No Fat Living

I’m so excited to share my new favorite way to make broccoli! I am not usually a big veggie person, so eating them can sometimes feel like a chore. But not when they taste this good…my kids were literally fighting over the last couple of bites of these!

Inspired by a dinner I recently had in Charleston, where they had a super tasty “Charred Broccoli” on the menu, I hope you love this new side dish as much as we do. It would be a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving dinner! Or even something you could add to your child’s lunch box if you happen to have any leftover. Enjoy

Candles flickered in the center of the wooden table. A warmth, part fire and part wine, wafted through the room. Glasses clinked, and laughter ensued—Danish hygge (coziness) at its finest. I was the lowly American enamored by the humble elegance of my Nordic hosts.

Until the food arrived.

A peculiar baking dish arrived at my place, its contents hidden by a layer of bacon interwoven like the top crust of an apple pie. But the bacon was only camouflage. My host’s serving spoon cut through the crispy top layer only to retrieve a gray-brown blob which, to my horror, landed on my plate with a gelatinous plop.

Liver pate—a tribute to frugal bygone days when no meat could be wasted—is a staple of the Danish diet and still features in the traditional cuisine. My hosts generously demonstrated how to spread the brown paste onto toast. Though the taste was less offensive than the name, my first bite of the bland gunk was my last.

I had intended to avoid a second encounter with edible animal organs for all eternity, but our rapidly warming world has me rethinking that night in Denmark. I’m beginning to think that to be responsible meat eaters, we need to go whole hog.

A new study on the German meat industry found that if locals ate offal—including but not limited to liver, tripe, tongue, and other innards—livestock emissions for the country would fall by as much as 14 percent. And while the study was specific to Germany, Gang Liu, lead researcher on the study, expects their results would be similar for the U.S, and other European countries.

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that livestock are responsible for 14.5 percent of human-induced greenhouse gas emissions worldwide, mostly via the burps and farts of beef cattle. Meat-guzzling countries like the U.S. account for a larger proportion of that pie because we eat so much beef. But even the average German eats 132 pounds of meat per year, almost twice the world average, mostly in the form of pork.

Of course, there is an obvious approach to reducing meat-related emissions: don’t eat it at all. Evidence keeps piling up to show how much better plant-based diets, like vegan- and vegetarianism, are for the environment.

But is Germany really willing to give up meat? Are you? Am I?

In case you’re not ready to give up meat cold turkey, Liu and his team tested several strategies to reduce carbon footprint of meat production, many of which meat eaters can employ.

Cutting the country’s meat consumption by half made the biggest impact, reducing Germany’s livestock emissions by one third. Upping offal consumption by 50 percent achieved was the second best option, reducing livestock emissions by 14 percent. Swapping 25 percent of the beef you eat for a less intensive meat like chicken was also an effective strategy.

We wanted to know “what is the maximum impact we can have?” Liu says. Using all of these strategies, the study showed Germany could reduce livestock emissions by 43 percent. “We are not assuming this can be achieved,” he says. Instead, the team wanted to provide a comparison and demonstrate which strategies could make the biggest difference for the agro-sector

It’s part of our food culture to see meat as desirable, a status, even a necessity. That conditioning will not be readily reversed. But the point is, we can all make a responsible choice without giving up meat altogether by becoming whole-animal eaters.

Some experts still push back, however, claiming offal doesn’t offer much of a health advantage.

“Its an interesting alternative from a climate perspective but not a health perspective, says Brent Lohken, co-author on the Lancet-EAT study in which 37 experts described a diet that benefited both people and planet. “It doesn’t get at the health impact of eating meat. You’re still getting high levels of saturated fats...In offal there are higher levels of good stuff but higher levels of bad stuff.”

Liu acknowledges the risk—if the planet improves, but our health suffers, that’s no solution. Yet, to achieve the 14 percent reduction from the study people only need to eat offal once maybe twice a week. It doesn’t have to become a pillar of the diet, he says.

If we did start eating more offal, it wouldn’t be the first time Americans have been called to nose-to-tail eating for a higher cause. During World War II, the Department of Defense (it was still known as the War Department at the time) was so worried about how meat shortages might affect soldiers’ nutrition that it assembled a committee of scientists. Its mission: get American families to eat offal, which the committee wisely renamed “variety meats” (a term you can still find on the ingredient list of some hot dogs). For a short time, eating offal was a symbol of patriotism, not a sign of poverty.

Unlike Denmark and Scotland, where veal cheeks and haggis remain a nostalgic part of the diet, America’s organ-eating days ended with the war. But who’s to say we aren’t waging another war now, a war against time and temperature? Doesn’t the existential threat of the climate crisis call for an equally serious response?

Maybe we mimic the Danes and start by masking “variety meats” with a curtain of bacon. Or maybe we start smaller: fire up the grill and pass the hot dogs.

Yesterday was a 5-star day: I maintained the integrity of my calorie budget, I remained refined sugar-free, I met my daily water goal, and I stayed well connected with exceptional support.

Today started super early ahead of a 9am broadcast from a furniture store followed by a three-hour car dealership broadcast. Both went very well! I had a short break in-between before picking up mom for Oliver's 2nd birthday party! It's been a great day in so many ways!

I'm tired tonight. I'm taking my Zpack medication but still, sleep wasn't great last night. I was up late at studio catching up on some work, so that made for a short night, to begin with--and then, as soon as I lay down the sinus pressure starts. I'm getting some rest tonight even if I must sleep sitting up! I'm really counting on this round of medication to kick it. I hope so.

I'll share more from today, tomorrow!

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Portion controlled nachos, basically. #foodplan #dailypractice Tostadas!!!

A post shared by Sean Anderson (@seanaanderson) on May 3, 2019 at 9:31pm PDT

If you're interested in connecting via social media:
I accept friend requests on MyFitnessPal. My daily food logging diary is set to public.
MFP Username: SeanAAnderson
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Also--I'd love you to subscribe to my podcast Transformation Planet! You can find it in Apple Podcasts, in the Google Play store for Android, and listed wherever you find your favorite podcasts! If you haven't listened before, you'll find 20 episodes waiting for you!

