Starving to Heal in Siberia: My Radical Recovery from Late-Stage Lyme Disease and How It Could Help Others

by Michelle B. Slater

There is hope for recovery from Lyme disease and other chronic illnesses

In Starving to Heal in Siberia, Dr. Michelle Slater takes us on her journey from her bed, where she was sidelined much of the time, to Siberia, where she was cured of the debilitating effects of advanced Lyme disease. After a years-long struggle with extreme chronic fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, and other mysterious symptoms that ultimately prevented her from teaching and doing simple tasks like reading and driving, Michelle began considering assisted suicide. She had tried every known treatment, from aggressive allopathic methods to holistic remedies, without success. In a last-ditch effort to save her life, she found a radical alternative treatment offered by the world’s leading expert on dry fasting and traveled to Siberia to give it a chance.

​Starving to Heal in Siberia is both a moving and insightful memoir of recovery from devastating chronic illness and a practical guide to the science and psychology behind safely dry fasting. If you are curious about intermittent fasting and the research on dry fasting, this book offers compelling and useful information. If you are a doctor who has had to tell your patients to adjust to the chronic symptoms of an autoimmune disorder that didn’t dissipate under your best care, this book offers new hope. And if you struggle with chronic illness or love someone who does, this book is an antidote to despair. Michelle’s thoughtful account of her wellness journey provides similarly afflicted readers with the tools and encouragement to begin their own.

Genres: Health, Medical, Nonfiction, Memoir, Self Help, Mental Health, Ebooks

266 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 13, 2022

About the author

Michelle B. Slater, PhD is a scholar of comparative literature and president of the Mayapple Center for the Arts and Humanities. Her first book, Starving to Heal in Siberia delves into how she was cured of the debilitating effects of advanced Lyme disease. Her latest book, Soulmate Dog, is about pushing the boundaries of the relationship between the human and the non-human animal. Michelle holds a Ph.D. in French Literature from Johns Hopkins and spends her time between Connecticut and Switzerland. Michelle is the author of the forthcoming novel The Lunatic.

Reviews

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading this memoir by Michelle Slater about her exoerience with fasting, I am thrilled by her recovery from debilitating Lyme disease but need some additional time to examine my feelings. Ms. Slater strongly promotes extreme fasting as a way to detox the body and improve the symptoms of illnesses. It is a well written and researched work and is very interesting reading.

My thanks to the author and publisher, Greenleaf Book Group Press, for my e copy of this book. #Goodreads Giveaway

[Winter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mind blowing read!

Although the target is Lyme Disease, Slater's theory can be just as effective for other ailments as well. Of course you are your own judge, but I know I will be trying it for Fibromyalgia pain and Migraines.
I will be sure to update my review and let everyone know how it's going.
Slater is extremely motivating, and those of us who suffer from chronic pain are happy to grasp at any straw. Especially if its safe and works.

Thank you Goodreads Giveaways and to the author, Michelle Slater, for this wonderful book.

#GOODREADSGIVEAWAYS!

#WINNER!

[Laura Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/18/22: Just a heads up: there is a GR'S giveaway of 100 Kindle copies of Starving to Heal!

Starving to Heal in Siberia is one of the most important books I have ever read! This book will save lives, perhaps even mine. I have suffered from Chronic Lyme Disease and several tick transmitted comorbid infections for over ten years. Michelle Slater knows what a nightmare it is and had gotten to the point of actively planning assisted suicide before she came across an innovative treatment by Dr. Sergy Filonov. She is now healthier than ever and has shared her remarkable journey with us.

Starving to Heal is not just just for those suffering from Lyme Disease. This book is for you if you are young or old, sick or healthy. Everything you need to know to take charge of your health is contained within these pages. Dr. Sergey Filonov's protocol for healthy living including periods of water fasting and dry fasting is explained in detail. His contact information is helpfully included.

And don't think for a moment that Michelle's description of the seriousness of her symptoms is exaggerated. I have walked, stumbled, and crawled the same path. I hope to follow her path to healing as well. As Dr. Filonov says, "The body is the doctor." It knows what to do to heal and stay healthy if only we will listen.

