Just read David Servan-Schreiber’s book “Anti Cancer, A New Way of Life.”

I thought it was a great book. It details David’s own experience with brain cancer. Being a surgeon, he has a unique outlook on the experience, and on his path into alternative therapies.

The thing I liked best about the book was the author’s use of the word “terrain” to describe the body. “How is your terrain,” a friend asked him after his first battle with the brain tumor (it came back).

Essentially, that view involves looking at your body as you would the earth. Are you dumping pesticides, poisons, etc., into your body? If so it will gradually lose the ability to repair itself, become clogged up, and develop terrible illnesses. If not, you’ll probably last a lot longer. [This view is also mentioned in Michael Odent's 1986 book, "Primal Health"]

So how does one take care of their terrain?

Diet
In short, eat organic, whole foods, cooked lightly. Get your veggies! Lots of garlic, cabbage, cruciferi, and everything else. Eat non-farmed/free-range grass-fed animals and their products. Drink plenty of pure water (he recommends a carbon filter), green tea (3 cups/day), and 1 glass of red wine per day (ONE?!). Avoid processed foods of any kind!

Exercise
30 minutes per day isn’t too much to ask. But he only asks for 30 minutes 3 days per week. I say 30 minutes per day. You can combine forces and do some sort of “intentional” exercise like yoga or Tai Chi to get the healing power of the mind involved (and get “deeper” into your body in the process).

Mentality
Meditation is the author’s answer, and I don’t disagree. I’ve always recommended Eckart Tolle’s book “The Power of Now,” or the simple, short book of exercises taken from that book. Shoot for 10 minutes twice a day to start. It’s easiest, usually, first thing in the morning, and later at night, when we’re not so busy. But a mid-day meditation session can give a huge boost. If you’re into “physiology tracking,” you can “meditate” while you exercise by following your body’s response to the movement…find the blockages, find the resonances…seek!

Social/Environmental/Spiritual
I think these all get tied together. While environmental toxins (avoid harsh chemicals in your daily life) aren’t necessarily related to your spirituality, your general environment is, and both are related to your social life. Make sure your environment is supportive and caring, full of love and good times. Laugh as much as possible. Do your best to resolve fears and unhappiness, in any way you can.

That’s about it. Read the book, it’s good!