Founder and Medical Director of the Preventive Medical Center of Marin in San Rafael, Dr. Elson M. Haas has been practicing integrated medicine for more than 30 years. He is also the author of seven books on health and nutrition, including the classic Staying Healthy with the Seasons, which was updated in 2003, and his most recent book, The New Detox Diet. A father of two, Haas enjoys a rural life in Sebastopol where he often gardens, walks with his yellow Labrador Retriever and plays traditional Japanese bamboo flute to the accompaniment of nearby rivers and streams.
If you couldn’t have become a doctor, what profession do you think you’d have chosen?
Likely a grocer and chef, where I started with my folks in our grocery store when I was a teenager. I could also have been a pro bowler and card player, which seem more acceptable today than they did when I was young. I did win a fair amount of money as a teen doing those activities.
What ?s your favorite time of day?
I love the early morning with the first light. I am inspired by the new day, happy to be alive and feel very blessed with my life.
Which living person do you most admire and why?
Oh, so many. My mom for her caring spirit and staying healthy for 88 years. My associate Bethany Argisle for her great spirit and her caring about the Earth. And my kids, Orion and Ishara, for the spark of life they show.
Given your thriving medical practice, how do you find time to write books?
I make the time and enjoy writing and working in the early day. Being sleep-deprived for years (and needing less sleep with a cleaner body), I found the hours to write from 5 to 8 a.m., for example, when the rest of the family snoozed. Luckily, I have a health-focused practice with less stress than the average crisis-oriented doctor.
Do you have a pet?
I currently have Kashi, a 12-year-old yellow Lab who is very sweet and still has a youthful spirit. We walk in my new place through the apple orchards, and she loves food like I do. I just sold our family farm, where for 12 years I raised llamas, bunnies and had ducks (on the pond) and chickens with fresh eggs. I love the country life.
What’s the most interesting thing in your wardrobe?
Lots of things—I love my long-time T-shirt collection and my flamboyant tie collection. I love color and beautiful designs.
What’s the most important thing an average person can do to improve his or her overall health?
First, look at their daily habits since those are the things that undermine their health over time. Our health—how we look and feel—is a result of our life.
If Sylvester Graham, Ray Krok and George Ohsawa all came back to life and you had to prepare a meal for them, what would you serve?
I would make a McMacro burger of brown rice and black beans with chopped onion and peppers, lettuce, tomato and sprouts. Maybe include a salad with home-made dressing and garbanzo beans, my favorite. Whole wheat or rye toast for the burgers is optional as is the melted cheese.
Who do you think contributed the most to your profession in the 20th century?
C. Everett Koop, MD, who really focused on the health of the people and took on the tobacco industry.
What’s the longest time you personally have ever fasted?
Eighteen days of juice cleansing and it was enlightening. I’ve fasted 10 days every spring for the past 30 years, and it is always a very clarifying and healing experience. I think cleansing and detoxification are the missing link in American nutrition.
If you could go back in time, what year would you visit?
I would go back to 1988 and have dinner with my dad, Martin, and my older brother, Lowell, knowing that they would both die in the next two years. It would be sweet to have fun with them again.
If you could change one thing about the human race, what would it be?
I would hope that leaders and all people would learn to communicate and collaborate better rather than react. There’s a huge difference between reaction and response. Reactions lead to fighting and war; responses usually mean we listen and understand. We can disagree, and if our goal is peace, we’ll find a way.
