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NIH Article All coronaviruses have a spiky crown composed of spike proteins. The spike protein is divided into two parts: S1 and S2. S1 is the binding component analogous to the biting of a door key, which inserts into the lock. It allows for the virus to attach to host cells which is a unique feature. S2 acts as the key’s base, or bow, supporting S1 and facilitating the unlocking process. The “keys” of the COVID-19 virus—specifically, its spike protein—can be inserted into the lock via ACE2 receptors in our bodies more easily and quickly than other close relatives. This contributes to its high transmissibility and widespread impact. After the COVID-19 virus initially attaches to the ACE2 receptor, a “scissor” enzyme called FURIN in the human body cuts between the S1 and S2 of the spike protein. This cleavage allows the virus to bind to ACE2 more seamlessly. The S2 subunit then fuses with the human cell membrane, stabilizing the binding of the S1 subunit with ACE2. Scissors function like keys with sawtooth patterns that fit perfectly into locks. Strikingly, the COVID-19 virus has precisely the required human scissor-cut point—12 additional nucleotides—in the location between the S1 and S2 subunits of its spike protein. This insertion is perfectly positioned for human enzymes to cleave the spike protein efficiently, which helps the virus enter human cells. Among the betacoronavirus family, only the COVID-19 virus has the unique FURIN cleavage sequence. “SARS-CoV-2 is the only one of more than 800 known SARS-related coronaviruses that possesses an FCS [FURIN cleavage site],” stated Richard H. Ebright, Board of Governors professor of chemistry and chemical biology at Rutgers University, during a June 18 congressional hearing. “Mathematically, this finding—by itself—implies that the probability of encountering a natural SARS-related coronavirus possessing an FCS is less than one in 800,” he added. Other unique genetic codes of the COVID-19 virus Unique Featureshave further reduced the odds of natural evolution. “Based on these features,” the probability of it having naturally evolved from its natural ancestor virus is “less than one in 1.2 billion,” according to Dr. Steven Quay, a former faculty member at Stanford University School of Medicine, who testified at the hearing, supported by his analytical report. This number is roughly calculated based on the phylogenetic tree theory. Even the genes of its closest relative virus, RaTG13—claimed to be the ancestor of COVID-19 by virologists from Wuhan—are only 96 percent identical to the COVID-19 virus, with more than 1,000 nucleotide differences. According to molecular clock theory, it would take a long time—potentially several hundred thousand years—for the virus RaTG13 to naturally evolve into COVID-19, and there is no evidence to support such a lengthy evolutionary period. Consequently, scientists do not convincingly regard RaTG13 as the ancestor virus of COVID-19. Simply put, based on current scientific theories, virologists cannot identify a reasonable ancestor virus for the COVID-19 virus. Nevertheless, there is some debate over these calculations, and not all experts rule out natural evolution. Meanwhile, the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) was located in the same city where the COVID-19 pandemic originated. WIV has a long history of researching bat-related coronaviruses and SARS-like viruses. The institute has also done significant gain-of-function (GOF) research, which involves enhancing a virus’s functions. The WIV naturally drew the world’s attention and became the focal point of the origin debate for the COVID-19 pandemic. Covid-19 unique FURIN Site

NIH Article One of the major proposed causes of COVID-19 is rooted in a natural origin. The virus can’t survive outside of a living organism—coronaviruses that cause severe diseases in humans usually have a natural reservoir, which is often bats. These reservoirs allow the virus to persist in nature and occasionally jump to humans or other animals, leading to outbreaks. However, before they can cause disease in humans, they also need an intermediate host. For example, the intermediate hosts of SARS and MERS are civets and camels, respectively. For COVID-19, however, there are two key reasons why many challenge the possibility of natural origin. No Confirmed Natural Host confirming the Covid-19 Natural Origin Theory Despite extensive investigative efforts, no animals have been confirmed as the natural host of COVID-19. The COVID-19 virus cannot infect bat cells directly, suggesting that bats are unlikely to be its natural host. Peter Daszak’s publication indicates that the COVID-19 virus was not found in pangolins (scale-covered mammals) in the wild or in trade markets. Hence, they are unlikely to be the intermediate host of the COVID-19 virus. Furthermore, pangolins live remotely from humans and are unlikely to serve as intermediate hosts and again confirms the Natural origin Theory. Uncommon animals traded at the Huanan Seafood Market, where most of the initial human cases were centered around, were initially assumed to be potential hosts of the virus. Some environmental swab samples from the market tested positive. However, no samples collected from those animals were found to carry the virus. Unlike SARS and MERS, no animals have been confirmed as the natural host of the COVID-19 virus, despite extensive investigative efforts. Illustration by The Epoch Times, Shutterstock Furthermore, the so-called “patient zero” and one-third to half of the first batch of reported patients had no exposure to the Huanan Seafood Market. This fact suggests that the virus may have circulated in the community before being detected at the market. Looking back, Jesse D. Bloom from Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center identified a deleted dataset containing COVID-19 virus sequences from even earlier Wuhan epidemic patients, which he recovered from the National Institutes of Health’s archived database. Bloom conducted a genomic analysis, reaffirming that the Huanan Seafood Market was not the initial source of the virus outbreak. Even though the virus’s spike protein can infect ferrets and cats, there is no convincing epidemiological or genomic evidence that these animals contributed to the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak. Covid 19 has nonatural host

Cancer cells I wrote a 588 page book about cancer after surviving stage 3+ Head and Neck Cancer. Using a protocol that I designed to fight my cancer I embarked on a journey of discovering what cancer really was and how it affects us. I researched thousands of hours over the course of 8 months and compiled hundreds of scientific studies that revealed the truth about natural cures. The medical establishment has been studying cancer for over 150 years and have not found a cure, and much of this has been at the hands of the large Pharmaceutical companies that directly affect what some researches study, and what results are revealed to the public. I found, during the course of my research that there were privately funded studies showing the many products I document in the book to be extremely effective at killing cancer. But, unfortunately, these products cannot be patented so there is no profit ($$) in them to make it worthwhile in bringing them to the market. And, so, they are suppressed and shelved when studies show promise in them. Take Ivermectin as one such example. It is effective against Covid 19 yet Doctors were fired and lost their licenses when they dared defy health Authorities who were, in all likelihood, following the orders from Big Pharma. Each person has to draw their own conclusions to this, but I know my book will draw the ire of some in the Health Industry. And make no mistake on this...Health has become an industry that finds more money in treating symptoms than actual disease! I used products that the various Health Agencies in Canada, the USA and Europe have stated as being ineffective to fight cancer. In Canada I am fortunate to have easy access to these products and I used them to cure my cancer in less than 3 months...and by using a maintenance dose I will not have a recurrence, unlike the medical establishment treatments that have a 55-60% recurrent rate of what they class as treatable cancers. When it reaches stage 4 they give a terminal diagnosis instead of continuing the fight, instead of turning to God given medicinal plants and herbal products, instead of using the proven re-purposed drugs! We are viewed as $ signs and not patients and the Dr's who view us as anything more By using natural cures there have been many cases of terminal cancers being reversed and cured. Yet these are hidden and the products used are scoffed at by a medical establishment that is beholding to Big Pharma. If you want to learn how to use natural products to have the possibility of curing your cancer, the natural way, as I cured mine then you need my book. For only $19.95 Cdn you will get access to my protocol, my dose calculator, as well as verified product sources. This is the most concise source of Cancer and Natural Cures available. I wrote it out of frustration at the lack of information available to me from the BC Cancer society regarding actual cure rates. It soon became a labor of love as I shared it with other cancer patients and soon realized that it needed to be available to everyone at a cost that makes it affordable to all. This is a short list taken from my index : Brighter-works Cancer Alternatives . 1 About the Author   1 What is Cancer . 3 Cancer  3 What Questions should I be asking my doctor? . 5 How did we get here?   Why are more people now turning to alternative medicines??. 7 Cancer….What is it?? . 9 The Definition of Cancer  9 Differences between Cancer Cells and Normal Cells. 10 Blood & Lymphoid Cancer . 11 Leukemia . 14 Prostate Cancer . 203 Melanoma Skin Cancer . 237 Ivermectin . 286 The function of IVM in different cancers . 308 1.40 Oral Cancer ****. 346 (1 example of over 50 cancer lines) How Ivermectin turns cold Tumors Hot with “T Cells!” . 367 Fenbendazole, Mebendazole and Albendazole . 382 (16 cancer lines) The function of FZ in different cancers . 391 Natural Cancer Fighters . 418 (21 products) NOW, lets get into “Uncommon” Natural products for Cancer!!!   426 Pancreatic and Bladder Cancer and Tea. 550 Cancer Miracle that Leaves Healthy Cells Healthy . 563 Individual supplements and vitamins . 575 Terminology . 584 Product sources . 585 My Protocol  586 I then bought the following:  586 How I took it.  586 Best way to take it  587 As you can see it is a concise book of what cancer is and how we can use natural products to cure it....I am living proof they work!! You deserve to know the truth so buy the book now and use it to heal yourself or a loved one!!

