500words – Page 6 – Chew Digest

Keto, Vegan, Carnivore, and Frugivore. Why do ALL of these diets work?

Because they are ALL limited-ingredient diets. After I explain why these diets work, I will then explain why they should be used judiciously.

A limited-ingredient diet, also known as an elimination diet, involves feeding your body a restricted number of foods for a certain period of time. Here are some potential benefits of following a limited-ingredient diet:

Identify food sensitivities: By eliminating certain foods from your diet, you may be able to identify which foods are causing adverse reactions, such as bloating, stomach pain, or skin rashes.

Improve digestion: Limiting the variety of foods in your diet can help ease digestive symptoms like gas, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.

Enhance nutrient absorption: When you reduce the number of foods you eat, your body may have an easier time absorbing nutrients, vitamins, and minerals from the foods you do eat.

Support weight loss: If you want to lose weight, a limited-ingredient diet can help you control portions and make healthier food choices.

Reduce inflammation: Certain foods can trigger inflammation, causing pain, fatigue, and other health issues. By avoiding these foods, you may be able to reduce inflammation and improve your overall health.

Improve mental clarity: Some people report improved clarity and focus when following a limited-ingredient diet.

The ketogenic diet is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet that aims to put the body in a state of ketosis, burning fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. While the ketogenic diet can aid in weight loss and certain health conditions, it is not necessarily intended to be a long-term solution for everyone.

Some people may find that they can stick to a ketogenic diet long-term and continue to see benefits, while others may find it difficult to maintain over time. Additionally, some health experts caution that a long-term ketogenic diet may be associated with potential health risks, such as nutrient deficiencies, an increased risk of heart disease, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

The carnivore diet is a diet that primarily consists of animal products such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy while excluding most plant-based foods. While some people may find benefits from following a carnivore diet in the short term, it is generally not recommended as a long-term solution for most people.

The main concern with a long-term carnivore diet is the potential for nutrient deficiencies, particularly in vitamins, minerals, and fiber that are typically found in plant-based foods. Additionally, a diet high in animal products has been associated with an increased risk of heart disease, certain types of cancer, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

It’s also worth noting that there is limited research on the long-term effects of a carnivore diet, and much of the existing research is focused on short-term outcomes. Therefore, it is difficult to fully assess the safety and effectiveness of a long-term carnivore diet.

A vegan diet is intended to be a long-term solution for those who follow it. A vegan diet can provide all the necessary nutrients for good health when planned appropriately. This includes adequate protein, iron, calcium, vitamin B12(supplement), and other important nutrients. Yes, the human body does synthesize vitamin B12; however, it does so in the colon and is not absorbed in any appreciable amount, ultimately finding its way into our excrement and into our toilet.

Research has shown that a well-planned vegan diet can offer a range of health benefits, such as a lower risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Additionally, a vegan diet has a lower environmental impact than a diet that includes animal products.

However, it’s important to note that simply eliminating animal products from one’s diet does not automatically make it healthy. It’s essential to ensure that the diet is balanced and includes a variety of whole plant-based foods to provide all the necessary nutrients. Working with a registered dietitian can help ensure that a vegan diet is nutritionally adequate and sustainable for the long term.

It’s important to note that while limited-ingredient diets can be beneficial for some individuals, they may not be necessary or appropriate for everyone. No single diet is a one-size-fits-all solution, and individual needs and preferences should be considered. They should be followed under the guidance of a healthcare professional, especially if you have underlying medical conditions or are at risk of nutrient deficiencies.

And finally, my personal favorite and what I found works best for me.

The Mediterranean diet is considered a good long-term solution for overall health and well-being. This eating pattern is based on the traditional cuisine of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, such as Greece, Italy, and Spain.

Research has shown that a Mediterranean diet can reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and some cancers. This is because the diet is high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and olive oil and low in saturated and trans fats, red meat, and processed foods.

In addition, the Mediterranean diet is not a limited-ingredient diet and is sustainable and adaptable to various dietary preferences and cultural traditions. It emphasizes the enjoyment of food and the importance of social eating, which can lead to better mental health and social connections.

