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The New Enlightenment on Fat, Cholesterol & Health - Red Meat

The New Enlightenment on Fat, Cholesterol & Health

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The New Enlightenment on Fat, Cholesterol & Health

The New Enlightenment on Fat, Cholesterol & Health

For decades, Americans were told a simple story: fat is bad, cholesterol clogs your arteries, and eating butter or red meat will send you straight toward heart disease. So we replaced butter with margarine, eggs with cereal, and whole foods with “low-fat” processed snacks, all in the name of health.

But what if that story was never true? What if decades of official dietary advice were driven more by politics, profit, and flawed science than by solid evidence?

That’s exactly what Dr. Nina Teicholz, an investigative journalist and author of the groundbreaking book The Big Fat Surprise: Why Butter, Meat and Cheese Belong in a Healthy Diet, uncovered. Her decade-long research revealed that the war on fat was built on biased science and industry influence, while the real causes of modern metabolic disease, processed foods, sugar, and industrial oils, were ignored.

How Industry & Institutions Drove the Low-Fat Myth

Teicholz traces how a single unproven theory, that saturated fat raises cholesterol and causes heart disease, became the foundation of public-health policy.

“The low-cholesterol diet became national policy not only because the American Heart Association and nutritionists enthusiastically endorsed it … but even more importantly because the vast power of the U.S. government swung behind it.” — Teicholz

The American Heart Association, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and food companies joined forces to promote the “low-fat” ideal. This alliance created what Teicholz calls a “nutritional-industrial complex.”

Food manufacturers reformulated products to match the new advice: butter became margarine, lard was replaced by Crisco, and full-fat dairy vanished from shelves. The message was simple, eat less fat, live longer.

But behind the scenes, dissenting scientists were marginalized.

“When an unscientific fear of dietary fat pervades the culture so much that researchers will not allow research into high-fat diets for fear of ‘harming people,’ science cannot self-correct.” — Teicholz

The food industry profited enormously, while Americans grew sicker.

“The food world is particularly prey to corruption, because so much money is made on food and so much depends on talk and especially the opinions of experts.” — Teicholz

The Unintended Health Crisis: Low-Fat Diets, High-Carb Disease

As natural fats were vilified, consumers turned to “low-fat” processed foods loaded with sugar and refined carbs. Vegetable oils and trans fats filled the void once occupied by butter and tallow.

“Our diets have changed radically within the past fifty years, with great and often harmful effects on our health.” — Teicholz

The results were disastrous:

  • Obesity and diabetes soared, even as fat consumption dropped.
  • Heart-disease rates plateaued, rather than plummeting.
  • Inflammation and metabolic dysfunction became the new epidemic.

Teicholz notes that participants in many low-fat trials lowered their cholesterol, but not their mortality.

“Even though their cholesterol inevitably goes down, their risk of death does not.” — Teicholz

In other words, the low-fat revolution didn’t just fail, it helped fuel the chronic-disease crisis we face today.

Why Natural Fats & Cholesterol Are Essential

While conventional wisdom told us to fear fat, biology tells a different story: fats are foundational to life.

Cell Membranes & Structure

Every cell in the human body is built from lipids, cholesterol and phospholipids that form the flexible membranes around cells and organelles. Without healthy fats, cell signalling, transport, and repair falter.

Hormone Production & Metabolism

Cholesterol is the raw material for cortisol, testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, and vitamin D. Healthy fats also regulate metabolism, fertility, and stress response.

Brain & Nerve Function

About 60 percent of the brain is fat. Cholesterol and omega-3 fatty acids are vital for memory, mood stability, and cognitive function.

Nutrient Absorption

Vitamins A, D, E and K are fat-soluble, without dietary fat, the body can’t absorb them efficiently.

“What I found, incredibly, was not only that it was a mistake to restrict fat but also that our fear of the saturated fats in animal foods, butter, eggs, and meat, has never been based in solid science.” — Teicholz

Myths Revisited

Myth 1: High cholesterol automatically means high heart-attack risk

Reality: Total cholesterol is a weak predictor. Inflammation, insulin resistance, and triglyceride/HDL ratios are far better markers of heart health.

Myth 2: Saturated fat is inherently harmful

Reality: The evidence linking saturated fat to heart disease is weak and selectively reported.

“Our fear of the saturated fats in animal foods has never been based in solid science.” — Teicholz

Myth 3: Low-fat diets improve health

Reality: Decades of data show that low-fat, high-carb diets have done more harm, directly fueling obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.

Myth 4: Dietary guidelines are neutral and evidence-based

Reality: Many experts shaping public nutrition policy have financial ties to the food or pharmaceutical industries, a conflict that skews recommendations.

