"In 1991, at 69 years old, Mike Fremont was diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer.
His doctors gave him 3 months to live without surgery. He declined the operation and adopted a whole food plant-based diet.
Two years later, he had surgery to remove the tumor and the doctors found no metastasis.
A lifelong athlete, Mike holds several world records in running and canoe racing, proving that dedication to health can lead to extraordinary results.
As a 32-year cancer survivor and centenarian, Mike Fremont is a true inspiration, demonstrating that thriving on a plant-based diet is not only possible but powerful!" (LINK)
"In 1991 Mike was aged 69. “I contracted a cancer which the Cleveland Clinic said would kill me in 3 months unless operated upon. I said no, I was going on a diet! The tumor had metastasized into my lymphatic system and would have required efforts to treat the metastases with radiation and/or chemotherapy (with questionable results in those earlier days). In 2 and a quarter years the tumor began to bleed, I was operated upon.”
“The surgeon looked for metastasis in 35 places and found zero. In other words my Macrobiotic Diet, becoming a Vegan Diet, becoming a whole-Foods Plant-Based Diet, killed the metastases! The results of the diet have been perfect and it has been since that diet that all my world records have come about as well as such distinction in the U.S.” (LINK)
As a forward, this site does not claim to cure or prevent any disease. I am not a doctor or a medical professional.
With that being said, this is an amazing story this man is sharing about his plant based success story. Personally I do believe in a mostly plant based diet that includes some fish (similar to the Chris Wark diet). Anyways, here's his exciting story!
- Several studies suggest that a diet free of eggs and low in saturated and trans fats is best for preventing and even reversing diabetes.
- Eggs are rich in choline, and one study says that "Men in the highest quintile of choline intake had a 70% increased risk of lethal prostate cancer" (Link). In context, this raises lethal prostate cancer risk from roughly 2% to about 2.7%.
- In addition, another concerning study states that, "Eating eggs is linked to developing prostate cancer, according to a new National Institutes of Health-funded study. By consuming 2.5 eggs per week, men increased their risk for a deadly form of prostate cancer by 81 percent, compared with men who consumed less than half an egg per week" (Link).
Chris Wark, who recovered from cancer after surgery and dietary changes, says "Cholesterol is not found in plant food, only in animal food, and eggs are the highest source. The simplest way to eliminate excess cancer-fueling, immune-suppressing cholesterol in your body is to stop eating animal food. Your liver makes all the cholesterol your body needs" (Link).
- As demonstrated by Dr. Dean Ornish, Dr. T. Colin Campbell and many others, research suggests that a vegan whole foods diet is beneficial in preventing and sometimes even reversing the spread of cancer. This research is quite profound and shouldn't simply be explained away or ignored. In other words, following the dietary guidelines of those studies might be the best shot that we have in preventing or fighting cancer naturally.
Personally, for the above reasons, I do not recommend eggs. However, if one were to eat eggs, I feel that free range eggs are far healthier. The following study by Mother Earth details how free range eggs are often much higher in quality than caged eggs:
It's important to point out how egg studies don't usually differentiate between caged and free range eggs. This is quite absurd since the differences are so significant in quality, nutrition and compassion towards animals. While the evidence for a whole foods plant-based diet is still convincing, I would like to see more research into the possible health benefits of free range eggs.
Free range hens vs. caged hens:
Free Range (on pasture)
Access to plenty of sunlight and their natural diet.
Caged or "Cage Free"
no access to sunlight or their natural diet
While studies often fail to differentiate between free range eggs and caged eggs, I feel like the differences are of extreme importance. As these pictures portray, free range hens are generally far healthier and happier than caged hens, eating their natural diet and absorbing sunlight. Also, compared to caged eggs, free range eggs may contain:
⅓ less cholesterol
¼ less saturated fat
⅔ more vitamin A
2 times more omega-3
3 times more vitamin E
7 times more beta-carotene [a powerful anti-cancer agent when taken in food form]
Organic Foods Reduce Cancer Risk
"It’s official: Eating organic foods reduces your risk for developing cancer. New research out of the Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale in France brings incredible news. That’s right, choosing organic foods over conventionally grown foods can reduce your risk of cancer by 25 percent" (Link). To me, this again signifies the importance of quality, a factor that is often ignored in egg studies.
