Last week I spoke to a woman whom I hadn’t seen in years, so we gave each other the “Cliff Notes” of what’s been happening in our lives. I told her about my diet change to a whole foods plant-based diet and the reasons why. She told me that she has tumors growing up and down her arms. When I told her that this diet could help her, she replied, “I don’t drink dairy, but I could NEVER give up my meat!” I then asked her, “How many medications are you taking?” She replied, “I’m on 30 different medications!” Wowsa! Did I really hear that right? 30 Different medications? Yes, 30!!! I don’t know about you, but if I was battling tumor growth and on 30 different medications, then I’d have to take a hard look at why is this happening? Why do the tumors keep appearing? What can I do to change that? Is my diet possibly to blame for this? Could changing my diet help reverse this?

The good news is that there are solutions and that we each can make different choices and significant decisions towards health and wellness each and every day…and with each and every bite & drink we put into our bodies!

 Food Does Matter!

After having had this conversation with this woman, I was at my dentists office for three and a half hour this week having a crown replaced and a cavity fixed, and while I was in the chair I passed the time watching TV, which I seldom do since I only subscribe to Netflix and my friends station over at Food Matters TV. Thanks to them for their excellent Quotes, which I’m borrowing today!

As I was laying in the chair, one of the drug commercials popped up. This one was for Enbrel, but it could have been any other drug for that matter. Enbrel, by the way, is used to treat long-term inflammatory diseases such as: moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis, adult chronic moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and a few others of the kind. My favorite part, however, is when the side effects are listed…you know, right after they’ve painted a rosy picture for you of what your life could be like. For ENBREL some of the side effects include:

• Risk of Infection – “ENBREL can lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections. Some people have serious infections while taking ENBREL. These infections include tuberculosis (TB), and infections caused by viruses, fungi or bacteria that spread throughout their body. Some people have died from these infections.” ~Enbrel (etanercept)

• Risk of Cancer – “People with rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis, especially those with very active disease, may be more likely to get lymphoma.” ~Enbrel        AHEM, isn’t this what this drug is meant to cure?

• Heart Failure – “including new heart failure or worsening of heart failure you already have. New or worse heart failure can happen in people who use TNF blocker medicines, like ENBREL.” ~Enbrel

• Psoriasis – “Some people using ENBREL developed new psoriasis or worsening of psoriasis they already had.” ~Enbrel

• Autoimmune Reactions, including – 

  • “Lupus-like syndrome. Symptoms include a rash on your face and arms that gets worse in the sun.”

  • “Autoimmune hepatitis. Liver problems can happen in people who use TNF blocker medicines, including ENBREL. These problems can lead to liver failure and death.” ~Enbrel

Well, at least the drug companies are kind enough to let you know what the risks are should you choose to take their drug, right!? This is also called, “We are covering our a$$es!” I don’t know about you, but I know that if I can avoid taking any of these drugs I will! This morning I came across this great quote via FMTV from Dr. Ian Brighthope

A nurse named Jen Jen commented on it saying, “As a Nurse I can tell you that most people don’t WANT to hear about the “primary cause” of their disease. They KNOW why they have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, liver disease, etc. They don’t want to do anything different in their lifestyles. It’s much easier to just take a pill. It’s not JUST the fault of the medical profession. It’s the fault of the people much of the time as well.” Hear! Hear! Jen Jen! People want an easy fix, but god forbid that you suggest that they change their diet and lifestyle. Another woman named Debbie commented this on my page, “Whatever “it” might be, whether it’s sugar, fat, alcohol, cigarettes, etc., it’s literally “to DIE FOR!” And, that’s their choice. But for the rest of us, we need doctors who are knowledgeable about nutrition & a healthy lifestyle without pharmaceuticals & all their nasty side effects!” Again, truth be told! Your health is really in your own hands and once you realize this then you can start making some serious positive changes! This does not mean that you shouldn’t consult with your doctor, but if he’s clueless in regards to diet and health…then perhaps it is wise to seek the information somewhere else. A friend told me that one of her colleagues is 250 pounds, but her doctor tells her that she is “just right!” AHEM, seriously! 250 pounds is considered “normal”! Wow! Something is seriously amiss here! I will end with this brilliant quote from Dr. Charlotte Gerson.

Feel free to leave me a note with your thoughts on these matters.

What healthy changes are you currently making?

What would you like to change?

How can I support you in making these changes?