Brainly.com Article The hot debate over the origin of the COVID-19 virus has persisted for four years. How can we reconcile countervailing views? The COVID-19 pandemic appears to have ended. The number of acute cases has substantially decreased, and our lives have gradually returned to normal—despite warnings of a potential new pandemic waiting on the horizon. However, after four years, we still don’t know how the virus found its way to humans. Even without clear answers, there may be lessons we can draw from questioning how we ended up in a global pandemic. There are currently two prevalent theories: One involves natural origins, and the other involves lab derivation. While analysis based on current medicine and scientific theories is essential, revisiting some historical, traditional views on pandemics may also be beneficial in gaining a more holistic picture. Covid cycle

Epoch Health Article Our brains often instinctively crave sugar. It could be a slice of cake during times of stress, a bar of chocolate when bored, or a sweetened coffee when needing a pick-me-up. The inability to quit sugar may not stem from a lack of willpower but rather from not fully grasping the nature of sugar and not finding the most effective methods to quit. Sweet Cravings: The Instinct for Survival and Growth “Sugar is very important for our body and our brain. And I think this is where a lot of the difficulty (in cutting out sugar) lies,” Jessica Russo, a clinical psychologist from Philadelphia, told The Epoch Times during an interview. Sugar serves as the primary energy source for every cell in our body and much of the food we eat is broken down into various sugars. “The brain is the most energy-demanding organ, which uses about half of all the sugar energy in the body.” “We’re biologically driven toward sweet foods,” as this is a survival mechanism, Ms. Russo said, explaining that in nature, sweet-tasting foods are generally healthy, while toxic foods may taste bitter, and spoiled or rotten foods may taste sour, both of which lack sweetness. Therefore, when we taste something sweet, our brains signal, “Oh, this is good!” Besides helping us identify safe food, sweetness also plays a role in human “We see babies being born with the ability to detect sweet taste and to prefer it,” Julie A. Mennella, a scientist at the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia, during an interview. It indicates that sweetness is associated with the quality of breast milk, which can attract infants to suckle. There is evidence  to suggest that children’s preference for sweet foods may be linked to their higher caloric needs during the growth stage, which typically continues from infancy until the end of puberty, she told The Epoch Times. The Effect of Sugar on Our Brains When we consume sugar, the receptors on our tongues send sweet signals to the brain, triggering the release of dopamine, which can induce feelings of joy and happiness. “We taste with our brains,” Ms. Mennella explained. Sweetness makes us feel good because these signals are sent to various parts of the brain, many of which are associated with rewards. “The brain pathways used are significant for pleasure, memory, and reward,” she said. This means that when we engage in activities that trigger dopamine release, we experience joy, form memories, and look forward to doing it again. “In the brain, it has very specific actions and is the most important molecule in the brain that’s involved in bringing about well-being,” said Kenneth Blum, a renowned scientist with a doctorate in neuropharmacology. Dopamine can also counteract stress,  said Mr. Blum, who is a professor at the Western University of Health Sciences’ Graduate School of Biomedical Science, and a part-time professor at the University of Vermont and Wright University. “When you have stress, the dopamine is released 100 times above the normal rate.” It can block the action of stress hormones such as adrenaline. However, Mr. Blum emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance for this crucial molecule; otherwise, the brain could suffer severe negative consequences. Many people are unaware that excessive sugar consumption can lead to consequences very similar to drug abuse. Mr. Blum explained that excessive sugar consumption can trigger acute dopamine release. “It’s like abusing alcohol or other drugs of abuse,” he said. Over time, that can result in a chronic decrease in dopamine levels. Consequently, individuals may seek larger quantities of sugar to experience the same level of pleasure, eventually leading to an addictive state where they consume more and more. When you consume a large amount of refined sugar, “your brain lights up like a pinball machine due to the intense release of dopamine,” said James DiNicolantonio, a cardiovascular research scientist and doctor of pharmacy at Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute in Kansas City, Missouri. When ingesting refined sugar, the sweet receptors signal the brain’s reward system more effectively than when eating fruit. The levels of dopamine released by the brain far exceed what we can handle. In 2023, a study  published in the journal Translational Psychiatry revealed that when a mouse drinks water or is injected with saline, the brain remains relatively calm. However, when administered a sucrose solution or injected with cocaine, multiple regions of the brain’s neurons become activated (highlighted in the image). Multiple brain regions that respond to sugar signals also exhibit responses to cocaine signals. “Our research shows how similarly both additive and nonadditive rewards are processed by our brains, both on the whole-brain scale and on a cellular level,” said Anna Beroun, the study’s lead author and the head of the Laboratory of Neuronal Plasticity at the Nencki-EMBL Center of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders (BRAINCITY) of the Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Warsaw, Poland. “Sugar/food becomes addictive if we value it over other rewards.” Is Sugar More Addictive Than Drugs? Sugar is irresistibly alluring, not only because it stimulates the brain to produce dopamine, which brings joy, but also because it triggers the production of endogenous opioids in the brain, which can lead to addiction and dependence. Mr. Blum said that the brain has glucose receptors, and when they are stimulated by sugar, it triggers a series of signaling pathways that ultimately lead to the production of addictive substances. This mechanism is inherently present “so that if you abuse sugar, you’re going to order the brain–reward circuitry in a negative way, as if you use heroin.” An experiment revealed that mice fed large amounts of sugar intermittently exhibited withdrawal symptoms when injected with a drug that blocks opioids. These symptoms included teeth chattering, forepaw tremors, and headshakes. Sugar’s effect on the brain not only shares similarities with drugs but also, in certain circumstances, is even more alluring. Over the years, French researchers have conducted a series of animal experiments, with the results revealing that when given the choice between cocaine and sucrose, rodents consistently preferred sucrose over cocaine. This preference held even for mice previously addicted to cocaine before the experiments. “When we over-consume sugar, there is a release of dopamine and endogenous opioids that cause a ‘high,’ but then we get a ‘low.’ If we do this over a prolonged period of time, this can lead to dependency on sugar, especially in those who are vulnerable,” said Mr. DiNicolantonio, summarizing the addictive mechanism of sugar. When there is a deficiency of dopamine and endogenous opioids, one may feel sad, confused, sluggish, and unable to concentrate, all of which can further drive the desire to consume more sugar. Additionally, numerous human experiments have demonstrated the link between sugar and addiction. For example, a prospective observational study published in Addiction Biology in 2021 revealed that a significant proportion of individuals with alcohol use disorder (40 percent) experienced an increased craving for sugar during their inpatient alcohol detoxification. Additionally, a study published in the journal Addiction showed that children with a family history of alcoholism and depression were likelier to prefer intense sweetness. On average, these children opted for water with a sucrose concentration of 24 percent, equivalent to about 14 teaspoons of sugar in a glass of water—more than twice the sugar concentration found in regular soda water. In contrast, children without such familial backgrounds preferred water with a sucrose concentration of 18 percent. Know Your Sugars: The Key to Overcoming Addiction Sugar and the brain share an innate strong connection. Unfortunately, modern diets are filled with highly refined sugars that evoke drug-like allure. In fact, the sweetness we consume today differs significantly from what our ancestors once had. Ms. Russo vividly described the body and brain’s conflicting views on sugar with a lively scene, noting that our bodies resist certain sugars while are more receptive to others.  She says, “The brain says, ‘We need sugar; we must have sugar; we can’t survive without it.’ On the other hand, the body disagrees, saying, ‘We don’t like all types of sugar.’” There is an ancient Chinese saying: “If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.” To quit sugar, one must first understand sugar. However, the truth is some sugars, and sweet substances are natural and even beneficial to the body.