“The food world is particularly prey to corruption … so much depends on the opinions of experts.” — Teicholz

The New Paradigm: Restoring Fat to Its Rightful Place

1. Embrace Natural, Whole-Food Fats

Include butter, olive oil, avocados, coconut oil, nuts, eggs, full-fat dairy, and wild or fatty fish.

“It’s very possible that the course of nutrition advice over the past sixty years has taken an unparalleled toll on human history.” — Teicholz

2. Reject Industrial Oils & Processed “Low-Fat” Foods

Hydrogenated vegetable oils, seed oils (soy, corn, canola), and refined carbs are the real culprits. Their widespread use parallels the modern chronic-disease explosion.

3. Look Beyond Cholesterol Numbers

Focus on markers of metabolic health, inflammation, triglycerides, HDL, and insulin sensitivity, instead of chasing “perfect” total-cholesterol targets.

4. Quality Matters – Choose Organic & Pastured Sources

Opt for organic, pasture-raised, and minimally processed animal products and oils whenever possible. They contain higher omega-3s, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and fat-soluble nutrients, without the chemical residues found in conventional sources.

5. Demand Transparency & Evidence-Based Policy

Nutrition science must be independent of industry funding. We deserve dietary guidelines based on unbiased evidence, not profit or outdated dogma.

Key Takeaways

  • The war on fat was built on biased science and industrial influence, not objective research.
  • Avoiding natural fats and embracing processed foods created today’s chronic-disease epidemic.
  • Healthy fats and cholesterol are essential for hormone balance, metabolism, and brain function.
  • The real dietary villains are trans fats, processed oils, sugar, and refined carbohydrates.
  • Quality counts: choose organic, pasture-raised, and unprocessed sources of natural fats.

Conclusion: A New Enlightenment in Nutrition

We are witnessing a revolution in how we understand nutrition. Thanks to investigative work like Dr. Nina Teicholz’s, the truth is resurfacing: natural fats and cholesterol are not our enemies, they are our allies.

The real danger lies in the processed, industrial foods that replaced them. Reclaiming traditional fats and real food isn’t a trend; it’s a return to the biological wisdom our bodies have always known.

It’s time to end the low-fat myth, challenge outdated guidelines, and restore balance to how we eat.
Healthy, natural fats don’t harm; they heal.

The Vital Connection: Soil → Plants → Human Health

The Vital Connection: Soil → Plants → Human Health

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The Vital Connection: Soil → Plants → Human Health

The Vital Connection: Soil → Plants → Human Health

True health begins in the soil. The vitality of our food, and by extension our cells, hormones, and mitochondria, depends directly on the vitality of the microbial world beneath our feet. When the soil thrives, we thrive. When it’s poisoned or depleted, the entire chain of life weakens.

Regenerative farming is the only agricultural model that actively restores this foundation. It rebuilds soil organic matter, revives microbial diversity, restores nutrient cycles, sequesters carbon, and produces food with greater nutrient density and life force. This isn’t an abstract ideal; it’s biology.

Glyphosate: Proven Damage to Soil, Nutrition, and Human Health

Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup and the world’s most widely used herbicide, has been conclusively shown to devastate soil ecosystems. Decades of research confirm that glyphosate disrupts beneficial soil microbes, impairs nutrient uptake in plants, and leaves behind residues that harm both environmental and human health.

1. Destruction of Soil Microbes

Multiple peer-reviewed studies have demonstrated that glyphosate:

  • Kills beneficial soil bacteria and fungi, such as nitrogen-fixing Rhizobium and mycorrhizal fungi, essential for plant nutrient absorption.
  • Reduces microbial diversity and resilience, leading to an imbalance that favors pathogens and soil infertility.
  • Chelates vital minerals such as manganese, zinc, iron, and cobalt, binding them so they are no longer bioavailable to plants, and therefore to humans who consume them.
    (References: Kremer & Means, Plant and Soil, 2009; Mertens et al., Science of the Total Environment, 2018; Van Bruggen et al., Frontiers in Environmental Science, 2021.)

2. Nutrient Depletion in Plants → Nutrient Depletion in Humans

When soil microbes die and minerals are chelated, crops contain measurably fewer nutrients. Numerous comparative analyses show that produce grown on glyphosate-treated or conventionally managed soils has significantly lower concentrations of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants than organically or regeneratively grown counterparts.
(References: Reganold & Wachter, Nature Plants, 2016; Smith et al., Antioxidants, 2024.)