Questions or comments? Send an email! [email protected]

Source: http://losingweighteveryday.blogspot.com/2019/05/may-4th-2019-many-ways.html

As tempting as it might be to also take a vacation from your paleo lifestyle, one week of relaxed eating can morph into a slippery slope of less-than-ideal choices over the course of the summer. The paleo diet is a sustainable eating pattern for the long haul, whether you are at home or on the road. We have a few tips to help you stay on track while traveling this summer.

Follow the 85:15 Rule

Routines go out the window when traveling, and it is best for your sanity and maximum enjoyment to be adaptable on vacation. Following the paleo diet 85 percent of the time will still allow your body to experience the metabolic and physiologic benefits it offers. 1 This rule permits you flexibility to eat differently 15 percent of the time, or roughly three meals over the course of a week.

Traveling is the perfect time to follow this rule, as it can be more challenging, depending on where you are traveling, to be 100 percent paleo-compliant. For example, if you decide you must have a muffuletta sandwich in New Orleans for your trip to be complete, then it might help if you eat the beignets on a different day.

Intermittent Fasting

The last thing you might think of doing on vacation is restricting your calories. However, it could be the perfect time to experiment with this strategy. You can experience intermittent fasting by skipping or delaying breakfast or abstaining from eating while flying. Although it is common in modern times to eat up to three times a day (or more), our hunter-gatherer ancestors were more likely to fast when food was scarce. 2 Intermittent fasting has been shown to have several health benefits, such as increased insulin sensitivity, stress resistance, reduced morbidity, and increased life span. 3 If you eat regular sized meals the rest of the day after skipping breakfast, you will naturally be restricting your calories. 4

Plan Ahead

Create a plan for where you are going to eat in advance. Search the internet, use the hotel concierge, or take to social media to uncover the best spots at your destination. Most restaurants have their complete menus online, so you can get an idea of what paleo options might be available. Deciding where to eat at the last minute can leave you with less control over what to eat and may lead you to make a less-than-ideal choice. It’s still okay to be spontaneous if you find something better or your plans change, but you will have a backup plan in place to keep you on target.

Save the Splurge!

One of the best parts about traveling is being able to explore other cuisines and regional specialties. Delay your gratification until the last day. If you lead off with deep dish Chicago pizza on day one, you may be likely to throw in the towel and surrender to other delicacies along the way. However, if you hold off until the end of your trip, it can be a motivating incentive to stay on track through the duration of your trip.

Enjoy the Ride

No matter where your vacation or vacation choices take you, don’t let it derail you when you are back at home. Jump back into your normal routine of paleo eating and your regular exercise program.

What happens on vacation can stay on vacation!

References

1 Frassetto, Lynda A., et al. “Metabolic and physiologic improvements from consuming a paleolithic, hunter-gatherer type diet.” European journal of clinical nutrition 63.8 (2009): 947.

2 Mattson, Mark P., Valter D. Longo, and Michelle Harvie. “Impact of intermittent fasting on health and disease processes.” Ageing research reviews 39 (2017): 46-58.

3 Anson, R. Michael, et al. “Intermittent fasting dissociates beneficial effects of dietary restriction on glucose metabolism and neuronal resistance to injury from calorie intake.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 100.10 (2003): 6216-6220.

4 Carlson, Olga, et al. “Impact of reduced meal frequency without caloric restriction on glucose regulation in healthy, normal-weight middle-aged men and women.” Metabolism56.12 (2007): 1729-1734.

About Stephanie Vuolo

Stephanie Vuolo is a Certified Nutritional Therapist, an American College of Sports Medicine Personal Trainer, and a Certified CrossFit Level 1 Coach. She has a B.A. in Communications from Villanova University. She is a former contributor to Discovery Communications/TLC Blog, Parentables.

Stephanie lives in Seattle, WA, where she is a passionate and enthusiastic advocate for how diet and lifestyle can contribute to overall wellness and longevity. She has been raising her young daughter on the Paleo Diet since birth. You can visit her website at www.primarilypaleo.com.

View all posts by Stephanie Vuolo | Website

What is D-ribose? Ribose, also known as D-ribose, is naturally created by our bodies. Why is it so important? Because it actually helps provide our cells with sufficient energy. This is key to all of our many cells maintaining both their integrity and their function. In fact, scientific studies show that D-ribose may help a number of serious health concerns, including heart diseases, fibromyalgia symptoms and chronic fatigue syndrome.

What is D-ribose found in? It can be obtained from both animal and plant sources. It’s also available in supplement form. Let’s take a look at how you can consume more of this important compound on a daily basis and also if a supplement may be a natural and therapeutic option for your particular health concerns.

What Is Ribose?

D-ribose is commonly found in nature and the human body. There’s also a synthetic version known as L-ribose, which is cannot be found in natural environments. What does D-ribose structure look like from a chemical perspective? The chemical formula is C5H10O5. That means it contains five carbon atoms, 1o hydrogen atoms and five oxygen atoms.

Is D-ribose a sugar? A standard ribose definition is a type of simple sugar or carbohydrate that our bodies produce and then use to create adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is the fuel burned by the mitochondria found in our cells. As you may already know, ATP energy production is absolutely key to health since ATP is the body’s most basic form of energy. Even though D-ribose is a simple sugar, it’s important to note that it is not known for raising blood sugar. In fact, takers of the supplement are often warned that it can lower blood sugar.

Some of the higher producers of this natural sugar include the liver, adrenals and fat tissue, but the heart, brain, muscles and nerve tissues also make it. It’s also a component of adenosine. Adenosine is a natural chemical found inside all human cells and is available in supplement form as well.

