Beating Cancer without Chemo!

Is that even possible?  I mean, Chemotherapy is the mainstay of our fight...Right??

But what if someone beat cancer without Chemo?  Really, truly, stopped cancer in its tracks... without the horrific side-effects of Chemotherapy treatment.  Wouldn't you want to know??!

Yes!  Yes!!  I'd be telling everyone I knew and loved, and even those I haven't met yet!

So, if you are fighting cancer, or have a loved one facing this daunting challenge, then listen up!  Chris Wark is sharing his inspiring story in a FREE 10-part video series for all of us:

The SQUARE ONE Healing Cancer Coaching Program

It begins Tomorrow, August 14th.  It is FREE.  And it is so very Powerful!

We met Chris a while back.  His story is nothing short of amazing...

Diagnosed with Stage III Colon cancer at the age of 26.  He chose the path less traveled, and against the strong advice of his doctors, friends and even some family, he walked away from Chemotherapy and conventional treatments, choosing to heal his cancer naturally...

In this 10-part video series Chris will educate, encourage and empower all of us to research our options and take charge of our medical decisions.

Today, over 14 years later, Chris is cancer free, alive and well, and sharing how he and many others have healed their bodies with nutrition and natural therapies.

Could this be for you?

Listen to some of the reviews:

"Square One has been an invaluable resource for so much information pertaining to cancer treatments, testing, nutrition, lifestyle, support, and more!! Chris's amazing personal story and experiences provide a unique platform to educate and empower those on their healing journey."
                                                   ~ Elaine

"After DCIS Breast Cancer diagnosis in October 2016, Chris Wark's Square One got me on the right track to make significant changes in my life.  My initial searching on the internet provided information, too much information and confusion.  Square One provides guidance/information on food, supplements, and treatment options while empowering me to be in control of my life and my body.  Thank you Chris.  I encourage anyone cancer or any other illness to listen with an open mind and take advantage of the resources found in Square One."
                                                    ~ Maribeth

Whether you are choosing a Conventional, Alternative or "Combination of Both" approach to your diagnosis, Chris shares information in an easy to understand format, allowing each of us to examine the choices before us and make the best decision for our unique fight.

It costs nothing but your time... It is free... all you need to do is sign up at the Square One link.

You've got nothing to lose and so much to gain! Sharing Hope and Encouragement today... Get empowered in the Cancer Fight!

So what are you waiting for?  Head on over to Square One and check it out!

Graced to be Walking Together, One Step at a Time...

Love, Always,
Jane

What the Heck is TSP and Why is it in my Cereal?

On the heels of our 31 Day Journey into Beating Cancer and taking to heart a Whole-Food, Plant-Based diet, I just happened upon this article and it sent me back into research mode...

Why is TSP added to our Food?

Mira Dressy is the Ingredient Guru and is a passionate proponet of Real Food.  She's a nutritional educator and emphasizes the importance of a healthy lifestyle through Whole Foods.

She addressed the confusing debate over TSP, what it is, and why the CDC says it's hazardous to our health but the FDA approves its use in many of our foods...

Mira explains it much better than I could... here's a little excerpt of her findings:

"Trisodium phospate (TSP) is an industrial cleaning product used as a degreasing agent, mildew remover and lead abating agent and to clean interior and exterior walls before painting.

Because of its alkalinizing cleaning properties, TSP was used in dishwashing soap and laundry detergent until it was phased out in 2011 after the EPA found it was harmful to the environment.  The Center for Disease Control (CDC) also recommends to "Avoid All Contact."  The CDC lists these TSP ingestion symptoms:  abdominal pain, burning sensation, shock, or collapse.

If the EPA says TSP is hazardous to the environment and the CDC tells us to avoid all contact, why does the FDA allow it in our food and personal care products?

So, why is TSP used in our food?

TSP is most commonly used to reduce the acidic nature of foods, especially breakfast cereals, as it modifies cereal color and aids in the cereal's flow through the extruder.

TSP's other uses include:

* Added to meat to retain moisture during storage and cooking

* Acts as a leavening agent to "fluff up" foods like cakes, breads and baked goods.