Dr. Mercola points out the benefits in antioxidants found in free range eggs:
"The research also illustrates just how destructive cooking is. The antioxidant properties were reduced by about 50 percent when the eggs were fried or boiled, followed by microwaving, which resulted in an even greater reduction.
Although not specifically mentioned in the featured study, egg yolks are also a rich source of the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which belong to the class of carotenoids known as xanthophylls. These two are powerful prevention elements of age-related macular degeneration; the most common cause of blindness.
Additionally, as a side note, the amino acid tryptophan is also an important precursor to the brain chemical serotonin, which helps regulate your mood, and tyrosine synthesizes two key neurotransmitters, dopamine and norepinephrine, which promote alertness and mental activity. I mention this to remind you that the potential health benefits of eggs certainly go far beyond heart health..."
Choline: Encouraging Studies
"Dr. V" is a breast cancer survivor who eats free range eggs. She makes a distinction between free range eggs and caged eggs, siting these studies. "Examination revealed that breast cancer risk was reduced by 24% among women with a high dietary intake of choline. To the best of my knowledge, this is the first study on choline metabolism and breast cancer. It clearly demonstrates that low choline levels can be linked to breast cancer."
In another pertinent study in 2009, high intakes of choline and betaine were shown to reduce breast cancer mortality" (Link).
Dr. Josh Axe, who helped his mother recover from breast cancer, states on his website that eggs might actually have some anti-cancer benefits:
"In fact, the liver depends on choline to operate correctly, and one sign of a choline deficiency is poor liver function. Low choline levels are correlated with fatty liver disease, and some research in animals also indicates that choline deficiency may be linked to some types of cancers as well. Plus, in proper amounts, choline has also been found to treat certain brain issues, such as depression, and improve memory and cognitive function" (Dr. Josh Axe) (Link).
Dr. Cassar discusses the benefits of a Vegetarian Diet that includes eggs.
Egg Alternatives
Leif Arnesen used to get much of his protein from animal products. However, after being diagnosed with cancer, Leif Arnesen decided to go on a fully vegan diet, which ultimately was a major factor in helping him to recover. "I went vegan after being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer." he explains. "During my first year as a vegan, I felt amazing. But I really struggled to shred fat and build muscle." In the following video, Leif and his brother discuss the best protein powders they discovered to safely build vegan muscle:
Dr. Axe also recommends flax seeds as great egg alternatives. Flax seeds are loaded with omega 3's and tryptophan (30% RDI per oz of flax seeds), which helps with mood regulation. Combining flax with a good vegan protein powder might help to fill in these important gaps that remain if quitting eggs.
Egg Yolks Comparison: free range vs. caged
This made me wonder - Do all of the negative egg studies apply to organic, free range eggs as well? Similarly, are the many health benefits of eggs understated by studies that focus only on caged eggs? To treat caged and free range eggs the same is like saying: "Sugar in candy is unhealthy, therefore fruit is also bad for you." However, fruit is full of enzymes, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber, while candy has basically none of these things.
Contradicting Info on Eggs
Throughout my plant-based journey, which started around 2010 or so, eggs have been an area of confusion for me. I tend to feel better when I eat free range eggs - with significantly more strength and energy - yet I also read the studies of how caged eggs are sometimes correlated with cancer, heart disease and high blood pressure as well. Eggs are truly a powerhouse of nutrients, yet many warn of their danger. It is a confusing whirlwind of conflicting information to say the least.