Nearly 300,000 American men are expected to be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2024. Epoch health Article Tumor on Prostate Prostate cancer occurs when abnormal cells undergo uncontrolled growth in the prostate gland, resulting in the formation of a malignant tumor. The prostate is a walnut-sized organ situated deep within the pelvis, and it plays a vital role in the production of semen, which serves to nourish and facilitate the transport of sperm. Prostate cancer ranks as the most prevalent cancer and the second-highest cause of cancer-related mortality among men in the United States. Around 1 in 8 men will develop prostate cancer within their lifetime. The number of new prostate cancer cases in 2024 is estimated to be nearly 300,000, and the cancer accounted for about 15 percent of all new cancer cases in 2023. An estimated 34,700 men died of prostate cancer in 2023, representing 5.7 percent of all cancer-related deaths. Fortunately, the five-year relative survival rate from 2013 to 2019 was 97.1 percent. What Are the Types of Prostate Cancer? Prostate cancer types are determined by the specific cells in which the cancer originates. Doctors may also categorize prostate cancer according to its location. Localized prostate cancer remains confined within the prostate, whereas metastatic prostate cancer extends beyond the prostate, spreading to other areas of the body. The following are the main types of prostate cancer: Adenocarcinoma: Adenocarcinomas, the most prevalent form of prostate cancer, originate in the gland cells lining both the prostate gland and its tubes. These gland cells play a role in the production of prostate fluid. The subtype acinar adenocarcinoma makes up 90 percent of all prostate cancers and originates in the gland cells lining the prostate. The second subtype, ductal adenocarcinoma, originates in cells lining the tubes of the prostate and tends to grow more aggressively. Transitional cell carcinoma: Also known as urothelial carcinoma of the prostate, transitional cell carcinoma of the prostate represents 2 percent to 4 percent of prostate cancers. It originates in the cells lining the urethra, the final tube that empties the bladder during urination. Typically beginning in the bladder and spreading to the prostate, it can infrequently initiate in the prostate and extend to the bladder entrance and adjacent tissues. Squamous cell carcinoma: This type arises from flat cells covering the prostate and typically grows and spreads very aggressively. It makes up less than 1 percent of prostate cancers. Small cell: The rarest of these types, small cell prostate cancer represents less than 2 percent of all prostate cancers, and it falls under the category of neuroendocrine prostate cancer. Distinguished by rapid growth, small cell prostate cancers often present in an advanced stage at the time of diagnosis, with the cancer having spread to distant parts of the body. What Are the Stages of Prostate Cancer? Prostate cancer staging can be complex, involving tumor size, lymph node involvement, presence of metastasis, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood level, and the appearance of the biopsy cells under a microscope. In general, it is categorized into four stages: Stages 1 and 2: In the early stages, the tumor remains localized within the prostate. Stage 3: The cancer has extended beyond the prostate but is confined to nearby tissues. This is a locally advanced stage. Stage 4: The cancer has progressed beyond the prostate, spreading to distant parts of the body, such as lymph nodes, bones, or vital organs. What Are the Symptoms and Early Signs of Prostate Cancer? During its initial phases, prostate cancer typically has no apparent symptoms. Approximately 85 percent of prostate cancers are identified through early or routine PSA screenings prior to the onset of any noticeable symptoms. Symptom severity varies based on the cancer’s location and its level of advancement. As the cancer advances to other areas of the body, the patient still may not experience symptoms. It should be noted that urinary symptoms are more often attributed to an enlarged prostate than cancer. Though they are commonly lacking, symptoms and signs of prostate cancer may include the following. Urinary Symptoms and Signs Frequent urination, especially during the night. Difficulty initiating or stopping urine. Inability to urinate. A weakened or interrupted urine flow. A feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder. Terminal dribbling of the urine flow. Painful or burning urination. Blood in the urine. Kidney dysfunction or failure (advanced stage). Sexual Problems Difficulty achieving or sustaining an erection. Painful ejaculation. Reduced ejaculation volume: Hydration, diet, ejaculation frequency, and other factors may have a more significant impact on fluid volume than prostate cancer. Blood in the semen. Other Symptoms and Signs (Usually Later Stages) Pain or stiffness in the abdomen, lower back, spine, ribs, hips, and upper thighs. Swollen, weak, and/or numb lower limbs. Unexplained weight loss. Lack of appetite Discomfort or pain in the rectum. Fatigue, possibly due to anemia. Discomfort or pain while sitting due to prostate enlargement. Pain in the testicles. Many of these symptoms can also be caused by other diseases. For instance, a common noncancerous condition known as benign prostate enlargement often leads to an increase in the size of the prostate as men age, causing some of the above symptoms to appear, such as difficulty passing urine. What Causes Prostate Cancer? Prostate cancer is initiated by the accumulation of genetic mutations in the DNA of prostate cells, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and a tumor. As the tumor advances, it may invade neighboring organs such as the seminal vesicles or bladder. Over time, cancer cells can spread through the lymphatic system to nearby lymph nodes or through the bloodstream to distant sites, particularly the bone marrow. The metastases disrupt normal body function, causing discomfort, and, in advanced stages, can be fatal. Picture pf Prostate and lymph Nodes There is currently no clear association between preventable causes and prostate cancer. It’s unknown what actually causes the genetic changes that cause cancer, but genetic factors are believed to play a part. DNA, the chemical in our cells that comprises our genes, dictates how our cells function. Certain genes play a crucial role in regulating prostate cell growth, division, DNA repair, and programmed cell death. When these genes malfunction, it can result in uncontrolled cell growth and, eventually, prostate cancer. DNA alterations can arise either through genetics or be acquired throughout a person’s life. Inherited Gene Mutations Inherited gene mutations found in all cells contribute to about 10 percent of prostate cancers, known as hereditary cancers. Specific genes associated with hereditary prostate cancer are: BRCA1 and BRCA2: These genes normally assist in repairing DNA mistakes or induce cell death if repair is impossible. Their mutations are associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer. CHEK2, ATM, PALB2, and RAD51: These are DNA repair genes. DNA mismatch repair genes: These genes, including MSH2, MSH6, MLH1, and PMS2, assist in fixing DNA mistakes during cell division. Mutations can lead to Lynch syndrome, which increases the risk of prostate, colorectal, and other cancers. RNASEL: As a tumor suppressor gene, its normal function is to induce cell death in response to internal abnormalities. However, mutation may allow abnormal cells to survive longer, leading to an increased risk of prostate cancer. HOXB13: This is an essential gene for prostate gland development. Mutations in this gene have been associated with rare cases of prostate cancer at a young age in certain families. Acquired Gene Mutations Most gene mutations associated with prostate cancer are acquired. When prostate cells divide, errors occur during the DNA replication process, leading to defective DNA in new cells. Prostate cell growth and division speed increase the likelihood of mutations, potentially influencing prostate cancer risk. Androgens, such as testosterone, which promote prostate cell growth, might contribute to the risk, but studies have not consistently established a link between higher androgen levels and prostate cancer. Who Is at Risk of Prostate Cancer? Although every man faces the risk of developing prostate cancer, the following factors make one more prone to the disease: Age: Prostate cancer is rare in men under age 45, constituting only 0.5 percent of all newly diagnosed cases. The prostate risk increases with age, with most cases diagnosed in men aged 50 and older. Fortunately, the cancer’s aggressiveness decreases with advancing age. Race: Black men in the United States have a 1.6 times higher risk of developing prostate cancer compared to white men. Caribbean men with African ancestry are more prone to developing prostate cancer than men of other races. Prostate cancer is less common in Asian American, Hispanic, and Latino men compared to non-Hispanic white men. Developed countries: Prostate cancer is more prevalent in developed countries, with the lowest incidence in Asian men living in Asia. However, when Asians relocate to the United States, their prostate cancer risk rises, though it remains lower than the general American male population. Prostate cancer risk is also higher among Asians residing in urban areas such as Hong Kong, Singapore, and European cities. This increase is particularly notable among sedentary men with unhealthy diets. Family history: A man’s risk of developing prostate cancer more than doubles if he has a father or brother with the disease. The risk is higher when a brother is affected than when a father is. The risk also significantly increases if multiple relatives, especially those diagnosed at a young age, have been affected. However, most prostate cancers still occur in men with no family history of the disease. Additionally, research indicates that having a close female relative diagnosed with breast cancer may also increase the risk of prostate cancer. Overweight or obesity: Studies have associated being overweight in one’s 50s and beyond with an increased risk of advanced prostate cancer. Various suggested biological mechanisms connect body fatness to cancer, including disrupted sex steroid metabolism, heightened insulin levels, and increased proinflammatory cytokines. Height: Taller adult height is associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer, although the specific mechanisms involved remain unidentified. Adult height may indicate factors influencing linear growth, including nutritional and genetic elements, along with cumulative exposure to hormones such as growth hormone and insulin-like growth factors (IGFs). The IGF axis is crucial in regulating cell growth and survival. One meta-analysis of over 10,000 prostate cancer cases supports a positive association between circulating IGF-I levels and prostate cancer risk. Another suggested mechanism involves taller individuals having more cells, potentially increasing the likelihood of mutations and prostate cancer development. Exposure to certain chemicals: According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), studies