* Added to cheese to help keep its shape and melting properties

* Used as an antimicrobial cleaner for washing produce.  Poultry is dipped in a TSP solution to potentially kill off bacteria.

Why should we avoid food with TSP?

Studies have shown that ingesting high levels of phosphate (the major mineral in TSP) can cause kidney damage, soft tissue calcification and removal of calcium from bones.  Chronic high levels of phosphate intake can result in osteopenia and ultimately osteoporosis.  TSP also irritates the stomach and intestinal lining as well as reduces lactic acid in muscles.

The FDA has approved 70 mg/kg of body weight as the maximm tolerable limit of TSP that a person should ingest per day.  For a 150 lb person, this translates to 4,772 mg/day.

With TSP in all of these foods, we have no idea if we're ingesting more than the maximum tolerable limit.  So just to be safe, stay away from all foods containing TSP."

Mira makes a logical case for avoiding foods with TSP, but in my research I found many conflicting points of view, including this from Snopes.com:

"At the amounts found in food, both TSP and sodium bicarbonate are perfectly safe, as the FDA concludes:  None of the approved sodium phosphate additives are intrinsically harmful and their use in foods does not present a hazard when the total amount of phosphorus ingested and the intakes of calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, and other nutrients are satisfactory.  The current use of calcium phosphates in food processing is without harmful effects on the health of consumers and, in some instances, may be advantageous."

So, who to believe???

Then I found an article published by Jenny Ruhl that resonated with me... her clear explanations and the backing of many studies just helped me make up my mind... Her article is lengthy and long but so good.  Go here to read it in its entirety.  But for a glimpse at her findings:

"Phospate Additives Promote Hardening of the Arteries.

There is a disturbing link between blood phosphate levels and heart disease.  Many people eating low carb diets have a unique exposure to phosphates because they are added to so many of the meats you buy at the grocery store and order in restaurants.

Inorganic phosphates are 100% bioavailable.  That means if you eat 500 mg of calcium phosphate, disodium phosphate {or trisodium phosphate} that is added to processed foods or supplements, the whole 500 mg will be absorbed.  When it is, it will go into your bloodstream where it will raise your serum phosphate level.

We know from several well-conducted studies that there is a direct link between serium phosphate level and heart disease.  As a recently published review article explains, 'Higher serum phosphate levels were independently associated with coronary artery calcification, vascular stiffness, left ventricular hypertrophy and carotid artery disease.'

An interesting side note to the issue of high serum phosphate is the finding that rising serum phosphates will lower vitamin D production.  If you have abnormally low vitamin D levels when not supplementing vitamin D, this could be pointing to the fact that your serum phosphate level is unhealthily high." 

That was enough information for me.  In choosing a Whole-Food, Plant-Based diet, I will be avoiding TSP in my diet.  It is one more reason to love the transition to eating real food... I have come to believe that while the levels of TSP may not be alarming according to the FDA, I can make the choice to avoid even the chance that they might be...

Eating to Live takes on real-life challenges, and in this case helps me make wholesome changes that are backed by healthy principles.

For today, our homework is to start reading labels on everything that we put on our plate!  Check to see how many items you eat each day that contain trisodium phosphate.

Practicing mindfulness with you, each and every day!

In Grace, Always,

Jane

Forks over Knives

We're winding down our 31 Day Journey...

And today I'm giving out a bit of homework!  But it's all good... this is the kind of homework you don't have to sweat.

Download the following video documentary...

Forks over Knives

Now watch it!

That's all.  No essays to write.  No questions to answer.

And best of all, no test to study for!  This documentary will wrap up our 31 day journey in the most beautiful way.

The Forks over Knives movie documentary follows the personal journeys of real people as they put Dr. Campbell's groundbreaking research to the test.  This documentary explores the claim that most, if not all, of the degenerative diseases that we suffer from can be controlled, and in many cases, even reversed by adopting a Whole-Food, Plant-Based diet.

If you are at all on the fence about the amazing science behind The China Study, do yourself a favor and study this documentary.  It will answer questions I don't even know how to ask... and it will give you the information you need to make an educated decision on all we've talked about this past month.