I am grateful for receiving a drc from the publisher via Netgalley.

[María Greene F · Rating 4 out of 5]

Súper interesante y de un tema todavía muy poco hablado y con tanto potencial, sin embargo la autora misma me pareció un poquitín snob, jejeje, y eso me dificultó a ratos la lectura. Luego la parte final es un tanto panfletaria y, como decimos en Chile, podrían haberle bajado un cambio.... pero la experiencia primordial es IMPRESIONANTE y solo por ella vale la pena leerlo.

Además, se nota que la autora lo escribió con mucho amor, entonces uno se siente mal pelando al libro.

La mejor parte es la primera.

[Afterglow Earring Co · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starving to Heal in Siberia is a vibrant memoir of Michelle’s chronic lymes disease and how she nursed herself back to health with the help of Doctor Filonov.

I have previously never heard of dry fasting in my life. In fact I was quite convinced that not drinking water for more than three days would kill you. So it was interesting learning that with careful and professional medical attention, it is not only possible but could also be good for you.

I live in the East Coast, only a few hours away from Lymes CT. I also watch RHOBH and Yolanda has struggled with Lymes on the show. So Ticks and Lymes are definitely on my mind. So I was curious what kind of treatment this book would promote.

I loved reading Michelle’s story. Her bravery and determination to get well was nothing short of inspirational. It felt like I was reading the diary of a close friend. Seeing their struggles, wishing the best for them as a good friend would do. She did a great job explaining the process she went through and how she benefitted from Filonovs treatment.

I didn’t give a full five stars for two reasons. The first being that Filonov gives an intro but I feel like you don’t really know him yet. By the end of the book he almost feels like he’s YOUR doctor too. I’m this close to learning Russian and going over to Siberia. So I think the book would have benefitted by having a conclusion by Filonov. Which leads me to my other issue. I was hooked on everything until I got to the concluding chapters. Although she definitely went through it- the advice that was given at the end made me feel a little uncomfortable. At the end of the day she’s a patient like me. And ultimately I am the driver of my health journey. I am all about reading how someone else took their journey, what they learned and how it benefitted them. But once it crosses the threshold of “Hey this is what I did and I can coach you to do the same” makes me nervous. That’s why I think it would have had a huge impact to have Filonovs comments at the end. To just add an extra stamp of approval.

But still that little bit of criticism is me looking really hard to find something. Overall it was a beautiful memoir of an inspiring story. I feel like I have learned a lot and would be interested in evaluation my own health situation soon. Thanks to Net Galley and the Greenleaf publishers for the opportunity to review this amazing Read.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating to learn through this book, Starving to Heal in Siberia, that there is potential for the body to heal through fasting. To be clear, I have not attempted the fasting suggested in this book, nor any of the recipes.

I have a terrible tick phobia, love gardening and live in SE Michigan. 2022 is the first year that I’ve found tick nymphs (seed ticks, the first stage of ticks after hatching) borrowed under my skin; they are no larger than a poppyseed. We have lived on our property for 16 years and had never had a problem until this year. Welcome to climate change.

This book doesn’t go into how disgusting ticks are, but progresses through Michelle’s treatment in Siberia where she goes without food and water for 9-11 days under the watchful eyes of doctors. In addition to not eating she is sleeping outside and walking (a lot). The period directly after the fast is more critical than the fasting. Sometimes I was a little unsure about water fast vs dry fast, Appendix B provides the details.

The third section of the book discusses how and why the body reacted to Michelle’s fasting. And also discussing some studies.

If I seriously consider these practices I would further attempt to contact Michelle Slater the author or Dr. Filonov at www.filonov.net

I really want to thank Michelle Slater for writing this eye-opening book. And I’m sending positive thoughts her way that she remains vibrant and healthy. And congratulations on your book debut! I’m your first follower! :)

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read Starving to Heal in Siberia in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author Michelle and the publisher for providing the advance read copy to Starving to Heal in Siberia. This book became available for review yesterday and I’ve listened (via Siri text to voice) to every word within 36 hours. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Publication date is Sept 13, 2022.