have suggested a potential association between arsenic exposure and an increased risk of prostate cancer. Additionally, evidence suggests that firefighters, due to their occupation, may be exposed to chemicals that could increase their risk of developing it. Prostate cancer is also recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as a disease linked to exposure to Agent Orange, a chemical employed during the Vietnam War. In addition, exposure to pesticides has been linked to an increased risk of developing prostate cancer. Multiple sex partners: Having multiple sexual partners throughout life or initiating sexual activity early on raises the risk of prostate cancer. However, frequent ejaculation is linked to a potential decrease in overall prostate cancer risk. Furthermore, reducing ejaculatory frequency does not increase the incidence of advanced disease. Sexually transmitted infections: Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis infections appear to increase the risk of prostate cancer. Western diet: Typically, prostate cancer is associated with the consumption of a Western diet. Such diets may include high-fat, high-calcium, and/or high-dairy diets. In a mouse model, a diet rich in lard demonstrated a notable acceleration in the progression of prostate cancer. According to the ACS, some studies indicate that men with high calcium consumption, either through foods or supplements, might face an increased risk of prostate cancer. Others propose that men with a high-fat diet, particularly rich in red meat or high-fat dairy products, may face an increased risk. How Is Prostate Cancer Diagnosed? Early prostate cancer detection is possible through the following two screening tests: Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test: The PSA test measures the level of PSA in the blood. The PSA is an enzyme produced by the prostate, and its elevated levels may indicate prostate cancer, although factors such as age, race, and other prostate-related conditions can also impact PSA levels. However, there is no specific threshold that can definitively determine whether a man has prostate cancer or not, and the test may yield false-positive results, suggesting cancer when it is not present, or false-negative results, indicating no cancer despite its being present. For men in their 40s, a baseline level can aid in future monitoring of any changes as long as it is correlated with the natural increase of levels with age. Digital rectal examination (DRE): The DRE involves a doctor inserting a lubricated, gloved finger into a man’s rectum to assess the prostate for abnormalities. However, due to insufficient evidence regarding its benefits, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force does not recommend DRE as a screening test. Some research shows utility in situations of mildly elevated PSA levels. Since most prostate cancers tend to grow slowly and may never reach a clinically significant stage, and given the expense and notable side effects of definitive treatment, routine prostate cancer screening is considered controversial. Biopsy and Further Tests In cases where PSA or DRE test results are abnormal, additional tests will be used to verify the presence of prostate cancer. A prostate biopsy is the only test that can provide a conclusive diagnosis. It involves the removal of tissue from the prostate for examination. This procedure is guided by transrectal ultrasound, utilizing a rectal probe to transmit ultrasound waves to the prostate and surrounding tissues. Typically, 12 to 14 tissue samples are taken. Since a transrectal prostate biopsy poses a risk of infection, some doctors prefer transperineal prostate biopsy, where the needle penetrates the skin of the perineum (i.e., the area between the scrotum and the anus) into the prostate instead of the rectum, thus reducing the infection risk. Tests that help confirm a diagnosis include: Multiparametric-magnetic resonance imaging (mp-MRI): This imaging test can detect, assess, and stage prostate tumors. Prostate cancer gene 3 (PCA3) test: This test searches for the PCA3 gene in the urine. This gene is an extensively expressed long noncoding RNA molecule found exclusively in prostate malignancies, and larger quantities of this gene have been associated with prostate cancer. Prostate Health Index (PHI): This blood test calculates a score using various forms of PSA, delivering more specific results and additional information than the standard PSA test. What Are the Complications of Prostate Cancer? Prostate cancer’s complications include: Erectile dysfunction: Erectile dysfunction is a complication of prostate cancer and sometimes also its treatments. Over 75 percent of men may experience difficulties with erections after prostate surgery, but nerve-sparing techniques can minimize this. This condition is also common after radiation therapy and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), with effective treatments available. Poor bladder control: Urinary incontinence can be caused by prostate cancer and its treatments. For instance, within one year after prostate removal, 5 percent to 10 percent of men may experience issues with urine leakage. Urinary urgency: Radiation therapy can lead to damage around the prostate, causing a sensation of needing to pee more frequently. Metastasis: Undiagnosed, untreated prostate cancer has the potential to spread to other organs, primarily through lymphatic vessels to nearby lymph nodes and eventually to bones or distant organs. Severe pain: Prostate cancer metastasis can result in considerable pain, particularly if cancer cells invade the bones. Bone fracture: In addition to bone pain, prostate cancer metastasis can also cause bone fracture. Spinal cord compression: This can occur due to vertebral collapse from tumor invasion into the vertebrae or tumor growth along the spinal cord. It typically occurs in the thoracic or upper lumbar spine; the main symptom is often local or nerve root pain. Compression can impair leg strength and one’s ability to walk. Coagulopathy and disseminated intravascular coagulation: In advanced prostatic carcinoma, patients may experience bleeding issues, ranging from manageable blood in the urine to disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). DIC is pronounced coagulation in vessels followed by uncontrolled bleeding. Anemia: Patients in advanced stages of metastatic prostate cancer frequently experience the development of anemia for unknown reasons. Edema: Prostate cancer can block lymphatic and venous drainage from the lower limbs and pelvis, leading to swelling in the lower extremities and genitalia. What Are the Treatments for Prostate Cancer? For most early-stage prostate cancers, there is typically no immediate need for treatment decisions. However, discussing various treatment options and the appropriate timing for treatment initiation with your doctor is still crucial. At this stage, the following options are usually recommended: Active surveillance is a strategy designed to prevent unnecessary treatment for non-life-threatening cancers while ensuring timely intervention for those requiring it. This approach aims to detect any signs of progression at an early stage through regular PSA tests, MRI scans, and occasional biopsies. Individuals can decide on appropriate further treatment if these assessments indicate changes or progression. Watchful waiting is a standard recommendation for older men when the likelihood of cancer impacting their natural lifespan is low. Additionally, watchful waiting may be advised if overall health conditions prevent the individual from undergoing any treatment. Local therapy, also known as definitive therapy, is directed toward curing prostate cancer. The specific treatment options include: Surgery removes the prostate along with certain adjacent lymph nodes. Radiation therapy and radiopharmaceuticals: Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to eliminate cancer cells. Radiopharmaceuticals are drugs injected into a vein containing radioactive elements that travel through the bloodstream to target cancer cells in various body parts. Once there, these radiopharmaceuticals emit radiation, effectively eliminating cancer cells in specific types of prostate cancer. Another commonly employed treatment is brachytherapy, the implantation of tiny pellets or “seeds” of radiation directly into the prostate that give off low-dose radiation within the prostate for weeks or months. Focal therapies are minimally invasive treatments designed to target and destroy small prostate tumors without addressing the entire prostate gland, typically applied in cases of low- or intermediate-risk prostate cancer. One focal therapy is called cryosurgery or cryotherapy, a procedure that freezes cancer cells using a metal probe inserted through a small incision between the rectum and the scrotum. High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a heat-based form of focal therapy where ultrasound waves are directed at specific areas of the prostate with cancer using a probe inserted into the rectum. If the cancer has spread beyond the prostate gland, achieving a cure is unlikely, and systemic treatments aiming to decrease or limit tumor extent are typically used. The following are systemic treatments: Hormone therapy, also known as androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), via medications or testicle removal (orchiectomy), inhibits the growth of prostate cancer, potentially slowing its progression and shrinking tumors. It is frequently combined with radiotherapy and may be prescribed post-radiotherapy to diminish the risk of cancer recurrence. Targeted drug therapy focuses on the specific genes, proteins, or tissue environment contributing to cancer growth and survival. Poly(ADP)-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors block PARP proteins, which help repair damaged tumor cells’ DNA. The use of PARP inhibitors hinders the repair of damaged DNA in tumor cells and often causes their death. Examples of PARP inhibitors include rucaparib, olaparib, talazoparib, and niraparib plus abiraterone. Chemotherapy involves using drugs to eliminate cancer cells, and it may benefit men with advanced or castration-resistant prostate cancer. Treatment typically follows a specific regimen with a defined number of cycles administered over a set duration. Examples of the chemo drugs for prostate cancer are docetaxel (usually the first chemo drug given), cabazitaxel, mitoxantrone, estramustine, and carboplatin. Immunotherapy involves administering medications to enhance an individual’s immune system, enabling it to better identify and eliminate cancer cells. Immunotherapies may include immune checkpoint inhibitors and a cancer vaccine. These have only been shown to be effective against prostate cancer cells with specific gene mutations. Bone-targeted therapy may benefit men with prostate cancer that has spread to the bones, reducing the risk of skeletal-related events such as fractures and pain. Bone-targeted therapy might include corticosteroids, ablative treatments, surgery, and bisphosphonates, drugs that inhibit osteoclasts, which are bone cells that break down the hard mineral structure of bones. How Does Mindset Affect Prostate Cancer? Though there is no evidence mindset affects the development or management of prostate cancer, targeting cancer patients’ mindset may positively influence their psychological well-being, overall health, and quality of life in the following ways: Improved emotional well-being: A positive mindset and emotional well-being may contribute to a better cancer experience for individuals dealing with prostate cancer. Through practicing stress reduction techniques and seeking emotional support, patients may be more equipped to face challenges associated with their illness. Treatment adherence: A positive mindset may encourage individuals to adhere to their prescribed treatment plans, as they tend to be optimistic about the effectiveness of the treatment and might experience a reduction in their fear of treatment side effects and cancer recurrence. Better coping: In a clinical trial involving adult cancer patients, including those with non-metastatic prostate cancer undergoing systemic treatment, participants were randomly assigned to receive the cancer mindset intervention (CMI) or treatment as usual (TAU). The CMI group, completing seven online modules over 10 weeks, showed significant improvements in adaptive mindsets about cancer and the body, leading to better overall quality of life, increased engagement in adaptive coping behaviors, and reduced distress from physical symptoms compared to the other group. What Are the Natural Approaches for Prostate Cancer? Although natural remedies for treating prostate cancer exist, their effectiveness often requires confirmation through more research. Therefore, it is crucial to consult your doctor before considering these remedies. 