5 D-Ribose Benefits and Uses

1. Supports Heart Health
2. Enhances Exercise
3. Helps Treat Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
4. May Help Manage Myoadenylate Deaminase Deficiency Symptoms
5. Boosts Skin Health

1. Supports Heart Health

Heart disease continues to be a leading cause of death worldwide. What does D-ribose do for the heart? There is evidence that it helps patients with heart problems, including ischemic cardiovascular disease as well as congestive heart failure. A common aspect of cardiovascular diseases is myocardial ischemia. This occurs when blood flow to the heart decreases and prevents the heart from receiving enough oxygen. In general, myocardial ischemia lowers cellular energy levels. Research using both human and animal subjects demonstrate that D-ribose can help replenish deficient cellular energy levels following myocardial ischemia and also boost heart function.

A scientific review published in 2018 highlights pre-clinical and pilot clinical studies showing this sugar’s ability to enhance the recovery of ATP levels and also aid in improving left ventricular diastolic dysfunction following ischemia. Overall, D-ribose appears to improve myocardial energy levels and function for people with ischemic cardiovascular diseases.

2. Enhances Exercise

D-ribose is naturally found in our cells, and it is essential to energy production. A double-blind, crossover, clinical study published in 2017 in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition looked at the effects of 10 grams per day of D-ribose versus the same dosage of dextrose (glucose) on 26 healthy subjects. While taking the sugars, the subjects participated in 60 minutes of high-intensity interval exercise in separate daily sessions.

The researchers found that mean and peak power output increased significantly from day one to day three for the D-ribose group compared to the dextrose group. The D-ribose group also had a significantly lower rate of perceived exertion than the dextrose takers.

3. Helps Treat Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Does D-ribose help fibromyalgia? Research shows that it may be a very helpful component of natural fibromyalgia treatment. Scientific studies show that taking a supplement of this natural sugar may help to improve sleep, improve energy levels, improve your sense of well-being and decrease pain for those diagnosed with fibromyalgia.

A study of the effects of D-ribose on 41 people with chronic fatigue syndrome and/or fibromyalgia was published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. Participants were given five grams of the sugar daily, and 66 percent of patients experienced significant improvement. Overall, the pilot study found that D-ribose significantly reduced clinical symptoms for those with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.

4. May Help Manage Myoadenylate Deaminase Deficiency Symptoms

Myoadenylate deaminase deficiency (MAD) is a metabolic muscle disease that interferes with the processing of ATP by muscle cells. Symptoms of this condition can include cramps, muscle pain and exercise intolerance. However, having no symptoms is also possible. For people struggling with MAD, there is some evidence that taking D-ribose by mouth or receiving it intravenously from a health care professional may effectively prevent symptoms, such as cramping, pain and stiffness after exercise.

5. Boosts Skin Health

This naturally occurring sugar may also offer impressive benefits for skin health, especially when it comes to anti-aging efforts. As we age, our cells naturally produce less ATP. The good news is that this naturally occurring sugar boosts ATP regeneration.

One study tested a topical D-ribose-based (0.5 percent) facial lotion on 20 adult women with decreased skin tone and wrinkles. The female subjects were objectively and subjectively evaluated at 14 and 28 days while applying the lotion on a daily basis. What did they find? After 14 days, there was a significant reduction of 12.2 percent in total wrinkle surface area and a 9.1 percent reduction in total wrinkle length. After 28 days, total wrinkle surface area remained at 12.2 percent while average wrinkle length reduced even more for a total of 17.6 percent. Overall, 67 percent of the subjects thought their skin looked more glowing and radiant after the treatment.

These results show that this natural carbohydrate is a potential anti-aging supplement for skin health.

D-Ribose Foods and Sources

What foods are high in ribose? It can be found in the following food sources:

It can be difficult to get enough from dietary sources, however. That’s why many people choose to take a supplement.

D-Ribose Supplement and Dosage Recommendations

This natural sugar is available in health stores and online in supplement form as a powder, chewable tablet or capsule. You can take the powder in water or add it to other beverages, like smoothies, or mix it into kefir or yogurt. Powder form is definitely a popular way to take it, but reading D-ribose reviews may help you to determine which supplement is best for your you. It is also a component of multi-ingredient supplements for energy.

How much D-ribose should you take in supplement form? Most makers of these supplements recommend doses between one to 10 grams per day. When should I take D-ribose? If you’re taking it for an exercise boost, a common recommendation is to take it with morning and evening meals or right before and right after physical activity.

To improve the ability of people with coronary artery disease to exercise, the following D-ribose dosage by mouth has been studied: 15 grams four times daily taken one hour prior to exercise until the end of the exercise session. In other words, take three grams every 10 minutes during exercises. This has been used to decrease muscle stiffness and cramps caused by exercising.

Some other recommended dosing starting points include:

• 5 grams daily for cardiovascular prevention, for athletes on maintenance and for healthy people doing strenuous activity
• 10–15 grams daily for most patients with heart failure, other forms of ischemic cardiovascular disease or peripheral vascular disease; for individuals recovering from heart surgery or heart attack; for treatment of stable angina; and for athletes working out in chronic bouts of high-intensity exercise
• 15–30 grams daily for patients with advanced heart failure, dilated cardiomyopathy or frequent angina; for individuals awaiting heart transplants; and for people with fibromyalgia or neuromuscular disease

Talk to your health care provider if you are unsure what dosage is right for you.

How to Get More Ribose + Recipes

If you’re looking to incorporate more foods rich in D-ribose into your daily diet, here are some healthy and delicious recipes to try out today:

Ribose vs. Deoxyribose

Ribose and deoxyribose are both five-carbon sugars that each contain 10 hydrogen atoms. The molecular formula of ribose is C5H10O5, and the molecular formula of deoxyribose (2-deoxyribose) is C5H10O4. Does DNA contain ribose? It is a component of RNA while deoxyribose is part of DNA. RNA stands for ribonucleic acid, and it is a complex compound that plays a vital role in cellular production of proteins. It also replaces DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) as a carrier of genetic codes in some viruses.

The biggest difference between deoxyribose vs. ribose is one oxygen atom. The ribose found in RNA is considered a “normal” sugar with one oxygen atom that attaches to each carbon atom. Meanwhile, the deoxyribose in DNA is a modified sugar and lacks one oxygen atom. This single oxygen atom difference between the two sugars is key to distinguishing the two sugars within organisms.

