardly catch her breath.

 

She got scared. I got scared.

 

My wife’s doctor also is my doctor who started me on my cancer journey. His name is Billie, and we have known him for over 20 years. After a virtual exam, he prescribed several medications. They helped her breathe without distress while sitting. But when she got up and walked more than a few steps, she had trouble breathing again.

 

Dr. Billie ordered an echocardiogram to look at her heart. Following the echocardiogram, my wife saw him for an in-office exam. I was in the room. Her heartbeat was racing irregularly. She had to sit to catch her breath.

 

Billie diagnosed a debilitating heart disease. In addition, he noted that the electrical signals in her heart were haphazard.

 

He suggested a treatment plan that included some conventional medications to stabilize her heart. He also suggested a calorie restriction diet. I added my two cents to the conversation and recommended my Better Belly Blueprint way of eating. Billie agreed. He knows how successful my diet lifestyle has been for me.

 

 

After the Diagnosis

After the appointment with Billie, we went out to dinner. We joked that this was a “date night”. We reminisced about the times we went to “coffee houses” back in the 60s. Although we met in the 9th grade, we recalled the first date we had after which we became a serious couple. On that date in 1965, we talked in the car parked in front of her home for 2 hours before we went out to the movies. The time together now at this restaurant is as though we reconnected emotionally once again after 51 years of marriage. It was a glorious dinner.

 

My pillar is now needing me to be her pillar. Fortunately, I am doing surprisingly well medically, which makes me able to take on that daunting task. I will become her pillar.

 

But I could never be the person she has been to me. Her strength is in her genes. My strength is just a snippet of her strength.

 

 

Moving Forward

There are greater powers to be. Whatever purposes my wife and I have on this earth, they are unfolding as we age. We are both 73 years old. Many life challenges have been thrown at us. Age brings maturity and the ability to see what life is all about. Those material possessions that appeared to be so necessary in youth mean nothing now. Life is bound together with love and understanding – giving and receiving – being the best that you can be to each other and to others. I am reminded of the poem by Robert Browning: “Rabbi Ben Ezra”.

 

The first stanza of this lengthy poem is:

Grow old along with me!

The best is yet to be,

The last of life, for which the first was made:

Our times are in His hand

Who saith “A whole I planned,

Youth shows but half; trust God: see all, nor be afraid!”

 

I don’t know where my wife and I will be months or years down the road. Up until now, I have been counting my remaining time on earth in months. I am a realist with an open mind and motivation to heal my body.

 

My cancer challenge still is to deal with an incurable disease. My wife’s new challenge still is unknown. No one knows how long both of us have to live. But we are both secure in our love for each other and the beauty of a life well-lived. What else could anyone ask for or need?

 

Together we are experiencing a twist of fate that will guide us throughout the remainder of our years. We are prepared and motivated to heal our bodies as naturally as possible. A robust immune system is our medical goal. Maybe decades from now I still will be writing and getting my words out to the world. And maybe decades from now, my wife will continue to be personally successful while still pulling me up by my bootstraps.

 

 

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