This depletion translates directly into the human body. Declining mineral density in our food supply has been documented globally since the mid-20th century, correlating with the rise of chemical agriculture. What we eat today often contains a fraction of the magnesium, zinc, and selenium our grandparents’ diets provided.

3. Mitochondrial and Metabolic Disruption

Glyphosate doesn’t stop at the soil. It accumulates in food and water and interferes with human biochemistry in several well-defined ways:

  • It inhibits the shikimate pathway in gut microbes, leading to dysbiosis and reduced synthesis of key amino acids, folates, and aromatic compounds essential for detoxification and mitochondrial function.
  • It generates oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage in animal and human cell studies, impairing ATP production — the very energy currency of life.
  • Glyphosate exposure is associated with increased mitochondrial dysfunction biomarkers in human studies (elevated methylmalonic acid, MeFox, and oxidative DNA damage markers).
    (References: López et al., Toxics, 2025; Gasnier et al., Toxicology, 2009; Antoniou et al., Frontiers in Environmental Science, 2021.)

4. Disruption of Deuterium Homeostasis

Recent biochemical research further demonstrates that glyphosate interferes with deuterium regulation — the delicate balance of heavy hydrogen isotopes that influences mitochondrial water structure and ATP generation.
By damaging microbial and enzymatic systems that manage deuterium flow, glyphosate raises deuterium burden inside the cell, thickening mitochondrial water, clogging ATPase turbines, and decreasing cellular energy output.
The result: systemic mitochondrial dysfunction, fatigue, and accelerated degenerative disease.
(Reference: Seneff et al., 2025, “Deuterium, Glyphosate, and the Glycocalyx.”)

This is not speculation. It’s the mechanistic proof of what clinicians have observed for decades: as the soil dies, so does the spark within human cells.

Regenerative Farming: The Proven Path Back to Health

The antidote is clear. Regenerative and organic farming rebuild what chemical agriculture destroys. The evidence shows that regenerative practices:

  • Restore microbial life and nutrient cycling in soil
  • Produce food richer in vitamins, minerals, polyphenols, and antioxidants
  • Eliminate harmful residues and restore biological integrity
  • Sequester carbon, retain water, and prevent erosion
  • Strengthen the immune and hormonal resilience of humans and ecosystems nourished by it

These are measurable outcomes, not marketing claims. The soil’s microbial density, carbon content, and enzymatic activity increase year after year when regenerative methods replace glyphosate and synthetic fertilizers.

Your Role: Reclaim the Food Chain

You have power in every purchase and every relationship you build with your local food producers.

Find and support your local regenerative and organic farmers.

  • Visit your farmers’ market and ask how they treat their soil.
  • Choose CSA shares and grocers that source from regenerative operations.
  • Advocate for local policies and school programs that fund regenerative agriculture.
  • Even grow something yourself, compost, plant diversity, and avoid chemicals.

Every dollar spent on regenerative food is an act of planetary and personal medicine.

Conclusion

Glyphosate and industrial agriculture have systematically stripped our soils of life, our crops of nutrients, and our bodies of vitality. The science is unequivocal: when soil microbial ecosystems collapse, so do the nutritional and energetic foundations of human health.

Regenerative farming is the only model proven to reverse that collapse, rebuilding the living bridge between earth, food, and mitochondria.

If we are serious about healing chronic disease, restoring mitochondrial energy, and securing real food for future generations, we must start where health begins: in living soil.

Support your local regenerative farmer, and help rebuild the foundation of life itself.

How Oxygen Fights Cancer: The Role of EWOT in Tumor Health and Immune Support - Exercising on bikes

How Oxygen Fights Cancer: The Role of EWOT in Tumor Health and Immune Support

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How Oxygen Fights Cancer: The Role of EWOT in Tumor Health and Immune Support

How Oxygen Fights Cancer: The Role of EWOT in Tumor Health and Immune Support

Cancer isn’t just a cluster of rogue cells, it’s a dynamic and evolving environment. Within that environment, oxygen plays a powerful and often underestimated role. Emerging research suggests that therapies that boost oxygen levels, such as Exercise With Oxygen Therapy (EWOT), may help to weaken tumors and strengthen the body’s own defense systems.

In this article, we’ll explore how oxygen affects the tumor microenvironment, how it lowers harmful factors like VEGF and HIF-1, and why increasing oxygen through EWOT could be a supportive tool in cancer care.

Understanding the Tumor Microenvironment

Cancer cells don’t grow in isolation. They interact with and manipulate their surroundings—blood vessels, immune cells, connective tissue, and signaling molecules—to create a supportive habitat called the tumor microenvironment (TME).

