Optimizing Metabolic Health After Cancer Diagnosis w/ Chad Vanags | The Metabolic Link Ep. 29
Dec 5, 2023
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Entrepreneur Chad Vanags shares his journey of becoming metabolically, physically, and mentally elite to heal from cancer. They discuss the stress-health connection, the motivation gap in cancer patients, and navigating a diagnosis with mental resilience. They also touch on the role of nutrition and mindset in mental health, as well as overcoming fear and transitioning to a new venture.
Taking control of one's health and embracing a metabolically, physically, and mentally elite lifestyle can positively impact the healing process after a cancer diagnosis.
There is a need for more comprehensive discussions with medical professionals regarding the integration of nutritional strategies and supplements to enhance the efficacy of standard cancer treatment.
The power of positive thinking and mental resilience play a significant role in navigating the challenges of a cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Deep dives
Chad Vanax's Journey with Cancer and Embracing a New Lifestyle
Chad Vanax, a successful entrepreneur, shares his experience of being diagnosed with stage four metastatic lung cancer and how it has transformed his mindset and lifestyle. Despite his initial shock, Chad decided to take control of his health by embracing a metabolically, physically, and mentally elite lifestyle. He started documenting his journey and exploring various strategies to support his healing process. Chad emphasizes the importance of nutrition, exercise, and hydration in his regimen. While he initially followed a ketogenic diet, he later switched to a whole foods plant-based approach. He also highlights the need to find the right balance and not overthink nutrition. Chad discusses the lack of guidance from the medical community in terms of nutrition and supplementation and expresses his intention to seek integrative approaches for optimal nutritional support.
Challenging the Standard of Care and Personalizing His Treatment
Chad shares his frustrations with the standard of care and the importance of finding personalized approaches to cancer treatment. He mentions the potential side effects of the medication he is taking, Tigrisso, and how he managed them by adjusting his lifestyle. Chad believes that exercise, nutrition, and hydration play a significant role in supporting his body's ability to cope with the treatment. He expresses the need for more comprehensive discussions with medical professionals regarding the integration of nutritional strategies and supplements to enhance the efficacy of standard treatment. Chad underlines the significance of mindset and the power of positive thinking in navigating the challenges of cancer diagnosis and treatment.
The Quest for Optimal Nutrition and Supplementation
Chad discusses his ongoing journey to finding optimal nutrition and supplementation to support his wellbeing. He mentions his exploration of various dietary approaches, including a ketogenic diet and a whole foods plant-based diet. Chad highlights the challenges of balancing nutritional needs with personal preferences and concerns about cancer growth. He expresses the desire to find expert guidance on nutritional supplementation to ensure he is meeting his body's requirements. Chad acknowledges the importance of biomarker testing to identify areas of deficiency and track progress. He emphasizes the need to set target levels for vitamins and minerals to optimize his health and well-being.
Becoming metabolically, physically, and mentally elite
The podcast episode focuses on the speaker's journey of becoming metabolically, physically, and mentally elite after being diagnosed with cancer. The speaker explains that they shifted their mindset and embraced the idea of living fully, pursuing their passions, and maximizing their health. They emphasize the importance of mental resilience and the power of positive thinking in overcoming challenges. Additionally, they highlight the significance of optimizing metabolic and physical health through nutrition, exercise, and being in nature.
Redesigning life with purpose
The episode delves into the speaker's pursuit of purpose and their efforts to redesign their life. They discuss their transition from a career in sales training to focusing on keynote presentations that help individuals break through mental barriers and achieve their goals. They also share their involvement in projects such as "Uncharted Spirits," a TV show where they deliver supplies to communities in need, and their work on a tequila (now flower) farm. The speaker highlights the importance of purpose and how it has driven their personal and professional endeavors.
This week’s episode of The Metabolic Link features an illuminating conversation between our host Dr. Dom D’Agostino and Chad Vanags, a successful entrepreneur who is navigating a stage 4 cancer diagnosis with courage and purpose.
After being diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in 2022 at just 39 years old, Chad has been documenting his journey to becoming “metabolically, physically, and mentally elite” to continue pursuing his life's vision.
In this wide-ranging discussion, we cover:
💪 Chad's backstory as a thriving entrepreneur before his "unlucky" diagnosis 💪 His shift in mindset after being told he has just months left to live 💪 Becoming "elite" across metabolic, physical, and mental health 💪 The stress-health connection and cancer as a "metabolic disease" 💪 The motivation gap - why many patients don't embrace lifestyle factors that could help outcomes 💪 Chad's advice for navigating a diagnosis with mental resilience
Be sure to claim your spot at MHS 2024 in Clearwater Beach, Florida as Chad Vanags will be joining us as a speaker share more of his journey!
In every episode of The Metabolic Link, we'll uncover the very latest research on metabolic health and therapy. If you like this episode, please share it, subscribe, follow, and leave us a comment or review on whichever platform you use to tune in!
Please keep in mind: The Metabolic Link does not provide medical or health advice, but rather general information that does not serve as a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional. Never delay in seeking medical advice from an appropriately licensed medical provider for any health condition that you may have.
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