Saturday, September 1, 2007

A Plan for Living a Long and Healthy Life

By T. M. Isaacs

(Excerpted from the author’s book “How to Live a Long and Healthy Life”)


Good Things to Do & Consume

• Boiling, Baking (low temperature), poaching, steaming & roasting (low temperature keeps more of the good vitamins, nutrients, phytochemicals and so forth; heat destroys the nutrients in food and can cause the formation of harmful substances)

• Throw away meat broth left over from cooking (that’s where a lot of the fats and bad stuff goes)

• Keep and use fruit and vegetable broth left over from cooking (that’s where a lot of the vitamins and good stuff goes)

• Get a juicer! Use it for fruits & vegetables (fruit and vegetable juice in big quantities are some of the healthiest things you can consume)

• Eat smaller meals with healthy snacks such as nuts, vegetables and fruits between meals (helps you maintain a constant energy level and avoid overeating)

• Drink filtered or reverse-osmosis distilled water only, and drink plenty of it, but avoid tap water! (the average municipal water supply has trace amounts of over 2,000 bad chemicals, including pesticide, solvents and carcinogens)

• Garlic—preferably 3 cloves of raw garlic every day! (Garlic, long recognized as a natural broad spectrum antibiotic, is also a potent and proven natural cancer preventative and it is the natural enemy of cholesterol as well because it prevents cholesterol from sticking to the sides of our arteries)

• Turmeric (or curcumin) (This is one of the really important ones! A highly potent cancer fighter that recent tests have indicated protects cigarette smokers from developing cancer, it has also been reported recently to not only prevent Alzheimer’s but even reverse it! Turmeric, a member of the ginger family, contains a variety of bioactive substances called curcuminoids. The curry spice turmeric is also found in yellow mustard. The most active component is curcumin, an orange-yellow volatile oil that includes three curcuminoids–turmerone, atlantone, and zingiberone. Research shows that turmeric and its curcuminoids have a number of beneficial properties: (1) good antioxidant activity, comparing well with vitamin C, vitamin E, and superoxide dismutase; (2) anti-inflammatory activity that is comparable to steroidal and nonsteroidal drugs; (3) anticancer properties influencing all the steps of cancer formation: initiation, promotion, and progression; (4) protects the cardiovascular system by lowering serum cholesterol and inhibiting platelet aggregation; (5) protects the liver by several mechanisms; (6) in vitro and in vivo studies show curcuminoids can help with HIV in a number of ways, including acting as biological response modifiers, resulting in significant increases in CD-4 and CD-8 counts. Supplementation may prevent, or be helpful with, the following conditions: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS, HIV), Aging, Asthma, Atherosclerosis (heart disease), Cancer, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Cataracts, Immuno-depression (immune function), Inflammation (including bursitis), Peptic Ulcers and Rheumatoid Arthritis.)

• Cayenne Pepper, Ginger & Sage (all potent cancer fighters. Cayenne pepper also promotes cardiovascular health, helps cure stomach ulcers, and a tincture of cayenne pepper can stop a heart attack in three minutes or less. Ginger also enhances circulation and acts as a catalyst for other herbs, to increase their effectiveness and it helps the body relieve congestion.)

• Broccoli and other Cruciferous Vegetables (cauliflower, cabbage, sprouts, cauliflower, horseradish, turnips, radishes, wassabi, and kale, etc. One prominent researcher said “If broccoli were a drug, it would be worth billions!” Broccoli boosts your immune system, reduces the incidence of cataracts, builds bones, and fights birth defects and heart disease, and, like other cruciferous vegetables, helps ward off various cancers such as stomach, colon, breast, etc.)

• Apple Cider Vinegar (Truly one of nature’s miracle substances, use of apple cider vinegar for medicinal purposes has been traced back as far as 3000 BC, and was used by Hippocrates, the Babylonians, Julius Caesar’s armies, Christopher Columbus’s crewmen, and ancient Samurai Soldiers to ward off disease and keep strong and fit. Be sure to use only natural non-distilled apple cider vinegar available at most health food stores – the kind you find on grocer’s shelves has been distilled to remove the natural cloudy appearance and has had most of the healthy live-giving enzymes, acids and trace minerals removed. If you do not have cancer, mix a teaspoon of organic locally produced honey with two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar three times a day. After a few months of regular use, you should notice improved health and vigor and the elimination of stiffness and joint pain.

• Tomatoes (Excellent source of lycopene. Tomatoes and tomato products lower cancer risk, increase your skin's sun-protection factor, and play a role in preventing cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Eat one tomato a day. tomato sauce is great, the more the better, just avoid ones with added sugar. Tomatoes combined with broccoli enhance the effect of both vegetables! Don't like tomatoes? Try watermelon, persimmons, or pink grapefruit instead.)

• Green Tea (or black) (enhances health – especially cardiovascular health, boosts the immune system, prevents cancer, restricts bad cholesterol, controls high blood pressure, suppresses aging and more. Drink at least one cup a day.)

• Shitake Mushrooms (lowers cholesterol and improves immune system function, good for preventing high blood pressure and heart disease, for controlling cholesterol level, building resistance against viruses, and fighting diseases such as AIDS/HIV and cancers. Often available fresh, Shitake mushrooms are very flavorful when used in cooking! If you cannot find fresh, available as a supplement also.)