Regarding the nutritionists, I admire people on both sides of this issue. On the no-egg side you have brilliant people like Dr. Dean Ornish, the late Jay Kordich, Dr. T. Colin Campbell, Dr. Brooke Goldner, Dr. Michael Greger, etc. I definitely do value their research, though there are brilliant people who eat eggs as well: Dr. Josh Axe, Dr. Mark Hyman, Dr. Mercola, Dr. Oz, Dr. Eric Bakker (Candida Crusher author), Dr. Eric Berg, etc. Dr. Axe even helped his mother beat cancer on a diet that included free range eggs.
Glyphosate is toxifying plants.
While I do believe in a plant based, or at least a mostly plant based diet, I also realize that plants are not quite as clean as they used to be. Toxic poisons like glyphosate are used on a regular basis as herbicides and pesticides. If you buy organic plants, you can usually avoid this things, but glyphosate is also finding its way into organic foods. I was horrified to discover at one point that my favorite vegan organic protein powder had a high amount of glyphosate, when tested. This doesn't mean that plant foods are bad, but it does mean that contamination of plant foods is growing more and more prevalent, which might explain why some people feel better after eating certain animal foods.
Historical Precedence of Eggs
While living in China from 2013 through 2017, I became friends with some traditional Buddhist vegetarians. Their diet was basically vegan except for about 2 eggs every day. And they seemed healthy, happy and overall spiritually grounded. I remember talking to one Buddhist Monk who had almost a glow about him, and a smile that was warm and authentic. He told me - in Chinese - that he followed a vegan diet except for the eggs. These Buddhist vegetarians that I met do not take any supplements and seemed quite healthy.
Unlike the modern vegan diet which only began after B12 supplements were discovered in 1948, this Buddhist vegetarian diet is not new for humans. In fact, it is thousands of years old, and is rooted in eastern traditions - although Hindus generally supplement eggs with dairy. Still though, modern vegans tend to shun vegetarians as being cruel and inhumane, even though veganism is not found in humans until about the 1950's.
Bonobos Diet
A mostly plant based diet is what bonobos eat, and they're our closest relatives in the animal kingdom (Link). However, bonobos will also eat an egg (or an insect) over a supplement, and the same can be said about our human ancestors. Supplements are actually a relatively new discovery in human history. In fact, vitamin B12 was only discovered in 1948. The same can not be said about free range eggs. Does this make a free range egg superior or inferior to pills? I honestly don't know, but I do feel it's worth exploring.
Conclusions
In conclusion, my confusion is still there, and I'm still predominately plant-based. I would like to share one perspective by Dr. Brian Clement. He eats an oil-rich and avocado rich diet, and perhaps these foods are a sufficient supplement for eggs?
As a rebuttal video, here's an interesting perspective by Dr. Mark Hyman. Confused yet? If so, you're not alone! But one thing I can say for sure, if you're going to eat eggs, stick to free range, pastured eggs over the caged variety. And stick to a mostly plant based diet. Things aren't always black and white, and I believe there are extremely healthy and smart people on both sides of the great egg debate.
While choline is an essential nutrient, is it possible to get too much choline? Check out my other post HERE on how plant-based eaters can get enough choline, while not overdoing it.
As a forward note: This site does not intend to diagnose, treat or cure any medical diseases. :-)
Top 10:
1) Take Medicinal Mushrooms (especially turkey tail and cordyceps).
Turkey Tail: "A number of studies have shown that turkey tail mushrooms have immune boosting properties. For example, its extract may be useful in fighting certain types of cancer, according to one 2014 review. The researchers looked at studies of five types of mushroom, including turkey tail, as complementary cancer treatments. They conclude, 'The evidence base for using mushrooms in cancer treatment has greatly increased'” (Link).
Cordyceps: "In test-tube studies, Cordyceps have been shown to inhibit the growth of many types of human cancer cells, including lung, colon, skin and liver cancers. Studies in mice have also shown that Cordyceps have anti-tumor effects on lymphoma, melanoma and lung cancer" (Link).
2) Take TurmericLaboratory studies on cancer cells have found curcumin slows down their growth and some animal studies have also shown it to slow the growth and spread of cancers" (Link).
