Like Daughter, Like Father

In early spring of this year (2015) my dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer--it was almost exactly two years after I was diagnosed with breast cancer.  I asked my parents for the specifics and then did some research.  We had several conversations and discussed options--conventional options provided by Dad's doctor and natural alternatives--but I really didn't know which they would choose to pursue.  Of course I was hoping Dad would choose natural treatments over surgery and/or radiation which both had serious risks and side effects, but it wasn't my decision.  I also know how important it is for cancer patients to be confident in their treatments decisions, no matter what they choose, so I didn't want Dad to choose "my way" if he wasn't completely on board.  Needless to say I was very happy and relieved when he told me he wanted to try natural alternatives first!  He wasn't taking surgery/radiation completely off the table, because if the natural way "didn't work", and his cancer continued to worsen, he would revisit the standard treatment options.  After confirming that he wasn't vacillating between the two choices and that he and Mom were completely committed to a natural protocol, we started formulating the plan of attack. 

The most obvious, easiest, and arguably most important step was making immediate dietary changes.  He eliminated refined sugars and grains, all processed/refined oils and foods, conventional dairy and meats--which are all inflammatory (cancer thrives in that environment)--and replaced them with lots of raw, fresh, vegetables and fruits (organic if possible); healthy fats (olive oil, coconut oil, avocadoes, raw organic seeds & nuts that are soaked then dried); fermented foods like kefir, miso, sauerkraut, kimchi; eggs from organic free-range chickens, and limited amounts of raw organic dairy products and meat from healthy grass-fed, pastured, organically-fed animals--living, real, natural, health-promoting, cancer-fighting foods.

Mom, Dad & I during my stay with them, May 2015.

Understandably, these were overwhelming changes for my parents.  I got lots of phone calls from them while they were in grocery stores asking me if different foods were "okay," so I would have them read the ingredient list over the phone.  :)  It didn't take too long before they knew what to look for and what to avoid.  I flew down to Florida in May and stayed with them for one week to help them find stores and resources where they could find the kinds of foods and supplements they needed.  Almost the entire week was spent shopping.  We also went through all of their food cupboards and the refrigerator/freezer, throwing out some things altogether, and donating several grocery bags of food.  That was a big deal, especially for my mom, who doesn't like to throw perfectly good things away--even more so when she paid good money for them!--but it was a testament to how committed she was to doing whatever it takes to help my dad.  Mom has become the researcher...reading articles and researching cancer websites, etc.  This is one of the coolest things about Dad's journey--he's not fighting on his own, because Mom is right there beside him every step of the way, and they both trust the outcome completely to God.

When Dad was diagnosed, it was a result of his PSA test rising two points in the past year.  His urologist did a physical exam of the prostate, which was enlarged, but the doc said it could just be due to an infection.  So a biopsy was done next, and it resulted in a diagnosis of prostate cancer.  The prostate is divided into six sections; one of the six sections was 70% cancerous.  So, it wasn't advanced cancer, by any means.  The urologist presented and explained the options of surgery or radiation, then told my parents to go home and think about it and then come back to see him in three weeks with their decision.  (I had immediate respect for the doc when I heard this, because he wasn't trying to rush Dad into a decision.)  I was in Florida during the time that next appointment was scheduled, so I was able to accompany them.  I liked the urologist, because he wasn't overbearing, pushy, or demeaning.  When Dad told him he was going to skip the surgery and radiation and pursue natural options first, he said that was fine--he would put Dad on what is called "active observation", and check on him again in three months time.

Three months later, Dad's PSA score had risen another point.  He was a bit discouraged, but we talked it over, and I told him I wasn't very concerned, because unlike my situation (having a lumpectomy to remove the cancer mass), his cancer hadn't been removed--it was all still there, and his body had a big job to do...one that wasn't going to be accomplished in a short amount of time.  We also reviewed his diet and nutrition, making adjustments and adding a lot of cancer-fighting supplements.  The good news was that despite the increased PSA score, Dad (along with Mom) was feeling great, losing weight, and experiencing other overall health improvements. 

