Thursday, December 31, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
A Christmas message
I've been searching for a 'sign' (if you want to think of it that way) as Christmas came closer. A message, some indication of where I go from here. It happens every Christmas for me.. and many others I know.
With the lack of measurable success at Copenhagen I was
feeling quite despondent and wondering about the whole effort I try to make to create a better world. Then I saw that Jamie Oliver had won this year's TED.COM prize. I went to investigate, and found this video. I have to share that tears came to my eyes as I watched the video. At last, a sign, a message, a way forward that can affect every day and everyone. And when you've watched the video you may like to learn more about this excellent initiative here.
With the lack of measurable success at Copenhagen I was
feeling quite despondent and wondering about the whole effort I try to make to create a better world. Then I saw that Jamie Oliver had won this year's TED.COM prize. I went to investigate, and found this video. I have to share that tears came to my eyes as I watched the video. At last, a sign, a message, a way forward that can affect every day and everyone. And when you've watched the video you may like to learn more about this excellent initiative here.Friday, December 18, 2009
Dr Simoncini by Dr Ralph Moss
So many requests have come to me regarding more info about Dr Tullio Simoncini that I felt that Dr Ralph Moss' (pic left) article about his therapy was worth sharing.
Dr Moss runs what I consider to be the best website in the world on balancing alternative and traditional cancer treatment philosophies and I think anyone faced with the spectre of cancer would do well to read his many free articles.
Here's the Simoncini download.
Follow Me
If you're tired of searching for my blog every time you want to see what I've been up to, you can now follow me with automatic notifications when I add a new post. just go to the bottom of this page and you'll see the Google "Follow" button. You'll need a Google account.
If you're still fooling around with Hotmail, let me tell you, you NEED a Google - account! SO much better!
If you're still fooling around with Hotmail, let me tell you, you NEED a Google - account! SO much better!
A Nice end of Year Contemplation
Living as we do within a seagull's cry of Byron Bay, we get to see dolphins almost every day we walk. During the season, we are also privileged to see Humpback whales.
Now someone has interpreted dolphin and whale calls into a visual 'artform'. Take a look. The images are so good I'd like to print them out and hang them on my wall!
See them here
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Why your Epigenome is worth learning about.
Be Nice To Your Epigenome
New data points more and more to the genetic effect on obesity, even asthma. That is, as they say, in your DNA. You are born with whatever you inherited genetically. That we all know and accept. Today’s big debate in genetic circles is about what we can or can’t do about it, and this is where the term ‘epigenome’ enters the scene.
As we said we are born with genes we can’t change. This ‘batch’ of genes is your genome. However all around your genome is a variety of substances once called ‘junk DNA’. This is your epigenome, and last years’ junk may be this year’s treasure. It includes all the processes and substances that are inter-related to your DNA, and what we have now learned is that they act as switches that actually turn genes in our DNA on and off, where and when the body in its infinite wisdom, sees as necessary for our greater good and survival.
Hence we can se our genes as workmen, skilled in one job, always ready and willing. Our epigenome tells these genes what to do and where. The ‘job’ your gene has to perform may vary from one cell to another, even though all genes appear to do the same job.
So what? What has this to do with me? Well, according to latest research, the epigenome is not a fixed state of cells or substances. It is constantly subject to modification by all sorts of factors, which in turn, affects how our genes are employed.
The most researched and understood epigenome modification is a process known as methylation. Groups of methyls, which are tiny biochemicals composed of just carbon and oxygen, are actually added to our DNA via our epigenome. Interestingly, this process seems only to affect genes that are hardly ever used. Further, special molecular ‘glue’ proteins, called histones, whose sole role is to glue our DNA together, are also affected my methylation.
The big breakthrough is that scientists now understand that this previously mysterious process is actually affected by our environment.. in particular, by our diet and our air supply.
What has Epigenetics got to do with Cancer?
Like so many fields of research in cancer, things remain less than clear. We do know that cancer cells have a very low level of methylation, which, based on what we already discussed, means cancer cells may have the ability to ‘turn off’ tumour suppression genes.
What is clear is that there are many biochemicals that affect methylation. But a trail has been found, starting at breathing and eating, which in turn affects methylation levels which in turn affects the ability of our DNA or genes to get on with their appointed tasks.
Anyone who read ‘The China Study’ will understand that an accurate summation and correlation of diet studies is very difficult. It’s not hard to understand that the effects of sugar on blood glucose, but other ‘cause and effects’ are less simple to unravel, and scientists are of the opinion that many dietary and atmospheric effects may indeed be epigenome modification phenomena.
One large study that has been running for decades (European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)) will certainly clarify this relationship.