History and Interesting Facts

• In 1909, Phoebus Levene successfully isolated the D-ribose from ribonucleic acid. In 1929, he went on to discover 2-deoxyribose.
• D-ribose is a sugar the human body uses to manufacture adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the energy that fuels our cells and therefore our bodies.
• It can be found in foods but not in very high or significant amounts. That is why some people choose to supplement.

Side Effects, Interactions and Precautions

For most people, D-ribose is typically safe by mouth on a short-term basis or when a health care provider administers it intravenously (by IV).

Are there any D-ribose dangers? Some potential side effects include upset stomach, diarrhea, nausea and headache. Does ribose raise blood sugar? Actually, it may decrease blood sugar so, typically, people with hypoglycemia or diabetes should not take these type of supplements. In addition, you should not take it two weeks prior to any surgery due to its possible blood sugar effects.

Drugs known to moderately interact with this naturally occurring sugar include insulin and other antidiabetes drugs. Other things that may have more minor interactions include alcohol, aspirin, choline magnesium trisalicylate (Trilisate), propranolol (Inderal) and salsalate (Disalcid).

Check with your doctor before taking these supplements if you are pregnant, nursing, have an ongoing medical condition or currently take any medication.

Final Thoughts

• What is ribose sugar? Also known as D-ribose, this simple sugar is naturally in plants, animals and humans.
• It’s key to the body’s ATP molecule production and hence energy levels.
• The most notable function of this compound is that it provides a key energy source. This is why many people take ribose supplements to boost exercise performance as well as recovery.
• Scientific studies show that it can help a number of health concerns, including heart diseases, fibromyalgia symptoms and chronic fatigue syndrome.
• Research shows that it can boost skin health, especially when it comes to visible signs of aging like wrinkles.
• You can obtain it through your diet by eating foods like grass-fed beef, organic chicken, sardines, eggs and yogurt.
• You can also take it as supplement, including in powder form, which you can add to beverages, yogurt, etc.

Read Next: Good Carbs vs. Bad Carbs: The Healthy Carbs You Want to Eat

From the sound of it, you might think leaky gut only affects the digestive system, but in reality it can affect more. Because Leaky Gut is so common, and such an enigma, I’m offering a free webinar on all things leaky gut. Click here to learn more about the webinar.

From Sysy Morales at Diabetes Daily:

“My blood sugar levels have never been better than what they are now. This is primarily due to eating a very low-carb diet. It took me a long time to transition, and this post will outline the reasons why.

Over a decade ago I read Dr. Bernstein’s book called, Dr. Bernstein’s Diabetes Solution. When he explained what he calls the Laws of Small Numbers, which refers to how small amounts of carbohydrate are covered by small doses of insulin and this means that blood sugars are more easily managed within tight parameters. He also explained why keeping blood sugar levels within tight parameters is essential to avoid complications. This made sense immediately, and I responded by flinging the book across my bedroom at the wall.”

Source: Reasons Why It Took Me So Long to Transition to Very Low Carb

The word cancer strikes fear in the heart of every pet parent, and with good reason. Though I hesitate to label the disease in dogs and cats an epidemic, we are definitely seeing more cancer in more and younger pets today that at any time in the past. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), approximately 1 in 4 dogs will develop neoplasia at some point in their lives, and almost half of dogs over the age of 10 will develop cancer. Dogs get cancer at about the same rate as humans.

Unfortunately, there isn’t much data available on cancer rates in cats. However, we do know that certain cancers, for example, lymphoma, are more common in kitties than in dogs.

Neoplasia Versus Tumor/Mass Versus Cancer

When we discuss cancer in dogs and cats, it’s helpful to understand the meaning of certain commonly used terms. Neoplasia is the medical term used to describe uncontrolled, abnormal growth of cells or tissues in the body; neoplasm describes the abnormal growth itself. Neoplasms can be benign or malignant.

Benign neoplasms often grow slowly and may displace, but don’t usually invade surrounding body tissues, nor do they spread to other parts of the body. Malignant neoplasms behave less predictably, grow at various rates (including very rapidly), invade surrounding tissues and spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body.

Other related terms include tumor and mass, both of which are used to describe the physical appearance of a neoplasm. The word cancer is often used in place of neoplasia; however, only malignant neoplasms are technically cancers.

Symptoms of Cancer in Pets

Dogs and cats can develop neoplasia almost anywhere in the body, which is why the symptoms vary depending on the tissues and organs involved and the severity of the neoplasia. Make an appointment with your veterinarian if your pet displays any of the following 10 warning signs of cancer in pets:1

1. Unusual swellings that don't go away or that grow — The best way to discover lumps, bumps or swelling on your dog or cat is to pet him.
2. Sores that won't heal — Non-healing sores can be a sign of infection or cancer and should be evaluated by your veterinarian.
3. Weight loss — Illness could be the reason your pet is losing weight but isn't on a diet.
4. Loss of appetite — Reluctance or refusal to eat is another sign of possible illness.
5. Bleeding or discharge — Bleeding can occur for a number of reasons, most of which signal a problem. Unexplained vomiting and diarrhea are considered abnormal discharges, as well.
6. Offensive smell — An unpleasant odor is a common sign of tumors of the anus, mouth or nose.
7. Difficulty eating or swallowing — This is a common sign of cancers of the mouth or neck.
8. Reluctance to exercise or low energy level — This is often one of the first signs that a pet is not feeling well.
9. Persistent lameness — There can be many causes of lameness, including nerve, muscle or bone cancer.
10. Difficulty breathing, urinating or defecating — These symptoms should be evaluated by your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Many of these symptoms also occur with other disorders and diseases, but regardless, any pet showing one or more of these signs needs prompt veterinary attention. As with any disease, the earlier your dog or cat is diagnosed, the better the chances of a positive outcome.

