Monday, December 14, 2015
Eating meat is a personal choice?
This person is ignoring, on purpose, the fact that animals are equally sentient as us and have as much a desire to live than anyone.
The challenge with animal rights is that the victims are silent. They are hidden away, far from the public’s eye and can’t speak for themselves which makes it even harder to fight for them.
The “personal choice” defense is a desperate way of setting aside important variables of a problem. It falsely implies that the speaker has considered all options possible and concluded that they are not valid points. But clearly he has just closed his mind to other opinions and chose to stay in a bubble of ignorance.
How awful is it to use a personal choice to take away an other being’s choice to live?
Hitler wanted to kill the jews, it was a personal choice. Does it make the atrocity of his actions okay? No.
Not that long ago, rich white men used black people as slaves, it was their personal choices. Was it morally acceptable? Hell, no.
Then why is it still considered alright to do the same with animals?
Thursday, November 19, 2015
Six Tips to Reduce the Occurrence of Cancer
Applying the Precautionary Principle to Diet and Cancer, Six Tips to Reduce the Occurrence of Cancer
- Avoid dairy products to reduce risk of prostate cancer.
- Limit or avoid alcohol to reduce the risk of cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, colon, rectum, and breast.
- Avoid red and processed meat to reduce the risk of cancers of the colon and rectum.
- Avoid grilled, fried, and broiled meats to reduce the risk of cancers of the colon, rectum, breast, prostate, kidney, and pancreas.
- Women should consume soy products in adolescence to reduce risk of breast cancer. Breast cancer survivors should consume soy products to reduce risk of cancer recurrence and overall mortality.
- Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables to reduce risk of several forms of cancer.
Thursday, October 29, 2015
An open letter to the Australian Government
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Red and Processed Meats Cause Cancer
Red and Processed Meats Cause Cancer
Red and processed meat products are linked to cancer, according to a report from the World Health Organization published today in Lancet Oncology. Researchers from around the world examined more than 800 studies looking at the cancer-causing properties of red and processed meats. The authors highlighted a meta-analysis that found a 17 percent increase in risk for colon cancer per 100 grams of red meat consumed and an 18 percent increase risk with 50 grams of processed meat consumed, and ultimately concluded that they are “probably carcinogenic to humans” and “carcinogenic to humans,” respectively. Researchers also observed associations between red and processed meat products and stomach, pancreatic, and prostate cancers. Processing and other cooking methods for meat, including curing, pan-frying, and smoking, produce various carcinogenic chemicals.
Bouvard V, Loomis D, Guyton KZ, et al. Carcinogenicity of consumption of red and processed meat. Lancet Oncology. Published online October 26, 2015.
Saturday, October 24, 2015
The Business of Breast Cancer Awareness Month
BREAST CANCER OVERVIEW
- New cases: 234,580 (total); 232,340 (women); 2,240 (men)
- Deaths: 40,030 (total); 39,620 (women); 410 (men)
What Is Breast Cancer?
Is Breast Cancer Genetic?
BREAST CANCER "AWARENESS"
Costs of Breast Cancer Screening and Treatment
Dr. Cary Gross, MD reported costs associated with breast cancer screening in a Yale University School of Medicine study earlier this year, in January of 2013. In this study, costs associated with breast cancer screening and initial workup for Medicare beneficiaries were evaluated between 2006 and 2007. Dr. Gross and colleagues reported the following:
"We found that the Medicare fee-for-service program is spending over $1 billion per year on breast cancer screening and workup of suspicious lesions. This accounted for over 45 percent of the $2.42 billion total spent by Medicare on screening and the initial treatment phase of breast cancer...
Additionally, study results indicate that for women 75 years or older, annual screening-related expenditures topped $410 million. Age-standardized screening-related cost per beneficiary varied more than two-fold across regions (from $42 to $107 per beneficiary)...