Dietary Reflections – 04/13/2023

The following is a response to a friend on social media that self-identifies as a carnivore. He also condemns and speaks out boldly against the eating of plant-based foods. He and I disagree.

-Enjoy-

Some believe that the eating of produce is in some way toxic to humans. I have never met someone poisoned by anything they bought to eat in their whole form at the farmers market or that they have grown on their homestead. But I have met plenty of people who have had many health-related problems eating a diet considered high in red meats and pork. Mind you; I am not referring to people who eat moderate to small amounts of meat once or twice weekly.

And I am aware that some plants that we find at a farmer’s market or produce section at the local store have their own chemical defense mechanisms, but those on sale for humans are non-toxic at the human consumption level. However, if you are a bacteria, yeast, fungi, worm, or gnat, you might be in for a culinary surprise. The poison is dose-dependent. And there is no way a human could eat enough of any plant in its whole form to elicit a response.

WARNING: There are some forms of produce that are poisonous to humans and animals in very small amounts. If you are unsure of which plants these might be, please seek the advice of a professional.

As directly noted above, there are certain plants that ALL humans would be much better off avoiding, especially if uncooked. Those I avoid.

I would love to read more med/sci literature anyone might have that has drawn these conclusions. The only things I have found are being promoted by those that are deeply invested in eating carnivore and keto diets.

Now I could be convinced that if someone continually stuffs massive amounts of cabbage into their colon through their anus/rectum, there might be a problem as their native micro-organisms could be adversely affected. But eating plants that have been slow-cooked and consumed as soup would have no more of these plant defense mechanisms active anymore because the cooking destroys them. And the reality is upwards of 80% of what we poop isn’t digested food but expired micro-organisms that were inhabiting our GI tract digesting that which makes its way beyond the small intestine endothelial lining.

FYI, I am fully aware of things like lectins, ricin, cyanide, solanine, oxalic acid, and phorbol. All things that are easy to avoid. Especially if one does not consume seeds or seed oils where these toxins reside.

There are a lot of factors that play into biochemical individuality. And that is demonstrated by the fact that no two people look alike. Rarely do two people even have intestinal tracts of the same size and length, which can and do profoundly affect the chemistry being produced and distributed throughout the body. To believe otherwise is a foolhardy endeavor. And then there is the issue of physical activity or lack thereof.

The amount of time people spend physically active each and every day determines much about their body’s chemistry which then affects the physical attributes of that human’s body and its dietary needs. And this doesn’t even consider the medical history of the individuals, much less whether they still have all of their internal organs and functionality.

And then there is digestive leukocytosis refers to an increase in the number of white blood cells, specifically neutrophils, and lymphocytes, in the bloodstream that occurs after eating a meal. This phenomenon is a normal physiological response and is believed to be a part of the body’s immune system response to potential pathogens and foreign substances that may be present in food.

When we eat, the body releases digestive enzymes and fluids into the stomach and intestines to break down food into its component nutrients. In the process, some food particles may be perceived as foreign by the immune system, leading to the activation of white blood cells.

The increase in white blood cells, particularly neutrophils, and lymphocytes, after eating is usually temporary and resolves within a few hours. However, in some cases, such as in individuals with food allergies or intolerances, the immune system may overreact to certain foods, leading to more prolonged or severe digestive leukocytosis and other symptoms.

It is important to note that digestive leukocytosis is a normal physiological response to eating and is not typically a cause for concern. However, if you experience persistent or severe symptoms after eating, you should consult a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying conditions.

What Was Ancient Man’s Diet Like?

The following response is from a post on another friend’s page about what was the diet of early indigenous man. Always a fun discussion.

Enjoy!!!

It is difficult to make definitive statements about the diet of ancient indigenous people, as their lifestyles and diets varied widely across different regions and time periods. However, there is some evidence to suggest that some groups of ancient indigenous people may have consumed a primarily meat-based diet.

