The Water Secret

It is no secret really. Don't we all know that water is essential to all forms of life? But hey, Dr Howard Murad, MD the author of the above book says it is more complex than that we already know. The truth of the matter is there are two category of water in our body, useful water and waste water. Useful water is what counts most in maintaining a healthy body and healthy life. Useful water is the water that are retained within our cell's membrane. It is in every cell and connecting tissues in our body. Waste water is outside the cells and connecting tissues and are trapped within the space in-between the cells and connecting tissues. Waste water can be harmful to the body as in the case if water retention, due to diseases etc.

The water secret is all about how to capture water and ensure it is kept inside our cell membranes. How do we have a water tight membrane and stop the leakage?

Dr Murad explains the four dimensions in good health; physical, psychological, spiritual and cultural,

Dr Howard Murad explains that nutrients in the fruits, nuts and vegetables are the key to the water secret. The concepts and ideas in this book are simple to understand and practical. Dr Murad proposed a 10 days water secret diet for a healthier and youthful body. A hydrated cell is key to optimal metabolism.

From the bottom up :

 Fruits and Vegetables, Whole grains, Proteins, Fats, Supplements and Water.

Read this book for a new you in 90 days. Don't just drink 8 glasses of water every day. Dr Murad says 'eating your water' is the answer. All foods, particularly fruits and vegetables contain in excess of 80% water content. Water in foods are structured water constituted with nutrient, minerals and vitamins.

What more is there to explain?  Go buy the book.

Take care

Allen Lai

Immunotherapy

What is Immunotherapy?

 What ever it is, it is the latest focus in cancer therapy. In future the course for medical treatments will be radiation, chemotherapy and surgery and immunotherapy. Surgery and immunotherapy are targeted therapies.

Immunotherapy is the treatment that uses our own body's immune system to help fight cancer. Immunotherapy is used to stimulate our own body's immune system to work harder and smarter to attack cancer cells. Immunotherapy comprise drugs such as man made immune system proteins for the various components of our immune system. Researches and clinical trials are making steady progress in this new field.

Whilst clinical trials and approvals of new drugs are in the pipeline. Let us do our part to assist and enhance our immune system for now. It is not too late to start.

See the chart below for a graphical presentation on immunotherapy by the Cancer Research Institute:

Cheer up Guys

Look whats in the pipeline in store for us. We will be able to see at least several new drugs in the Immunotherapy category. The new drugs for prostrate cancer are Yervoy (ipilimumab) and Prostvac. Hope these two clinical trials will be successful and approved by the FDA within 24 months.
See the chart for all the ongoing clinical trials as released by Cancer Research Institute below:

The End of Illness

This is the most thought provoking book on health I have ever read. Very controversial and boldly argued. Dr David B Agus MD from the University of Southern California, leaves one breathless and somewhat confused with his outrages stand against all that we all know as the golden standards to good health.

He espouses on prevention is better that cure, that our body is a very complex and marvellous complete system and should be viewed in totality.

We do not disagree with him in the complexities of the body.The body is capable to heal itself, if given the chance to do so. There is no right answer to the treatment to illness. Everybody is unique. Knowing our personal health profile and health metrics is the best way to secure a personalised treatment.

He brings forward new findings in the fields of Homeostasis, Metabolomics and metabolic profiling.

Be ready to be shocked and refreshed if you wish to read this book published in 2012. The book need to be read twice. A most convincing guide to some of the most confusing issues currently discussed in popular health writings. It is a dynamic new way of thinking about our health. And it it is about time we do so. It is not a Number One New York Times best seller for nothing.

Take care

Allen Lai

Of Up Regulating and Down Regulating Receptors

Protein Receptors in a cell

Dr David B Agus MD in his book The End of Illness, described candidly that our body is deemed as a fantastic machine. Our body incorporates total systems to balance input and outputs to our cells. The acidity- alkalic balance in our body is very fine tuned to sustain life.