Cancer and Your Pet’s Immune System

My friend and fellow integrative veterinarian, Dr. Nancy Scanlan, has done a great deal of pet cancer research. During a 2017 interview with me, she provided an easy-to-understand explanation of the interaction between the immune system and cancer:

"If everything is going well the immune system fights off cancer with two or three main types of cells. There are the macrophages, which are sort of general garbage eaters. There are natural killer cells. They don't just eat, they destroy. They look for abnormal cells.

The third type is the cytotoxic killer cell. These cells are primed to destroy a specific kind of cell. The way they get primed is the macrophages eat the cells and present pieces of them to the cytotoxic killer cells, which teaches the killer cells which type of cell to look for and destroy."

Unfortunately, sometimes cancer cells are able to hide to avoid being attacked by immune system cells. One way they hide is by coating themselves. This prevents the immune system from seeing the markers that tell it the cancer cells are abnormal.

"When you have abnormal cells, there are little markers on the outside that inform the immune system they are cancer," said Dr. Scanlan. “Also, cancer cells are constantly mutating, and the mutations have new kinds of markers. So even if the older cancer cells are hiding, new ones constantly appear and the immune system can recognize those as a problem.

Another way the cells hide is by producing a specific antibody that prevents the immune system from recognizing them as cancer.

"Cancer is so inventive," Dr. Scanlan explained. "It mutates so much that sooner or later there's an overwhelming population of cells the body can't handle, or the population is so dangerous and destroys so much tissue the body can't handle it. Even though the immune system is successfully fighting against, say, 90 percent of the cancer cells, the remaining 10 percent gradually develops into the final, fatal disease."

If Your Pet Has Been Diagnosed With Cancer

Dr. Scanlan offers two specific recommendations to support the immune system in pets diagnosed with cancer:

"[No. 1] is the whole mushroom family. There are a number of mushroom products out there. Research on mushrooms shows they actually stimulate the cells of the immune system in ways that are similar to immuno-augmenta­tive therapy in humans. They make immune system cells stronger, more active, and able to make more chemical messengers.

[No. 2]: Chinese herbs that specifically stimulate the immune system. In Chinese medicine, it’s called Wei [Qi]. In addition, there are herbs that actually have specific effects on cancer cells — herbs in the astragalus family or Chinese medicine with astragalus as part of the formula, along with formulas that include red clover, essiac and hoxsey. Holistic vets are familiar with these products. We try to use the ones that have the most scientific support behind them."

If your dog or cat is diagnosed with cancer, or you’re concerned about your pet's future health, my first recommendation is to team up with an integrative or holistic veterinarian, as most conventional vets have very limited knowledge in the use of targeted nutrition, supplements and other alternative treatments for cancer.

If there's no suitable veterinarian in your area, keep in mind that some holistic veterinarians also do phone consultations. Finding an integrative veterinary oncologist can also be important, when it comes to slowing certain types of cancers.

All the supplements in the world won’t fix a poor diet that may be contributing to the growth of cancer cells. Transitioning your pet to a raw, species-appropriate diet rich in antioxidants, healthy fats and fatty acids, and ultra-low carbohydrates is a critical piece of a cancer treatment protocol.

Digital filmmaker Rodney Habib and I produced a documentary about using a ketogenic diet as a profound metabolic strategy to slow or stop aggressive canine cancers. 

If you can't make a homemade, ketogenic diet I recommend you buy a commercially available, fresh food diet designed to fight cancer. From there, your dog or cat may benefit from adjunctive therapies like hyperbaric oxygen therapy, IV antioxidant therapy, medicinal mushrooms and other natural substances, which your integrative veterinarian can recommend.

5 Ways to Reduce Your Pet's Cancer Risk

I had the pleasure of admitting a gentleman in his 70’s who was transferred from a small, outside hospital for unstable angina (chest pain from heart disease) and required further workup.

Of note, his glucose was elevated at 290 mg/dL (16.1 mmol/L) on presentation to the emergency department, with no prior diagnosis of diabetes at the time of admission.  When I started discussing his hyperglycemia, he recounted how he had been indulging on fine cuisine while vacationing in Italy the previous month and had since been settling back down to his usual routine.

On review of his old records, it was evident that he should have been classified as “pre-diabetes” for at least the past six years. Also, for at least the last eight years, his triglyceride/HDL ratio – considered the most powerful predictor of developing coronary artery disease in one study – had been over five, indicating that he was at a markedly increased risk. [Note: His LDL was in target range at 65 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L), and he had been taking a statin.]

In fact, he had required a coronary artery stent only seven months prior. In addition, he was being treated for congestive heart failure (CHF) and atrial fibrillation. 

In addition to the known coronary artery disease and the new diagnosis of diabetes, there were a multitude of other clues to indicate that this gentleman was metabolically “broken”: Hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peripheral neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease, and erectile dysfunction. Even the diagnosis of acanthosis [nigricans] was made three years prior – a strong indicator of insulin resistance.  Other problems in his record included varicose veins, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and delayed healing of a skin wound. All of these problems can be part of the more encompassing syndrome of insulin resistance.

The morning after he was admitted to my service, he was taken to the cath lab where he underwent a cardiac catheterization. In short, he required a new stent for a 90% lesion of a different coronary artery from the one previously stented, which had been found to have no significant narrowing just seven months prior.

After returning to the medical floor and as soon as he was allowed to do so, he was walking around the halls, chomping at the bit to go home. When I arrived on the unit to meet with him again, I had to walk a couple of laps with him in order to talk with him before finally dragging him back into his room to examine him and discuss his discharge plan.  

I gave him my usual presentation about the role of nutrition in diabetes and heart disease. He confirmed that he was under the impression (as he had been taught) that fat intake causes heart disease.

After destroying that myth, I explained the concept of insulin resistance and the rationale for a low-carb diet at reversing diabetes (and all the related metabolic disorders afflicting him). At one point, when I emphasized that the important step was to go low carb, he replied, “I’ll go zero carb…you scared me!”