Can it be possible that our nutrition and diet choices have such truly profound effects?

Dr. Campbell believes this is truth.  Take a moment or two and be challenged by the Forks over Knives movie.  Then join the conversation! 

In Grace, Always,
Jane

What I Ate Today...

Love this article from Professor Campbell's website, Nutrition Studies...

Easy Plant-Based Meal Prep for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

The author hits the nail right on the head with her opening statement:

"I do not like to cook.  And I judge a recipe by its length; if it's long, I'm not using it.  In other words, I place a high value on ease and convenience.  So I was grateful to learn plant-centered meals can be prepared easily.  This chapter provides guidance on how to make simple yet tasty plant-based meals."

Bingo!

That's me!  Short on time, long on good taste!

If you would like to get a whole lot of help with this Whole-Food, Plant-Based transition head on over to Easy Meal Prep Ideas...

What to eat for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner... easy, fast and delicious!

Eating to Live!

Helyn's Plant-Based Kitchen

Another Resource for the Whole-Food, Plant-Based Journey...

Helyn's Plant-Based Kitchen

Helyn loves gardening and hiking boots, sunsets and horses, a quiet country life ...she might be my kind of happy friend!  On her website she shares a bit more of herself :

"Besides cooking and blogging I love my two kitties, exploring the mountains with my sweet man,  thrift store shopping and working on home improvement projects.  My family is the fiber of my soul.  I love them unconditionally, infinitely and eternally."

{Smitten}

Helyn has some amazing plant-based recipes on her website...

Appetizers

Breads

Breakfasts

Main Dishes

Desserts

Helyn has the heart of a giver...

"When I was two years old, I wanted to be a nurse.  So that I could help people.  I hope, in some small way, that I am fulfilling that childhood dream of helping others live a healthier, happier life by sharing my plant-strong recipes and nutritional education with my readers."

Yes, Helyn, you are spreading hope and happiness.  You make the journey sweeter... So grateful for your dedication and hard work!

In Grace Tonight,
Always,
Jane

The Good News... Or the Bad?

So, which do you want first??

If you are intrigued with the benefits of the China Study and want to give it a try, what does the diet consist of?  That was my first question!

Right!  So, do you want the Good News first or the Bad?  {And truly, it's all Good News!}

Dr. Campbell's research was clear and unmistakable... a Whole-Food, Plant-Based Diet was the key to less disease and better health.

But back to the details... What exactly is a Whole-Food, Plant-Based Diet?

To make it easy, Dr. Campbell drew up a large graph (page 237!) and here it is... in a nutshell...

Eat All You Want of Any Whole, Unrefined, Plant-Based Food (while making sure to get lots of variety!)

The wonderful variety of foods that make the list are:

Fruits:  Orange, okra, kiwi, red pepper, apple, cucumber, tomato, avocado, zucchini, blueberries, strawberries, green pepper, raspberries, butternut squash, pumpkin, blackberries, mangoes, eggplant, pear, watermelon, cranberries, acorn squash, papaya, grapefruit, peach

Vegetables:

Flowers - broccoli, cauliflower

Stems and Leaves - spinach, artichokes, kale, lettuce (all varieties), cabbage, Swiss chard, collard greens, celery, asparagus, mustard greens, brussel sprouts, turnip greens, beet greens, bok choi, arugula, belgian endive, basil, cilantro, parsley, rhubarb, seaweed

Roots - potatoes (all varieties), beets, carrots, turnips, onions, garlic, ginger, leeks, pinto beans, white beans

Legumes - green beans, soybeans, peas, peanuts, adzuki beans, black beans black-eye peas, cannellini beans, garbanzo beans, kidney beans, lentils, pinto beans, white beans

Mushrooms - white button, baby bella, cremini, portobello, shiitake, oyster

Nuts - walnuts, almonds, macadamia, pecans, cashew, hazelnut, pistachio

Whole Grains (in breads, pastas, etc) - wheat, rice, corn, millet, sorghum, rye, oats, barley, teff, buckwheat, amaranth, quinoa, kamut, spelt

And that's the good news... pick any, and actually many, from the above list... in any combination, in all the glorious varieties and fill up with all the amazing goodness!