One line of evidence comes from the study of ancient human remains. For example, analyses of the bones and teeth of ancient people have shown that they often had larger jaws and stronger teeth than modern humans, which some researchers believe may be an adaptation to a diet that was higher in tough, fibrous foods like meat. Additionally, chemical analyses of the bones and teeth of some ancient individuals have suggested that they consumed a high proportion of animal protein in their diets.

Archaeological evidence also provides some support for the idea that ancient indigenous people consumed meat. For example, excavations of ancient campsites and settlements have uncovered animal bones, and other remains that suggest hunting and butchering activities. In some cases, archaeologists have even found evidence of specialized hunting tools, such as spear points and arrowheads, which suggest that hunting played an important role in the diet and economy of these groups.

It is worth noting, however, that not all ancient indigenous groups were primarily meat-eaters. Some groups, particularly those who lived in regions where plant foods were abundant, likely consumed a more varied diet that included a mix of meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based foods.

Conversely, there is a significant amount of evidence to suggest that ancient indigenous people, in various parts of the world, consumed a primarily plant-based diet. Here are some examples:

1. Archeological evidence: Many archeological studies have found that ancient indigenous people relied heavily on plant foods for their sustenance. For instance, studies of the remains of prehistoric humans in places like South America, Africa, and Asia have revealed that their diets consisted mostly of plant-based foods such as fruits, nuts, seeds, and vegetables.

2. Studies of modern-day hunter-gatherer societies: Anthropologists have studied the diets of modern-day hunter-gatherer societies, which are believed to have similar lifestyles and dietary patterns to those of ancient indigenous people. These studies have found that these societies consume a mostly plant-based diet, with small amounts of animal products.

3. Geographical and environmental factors: The availability of plant foods and the challenges of hunting and gathering animals in certain environments also support the idea that ancient indigenous people consumed a primarily plant-based diet. For example, in areas where game animals were scarce or difficult to hunt, indigenous people likely had to rely more heavily on plant foods for survival.

Overall, while the specific dietary patterns of ancient indigenous people likely varied depending on the region and time period, there is substantial evidence to suggest that plant-based foods were a crucial component of their diets.

All that to say, there is a lot of evidence for both sides of the argument. That is why the verdict is still out for me.
Good luck on your own biochemically unique journey.

A Boulder Lifted; An Anchor Moved

Could my body create a problem big enough that it couldn’t fix it? I am going to suggest the answer is no. Our body doesn’t have the ability to kill itself. Its imperatives are too divine. That would be against its own will and nature.

Or better yet can I even know enough about reality to make the above statement with any surety other than my own self inflated sense of authority? Maybe not in so much as my knowledge is subject to my own limitations.

Yikes. Here we go

The creation that I exist in is infinite, eternal and unchangeable in its being, wisdom and power. It is all-sufficient, incomprehensible in its fullness, everywhere in its presence and it is a recording of all things.
The creation that I know exists in and of itself and from itself and is in no way dependent on us for its existence. My creation is not served by me, on the contrary, I am served by it.

The creation that I find my existence is not unique to me but a stream that is constantly flowing in only one direction without variance. As far as I can tell it is futile to even imagine a beginning or an end. I don’t have a light bright enough to shine that far back in time to see what a beginning would look like anyways. My history does not begin and end with me, that is the realm of my creator and its creation. It is the beginning and end; I am just along for the ride and the water is nice in this river of water of life.

If I want to know what is the purpose of this creation of mine I need look no further than the creation around me. Its purpose and function is everywhere; it knows no different. Its purpose is life and life more abundant if at every opportunity. If there is any lack of goodness or purpose in the creation around me it is because I or one like me has interfered in the course of nature; the stream of life(all things).
Purpose, symmetry and asymmetry…Balance.

Apparently, my creator is very merciful; compassionate in every way imaginable knowing the unusual amount of distress I once embodied as a creation; even to the ignoring of the continual and even willful missing of the mark. That mark and standard being life.

In its infinite wisdom my creator placed within its creation provision for the inevitability that marks would be missed and messes would need to be cleaned up. Not only is my creator compassionate enough to fix my problems but had enough forethought to plan on it.

