Soy - Is it really a health food?

Touted as a health food for years - we have been misled by those who needed to create a market for soybean crops in the U.S. A wonderful book I recommend is called"Soy Deception", by well known thyroid expert Dr. David Brownstein. When I meet a vegetarian often I can spot those who consume a lot of soy, indicated by the puffiness of the face, particularly around the eyes, as Brownstein explains in his book/video series on thyroid dysfunction. This past summer I attended a vegan potluck with my daughter, and I explained why I avoid soy (spotting three likely soy consumers sitting across from me at the table). Lo and behold, after I explained what I had learned, I learn in return that each was on medication for thyroid issues. Obviously, I was not surprised.

Rather than ask all of you to read Brownstein's book, this link to an article by Dr. Joe Mercola, whom many of you are probably familiar, is a great summary of key points covered in the book. My self-appointed mentor, neurosurgeon Dr. Russell Blaylock, has written extensively on the ill effects of soy. Although many vegan enthusiasts still tout soy as a health food, even organic has its issues.

All soy, even organic, absorbs more glutamates from the ground than any other plant in the plant kingdom - per Blaylock. Glutamates are a form of neurotoxin - that word alone should make one nervous. Neurotoxins, as you may surmise, affect the brain - not only memory loss and function, but as well - behavioral disorders such as ADHD, ADD, bi-polar may experience a change in attitude or concentration after consuming soybean products.

In the June 2004 issue of the Blaylock newsletter, the good doctor reports on Alzheimer prevention, and cautions readers to avoid hydrolyzed soy protein isolates, soy extracts, and soybean oil, the latter of which is in the greatest percentage of processed foods. I truly believe Blaylock is a pioneer in the realm of cause and effect of brain dysfunction.

For vegans who are using protein shakes containing soy isolate, I encourage you to dig deeper, and consider a switch to an easy-to-digest yellow pea/ brown rice based protein powder. I personally use Arbonne Essentials, which not only tastes great, but has the additional benefit of cranberry protein - allowing for a 100% amino acid profile score. You are welcome to contact me for a complete ingredient list. By the way, this product contains NO artificial ingredients or trace heavy metals - as in "zero" ppm.

If you wish to consume soy - it is recommended to limit to 2-3 times weekly, and ONLY fermented soy products (no, this does not include milk). Organic is a critical choice, as explained in Mercola's article regarding U.S. grownGMO soy vs. organic (chart illustration as well). Below are the four soy foods fermented and considered a healthier choice.

• Natto
• Miso
• Tempeh
• Tamari (fermented soy sauce - be careful, you want fermented!)

On the subject of hormones, the estrogenic properties of soy may have a benefit for those suffering from hot flashes, but that is an entirely different subject of which I would be happy to discuss with you privately. A hormone supplement containing soy is much different than consuming main course dishes made with tofu.

In Mercola's article, he is not 100% accurate, from my understanding of estrogen receptors, in regard to soy contributing to cancer. Phytoestrogens (plant estrogens) are not the same as estradiol - the cancer-contributing hormone that our body produces. This is an entirely different subject for discussion.

For the purposes of a clean eating or elimination diets to promote healthy living - soy can be inflammatory, is often allergenic and prohibits nutrient uptake.

May you enjoy good health all the days of your life.

Rita Shimniok, Purely Living Wellness, LLC

In Remission...Now What?

So you have been through chemo and radiation with success...and are in remission...congratulations!!!

Now what? There will always be the fear of "will it come back"...we cannot shut that switch off in our brain. Yes, we can have a positive attitude... but there will be days. My husband had a morning like this today. Since "our blog" is for his journey, I am going to "talk" to those who have been there, speaking on behalf of your friends and family members asking my opinion of what you can do to ensure your body remains healed. Keep in mind, this is my personal opinion...I am not a doctor or giving medical advice, and by putting my recommendations into action is no guarantee. No one has a guarantee on life..mine can come to end tomorrow just as much as the next person.

I am a book-learned, research driven person...and my recommendations are based on holistic wellness approaches as to what I WOULD DO FOR MYSELF.

For anyone...whether you are in remission, or going through treatment, there is a pretty inexpensive test you can have done that measures the cancer cells in your bloodstream - it is called an HCG test.  Read more about it here, at the Navaroo Medical Clinic. Basically, taken every two months if in a current treatment plan, it will tell you whether or not your treatment is working. For those in remission, I would probably take the test twice a year or as often as you feel comfortable. As long as your number remains constant or goes down...you are on the right path. I am willing to bet your doctor, probably even your oncologist, is not aware of this test.

If this test were done during treatment...it would provide an early on indicator if the chosen path of treatment is successfully working. If not, find a new treatment plan of action.

We just sent away for this test for my husband, and I sent a sample in for myself as well. For $55 I can have peace of mind knowing I have cancer at bay. OR I may get a red alert and will get even more serious about a more healthy eating plan... I know I have sugar too often in one week - I am fueling my cancer cells each time I have a sweet treat.We all have cancer cells once we get past 30 - actually, with today's toxic world I don't doubt my kids have cancer cells as well. However, it is one's ability to switch cancer cells on or off that matter - and fortunately, for many our body is functioning and the off switch is working.