• Maitaike Mushrooms (high in nutrients including Vitamins B-2, C, D, niacin, magnesium, potassium, fiber, and amino acids, contains the polysaccharide compound beta-1.6-glucan which naturally stimulates the immune system and lowers blood pressure. Beneficial for obesity and diabetic patients, the Maitake mushroom may be best known for its cancer fighting ability. Tests in mice prove that it blocks tumor formation and boosts the immune system. Available fresh or as supplement)

• Reishi Mushrooms (The Reishi mushroom can increase the production of interleukin1 and 2, resulting in inhibition of tumor growth. Studies show that Reishi can have a number of other positive effects on the body such as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-viral (through its interferon production), lowers blood pressure. It also acts as a cardiotonic by lowering serum and increasing the production of interleukin 1 and 2, which results in inhibition of tumor cholesterol, expectorant, anti-tissue, liver protecting and detoxifying, protection against ionizing radiation, antibacterial, and anti-HIV activity. Available fresh or as supplement)

• Grapefruit (Be careful on this one if you take any prescription medications!) Grapefruit helps keep weight down and is a good source of vitamin c and lycopene; however unique among fruits, grapefruit (and possibly grapefruit hybrids like the tangelo) interfere with stomach enzymes that break down certain drugs and may result in higher blood levels of the drugs than desired.

Grapefruit Cautions:

Drugs that are known to have potentially serious interactions with grapefruit products include: Anti-seizure drugs such as carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol) Antidepressants such as buspirone (BuSpar), clomipramine (Anafranil) and sertraline (Zoloft) Benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium) and triazolam (Halcion) Calcium channel blockers such as felodipine (Plendil), nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia, nimodipine (Nimotop), nisoldipine (Sular) and possibly verapamil (Isoptin, Verelan) Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) protease inhibitors such as saquinavir (Fortovase, Invirase) and indinavir (Crixivan) HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors such as simvastatin (Zocor), lovastatin (Mevacor) and atorvastatin (Lipitor) Immunosuppressant drugs such as cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), tacrolimus (Prograf) and sirolimus (Rapamune) Antiarrhythmic drugs such as amiodarone (Cordarone)

Note: Even waiting to take these medications up to 24 hours after you drink grapefruit juice doesn't prevent an interaction. The best advice is to avoid grapefruit products if you take any of those drugs, unless your doctor or pharmacist approves.)

• Omega-3 fats (found in fish oil, particularly cod liver oil, Omega 3 fats are not produced by the body, but are essential for good health. Lowers cholesterol, helps control blood pressure, and has strong anti-cancer properties)

• Dark Green Vegetables (especially spinach, and other dark greens such as mustard greens, collard greens and turnip greens. Good source of calcium, lowers the risk of cardiovascular diseases, a variety of cancers, age-related macular degeneration, and cataracts)

• Olive Oil, Hemp Oil and Other Healthy Oils (Including pumpkin oil, sesame oil, coconut oil and palm oil - preferably first press cold-pressed organic versions in dark bottles. Other cooking oils are unhealthy. Mediterranean men are 10 times less likely to die of heart disease and that is attributable to the fact that they use mostly olive oil instead of other cooking oils, and they use other oils in salad dressings and instead of butter or margarine. Olive oil reduces cholesterol levels, protects against cancer, is full of vitamin E, and beautifies skin, hair, nails. Coconut oil is one of the most healthy oils on the planet and Palm Oil is loaded with anti-oxidants and carotinoids.)

• Almonds (Eat 6 or more every day! Anti-cancer and a leading source of vitamin E and magnesium and offers protein, fiber, potassium, calcium, phosphorus and iron in 246 calories. As an added bonus, almonds and other nuts contain phytochemicals, which are plant chemicals that may provide powerful protection against heart disease, stroke, and other chronic disease. In addition, almonds contain an antioxidant compound called ellagic acid that supports the immune system and appears to have several anticancer properties.)

• Walnuts (an excellent source of omega-3 essential fatty acids, walnuts' concentration of omega-3s - a quarter-cup provides 90.8% of the daily value for these essential fats - has many potential health benefits ranging from cardiovascular protection, to the promotion of better cognitive function, to anti-inflammatory benefits helpful in asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis Also a good source of ellagic acid.)

• Flaxseeds (Best when ground, flaxseeds are even more beneficial than flaxseed oil, because flaxseeds contain the lignans and fiber that is removed in making the oil. Good source of omega-3s,lowers cholesterol, helps keep the colon clean, regulates blood sugar and anti-cancer, especially breast and prostrate cancer)

• Flaxseed Oil Mixed with Cottage Cheese (flaxseed oil mixed together with cottage cheese has been successfully used to prevent, treat and cure cancers, even inoperable “hopeless” ones, for many years by 7-time Nobel prize nominee, German biochemist and research scientist, Dr. Johanna Budwig, whose work followed up on the work of two previous Nobel laureates)

• Blueberries (They lower the risk of heart disease and cancer and help maintain youthful, healthy skin. Eat 1 to 2 cups a day. When they aren't in season, eat cranberries, raspberries, strawberries, cherries, currants, and purple grapes.)

• Other vegetables (such as asparagus, escarole, avocado - actually a fruit, fennel. beet greens, green and red cabbage, bok choy, kohlrabi, brussel's sprouts, romaine, red leaf, & green leaf lettuce, mustard greens, celery. onions , chicory, parsley, chinese cabbage, red, green, yellow and hot peppers, chives, collard greens, turnips, turnip greens, dandelion greens, endive, zucchini and summer squash)

• Beans, Lentils & Chickpeas (as long as you don’t have an insulin problem – the signs of which are excess weight, obesity, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Beans lower cholesterol, fight heart disease, stabilize blood sugar, reduce obesity, lessen cancer risk, and relieve hypertension. One California study showed that those who ate beans weekly were 40 percent less likely to die those who ate them less than once a weak.--Eat four 1/2-cup servings a week.)