The creation I enjoy supplies all of my needs even if I don’t understand that some of what I think I need is not as much of a need as a desire or something that possesses me; a possession. It is only when I strip away that which possesses me do I with sober-minded clarity see that my needs are very small and always met, it’s just that I have become gluttonous in my creators abundance.

This creation is one that does not by nature cause distress, but that does not mean that I or one like me within creation cannot or does not foment that which is distressing. I know…I am a drama-sapien. It is how, in my own head, I add meaning to my existence. If by chance that added meaning, narrative or for better lack of term, drama spills out into the creation around me, somehow mercy was there waiting for me too, with a smile; mop in hand.

This garden I know(my body); planted within creation, crafted by my creator who is clearly slow to anger. Forgiving of inequity and iniquity alike to maintain a creation free from hindrance. Ultimately ready to forgive me of both and more.

The lusts and overindulgences of this creature(Me) in this creation are independent of the creation’s creative act and is inconsistent with my creators will(direction/flow). My indiscretions are only egg on my face and in no way a reflection of my creator.

The creator of this creation is not difficult to understand, separated from its creation standing by with disinterest. And if I ever for a moment begin to think that the river of water of life I find myself in is going to stop course, reverse and flow the other way I just slap myself. That’s just silly. My creator seems to only know ONE WAY—>

If there appears to be change in my creation that is a creation of my own. A figment of my own creation; my own imagination gone to seed.

My creation does not and cannot suffer. It only knows life and conservation thereof even through death. My creator is without body, parts, or passions. Without emotion, whether grief, pain or sorrow; knowing only stability and a steadiness of action.

I imagine my creator is nothing I could or should even begin to wrap an image around. So far every god I’ve seen fashioned seems to look an awful lot like the creature rather than the creation. That and I might not like what I see if I actually were able to observe.

And even if I were able to observe such a creator I imagine it would simply invoke more questions than answers in that the answers were never to be found, much less searched out.

There is no limit to creation, my creator or its creative powers. Yet I am limited by what I call time. Limited to such a small sliver of my creators existence that it appears immovable; like a rock. Like a statue frozen in time. Like a man with a swatter after a fly making an epic voyage across the vast Sea of Kitchen, I imagine we look much like the Statue of Liberty to that annoying imp of a buzzard.

The power and wisdom of our creator is everywhere all at once in balance whether we see all that is being held in balance; homeostasis.

The power of our creator and creation is one and its life giving force flows from one source; our innermost being and it is simpler than we can imagine because it is precisely the fruit and excesses of our imagination
that obscures our access to the creative life giving force within.

That which is called god for better lack of language is provident to say the least providing for us everything we need even in our ignorance gross, slight or acute. Nature doesn’t usually just rain on individuals but everyone under the cloud even though occasionally it does appear as though the sun does smile upon us uniquely at times.

My creator is always right and good and just; factors of which I have no bearing. A unity in simplicity of parts that begins with on that becomes everything else fulfilling all creation as intended from insemination. We couldn’t create a god if we tried because everything that already exists is god in essence and it is I the hearty fool to think he can improve on perfection.

It was in me all along.

– Michael J. Loomis

Energy, Frequency, Vibration, and Electrolytes.

Electrolytes are substances that conduct electricity when dissolved in water. They are essential for the proper functioning of the body’s cells and organs. The principal electrolytes in the human body are sodium, potassium, and chloride. An imbalance of electrolytes can lead to a variety of problems, including:

Dehydration: An imbalance of electrolytes can disrupt the body’s fluid balance and cause dehydration. Electrolytes, especially sodium and potassium, help regulate fluid balance in the body. An imbalance can lead to dehydration, which can cause symptoms such as thirst, fatigue, and dizziness.
Heart problems: An imbalance of electrolytes, particularly potassium, can lead to abnormal heart rhythms and potentially life-threatening conditions such as heart attack or stroke. Low potassium levels (hypokalemia) can cause muscle weakness and an irregular heartbeat, while high potassium levels (hyperkalemia) can cause a slow or irregular heartbeat.
Muscle weakness and cramping: Electrolyte imbalances can affect the way muscles function, leading to weakness and cramping.
Nerve problems: An imbalance of electrolytes can affect the functioning of the nerves, leading to numerous symptoms. Particularly sodium, potassium, and calcium, are important for the proper functioning of nerves and muscles. An imbalance of these electrolytes can cause muscle spasms, cramps, weakness, and twitching.
Changes in blood pressure: Electrolyte imbalances can affect the body’s ability to regulate blood pressure, leading to high or low blood pressure.
Changes in mental status: Electrolyte imbalances can affect the brain and lead to symptoms such as confusion, lethargy, and seizures.
Acid-base balance: Electrolytes, particularly bicarbonate, help regulate the acid-base balance in the body. An imbalance can cause acidosis (too much acid in the body) or alkalosis (too little acid in the body), which can cause symptoms such as difficulty breathing, nausea, and confusion.

The acid-base balance in the body is regulated by a variety of mechanisms, including the respiratory system and the kidneys. A diet that supports these systems can help maintain proper acid-base balance in the body. Here are some general dietary recommendations for maintaining acid-base balance:

Eat a varied diet that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are rich in alkaline compounds that can help neutralize the acid in the body. Aim for at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day.

Limit intake of acidic foods: Certain foods, such as processed meats, caffeine, and alcohol, can increase acid production in the body. Limiting the intake of these foods can help maintain acid-base balance.

Get enough protein(amino acids): The body uses amino acids to help buffer acid in the body by neutralizing excess acid. Getting enough protein in the diet can help maintain an acid-base balance.

When the body produces excess acid, it can lead to a condition called acidosis. The body has several mechanisms for maintaining acid-base balance, including the respiratory system and the kidneys. However, the body can also use protein to help neutralize excess acid.

Proteins are made up of amino acids, which can act as bases (substances that neutralize acid). When the body is in a state of acidosis, some of the amino acids in proteins can be converted into bases to neutralize excess acid. This process helps to maintain acid-base balance in the body.

It is important to maintain a balance of acid and base in the body, as an imbalance can lead to a variety of health problems. However, getting enough protein in the diet is also important to support various bodily functions, including maintaining acid-base balance.

Stay hydrated: Proper hydration is important for maintaining acid-base balance. Aim for 8-8 ounces of water per day.

Limit salt intake: A high-salt diet can disrupt acid-base balance and lead to dehydration. Aim for less than 2,300 mg of sodium per day.

It is important to note that everyone’s dietary needs are different, and it is always good to seek the advice of a professional for personalized dietary recommendations.

Further reading about acidosis.

Acidosis is a condition in which the body has excess acid. A variety of factors, including respiratory problems, kidney problems, and certain medications, can cause it. Acidosis can lead to a variety of problems, including:

Breathing difficulties: Acidosis can cause respiratory problems, leading to difficulty breathing.

Confusion and coma: Acidosis can affect the brain and lead to symptoms such as confusion and coma.

Fatigue: Acidosis can cause fatigue and weakness.

Headache: Acidosis can cause headaches and dizziness.

Nausea and vomiting: Acidosis can cause digestive problems such as nausea and vomiting.

Rapid breathing: Acidosis can cause rapid breathing, which can lead to further respiratory problems.

Rapid heart rate: Acidosis can cause a rapid heart rate, which can lead to further cardiovascular problems.

It is important to address acidosis as soon as possible to prevent complications and restore acid-base balance in the body.

It Takes Time to Turn Life Around

Try to wrap your head around the following statement.

𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘕𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘶 𝘦𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭, 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘴, 𝘥𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘱𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘣𝘺 𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘩𝘪𝘦𝘴. 𝘕𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘢 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢 𝘥𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘤𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘤 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘶 𝘢 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘢𝘴𝘵, 𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘳𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘦𝘹𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘵 𝘧𝘳𝘶𝘪𝘵 𝘥𝘪𝘦𝘵.