No counting calories, points or servings, no portion controls, or eating specific amounts of certain foods at specific intervals.  No fancy tools, nor complicated mathematical ratios... just wholesome, healthy plant-based foods!

The simplicity of this "diet" is absolutely revolutionary.  And it works.  The testimonies are undeniable.

Can't wait to start sharing some of the amazing recipes that have won me over to the Dark (leafy, green) Side!

Tomorrow we round out the "diet" with food groups/items that we should minimize.  Trust me, it's a much shorter list (albeit, the tougher one).  Sharing ways to maximize our health is the core of this study, even if it means minimizing some of our beloved food groups...

Hang in there... nothing good ever comes easy.  And preventing, even reversing cancer is worth all the hard work of putting these principles into practice!


 

Lessons from China...

Yesterday we talked about the ominous rise in Cancer rates around the globe.

I'll be honest, it makes me just a little crazy.  As a mother, a wife, a daughter, I am consumed with a desire to keep my loved ones safe.  But how to do that?  How to protect them from a disease that is growing, despite the billions of dollars spent on medical research?

Perhaps that is why The China Study resonated with me.  The study was incredibly comprehensive in scope.  Thousands of test subjects over more than a decade.  This is no small feat.  Nor are the results.

The Cancer Atlas was just the beginning.  It displays the cancer deaths of common cancers across China.  In doing so it pinpointed huge disparities in cancer frequencies and their locations across the country.  Dr. Campbell took those disparities and began an expansive study with China and England digging into these results.

What Dr. Campbell and his team discovered was literally a radical change in the way we should think about disease and nutrition.

In a nutshell, here is the Jane-speak version of The China Study results... (you remember I am not a doctor, right?)  This is about as lay-person basic as it gets.

When the data was drilled down, it became apparent that the critical variable in the way cancer clustered was the type of diet consumed.

As Dr. Campbell's team cross-listed their results with the Cancer Atlas they found two groups of diseases emerging:  Those that were typically found in economically developed areas - they called these diseases of affluence.  And diseases that were typically found in rural agricultural areas - they called these diseases of poverty.

Here are some of the common Diseases of Affluence:

Cancers - colon, lung, breast, childhood brain, stomach and liver
Diabetes
Coronary Heart Disease

Here are some of the common Diseases of Poverty:

Pneumonia
Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Peptic Ulcer,  Digestive disease
Rheumatic Heart Disease
Parasite Disease

Dr. Campbell's study then added in dietary habits of each group.  This is where it gets really interesting.  You're still with me, yes?

Ok, in rural China, the areas of the agricultural poor, their main diet was primarily whole-food, plant-based with less than 10% animal proteins.  These areas put a spotlight on the Diseases of Poverty,

As certain areas in China developed and accumulated more wealth, people began changing their eating habits, lifestyles and sanitation systems.  And this resulted in diets much higher in animal proteins.  These areas put a spotlight on the Diseases of Affluence.

Now, the hard part... getting honest with ourselves...

What do our diets most resemble?  The wealthy plates of the affluent?  Or the plant-based, whole foods of the rural poor?

Dr. Campbell answered that question for us.  {Spoiler: It's not pretty.}

The common US diet is a rich, extravagant one, consisting of over 80% animal protein, not to mention that it's highly processed, laden with sugar and unhealthy oils.  That makes us fall on the side of the rich and economically affluent...

Which means that we are most likely to be affected by the Diseases of Affluence... remember that list?  Cancer, Diabetes, and Coronary Heart Disease.

Dr. Campbell's recommendation?   You guessed it... It is way past time to adopt a diet that is completely (or mostly) whole food, plant-based, free from animal proteins and processed foods.

So easy to type... so incredibly hard to implement. (I know... I have radically changed how and what I eat these past months... and am anxious to share what I've learned.)

Stick with me...  Tomorrow we start looking at real life case studies and how this study {this radical change in diet and nutrition} is making a huge difference for cancer patients.

The China Study is offering Hope to many who will never hear a word about diet and nutrition from their doctors.

Perhaps it's time to start the Conversation...