1. Herbal Medicines Chinese herbal medicines are widely embraced as an alternative cancer therapy, offering benefits such as their low toxicity and ability to engage multiple pathways and targets. One review identified herbal medicine formulas, single extracts, and herbal medicine-derived compounds from several reputable online databases. These treatments demonstrated various effects on prostate cancer cells, including inducing cell death, maintenance, and cell cycle arrest, suppressing blood vessel development, proliferation, and migration, reversing drug resistance, and enhancing anti-tumor immunity. The herbal medicine formulas included: Fuzheng Yiliu Decoction: With Astragali radix being a major ingredient, the decoction can inhibit prostate cancer cell proliferation and promote cancer cell death. CFF-1: This clinically utilized anti-prostate cancer herbal medicine, with Radix aconiti lateralis preparata and other herbs as its ingredients, can promote cancer cell death. Qianlie Xiaozheng Decoction: The decoction, containing Astragali radix, Hedyotis diffusa, and multiple other herbs, can induce cancer cell self-correction and accelerate cell death. Qiling Decoction: The formula, comprised of Astragali radix, Curcumae longae rhizoma, and many other herbs, can suppress prostate cancer progression and promote cancer cell death. Yishen Tonglong Decoction: The decoction, containing Rehmanniae radix praeparata, Astragali radix, and multiple other herbs, inhibited prostate cancer cell growth and promoted cell death in cell culture studies. Single herbal medicine extracts included: Paridis Rhizoma: This extract can trigger prostate cancer cell death and halt the cell cycle. Ganoderma: This extract can inhibit the prostate cancer cells’ growth and metastatic potential, prompt cell cycle arrest, and trigger cell death. Trametes robiniophila: In cell culture and animal studies, it suppressed prostate cancer cell proliferation and metastasis, hindered cancer cell growth, and overcame drug resistance. Scutellariae barbatae herba: This extract promoted cancer cell death and halted cell cycles in a lab study. Herbal medicine-derived compounds included: Curcumin: Derived from turmeric roots, curcumin inhibits the growth and spread of prostate cancer cells and induces their demise in human cell culture studies. Matrine: Derived from the herb Sophorae flavescentis radix, matrine and its derivatives exhibit inhibitory effects on the growth and induction of cell death in various cancer cell cultures. Quercetin: Quercetin, a polyphenolic flavonoid found in many Chinese herbal medicines, promotes the demise of prostate cancer cells in lab cultures and downregulates their gene expression. Triptolide: The active component of the herbal medicine Tripterygium wilfordii, triptolide exhibits anti-prostate cancer effects potentially linked to its modulation of the androgen receptor in lab studies. Astragaloside: In lab studies, astragaloside, derived from the medicinal herb Astragali radix, enhances prostate cancer cells’ susceptibility to chemotherapy drug carboplatin. 2. Diet and Nutritional Supplements Vitamin D: Low vitamin D blood levels are associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer development, and prostate cancer patients with vitamin D deficiencies face higher overall and cancer-specific mortality. Supplementation with vitamin D may be beneficial for such patients. Lycopene and vitamin E: In one mouse model, mice with prostate cancer fed lycopene and vitamin E together, each at a dose of 5 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, exhibited reduced growth of prostate tumors by 73 percent after more than 40 days. Additionally, it extended the mice’s median survival time by 40 percent. Cruciferous vegetables: In one prospective clinical study, men with a high intake of cruciferous vegetables had less risk of prostate cancer. Furthermore, in lab studies, the glucosinolates in cruciferous vegetables hindered growth and induced cancer cell death. Fish: Consuming fish may reduce prostate cancer deaths without impacting the occurrence rate. However, a high intake of dietary omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil is associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer. Soy: Eating more soy-based foods appears to lower the chances of getting prostate cancer, possibly because they have plant compounds called phytoestrogens that might block the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme. 3. Essential Oils Duke University researchers found that an olfactory receptor is crucial to prostate cancer progression. This discovery suggests the potential use of essential oils, possibly via aromatherapy, to block the receptor. Certain essential oils can be developed into novel therapeutic options for treating prostate cancer, including: Lavender: In one mouse model, lavender essential oil demonstrated efficacy in suppressing human prostate cancer growth in mice. The key contributor to this effect was linalool, and its anti-tumor impact involved inducing apoptosis and inhibiting cancer cell proliferation. Tree wormwood (Artemisia arborescens): In one study, researchers exposed human prostate cancer cells to two essential oils extracted from tree wormwood and discovered that the oils activated a cancer cell death process. Horsetail (Equisetum arvense): In a cell culture study, horsetail essential oil exhibited antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity effect on human prostate cancer cell lines, and it also increased the cell death percentage of prostate cancer cells. 4. Yoga Incorporating stress-reducing techniques such as meditation and yoga into the care of cancer patients can support effective coping, alleviate symptoms, and improve overall health outcomes. In one study involving 29 men with newly diagnosed, localized prostate cancer, compared to the standard-of-care group, those who practiced yoga for six weeks exhibited increased levels of specific immune cells, enhanced immune responses, and reduced levels of immunity-suppressing cells. These findings suggest that practicing yoga may have potential anti-tumor effects and help regulate inflammation in individuals with prostate cancer. 5. Meditation The process of diagnosing and treating prostate cancer can lead to anxiety, fear, and depression in approximately one-third of patients. In one study involving both women with breast cancer and men with prostate cancer, participation in an eight-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program, which included relaxation, meditation, and gentle yoga, was linked to improved quality of life, better sleep quality, and reduced stress symptoms. In another study, men coping with prostate cancer reported numerous advantages from practicing mindfulness, including alleviation of anxiety and depression symptoms and a reduction in concerns about cancer recurrence. 6. Acupuncture Acupuncture shows promise in alleviating cancer-related symptoms, including nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, pain, and hot flashes in prostate cancer patients. How Can I Prevent Prostate Cancer? There are currently no proven methods to prevent prostate cancer, but leading a healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk. The key is to minimize exposure to the aforementioned risk factors while enhancing protective factors, such as the following: Eat a nutritious diet: Adopt good eating habits by incorporating fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your diet while reducing red meats, calcium-rich foods, lipids, dairy products, and processed foods. It may be necessary to implement dietary changes many years earlier in one’s life to reduce prostate cancer risk later in life. Maintain a healthy weight: Since being overweight or obese increases prostate cancer risk, maintaining a healthy weight is a protective factor against the disease. Exercise regularly: The Health Professional’s Follow-up Study found that higher levels of exercise were linked to a substantial decrease in aggressive subtypes of prostate cancer, including advanced and fatal cases. Avoid promiscuity: Since men with multiple sex partners and/or certain STIs are at a higher risk of having prostate cancer, avoiding promiscuity can potentially lower the risk. Avoid certain chemicals: Pesticides and similar chemicals can increase the risk of prostate cancer and should be avoided. Consider chemoprevention: Drugs called 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs), including dutasteride and finasteride, are commonly prescribed for benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), and they may reduce the risk of prostate cancer. According to the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial, fewer prostate cancers were found in the group of healthy men 55 years of age and older taking finasteride compared to nonusers, with similar prostate cancer death rates. However, the group taking finasteride reported more side effects. The Reduction by Dutasteride of Prostate Cancer Events Trial (REDUCE) also investigated the potential of dutasteride in preventing prostate cancer in men aged 50 to 75. The study revealed fewer prostate cancers in the dutasteride group compared to the nonusers, with the first group reporting more side effects. Get PSA screenings: If discovered early, prostate cancer can be potentially cured. I don’t necessarily agree with the aticle and my next post will be about the Great Prostate Hoax! I also think that Natural Products in my book can shrink the tumor and possibly save the men a lot of sideeffects of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation!