• Pomegranate Juice (Higher in anti-oxidants than any other common fruit juice. Contains a very high concentration of the potent cancer-fighter ellagic acid. According to research presented in May 2005 to the American Urological Association, eight ounces of pomegranate juice had significant anti-cancer effects on prostrate cancer patients. Other recent studies suggest that pomegranate juice helps prevent hardening of the arteries and even reverses heart disease.)

• Oranges and Tangerines (They support heart health while preventing cancer, stroke, diabetes, and other chronic ailments. Eat one a day. Want more variety? Try lemons, grapefruit, kumquats, or limes.)

• Dark Grapes (Contains resveratrol, the potent anti-cancer and anti-aging ingredient found in red wine, effective with leukemia, melanoma, pancreatic, esophageal, breast, lung, colon, prostate, squamous cell, liver cancer and others. Grape leaves are supposed to contain 100 times the resveratol as grapes.)

• Black Cherries & tart cherries (contain the antioxidant anthocyanins which is responsible for the red color and which is higher in antioxidant properties than vitamins C and E. Tart cherries added to ground beef reduce mutagens in ground beef by 90% when cooking, and the flavor is equal or better than plain ground beef.)

• Apples/Apple Juice (It turns out that grandma was right – an apple a day keeps the doctor away! Apples are an excellent source of fiber, phenolic compounds (phytochemicals) and phytonutrients, such as the flavonoid quercetin, apples help reduce cholesterol, protect against cancer, especially prostrate cancer, reduce heart attack risk and promotes cardiovascular health. Note: If you have cancer, or have had cancer, apples are much preferred over apple juice due to the much higher sugar content of apple juice. Plus, whole apples include the added benefits of fiber and the phyto-nutrients contained in the apple skin.)

• Apricots, muskmelons and other fruits high in beta-carotene (In test-tube studies at Harvard University, beta-carotene had a direct toxic effect on cells, taken from malignant tumors. It also reduced the growth of lung cancer cells and altered the proteins needed for tumors to grow. Research also shows that beta-carotene can change in the body to retinoic acid, a substance used in clinical trials to treat certain cancers.)

• Berries (Cranberries, Raspberries, Strawberries, and other Berries are all excellent sources of vitamin C, phytochemicals and phytonutrients and area good source of ellagic acid.)

• Pecans, Brazil Nuts Pumpkin (Pumpkin lowers the risk of various cancers, while it promotes youthful, healthy skin. Want an alternative? Try carrots, carrots, butternut squash, sweet potatoes, and orange bell peppers.)

• Pumpkin seeds, Pistachios, Sesame Seeds (UNSALTED—and the pumpkin seeds are great!)

• Yogurt with beneficial fruit such as blueberries (avoid artificially sweetened yogurt, yogurt with soy, or high carb yogurt with added sweeteners. Yogurt helps the body’s ability to build bones, helps prevent and heal arthritis, and protects against ulcers. Yogurt that contains live bacterial cultures may help you to live longer, and may fortify your immune system. Research studies have shown that increased yogurt consumption, particularly in immuno-compromised populations such as the elderly, may enhance the immune response, which would in turn increase resistance to immune-related diseases. Some yogurt manufacturers pasteurize their yogurt products, while others do not. Although the aim of pasteurization is to kill any harmful bacteria, it also kills the beneficial lactic acid bacteria in the yogurt, substantially reducing its health benefits. Therefore, to fully enjoy the benefits of yogurt, look for those that feature “live active cultures” or “living yogurt cultures” on the label.)

• Wash all vegetables and fruits – especially those that aren’t organically grown (if you don’t wash your vegetables from the grocer’s, you very well may be doing more harm than good from the pesticides and preservatives they have been sprayed and treated with).

NOTE: Eat raw, organically grown fruits and vegetables whenever possible and don’t peel except when necessary – you are often peeling away the best vitamins and nutrients! A good rule of thumb is that raw fruits and vegetables are better than steamed, frozen or dried ones, which are better than boiled, baked or grilled ones, which are better than home canned ones, which are better than store-bought canned ones, which are better than no vegetables at all! Juices may substitute for raw fruit/vegetables, but avoid added sugar or other sweeteners.

Bad Things to Do & Consume

• Sugar and just about all sweeteners including corn syrup, fructose, honey, sucrose, maltodextrin, dextrose, molasses, rice milk, white grape juice, sweetened fruit juice, brown rice syrup, maple syrup, date sugar, cane sugar, corn sugar, beet sugar, succanat and lactose. (OK, this one may be hard to do, but if you have cancer, or have ever had cancer, you MUST cut all the sugar you can out of your diet because, quite simply, sugar feeds cancer! If you don’t have cancer, go very easy on the sugar, or, better still, substitute Stevia or Lo Han whenever possible.)

• Smoking and other tobacco products (You do want to live a long time, right?)

• Grilling, Frying, or cooking with high heat (Grilling can produce carcinogens, which are always present in charred meats and other foods. At high temperatures, certain natural constituents of the meat—the simple sugar glucose, the amino acid creatinine, and additional free amino acids—can chemically react to form carcinogenic heterocyclic amines (HCAs). Typically, the longer meat cooks at a high temperature, the greater the production of HCAs. Indeed, low-temperature cooking or a quick searing may generate none of the carcinogens. On January 31, 2005 the National Toxicology Program (NTP), part of the National Institutes of Health, published its latest update of materials known to cause cancer in people and others that are "reasonably anticipated" to do so and among the 246 agents on the lists are the heterocyclic amines that develop in meats when they're cooked too long at high temperature. Frying, especially in animal fats or processed vegetable oil is supremely unhealthy.)