With impeccable timing, his meal tray showed up at some point during this conversation. As I am accustomed to doing, I picked the cover off the plate to make a visual exam of the meal contents. pointed out the rice on his plate to him and then reviewed the meal ticket that indicates the carb content of meals. [see image] [The meal ticket is just one of many tools at my disposal when trying to understand a patient’s glycemic control, as I find that patients universally under-report how many carbs they’re eating; it also serves as a great springboard for discussion about nutrition.]

I had to step away for a while, then returned to his room to find that he had eaten his entire meal.

When I inquired as to why he ate the rice after he just heard my excellent argument against carbs, he said, “You pointed to the rice and frowned; you didn’t tell me not to eat it.”

“Huh”, I replied, nodding my head and dropping my shoulders in defeat. At least he had ordered it before hearing my spiel, I thought, – I’ll give him that. Then, pointing to the meal ticket on his tray, I asked, “Can I have this?”

“Sure,” he replied. Then, after a slight pause, “You need to get a hobby.”

A couple of months after my encounter with this gentleman, I again reviewed his chart to follow up on his health since I had last seen him. He had followed up with his primary physician and his cardiologist. Unsurprisingly, this cardiologist recommended a low fat, plant-based diet. Unfortunately, I do not know what he has actually been eating – because physicians just don’t ask. I do know, however, based on my discussion with him, that he has no interest in a vegetarian diet.

Take aways

There are several take-away points from this patient’s story that deserve mentioning as areas for improvement in health care, least of which being his closing reminder that I may spend too much time thinking about nutrition.

• There was an extensive trail of follow-up appointments and medication refills over a span of a few years under the care of both a primary care physician and a cardiologist, but there was no mention of dietary habits or intervention until he returned to his physician with the new diagnosis of diabetes that I just made. This omission is a perfect example of our current crisis of providing only “sick care” rather than “health care” – a whole lot of attention to pharmaceutical “band-aids” while ignoring the root cause.
• His physicians were so focused on his established diagnosis of coronary artery disease that they missed the underlying pathology – insulin resistance. There was no documentation of the diagnosis of prediabetes (aka impaired glucose tolerance) and the multitude of other markers of insulin Resistance as previously described. Here was a guy who would have taken action if he had known that he needed to do so. Perhaps educating him on a low-carb diet could have helped him avoid the diagnosis of diabetes and prevented the progression of his heart disease.
• The standard approach to this patient is very mechanical – put in a stent, adjust medications, and send home. Practice standards and “core measures” mandate the use of pharmacologic agents in the management of heart attacks, but fail to give any attention to lifestyle interventions. In a situation like this, however, it should be gross negligence not to educate this gentleman on the underlying problem of insulin resistance – the pervasive pathology driving his extensive list of medical diagnoses. Clearly, as I learned from reviewing his records, no one else was going to show him the “big picture”.
• Despite being on an aggressive pharmaceutical regimen directed at his known heart disease and the traditional lifestyle advice (low-fat diet) imparted to him at previous hospitalizations, there was significant progression of coronary atherosclerosis compared to just seven months prior. Sadly, we keep doing the same things that don’t work.
• It takes a lot to change behavior. Requiring another coronary artery stent and being diagnosed with diabetes certainly got his attention, but he needs to adopt major lifestyle changes to avoid further complications. As evidenced by his simplistic excuse for ignoring my advice (eating the rice), though, he needs guidance – clear, direct and consistent guidance – lest he continues to seek the short-term pleasure of eating rice when it’s not in his best interest to do so.

Unfortunately, the shortcomings described above are far too common in health care, as there remain many barriers on many levels to optimal care. Imagine instead how things might be different for this gentleman, had someone recognized the warning signs of insulin resistance five+ years ago and advised appropriate, effective lifestyle interventions. Though I have now equipped him with the knowledge that he needs to succeed, he and many other individuals suffering from the same metabolic derangement from carbohydrate intolerance are more likely to achieve long-term success if their health care professionals encourage interventions that directly target the root cause rather than merely the complications.

—
Dr. Christopher Stadtherr

Part 1:A day in the life of a low-carb doctor

In the News

Since taking power, the Trump administration has waged an all-out assault on policies that are in place to protect children from toxic chemicals and industrial pollution. This week, EWG detailed all of the ways in which Trump and his EPA  have chiseled away at decades of children’s environmental health progress.

As autumnal weather fast approaches for most of the country, the door is closing on one of the most severe toxic algae bloom outbreak seasons in recent memory. EWG calculated that the instances of blooms of potentially toxic algae in U.S. lakes, rivers and other waterways rose by at least 40 percent this year compared to 2017. We also applauded a contingent of bipartisan federal legislators from Florida who are urging Congress to put provisions into this year’s farm bill that will help combat this growing crisis.

Following pressure by EWG and other environmental and public health groups, the Food and Drug Administration announced that it would ban seven food additives that are used in artificial flavors that have ties to cancer.

“Chemicals that could cause cancer should never have been allowed in our food in the first place, especially not hiding behind the confusing label of ‘artificial flavors,’” said Melanie Benesh, EWG’s legislative attorney said of FDA’s action. “The FDA finally did the right thing by taking this important step to better protect consumers.”

In troubling news out of Washington, the EPA’s Office of Inspector General announced that it would be opening an investigation into the agency potentially failing to enforce a critical program that tracks toxic spills into the environment.

And finally, yesterday the Senate confirmed a noted climate change skeptic and oil industry lawyer, Jeffery Bossert Clark, as the head of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division, where he will be in charge of all civil and criminal environmental litigation. Clark defended BP after the Deepwater oil spill.

For coverage of these developments and more, here’s some news you can use going into the weekend.

Farm Bill

The Orange County Register: Irvine quit using synthetic pesticides in 2016, now a farm bill could block such local restrictions

“We fear that in the worst case, it could wipe away all of these city and county ordinances across the country,” said Environmental Working Group legislative director Colin O’Neil, who has been tracking the bill and working with concerned local officials.