My dad posted this on his Facebook page on Oct. 14, 2015:

Ok folks this is my big deal of the day. As some of you know Dorla and I have been going to Golds gym working out. We started back in March. To date Dorla has lost 33 lbs and I have lost 42 lbs. When I started out on the tread mill I could barely walk at a fast pace. I did hit a mile stone today. I am usually on the tread mill for 30 minutes. a couple of weeks ago I was finally able to run ONE MILE without stopping. I run at 4.7 mph on the treadmill. Today I ran 1.3 miles without stopping and I ran for 17 minutes straight. I ran for a total of 24 minutes of the thirty. My goal now is to get to two miles. When I get to 2 miles then I will worry how fast I can get it done. Dorla rides the stationary bike for 4 miles and we both do arm and leg workouts on several different machines. 4 1/2 years ago I weighed 275 lbs as of today I am down to 192lbs. Dorla is doing really well also. I am not going to say what her weight was as you never tell what a Ladies weight or age is, especially if she is your wife and the LOVE of your life.

Of course, much of their success was due to the anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory diet they had embraced as well as their diligence in working out at the gym.

Dad's Nov. 30, 2015, Facebook post:

HAAAAAA, I did it, I did it!!!!!! I just ran around the perimeter of maranatha village (the retirement village where they live) . It is 2 miles. It took me 27 minutes. Now that is NOT a 5 minute mile it is 13 1/2 minutes but I got it done. Then I walked 1 1/4 miles to cool down.

How cool is that?!  :)  At 71 years old, Dad can run 2 miles without stopping!  I can say that most of his kids and grandkids are not able to do that!  Dad likes to comment to the effect that he is the healthiest cancer patient he knows.  :)

Here is a post from Dec. 17, 2015:

Thanks to God for answered prayers. Tom learned today that his PSA test showed his PSA count had gone down. It was good news but we knew whatever God's will was for him, we would be happy about the outcome. Thanks to all of you who are praying for him. Even though he has been eating right and taking supplements to fight the cancer, it is the prayers that do the most good. Keep praying as he needs the cancer to be gone............but at least his count did not go up! We continue to trust God for the future.

Praise God, indeed!  Dad's score actually went down one point, which is really a two-point swing when taking into consideration the rising trend it had previously shown.  Dad now weighs 180 pounds, and Mom is down to 145.  Mom had her annual physical recently, and her overall health has also improved.  They are both looking and feeling great and are even more motivated to stay focused on the diet and other lifestyle changes that are responsible not only for their improved general health, but also for successfully fighting cancer.

I am proud of my parents for how far they have come in the past six months, for their dedication, and their support of each other.  They are shining examples of how cancer can be beaten naturally, and of unshakeable faith in the Heavenly Father and his sovereignty over our lives.

I am definitely proud to be my father's daughter!  :)

Dad & Mom, June, 2014

June, 2016

Gifts of the Magi: Gold, Frankincense, and Myrhh

Wise men from the East are among the favorite Christmas story characters along with the angels, shepherds, and, of course, Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus.  Tradition says there were three wise men, but the truth is that the exact number of wise men is unknown.  The Bible does not say how many wise men there were, but Scripture does specifically list three gifts brought by the wise men to present to the Christ child, resulting in the usual depiction of three wise men--one carrying each gift.  The gifts they brought to the newborn King were highly valued and worthy of royalty:  gold, frankincense, and myrhh.  Although these items don't usually make the top of our Christmas wish lists, we would be wise to learn about their uses and health benefits.

FRANKINCENSE essential oil is made by steam-distilling the raw resin of Boswellia trees, which grow in regions of Africa and Arabia.  It is traditionally burned as incense and has been revered in the Middle East for thousands of years as an anointing oil. 

Frankincense essential oil has been called the King of Oils, and is one of the top essential oils used for health today.  Inhaled or diffused, Frankincense oil is used in aromatherapy for its comforting and sedative properties.  It promotes feelings of peace, relaxation, and satisfaction while reducing feelings of anger, anxiety, and stress.  Frankincense essential oil (not fragrance oil) is considered a tonic since it benefits all of the body's operating systems, including the digestive, excretory, nervous, and respiratory systems.  It promotes healthy cell regeneration and keeps existing cells and tissues healthy.  It strengthens the immune system and aids in the absorption of nutrients.  Frankincense oil has anti-inflammatory, astringent, antiseptic, disinfectant, digestive, diuretic, and expectorant properties, and it can cross the blood-brain barrier.  It can be used to treat many conditions, including the following:

• Skin health (dry skin, scars and stretch marks, signs of aging, acne, insect bites, boils)
• Oral health (treats bad breath, mouth sores, cavities, tooth aches, infections; strengthens gums)
• Wound care (stops bleeding, speeds healing)
• Colds/respiratory conditions (breaks up phlegm, relieves bronchial-related congestion)
• Digestive disorders (speeds up secretion of gastric juices, bile, and acids; stimulates proper food movement through the intestines)
• Uterine health (regulates estrogen production, regulates the menstrual cycle of premenopausal women; reduces formation of post-menopause cysts and tumors, reducing the risk of uterine cancer)
• Arthritis/Rheumatoid Arthritis (inhibits  production of key inflammatory molecules, helping prevent the breakdown of cartilage tissue; used topically as an effective natural painkiller)
• Cancer (an agent in this oil stops cancer from spreading and also induces cancerous cells to self-destruct).  I know of a young lady who cured her brain stem tumor by taking Frankincense oil drops on the roof of her mouth!

Using essential oils:  essential oils are very powerful, concentrated substances, and are best used under the guidance of a qualified health practitioner.  Both Frankincense and Myrhh oils may be inhaled (diffused or used in a vaporizer), and applied topically--either alone or with a carrier oil (People with skin sensitivities may want to test a small area of skin first.).  Frankincense oil may be ingested in very small amounts (a drop or two under the tongue/on the roof of the mouth, or one drop in an edible carrier oil such as coconut oil, with a teaspoon of honey, or in purified water).  For internal use, check the label to ensure the oil being used is made for internal use, as not all brands are.  Myrhh oil is approved by the FDA as a food additive and flavoring agent, but it is still recommended to get advice from a health professional.

Contraindications:  Neither oil is recommended internally for children ages six and under.  They can both have 

blood-thinning effects, so are not indicated for those with bleeding disorders or taking anticoagulants.  

Neither is recommended for pregnant or nursing women. 

MYRHH essential oil is made from the bark of the Commiphora myrrha tree, which is the same plant family as the Boswellia tree.  Myrhh has enjoyed popularity among ancient cultures:  the Chinese used it medicinally; ancient Egyptians used it medicinally, as an embalming agent for their pharoahs, and in the heavy kohl eyeliner worn by their women; ancient Greek soldiers took myrhh resin into battle to help stop bleeding wounds.  It has been used for thousands of years as an incense and as a holy oil in religious ceremonies. 

Myrhh oil is commonly used today in skin care products and fragrances, as a natural ingredient in mouthwashes and toothpaste, in food as flavoring, and in embalming.  Myrhh oil contains compounds that can affect the hypothalamus, amygdala, and pituitary--specific parts of the brain which control emotions and produce many important hormones.  These compounds are largely responsible for its calming effects on the mind and body.  Myrrh oil is valuable as an aromatherapy oil that can be used for massages, mixed in bathwater, or simply applied on the skin.

Myrhh oil is antioxidant, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic, expectorant, and antispasmodic.  It strengthens and activates your immune system to prevents infection and putrefaction, which helps clear toxins and promote tissue repair.  Myrhh oil can be beneficial for many health conditions, including the following:

• Skin infections (athlete's foot, ringworm, weeping eczema, bedsores, boils, carbuncles, acne)
• Skin care (prevents the signs of aging and soothes cracked or chapped skin, relieves sores and wounds)
• Oral diseases (eliminates dental infections, relieves toothache, gingivitis, mouth ulcers; freshens breath)
• Respiratory problems (relieves congestion and expels phlegm; works well against coughs, colds, and sore throats)
• Digestive ailments (helps cure upset stomach, diarrhea, dyspepsia, indigestion, flatulence and hemorrhoids; promotes digestive health)
• Cancer (effective against prostate and other  reproductive organ cancers)

GOLD  You might wonder what health benefits gold can offer.  Well, it has been suggested that the wise men's gift of gold may not have been the precious metal but rather a powerful golden spice.  Tumeric is a common spice used in Indian cooking and is a bright golden-yellow color.  It has a lengthy history of medicinal uses, and its bioactive ingredient, CURCUMIN, is one of the most well-studied nutrients in the world.