• Microwaving – (The evils of microwaving are so bad and so dangerous that it gets it’s own chapter later in this book, titled “Nuke that Microwave Oven!”. Put simply, microwaving in plastic creates cancer causing dioxins and microwaving in ANY kind of container alters foods unnaturally so that nutrients are destroyed and cancer and disease causing compounds are created. Man has evolved to eat food cooked by heat from the outside in, not food cooked from the inside out by being bombarded with microwaves.)

• Aluminum cookware (Aluminum has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease, although there is a likelihood that the disease itself is responsible for most of the greater concentrations of aluminum found in the brains of Alzheimer’s sufferers. If you must use aluminum Anodized aluminum is the best bet, because the anodizing process seals the surface of the cookware.)

• Teflon coated cookware (Teflon, or polytetraflouethylene, when cooked at any temperature causes fumes that are toxic to birds. Cooked at the easily obtainable stovetop level of 680°F, Teflon pans release at least six toxic gases, including two carcinogens, two global pollutants, and MFA, a chemical lethal to humans at low doses. At temperatures that are reached on stovetop drip pans (1000°F), non-stick coatings break down to a chemical warfare agent known as PFIB, and a chemical analog of the WWII nerve gas phosgene. Some products that use Polytetraflouethylene: Heat lamps, Portable heaters, Sole plates on irons, Ironing board covers, Burners on stove tops, Drip pans for burners, Broiler pans, Griddles, Many cooking utensils, Woks, Waffle makers, Electric skillets, Deep fryers, crock pots, Hot air popcorn poppers, Coffee makers, Bread makers, Non-stick rolling pins, Lollipop molds, Corkscrews, Never-Stick-Stainless Steel, Stockpots, Roasters, Non-stick gingerbread molds, Pizza pans, Tortilla presses.)

• Animal Fats (Animal fats are generally not so good for your cholesterol levels or your waistline, but the worst thing about most animal fats is likely the pesticides, hormones, and antibiotics they contain.)

• Trans Fats and Refined Oils(Trans Fats, or Hydrogenated Vegetable Fats, are the very worst fats of all, often found in fried foods and processed foods such as cookies, crackers and pastries. Refined oils lose most of their nutritional value in the refining process.)

• Red Meat (at the very least, limit it to no more than a lean 3 ounce un-charred portion of organically raised grass fed beef once or twice a week. Venison and beefalo are preferable to beef.)

• Potatoes (good grief – meat and potatoes too? Yes, sorry!)

• Sunburn and prolonged exposure to the sun without sun block

• Salt (Excess salt is linked causes high blood pressure and is responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths and life-threatening heart attacks each year. Most of us eat an average of 10 times more salt than we should, and no wonder, as it is found in abundance in most foods in a normal diet, processed and natural. The average fast food hamburger, for example, contains over twice the amount of salt one should eat in a day. Avoid foods high in salt, and avoid any added salt, except when large amounts are lost from the body through sweating.)

• Soda pops (eight teaspoons of sugar per can for naturally sweetened ones, dangerous artificial sweeteners in diet ones!)

• Tap Water (tap water has been shown to have traces of over 2100 toxic chemicals, including pesticides, and many of these have been shown to cause cancer, cell mutation, nervous disorders and possibly Alzheimer’s. Most of the tap water in the U.S. is chlorinated – we essentially put bleach into our drinking water because it is cheap. Besides the resveratrol in the red wines they drink, the French likely have much lower cancer rates because they drink oxygenated water instead of chlorinated. According to the U.S. Council Of Environmental Quality, "Cancer risk among people drinking chlorinated water is 93% higher than among those whose water does not contain chlorine.").

• Processed Foods (including Breads, Pasta, Non Whole Grain Cereals , Bagels, French fries, Chips , Pretzels, Waffles, Pancakes, & commercial Baked goods)

• Peanut Butter (Most peanut butters are hydrogenated to keep from separating. If you must have peanut butter on rare occasions, natural peanut butter would be better, but even natural peanut butter often contains aflatoxins, near ubiquitous fungal poisons that naturally lace a range of foods in tiny traces—especially peanut butter. This known human carcinogen was among chemicals on the National Institute of Health’s National Toxicology Program’s first national compilation of cancer-causing agents, in 1980.)

• White bread and bleached flour (Just empty calories that provide little nutrition and contribute more to obesity than any other food substances in our diet. In the process of making flour white by bleaching it with dangerous chemicals like the ones that make linens white, half of the good unsaturated fatty acids that are high in food value are lost in the milling process alone, and virtually all the vitamin E is lost with the removal of wheat germ and bran. As a result, the remaining flour in the white bread you buy, contains only poor quality proteins and fattening starch. Also, about 50% of all calcium, 70% of phosphorus, 80% iron, 98% magnesium, 75% manganese, 50% potassium, and 65% of copper is destroyed. About 80% thiamin, 60% of riboflavin, 75% of niacin, 50% of pantothenic acid, and about 50% of Pyridoxine is also lost. )

• Alcohol (OK maybe a beer or two on occasion if you just have to, but no more! Much better would be an occasional glass of red wine during the evening)

• Soy or soy-based foods - except for fermented soy products such as miso (Sorry, tofu lovers, but, regardless of the hype of the well-heeled soy industry, non-fermented soy products can cause bad, bad things – and weakening your immune system is just one of them! For more information, reach the chapter in this book’s Hall of Shame section titled “Concerns Regarding Soy”.)