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing book to hear the story of Michelle but also a great into to understanding dry fasting.

Personally I have dry fasted for 4.5 days before with many 24hr, 48hr dry fasts. I'm looking to extend my longest dry fast(maybe to 7-9 days like filinov says).

I also have Dr. Filinovs 20 Q/A question book that he had translated to English. I'd say this book by Michelle is way easier to understand the fasting(as she is American and speaks/writes English herself).

Thanks for your experience Michelle and I hope more people can learn about the healing from dry fasting.

I will edit my review with my own personal experience when I finally break through my 4.5 day barrier.

[Star Gater · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Greenleaf Audiobooks, Greenleaf Book Group Press for accepting my request to audibly read and review Starving to Heal in Siberia.

Author: Michelle B. Slater
Published: 09/13/22
Narrator: Carol Jaconanis
Genre: Health, Mind, & Body

This is not a warm and fuzzy feel good book. There is a lot of science; too much science in my opinion.

The author suffered from Lyme Disease and was able through connections of her husband to enter a program in Russia. The program is fasting from food and water for days. While the book does relay some facts and directions, I am uncomfortable recommending any part of the book.

The book itself reads like an infomercial.

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a chronic Lyme sufferer, I find this book fascinating. Is it truly possible to heal from what we've all been told is a lifelong disease? Am I brave enough to step into the world of dry fasting? I don't know. But I do know that I'm considering it very seriously. I would love to have a full life returned to me.

The one drawback of the book is that Michelle explains the full 9-day dry fast should only be performed under doctor supervision (specifically Dr. Filonov).

[Kristina the Book Forager · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Starving to Heal in Siberia" written by Michelle B. Slater 📚 5 🌟

I found this book groundbreaking. I have always been passionate about gut health and how to restore our health without the help of pharma. We all have heard of term fasting but have you heard of dry fasting? I was so intrigued by this book and found it ever so helpful.

Michelle Slater shares her personal journey of full recovery from Lyme disease. She was bed bound, suffering and battling for so many years and had plans for assisted suicide.

Michelle found a radical alternative treatment of compkete cellular rejuvenation by the world's leading expert on dry fasting. Needless to say she didn't miss this opportunity and flew to Siberia to give it a chance.

Acording to Michelle Slater dry fasting has the ability to heal any disease of the human body. I would recommend everyone to read or listen to this book and keep an open mind that our bodies can be healed.

Massive thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC audio opportunity!

[Pip · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book broke my heart. Dr. Slater's struggles with Lyme resonated so deeply with me, as I have two friends who are deeply affected by Lyme, one of whom I lost last year to Lyme via suicide. Hearing how it came down to either dry fasting or assisted suicide for Dr Slater, really hit me hard. I was intensely invested in reading about her experience, and I am inspired by her fortitude in the face of what must have seemed insurmountable. I am not sure I could undergo such a fast, even for my own chronic illness, though her advocacy for the effects of autophagy give me pause and food for thought (or rather should I say, fast for thought?).
Any Lyme ally would do well to read this book.

[Srikanth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Greenleaf Book Group for sending me the ARC of 'Starving to Heal in Siberia' by Michelle B. Slater. This book is about one person's journey from a very debilitating disease back to vibrant health by observing strict regimens of dry fasting. I'm not sure if I would ever try out dry fasting, but now I know that there is such a treatment that can help the body to cure itself of serious ailments. The author definitely has a talent to write and has written the first half of this book as a journal detailing her health before and after dry fasting. The second half of the book talks about the science behind this treatment and how to incorporate this in one's life. Overall, it was an interesting read.

[Melenia · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a Goodreads giveaway winner. Very interesting journey. There are some great recipes in this book.