One of the defining characteristics of the TME is hypoxia—a lack of oxygen. As tumors grow rapidly, they often outpace their blood supply, leaving areas within the tumor starved for oxygen. This low-oxygen environment isn’t just a side effect; it actually helps tumors thrive.

Why Hypoxia Fuels Cancer

When oxygen levels drop, cancer cells activate survival mechanisms. Two of the most important players in this hypoxic response are:

1. HIF-1 (Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1)

HIF-1 is a transcription factor that becomes stabilized in low oxygen conditions. Once active, HIF-1 turns on genes that help cancer cells survive and spread, including those that:

  • Promote angiogenesis (new blood vessel growth)
  • Increase glucose metabolism (a hallmark of cancer)
  • Suppress immune detection

2. VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor)

HIF-1 directly stimulates VEGF, a key driver of blood vessel formation. While new vessels might sound good, tumor blood vessels are often leaky and disorganized, worsening hypoxia and making it harder for chemotherapy or immune cells to reach the tumor.

In short: hypoxia → HIF-1 activation → VEGF upregulation → chaotic tumor growth and immune evasion.

How Oxygen Can Turn the Tables

By increasing oxygen availability in the tumor microenvironment, we can disrupt this vicious cycle.

Oxygen downregulates HIF-1

Oxygen is a natural suppressor of HIF-1. In well-oxygenated conditions, HIF-1 is rapidly degraded and cannot trigger the cascade of genes that protect the tumor.

Oxygen reduces VEGF expression

With lower HIF-1 activity, the production of VEGF also drops. This can help “normalize” the tumor vasculature, improving blood flow, reducing metastasis, and enhancing the delivery of therapies.

Oxygen supports the immune response

Immune cells, especially cytotoxic T-cells and natural killer (NK) cells, require oxygen to function optimally. In a hypoxic environment, their ability to recognize and destroy cancer cells is impaired. Oxygen-rich conditions help restore immune surveillance and anti-tumor activity.

What is EWOT? (Exercise With Oxygen Therapy)

EWOT combines moderate exercise (usually on a bike or treadmill) with the inhalation of high-concentration oxygen, typically delivered through a mask hooked up to an oxygen concentrator or reservoir.

The combination of movement and high flow rate oxygen consumption creates a synergistic effect:

  • Exercise increases heart rate and blood flow
  • Oxygen is more effectively delivered to tissues, including poorly perfused areas
  • Over time, EWOT may improve microcirculation and oxygen utilization at the cellular level

This method has been used for decades in sports performance and chronic disease management, but it’s now gaining attention in integrative oncology settings.

Potential Benefits of EWOT in Cancer Care

While EWOT is not a standalone treatment for cancer, it may offer adjunctive support by:

  • Improving tissue oxygenation, especially in areas with poor blood supply
  • Lowering HIF-1 and VEGF expression, disrupting tumor growth signals
  • Enhancing immune function, helping the body mount a stronger anti-cancer response
  • Boosting mitochondrial function, which may improve energy metabolism and recovery
  • Enhancing effectiveness of therapies, such as radiation and some forms of chemotherapy, which depend on oxygen for maximum efficacy

A Word of Caution

While the science behind oxygen and cancer is compelling, it’s important to note that not all cancers behave the same way, and oxygen therapy is not a cure. Anyone considering EWOT should do so under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider—preferably one with experience in integrative oncology.

Conclusion: Oxygen as an Ally

The idea that something as simple as oxygen could weaken cancer may seem surprising, but the research is catching up to what many clinicians are already seeing in practice. By targeting the hypoxic tumor microenvironment, therapies like EWOT may help tip the balance in favor of healing.

In the battle against cancer, oxygen isn’t just a passive participant, it’s a powerful ally.

Further Reading / Sources

  • Semenza, G.L. (2012). Hypoxia-inducible factors: mediators of cancer progression and targets for cancer therapy. Trends in Pharmacological Sciences.
  • Vaupel, P. & Mayer, A. (2007). Hypoxia in cancer: significance and impact on clinical outcome. Cancer and Metastasis Reviews.
  • Allen, J. et al. (2018). The role of oxygen in cancer therapy: strategies to overcome hypoxia. Nature Reviews Cancer.