'In summary, the costs of breast cancer care in the Medicare population, when incorporating screening costs, are substantially higher than previously documented and the adoption of newer screening modalities will likely contribute to further growth,' the authors conclude. 'The growth trajectory may be steeper than projected owing to Medicare’s reimbursement strategy, which supports rapid adoption of newer modalities, frequently without adequate data to support their use.'"
Much of these costs remain hidden due to public and private insurers picking up the bill. Patients see (and pay for) only a fraction of the total costs of breast cancer screening, workup, and treatment while huge profits are realized by pharmaceutical companies, medical device companies, and all those in the healthcare system providing their services to combat this disease. This is not to say that all is wasted. Some patients will absolutely require the best medical care available to beat this disease. However, most of these scenarios will involve cases of more advanced, serious, and invasive forms of breast cancer. Much of the screening done today detects early stage breast cancer, which as you saw in the evidence from the Cochrane Collaboration and NNT reviews does more harm than good. Efforts should instead be focused on preventing breast cancer in the first place instead of making people "aware" of the disease.
BREAST CANCER PREVENTION (AND TREATMENT)
Breast Cancer Incidence (And Differing Dietary Habits) Around The World
Recent meta-analysis of studies on dietary fat, fat-containing foods, and breast cancer risk have shown this same correlation. Higher meat and saturated fat intake have been shown to increase the risk of breast cancer by 17% and 19% respectively [9]. The rich-western diet is literally serving as a cash-money machine for our current breast cancer "awareness" initiatives. The dark red regions below may as well be painted in $100 bills to more accurately reflect the link between breast cancer and our profit-based medicine system.
Breast Cancer, Diet, and Hormones
One reason why animal foods and other high-fat foods tend to increase the risk of breast cancer is due to their ability to boost female hormones (estrogen and progesterone) in the body, specifically estrogen levels [10]. Higher levels of estrogen have been associated with higher incidences of breast cancer in postmenopausal women [11]. Hormone replacement therapy (Premarin, Prempro, Activella, etc.) have also been associated with this same increased risk of breast cancer in women—specifically up to 20% greater risk in women of white, Asian, and Hispanic descent [12].Best Foods to Include (and Avoid) in a Breast Cancer Prevention Strategy
Your best chance at warding off breast cancer is simple. Avoid processed and animal-based foods. These are typically higher in fat and contain animal protein, both of which have been linked to higher rates of several types of cancer including cancer of the breast [13]. Fried foods, packaged products, pastries, beef, chicken, fish, milk, etc. all fit this bill and should be avoided if you wish to give yourself the best chance at remaining cancer free. Alcohol consumption also significantly increases risk of breast cancer in women [14]. As little as one alcoholic drink per day increases women's risk of breast cancer by 4%. Three or more alcoholic drinks per day increase breast cancer risk by 40%-50% in women.Instead, women should focus on developing a diet incorporating fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and nuts/seeds. These are the foods with an abundance of cancer-destroying phytochemicals and antioxidants to them. In particular, the food items below have been shown to have even more cancer-fighting properties amongst those in the plant kingdom in regards to breast cancer:
- Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, etc.) are associated with a lower risk of breast cancer [15]
- Mushrooms have a protective effect against estrogen receptor positive and progesterone receptor positive breast cancer cases [16]
- Flaxseeds are a great source of dietary lignans which have been shown to reduce breast cancer risk with regular consumption [17]. For more information on the benefits of flaxseeds in breast cancer prevention watch this video.
Can Breast Cancer Be Treated With Diet?
It appears that diet can play a significant role in the treatment of breast cancer after diagnosis. An article in the journal Nutrition and Cancer in 2006 reported markedly improved survival rates in postmenopausal women diagnosed with breast cancer who consumed a more plant-rich diet [18]. Their diet was low in fat, high in fiber (*note* fiber is only found in plant foods), high in fruits and vegetables, and contained more micronutrient-rich plant foods with folate, carotenoids, and vitamin C.There are also many case reports of women defeating breast cancer by adopting a whole foods, plant-based diet. Ruth Heidrich, Anneliese Moore, and Kelly Binkoski are three women who did just that. You can read Ruth's story here, Anneliese's story here, and Kelly's story here. One of the most inspiring stories comes from Jessica Bowen. She overcame stage 3 breast cancer as she talks about in the video below.
