The Apparent Direct Link of Cancer With Industrialization

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There has been many different ideas and theories over the years about how and why does cancer occur in our society. Before the Industrial age it was rarely either seen or recognized as most of society saw a shorter lifespan or were fraught with many epidemics that wiped out populations. Cancer only became more recognized as we became more industrial, more urban and as populations grew. With new industries and therefore new exposures both in the environment and to our households newer changes began popping up .What did the mass introduction and commercialization of tobacco fumes, car exhaust and 8 hour work days in a factory do to change the human organisms way of life ? How did preservation of foods with high salt, high nitrites,or the introduction of MSG, aspartame, EDTA, Sucralose, Saccharin, high fructose corn syrup and Red dye No.5, artificial food coloring and other preservation methods of food do to contribute to changes not in our life and health? Does it mean that it is acceptable that we live longer , but just with more ailments?

Scientist as early as the 1930's such as Otto Warburg began to look at imbalanced metabolism. Since the body is constantly trying to acquire energy to perform functions, it would seem stressors on metabolism cause cells to change.Warburg, a Noble Laureate, posed that when our cells go from combusting basic nutrients in the presence of oxygen to a non-oxygen(non-aerobic) state of acquiring energy, we change our blood chemistry.Blood becomes more acidic. Therefore , by making the PH of blood more Alkaline which now has become widely accepted in nutrition science circles as a means to better health. Our body creates acids like lactate and pyruvate, but at very minimal amounts without there being adequate oxygen; while in the face of Oxygen a very high output of energy is created. Lactic acid may be the culprit because it makes the body work that much harder. Other more ineffective and highly toxic acids can also be put into the blood when there is lack of adequate oxygenation. Acids such as Keto-Acids/Acetone are fatty acids that become the subsrate of energy. What this means is how we exercise physically , handle stress,and what we eat can have quantitative and qualitative effects on cellular life.


Today we are seeing how the oxidation of fats play a critical role in causing a disease state. The oxidation of cholesterol , particularly LDL, creates the scarring on the blood vessels setting up for atherosclerosis in the arteries and later heart attack and other forms of vascular disease. The oxidation and perioxidation of oygen leads to the creation of "free radicals" that cause mutations in the DNA of cells, premature aging and chronic disease. The emissions of combusting fuel is similar to that of a car's engine. Our cells work like engines and put out numerous potentially toxic by-products. Antioxidants act as ways to release these potentially threatening caustic agents.

Today stress plays a key role in our mental and physical health by reducing resistance. Stress hormones such as cortisol is a counter-regulatory hormone which can dump more sugar into the blood this is very bad for setting up the pre-diabetic state or type 2 diabetes ,but it also has an immuno-suppressive effect so that you are more susceptible to infections and other disease. The salt and water retention it causes raises blood pressure. Stress hormones like adrenalin can really raise your blood pressure and cause the heart to beat faster and harder. The shear forces of high blood force on blood vessels may set up for athersclerosis and greater difficulty for the heart to pump.
How do we make sense out of the rapid rise of chronic illness in an amazingly highly technologically advanced civilization where we've conquered space, travel the world within hours and split the atom? How is it with the scientific data proving this link of disease to industry that we are still utilizing pesticides, herbicides, insecticides,fungicides, genetically modified foods, bGH, estrogen, antiobiotics, high fructose corn syrup, saccharin, sucarlose, artificial dyes , food coloring ,irradiation microwaved,with trans fats. Cooked foods are full of acrilimide, PAHs(para-aminohydrocarbons), and HCAs(Heterocyclic Amines). Our Sea Food is now effected by VOCs,PAHs, and Mercury .Even our water has acceptable levels of run off from manufacturing plants , raw sewage, old drugs, and flouride. Non-ionized radiation from cell telephone lines presents another problem to our health as well.

As we advance with further technology, human life becomes more exposed to the result of that which we create. It's probably less important to guess which of these theories of cancer are happening more likely than the other, however, it is time the individual themselves attacks the problem from a cellular level. This can be done by antioxidants to fight the damage done by oxygen free radicals,vitamins refortify the body's defense, hydration with water allows for better blood flow while giving ions to function on a cellular level. Minerals participate in all catalytic or biochemical reactions and are necessary for metabolism. Enzymes are helping us from the moment we digest our foods to carrying or converting particles to more effective products. These can be obtained by eating more raw vegetables,fruits or an organic diet.

While molecular medicine and procedure oriented medicine seeks more bio-medical technology to treat problems created inadvertently by our industries, perhaps we need to seriously re-evaluate the advantages a more simple agrarian diet our pre-industrial ancestors benefited from a greener "way of living". We must look at how to appreciate and "incorporate" their quality of life.