The Benefits of Intramuscular B12 and Vitamin Shots for Optimizing Health and Energy - woman feeling good

The Benefits of Intramuscular B12 and Vitamin Shots for Optimizing Health and Energy

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The Benefits of Intramuscular B12 and Vitamin Shots for Optimizing Health and Energy

The Benefits of Intramuscular B12 and Vitamin Shots for Optimizing Health and Energy

In today’s fast-paced world, fatigue, brain fog, and nutrient depletion are common complaints. While oral supplementation can help, intramuscular (IM) vitamin shots deliver nutrients directly, bypassing digestive limitations and providing faster, more efficient results. Among the most popular options are B12 (methylcobalamin and hydroxycobalamin), carnitine, taurine, B-complex, and biotin. Together, these nutrients play a powerful role in restoring energy, enhancing metabolism, and supporting overall health.

Why Choose Intramuscular Vitamin Shots?

Unlike pills or powders, IM shots ensure maximum absorption because they bypass the gastrointestinal tract, where absorption can be inconsistent due to digestive issues, medications, or genetic variations. Patients often report an immediate or same-day boost in energy and mental clarity after treatment. Regular injections can help maintain consistent nutrient levels and support long-term wellness goals.

Key Nutrients and Their Benefits

Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin & Hydroxycobalamin)

B12 is essential for energy production, red blood cell formation, and nervous system health.

  • Methylcobalamin: The active form that supports neurological health, mood balance, and detoxification.
  • Hydroxycobalamin: A longer-lasting form, ideal for sustained energy and supporting detox pathways, especially for those with genetic variations affecting methylation.

Benefits: Increased energy, improved mood, sharper cognition, reduced brain fog, and better nerve function.

Carnitine

Carnitine is a key player in fat metabolism, helping transport fatty acids into mitochondria where they are burned for energy.

  • Supports endurance and physical performance
  • Enhances fat-burning potential
  • Protects against muscle fatigue

Benefits: More efficient energy production, improved exercise recovery, and support for cardiovascular and mitochondrial health.

Taurine

An amino acid with antioxidant and detoxifying properties. Taurine plays a vital role in electrolyte balance, liver function, and cardiovascular protection.

  • Regulates hydration and cellular energy
  • Supports detoxification
  • Enhances focus and mental clarity

Benefits: Reduced oxidative stress, liver support, and improved exercise capacity.

B-Complex

The B-vitamin family works synergistically to support energy production, mood balance, and stress resilience.

  • B1 (Thiamine): Helps convert food into energy
  • B2 (Riboflavin) & B3 (Niacin): Essential for mitochondrial health
  • B5 (Pantothenic Acid): Supports adrenal function and stress response
  • B6 (Pyridoxine): Aids neurotransmitter synthesis and hormone balance

Benefits: Better energy stability, reduced stress, balanced mood, and optimal nervous system function.

Biotin

Often called the “beauty vitamin,” biotin is essential for hair, skin, and nail health as well as carbohydrate and fat metabolism.

  • Strengthens hair and nails
  • Supports blood sugar balance
  • Enhances skin health

Benefits: Improved skin integrity, stronger hair and nails, and support for metabolic function.

Who Can Benefit Most?

  • Individuals with fatigue or low energy
  • People with digestive issues or poor nutrient absorption
  • Athletes looking for performance and recovery support
  • Those under high stress or with adrenal burnout
  • People on medications (like metformin or PPIs) that deplete nutrients
  • Anyone seeking optimized mitochondrial health, detox support, and longevity

The Bottom Line

Intramuscular B12 and vitamin shots provide a direct, efficient way to fuel your body with essential nutrients. Whether you’re seeking more energy, improved focus, better recovery, or enhanced metabolic health, these injections can be a powerful tool for optimizing wellness.

At Elevate Health, we offer customized vitamin injection protocols tailored to your unique needs—helping you feel energized, balanced, and resilient from the inside out.

Well-Being as a Priority: Filling Your Cup First

Well-Being as a Priority: Filling Your Cup First

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Well-Being as a Priority: Filling Your Cup First

Well-Being as a Priority: Filling Your Cup First

In today’s busy world, it’s easy to believe that success, productivity, or self-sacrifice defines our worth. But the truth is, well-being isn’t a luxury; it’s the foundation of a meaningful life. The frequency we carry, the happiness we embody, and the love we allow ourselves to receive ripple outwards, influencing not only our own experience but also the lives of everyone around us.

The Energy We Share

Every interaction carries an exchange of energy. When we show up depleted, stressed, or running on empty, others can feel it, even if it’s unspoken. Conversely, when we prioritize our well-being, cultivate joy, and embody a state of peace, that radiance becomes contagious. Our presence alone has the power to uplift family, friends, colleagues, and even strangers.

Releasing Limiting Beliefs

Many of us hold subconscious beliefs that block us from receiving care and nourishment. We may think:

  • “I don’t deserve time for myself.”
  • “Taking care of me is selfish.”
  • “I’ll rest once everything else is done.”