Epoch Health Article Two weeks after quitting sugar, Kate had lost four pounds, experienced reduced irritability, and her energy remained stable throughout the day. At 55, Kate (a pseudonym) suffered from depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Her emotions swung dramatically, and she struggled with binge eating, resulting in obesity. These issues persisted for decades without any sign of improvement. She also had a sweet tooth. It was only when her psychologist encouraged her to give up sugar that these symptoms began to improve. Two weeks after quitting sugar, Kate had lost four pounds and experienced reduced irritability. She no longer craved sugar, and her energy remained stable throughout the day, without the “shakiness and anger” that used to arise a few hours after meals. Additionally, her sleep quality improved; previously, she had experienced nightmares several times a week, and now these terrifying dreams were absent. Interestingly, she noticed that when she indulged in sugar again, the “toxicity” she’s come to associate with it would reemerge, leading to bloating and anxiety. “The old feelings would come back once more,” she said. Overcome Sugar Addiction With a Whole-Food Diet Kate was treated by Jessica Russo, a clinical psychologist with a private practice in Philadelphia. “Sugar could be contributing to her depression,” Ms. Russo told The Epoch Times. Sugar and your brain Association Between Sugar, Mental Disorders This patient’s condition isn’t an isolated case. Extensive research has shown that added sugar is linked to various mental disorders, with a high-sugar diet contributing to anxiety, stress, and hyperactivity. Excessive sugar consumption “can exacerbate mood disorders,” according to clinical psychologist Laurel Basbas. She has observed too many such cases in her clinical practice over the years, she told The Epoch Times. In a 2023 study published in Frontiers in Public Health, researchers assessed the association between total sugar intake and depressive symptoms in more than 16,000 American adults. The findings revealed that the prevalence of depressive symptoms increased with higher sugar intake; individuals in the top 20 percent of sugar intake had a 56 percent higher likelihood of experiencing depression compared to those in the lowest 20 percent. The habit of consuming sugary drinks is one of the most significant contributors to excess sugar intake in the modern diet. A single can of soda contains as much as 40 grams of sugar. A meta-analysis published in the Journal of Affective Disorders in 2019 that included 10 observational studies involving over 365,000 individuals revealed that those who consumed more sugar-sweetened beverages had a 31 percent higher combined risk of depression compared to those who consumed the least sugar-sweetened beverages. A prospective study in the United Kingdom also found similar results. Excessive sugar stimulation to the brain can lead to an inability to concentrate and may even exacerbate symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2020 that included seven studies involving nearly 26,000 individuals confirmed a positive relationship between overall sugar and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and symptoms of ADHD. Another systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Affective Disorders in 2019 that included 14 studies proposed that a diet rich in refined sugar and saturated fat could increase the risk of ADHD by 41 percent. 3 Major Reasons Sugar Raises Mental Disorder Risk 1. Sugar Depletes Essential Nutrients in the Brain Sugar can induce symptoms of mental disorders because it alters the gut microbiome, leading to a deficiency of nutrients required by the brain and nerves. “We have to be careful with nutrition because good nutrition can help, [and] bad nutrition is going to exacerbate the problem,” Ms. Basbas stated. “The gut microbiome produces B vitamins and vitamin K, which are our foods,” said Sheridan Genrich, an Australian clinical nutritionist and naturopath, told The Epoch Times. *****B vitamins are crucial for the brain. “When they are deficient, people can experience fogginess, even paranoia—just generally troubled thinking as sort of a depressive state,” Ms. Russo said. The production of red blood cells decreases as B vitamin levels decrease, leading to a reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood and lower energy levels. Additionally, these B vitamins are essential for the synthesis of neurotransmitters. The gut microbiome also produces neurotransmitters, which are stored in the brain and are “the key for mood,” Ms. Genrich said. For instance, the gut produces serotonin, which is responsible for feelings of happiness and well-being. It’s also a precursor to melatonin, which can help promote restful sleep.  In the brain, a substance called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) preserves synaptic integrity and improves neuronal survival. Reduced levels of BDNF can promote depression and hippocampal atrophy. Animal models have confirmed that a high-sugar diet can lead to a decrease in the levels of this substance. Calcium and magnesium are both “minerals significantly depleted due to a high-sugar diet,” Ms. Genrich said. “Our bodies are so intelligent; they always strive to protect our safety.” When we consume too much sugar, calcium and magnesium are drawn from our bones to buffer blood sugar fluctuations and create a balanced internal environment. Their deficiency not only leads to bone loss but also affects the nervous system. In particular, magnesium “puts on the brakes” for our intensifying emotions, and a lack of magnesium can make “someone feel less relaxed,” according to Ms. Genrich. Excessive sugar consumption also leads to deficiencies in essential nutrients such as iron and vitamin C, she said. In summary, the deficiency of these essential nutrients contributes to emotional fluctuations, cognitive decline, inability to concentrate, and irritability. Additionally, it gives rise to that “wired yet tired” feeling, as Ms. Genrich described it. This is why some people may feel extremely tense despite their strong desire to sleep. 2. Sugar Induces Inflammation Excessive sugar can lead to inflammation. Inflammation is being researched as a contributing or causal factor in mental disorders, including depression and anxiety. “I think if you just look at the basics of what sugar is and what table sugar or refined sugar is, it just would make sense,” Ms. Russo said. Inflammation is a key mediator of sugar-induced depression; emotions are affected as inflammatory markers increase in the bloodstream. Additionally, inflammation is also recognized as a physiological trigger of depressive symptoms, such as fatigue, low energy, sleep problems, and changes in appetite. A review study published in 2020 indicated that added sugar perturbs various metabolic, inflammatory, and neurobiological processes, significantly impacting the inflammation processes within the body and the brain. Research has confirmed that higher sugar intake from nonalcoholic beverages and sugar added to tea, coffee, and cereals is associated with elevated inflammatory markers in the bloodstream. Sugar can also trigger gut inflammation. Ms. Genrich stated that our intestinal lining has a thick layer of cells, acting as a barrier similar to our skin and protecting the body from external substances. However, sugar can compromise the function of the protective barrier in the intestines, altering its permeability. Consequently, substances that shouldn’t directly enter the body can pass from the intestines into the bloodstream, leading to inflammation. 3. Sugar Causes Brain Atrophy and Disrupts Dopamine Ms. Russo emphasized that individuals who consume excessive sugar often have elevated blood sugar levels, which can harm the brain’s blood vessels. These vessels play a crucial role in supplying oxygen-rich blood to the brain. When these vessels are damaged, the blood flow to the brain is reduced, resulting in the death of brain cells. “This is what’s called brain atrophy,” she said. Sugar stimulates the brain to release pleasure-inducing dopamine, although prolonged excessive sugar intake can decrease dopamine secretion. This prompts people to consume more sugar to maintain the feeling of satisfaction, initiating a vicious cycle. As a result, the brain’s reward system becomes disrupted, leading to emotional issues. Other Contributing Factors Eating excessive amounts of added sugar can lead to elevated blood sugar levels and insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is associated with an increased risk of depressive symptoms and is also more common among individuals with such symptoms. Furthermore, researchers believe insulin resistance’s consequent disruption in energy use may directly cause depressive symptoms. Sugar generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) during the metabolic process, and excessive sugar intake can lead to oxidative stress, resulting in cellular damage, inflammation, and accelerated aging. A meta-analysis of 29 studies indicated that individuals with depression exhibit higher levels of oxidative stress and lower levels of antioxidants than healthy individuals. Excessive sugar intake promotes the generation of advanced glycation end products (AGE) in the body, leading to a series of harmful reactions. Animal experiments have confirmed that high levels of AGEs can affect the generation of new neurons in the hippocampus, thereby impairing hippocampal function, which can result in depression and cognitive decline. Sugar harms the body and affects our brains, moods, and nerves. If you haven’t already, it is time to consider removing it from your diet.