Natural Alternatives that compete with oral hypoglycemics

Nature has been revealing to the organic system for millenia how to keep the storage and utilization of fuels in times of feast or famine. This evolution of calorie use is probably what influenced some of our genetics enough to have made some of us susceptible to diabetes in one form or another. As many as 20 million Americans may be diabetic , but there are millions who go undiagnosed and many many more who may develop diabetes due to pregnancy in gestational diabetes, or from over-eating particularly high carbohydrate meals,and others may become diabetic from medications that can effect metabolism such as steroids. In a statement in fall of 2010 the CDC last predicted that by 2050 perhaps 50 % of the nation would be diabetic. This is rather shocking news that has wider healthcare spending implications. There also seems to be a direct correlation to diabetes(particularly type 2) and obesity growth. Diabetes can be treated by either oral hypglycemic agents or insulin of some form. However, they too are fraught with problems. Most recently Avandia was recognized for being involved with cardiovascular problems. Many people misuse, mis-time, or mis-dose their insulin.
We are now discovering why the CDC may have made its prediction as we are seeing a grey area of pre-diabetes or hyperglycemia occur in our population. The higher caloric content with especially carbohydrates is causing the body's cells to become overstressed. The evolutionary mechanism to handle so many calories if they can not be burned fast enough or effectively enough is to store it. Thats where adipose comes in and fat accumulation in numerous places occurs.
But, now nature has brought several ways that we might approach poor sugar metabolism in our bodies. The FDA has even endorsed an essential mineral called Chromium Picolinate which seems to stabilize sugar absorption rates as well as help bio-metabolism by improving bio-composition. A plant called Gynema grown in many South American countries is showing similar types of properties as well and is showing that it too can be of benefit in regualating blood sugar. The latest natural product appearing to be of a surprise and shocker to many is cinnamon.A study conducted by the Federal Hospital in Las Vegas showed that an amount as much as 1000 milligrams of powdered bark cinnamon given to subjects improved blood sugar by reducing it significantly.

Color to Calories adds healthy Nutrition

We are noticing through nature that certain colors of natural foods contain certain nutritional value that are very beneficial. I think nature is trying to tell us something that science has been missing until most recently. Nutritionist, medical scientist and herbslogist have noticed that the color spectrum of certain foods do make an impact in our daily diets:

Green foods such as spinach, lettuce, green peas , collard greens and avocado contain phytochemicals such as lutein and indole that can protect against cancer and poor vision.

Orange and yellow foods have bioflavonoids and carotenoids. We see this in sweet potatoes, tangerine , grapefruit, and carrots. These bio-nutrients are rich sources that can help reduce cancer, support vision and fortify immunity.


Berries come in all sizes, shapes and multiple colors too. The anthocyanin and phenolics in blackberries, blueberries, eggplant, plums and grapes are known to help reduce risk of cancers and heart disease.

Even white or tanned foods such as onions, garlic, scallions, leeks, pears, cauliflower and bananas contain allicin a phytochemical.These foods are known for lowering cholesterol, blood pressure and augment immunity to fight off infection.

So, start noticing color and use this as a guide to help you determine what type of color your calories will be today!

Mayo Clinic Goes Alternative

Have you gone to your local bookstore lately? One of the most fascinating finds is a magazine/journal called Mayo Clinic Guide to Alternative Medicine. It is a novel and curious way how "mainstream" medicine is finding itself more into a world of health that was considered suspect at best just 10 years ago. But, nowadays, prestigous institutes such as Mayo Clinic and even the National Institutes of Health have divisions that are studying herbals, vitamins, antioxidants, enzymes and minerals. This is a major milestone. But, don't get too overly excited as one "outdated" school of thought tries to "adopt" another much older one. It may prove tricky to the consumer to see just how altruistic this move may be as major drug companies are seeing the real financial benefit also of not only making medications , but supplements as well.But, there are some interesting things I see that Mayo's is doing and we should recognize what some of their findings are concluding because they do appear to validate what herbalist, herbalogist, botanist, Alternative, Naturopathic, and Homeopathic practitioners have been stating:

1) Massage therapy can reduce post operative pain.
2)Ambience therapy with natural sounds of nature seems to effect the speed of recovery after surgery.
3)Paced breathing which is a form of regulated breathing often seen by gurus seems to help reduce stress, anxiety and even hot flashes. Mayo Clinic offers it as an alternative to breast cancer survivors who can not take estrogen treatment.
4)Ginseng is showing positive research data that it can reduce cancer related fatigue
5)Ginko relieves "chemo brain" a phenomenom associated with cognitive slowing due to chemotherapy from the oxidative stress it has on cells
6)Mangosteen acts as an anti-inflammatory agent in cardio-vascular procedures such as post electro-cardioverstion of atrial fibrillation.