“𝘕𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦’𝘴 𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘴 𝘨𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘭𝘰𝘸, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦.” -Arnold Ehret

There is no quick fix to a lifetime of egregious error. If one lives for decades filled with toxic environmental exposures, e.g., sugar, candy, junk food, fast food, processed food, alcohol, tobacco, and drugs(prescription or not), one cannot expect to turn their ship around in a short period of time.

I used to be that guy, and I’ve been living a life of recovery for some 6.5 years and counting. I finally, after all this time, feel like I am somewhat headed in the right direction. Not 30, 60, or 90 days of change, but a consistent, long-term, steady leaning in the right direction away from a lifetime of bad decisions. Almost 7 years now. I guess it’s true what they say. Slow and steady wins the race.

If you, like me, decide you want to make some meaningful changes toward a better, longer, and healthier life, remember that the long game is where your focus should be, and a transition will likely be the healthiest way to achieve your life-long change.

In my opinion, the one thing you can do to start that will make the biggest overall difference is to remove sugar, candy, junk food, fast food, and processed food. These are likely the worst offenders that, when removed, will allow your body to start repairing and rejuvenating itself the fastest. Of course, alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, and any other drugs related to addiction will need to be addressed as they are also a hindrance to recovery, repair, and rejuvenation.

To be fair, alcohol is right up there with these top 5 that I mentioned quitting first and, in some cases, might need to be addressed first. Especially if you were anything like me. I started off by removing alcohol first, and then I removed sugar, candy, junk food, fast food, and processed food a little over a year later. All these things have helped me recover my life. Alcohol is the only one that I quit cold turkey.

Eventually, I even when on to remove all animal-based food sources. But even that didn’t happen overnight. I started off by removing all things dairy. Milk, cheese, and butter in the spring of 2019 followed by beef and pork products later that year. Over the following year in 2020, I ended up removing chicken, turkey, fish, and eggs. But even those were staggered over that full year. First chicken, then turkey. The last form of meat to go was fish, which, frankly, I didn’t eat much of anyways and then toward the end of 2020, I decided to take a break from eggs to see what it would be like to be completely whole-food/plant-based for a month. I never looked back. I have not had any reason to.

At this point, I’ve had no animal-based foods in almost 2 years, and all is well. To my delight, I found out that our body doesn’t need cow, pig, fish, or fowl proteins to live a long healthy life. We need human proteins, and it is our liver that creates these for us if we provide it with all of the building blocks(amino acids) it needs. All of which we can get from plant-based sources along with our body’s own catabolic or recycling processes by which it recovers old cell parts that have completed their normal life cycle, returning previously used amino acids back into our body’s amino acid pool. Our body is totally into recycling…8)

All this to say that any meaningful, long last change is going to take some time and investment, but the reward is well worth the effort as the payoff is more quality and quantity time for our future selves to spend however we best see fit.

And time is our most valuable asset.

How Zen Found Me

While driving around the charming streets of Long Beach California, the second-largest city in Los Angeles County, zen found me in the front seat of my 2015 Toyota Prius. At least that’s how it seems to me. I imagine it is much like what a musician experiences with their instrument of choice after many years of practice and professional playing. It’s like a switch flipped one day and now for the most part I feel like I’m just along for the ride as I flow from one ride to the next.

As an Uber driver, I find myself spending most of my time behind the wheel in the city where I was born. One of the benefits is that I know where all the potholes and unruly bumps are to be found. Most of the time I miss them, but occasionally they do creep up on me when I look away from the road for a moment to check the navigation or a song title. Such is life.

After 12,500 rides I can look back and see that somewhere around 10,000 rides things changed. I would say that I went from being reactive to simply responsive. Things that would have bothered me previously stopped bothering me. At first, I would have described it as though I had simply grown numb to the whole driving experience. It’s more like I quit being surprised by the unexpected behaviors of others around me. Of course, the potholes still bother me because the only time I hit them is when I glance away from the road for a moment. I’m just not so sure I will ever be able to get used to them.