Daily Independent: Conflict of interest on farm bailout

Both have been criticized for the decision. Scott Faber, senior vice president for governmental affairs at the Environmental Working Group, said “Many taxpayers would be shocked to learn members of Congress who are receiving what by any measure is a lot of money are now also receiving a bailout check ostensibly designed to help struggling farmers. It underscores exactly what’s wrong with the bailout program — that many of the recipients of farm bailout funding are doing just fine.”

FDA Bans Artificial Flavors

Organic Authority: 7 Artificial Flavors Linked to Cancer Banned By FDA

Other groups involved in the action include Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, Center for Environmental Health, Center for Food Safety, Center for Science in the Public Interest, Earthjustice, Environmental Defense Fund, Environmental Working Group, and WE ACT for Environmental Justice. The petitioners asked a court to order the FDA to make a final decision on this issue in May.

WebMD: FDA Bans Seven Artificial Food Flavorings

Other petitioners included the Breast Cancer Fund, Center for Environmental Health, Consumers Union, Environmental Working Group, Improving Kids’ Environments, Natural Resources Defense Council, WE ACT for Environmental Justice, and James Huff, former associate director for chemical carcinogenesis at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

Justice Department

The Hill: Senate confirms climate skeptic to head DOJ environment office

“Jeffrey Bossert Clark’s blatant hostility toward environmental protection is good news for polluters, but awful news for the rest of us,” Environmental Working Group President Ken Cook said in a statement. “The guy who defended the company that caused the worst oil spill in U.S. history is not likely to aggressively go after corporate environmental outlaws.” 

ThinkProgress: BP’s defense attorney for oil spill confirmed by Senate to become nation’s top environmental lawyer

Ken Cook, president of the nonprofit Environmental Working Group, expressed disappointment with the Senate’s confirmation of Cook. In a statement Thursday Cook said, “The guy who defended the company that caused the worst oil spill in U.S. history is not likely to aggressively go after corporate environmental outlaws.” 

The Washington Times: Senate confirms new head of Justice Department's environmental unit

“Jeffrey Bosson Clark’s blatant hostility toward environmental protection is good news for polluters, but awful news for the rest of us,” said Ken Cook, president of the Environmental Working Group, which advocates for agriculture subsidies. “The guy who defended the company that caused the worst oil spill in U.S. history is not likely to aggressively go after corporate environmental outlaws.”

Hill Reporter: Senate Confirms a Known Climate Change Sceptic to Enforce Environmental Legislation

Environmental groups have been quick to denounce Clark’s confirmation. Ken Cook, President of the Environmental Working Group, issued a statement calling Clark’s nomination “good news for polluters”.

Common Dreams: ‘The Guy Who Defended Company That Caused Worst Oil Spill in US History’ Just Confirmed to Head DOJ's Environmental Division

“Clark's blatant hostility toward environmental protection is good news for polluters, but awful news for the rest of us,” warned Environmental Working Group (EWG) president Ken Cook. “The guy who defended the company that caused the worst oil spill in U.S. history is not likely to aggressively go after corporate environmental outlaws.”

Environmental Protection Agency

Chemical Watch: Trump taps former industry executive for EPA’s science arm

NGO the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has criticised the appointment of Mr Dunlap, calling him “a longtime chemical and fossil fuel industry executive”. The group's president Ken Cook said: “This dumbing down of the agency  that is supposed to use science to protect Americans from toxic pollution is irresponsible, and will have real consequences for public health.”

Asbestos

Righting Injustice: NGOs petition EPA to require asbestos reporting

The NGOs supporting the petition include the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), the American Public Health Association (APHA), the Center for Environmental Health (CEH), the Environmental Working Group (EWG), the Environmental Health Strategy Center (EHSC), and the Safety Chemicals Healthy Families (SCHF).

Cosmetics

Salon: The Kavanaugh father-son cancer powder keg

In 2002, the Breast Cancer Fund, Environmental Working Group, National Black Environmental Justice Network, and others launched the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, which sought legislation and regulation to remove ingredients linked to cancer, birth defects, and other health problems. The UN’s cancer registry and the European Union took steps to warn consumers and ban the use of talc; besides, a cheap natural substitute, used for generations without side effects, was readily available: corn starch.

The Greenwich Sentinel: Column: Breast Cancer Awareness – Should Always Include Reading Labels

One distressing thing I uncovered was that harmful chemicals are hidden behind words like: pure, natural, fragrance and even organic. Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) message to cosmetic manufacturers is, “Shed bad actor ingredients that disrupt the hormone system, cause allergies and may accelerate skin cancer.”

The Oklahoman: Use of green beauty brands is on the rise

A shift in consumer awareness and demand for safer beauty comes as no surprise. In 2015, the Environmental Working Group reported that women use an average of 12 products a day, containing 168 different chemicals. Teens on average use 17 personal care products a day, and after testing a group of teens' blood and urine, the group found 16 hormone-altering chemicals, including parabens and phthalates. Reprinted by NewsOK.

Skin Deep® Cosmetics Database

Simplemost: What’s Really In Your La Croix? Lawsuit Claims One Ingredient Is Used In Cockroach Insecticide

The chemical limonene, for example, is found in the peels of citrus fruits and is often used as a flavoring or in cleaning products. As a cosmetic ingredient or scent, The Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep database found it to be of low concern.

EWG VERIFIED™

Buckhead View: Environmental Working Group hosts event in Buckhead

The Environmental Working Group hosted a pop-up in Atlanta Sept. 20 featuring EWG VERIFIED™ products. The pop-up was one of a series of celebrations to celebrate EWG’s 25th anniversary.

Flame Retardants

Organic Spa Magazine: Sleeping Beauty: Why Organic Bedware Matters

A recent study by Duke University and the Environmental Working Group examining flame retardants has shown an elevated presence of these chemicals in children. Another study, published last year in Environmental Science & Technology Letters, found that levels of the flame retardant known as chlorinated Tris, or TDCIPP, rose fifteen-fold in adults from 2002 to 2015, and increased in children by a factor of four.

