Columns

Column #217

When it comes to discussing genetics most folks have been conditioned to scream and run for the hills. That Pavlov’s Dog reaction was caused primarily by one man who has, at best, very questionable credentials regarding genetics. In spite of a lack of expertise he gained a huge following of promoters who found him useful in their marketing efforts. All that notoriety generated a pretty penny for him in book sales, lectures, and appearances on national television. In the process he created a tremendous amount of confusion, fear, and loathing regarding a highly technical science. Now another new “genetic” product is on the horizon. Will it get a similar treatment that comes with manipulating genes?^{1 2}

This new medical miracle is DNA Vaccines. Soon they will be the medical community’s go-to vaccines. Yes, it’s brand new cutting edge stuff that’s never been done before. Currently, no DNA vaccine has been approved for human use although several are now available for veterinary use. Naturally there’s lots of oversight and several important questions still need answers.

Currently these vaccines are far more effective in test animals than humans. Therefore researchers are seeking a better adjuvant (substance which enhances the human body’s immune response) to an antigen. Additionally more work is needed to complete the origin and the genetic structure of the vaccine. So it may be some months yet before we see a DNA vaccine for human use.^{3 4}

Column #216

Whoa! Just when “fake” meat was being hailed as the ultimate healthy replacement for “real” red meat that’s supposed to kill you, here comes a study from the Nutritional Recommendations (NutriRECS) Consortium saying that there’s nothing unhealthy about eating real red meat.¹

Of course the anti red meat propagandists, vegetarians, PETA folks, and highly-processed “plant-based-meat” manufacturers went ballistic with hysterical shouts of hogwash. For decades, those folks and the medical community, most nutritionists, dieticians, and media types have been telling everyone that red meat MAY cause cancer, is ASSOCIATED with heart disease, and is LINKED to diabetes and obesity. The only problem with their theories is that based on the methods used in their sighted research studies, the same claims can be attributed all other food items!^{2 3 4}

Column #215

Do we need a tax on ruminants? Some people think so because when ruminants digest vegetative matter methane gas is released. Therefore, for the health of the planet, they want to dramatically reduce the number of ruminants by taxing them like cigarettes.

There’s a lot of political theater playing out these days. It’s got people so emotionally keyed up that saying anything is an easy way to get on the wrong side of nearly everyone who lives and breathes. But some subjects really hit close to home and, when based on myths, they can be very dangerous if the myths inspire mob action. So, I’m treading lightly here with some insight hoping no reader puts words in my mouth and runs off down the road shouting that I’m a “this or that” and my business should be boycotted and taxed out of existence. What I am is a rancher who wants to raise livestock and peddle meat.

That’s why I’m concerned about proposals for taxing certain occupations and certain basic human food sources out of existence. If they are implemented, there can be some very harmful unintended consequences.

In societies where there’s majority rule, there’s a constant danger of a majority running roughshod over the minorities. In 2002 the USDA reported that of the 1,911,859 farms counted in 1997 it estimated that 69% of them raised at least some livestock. In 2018 it was reported that there were 2,029,200 farms. If 69% are still raising livestock then possibly 1,400,148 farms have livestock on them.^{1 2}

Column #214

Is the conforming power of political correctness scaring millions of people out of the chronic disease frying pan into the fire?

For some years now there’s been a mania for veganism sweeping across many advanced societies. It’s a gripping obsession based on misguided beliefs in personal and global health that animal food products must be shunned in favor of plant-based foods. Some sources are reporting geometric growth in the percentage of vegans in the general population the past few years. Estimates now are that one in 12 Americans is vegetarian! The immediate and almost universal acceptance of imitation meat (made with highly processed meatless ingredients) underscores the power of the trend.^1-3

Even the vast majority of consumers who are not vegetarians accept the mantra that plants are nutritionally better than meat. But none of them ask what the plants have to say about it even though plants were around hundreds of millions of years before mankind. Are plants totally defenseless pawns?

The scientific literature behind the origin of herbivores always includes the history of the war that’s been waged between plants and herbivores. That’s why I think any mention of plant defenses should raise a red flag for the possibility that vegetarianism will accelerate sickness, lost wages, deaths, and healthcare costs? It’s possible because plants are always on offense and many people, because of autoimmune issues, are often defenseless when dealing with the many offensive tactics.