These self-limiting stories create a cycle of burnout and disconnection. But what if we reframed self-care as an act of generosity? By giving to ourselves, we expand our capacity to give authentically to others. Letting go of outdated expectations opens the door to deeper freedom, balance, and joy.

The Cup Metaphor

Imagine your energy as a cup. When the cup is full, you can pour into the lives of those you love with ease. But if you keep giving while the cup is empty, eventually there is nothing left—only exhaustion and resentment. Prioritizing well-being isn’t about indulgence; it’s about ensuring that your cup is replenished so you can give from a place of wholeness rather than depletion.

Practical Ways to Prioritize Well-Being

  • Create sacred pauses: Schedule small daily rituals like mindful breathing, journaling, or a quiet walk.
  • Practice receiving: Accept help, kindness, or compliments without deflecting. This strengthens your ability to feel supported.
  • Release perfection: Redefine success not by what you accomplish, but by how aligned and joyful you feel in the process.
  • Nurture your body: Rest deeply, nourish yourself with wholesome foods, and move in ways that bring pleasure.
  • Set boundaries: Protect your energy by saying no when necessary, and yes when it truly feels aligned.

A Ripple Effect of Well-Being

When you treat your own well-being as a priority, you’re not only healing yourself—you’re modeling what’s possible for others. Your children, your community, and your loved ones see what it looks like to live with balance, self-respect, and joy. That ripple effect can inspire change far beyond what you might imagine.

Final Thought

Your well-being is not a side project or something to fit in “when there’s time.” It is the foundation upon which your capacity to love, create, and serve rests. When you choose to fill your cup, you are choosing a life that not only feels better for you, but radiates love and possibility to the world around you.

Mistletoe in Cancer Care

Mistletoe in Cancer Care: What Johns Hopkins Found and Why It Matters

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Mistletoe in Cancer Care: What Johns Hopkins Found and Why It Matters

Mistletoe in Cancer Care: What Johns Hopkins Found and Why It Matters

When you hear the word mistletoe, chances are you think of the holidays, green sprigs hanging in doorways, warm gatherings, maybe even a kiss. But there’s another side to this humble plant that’s been quietly making waves in the medical world. Researchers are now exploring mistletoe not as a festive decoration, but as a potential partner in cancer care.

At Johns Hopkins, a team of oncologists recently conducted the first U.S. clinical trial on mistletoe extract for patients with advanced cancer. Around the same time, the book Mistletoe and the Emerging Future of Integrative Oncology was published, sharing stories and insights about how this plant is already being used in integrative medicine around the world.

Together, the study and the book tell a story of ancient wisdom meeting modern science, and of new hope for patients looking for more holistic options in their care.

The Johns Hopkins Trial: A First Step in the U.S.

In 2023, the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center tested an intravenous form of mistletoe extract called Helixor M in patients with advanced, treatment-resistant cancers.

The trial was small, but the findings were encouraging:

  • Safety came first. Mistletoe was given through an IV three times a week. Even at higher doses, side effects were generally mild, things like fatigue, chills, or nausea.
  • Some patients stabilized. A number of participants had their cancer remain stable for several weeks to months, and a few even saw their tumors shrink temporarily.
  • Quality of life improved. Perhaps most striking, patients reported feeling better overall, more energy, improved mood, and a stronger sense of well-being.

For doctors, this matters. It shows that mistletoe can be safely studied in the U.S., and that it may not only affect cancer itself, but also how people feel during treatment. That’s a big deal in oncology, where side effects and exhaustion can take such a toll.

Beyond the Data: A Book of Stories and Perspective

While the Johns Hopkins trial focused on clinical safety and outcomes, the book Mistletoe and the Emerging Future of Integrative Oncology brings the human side into the picture.

Written by integrative oncologists and practitioners, the book explores mistletoe therapy as part of a larger movement to blend conventional cancer treatment with holistic approaches. In Europe, mistletoe has been used for decades alongside chemotherapy and radiation, not as a replacement, but as a complement.

Some of the key messages from the book include:

  • Healing is more than fighting disease. It’s also about restoring vitality, easing side effects, and helping patients feel like themselves again.
  • Bridging two worlds. Mistletoe symbolizes a bridge between modern science and natural medicine, offering patients the best of both.
  • Personalized care matters. No two people are the same, and mistletoe therapy can be adapted to the individual, something patients often long for in their treatment journey.

The tone is hopeful, human, and deeply patient-centered.

