We are saddened to share with you that Dr. Al Danenberg, who we were honored to call our friend, passed away earlier this month. While we always mourn when a friend departs this life, we know that Al strongly believed that the spirit survives the shrugging of the physical body, and we take comfort in that.
Today, we’d like to share some of the reasons why Al will always hold a special place of high regard in our hearts.
If you’ve been reading our blog for any time, you’ve come across Dr. Al before. He was a witty and articulate lifelong learner, and he had a big helper’s heart.
Choosing to go off the beaten path
In his 60’s, Al discovered the benefits of a paleolithic diet and decided to spread the word about it. It’s impressive that as a periodontist nearing retirement, Al remained open minded enough to try out this new lifestyle and experience its benefits for himself. Then, he passionately shared its merits with anyone who would listen (including his patients), and he even coined himself “The Nutritional Periodontist”.
Al was also a wonderful role model of courage and self-empowerment. More than once, he decided to do his own research and take the path less traveled to support his health (with great results!). In fact, for a handful of years now, we’ve marveled that Dr. Al was the only person we’ve ever met who recovered from hospice care.
When Al was first diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2018, he was told that he had 3-6 months to live.
Already in his 70’s at the time, he chose to live life to the fullest and avoid typical treatments, which he thought would lower the quality of the limited number of days he had left.
Instead, he researched alternative options, and he began documenting his process and progress in a blog that he shared with his community.
His research led him to adopt a carnivore diet as well as many other alternative therapies. As he applied various off-label strategies, he asked his oncologist to help monitor the cancer. In the end, thanks to his efforts, his original 3-6 month prognosis wound up stretching to 5 years.
He shared with us that his oncologist attributed his ability to live well past the medical system’s expectations to his dietary choices and the level of daily activity he maintained for as long as he could.
An admirable mindset
And while we’re sure his daily actions had an impact on his longevity and ability to postpone death, what we most admired about Al was his indomitable spirit.
He once told us, “We’re all going to die. Those of us who know what we’re going to die from have a leg up on everyone else.”
That was an example of his sharp wit and humor, and it also struck us as a very stoic and courageous mindset.
Where to find some of Al’s work
If you’d like to read more of Al’s thoughts, wise words, and witticisms, you can find his final letter to his community on his blog here.
Also, here’s a link to his books on Amazon. Purchasing his wise words here will let his wife, Sue, know that there are people around the world who appreciate his contribution to helping each of us to live a healthier, more vital life.
Finally, if you’d like to check out our free interviews and guest article by Dr. Al, you can find them here:
- Managing Health by Minding Your Gut (and Mouth) Microbiome
- How Nutrition Plays a Foundational Role in Stopping and Reversing Gum Disease
- 19 Pearls for Overall Health
Here are some supportive words that Al shared about our 5 Steps to a Healthy Mouth series:
Al, we know that you’re here continuing to guide us on our mission to help spread healthy smiles worldwide. Thank you for all of your support and coaching through the years. ❤️
Helpful, related resources:
- Managing Health by Minding Your Gut (and Mouth) Microbiome [[expert interview video with Dr. Al]]
- How Nutrition Plays a Foundational Role in Stopping and Reversing Gum Disease [[expert interview video with Dr. Al]]
- 19 Pearls for Overall Health [guest article by Dr. Al]
- 5 Steps to a Healthy Mouth [[free video series that Dr. Al shared a testimonial about]]
- Step One of Upgrading Your Oral Health: (Re)Defining Roles [article]
- How to be your own oral (and whole body) health advocate [article]
- How to Find the Healthiest Diet for YOU [article]
- The Role of Oral Health in Developing and Reversing Cancer [[expert interview video with Dr. Véronique Desaulniers]]
- How Supporting Your Oral Health Can Help Prevent and Stop Cancer [[expert interview video with Dr. Tony Jimenez]]
Other resources:
- DrDanenberg.com [Dr. Al’s website]
- An Open Letter To My Readers – Preparing for Life’s Transition [letter from Dr. Al]
- Books by Dr. Al:
- Eat As If Your Life Depends On It: From “3 Months to Live” to Thriving with a Blend of Keto, Paleo & Carnivor
- Is Your Gut Killing You?: An in-depth guide on the connection between the gut, the mouth, chronic disease, and how to stay healthy
- Crazy-Good Living: Healthy Gums, Healthy Gut, Healthy Life
- The Better Belly Blueprint: Burn fat, heal your gut, and strengthen your immune system
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