• Canola Oil that is not organic cold pressed “Super Canola Oil” and any foods containing processed Canola Oils (Surprised? Well, of all the cooking alls, only olive oil and hemp oil are healthy. Read your food contents labels carefully to avoid processed Canola – especially Peanut Butter labels. Most major peanut butter brands take out all the peanut oil and replace it with canola.)

• Margarines and cooking oils (See “Trans Fats, above, and the information about soy.)

• Foods of all kinds with high glycemic index and/or glycemic load values (Refer to the section of this book “Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load” for more information.)

• Aspartame (Nutrasweet), Sucralose (Splenda), Saccharine and other artificial sweeteners (All have demonstrated carcinogenic qualities and other health problems. Use Stevia or Lo Han, sold as supplements at health food stores and widely available on the web for less than $5 for a fifty packet box))

And last but by no means least,

• MSG (Avoid at all costs! Another villain of the highest order that gets its own chapter later in the “Hall of Shame” section of the book. MSG, or Monosodium glutamate, is described as a mutagen and reproductive effector by the Center for Disease Control in their Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances. It is used in a huge variety of foods and other products, and is disguised under at least 40 different names. It can cause cell mutations, brain damage, neuroendocrine disorders, seizures, headaches, asthma, obesity, diabetes, bladder pain and other ailments.)

Things to Do in Moderation

• Fish (the best fish are oily fish such as wild salmon and cold-water fish! Eat baked, roasted or poached – no frying or charring. Sadly, fish would be recommended as a “Do” and recommended in abundance if it weren’t for the fact that just about all fish are now showing signs of toxins, especially mercury.)

• Turkey (baked or roasted, small portions, no frying, charring or smoking)

• Other lean meats (choose organic, grass fed meats. Ostrich and bison are both better choices than beef)

• Eggs (Actually, eggs are pretty healthy for you, despite years of misinformation – so long as you select organic eggs from free ranging field hens or the Omega 3 eggs. Whole eggs do have a good dose of calories though, so an even better plan would be to mix your eggs 50/50 with an egg substitute that is made from 98%+ real eggs, provided it’s not one of the brands that contains ingredients you can’t readily pronounce!)

• Oat Bran, Rice Bran, Whole Wheat & Other Whole Grains (Oat and Rice Bran are best, but maintain a modest overall intake of grains regardless of your choice).

• Dairy Products (use no fat or low fat organic milk or substitute rice milk or almond milk – but use sparingly due to sugar content)

• Dark Chocolate (Dark Chocolate made with 60% or more cocoa has been shown to have health benefits for the heart and to enhance mood; however, if you have cancer, the added sugar is probably not worth the benefits of the chocolate)

• Beets, Jicima, Carrots, Winter Squashes, Yams, & Eggplant (use in moderation due to high carbs, although yams have some very good anti-cancer properties)

• Fermented soy products (Soy protein is good for helping to lower “bad” cholesterol; however, only fermented soy products are safe. Traditional fermented soy products such as miso, natto and tempeh, which are usually made with organically grown soybeans, have a long history of use that is generally beneficial when combined with other elements of the Oriental diet including rice, sea foods, fish broth, organ meats and fermented vegetables. While fermented soy products contain protein, vitamins, anti-carcinogenic substances and important fatty acids, they can under no circumstances be called nutritionally complete. The soybean lacks vital sulfur-containing amino acids cystine and methionine. These are usually supplied by rice and other grains in areas where the soybean is traditionally consumed. Soy should never be considered as a substitute for animal products like meat or milk. Claims that fermented soy products like tempeh can be relied on as a source of vitamin B12, necessary for healthy blood and nervous system, have not been supported by scientific research. Finally, soybeans do not supply all-important fat soluble vitamins D and preformed A (retinol) which act as catalysts for the proper absorption and utilization of all minerals and water soluble vitamins in the diet. Soy products actually increase requirements for vitamins B12 and D.)

Supplements

• Complete Multi-vitamins (those which include anti-oxidants such as A, C & E and magnesium—and should contain lutein, lycoprene, magnesium, selenium and other trace minerals)

• ABM extract (from the Agaricus Blazei Murrell mushroom also know as Agaricus Brasiliensis and is called “Mushroom of the Gods” in Brazil, perhaps for good reason, because the ABM mushroom contains more of the cancer-killing and tumor-inhibiting polysaccharide beta glucan than Shitake, Reishi, Maitake or any other known mushroom or fungi. Perhaps the most powerful anti-cancer mushroom of all, and together with Oleander extract, one of the most potent cancer-fighters and immune boosters to be found! For more information on this powerful magical mushroom, including an excellent source for ordering proven extracts based on the ABM mushroom , please see the section in this book titled “The Mushroom of the Gods”)

• AHCC (Also known as the brand name ImmPower, it is derived from the mycelia of several species of mushrooms including the shiitake. Very powerful anti-cancer properties have been reported.)

• Coriolus Versicolor extract (from the Asian Turkey Tail mushroom. Contains polysaccharides [PSK] and polysaccharopeptides [PSP])-- effective for acute leukemia and stomach, esophagus, colorectal, lung cancer; PS is effective with many types of cancer (at least early and mid-stage cancer), including lung cancer and particularly stomach & colon cancer; NCI reportedly stated that PSK has been "contemplated for use against...mammary cancer, gastrointestinal cancers, such as those of the esophagus, stomach...colon; lung...brain tumors" and that PSP "has...antitumor activities, inhibiting Ehrlich ascites tumors, leukemia, and sarcoma...gastric tumor, lymph, and monocytic leukemia"; good to take during chemo & radiation - including acute leukemia patients)

• Graviola (or Annona muricata. Reportedly, there are over twenty laboratory studies showing Graviola to be more powerful than Adriamycin, a commonly used chemotherapy. However, unlike Adriamycin which can make you very sick, knock out your hair, and even cause death (in some cases), Graviola does no collateral damage. There are no side effects. In laboratory studies, Graviola selectively hunts down and kills 12 different types of cancer cells (without harming healthy cells) including breast, prostate, lung, colon, and pancreatic cancer. Additionally, it actually boosts your immune system making the patient feel healthier and stronger and improves overall energy and outlook on life.)