The study is still underway, but it is expected to point to the fact that if you are adequately fed and have a recognized healthy diet, you will develop less cancer or other chronic illnesses so common to Westerners. So staying with a healthy diet can no longer be seen as a fad or mad supplement adventure.
Eating to Support Epigenome Methylation
Guess what? The foods that support healthy methylation are our old favourites.. almost all with a known antioxidant or alkalizing power. Green tea, cruciferous vegetables, foods laden with folic acid (leafy vegetables, beans, peas, sunflower seeds and liver), fortified whole grain breads, and non-sugar supplemented breakfast cereals.
Methionine stands out. This essential aminio acid is not synthesized by our bodies and we must get it from foods containing it. These include spinach, garlic, brazil nuts, kidney beans , tofu, chicken, beef and fish. Obviously as an Alkalarian, I prefer chicken and fish to red meat.
Choline, an essential nutrient in the B Vitamin complex, is another great source for methylation processes. You’ll get it from eggs, lettuce, peanuts and liver.
Zinc also assists the methylation process, so careful supplementation or the occasional dozen oysters may be worthwhile.
Methylation and Vino
When over-imbibed, the alcohol in wine interferes with folate metabolism and down the track, with methylation. A glass per day, however, yields health benefits in the form of resveratrol (a powerful antioxidant from red grape skin), including cancer prevention. Scientists are agreed about its benefit, but are still arguing about how it achieves the benefit. It seems partly related to switching on specific DNA-repair genes, which are part of the epigenome. Even flagon wine is high in betaine, which may explain why some notable octogenarians who have their daily tipple of cheap wine are still breathing.
In Summary
We are blitzed with obscure medical 'breakthroughs' all the time, usually on the least discriminating source of all - the evening TV news. But surely if we can understand that we can support long term functional genetic health, then we could be more confident of a disease-free future by empowering our resident DNA to do what it's meant to do; support our ongoing life force. And the knowledge that every piece of good alkaline food we eat or drink does support our Epigenome's support for our DNA surely empowers us to make the right dialy choice about diet and environment.
I do not believe in reactive medicine. Sure, if I am already sick, I will resort to it. But proactive health - well - that's another thing entirely. I am blessed with almost perfect health and age 63. A lazy prostate is all I can really say is wrong with me. And believe me, I'm not the sort of guy people would pick as a sperm donor because of my superior DNA. So I do thank God daily for the opportunity I was given to eat well and live well in support of my epigenome's daily management task. And because I'm 'old' I also thank God for the ability to see the oppoerunity i have had and be grateful for it. good food isn't a choice; it's a life insurance policy with the lowest premiums on the market.
New data points more and more to the genetic effect on obesity, even asthma. That is, as they say, in your DNA. You are born with whatever you inherited genetically. That we all know and accept. Today’s big debate in genetic circles is about what we can or can’t do about it, and this is where the term ‘epigenome’ enters the scene.
As we said we are born with genes we can’t change. This ‘batch’ of genes is your genome. However all around your genome is a variety of substances once called ‘junk DNA’. This is your epigenome, and last years’ junk may be this year’s treasure. It includes all the processes and substances that are inter-related to your DNA, and what we have now learned is that they act as switches that actually turn genes in our DNA on and off, where and when the body in its infinite wisdom, sees as necessary for our greater good and survival.
Hence we can se our genes as workmen, skilled in one job, always ready and willing. Our epigenome tells these genes what to do and where. The ‘job’ your gene has to perform may vary from one cell to another, even though all genes appear to do the same job.
So what? What has this to do with me? Well, according to latest research, the epigenome is not a fixed state of cells or substances. It is constantly subject to modification by all sorts of factors, which in turn, affects how our genes are employed.
The most researched and understood epigenome modification is a process known as methylation. Groups of methyls, which are tiny biochemicals composed of just carbon and oxygen, are actually added to our DNA via our epigenome. Interestingly, this process seems only to affect genes that are hardly ever used. Further, special molecular ‘glue’ proteins, called histones, whose sole role is to glue our DNA together, are also affected my methylation.
The big breakthrough is that scientists now understand that this previously mysterious process is actually affected by our environment.. in particular, by our diet and our air supply.
What has Epigenetics got to do with Cancer?
Like so many fields of research in cancer, things remain less than clear. We do know that cancer cells have a very low level of methylation, which, based on what we already discussed, means cancer cells may have the ability to ‘turn off’ tumour suppression genes.
What is clear is that there are many biochemicals that affect methylation. But a trail has been found, starting at breathing and eating, which in turn affects methylation levels which in turn affects the ability of our DNA or genes to get on with their appointed tasks.