Likewise our cells also balance its inputs via receptors in the cells. These receptors are protein molecules embedded in each cell. Their function is to facilitates the physical attachments of other proteins or molecules to have the intended effect. Our cells have different receptors for different proteins or molecules.

These receptors up regulate or down regulate its reception nodes, depending on the supply and demands of the particular protein or molecule. For example, if there are excess say Vitamin D in the body, the cell shuts down its Vitamin D receptors and if there are inadequate Vitamin D in the body, the cell opens up more Vitamin D receptors. Wonderful mechanism for check and balance.

I would like to propose some food for thought, (pun intended).  Why does cancer cells have so many receptors for simple sugar and proteins? Cancer patients are often undernourished as in malnutrition and our bodies slowly falls into in a wasted stage. It is in these body environment that our cells, particularly cancer cells up regulate its protein and simple sugars receptors.

We have to eat a well balanced meal and keep our bodies well nourished and balanced so that cancer cells do not up regulate receptors and grow like wild weeds.

Take care.

Allen Lai

Genetic or Environmental Risks Factors ?

Genes

Environmental

Generally it can be accepted that our genetic factor does play a role in us having diseases including cancers. How much does risks stems from our genes? Perhaps environmental factors have a bigger impact on us being ill.

Dr David B. Agus, MD from University of Southern California in his latest New York best seller book The End Of Illness, presented some revealing statistics on the risk ratio between genetics and environment.  Environmental factors include those ingredients like drugs, foods and toxics that affect us at the cellular level.

It is interesting to note that breast cancers, Glaucoma, abdominal Aneurysm, Sarcoidosis, Lupus have higher risks from our genes. Glaucoma, an eye disease scores the highest at 87 percent. And Prostrate cancer is only 42 percent due to our genes.

The figures below show the percentage ratio between genetic and environment factors affecting the diseases. (The first figure being genetic risk)

Type 2 Dibetes 64:36
Alzheimer Disease 62:38
Muscular diseases 67:33
Breast Cancers 73:27
Obesity 67:33
Colon Cancer 35:65
Crohn Disease 80:20
Celiac Disease 57:43
Graves Disease 64:36
Heart attacks (Male) 57:43
Heart attacks (Female) 62:38
Glaucoma 87:13
Prostrate Cancer 42:58
Lupus 62:38
Lung Cancer 14:86
Stomach Cancer 28:72
Melanoma 21:79
Sarcoldosis 66:35
Abdominal Aneurysm 72:28

Now that you know, please dont' blame on your ancestors.

While you are interested to know your risks to diseases, visit Dr David's blog with disease risks calculators to do a quick review here:

http://davidagus.com/resources/



Take care

Allen Lai

The Whole Life Prostrate Book

This is not just a book. It is a desk reference book to say the least. Published in 2012, this book is the most comprehensive and factual book written about the male prostrate organ, its health and diseases.

This book is co-authored by  Dr H. Ballentine Carter and  Gerald Secor Couzens. The former is a professor and practicing Urologist for the past three decades in the John Hopkins Hospital.

This book separate the hypes, and myths from the facts about the prostrate organ. With this book in hand, one does not need to google Prostrate anymore in the Internet. This book is complete and unbiased. The book covers prostatitis (inflammation), pelvic pain syndrome (PPS), lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and prostrate cancer. LUTS is the new definition to BPH. 

Dr Bellantine describes the issues in non medical terms and progressively chapters the issues from taking care of the prostrate, protecting it and suggest remedies to treat cancer and all ailments and disorders related to the prostrate. 

This book is for the non urologist and for all men at all ages. The book addresses benign prostrate enlargement (BPE) also known as BPH, Bladder outlet obstruction (BOO), Overactive bladder (OAB) and prostrate cancer.

A must read book for all men.

Take care.

Allen Lai

Take control of your cancer

Take control of your cancer. Yes you. Dr James W. Forsythe, MD, HMD an Oncologist in Nevada is the author of the above book. He has seen thousands of patients as a conventional oncologist. Today Dr Forsythe advocates integrating the best of alternative and conventional treatments as integrated treatments. Other non conventional oncology are ALTERNATIVE ONCOLOGY and COMPLEMENTARY ONCOLOGY.