• Paw Paw (Paw Paw belongs to the family of plants known as the Annonaceae and is a cousin to Graviola. One human trial of patients with diagnosed cancers of various kinds reported that as many as 8 in 10 found some benefit from using Paw Paw.)

• Fish Oil (EPA, eicosapentaenoic acid, and DHA, docosahexaenoic acid, are the two principal omega-3 fatty acids found in fish. The body can manufacture both EPA and DHA from another essential fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) but only to a limited extent. Increased consumption of fish oil can help slow the progression of atherosclerosis and thereby prevent heart attacks, and also reduce risk of sudden death due to cardiac arrythmias. Omega-3 fatty acids reduce triglyceride levels, raise levels of HDL ("good" cholesterol, thin the blood, reduce levels of homocysteine and reduce blood pressure. EPA and DHA are useful in treating symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, especially in early stages of the disease, and in treatment of menstrual cramps, inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease), lupus, and IgA nephropathy. Omega-3s help depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, attention deficit disorder, borderline personality disorder, dyslexia and cognitive impairment. Other uses of fish oils include asthma, Raynaud's phenomenon (abnormal sensitivity of hands and feet to cold), chronic fatigue syndrome, cystic fibrosis, osteoporosis, reducing the risk of prostate cancer and preventing weight loss during cancer chemotherapy. DHA is important for normal development and functioning of the brain and retina in the fetus and in infants and may also reduce the risk of premature delivery in pregnant women.)

• Alpha-linolenic Acid (ALA is an omega-3 fatty acid that, to a limited extent, can be converted in the body into two other important omega-3's — EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Of all the plant seeds, flaxseed (also known as flax seed or linseed) contains the highest concentration of ALA —in fact, 55% of the oil in flaxseed is ALA. Phytoplankton and algae are also rich sources. The oil from hemp and black currant seeds also contain, respectively, 19% and 13% ALA.)

• Alpha-lipoic acid (also known as a-lipoic acid, an anti-oxidant recharger, helps lower blood sugar and treats neuropathies in people with diabetes. Has been shown to effectively treat Hepatitis-C in combination with milk thistle and selenium)

• B-Complex Vitamins (B-1, B-2, B-3, B-5, B-6, B-12, Folate & Niacin) (Not made by the body, these must be obtained via the diet or by supplements. B-Vitamins help prevent heart disease, boost the immune system and protect against cancer. Niacin helps lower cholesterol.)

• Bilberry (Bilberry, or Vaccinium myrtillus, contains nutrients that protect eyes from eyestrain or fatigue, and can improve circulation to the eyes. Helps improve vision and fight macular degeneration)

• Grape seed Extract (Grape seed extract is a rich source of potent antioxidant bioflavonoids known as proanthocyanidins. Grape seed extract provides 92-95% potency, as compared to 80-84% yielded by pine bark. This means that its antioxidant and nutritional properties are far superior. According to proanthocyanidin researcher, Dr. Jack Masquelier, only grape seeds contain powerful gallic esters, dynamic ingredients in the battle against free radicals.)

• Spirulina (Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that is nearly two-thirds protein. It also has large amounts of chlorophyll and is very valuable to help detoxify the body from heavy metals and radiation. It is also loaded with GLA, which is the main essential fatty acid present in evening primrose or borage oil. A superior source of digestible protein. Contains 12 times the protein of beef. Easier on the digestive system than chlorella, which can cause diarrhea in sensitive individuals. The best source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a "good" fat necessary for the human brain, proper heart function, and other body systems. Contains phycocyanin, a potent anti-cancer phytochemical that also gives spirulina its characteristic blue hue and that has been shown to destroy cancer cells and tumors. Spirulina has incredible health benefits and is probably one of the main reasons why fish are so healthy for you. It is highly likely you can obtain even more benefits from the Spirulina with none of the complications of heavy metal or pesticide contamination present in nearly all fish.)

• Chlorella (A better source of chlorophyll, which makes it more detoxifying and cleansing. It is especially good for people with liver disorders or people who drink or smoke. It is very helpful for people with dry stools who suffer from constipation. It is especially good for people who need "rebuilding" -- people who suffer from degenerative diseases (muscle, nervous system, etc.) or people who are frail. Contains Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF), which boosts the immune system, reverses cancer, and offers other health benefits. CGF also helps repair nerve tissues throughout the body and is excellent for treating degenerative brain and nerve disorders.)

• Cat’s Claw (Also known as Una de gato, life-giving vine of Peru, and hawk's claw, this potent anti-cancer herb has been used historically by the natives of South America as a cancer remedy. Recent studies confirm that immune response is promoted by using Cats Claw, and that it enhances T-Cell production. Also used for Crohn's disease, diverticulitis, leaky bowel syndrome, colitis, hemorrhoids, fistulas, gastritis, ulcers, parasites, intestinal flora imbalance, cancer, arthritis, diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, environmental toxic poisoning, organic depression and HIV.)