Curcumin's anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, and anti-cancer properties are among its 150-plus potentially therapeutic activities.  Curcumin has a vast array of mechanisms using numerous pathways to affect many different cells, hormones, and molecules in the body, allowing it to have multiple health benefits and to prevent multiple diseases.  Curcumin can be therapeutic for lung and liver diseases, cardiovascular diseases, neurological diseases, metabolic diseases, autoimmune diseases, and inflammatory diseases.  It supports brain, heart, and digestive health; promotes wound healing and relieves pain; suppresses rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and relieves osteoarthritis pain; protects against cataracts.  

Curcumin is able to pass the blood-brain barrier, and it, along with another nutrient in turmeric, has shown great promise in combatting neurological conditions like Parkinson's and Alzheimers. 

Curcumin is also a super-hero nutrient in the cancer-fighting realm, which is how I first learned of it.  There is more evidence-based literature supporting the use of curcumin against cancer than for any other nutrient.  It is also unique in the fact that it is effective against any and all types of cancer due to its ability to affect more than 100 different intra-cellular molecular pathways.  Curcumin suppresses the formation, growth, and spread of tumors.  Research has also shown that curcumin can work in conjunction with conventional chemotherapy, making it more targeted and effective.  Unlike chemotherapy, however, curcumin has zero side effects and targets only the cancer cells, leaving normal cells unharmed.

Considering its abundance of health benefits, it should be a no-brainer to add the spice turmeric to your cooking.  It can also be taken in supplement form--just be sure you purchase a high-quality supplement (third party verified and satisfaction guaranteed) with at least 95% curcumin content and no fillers or unnecessary added ingredients.

Hopefully the next time you see or hear the Christmas nativity story with the wise men and their gifts to the Savior, you will think of Gold, Frankincense, and Myrhh in a whole new way!

Expecting the Unexpected

For the past week or so, I have been navigating the emotional spectrum of being 46 years old...and pregnant.  Yes, you read that correctly, and no, I wasn't experiencing the emotions you would probably expect. 

You see, my hubby has not had a vasectomy, so even though we haven't planned a baby for the past 13 years (Our fifth child, who is 9, was "unplanned by us, but planned by God"--we thought four was good, but God thought five was better!), we are fully aware that pregnancy is possible.  In fact, I have regularly said, "We are going to be that couple in their fifties who suddenly gets a...Surprise!"  :)  I am always very literally "expecting the unexpected" when it comes to pregnancy, so I was not at all shocked or dismayed.  We have chosen to "plan" our family using the natural cycles that God designed in a woman's body, while leaving the door open for God to perform His will.  I have never been comfortable with "telling God" how many children we will have.  Admittedly, this has been made easier by the fact that I have been blessed with a very regular cycle--which also allows me to know very quickly if I am pregnant.  I have never had to use a pregnancy test.  I know, I know--I am now at the age where menopause can begin, and being a little late could just mean my body is changing, but there have been no significant signs of that time of life beginning yet.

So, once I was more than three days "late", I immediately began paying close attention.  And as more and more days passed, I began contemplating the reality of being pregnant at 46.  I would be giving birth at age 47...my oldest and youngest children would be 20 years apart...the baby's next oldest sibling would be 10 years older...Bob and I would be in our late sixties by the time this baby graduates high school.  I'm also aware of the reality of how pregnancy affects cancer--my body which had had a hormone-receptive cancer would be raging with hormones.  I will have to be vigilant and diligent.  But there was still excitement.  When should I tell Bob?  This could be the healthiest pregnancy and baby I've ever had!  I already know several things I'll do differently...  This is another opportunity to share the importance, hope, and benefits of a healthy lifestyle...and another opportunity to point people to God!  Rather than viewing another baby as a hindrance, an inconvenience, or a hardship at our age, I viewed this baby as a precious blessing from God--whose timing and plan are always perfect.  I wasn't upset or worried...I was happy! 

That is, until thoughts and doubts planted by the Enemy started to creep in.  Oh, boy, what are people going to think?  What are my KIDS going to say?  Are they going to be embarrassed?  What will our relatives say--I mean, our nieces and nephews have just started having babies!  Are they going to think I'm stealing their thunder--grabbing limelight when I'm supposed to have already had my turn?  Are they going to be critical...think we're stupid and crazy and irresponsible to let this happen?  Is this going to rub unfairness in the faces of young couples who haven't been able to bear children yet?  I could already hear the shocked comments and responses from family and friends, most of whom would view a baby at our age as a definite negative.  I considered how to best convey my joy in a situation which most people were going to view as awkward, at best.   I began dreading having to tell people.  I started planning how I would delay telling people as long as possible and make sure to keep it very low-key to avoid appearing like I want undue attention.  I didn't want to deal with the drama.  I started feeling embarrassed and somewhat shameful just anticipating others' reactions.  I allowed it to steal my joy. 