These are things typically supported in the world of "Alternative" Medicine and have been known for years, but now seems to have Mayo's and the Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine(OCCAM) at the NIH look into these effects is evolutionary. Are we witnessing a slow progressive shift in the paradigm of medicine. I think so. These are amazing times where on one end of the spectrum genetric therapy biomedical tech is proceeding rapidly ahead , but we always seem to find ourselves "coming back home to nature" .

"Soya-a" Wanna Be Healthy: The Real Soy Protein

Perhaps one of the most promising foods to be brought on to the "green and super foods" scene is soy or soy protein. Soy is ubiquitous and comes from the soy bean a legume known to be useful for many things . The Chinese perhaps are historically known to have used soy be centuries. But, unlike typical soy products we use today , they "fermented" soy as a consumable good in all products. But, what are the health benefits of soy based proteins in the foods we consume today?

Soy is thought to reduce breast cancer, prostate cnacer and menopausal problems and perhaps even bone health. The NCI(National Cancer Institute) has look at both chemo-preventive and cancer protective soy compounds called isoflavones,specifically.

The USDA and University of Saint Louis published that Asian males have a 50% less of a risk of prostate cancer due to a soy product , genistein , an isoflavone.

Soy protein is reported to reduce the "bad cholesterol" called LDL. The FDA in 1999 claimed that 25 grams of soy protein in a person's daily diet can help reduce heart disease. An American Heart Association study stated that replacement of animal protein with soy protein would do the same thing.

Soy has an Omega 3 oil called Alanine(ALA). ALA can reduce heart disease by 20 percent and reduces saturated fats while increasing lean protein .

Isoflavones such as phyto-estrogens that are a "competitive estrogen-like" compound that inhibits natural estrogen in menopausal symptoms. It is this product that reduces hot flashes by 50% according to the National Institutes of Health in Japan and University of Minnesota.

But, is the soy foods we are consuming the preferred "fermented" soy that was stated in the Chou Dynasty in China used in Tempeh, Natto, Miso and soy sauce and Tofu?

Fermentation Process:
The puree of the cooked soy beans percipitates of calcium sulfate and magnesium sulfate.This offers a healthier benefit of soy to take out negative toxins or Anti-nutrients that can ALSO exist in certain soys that do not meet this safety process.

What are some of these toxins that can be in unfermented soy?

1)Enzymes that block the amino acid Trypsin
2)Gastric distress
3)Reduction of protein digestion
4)Pancreatic problems, potentially cancer
5)Hemaglutinin which is a clot factor causing red blood cells to clump
6)Growth depressant compounds
7)Phytic Acid which can block calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc utilization
8)Genestein and Diadezem which are inhibitors of thyroid hormone(T3/T4) create goiter


Always look for Fermented sources of soy perticularly in baby formula. Read labels looking for the nitrosamines or nitrites in soy foods.

Soy is a terrific alternative potentially for food sources causing many of the chronic illnesses from dietary sources. Be aware and question if the source is "fermented".

Much of the benefits of soy protein are potentially a boon to changing lifestyles into becoming healthier. Be aware of genetically modification as another potential threat to soy food sources. Much of the "proven" benifits are still being studied , but appear to be hopeful , it is the "fermented" process that still becomes the primary caution about receiving its benefits without the threat of toxins inherent in soy protein not protected.

Learn more about a healthy lifestyle at www.tgx360.com

Dr. Marcus Wells is a previous Clinical Associate at the National Institutes of Health at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute(NIH/NHLBI). He has served in the US Health & Human Services, US Public Health Service,and US Commissioned Corp.Dr. Wells also holds a Master's in Public Health from Emory University.

Berry Berry Healthy

Many berries are noted by both conventional and nutritional health scientist to contain numerous health benefits. These small delicious morsels that we've put in oatmeal, loved in our jams, marmalades, and ice creams pack serious Nano-Nutrition.

For example just one cup of strawberries has numerous Nano-Nutrition such as calcium needed for strong bones, Mangesium also needed for bones, folate which helps production of red blood cells to fight anemias,along with 100 mg of vitamin C a powerful antioxidant.

One cup of blue berries has vitamin C and Vitamin E which is an even more potent antioxidant than vitamin C as well as 4-9 grams of fiber.

Cranberries have special antioxidants called polyphenols. It works well to help reduce premature aging ans is good for urinary tract illnesses.

Raspberries has Niacin needed to protect against Pellegra.

Blackberries have manganese needed for bone metabolism.

Goji Berry is the most nutrient dense food which has more vitamin C than orange juice; it also more beta-carotene than carrots and has more iron than a steak, wow! That's quite a berry!!! Goji berries help with liver, kidney and eyes diseases, but also fights against fatigue and boosts growth hormone in the body naturally.