• Vitamin C - at least 1000 iu of per day (Vitamin C helps the body produce collagen, a basic component of connective tissue. Collagen is an important structural element in blood vessel walls, gums, and bones, making it particularly important to anyone recovering from wounds or surgery. Vitamin C also acts as an antioxidant, scavenging potentially harmful molecules called free radicals. Although not firmly established by clinical trials, this antioxidant activity may help boost immune function and protect against cancer, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration of the retina, and other chronic diseases. Vitamin C intake may be particularly helpful to smokers, who may suffer from oxidative stress and cell damage, which can deplete the body's store of vitamin C. Vitamin C also enhances iron absorption from supplements and plant foods.)

• Vitamin E - 800 units per day (Vitamin E (alpha tocopherol) is an anti-oxidant that assists in maintaining cell integrity and may. prevent or delay the ravaging illnesses so common with aging, including heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer's, according to research from the University of Florida that was published in the journal Biological Research for Nursing. It is easily obtained from sunflower, safflower, canola, and olive oils; also from many grains, nuts, fruits as well as fatty parts of meats. Only a small amount of vitamin E is needed to meet normal daily requirements; however, research using vitamin E at far higher doses than the daily requirement has provided evidence that it may be helpful for preventing or treating various medical conditions including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, rheumatoid arthritis menstrual pain, cardiac autonomic neuropathy (a complication of diabetes), low sperm count, restless leg syndrome, and inflammation of eye tissues. Vitamin E improves seniors' immune response and helps prevent prostrate cancer and bladder cancer.)

• Milk Thistle (Certified by the German E-Commission, the German equivalent of the FDA, to be effective in not only protecting the liver, but in actually helping the liver regenerate. Taken in advance, can protect against liver damage from alcohol. Also helps people with hepatitis, cirrhosis and other liver conditions)

• Co-enzyme Q10 (also known as ubiquinone, is a naturally occurring anti-oxidant compound and is used for energy production within cells. Helps treat congestive heart failure and delay the progression of Parkinson's disease, muscular dystrophy, AIDS, hypertension, and cancer.)

• Lutein (Helps prevent age-related macular degeneration – the leading cause of blindness in the U.S., available in a wide variety of foods, most adults in the U.S. consume less lutein than the amount believed to lower their risk of macular degeneration.)

• Lycopene (Tomatoes are the best natural source. Helps prevent heart attack and cancer, especially prostrate cancer)

• Calcium (obtained from dairy products, green leafy vegetables and kale. Calcium is critical for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth, where 99% of the mineral is found in the body. The rest is present in the blood, extra-cellular fluid, muscle and other tissues, where it plays a role in contraction and vasodilation, muscle contraction, nerve transmission and glandular secretions. Calcium can slow bone loss in postmenopausal woman, may reduce PMS symptoms, and is associated with reduced risk of colorectal cancer. Calcium can also reduce hypertension due to calcium deficiency. Recommended dose is 500 mg per day taken along with vitamin D. May reduce the absorption of antibiotics.)

• Glucosamine & Chondrotin (Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplements are used to slow the progression of osteoarthritis — the deterioration of cartilage between joint bones — and to reduce the associated pain. Glucosamine is thought to promote the formation and repair of cartilage. Chondroitin is believed to promote water retention and elasticity in cartilage and inhibit enzymes that break down cartilage.)

• MSM (MSM, or methylsulphonylmethane, is used primarily for treating pain associated with osteoarthritis and has been proposed for treating other conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation of the bladder wall (interstitial cystitis), snoring, muscle spasm, and cancer. Many additional claims are found on MSM products, including skin-softening and nail-strengthening effects. The mechanism by which MSM may work isn't well understood, although it's known to contribute sulfur to the body, which can then be used to synthesize certain amino acids (building blocks for proteins), and it can act as an antioxidant. MSM is also used in veterinary medicine to treat pain and inflammation, but its effectiveness has not been well studied.)

• Magnesium (is needed for proper metabolism and nervous system functioning)

• Selenium (When used with milk thistle and a-lipoic acid has been shown to cure Hepatitis-C. Harvard researchers found that men with the highest levels of this mineral had a 48 percent lower risk of advanced prostate cancer. It may also ward off lung cancer. Best dosage for men: 200 mcg from selenium yeast daily. Natural sources: Brazil nuts, meat. Interactions: May reduce the effectiveness of statins; high doses decrease vitamin C absorption)

• Vitamin D (Note: Vitamin D - no longer thought of as a true vitamin - is important to good health and good bones, yet it is also the most toxic of all the vitamins, and more than 4 times the minimum daily allowance can be harmful and can actually cause bone loss and other problems)

• Bromelain (this potent pineapple plant extract is quite a wonder into itself – it helps absorption of antibiotics, vitamins and supplements and it has powerful healing and anti-tumor properties as well)

• Saw Palmetto (used to improve urinary flow and reduce the frequency and urgency of urination in men with prostate enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH). Saw palmetto is believed to inhibit the actions of testosterone on the prostate that cause prostate enlargement and interference with urinary flow. Saw palmetto has also been used to treat bladder inflammation (cystitis), chronic bronchitis, laryngitis, and asthma-associated nasal inflammation, among other conditions. Other ingredients used to treat prostrate problems are: pygeum bark, pumpkin seed oil, and stinging nettle root, and beta-sitosterol.)