Why Mistletoe Could Be a Game-Changer

Cancer care is often laser-focused on the tumor. But patients know their journey is about so much more, their energy, resilience, emotions, and quality of life. That’s where therapies like mistletoe could shine.

  • It may support the immune system, helping the body cope with both cancer and conventional treatments.
  • It has shown potential to reduce side effects and improve well-being.
  • It represents a philosophy of care that honors the whole person, not just the disease.

We’re still at the beginning of this journey in the U.S., and mistletoe isn’t a stand-alone cure. But when science and holistic wisdom meet, the result is often a more compassionate, balanced approach to healing.

A Closing Reflection

It feels almost poetic: the same plant we hang in doorways to bring people together might also help bring two sides of medicine together, conventional oncology and integrative healing.

Mistletoe may be rooted in ancient tradition, but its role in modern cancer care is just beginning to blossom.

For patients and families searching for options that care for both body and spirit, this little green plant could hold surprising promise.

If you’re interested in learning more about mistletoe therapy and integrative cancer care, resources like Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center and the book Mistletoe and the Emerging Future of Integrative Oncology are wonderful places to start.

Treadmills - The Healing Power of EWOT: Exercising With Oxygen Therapy

The Healing Power of EWOT: Exercising With Oxygen Therapy

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The Healing Power of EWOT: Exercising With Oxygen Therapy

The Healing Power of EWOT: Exercising With Oxygen Therapy

At Elevate Health, we are committed to bringing you cutting-edge tools that optimize health, extend vitality, and support healing. One of the therapies we are most excited about is EWOT, Exercising With Oxygen Therapy. This innovative approach combines the power of movement with the restorative potential of oxygen to unlock profound benefits for the body, from vascular repair to athletic performance.

What is EWOT?

EWOT involves exercising—such as on a stationary bike, treadmill, or elliptical—while breathing concentrated, high flow rate oxygen through a mask. By increasing oxygen availability during physical activity, EWOT supercharges your body’s ability to deliver oxygen where it’s needed most: to your tissues, cells, and capillary networks.

Healing the Endothelium & Improving Vascular Health

The endothelium is the delicate inner lining of your blood vessels. It regulates blood flow, nutrient exchange, and plays a critical role in preventing cardiovascular disease. Unfortunately, modern stressors—like poor diet, toxins, and chronic inflammation—can damage these cells over time.

EWOT promotes endothelial repair by enhancing oxygen delivery and improving circulation. Better endothelial function means healthier, more resilient blood vessels, reduced arterial stiffness, and improved overall cardiovascular health.

Boosting VO₂ Max and Athletic Performance

For athletes, VO₂ Max—the maximum amount of oxygen your body can utilize during exercise—is a gold standard measure of performance. Training with oxygen raises this ceiling by conditioning the cardiovascular system to use oxygen more efficiently.

That means:

  • Greater endurance
  • Improved recovery times
  • Enhanced resilience under stress

Competitive athletes from endurance sports to high-intensity training are increasingly turning to EWOT as a legal, non-invasive edge.

A Game-Changer for Cardiac Rehab and Preventative Care

EWOT isn’t just for athletes. It’s also an incredible tool for cardiac rehabilitation and preventative health. Patients recovering from cardiovascular events can rebuild vascular strength, expand capillary density, and restore efficient circulation under safe, guided conditions.

For those seeking preventative care, EWOT provides a proactive way to:

  • Support heart health
  • Reduce risk factors for chronic illness
  • Maintain energy and vitality as you age

Reversing Biological Aging at the Capillary Level

Aging begins at the smallest unit of circulation—the capillary bed. Over time, capillaries can become stiff, dysfunctional, or lost altogether, reducing the body’s ability to deliver oxygen and nutrients.

By restoring oxygen saturation and driving circulation into these microvascular networks, EWOT helps reverse biological aging at the level of the capillary bed. This means healthier tissues, more energy, and a stronger foundation for long-term vitality.

Who Can Benefit from EWOT?

  • Competitive athletes looking for performance gains
  • Patients in cardiac rehab rebuilding strength safely
  • Adults focused on prevention and healthy aging
  • Anyone seeking improved energy, circulation, and vitality

Take the Next Step

Whether you’re an athlete striving for the next level, a patient focused on recovery, or simply someone who wants to stay strong and vibrant as you age, EWOT is a powerful tool for your health journey.

Call us at 808-421-7753 to learn more about how EWOT sessions at Elevate Health can support your unique goals.