I quickly realized this was wrong.  First of all, I was borrowing trouble--none of this had happened yet, and I didn't even know for sure that it would happen.  I don't think my concerns were unfounded, because in the past I have heard negative comments and people's negative views about pregnancy at what was considered to be "too old."  But, although my concerns were based in real experience, it still didn't necessarily mean I would be directly faced with it.  I was sinfully worrying about something that hadn't yet occurred.  Secondly, I couldn't allow my joy to be dependent upon the reactions of others.  As long as I am comfortable and happy with what God allows in my life and am able to glorify Him and thank Him for it, then that is what matters.  I am responsible for my responses only--not the responses of other people.

Almost as soon as I processed all this, it all came to naught.  I started bleeding.  I was miscarrying.  No, I don't have a doctor's confirmation that this is the case, but I know my body, and I've experienced early miscarriages like this before between the births of my children--when I've been a few weeks late for my cycle, and then have had a very heavy period.  Not to be too graphic, but when the bleeding is heavier than normal and it's more clotty with what appears to be tissue-like substances passing, it's kind of obvious. 

Am I crushed, heartbroken?  No, because it was in the very early stages, and I was just getting accustomed to it.  But I definitely have a sense of disappointment--of loss, because I was just to the point of getting excited about having another child.  Obviously there are pros and cons--blessings and challenges--involved in being pregnant at my age.  But in the ending of the pregnancy, too, I know God's timing is perfect, and His plan is best.  It has been another lesson in trusting my Father completely, no matter what scenario plays out.

This experience, though brief, carried me through a lot of different emotions, which has been a little trying.  I kept debating whether or not to even share it, because it was basically my own private, secret, short-lived struggle.  But I think there could be value in sharing this brief joy-turned-to-heartache experience if only to encourage someone else who may be experiencing it at any age, and to encourage everyone to value the precious gift of life at any age.  God is the Author of Life, and I wonder if believers are too comfortable trying to control that aspect without considering that the Father may have a perfect plan that we don't allow Him to accomplish, because it doesn't fit with our own plans.  Just something to think about. 

Although this current "surprise" won't come to fruition, I will continue to expect the unexpected.  :)

The Importance of Iodine

Iodine is one of the most important elements necessary for the optimum health and wellness of our bodies.  Iodine is responsible for the production of almost every hormone in the body, and iodine is found at high levels in the thyroid, breasts, liver, lungs, heart, and adrenal glands.  Iodine deficiency leads to endocrine system cancers (breast, prostate, ovaries, uterus, thyroid), infertility, and also mental retardation.  Iodine is effective in treating goiter, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, fibrocystic breasts, high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes.

The thyroid depends upon iodine to create the thyroid hormone thyroxin, and the thyroid gland has a specialized system to concentrate a large amount of iodine relative to its size.  In the absence of iodine, thyroid hormones have been found to produce abnormalities in breast cells--more often than estrogen-produced abnormalities.  Breasts are one of the body's main storage and utilization sites for iodine, and adequate iodine levels are vital for the development and maintenance of "normal breast architecture."  It has been reported that Vitamin D deficiency and iodine deficiency are two of the biggest causes of breast cancer.  This is good news, because these two deficiencies are easy to fix!

Following are more important benefits of iodine:

• Eliminates heavy metals like lead and mercury from the body
• Has anti-bacterial, anti-parasitic, anti-viral, and anti-cancer properties.
• Improves breast health and prevents fibrocystic breast disease.
• Improves thyroid function.
• Provides for optimal functioning of the entire endocrine system.
• Increases energy levels, body temperatures, and improves circulation.
• Stops cancer cell reproduction and may kill cancer cells (apoptosis).
• Protects from radiation exposure.
• Assists in detoxification.
• Lowers blood pressure.
• Lowers the risk of diabetes and helps control weight.  (Dr. Daniel Nuzum claims that it is impossible for Type 2 Diabetes to exist if there is adequate iodine.)
• Essential during pregnancy for proper brain development of the baby.