In the Beginning Genesis, the beginning of God’s miraculous works. In this first book of the Holy Bible,  we are given the account of not only the beginning and forming of our Universe and the Earth, but of Adam the first man and Eve the first woman. The first people that God created in His image was man from dust of the earth, and woman from man’s rib. It entails Adam and Eve’s relationship with God, man’s rule over God’s creation and then man’s fall into sin. As we explore this book of Genesis, we are treated to an understanding of God the Father and how we became born into sin. It is a journey that, like any journey as children, has a beginning that leads to a greater understanding of the world around us and the truth of God’s Grace, Mercy and Love. May the journey you undertake now bring you joy, happiness and peace in the Lord, as you take your first steps in getting to know God, our Father. Genesis Week 1 1.    In Chapter 1, verses 1 to 31 we are given an account, of the order, of how God created everything around us including man, woman, plants and beasts of the Earth, fish of the seas and birds of the air. God created all this in 6 days, but the seventh day He blessed and sanctified it. Explain in your own words what you get from these verses. Keep in mind the verses showing the two forms of God, our Father,  that are described in scripture during His creation. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________   2.    In chapters 1 & 2 we witness the generations of the Heavens and Earth, the growing of all plants, animals, birds and fish, culminating in the amazing creation of Adam in the image of God. What does it mean when it is said, God made man in His Image? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3.    When God made woman from Adam’s rib does this mean all men have one less rib? What did Adam say after the formation of Eve and why is this important? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________   4.    In Chapter 3 we are told of the fall of man through Adam and Eve’s eating of the fruit of a certain tree. Who was the serpent and how was it able to talk to Eve? What was that tree that they were commanded not to eat the fruit? And explain why God had commanded them to NOT eat the fruit it bore? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________   5.    In Chapters 3 we witness the fall of man into sin through Adam and Eve’s disobedience. We also learned that God would walk with them in the Garden. Did God do so in human form? Or Spirit form? Why do you think God asked Adam why he hid himself, and Eve, from God? Is God all knowing? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________  6.    In chapter 3 we see the consequences of sin through disobedience.  How did this affect Adam and Eve’s lives as they had known it at that point? What burdens did God place upon them. Who named Eve, and why? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 7.    In Chapter 4 we see the birth of Cain and Abel. Why did we not see their births in the preceding chapters until chapter 4? And what tasks were assigned to Cain and Abel? Why did God respect Abel’s offering and not Cain’s? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________   8.    In Chapter 4 we see Cain killing Abel out of jealousy. How did God know and if He knew already why did He ask Cain where Abel was? What was Cain’s punishment and why did God then protect Cain from anyone killing him for him killing Abel. And how did Adam and Eve’s disobedience in the Garden play into this. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________    9.    In Chapter 4 Cain tells God that he was afraid that others might kill him if they found out that he had killed Abel. Who were the “Others” that Cain was afraid of? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Genesis...in the beginning Answers Week 1 1.      It is important to see how God worked to create the heavens, the Earth and all that is in it, as it gives us a window into who God is. God is Eternal and as the creator of all things he is above our understanding.  In verses 1-31 we are told that God created in two forms 1. By thought - and we need to recognize that God’s thoughts are something we cannot comprehend, as His thoughts are greater than our thoughts. This is what we need to understand about God right from the beginning. 2. God’s spirit moved across the Earth. It is beyond our understanding to appreciate just how big our God is, but bear in mind that God created everything from nothing. God is both Spirit and a Personal being. Then God saw all He had created, and “Behold, it was very good”.   2.      God created Adam in His image and while we may immediately wish to think that we look like God that is NOT what this means. When God created Adam, he created Adam to have “Some” of God’s characteristics. He gave Adam intelligence, reasoning, morals, ethics, and the ability to love all things God had created. God intended Adam to be like a true son and have a relationship with Him. Think of your own parents…they used those very same attributes to raise you. Now, your parents may have made mistakes, may not have followed all that God wished for you but then God gave everyone a freedom of choice, the will to do the right things, and yes, even the wrong things. This choice is still yours today and by reading the Bible we will gain knowledge of how much He truly loves us and how much he is waiting for us to turn to Him, to receive His love, His amazing Grace and the many Blessings He has waiting for us.   3.      Adam said that the woman was now “bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh; and she shall be called woman, because she was taken out of man” . The fact that God pulled a rib bone out of Adam and not some other piece of his body shows God’s wisdom, planning, and foresight. Ribs regrow. All bones in the human body are able to mend themselves, but a rib bone is unique in that it can regenerate. When a surgeon takes out a rib, he will leave the perichondrium from which a new rib will grow.   4.      The serpent was Satan and Satan has power on Earth after being cast out by God from Heaven and has the power to speak to us in order to deceive us as he did to Eve. The tree was the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. The reason God had placed that Tree in the garden was a test of man’s obedience and trust in God, or as happened, man’s disobedience that resulted in the sin that we bear today, as we “are born into sin” . It also resulted in Adam and Eve being forced to leave the Graden of Eden and to toil all their days as God’s judgement upon them.   5.      Whether God actually walked in physical form is often debated with some saying He was in Physical form, and some saying that he moved as a wind in Spirit, so that Adam and Eve were able to recognize His presence and hear His voice. This is evident in the fact that they often walked with God in the Garden and talked to Him, which suggests that they could acknowledge God’s presence. They also tried to hide their nakedness from God. No matter what, it shows God’s all-knowing character and His swift judgement upon man for sin by removing Adam and Eve from the Garden as punishment.   6.      In Chapter 2 God had given Adam and Eve dominion over all the earth and all created things. Their life in the garden was idyllic, requiring them to do nothing in way of labor as God provided all they needed. Once sin entered, Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden and we read in Chapter 3: 16-19 how man’s days were to be filled with work and the woman was to have sorrow greatly added to her life and in that sorrow, she was to bear children and be subservient to her husband only. Adam named Eve for she was to be the “Mother of all the living”. The future generations of man.   7.      In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve were naked because they did not recognize their nakedness, and this implies innocence. They did not know of sexual things as they were like children and thus, they did not have sexual relations. It was not until their expulsion and God’s discipline for their disobedience, and sin, that Adam has a sexual relationship with Eve that resulted in the Birth of Cain and Abel. Cain was to toil in the fields planting and harvesting plants while Abel was assigned as a “Keeper of Sheep” in Chapter 4 verse 1. God did not accept Cain’s offering because God could see that Cain did not have a heart after God, while Abel’s offering was given from a heart that reflected Abel’s obedience to, and love for, God.   8.      God knows the end from the beginning and the beginning from the end. God knew that Cain had killed Abel as we see in Chapter 4 verse 10. God says that Abels blood cries out to Him from the ground. God wanted Cain to confess his sin openly just as we are to confess our sins before God. We must understand that God is all knowing, and we can never hide our sin from God the Father. Cain’s sin was a result of Adam and Eve bringing sin into the world and, thus, Cain had been born into a sinful world. Cain gave into the sinful things of the world unlike Abel who was obedient and had a heart for God. To escape that sinful nature required obedience to God in all things, yet Cain’s heart was not upon the Lord, and it resulted in the death of Abel by Cain’s hands. Jealousy is a sin.   9.      When Adam and Eve were created God created them perfectly, which means that they had no genetic damages. This ensured them perfect health at all times. When sin entered the world through Adam and Eve it most likely affected their children’s DNA in a minimal way, and it is safe to assume that Adam and Eve had more children after Cain and Abel. It is also very likely that there would have been less chance of genetic damage in these children who grew and had children of their own. So, given that the population was very small, at the time, the various children would marry cousins, great nieces, great nephews and so forth. Because of the low chance for genetic damages producing defective offspring, God allowed inter-marriage as a way to grow the population and provide wives, and husbands, for the descendants of Adam and Eve. Once the population grew, and the genetic damages presented a problem for newborn children, God stopped allowing inter-marriage (incest as we term it today) between close relatives. So, it is very likely that Cain, who was an adult when he killed Abel, would be afraid of retribution from relatives. This ends week 1 and it is hoped that you have found God’s Grace throughout this week’s study of Genesis. If you were to search for the definition of Grace, you would see the Character of God. The biblical meaning of grace holds a profound significance in understanding God’s love and forgiveness as revealed in the Scripture. Grace, as described in the Bible, refers to the unmerited favor or undeserved favor of God. It is the gift of God’s benevolence, love, and mercy towards sinners. Grace is central to the gospel message and serves as the foundation of our salvation. I trust that, as we move through scripture,  you keep the above meaning of Grace, as the central theme to your study of God’s Holy Word. I am truly humbled by acknowledging that I am undeserving of His Grace and infinite Mercy, and the forgiveness that comes with it. To God, the Father, be all the Glory Forever!