"Herbs like turmeric and ginger contain powerful anti-inflammatory compounds that can help prevent cancer cells from growing" (Link)
3) Consider a Whole Foods Plant Based Diet
"In large prospective cohort studies vegetarian diets have been shown to be at least modestly cancer protective (10%–12% reduction in risk) in most, but not all recent studies. Results for specific cancers are less clear although there is some observational evidence that vegetarian diets may reduce risk of prostate, breast, colon, stomach cancer, bladder cancer, ovarian cancer, and cancers of the lymphatic and hematopoietic tissues. Choosing a vegetarian dietary pattern is an easy way to follow the expert recommendations to “eat mostly foods of plant origin” and “limit intake of red meat and avoid processed meat” to reduce cancer risk." (LINK)
4) Take flax seed oil and eat flax seeds daily. "Preclinical studies suggest that flaxseed may inhibit growth and metastasis of human breast, prostate cancers and melanoma; and reduce radiation therapy-induced lung damage and improve survival. It was also shown to lower tumor biomarkers in patients with prostate and breast cancer" (Link).
"The results of these studies showed that treatment with flaxseed oil can inhibit the growth of cultured malignant cells including breast cancer cells, cervical cancer cells, leukemia cells, and melanoma cells in a dose-dependent manner" (Link).
Adding Flax Seeds to your green smoothies or oatmeal is a great way to get your daily flax seeds. I also take a daily flaxseed oil capsule. "Flaxseeds have been shown to stunt the growth of prostate tumors in men. A 2007 study led by Duke University Medical Center researchers showed that men who supplemented their diet with ground flaxseed (30 grams per day for an average of 30 days) slowed tumor growth compared to men who did not supplement with flaxseeds in the diet." (LINK)
5) Drink Green Smoothies. "As was mentioned in the film, Cancer Can Be Killed, by changing this one factor in Kerry’s life – creating an alkaline environment, her cancer never came back again. And what we found was that the daily smoothie was the easiest way to convert the body to alkaline." (LINK)
6) Eat Beta-Carotene Rich Foods such as Chlorella and Carrots.
While taking a beta carotene supplement doesn't have much effect, beta-carotene rich foods like chlorella and carrots have powerful anti-cancer properties. Note: I no longer recommend spirulina (read my bad experience here). "Chlorella is an excellent source of beta-carotene, meeting anywhere from 30–60 percent of the recommended daily intake" (Link).
A good way to consume carrots daily is by adding a handful to your morning green smoothie. Also, carrot juice or carrots with hummus make a great afternoon snack!
According to a book called Curing Cancer with Carrots, "In 2013, Ann Cameron cured Stage 4 colon cancer without chemotherapy or radiation, by drinking carrot juice. Since then, others with a variety of cancers have reported similar successes. Cameron wanted to find out why such an apparently simple cancer cure--just carrots--works" (LINK). Cameron drank about 5 cups of carrot juice per day.
7) Quit Drinking Alcohol or Drastically Reduce Consumption According to the Official Center for Disease Control website, "The less alcohol you drink, the lower your risk for cancer. Drinking alcohol raises your risk of getting six kinds of cancer—
Mouth and throat. Voice box (larynx). Esophagus. Colon and rectum. Liver. Breast (in women).
All types of alcoholic drinks, including red and white wine, beer, cocktails, and liquor, are linked with cancer. The more you drink, the higher your cancer risk." (LINK).
8) Drink Green Tea Daily. In laboratory studies, green tea has been shown to slow or completely prevent cancer development in colon, liver, breast and prostate cells. Other studies involving green tea have shown similar protective effects in tissues of the lung, skin and digestive tract (Link).
"For green tea, the summary RR indicated a borderline significant association between highest green tea consumption and reduced risk of lung cancer. Furthermore, an increase in green tea consumption of two cups/day was associated with an 18% decreased risk of developing lung cancer." (Link)
9) Take Astaxanthin or Chlorella (natural source of astaxanthin). "The treatment of DU145 cells with astaxanthin decreased the cloning ability, increased the apoptosis percentage and weakened the abilities of migration and invasion of the cells. Furthermore, astaxanthin reduced the expression of STAT3 at protein and mRNA levels" (Link).