Do we get enough iodine from our diets?  No; it is reported that today, 96% of Americans are deficient.  We need 12-25 mg of iodine per day; the U.S. recommended amount of iodine is only in micrograms not milligrams--and that is only enough to prevent goiter.  

Iodized table salt is a poor source of iodine.  First of all, we would need about 20 teaspoons of it per day!  Secondly, table salt in the U.S. contains only iodide not iodine, and our bodies require both iodide and iodine in combination.  While all tissues and organs utilize iodine, they don't necessarily utilize the same form of it.  Thirdly, if you recall, I wrote a previous article on how toxic and nutrient-deficient table salt is.  In that article, I also shared how salt is required for proper use of iodine and recommended natural salts such as sea salt, pink Himalayan salt, and Real Salt brand salt.  (Selenium is also necessary for iodine to work properly.)

In America's past, iodine was actually added to bread and other baked goods, but in the 1970s, iodine was replaced with bromine.  Bromine, chlorine, fluorine, and iodine are from the same family of elements, so they can all fill the iodine receptors in our cells, pushing out what little iodine may be present.  Americans are ingesting large amounts of these toxic chemicals while getting very little of the vital iodine.  Think about all the brominated baked goods we consume, the chlorinated water which we drink and use for bathing and swimming, the chlorinated "bleached" products we use and ingest, and the fluoridated water supply.  It would be wise to decrease or eliminate our use, consumption, and exposure to bromine, chlorine, and fluoride.  Admittedly, this may be a difficult task, but adequate levels of iodine will push these other chemicals out, helping the body detoxify from them.

Seaweed and kelp are excellent sources of iodine, but the Fukushima fallout in Japan has irradiated the oceans, contaminating nature's best sources.  There are some foods known to contain iodine, but the amount is directly dependent upon the iodine levels of the soil in which they are grown.  Since most soil is depleted of many nutrients, including iodine, again, these food sources would not provide sufficient iodine.

So, how do we get enough iodine?  I suggest purchasing iodine supplements such as Ioderal (tablets) or Lugol's Solution (liquid drops). 

While some express concern that excessive amounts of iodine may have adverse effects on the thyroid, if one takes into consideration the iodine deficiency epidemic in America and the prevalence of thyroid conditions and diseases in America due to iodine deficiency, it seems unlikely that overdosing is an urgent problem.  Once iodine sufficiency is achieved in the body, the amount of iodine absorbed is quantitatively excreted in the urine as iodide--protecting the body against iodine overload.

I very recently had my iodine and heavy metals levels tested.  As expected, my iodine was low (70% saturation when 90% saturation is the goal), and I had a slightly elevated mercury level.  The doctor who reviewed the results with me recommended I take 23-25 mg of iodine per day for three months and then re-test.  He also said that as my iodine levels increased, the iodine would push out the mercury--but that would take a full year, so I should retest the heavy metals in one year.

Dr. David Brownstein and Dr. George Flechas are two of the leading researchers on iodine, and I would highly recommend looking up their work.  Also, the organization I used to do my testing is www.breastcancerchoices.org

They offer free iodine testing to breast cancer patients who are willing to be part of their study, and they raise funds to do that by selling iodine supplements, other supplements, and books and publications on the research.  Their website is a wealth of information on thyroid issues, breast cancer, and more.

Cancer Cell Tidbits

Free Radicals

A "free radical" is an oxygen molecule which is missing an electron, so it steals an electron from another cell.  Cells cannot function properly without their electrons--which could cause them to become cancerous cells.

Antioxidants

"Antioxidants" are molecules with extra electrons which they donate to free radicals--keeping them functioning normally and preventing them from becoming cancerous.  Many fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices contain anti-oxidants, which is one reason why a raw, organic, whole-food diet is so important.  (*Side note:  many doctors tell their cancer patients to avoid consuming antioxidants while taking chemotherapy, because they believe the nutrients interfere with the chemo.  Not only has this been proven false through scientific testing [in fact the opposite has been shown:  antioxidants help chemo work better], it just plain doesn't make sense--"Don't consume healthy nutrients when your body is fighting a disease, because that healthy stuff will interfere with the toxic poisons we're pumping into your body to 'cure' that disease."  Really?!)