Genesis week 2 Answers Chapter 5 - Chapter 8   1.      In week 1 we learned that Adam and Eve lived such a long life due to their God made perfect body genes. They knew perfect health. As the generation increased the human body was slowly changed genetically in their DNA due to sin and death entering the world through the disobedience of Adam and Eve.   2.      God chose Noah because he was found to be a “Just” man and “Perfect in his Generations”. Ch 6 verse 6.9 (Upright or righteous man) who was not found to be given to unrighteous sin as every other Ch 6 verse 5.   3.      It is commonly held that the “Sons of God” are angelic beings who had sexual relation with human women and these women bore the Nephilim (Hebrew word for them). The English word based on the Hebrew word is Nephilim.   4.      Each cubit is 45.6 cm or rounded up is 46cm. We know that an inch is to 2.5 cm. Thus, the arc is 5,520 inches or 460 feet long , 912 inches or 70 feet wide  and 552 inches or 46 feet high.  It is extremely large and give the dimensions it is extremely stable.   5.      The answer is found in Chapter 6 verses 19 and 20. Two of every kind, male and female of all flesh and fowl, beasts and creeping things (including snakes for they creep using their scales). Then we see further instruction in we se in Chapter 7 verses 2 & 3 Noah was to bring in every clean beast by 7’s both male and female, and beasts that are not clean by two’s male and female, as well as every fowl by sevens male and female. This was done so that the earth could be seeded by all of them. We are not told what animals were considered clean or unclean, but we can assume that God told Noah what the distinction was, as it was only after, “Under the Law of Moses” (Mosaic Law) that we are given that information. We also know that sacrifices were made before the building of the Ark and time of Noah, as we can see by looking at Gen 4:4, so it is by this we can safely assume Noah knew of sacrifices to God and obviously knew clean from unclean with God having communicated that in some untold way.   6.      In Chapter 7 verse 6 we are told that Noah was 600 years old when the flood of water was upon the earth.   7.      The rain continued for 40 days (Ch 7:17) and forty nights and the waters remained on the earth. Then we are told in Chapter 8 verses 13 & 14 when the earth was dried. There are two parts to this. In verse 13 we must remember that the ark came to rest on Mount Ararat and the ground was dry around the ark in the first year/first month and first day, but that does not mean all the Earth was dry for we see in Verse 14 that it was in the 2nd month and day 27 that the earth was dried.   8.      Noah built and altar for sacrifice as soon as he was off the ark. Noah used only clean beasts and fowls for sacrifice as seen in Chapter 8 verse 20. The first fruits of clean animals and fowl were pleasing to the lord as the first fruits showed a heart for, and obedience to God, so He found it pleasing. (refer again to the difference between the sacrificial difference between Abel and Cain. Abel gave the first fruits of his flock and did so with a heart after God. Cain gave begrudgingly of his crop and his heart was not on God).

This second week of Genesis takes us through Chapters 5-8 which includes: Ch 5 The descendants of Adam Ch 6 The Flood Ch 7 God, Noah and the Ark Ch 8 The receding waters 1.      In Chapter 5 we learn about the Generation of Adam and how long they lived. What was the reason for their longevity? (reference Adam and Eve from previous bible study week 1. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2.      In Chapter 6 we learn of the coming flood and God speaking to Noah. Why did God choose Noah? And why did God wish to destroy all the descendants of Adam except for Noah and his family? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3.      In Chapter 6 verse 4 we see that there were giants living on the earth. Who were these “Giants?”. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 4.      God gives Noah the dimensions of the Ark but in measurements we do not us today. What is a cubit? (You will have to research this outside the Bible). How big was the arc in all it’s dimensions? What type of wood was Noah to use and how did he seal it against water? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 5.      In Chapter 7 God commands Noah to load the ark with all manners of creatures. List these as found in Chapter 7 and NOTE: God gives very explicit instruction regarding the type of beasts. What were the instructions? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 6.      Now Noah was an old man when all this was being done. How old was Noah? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 7.      How long did the rain continue and the flood cover the land until the land was dry again? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 8.      What did Noah do as soon as he was off the Ark. And what exactly did he ensure was the condition of the sacrifices and why? What else do we know of sacrifices that the Lord found pleasing? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Genesis week 3 Answers Chapter 9 - Chapter 12   1.      One reason God prohibited the consumption of animal blood in the Old Testament was to teach respect for the sacredness of life. Blood is viewed as a symbol of life throughout the Bible. God asks the murderer Cain, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground.” The shedding of blood represents the loss of life. As we will see in future studies in the New Testament, the “blood of Christ” is a common figure of speech for the “death of Christ”.   2.      God made a covenant with Noah and his descendants that God would never destroy the earth by flood again. This did not mean that God’s judgement would not be demonstrated in other ways. The sign in verse 9:13 was not really for God as He is all knowing or as a display to show that God always remembers His covenant. The sign we see is a rainbow.   3.      We know from scripture that Canaan was the son of Ham, and we also know from verse Chapter 9:22 what Ham did. However, Noah did make enquiries and by cursing Canaan he may have been present with his father Ham at the incident where Ham discovered his father, Noah, or it may have been Noah, a prophet, had seen future events and brought a curse upon Ham’s descendants as punishment. There are a number of possibilities.   4.      The list of descendants plays a role in the future events of the Bible and while we may not remember the names of the descendants, they can be used to trace back curses or blessings upon them. What we can see and learn is that the events as recorded in future books of the Bible are generationally related to either blessings or curses and that God’s judgements and covenants are eternal.   5.      The peoples involved in the building of the tower were descendants of Noah and, as a such, through the generations were still connected to each other. It would be much like many countries where 1 language is spoken. The thought that were at odds with God was the fact that man was trying to elevate his personage to that of God. Instead of destroying them God divided them by languages so that none of the different tribes understood each other and the tower work was halted. 6.      Not only did God give them separate languages but He also scattered them abroad to create separate nations. God could have pronounced more severe punishment but by changing to differing languages and scattering them abroad He made many different nations in many different areas of earth.   7.      Shem’s lineage can be traced to Jesus, and we see this in Abram in Chapter 11:27 when Abram is born and then in Chapter 12:2-3 when God blesses Abram and makes a Covenant with him. In week 4 we will see the reason, and in it you will recall this question and have it answered in God’s in God’s covenant with Abram!   8.      God spoke to Abram and made a covenant with him, promising to make him a great nation and make Abram’s name great and telling him he would be a blessing. God also promises to bless those who bless Abram and curse those who curse Abram and in Abram all families of the earth will be blessed.   9.      The land was Canaan which is the land Israel now occupies. Jerusalem has always been in the land of Canaan, so named after Ham’s son who God cursed in Chapter 9:18.   10. Abram was afraid that he would be killed if they knew he was Sarai’s husband, for she was very beautiful, and many men would desire her. Sarai was then taken into Pharoh’s house and because of this Abram was treated very well and became very wealthy with herds of sheep, oxen and asses (donkeys…male and female), camels, as well as many servants and maids.