Goji protects your cell's DNA from oxygen free radicals also to help it's destruction and improves the fight against cancer. As an extra bonus Goji helps boosts libido by improving testosterone.

Acai berries are made from the palm tree and they are related to the dark berries like blueberries and cranberries that have the dark pigment anthrocyanin.

Berries are healthy because many contain phytonutrients called phyto-chemicals. These include caretenoids, betacarotene, lutin,lycopene(great for prostatic problems), zecxathin and flavonoids.

Berries can be used to make smoothies in the blender. Add low fat and low cal ice cream , yogurt, gelato or ice pop to them and watch the kids light up. Berries are great to put in cereal such as oatmeal or your own favorite to ad flavor,taste as well as reduce the amount of processed sugar.

Berries go well with fruit salads and with green salads like kiwi or strawberry with avocados.

Berries are great alternatives from traditional desserts and can be made with a fundue such as chocolate or strawberry syrups.

In 2013 news from the University of Michigan (Mitchell Seymour) shows that cherries contain a chemical that can reduce inflammation and could be implicated in reducing auto-immune disease. Inflammation is also the premise in which arthritis and cancer may be caused. Inflammation is also one of the underlying problems of heart attacks where platelets release inflammatory chemicals.Getting your kids to enjoy a variety of blends of fruit as a healthy alternative to conventional desserts is a great idea to reduce high fructose corn, HFCS(HFCS causes obesity, overweight, liver disease,diabetes in kids) syrup in their diet and adds great colors and taste to their palate as well. By starting children early to appreciate berries may be considered an early anti-cancer, anti-auto-immune disease and cardio-vascular disease dietary regimen.

Family Health Values

Perhaps the typical American family is going to have to look at today's healthcare issue with different lenses and adjust it's vision on what should be our focus.The future of healthcare is going to see the responsibility of health on individuals and the benefits of prevention are going to be given to those individuals and organizations who think and do better on how to reduce or prevent healthcare cost from going way up! The economics of "cost valulation" is what the managed care industry and public economists are utilizing to pre-determine your "cost" (or risk)to this type of system. At best a "pay as you go" system is about the most stable assurance of health where pre-existing conditions can limit a insurance company in selecting you.In other words: Take care of your body!

Today, airline industries are not just charging extra if you carry heavier luggage , but are charging you more if your body's weight is high for their plane's limitation. Some have demanded those who are at a certain BMI(body mass index) purchase a 2nd seat in advance or risk being bumped off their flight. Municipalities are looking at the concept of extending a "sin tax" to those who over eat and whose weight issues cause the healthcare system to go up in cost for acute and chronic care disease. Ethicist are debating whether it is considered child abuse for parents to allow their kids to become obese or overweight and legal experts are debating if they can be punished by serving time!

Before it get's this far we can do something about this. It begins with developing a culture of wellness with health being focused on the family. Much like the old idea of "family values" that were popular before, a "new contract with America" may have to be created beginning with health of the family. Because we all need health and if the majority of the nation is creeping to a greater than 75% risk to heart disease, cancer and diabetes due to obesity we are teetering on what would be seen in any other scenario as a national security matter!

It begins with teaching your children how to develop better attitudes about food and exercise. Developing these healthier relationships about foods and activity will develop a higher value of these habits when they are exemplified by the parent. Parents participating in activity produce kids who exercise. Walking with your child, playing tennis, swimming are rock climbing are ways to turn a "boring" concept into something exciting.

With foods try carobe over chocolate, try natural fruit juices in the blender over sodas, try "crazy" sandwiches like peanut butter and bananas , make smoothies from organic fruits, try ice pops whether than chocolate ice cream, use trail mix rather than candy bars, make a kiwi avocado sandwich as well. Getting kids to like soy, whey and casein at a earlier age are healthier alternatives than meats. However, white meats may be a better transition choice than red meats.

How you prepare food at home will be how most of us will cook on our own from home. So if you fry food mostly, guess what, your kids will most likely too. If your kids punish with food at the dinner table by witholding favorite foods and rewarding with an equally unhealthy food ,you've done twice as bad. You can rest more assured (though not always 100 %) that in devloping autonomy in your child by boosting their esteem with food choices when you are not with them at school, the mall or the movies they will be better off.

Dr.Marcus Wells is a past clinical Associate at the National Institutes of Health in the National Heart, Lung, & Blood Institute.Dr. Wells has served in the US Health and Human Services, US Public Health Service, and the US Commissioned Corp. Dr. Wells also holds a Master's in Public Health from Emory University

Learn more at www.fitfamily360.com