Yes conventional treatments has a major role to play in the treatment of cancers, but sadly they are skilled in clinical protocols only, which basically address to eliminate the cancerous cells and mitigate the inherent symptoms. Such protocols does not address the root cause(s) to cancer.

Dr Forsythe is one of the early Integrative Oncologist, breaking away from conventional treatments. He joins the ranks with:
Dr Linus Pauling,
Harry Hoxsey,
Renee Caise, RN
Dr Ernest T. Krebs,
Dr John Richardson,
Dr W. Douglas Brodie,
Dr Stanislov Burzynski,
Dr Michael B. Schlachter,
Dr W. John Diamond,
and Dr William D. Kelley among others. Google to read their works. All advocates healthy diets, supplements, enzymes and herbal medicines.

Take care of your cancer is a good book to read, particularly if you are already in Cancer Stage 4. This book is published in 2012 and describe many successful case studies under integrative treatments.

Take care

Allen Lai

Supplements Exposed

Supplement Exposed. The TRUTH they don't want you to know about vitamins, minerals and their effects on your health. This is another book to read if you take supplements daily. A well researched and argued book about the myths abound vitamins and mineral supplements in the health industry. It takes a lot of courage , efforts and conviction to write an expose on this subject. Brian R Clement Phd is the Director of Hippocrates Health Institute. He has seen enough in complimentary health care. The book discuss the four major misconceptions namely:
1. Food contains all the vitamins you need.
2. Synthetics are equal to natural nutrients.
3. Vitamin science are results reliable.
4. You can trust the natural label.

Be warned that synthetics are pure chemical and it may be toxic to the body. Our bodies reacts differently to natural whole foods that contains the nutritions therein and synthetic nutritions. For example Ascorbic acid is not Vitamin C. Ascorbic acid is just part of the Vitamin C complexity.

The author says the only standards to trust is the Naturally Occurring Standard (NOS). Ensure that you see the NOS label in each bottle of supplements you purchase.

Now that you know.

Take care

Allen Lai

The truth about cancer

Hi all,
Here is a new look into what is cancer. It is natural and about survivorship of your cells. Just like you, your cells adapt to survive under all threats to the body. It is God's way to ensure our cells mutate to exist in  an induced unfriendly environment to the body.

See this video for a clear understanding of what is cancer.

I subscribe to this message. I walk the talk. Today I am in full remission from my prostrate cancer. I do what this video tells us to, and more. I only wish to add a bit more than what is shown in this video.

We need the best immune system in our body all the time to fight off the carcinogens now easily coming into contact with our body. Eating relevant and functional food is just not enough. Present day foods are sadly depleted of its nutrients. Processed foods are the real culprits to cause of cancer.


Thank you Leyu Chong for the lead. See the video here:

http://www.redefineyourreality.com/what-is-cancer.htm

Take care

Allen Lai

Nutrition and physical activities after cancer treatment

Hi all,
You may wish to visit www.cancer.org to take the free class on nutrition and physical activities after cancer treatment.

 The class work consist of 28 informative and comprehensive slides to guide you along with the nutrition needed and physical activities.

Visit here :
http://www.cancer.org/icancope/nutrition_and_physical_activity_after_cancer_treatment/na_i_can_cope-nutrition_and_physical_activity_after_cancer_treatment.htm

Take care

Allen Lai

Latest drug approved by the FDA - Xofigo

Another drug has been approved by the FDA in May 2013. Xofigo (radium -233 dichloride). This drug is to be used for prostrate cancer survivors who are now in an unfortunate castration resistant stage. Xofigo is approved for treating cancer that had spread to the bones but not yet to any organ in the body.

Xofigo is marketed by Bayer Pharmaceuticals.