Glyphosate Petition

Mercola: Petition to Stop Weedkiller in Cereal

The Environmental Working Group and other consumer groups have petitioned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reduce the amount of glyphosate residues allowed in oats from 30 parts per million (ppm) to 0.1 ppm, as well as prohibit the use of glyphosate as a preharvest desiccant

Monsanto’s Glyphosate 

Quartz: Even if LaCroix does contain insecticide ingredients, that doesn’t mean its bad for you

Recently, for example, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) published a report claiming glyphosate, an ingredient in a pesticide, was present at “dangerous” levels in all sorts of common foods, including oatmeal and Cheerios. The Washington Post’s food columnist, Tamar Haspel, thoroughly ripped the report apart, criticizing it for being manipulative, fear-mongering, and unscientific. As she notes, the EWG created its own standards for what levels of glyphosate are acceptable in order to make its findings appear far scarier than they actually were.

Newsweek: What Is Linalool? LaCroix Sparkling Water Allegedly Contains Cockroach-Killing Insecticide, Lawsuit Claims

In August, a report by the non-profit Environmental Working Group (EWG) discovered trace amounts of a weed-killing chemical called glyphosate in some popular children’s breakfast foods and cereals. Of the 45 products tested, 31 breakfast foods were found to have higher levels of glyphosate than what scientists consider safe for children.

Whole Foods Magazine: A ‘Roundup’ on Glyphosate

The Environmental Working Group has published its analysis of oat-based foods showing, on average, oat-based cereals exceed 400 ppb, reinforcing the benefits of choosing organic for your family. Knowing your level, a phrase I typically reserve for nutrient levels, is now quite easy. 

Meat Eater’s Guide to Climate Change + Health

Market Watch: 11 ways to build a Paris climate change accord—in your own community

Meat products are far and away the worst food products when it comes to the greenhouse gases stemming from their production, transportation and consumption, data from the Environmental Working Group found. Lamb is the worst culprit, causing 39.2 kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions for every kilogram eaten.

Nitrate Contamination

Chesapeake Bay Magazine: Drinking Water in 188 Bay Communities May Increase Cancer Risk

Drawing on federal data, the Environmental Working Group contended in a report issued Tuesday that worrisome levels of nitrates, primarily from polluted farm runoff, contaminate the public water supplies of almost 1,700 communities nationwide. The group’s list of community water systems with potentially problematic nitrate levels included 188 in the six Bay watershed states, with 100 alone in Pennsylvania — though many are in portions of the states that fall outside of the watershed.

Mercola: How Most of Our Water Gets Polluted

About 90 million Americans get their water from groundwater sources, and the Environmental Working Group revealed that more than 3 million of them may be getting water with nitrate levels of 5 ppm or higher.

Water Online: EWG Study Indicates Widespread Nitrate Pollution

A new Environmental Working Group study indicating widespread nitrate pollution in U.S. drinking water – at levels linked to increased cancer risk -- underscores the need for in-home water filtration, the Water Quality Association said recently.

Water Online: Small Rural Communities Bear Costly Burden Of Nitrate Pollution Of Tap Water

Tap water across the nation is contaminated with an agricultural pollutant linked to cancer, and the problem is worst in small communities that can least afford to fix it, according to a new EWG analysis.

Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™

Chemical News: Switch to an organic diet and reduce your pesticide intake by as much as 90%

Much of the fruits are vegetables lined up in stores are riddled in pesticides. In its latest Dirty Dozen report, the Environmental Working Group found conventionally grown strawberries to have the highest levels of pesticide residues, compared to other fruits and vegetables. (Related: Strawberries are the most pesticide-ridden crop you can eat.)

Kris Carr: 11 Life-Changing Tips for Cancer Patients

Organic is definitely best if you can afford it. If not, check out the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen for guidance on avoiding chemical-laden produce. Without a shadow of a doubt, my daily, low-glycemic green juice practice has allowed me to thrive in spite of my obstacles. My basic juicing rule for patients is a 3:1 ratio—three veggies to one low-glycemic fruit.

Chromium-6 in Tap Water

Shared: Tests Reveal Houston's Drinking Water Contains Cancer-Causing Agent

Unfortunately, Houston isn't the only city with dealing with chromium-6 contamination.

In 2016, a report by the nonprofit organization Environmental Working Group revealed that nearly 200 million Americans are exposed to unsafe levels of the harmful chemical. 

PFAS in Tap Water

Arizona Daily Star: Tucson Water: PFAS levels below EPA recommendations make drinking water safe 

Some researchers are calling for even lower levels, with a 5-year-old Harvard University study urging no more than 1 part per trillion PFAS. The advocacy-based Environmental Working Group says there is no safe PFAS level in drinking water, based in part on a German study.

FairWarning: Chilling News About a Warming Planet

The Environmental Working Group, an advocacy organization, has estimated that more than 110 million Americans have been exposed to the chemicals in their drinking water. For the purposes of the lawsuit, an exact figure may not matter except that it’s big. The suit isn’t asking for cash penalties but for the companies–3M, DuPont and Chemours–to  create an independent panel to study and confirm the health consequences of PFAS blood contamination, Sharon Lerner of The Intercept explains.

Water Online: Congress Passes Measure To Dramatically Restrict Major Source Of PFAS Contamination In Drinking Water

EWG led efforts to secure the provision to the FAA bill, holding multiple meetings with lawmakers and staff to spotlight the extent of the PFAS contamination crisis, and marshaling the evidence in support of less toxic firefighting foam alternatives. The PFAS measure attached to the FAA reauthorization bill is one of only a few pieces of legislation focused on drinking water contamination to pass Congress in years. Recent research by EWG estimates that roughly 110 million Americans could have PFAS-contaminated drinking water.

TCP in Tap Water

The Press-Enterprise (Riverside, Calif.): Hemet sues Dow Chemical and Shell Oil over contaminated drinking water

Hemet’s lawsuit, filed in Riverside’s federal district court for the Central District of California, and the Environmental Working Group’s report both contend that Dow Chemical and Shell Oil were aware that TCP could migrate from the soil and contaminate groundwater.