• Astralagus (has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for more than two thousand years. The root of the plant is commonly used in herbal remedies as a base ingredient to help with various ailments. The Astralagus root is used to promote wound healing and stimulate the immune system by boosting white blood cell production and coaxing them to work harder. Several studies conducted in China found that Astralagus improved survival in some cancer patients, however the quality of these trials is doubtful, thus the value of these findings is limited. Studies suggest that oral or nasal use of the herb may also protect against the common cold and flu. One drop of tincture is taken two to three times per day. The dried root is taken in dosages of 1- 4 grams three times per day. The most potent Astralagus supplements contain a standardized extract of the root, with 0.5% glucosides and 70% polysaccharides. Research suggests that the body can develop a tolerance to immune-stimulating herbs such as Astralagus if it is taken for long periods. Therefore some experts recommend alternating Astralagus with other immune system-enhancing herb.)

• Probiotic Supplements and Foods (Including Lactobacillus, Acidophilus, Bifidobacterium, Streptococcus, etc.) (Probiotics work by colonizing the small intestine and crowding out disease-causing bacteria, thereby restoring balance to the intestinal flora. They may also produce substances that inhibit pathogenic bacteria, compete for nutrients with them, and stimulate the body's own immune system.)

• Ginseng (Ginseng is the dried root of one of several species of the Araliaceae family of herbs. The most commonly used type is Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng), often sold as Panax, Chinese, or Korean ginseng. Closely related to Asian ginseng is American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.), which is sometimes preferred for its milder effects. Siberian ginseng, also called eleuthero isn't as closely related to the other two and is also considered weaker in action. Ginseng is widely used to improve overall energy and vitality, particularly during times of fatigue or stress. Studies show its potential value in normalizing glucose levels after meals in diabetics, stimulating immune function, treating male impotence and, when used with Ginkgo biloba, improving memory and symptoms of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. Studies of Asian ginsengs have repeatedly documented improvements in exercise performance and improvements in muscular strength, maximal oxygen uptake, work capacity, fuel homeostasis, serum lactate, heart rate, visual and auditory reaction times, alertness, and psychomotor skills.)

• Ginko Biloba (typically an extract made from leaves of the Ginkgo biloba tree and contains many phytochemicals. Ginkgo biloba has become a widely used dietary supplement for increasing cognitive functions in elderly people, delaying the progression of Alzheimer's disease, increasing blood flow to the legs, treating tinnitus (ringing in the ear) of a circulatory origin, as well as treating depression and asthma.)

• Huperzine A (Huperzine A, in dietary supplements, is a chemical purified from leaves of the Chinese toothed club moss (Huperzia serrata) or synthetically manufactured. Huperzine A, has been shown to improve memory, thinking, and behavioral function in people with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. It may also protect neurons from cell death caused by toxic levels of glutamate and protect against some of the effects of chemical nerve agents used in warfare, such as soman.)

• Mutamba (Mutamba bark is a rich source of the natural chemical procyanidin B-2, which has anti-tumorous and anti-cancerous effects (even against melanoma) as well as lowers blood pressure and protects the kidneys.)

• Oleander Extracts (Oleander Soup/Anvirzel™) (one of the most potent anti-cancer substances on the planet. If you, or anyone you know or care about ever has cancer ,HIV-AIDS, hepatitis-C, psoriasis or any other immune disorder or cell-proliferative disease, you should consider trying oleander soup or the patented commercial oleander extract Anvirzel™. Oleander extracts, including the oleander soup you can make at home, have cured various cancers, with high success rates, in conditions from initial stages all the way to stage 4 and diagnosed as hopeless! They also work to prevent cancers of all kinds, cure hepatitis C & psoriasis, and have even been reported to reverse AIDS! For whatever reason, oleander extracts seem to attack bad cells, and ONLY bad cells, that have just about anything to do with immune system disorders, while also boosting the body’s immune system.

Lifestyle Advice

• Avoid Stress at all costs!

• Get Plenty of sunshine – (a half hour each day. The sun is the great energizer and source of life. It also converts cholesterol to vitamin D)

• Wear Sun block whenever you are in the sun for any length of time

• Get Lots of Fresh Air (open those windows! Eat your lunches outside. Go for walks daily. Sleep with the windows open at night whenever possible – if worried, get burglar bars.)

• Get Air Purifiers

• Invest in a Good Water Filtration System (The average glass of tap water in the U.S. contains traces of over 2000 chemicals, many of which are pesticides, carcinogens, solvents and poisons. Drinking filtered water is not enough – your body absorbs more chlorine and fluorine from a bath or shower than it does in 8 glasses of tap water.)

• Take time to relax and meditate.

• Have fun and be happy! Laughter is good medicine for the body and soul!

• Get plenty or sleep – 8 hours each night

• Exercise every day in moderation (There are just too many benefits to list – just realize this: it doesn’t have to be overly hard or painful, but it really should be done if you want to live longer, healthier and happier. Be sure to include daily stretching exercises. Any place that is stiff or has restricted movement is a site that is inviting disease.)

• Eat a healthy breakfast every day (just be sure to include fruits, juices and other healthy foods, such as omega 3 eggs, yogurt with blueberries, and oatmeal, and don’t overly rely on grains, cereals and bread. Avoid sugar and coffee – try hot green tea instead.)

• Drink lots of filtered water or reverse osmosis distilled water and green tea.

• Liver Cleanse (Perform once a year at least. The liver is the body’s main detoxification site and it is essential to have a liver in good condition to maintain overall good health. To cleanse you liver, see the Liver Cleanse section of this book)

• Colon Cleanse (Also perform once a year. Bowel movements are the basis of your health. If you don't have at least 1 bowel movement per day, you are already walking your way toward disease. It is said that death begins in the colon, and colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. See the Colon Cleanse section of this book.)