I consume, therefore I am

How old is the basis for my belief about my Creator?

My experience is like a lot of yours if you are Christian. I know about God because of the testimony of Felt Board Jesus brought to colorful life on Sunday mornings.

The historical Jesus lived about 2000 years ago. About 2000 years before our common understanding of the human microbiome that consists of countless species of microbes of all sorts in every nook and cranny of our body. Some 1600 years before Galileo Galilei perfected the first device known as a microscope.

2000 years ago people were living in a world where they could NOT see the microbial life all throughout their bodies but they could feel and sometimes see the effects. Like the wind, they could not see the wind but they could see and feel the effects of it.

To them this was part and parcel with what they called the supernatural or the unseen realm. However in the passage of time that which was supernatural or divine slowly began to be organized into kingdom, division, class, order, family, genus, and species of different microbial life. That which was once demonic and Legion is now better understood as disease process remedied by the removal of unclean things.

So what if that still small voice, that thing that motivates you towards good will and compassion were simply a result of the universe of things that call us home communicating? Every time we get a craving for something we are experiencing this very thing. If we are doing something that is expanding and promoting life we are sent pleasure messages. If we are behaving in a way that is subtracting from life we are sent pain messages.

So what other messages are there? Have you ever tried to record and categorize them? We all know our favorites. Drink that beer, eat that Snickers, drink that Pepsi, etc.
Kind of makes us look like deaf and blind cavemen when you consider how many billions of different species are able to communicate within us at any given time.

I don’t believe in a literal creation week less than 10,000 years ago by any means. I’m as much of an evolutionary biologist as can be when it comes to my understanding of how we got here.

I don’t know where the first act of creation started and I don’t know that creating will ever end, but I am pretty sure that we are here by the will of the things that fill our innermost being with their life; their essence. And the best part is when I run my life through this framework it just seems to fit.

I assume that my body is not my own. That I am the least of all my brethren. I make up only 1% of the DNA and only 10% of the cells are human. That my body is the Garden of Eatin for all those little microbial lives that find me the host with the most.

What if our body itself is their food and it is our job to keep serving up the banquet?

In 460 BC Hippocrates identified phtisis (the Greek word meaning “consumption”) as the most widespread disease of his day and observed that it was almost always fatal. YIKES!!!
Kind of ironic that a disease called consumption would be the result of a lack of proper nourishment hindered by faulty consumption.

All that to say I no longer eat for myself. I do put food in my body but it is food that I know my gut microbes want first and foremost. I don’t ever want them looking around for snacks.

Life is much easier when I am a good steward of the body(gift) I have been given.

Fasting, Longevity, and Workaholism.

Hi, my name is Michael and I’m a workaholic…LoL

I really do enjoy working 7 days a week, however, that can get exhausting; not just physically, but also emotionally. So I’ve been trying something a little different. Working 7 days a week, but then taking a 4-day break once a month. I may eventually try to focus my work attention a little more to get to the point where I can do that twice a month. Work 10 days on and then 4 days off.

This time around; on this 4-day break, I decided to fast. Just water for 72 hours. Woooooof. Knocked me the hell out. But now that I am 64 hours into it I am feeling much better and well cleansed. My skin looks wonderful and what little inflammation I had has reset back to what it should be.

I may even consider doing this once a month. Ironically if I did it would save me at least 10% on my monthly food bill. Not a bad savings in times like this. And as a benefit, it is well known in the scientific and medical community/literature that a 72-hour fast or prolonged fasting can lead to regeneration of the cells of your immune system. Imagine; resetting your immune system so that it can fight a better fight leading to better health and ultimately greater longevity.

I decided on 72 hours because I’ve gone much longer before. That and I had 4 days off to deal with the yucky feelings. My understanding is that those yucky feelings(keto flu) are a result of the body catabolizing its own, what we call stored fats. I imagine this is where the body stores a lot of the toxins that it can’t process now for processing later should we choose to do something beneficial like fasting. Which likely would have been a default thing that we have lost in time because of this world of plenty we have been enjoying for decades.