Anyone who read ‘The China Study’ will understand that an accurate summation and correlation of diet studies is very difficult. It’s not hard to understand that the effects of sugar on blood glucose, but other ‘cause and effects’ are less simple to unravel, and scientists are of the opinion that many dietary and atmospheric effects may indeed be epigenome modification phenomena.
One large study that has been running for decades (European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)) will certainly clarify this relationship.
The study is still underway, but it is expected to point to the fact that if you are adequately fed and have a recognized healthy diet, you will develop less cancer or other chronic illnesses so common to Westerners. So staying with a healthy diet can no longer be seen as a fad or mad supplement adventure.
Eating to Support Epigenome Methylation
Guess what? The foods that support healthy methylation are our old favourites.. almost all with a known antioxidant or alkalizing power. Green tea, cruciferous vegetables, foods laden with folic acid (leafy vegetables, beans, peas, sunflower seeds and liver), fortified whole grain breads, and non-sugar supplemented breakfast cereals.
Methionine stands out. This essential aminio acid is not synthesized by our bodies and we must get it from foods containing it. These include spinach, garlic, brazil nuts, kidney beans , tofu, chicken, beef and fish. Obviously as an Alkalarian, I prefer chicken and fish to red meat.
Choline, an essential nutrient in the B Vitamin complex, is another great source for methylation processes. You’ll get it from eggs, lettuce, peanuts and liver.
Zinc also assists the methylation process, so careful supplementation or the occasional dozen oysters may be worthwhile.
Methylation and Vino
When over-imbibed, the alcohol in wine interferes with folate metabolism and down the track, with methylation. A glass per day, however, yields health benefits in the form of resveratrol (a powerful antioxidant from red grape skin), including cancer prevention. Scientists are agreed about its benefit, but are still arguing about how it achieves the benefit. It seems partly related to switching on specific DNA-repair genes, which are part of the epigenome. Even flagon wine is high in betaine, which may explain why some notable octogenarians who have their daily tipple of cheap wine are still breathing.
In Summary
We are blitzed with obscure medical 'breakthroughs' all the time, usually on the least discriminating source of all - the evening TV news. But surely if we can understand that we can support long term functional genetic health, then we could be more confident of a disease-free future by empowering our resident DNA to do what it's meant to do; support our ongoing life force. And the knowledge that every piece of good alkaline food we eat or drink does support our Epigenome's support for our DNA surely empowers us to make the right dialy choice about diet and environment.
I do not believe in reactive medicine. Sure, if I am already sick, I will resort to it. But proactive health - well - that's another thing entirely. I am blessed with almost perfect health and age 63. A lazy prostate is all I can really say is wrong with me. And believe me, I'm not the sort of guy people would pick as a sperm donor because of my superior DNA. So I do thank God daily for the opportunity I was given to eat well and live well in support of my epigenome's daily management task. And because I'm 'old' I also thank God for the ability to see the oppoerunity i have had and be grateful for it. good food isn't a choice; it's a life insurance policy with the lowest premiums on the market.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
New results in today for the AlkaPod Portable ionizer
In a laboratory test we just received on a new Alkapod using tap water, here are the quite amazing pH and ORP (negative ions) results for 20 consecutive laboratory tests.
They are still available: we are very close to running out but we expect more in before Christmas. Here's the link to order yours. Yes, we deliver worldwide.
Just How stylish is the delphi faucet?
The world renowned and very expensive Hans Grohe range of kitchen and bathware have what may be judged as the best design taps and showers available. For instance, look at this kitchen mixer.
If I was able to improve on its design, by removing the lever and installing intuitive touch controls, I guess it might look like this: (Which just happens to be a picture of the faucet on our Delphi water ionizer)
World's Most Dangerous Bottled water Source
CAMP RED CLOUD, SOUTH KOREA — Many water bottlers draw their raw water from pristine places, but only one has a very hazardous source — the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) separating North Korea and South Korea, according to a December 1 article in Stars and Stripes.
Lotte Chilsung Co., a bottler in
Because the DMZ has been in a totally natural state since the end of the Korean War in 1953, its ecosystem “is the best in the world,” claims Chun Woo-chul, a spokesman for the company. Sprinkled with land mines, heavily fortified and considered one of the most dangerous places on Earth, the DMZ is a strip of land 2.5 miles wide and 155 miles long, the article says.