[Yvonne Marks · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found her story fascinating but parts of the book didn't flow smoothly for me. There was a lot of explanations about how the body reacts and what it is doing during and after the dry fast. I found some of those hard to read and had to look up a lot of that information to better understand it. I also wonder why the practice isn't more commonly used if it is so helpful. I'm glad that she was able to get relief and be able to return to doing things that she previously enjoyed doing in her life. Thanks for the free Kindle book-I won this on a giveaway.

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A door into hope and possible healing for other sufferers of Lyme.
What a journey; her persistence was rewarded.
Well written.

[Jithendra Jithu · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚 Book Review: 'Starving to Heal in Siberia'

by Michelle B. Slater PhD 📚

Rating:5/5

Review:

🌟 Overview: "Starving to Heal in Siberia" is a captivating memoir chronicling Dr. Michelle Slater's arduous battle with late-stage Lyme disease. The narrative takes an unexpected turn as she embarks on a journey to Siberia, seeking a radical dry fasting treatment as a last-ditch effort to reclaim her life.

💪 Emotional Resonance: Slater's raw and honest account of her struggle evokes deep empathy. The portrayal of her symptoms, from chronic fatigue to contemplating assisted suicide, lays bare the immense toll of Lyme disease. It's a poignant exploration of despair and, ultimately, hope.

🌐 Global Healing Odyssey: The book seamlessly blends personal narrative with a vivid depiction of Siberia and Dr. Sergy Filonov's groundbreaking dry fasting protocol. The exotic setting adds a layer of intrigue, offering readers a window into an unconventional but transformative approach to wellness.

📖 Scientific Depth: Beyond the personal story, the book provides a comprehensive look at the science and psychology behind dry fasting. It's not merely a memoir; it's a guide that bridges the gap between personal experience and scientific understanding, making it accessible to a diverse audience.

👍 Strengths:

Inspiration for All: Slater's journey, though rooted in Lyme disease, carries universal themes of resilience and healing applicable to anyone navigating health challenges.

Holistic Guidance: Dr. Filonov's dry fasting protocol is presented in detail, offering practical insights for those intrigued by alternative wellness approaches.

Empowering Message: The narrative emphasizes the body's innate capacity to heal, instilling a sense of empowerment and self-discovery.

🤔 Considerations:

Geographical Limitations: Some readers express a desire for more guidance tailored to a non-Siberian context, acknowledging the impracticality for many to pursue treatment in such a distant location.

🥰 Final Reflections: "Starving to Heal in Siberia" is a literary journey that transcends its genre. It's a story of hope, resilience, and the pursuit of unconventional paths to wellness.

[Rennie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm glad I read The Oldest Cure in the World first, and had some experience with fasting myself, otherwise this would've been too much of an eyebrow-raiser for me. I had a lot of side-eye moments that made me doubt as it was ("clean" eating, all the mention of toxins, leeches) but there is a lot of science to back up fasting as a healing tool. And unfortuntately it's difficult to run clinical trails and there's zero financial incentive to work on it so I'm not optimistic we'll see it explored as much as it should be. Amazing that the author was able to cure her Lyme this way, I felt thrilled for her. At the worst points of my chronic illness I mostly just thought along the lines of if I die, at least it's over, but she was actively researching assisted suicide. I can't imagine being in that headspace and I get why she was willing to try something so extreme.

As much as I'm on board with a water fast, dry fasting sounds a bit rough. The environment definitely needs to be right, as she glosses over a bit a second dry fast she did in a less than ideal one and it's clear what can go wrong. There's also only one brief mention of those with a history of disordered eating not being suitable for it, but there is some very triggering stuff to read here, especially about how she adjusted her eating when returning to everyday life and finds that restaurant food she used to love is too much for her. I mean, when you're that sick of course you have to do what feels right for your body, but eeeek. This felt very sad.

I hope this method helps people who really need it and I'm glad the author was healed after what sounds like excruciating illness, but I'd like to see a little more than the anecdotal evidence that's here.