Column #213

Here in America we’re not supposed to say that changing what one eats can cure a disease. So I’m here to tell you that I’m not saying it. BUT . . . there is a study out that’s titled: “Crohn’s Disease Successfully Treated with the Paleolithic Ketogenic Diet.” You can read it and be the judge. I’m just a messenger.

The report was compiled by a diverse team of researchers whose goal is to document the impact of eating a true paleolithic diet that keeps one in a state of ketosis. Three of its authors are with Paleomedica, a medical unit in Hungary that has a very bold slogan: “WE OFFER A DEFINITE CURE – We not only treat symptoms but reverse disease.”

Column #212

National Public Radio recently ran a commentary about consumers being duped by the meat industry. It said that deli meat processed with nitrates is carcinogenic and will cause cancer. The other beef it reported was that uncured meats with celery juice or celery powder have the same nitrate levels as conventional deli meats and therefore the meat industry is conning consumers.^1-3

Well, as with many media sources these days the gripes are partially true, partially false, and unequivocally another “the-sky-is-falling” report.¹⁴

Here are some actual facts.

Column #211

It was like staring down the barrel of a gun. Dorian formed as a tropical storm on Sunday, August 25 making it the fourth-named storm of the 2019 Atlantic hurricane season. Wednesday, August 28, it became a hurricane that was predicted to hit SE Florida. Immediately everyone in the targeted area started preparing. Gas stations ran out of gas, batteries were snatched up, water disappeared from store shelves, generators sold out, and on and on it went for several hectic days. Per normal some people were in panic mode and somewhat rude. But most folks took it in stride with a “been there done that” attitude.

On Friday, August 30 The National Hurricane Center projected that Tuesday evening Dorian’s eye would pass directly over Stuart, Florida. The next day word spread like wildfire through the Treasure Coast that The Weather Channel’s storm chaser meteorologist Jim Cantore was in downtown Stuart broadcasting updates on Dorian’s progress.

Column #210

Do you ever wonder how we compare with people from bygone eras? How about 40,000 years ago or 430,000 years ago?

Neanderthals were around from about 430,000 years ago to 40,000 years ago. That may seem quite distant, but 2% of our DNA is Neanderthal. We might think of them as “cavemen,” but they were actually very intelligent and accomplished humans living in a very harsh environment. Their brain size ranged from 1,200 cubic centimeters (cm³) to 1,750 cm³.

Homo sapiens appeared about 300,000 years ago in Africa and were found to have lived in southwestern France 40,000 years ago. These European Homo sapiens were originally called Cro-Magnons. Their brains were about 1,600 cm³ and they were highly talented in hunting, crafting tools, painting, and wood carvings. Both Neanderthals and Cro-Magnons buried their dead.

For perspective, today an average man’s brain is 1,260 cm³ and 1,130 cm³ for a women.

Column #209

Okay, summer’s about over and it’s back to school and back to work. Now what are we going to do about healthy lunches?

There are numerous websites providing “healthy” lunch box ideas.^1-2 And their ideas aren’t limited to just school-age children, but they apply to all of us hard-working stiffs including those who work at home.

Of course, what some advisor/marketers believe is healthy won’t fill the bill. To be completely healthy a food selection needs to pass these three tests:
●    Be low glycemic. High glycemic foods cause debilitating energy spikes that are associated with ADHD, obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and fungal issues.
●    Have balanced essential fatty acids (EFAs). The overall diet must have an Omega-6 EFA to Omega-3 EFA balance of 2:1 or lower. This is critical for nerve, immunity, and brain function.
●    Be nutrient dense and diverse. A diet of nutritionally deficient foods cannot contribute to all of our body’s requirements.

Column #208

If you’re concerned about your heart, you’re not alone. The incidence rate for heart disease has remained the same for decades with heart disease consistently being the leading cause of death.

From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
●    About 610,000 Americans die of heart disease every year–that’s one in every four deaths.
●    Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women with over half of the deaths being men.
●    Coronary heart disease is most common, killing more than 370,000 people annually or 1,000 daily.
●    About 735,000 Americans a year have a heart attack. Of these, 525,000 are first time events and 210,000 occur in people who have had one before.

There’s no question that with a healthy heart your life span and overall quality of life increases. So, it’s important to learn how to avoid heart health issues.