Read Xofigo here :

http://www.cancer.org/cancer/news/news/fda-approves-xofigo-for-advanced-prostate-cancer

Take care
Allen

Good Luck, bad luck, maybe

My philosophy..You will live a day longer for each and every step you run.

Have you heard about the fabled story of the farmer, his son and their horse? Good Luck, bad luck, maybe.

There was this farmer who had a male horse to assist in his family farm. One day the horse broke away from the paddock and ran away. The villagers all felt sorry for the farmer and said what bad luck. Good luck, bad luck, maybe.

A week later the farmer’s horse returned to the farm and proudly brought back a mare with it. The villagers rejoiced and said what good luck. Now the farmer had two horses to assist in his farm. Good luck bad luck, maybe.

One day, the farmer’s son rode on their new horse. He fell off the horse and broke his legs and had to be hospitalized for a few months. The villagers again felt sorry for the farmer for his son’s mishap. Good luck, bad luck, maybe.

A civil war then broke out. The army was recruiting all able bodied young men to the war. Most of the soldiers did not come home. The farmer’s son was exempted for conscript because he was no longer considered able bodied. The villagers were very happy for the farmer. Good luck, bad luck, maybe.

So the story goes. Good luck, bad luck, maybe.

Survivorship from cancer have various degrees of ‘luck’. Good luck, bad luck, maybe.

Our Oncologist follow standard surveys data and statistics in their prognosis. Most says you have a good chance but then, it is known that there are some who are not so lucky. So the prognosis goes. Good luck, bad luck, maybe.

I take it that, even if there is a low percentage of survivorship of say the standard 20/80 percent rule. I will still wished to be in the 20 percent who will survive. But I cannot be satisfied by wishing only. I must place myself into that group. Now is not a time for Good luck, bad luck, maybe. I must will myself to be in the good luck group by practicing the best lifestyles with strict discipline. With these efforts I will surely be placed in the survivors’ group. No?

Good luck, bad luck, maybe.

Allen Lai

Another Food Pyramid like no other

Healthy for Life food pyramid. curtesy of Ray D Strand, MD

Here is a very logical food pyramid taking into account insulin spikes and insulin resistance.
Ray D Strand, MD propagates that the current concept and understanding of metabolism by the medical profession is outdated. The current universal food pyramid does not take into account Glycemic Indexes (GI) and Glycemic Loads (GL).

Ray D Strand has shared his believes and undertaking to promote GI and GL and its fundamental effects at the cellular level. His recent book Healthy for Life is a well researched and well argued rationale for his works and approach as a practising physician.

Note the differences between the current universal food pyramid and the food pyramid above, particularly high GL of whole grain bread, cereals pasta and rice.

I believe and subscribe strongly to the above food pyramid.

Take care
Allen Lai

PSA Review

16 May 2013.

Today I did my second quarterly PSA test post hormonal treatment. The last Zoladex administration was exactly 6 months ago. My Oncologist and I are delighted that my PSA level had remained 0.02. No change to last reading.

My Oncologist ordered me to do what I have been doing, which obviously was effective to contain my PSA level. I have a complete new lifestyle. I walk, run, cycle and swim for my exercises. I do simple light weight training to boot. I try to eat as best as I can of the recommended foods and avoid those foods not recommended. The latter is more difficult than I thought. I eat quality relevant supplements to augment my daily intake of food.

I am to do quarterly PSA tests for the time being to ascertain that I do not have a relapse of the prostrate cancer. It had been a tough 3 years treatment. I am glad that I am doing fine and hope all is well soon.

Take care

Allen Lai

Be a healthier you

Yes I read any book on health. Even all the books say the same things over and over again. Boring ? Not really. It is not about what we already know, but it is about how and what to do or not to do. Thats the difficult part. So as I read different authors, same matters are always presented in different ways. It is refreshing and looking at health from every angle.

The two books that I have just finished are Healthy for Life by Ray D Strand, MD and Healthiest you ever 365 ways to, by a team of writers ; Meera Lester, Susan Reynolds, Murdoc Khalgh,MD and Brett Aved. The team have written several books in the same series ....You ever 365 ways to.