CONCLUSION
Early detection has been proven to do more harm than good. It boosts profits of major corporations, businesses, and individuals alike involved in providing these services while breast cancer rates remain largely unchanged. If we want to win the war on breast cancer we need less medical care not more. By taking personal responsibility for your health and adopting healthy dietary habits in the form of a whole foods, plant-based diet you'll give yourself the best opportunity possible to never have to face this disease in the first place. You owe it to yourself to do so.
8 Lands WEM, Hamazaki T, Yamazaki K, et al. Changing dietary patterns. Am J Clin Nutr. 1990;51:991-993.
14 Seitz HK, et al. Epidemiology and pathophysiology of alcohol and breast cancer: Update 2012. Alcohol-Alcohol. 2012 May-Jun;47(3):204-212.
15 Terry P, et al. Brassica vegetables and breast cancer risk. JAMA. 2001;285(23):769-776.
16 Shin A, et al. Dietary mushroom intake and the risk of breast cancer based on hormone receptor status. Nutr Cancer. 2010;62(4):476-83.
17 Lowcock EC, et al. Consumption of flaxseed, a rich source of lignans, is associated with reduced breast cancer risk. Cancer Causes Control. 2013 Apr;24(4):813-6.
18 McEligot AJ, et al. Dietary fat, fiber, vegetable, and micronutrients are associated with overall survival in postmenopausal women diagnosed with breast cancer. Nutr Cancer. 2006;55(2):132-40.
The Plant-Based Pharmacist's Blog: The Business of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Saturday, October 10, 2015
The Warning Signs of Clogged Arteries
Friday, October 02, 2015
Herbie of the Week: Michael (He's Lost 55lbs & No Longer Has a Fatty Liver)
- I have lost over 25 kilograms (55lbs)
- I no longer have a fatty liver
- My regular blood test results are now all within the normal range
Tuesday, July 07, 2015
If God didn’t want us to eat animals, he wouldn’t have made them taste so good?
Whatever your religion or belief system, I think the old ‘thou shalt not kill’ is pretty self-explanatory and shouldn’t come with a get out clause of ‘except if something’s tasty’.
Incidentally, animals do taste good. Then again, probably so do people if cooked with a bit of seasoning and maybe a bit of BBQ sauce. Doesn’t mean I’m going to start chowing down on human tenderloin.
If you are a follower of Judaism, Christianity or Islam, look no further than the Garden of Eden. It was a vegan haven, and Adam and Eve were the first vegans on this planet. Genesis 1:29, God's first dietary law, states, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food." Isaiah 11:7, God's last dietary law, states, "The wolf will live with the lamb, the cow will feed with the bear, the lion will eat straw like the ox, and a little child will lead them. And neither will harm nor destroy on My Holy Mountain." The beginning and the end are vegan because veganism causes no bloodshed and cruelty. Many other scriptures like Hosea 2:18 and Ecclesiastes 3:19 also profess God's love for animals.
Since animal products cause almost all of our diseases, and the human body is 100 percent herbivorous, rationalizing God's approval of this deadly fare doesn't make sense. It's awfully convenient that most people believe God, Jesus and Mohammad embrace the misery, murder and consumption of animals. Yet, those same people also believe God, Jesus and Mohammad are all-compassionate, all-loving and all-merciful, not bloodthirsty, murderous devils. These scenarios contradict each other, so it can't be both ways. Causing misery to animals and supporting their murder is causing misery to God, Jesus and Mohammad and murdering Their souls.