10) Take Bromelain
More Tips Below!
1) Eat Raw Garlic Daily.
One large study from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition concluded that, "A high frequency of garlic consumption was significantly and inversely related to all cancer sites, except again for breast and prostate. These latter cancers are mainly associated with hormonal and reproductive factors, whereas their relation with dietary factors is inconsistent and still open to discussion" (Link).
"Results of the study showed that participants who consumed raw garlic on a regular basis as a part of their diet (two or more times a week), had a 44% decreased risk of developing lung cancer" (LINK).
"A population-based study conducted in the San Francisco Bay area found that pancreatic cancer risk was 54 percent lower in people who ate larger amounts of garlic and onions compared with those who ate lower amounts. The study also showed that increasing the overall intake of vegetables and fruits may protect against developing pancreatic cancer." (LINK)
One tip is to chop up 2-3 cloves of raw garlic and drink with water just before bed. This way the smell should be gone by the morning. For maximum potency, make sure the garlic is in its raw form.
2) Eat More Beans. Data compiled from 41 countries revealed that countries with the greatest consumption of beans had the lowest mortality rates due to colon cancer. (Correa, 1981) (LINK),
3) Intermittent Fasting: From Dr. Axe's website: "Another study in 2015 found that a longer duration of nighttime fasting was associated with a decrease in markers of inflammation" (Link)
According to one large peer review study, there is "evidence that nightly fasting for more than 13 hours supports a lower risk of cancer recurrence" (Link).
4)Take Wormwood (3 weeks on, 1 week off). "As the pair reports in the 16 November issue of Life Sciences, almost all the cancer cells exposed to holotransferrin and artemesinin [wormwood] died within 16 hours. The compounds killed only a few of the normal cells. Lai believes that because a breast cancer cell contains five to 15 more receptors than normal, it absorbs iron more readily and hence is more susceptible to artemesinin's attack." (LINK) Wormwood should not be taken continually in most cases
5) Try an occasional Coffee Enema (with the help of a professional practitioner). "Coffee enemas are known to help flush out bacteria, heavy metals, fungus and yeast (like those responsible for candida symptoms, for example) from the digestive tract, including the liver and colon, while also lowering inflammation — therefore helping people restore bowel function, increase their energy levels and heal from disorders that have caused them trouble for years." (LINK).
6) Create a Lower Stress Schedule! "Reducing stress in your everyday life is vital for maintaining your overall health, as it can improve your mood, boost immune function, promote longevity and allow you to be more productive." (LINK)
One amazing story comes from the Huffington Post. This lady has survived cancer for ten years, and is still fighting it successfully. In her article, she talks about finding the best medical doctors, but also about going vegan. In her own words:
"[Being diagnosed with cancer] was the catalyst I needed to find a compassionate way of eating and living. In a nutshell, my food philosophy is as follows: Embrace gorgeous greens, beans, legumes, nuts, seeds, grains, sea veggies, fruits and vegetables galore. Crowd out inflammatory, hormone-filled animal products (even when organic) by filling your plate with plant-strong whole foods. And while you’re at it, pull back on the processed white stuff, especially sugar" (Link).
"5 Keys for Beating Cancer"
1) Eliminating toxins – by far the primary root cause of cancer − from your body and environment
2) Making your body as inhospitable to cancer as possible
3) Eating and living as healthy of an anti-cancer diet and lifestyle as possible
4) Building and maintaining a healthy immune system − your natural first line of defense against cancer and other illness
5) Taking strong anti-cancer and immune boosting herbs and other supplements...
Eat a mostly raw, mostly vegetable diet, and be sure to include lots of cancer-fighting cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage." (Link).
Jay Kordich, "the Father of Juicing," says he beat a tumor in his bladder through juicing.