Sugar

Cancer cells are "obligate glucose metabolizers"--they must have sugar as their energy and fuel source.  SUGAR FEEDS CANCER.  (I have written previous articles on this subject.)  Yet what does one find in conventional oncology

offices?  Dishes of candy for the patients.  What types of food are served to children in pediatric cancer wards?  Sugary desserts and junk food, because "a calorie is a calorie--we just want them to eat."  Conventional medical staffs feed the very disease they are supposedly treating!

Anaerobic

Cancer cells are "anaerobic" which means they thrive in a low-oxygen or no-oxygen environment.  A nutrient-rich diet aids in getting adequate amounts of oxygen to the cells, and some alternative cancer treatments incorporate oxygen therapies which kill cancer cells by introducing oxygen into them.

Electrical Charge 

Cancer cells have the opposite electrical charge as normal cells.  Pancreatic enzymes chew up the proteins in the cell membranes of cancer cells, but the enzymes don't harm normal cells, because their electrical charge repels the enzymes.  

Cancer cells also have a protein coating which serves as a "cloaking device" against the body's immune cells that are supposed to identify and eliminate the enemy cancer cells.  The protein coating has a negative electrostatic charge just like immune cells, causing them to be repelled by cancer cells.  (70%-80% of immune cells are made up of "neutrophils" which can't "see" the cancer cells due to their cloaking device.  "Natural Killer Cells" make up a small percentage of immune cells, and they are the only immune cells that are not fooled by the cloaking device and can still identify the invaders.)  Pancreatic enzymes expose cancer cells to the body's immune cells by chewing through that protective protein coating, making pancreatic enzymes an important supplementation to the diet.

Cancer cells have very low electric activity; delivering electric energy to cancer cells kills them.  Interestingly, every cancer patient known to have been struck by lightning had no evidence of cancer following the lightning strike!  Fulvic acid is a substance that delivers that electric energy to cancer cells. 

Phases

Cancer cells go through four phases; chemotherapy only works during one of those four phases:  the synthesis phase.  Therefore, chemo only has a 25% chance of working.  "Insulin Potentiated Targeted Low Dose" chemotherapy (IPTLD) is an alternative treatment that changes chemo from a "hand grenade" (wide spread destruction) to a "sniper rifle" (narrowly focused targeting).  Patients are administered insulin in order to significantly lower blood sugar levels, causing cancer cells to "starve."  This puts cancer cells in the synthesis stage which is when chemo works.  IPTLD makes chemo 20 times more effective with 1/10 of the dose.

The more I learn about cancer, the body, cells, and how everything works, the more fascinated I am--and the more confident I am that conventional cancer treatments are not the answer!

One Weed That Deserves a Status Change

When I was a kid, my parents had a pretty good sized garden, and every summer my siblings and I were given the chore of weeding it every day before we could go swimming.  At first my mom had a rule that we had to weed one hour or one whole row, whichever was completed first.  She quickly realized that we were choosing the hour time limit--and that we spent that hour goofing off and having dirt clod fights, rotten tomato fights, etc., instead of weeding.  So then the rule became that we had to weed an entire row before we could quit.  It would be an understatement for me to say that I HATED weeding the garden.

It's funny how things change, because now, as an adult with my own gardens, I LOVE to weed!  I really do.  I find it therapeutic, and I gain a great sense of satisfaction from pulling every last little weed out of my garden boxes and flower beds.  (To answer your next question, no, unfortunately I don't have time to come weed your garden for you.)  ;) 

A couple weeks ago I discovered that in my conscientious endeavors to keep my gardens weed-free, I had been throwing away an abundant (and free!) crop of a very nutritious, tasty plant which I had been mistaking for a weed my whole life.  That plant is purslane--sometimes referred to as pigweed or verdolaga.

Purslane's scientific name is Portulaca oleracea.  Purslane is native to India, and is widely cultivated in India and Europe as a staple leafy vegetable.  Unfortunately, in its spread across other continents, it is generally recognized as a wild weed.  The seeds are viable for 40 years, and it is a very hardy plant which explains why it is so prolific.  It has small, round, thick dark green leaves, reddish stems, and yellow flowers.  Fresh tender leaves and stems can be served raw in salads, steamed gently as a side dish, or stir-fried with other similar greens and vegetables.  Fresh leaves can be used for juicing.  It is also used in soups and stews, and the mucilaginous substance in the leaves works as a thickening agent.  Its yellow flower buds are also edible and are most often used in salads.  Its seeds look like black tea powder granules and are often used in herbal beverages.  It has a slightly sour, salty yet mild taste, and I find it quite pleasant.