The THOU SHALT NOT KILL commandment should make everyone vegan anyway. Since each vegan spares the lives thousands of animals every year, honoring this commandment can only bring one closer to God.
In the Gospel of the Nazirenes, viewed as inauthentic by the Church, Jesus proclaims, "Wherefore those who want to be my disciples, keep your hands from bloodshed and let no flesh meat enter your mouths for the Lord is just and bountiful who ordains that man shall live by the fruits and the seeds of the earth alone." He also states, "Verily I say unto you, for this end I have come into the world; that I may put away all blood offerings and the eating of the flesh of the beasts and the birds that are slain by men. In the beginning the Creator gave to all the fruits of the trees and the seeds of the earth and the herbs for food. But those who loved themselves more than the Lord or their fellows, corrupted their ways and brought diseases into their bodies and filled the earth with lust and violence."
Of the 114 chapters in the Qur'an, 113 begin with the phrase "In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful." All Muslims accept that showing compassion and charity is a service to Allah. Yet, to kill animals and eat their flesh is anything but compassionate and charitable. The Holy Prophet Muhammad states, "Allah will not be affectionate to a man who is not affectionate to Allah's creatures. Whoever is kind to the creatures of Allah is kind to himself. A good deed done to an animal is as good as doing good to a human being while an act of cruelty to an animal is as bad as an act of cruelty to a human being."
Animals are the most innocent beings on this planet and need the most protection. When we exclude animals from God's circle of compassion, we exclude God from our lives. God demands mercy, compassion and meekness. After all, the meek shall inherit the earth, and the meek are the animals and those who walk humbly with them.
For more detailed information about religion and veganism, check out the book Food for the Gods by Rynn Berry.
Monday, June 29, 2015
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Why choose plants over animals?
--->Because plants promote wellness and stave off chronic diseases.
--->Because plants are sustainable and do the least harm on the planet.
--->Because whole plants are less expensive.
--->Because plants do not require horrific suffering, violence, and death of billions per year to produce.
--->Because the meat, egg, and dairy industries spend millions of dollars each year to make you think you need to eat their products.
--->30 Reasons to Go Vegan: http://bit.ly/1srlb8X
--->How to Make Plant-Based Super Simple: http://bit.ly/1x23sM8
--->Salon's 7 lies about red meat the food industry wants you to believe:http://bit.ly/1Bu7HnR
--->International Business Times' Thinking About Going Vegetarian? Here Are 5 Things To Consider: http://bit.ly/1GqwSUk
--->Nutrition FAQs Video Series: http://bit.ly/1OYJ6hj
--->6 Reasons Plant-Based Nutrition Is The Solution to The Healthcare Crisis: http://bit.ly/1Nd9lfa
Friday, June 12, 2015
What about Carbs?
--->Carbs: http://bit.ly/1u3k8Rf
--->U.S. News and World Report's U.S. News Health Why You’ll Feel Flawless Eating Like BeyoncĂ©: http://bit.ly/1IwYIlB
--->Medical Daily's Beyoncé Reveals (Unsurprising) Weight Loss Secret Is Vegan Diet: How You Can Sustain While Eating Plant-Based Meals:http://bit.ly/1FUW3hJ
and
Vegans Eat Carbs And Still Lose The Weight: Why You Should Give The Diet A Shot: http://bit.ly/1FaZd01
--->Reducing Reductionism: http://bit.ly/1FLz89j
--->T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies' Low Carb Hot Air—Again, again and again! http://bit.ly/1HvnWSP
--->Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine's Low-Carb Low Point:http://bit.ly/1Ix0inC
--->Vegan Mainstream via Janice Stanger's Why Carbs Don't Matter for Vegans: http://bit.ly/1C0Pv0j
--->NutritionFacts.org on Carbs: http://bit.ly/1Kq87KJ
--->Harvard University on Carbs: http://bit.ly/1Msuv88