For the past three months, the company has been producing and selling its “DMZ” brand of bottled water, sales of which have been good throughout
Naturalists have previously noted the abundance and variety of wildlife and plant species that thrive in the DMZ. Chun said company officials at first were concerned that a “DMZ” brand might have negative connotations due to the continuing tensions between the two Koreas, but apparently many bottled water consumers also know the zone is untouched by human hands.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
How You will Die.. Statistically Speaking
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Italian Doctor's Cure for MS
An Italian doctor has been getting dramatic results with a new type of treatment for Multiple Sclerosis, or MS, which affects up to 2.5 million people worldwide. In an initial study, Dr. Paolo Zamboni took 65 patients with relapsing-remitting MS, performed a simple operation to unblock restricted bloodflow out of the brain - and two years after the surgery, 73% of the patients had no symptoms.
Dr. Zamboni's thinking could turn the current understanding of MS on its head, and offer many sufferers a complete cure. Multiple sclerosis, or MS, has long been regarded as a life sentence of debilitating nerve degeneration. More common in females, the disease affects an estimated 2.5 million people around the world, causing physical and mental disabilities that can gradually destroy a patient's quality of life.
It's generally accepted that there's no cure for MS, only treatments that mitigate the symptoms - but a new way of looking at the disease has opened the door to a simple treatment that is causing radical improvements in a small sample of sufferers. Italian Dr. Paolo Zamboni has put forward the idea that many types of MS are actually caused by a blockage of the pathways that remove excess iron from the brain - and by simply clearing out a couple of major veins to reopen the blood flow, the root cause of the disease can be eliminated.
Dr. Zamboni's revelations came as part of a very personal mission - to cure his wife as she began a downward spiral after diagnosis. Reading everything he could on the subject, Dr. Zamboni found a number of century-old sources citing excess iron as a possible cause of MS. It happened to dovetail with some research he had been doing previously on how a buildup of iron can damage blood vessels in the legs - could it be that a buildup of iron was somehow damaging blood vessels in the brain?He immediately took to the ultrasound machine to see if the idea had any merit - and made a staggering discovery. More than 90% of people with MS have some sort of malformation or blockage in the veins that drain blood from the brain. Including, as it turned out, his wife.
He formed a hypothesis on how this could lead to MS: iron builds up in the brain, blocking and damaging these crucial blood vessels. As the vessels rupture, they allow both the iron itself, and immune cells from the bloodstream, to cross the blood-brain barrier into the cerebro-spinal fluid. Once the immune cells have direct access to the immune system, they begin to attack the myelin sheathing of the cerebral nerves - Multiple Sclerosis develops.
He named the problem Chronic Cerebro-Spinal Venous Insufficiency, or CCSVI.
Zamboni immediately scheduled his wife for a simple operation to unblock the veins - a catheter was threaded up through blood vessels in the groin area, all the way up to the effected area, and then a small balloon was inflated to clear out the blockage. It's a standard and relatively risk-free operation - and the results were immediate. In the three years since the surgery, Dr. Zamboni's wife has not had an attack.Widening out his study, Dr. Zamboni then tried the same operation on a group of 65 MS-sufferers, identifying blood drainage blockages in the brain and unblocking them - and more than 73% of the patients are completely free of the symptoms of MS, two years after the operation.In some cases, a balloon is not enough to fully open the vein channel, which collapses either as soon as the balloon is removed, or sometime later. In these cases, a metal stent can easily be used, which remains in place holding the vein open permanently.
Dr. Zamboni's lucky find is yet to be accepted by the medical community, which is traditionally slow to accept revolutionary ideas. Still, most agree that while further study needs to be undertaken before this is looked upon as a cure for MS, the results thus far have been very positive.Naturally, support groups for MS sufferers are buzzing with the news that a simple operation could free patients from what they have always been told would be a lifelong affliction, and further studies are being undertaken by researchers around the world hoping to confirm the link between CCSVI and MS, and open the door for the treatment to become available for sufferers worldwide.
It's certainly a very exciting find for MS sufferers, as it represents a possible complete cure, as opposed to an ongoing treatment of symptoms. We wish Dr. Zamboni and the various teams looking further into this issue the best of luck.
More sources: 1 2 3
Via The Globe and Mail.
From Gizmag
Thick and fast; alkaline diet for older people
Boy, the data is really coming in thick and fast, as more and more scientists concur on the need for a more alkaline diet. Here's another study that concludes in part that "increasing the alkali content of the diet may attenuate bone loss in healthy older adults."
And while you are in a browsing mood, remember that great book I recommended, Building Bone Vitality" by Dr Amy Lou Lanou? Take a look at what the New York Times had to say about it here.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Sometimes I Hate the Internet
The ability to amass seemingly impossible numbers of statistics into one simple and coherent form may seem a wonderful advance now available on the net. But sometimes.. well.. take a look yourself and see how you feel!
Thanks to Jenny
Thanks to Jenny
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