So I imagine the reason we begin feeling better after a few days is that our body has had a chance to clear out the toxins that were stored up for later processing which is accomplished through the act of fasting.

P.S. I’ve been doing a 12/12 feeding schedule for quite some time now. That seems to offer the best benefits overall. Metabolic and other health concerns arise when going above or below the 12-hour feeding window.

I know I’ve spoken to you guys a lot about eating certain ways and how important it is, but I really want you guys to know that longevity of years is and should be the ultimate goal. But even more with a body that looks and feels no more than 24.

We’ve been given by right of birth a gift of a potential 120 years of time that we are miserably failing to attain, and why anyone wouldn’t want to live to 120 years or more is beyond me. Especially if we could do it with a body that is functionally 24 years of age.

I do want to and plan to live to 120. I do realize that I am likely going to have to bury a lot of people I love that don’t want to live a lifestyle that lends towards that end, but I, at this point, cannot see it any other way. I want to fully appreciate the gift we have all been given. Why shouldn’t we?

I am going to try. Why not try it with me?

What is Cancer and How Do We End Up There?

What is Cancer?

According to most sources, cancer is defined as a disease. A disease in which some of the body’s cells grow in an uncontrolled manner often times spreading to other parts of the body.

I would like to offer a different perspective.

I would like to suggest that it is not a disease in and of itself but one of many stages of a logical process that takes time to develop. It is not something that simply happens to an individual by chance, but an end-stage of a long process that has a growth that is organic and measurable in nature.

If someone finds themselves in a situation where they are what we call being diagnosed with cancer it’s not by chance. It is a logical process that can be observed, usually over many years, if one knows what evidence to look for that leads to that diagnosis.

All that to say, that cancer is not the problem, but a sign of a body that has been in a state of disease for quite some time.

How do we end up there?

That depends on a number of factors in the overall equation of a life form. It primarily depends on the state of the soil in which the seed is planted by the farmer. The soil in this case would be the mother’s womb. And the seed would be the germ(sperm) placed by the farmer(biological father) within that soil.

One might ask, what does the mother’s body have to do with someone being diagnosed with cancer?

I am not sure that most would have a good answer for this, but I believe after almost 5 years of research on the subjects of human physiology and disease pathology that I have gained some unique insights that might very well shed some light on this question. Insights that I might have otherwise missed had I not looked at the human body as a microcosm, within a comparative framework of Earth as a whole eco-system. A smaller version of Earth. A microscopic version of the Earth as a whole considering we are quite literally made from the dust of the Earth and to that dust we will again return.

I chose this framework by which to examine the human condition because of our self-imposed limitations on observing how the human body works at scale. We cannot simply cut open a finely tuned human body to observe how a heart beats or how a brain thinks. We can only observe it from the outside looking in and rather blindly at that.

So what can the earth(land) tell us about how the human body works?

It has been said for millennia that a good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. This I would suggest is the basis by which we can better understand how someone can end up with a diagnosis of cancer at any point within the framework of life from birth to death at the ripe old age of 120.

I imagine some of you are beginning to see the point that I am trying to make. That cancer does not simply befall us, but that it is something that is cultured over a long period of time. If this is what you were thinking, I would have to agree with you. No matter what stage of life we find ourselves in a diagnosis of cancer should come as no surprise. It, in my opinion, is something that we should by now be able to see coming from a distance and that we’ve had the answers for quite some time. We just didn’t realize it.

A better way to understand this might be to look at this is in reverse. As in, what would life look like for someone that would never end up in a place where they were said to have cancer. A life of ease, rather than a life marked with evidence of disease or DIS-ease.

One example of this can be found in the efforts of Dr. Francis Marion Pottenger, Jr., an early twentieth century physician from Monrovia, California. In his research, he discovered that when an animal(cat) consumes an uncooked diet according to their species specific requirements, that they don’t end up in a state of disease. On the other hand, an animal(cat) fed a diet that consists of processed foods ended up with all manner of disease much like we human’s do.

To Be Continued…