Mountie credits plant-based diet for saving his life

Mountie who beat cancer shares story of survival They say you are what you eat, and Cpl. Dan Moskaluk is convinced what he ate while battling cancer helped save his life.

A high-profile Mountie from British Columbia says he would be likely dead if it weren't for vegetables.

Longtime RCMP spokesperson Dan Moskaluk was diagnosed with Stage 4 kidney cancer in 2013, and told he had months to live.

"Two years maximum. We were really prepared for death," said his wife Sheanne Moskaluk.

With the odds against him, Moskaluk let the doctors do their part while he switched to a strictly plant-based diet with no animal proteins.

He's convinced eating vegan made all the difference in helping him survive.

"I think it saved my life, it's prolonged my life considering I was given two months to two years to live," the corporal said.

Cancer specialist Dr. Wendy Ross says there is a growing body of evidence about the benefits of eating vegetarian when undergoing cancer therapy.

While she won't say changing your diet can cure cancer, she is certain that it reduces your chances of getting it in the first place – and it can't hurt if you're already in treatment.

"I would always say 'go to your oncologist, get your plan, and incorporate the whole foods plant-based diet as well, then you're getting the best of everything,'" she said.

Now cancer-free, Moskaluk's story is part of the new feature-length documentary "Eating You Alive" that showcases people who have turned to whole-food, plant-based nutrition to take control of their health "one bite at a time."

The doc argues that although countless dollars are being spent on medical research and new drugs, more people than ever are dying from chronic diseases. It advocates that giving up meat, dairy and processed foods can improve conditions including cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, Alzheimer's and arthritis.

Sheanne Moskaluk also has a role in the feature film: She credits the same diet for helping her shed 130 pounds.

"I could have easily had diabetes, heart disease, my knees were always sore, I was not participating in activities with my family," she said.

Moskaluk's Mountie colleagues are impressed with his transformation.

"We never expected to have him back," said Cpl. Don Wrigglesworth of the Penticton RCMP.

The Moskaluks have been sharing their journey on Twitter and Instagram.

With a report from CTV Vancouver's Kent Molgat