At age26, Christina Pirello was diagnosed with terminal leukemia. By the time her illness was identified, the cancer had already advanced to an acute stage. Her doctors gave her little reason to have hope for the effectiveness of conventional medical therapies and told her she had only months to live. Initially, she was discouraged and uncertain. Then a co-worker introduced her to Robert Pirello, a whole foods advocate who helped her adapt her lifestyle and diet based on whole, unprocessed food. With love, dedication and death-defying discipline, Christina overcame the odds, and in the process developed an expertise in cooking with whole, vegan foods. After just two months of eating beans, grains and vegetables, her doctors noticed a significant improvement in her condition. In fourteen months, her cancer was gone. Today, almost 27 years later, Christina is a glowing example and inspiration on the power that our food choices have on our overall health and well being (Link).
Dr. Axe's mother went through chemo, but the cancer came back with a vengeance 9 years later. She talks about how, the 2nd time around, she beat cancer without chemo or radiation.
"Around nine years after her first diagnosis [and chemotherapy], a terrible thing happened: She was diagnosed with cancer again. At that point, I had experience working in the natural health field, so when I flew home, we prayed together and talked about the best healthcare strategy. She decided to pursue natural cancer treatments by focusing on diet and lifestyle changes.My mom started following an all-natural plan that included vegetable juicing, probiotic foods, immune-boosting supplements, stress reducing techniques and prayer...
After only four months, the tumors on her lungs had shrunk significantly and one year after that, she was again diagnosed as being “cancer-free” and healthy. It’s now been 10 years and my mom recently turned 60 years old — and she is in the best shape of her life, regularly water skiing, running and still going strong." (Link).
________________________________________________
Chris Wark had surgery for his colon cancer and was recommended chemo and radiation, which he refused, opting for lifestyle and diet changes instead. Today he's cancer free.
Ruth Heidrich, PhD - Plant-Fueled Triathlete and Cancer Survivor
This woman drank 8 cups of raw carrot juice a day and claims it aided in curing her cancer.
Dr. McDougall believes a whole foods, starch based vegan diet can help delay the effects of cancer.
Alice shares how she beat ovarian cancer.
This girl was diagnosed with an incurable brain cancer at a young age. However, she went on a raw vegan diet and today is cancer free.
Five ways of reducing the harm caused by cell phone radiation include:
1) Use Wifi instead of phone data whenever possible (this also saves on energy and money).
2) Never wear your phone. Keep it in a backpack or purse. IF you wear your phone, always keep it in a DefenderShield case.
3) Text instead of talk.
4) Turn your phone off at night.
5) Use Headphones while talking to keep phone away from head.
6) If you're very sensitive or concerned, use airplane mode unless texting or calling.
Still skeptical about the dangers of cell phone radiation? Read about this $25 million animal study on Scientific American:
"The researchers found that as the thousands of rats in the new study were exposed to greater intensities of RF radiation, more of them developed rare forms of brain and heart cancer that could not be easily explained away, exhibiting a direct dose–response relationship. Overall, the incidence of these rare tumors was still relatively low, which would be expected with rare tumors in general, but the incidence grew with greater levels of exposure to the radiation. Some of the rats had glioma—a tumor of the glial cells in the brain—or schwannoma of the heart. Furthering concern about the findings: In prior epidemiological studies of humans and cell phone exposure, both types of tumors have also cropped up as associations." (Link)
Since the beginning of fast-food chains such as McDonalds and Burger King, the "all-American" fast-food meal has been a burger, fries and a soda. While this meal may taste great, it is very unhealthy for many reasons, one being the soda. Reputable studies have linked drinking soda with cancer (link) and obesity (link). Yet drinking diet soda is not much healthier, as it has been linked with increased risk for both heart attack and stroke (link). Instead, take the money you would have spent on a soda and order a side salad, getting a (free) water to drink. According to a recent study, "People who eat salads, salad dressing, and raw vegetables are more likely to meet recommended intakes for vitamins C, vitamin E, vitamin B6, and folic acid" (link). This is an easy and practical way to cut your cancer, stroke, obesity and heart attack risk while improving your overall health and sense of well being!