The health benefits of purslane are astounding.  It has very high levels of the omega-3 fatty acid ALA (the most of any green leafy vegetable) and small amounts of EPA and DHA (more than some fish oils), high levels of vitamin A, and significant levels of numerous other vitamins and minerals including vitamin C, riboflavin, thiamin, niacin, pyridoxine, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, calcium, copper, phosphorous, selenium, and zinc.  The surprising levels of Omega-3s are vital for proper heart health and maintaining proper cholesterol balance.  Potassium helps lower blood pressure.  The high levels of vitamin A make purslane ideal for eye health, treating skin conditions when used topically and consumed internally, and preventing cancer.  The wide range of minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, and manganese promote strong healthy bones.  The high iron and copper content stimulate red blood cell production and boost circulation.  Purslane has traditionally been used in Chinese medicine, and is still used today, to treat a wide range of intestinal problems.  One caution regarding purslane is that it contains high levels of oxalic acid, so if you are susceptible to developing calcium-oxalate kidney stones, you may want to avoid consuming purslane.

I am always interested in the cancer-fighting potential of foods, and purslane packs quite a punch!  In addition to the antioxidants vitamins A and C, the reddish stems contain two important betalain alkaloid pigments, beta-cyanin and beta-xanthin, which are anti-mutagenic as well as antioxidant.  They prevent free radicals from causing mutations in healthy cells, which helps prevent the development of cancer.

Dandelions are another "weed" that have been shown to have strong anti-cancer properties.  You can look up my April, 2014, blog post about dandelions. 

I'm still enthusiastic about weeding, but I am more careful about which "weeds" I eliminate...and which ones I eat!

The Case For Salt

We've been told for years that too much salt intake causes high blood pressure, fluid retention, swelling, shortness of breath, and can lead to kidney and heart disease, heart attacks, etc.  However, the evidence from recent studies indicates that there is no connection between salt and heart disease.  In fact, reduction of salt intake actually increases the risk of heart failure.  So what's going on?

First of all, we need to understand the important role that salt plays.  There are Four Pillars that every human body requires:  Water, Iodine, proper Nutrition/Diet, and Salt.  Salt is actually the second-most needed compound after water.  The immune system needs it; the hormonal systems (adrenal & thyroid) need it; iodine needs it in order to work.  Salt influences nerve and heart function, blood pressure, blood sugar, brain function, digestive health, reproductive health, bone health (bones contain over 1/4 of the body's salt content), cellular processes,  water content, muscle cramps/tension, electrolytes, sleep, allergies, asthma and sinus issues.  Salt provides two elements which are essential for life, sodium and chloride.  The body cannot produce these on its own, so they must be obtained from the diet.  Salt intake must also be balanced with proper potassium levels.  Proper salt intake is especially important in hot weather or after strenuous workouts to replace nutrients lost through sweating.

Secondly, we need to understand that not all salt is equal.   Studies indicating the harm caused by high sodium diets don't distinguish between natural salt and table salt.  Natural salt is 84% sodium chloride and 16% naturally occurring trace minerals.  Table salt is 97.5% sodium chloride and 2.5% man-made chemicals.  Table salt is chemically processed, bleached, stripped of its beneficial minerals, dried at very high temperatures which changes its natural chemical structure, and has added anti-caking agents including aluminum, which is linked to Alzheimer's and cancer.  Although iodine may be added, any health benefit is negated.  Chemical table salt is added to almost all processed foods, meats, and snacks, and it is the overconsumption of this salt along with the high levels of refined sugar/fructose also present in processed foods that is linked to health problems.  The food industry has responded to the health concerns by creating waves of low-sodium food products.  However, instead of replacing the sodium with necessary minerals or other healthier alternatives, they substitute MSG or other artificial chemical ingredients to achieve the desired flavor.  "Low-sodium" doesn't equal "healthy."

There are many types of natural unrefined salt available including Himalayan Salt, Celtic Sea Salt, black lava salt, and Real Salt.  Remove the table salt from the table and replace it with natural salt for all seasoning and cooking.  (You could save the table salt for cleaning purposes.)  Avoid processed foods containing high amounts of sodium, and instead consume a diet of whole, raw, fresh foods salted to taste.

Now that you know the benefits...Pass the salt, please!