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A beautiful memoir of her struggles with Lyme disease and her battle to overcome it, “Starving to Heal in Siberia” by Michelle B. Slater was at times poetic and poignant. However, it is a bit of a junk read for the paucity of actual facts. Anecdotal accounts do nothing but give me the impression of a “mind over matter” placebo effect induced “healing” that the author is primed to chalk up to the miraculous dry fast by her savvy Siberian “doctor” and his family of assistants insist is the world’s best kept secure that she MuST share with others. Accounts of weeks of meditation and mindful eating between nature treks sounds great, but is far removed from the average person’s realm of possibility. Author has a great narrative voice and story flow, which bolstered my rating, but on information alone, I’d rate it 1.5 out of 5 *s.

[Amy F. Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful journey of healing...

This book explains a path that seemed impossible but became teachable to many others that are physically sick and robbed of experiences due to the painful effects of Lyme Disease. What a fantastic job of connecting the natural healing world in Siberia to eating whole, body building, and strengthening foods for body and soul. The Russian spirit is strong, wise and empowering. This was culturally intriguing and interesting! Treat your mind to expand the possibility of other methods that are natural medicines that heal. I am sure other people with other chronic diseases will be able to heal themselves because of these shared experiences which were so very honest.

[Katherine Bhana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sending Prayers and support 💚, around 7 months ago I began to do a lot of research and came across Ayurveda treatment for Lyme disease it is a smashing one of a kind treatment for reversing Lyme. After using the Ayurveda treatment I got from natural herbs centre. com, i began to notice a reduction in symptoms till it all vanished. Going back to my farm work again gives me so much joy. I feel better and breath better. I Just wanted to share for people suffering from this horrible disease.. I was fortunate to have the loving support of my husband and family. I make it a point to appreciate every day!

[Jess Mayhall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having suffered myself from chronic fatigue, brain fog, memory loss, and trauma i was really intrigued to read this book. Pharmaceutical medicine is definitely not for everyone and I myself have tried lots of different alternative medicines and therapies, including a two year period of intermittent fasting which i saw great benefits from. I felt very emotional reading this book as recovery becomes all-consuming when you are struggling and i found myself crying as relief was found for the writer of this book! A great read!

[Britt D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for the free book! I was moved by this book, this has transformed people’s lives. I was extremely skeptical at the beginning, but I feel less so now. I always appreciate reading people’s journeys and this was very interesting. I do not have a chronic illness and I feel that it was worth a read.
It did get a bit repetitive in regards to some things.
I thought it was helpful that the author included such detailed instructions and the appendixes having to do with fasting.

[Tara Mahoney · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible story. Michelle is intelligent, love-able, informative, relatable, and honest. She is a gifted writer and storyteller. This personal-story-turned-instruction-manual is inspiring and intimidating at the same time. I appreciate the nuances of health and diet and medicine that she discusses and explains. I can’t wait to try dry fasting for real and experience all its benefits once I’m done breastfeeding. I hope this book finds all the souls who are looking for healing.

[Aletha Pagett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This e-book from Goodreads is the first book in years that I can remember taking to bed with me because I could not stop reading. The author, not only is a wonderful writer, but her story of recovering from chronic Lyme disease by "dry fasting" in Siberia is amazing. Loved the science, the encouragement and the hope!

[Dermot Doherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential Reading

This was a wonderful book to read. It has brought me an abundance of hope that I too have the capacity to escape the health challenges I currently face. I'm already well into my first dry fast. Thank you Michelle for being an angel and sharing this vital wisdom with the world. I can see this book being a catalyst in creating a new health revolution.

[Heather K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the book. Didn't find the dry fasting part too extreme, but the life long maintenance diet & regular dry fasting.. phew, that's a commitment. Definitely a life changer for those struggling with illness.

[Aileen E. Mascari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating read, never heard of dry fasting

I read this book as my brother is chronically ill and worsening. The author is a great writer, I could not put the book down. Sick or not, we can all benefit from reading this book.

[L E · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a journey! I'd never heard of dry fasting when I picked up this book in a Goodreads giveaway. Fascinating.

[Weezy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative book on fasting to heal from Lyme disease. I’m going to use this information to try fasting for healing from UC