This is what I would do for myself if I were in remission:
- Monitor with the HCG test to measure cancer cell levels
- use pH strips to monitor my acidity to alkaline levels weekly
- eat an 80/20 diet (vegetarian/animal based foods - another way to look at this: alkaline/acidic foods)
- utilize a pure, full spectrum super green food - this will fuel cells with oxygen (more on this Sept 1)
- shop organic as much as possible
- avoid any and all artificial ingredients as well as high glycemic
- use CLEAN and PURE skin care, shampoo, etc
-  avoid chemical cleaners/pesticides in the home, and artificial fragrances (i.e. no artificial candles/plug ins)
- use a full body/organ detox protocol quarterly (look for broken cell chlorella)
- ensure the estradiol to progesterone ratio is in balance if my cancer involved any reproductive organ or breast (ZRT Labs offers test kits)
- monitor vitamin levels, D and magnesium deficiency is prevalent in cancer patients
- support the immune system - diet is key, supplementation often necessary
- utilize infra-red heat or sauna if possible - sweat - turn up the heat, not with strenuous activity, which can weaken the immune, but with heat sourcing products

Truths about cancer:
1. cancer cannot survive in an alkaline environment
2. an oxygen deprived cell fuels cancer
3. sugar fuels cancer - if your doctor says you can eat anything you want - DON'T LISTEN!!
4. cancer cells are compromised at temps over 109.4 degrees F

This is what I would do if I were in remission. I would do pretty much the same if I were in a battle with cancer - but would step up the anti-oxidant, oxygen rich food sources.

May healthy be your new happy,
Rita S.

Alternative Powerhouses in the Fight Against Cancer

My Arbonne journey led me on a path of wellness for myself, and a deep passion for cancer prevention and education.  I have studied hormone balance (imbalance leads to many types of cancers), insulin production and effects on many diseases, including cancer... and how to reverse symptoms and shut off cancer from a holistic approach for several years. I study this because it is fascinating and important...not because it is necessary for me as an Arbonne consultant.  The two have little in common, other than that my introduction to Arbonne spawned the interest into health and wellness. The products themselves, do not promote cancer growth in the body and my family embraces the philosophy of pure, safe and beneficial.

Inflammation and an acidic body turn cancer on, whereas restoring proper pH and oxygen at a cellular level...turns cancer off.  I could write a book about these two topics alone, but the purpose of this post is to make known TWO CANCER FIGHTING POWERHOUSES that I have learned about through my studies and through personal interaction with people.

The website I recommend for anyone dealing with cancer to review is www.cancertutor.org 

For a brain cancer or tumor...one supplement to consider is Curcumin.  Neurosurgeon Dr. Russell Blaylock has long touted the benefits of curcumin for brain tumors. I personally know a person who saw significant reduction of a hard palate carcinoma tumor in the mouth, in as little as two weeks. An oncologist friend of Blaylocks, as reported in one of his wellenss newsletters, chose to use Curcumin in his wife's treatment for a brain tumor. I do not recall what other treatments this oncologist may have used in addition.

For local people, Green Earth at 6333 University Ave in Middleton, WI carries NOW brand.  I bought my first bottle there, but will tell you I found it for less.  3000 mg (6 a day) is what is recommended for cancer, which means you go through a lot fast. 

There are certain ways to take curcumin to allow the benefits to be more readily absorbed by the body. Blaylock suggests mixing with an Omega 3, and Nikki from Green Earth recommends grinding some black pepper for bio availability.  If swallowing is difficult, blend it into a non-dairy, non-soy smoothie which MUST be low glycemic. I can give tips on the smoothies that I make, or find the recipes in this blog.

Curcumin in high doses also helps with providing natural pain relief.

For advanced stage or aggressive cancer  cessium chloride therapy has a proven track record for many types of cancer, including bone. As I mentioned, I learned about CC from a mom of one of my HS classmates, who had gone through 5 years of traditional treatment at the Mayo, and was sent home. with nothing more to be done..she did not give up. Through a lot of prayer, she learned about cessium chloride and worked with an expert on obtaining and dosing the mineral supplement.  My friend went from stage 4 ovarian with 3 months to live,  to being cancer free in just over 3 months...and 14 yrs later remains so.  It takes at minimum 3 months for cessium to erradicate cancer from the body. Bone cancer can take longer.  You must work with a health care professional and you must obtain CC from a reliable source, of which the experts are well versed. (Remember, there are a lot of people aiming to make money on anything proclaimed as a cancer "cure" - in a matter of life and death...choose reputable and trusted sources by experts.

I have always considered cessium chloride to be the "big gun" in the war against advanced and aggressive cancers. You must work with a cessium chloride expert and a medical doctor must partner in order to monitor with a blood draw every three weeks. The cnacertutor web site provides an organization that helps one find the expert and equipment, and the cessium chloride.

If you have been given very bad news...know that there is still hope!  Those that usually seek cessium experts are those who have gone through the traditional treatments, and have been told their body can no longer handle the chemo and/or radiation.  This makes it more tough for cessium chloride to work quickly, but it can be done.

Lastly, the best, least complicated book I have recently added to my library is "Cancer Free - Your Gide to Gentle, Non Toxic Healing" by Bill Henderson and Carlos M Garcia MD Also recommended by Cancer Tutor website.  This book can help you quickly "cut to the chase" for what is needed upon a diagnosis, to help your body start to heal while you schedule doctor appointments and determine the path of healing that is right for you.

May you experience great health in Spirit, mind and body,

Rita S.