Ray D Strand, Md has written several other books on health. He produces his writings with medical evidence. Ray D Strand is an allopathic practitioner who understands the importance of nutrition. This is a fact book instead of a "fad" book. It is very important to understand health at the cellular level. What is going on inside us.

The second book by the team of authors apply to daily practical and effective activities/things we could do to have a healthier us.This book covers all aspects of health including Diet and Nutrition, Strength, Mental agility, Endurance, Flexibility, Recreation and Rest. You will be energised from head to toe.

Yes you can now explain why you are still on the couch, just say you are allowing your cells to rejuvenate and repair.

Google for reviews of the books. Both are excellent readings.

Take care

Allen Lai

Body Function Nutrient Chart

Nutrients and vitamins do not cure cancer. However nutrients and vitamins enhance and influence body functions and hence the body will be in a superior position to fight back. We have been reading lots of studies and articles about nutrients beneficial to fighting cancer. I append the chart below as given in the book The definitive guide to cancer. The chart indicates the various nutrients and vitamins beneficial to the various body functions.

Take care Allen Lai

25 years data shows benefit of radiotherapy for Prostrate Cancer

A recent report on a 25 years study shows significant disease free survival (DFS) rates with radiotherapy treatment for prostate cancer.

The report shows high DFS rates, particularly with patients whose PSA nadir was below 0.2 at 15 years post radiation treatments. Two studies show DFS rates up to 25 years and 15 years respectively.

Listen to this podcast posted on 18 April 2013


http://www.renalandurologynews.com/25-year-data-show-benefit-of-radiotherapy-for-prostate-cancer/article/286434/

Allen Lai

Radiotherapy added to ADT treatment beneficial

A European study significantly shows the benefits of radiotherapy added to ADT treatment. I am glad my Oncologist took this route on dual modality mode for me. I am happy and had just finished my ADT treatment three years after my radiotherapy. My PSA reading was consistently 0.02 throughout the ADT treatment.

I am looking forward for a five years and more progression free survival period. I will enhance the free progression period by improving my immune system. My new lifestyle includes exercise and taking quality supplements daily.

Read the report below:

http://www.renalandurologynews.com/radiotherapy-added-to-adt-beneficial/article/238809/

Allen Lai

Continuous ADT Treatment Vs Intermittent ADT Treatment

A recent study reported in the Renal and Urology News show that continuous ADT treatment has a better survival rate than the present procedure of intermittent ADT treatment.
Hormonal treatment (ADT treatment) are presently prescribed in monthly or three monthly sessions for one to three years. The main rational being the body will development resistance to the hormones induced. There is also a re-challenge stage if the PSA starts to rise again.
The new17 years old study shows a better survival rate if ADT treatments are continuous until the point of resistance by the body. It is obviously not a case of one solution for all cases.

Extract from the report.

Intermittent androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) has some quality-of-life (QOL) benefits for men with metastatic prostate cancer (PCa), but overall survival times are inferior to those seen with continuous ADT, according to the findings of a 17-year study (SWOG9346) presented at the American Society for Clinical Oncology 2012 annual meeting.

“Some doctors recommend intermittent hormonal therapy to men with metastatic prostate cancer, believing it will reduce their risk of side effects without compromising their outcome, but these findings demonstrate a downside to this approach for certain men,” said lead researcher Maha Hussain, MD, Professor of Medicine and Urology at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center in Ann Arbor.

“The findings clearly demonstrate that intermittent hormonal therapy is not as effective for all patients with metastatic prostate cancer. These findings are likely practice changing for many doctors in the U.S. and abroad who routinely use intermittent therapy; specifically, physicians must counsel interested patients regarding the potential negative impact on survival with intermittent therapy.”

Read more from the link below:

http://www.renalandurologynews.com/survival-better-with-continuous-adt/article/244075/#



Allen Lai