High-Dose IV Vitamin C and Cancer: What You Need to Know

High-Dose IV Vitamin C and Cancer: What You Need to Know

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High-Dose IV Vitamin C and Cancer:
What You Need to Know

High-Dose IV Vitamin C and Cancer: What You Need to Know

High-dose intravenous vitamin C (IVC), typically 50 grams or more per infusion. is being studied worldwide as a promising adjunct, or integrative treatment, to conventional cancer care. At these higher doses, vitamin C acts very differently than when taken orally, and research suggests it may help shrink tumors, improve outcomes, and reduce treatment side effects.

How It Works

When given intravenously, vitamin C bypasses tight gut absorption controls and reaches blood levels 100–500 times higher than oral dosing NCI PDQ, 2024. At these concentrations, vitamin C can act as a pro-oxidant in tumors, generating hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). Cancer cells, often deficient in detox enzymes, are more vulnerable to this oxidative stress, while healthy cells neutralize it effectively Chen et al., PNAS 2008.

Clinical Evidence So Far

  • Ovarian cancer: In a small randomized study, adding high-dose IVC to carboplatin and paclitaxel reduced chemotherapy-related toxicity and showed signs of improved effectiveness Ma et al., Sci Transl Med 2014.
  • Pancreatic cancer: A phase 2 randomized trial found patients receiving IVC (75 g, three times weekly) alongside gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel lived significantly longer than those on chemotherapy alone Bodeker et al., Redox Biology 2024.
  • Glioblastoma (brain cancer): In a phase I trial, IVC combined safely with radiation and temozolomide and showed encouraging survival signals Allen et al., Clin Cancer Res 2019.

These results are early but consistent: IVC is safe when monitored correctly and may improve both quality of life and survival when paired with standard treatments.

Safety and Screening

High-dose IVC is well-tolerated when patients are properly screened. Important precautions include:

  • G6PD testing: to rule out deficiency and prevent hemolysis NCI PDQ, 2024.
  • Kidney function check
  • Glucose monitoring caution: high-dose IVC can cause false high readings on fingerstick glucose meters UCSF Lab Advisory, 2019.

Synergy With Conventional Care

What excites researchers most is IVC’s synergy with standard therapies:

  • Enhancing chemotherapy effects while reducing side effects (ovarian, pancreatic).
  • Acting as a radiosensitizer, making tumors more sensitive to radiation, while protecting normal tissue Doskey et al., Cancer Res 2018.
  • Potentially supporting immune responses, with early lab data suggesting improved activity of checkpoint inhibitors.

Key Takeaway

High-dose IV vitamin C is not a cure by itself. But research, including randomized trials, is showing that when used integratively, it improves survival and reduce side effects for some cancers. With proper medical supervision and safety screening, IVC represents an exciting integrative option for patients seeking to strengthen outcomes and resilience during treatment.

References

  1. National Cancer Institute. PDQ® Vitamin C (Intravenous) – Health Professional Version.
  2. Ma Y, et al. Sci Transl Med. 2014;6(222):222ra18.
  3. Bodeker K, et al. Redox Biol. 2024;65:102299.
  4. Allen BG, et al. Clin Cancer Res. 2019;25(23):7416–7428.
  5. Chen Q, et al. PNAS. 2008;105(32):11105–11109.
  6. Doskey CM, et al. Cancer Res. 2018;78(24):6838–6848.
The Mediterranean Keto Diet for Prostate Cancer: avocado, oil, and nuts

The Mediterranean Keto Diet for Prostate Cancer: A Therapeutic Approach to Nutrition

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The Mediterranean Keto Diet for Prostate Cancer: A Therapeutic Approach to Nutrition

The Mediterranean Keto Diet for Prostate Cancer: A Therapeutic Approach to Nutrition

Nutrition plays a vital role in supporting men with prostate cancer. Emerging evidence shows that dietary strategies can influence cancer metabolism, inflammation, and overall treatment outcomes. One approach gaining interest is the Mediterranean Ketogenic Diet (Med-Keto),a therapeutic blend of two powerful dietary patterns: the cancer-targeting effects of ketosis with the anti-inflammatory and heart-protective benefits of the Mediterranean diet.

Why Consider Ketogenic Nutrition in Prostate Cancer?

Cancer cells often rely heavily on glucose (sugar) for energy. A ketogenic diet, which restricts carbohydrates and emphasizes fat as the primary fuel source, lowers circulating glucose and insulin levels while increasing ketones, an alternative fuel that healthy cells can use efficiently but cancer cells cannot. Being in Nutritional Ketosis refers to a blood level over 0.5 mmol/L BHB.  Therapeutic ketosis is 3-7 mmol/L BHB. On-going daily goal is an average blood glucose level under 85mg/dl and a blood ketone level over a 0.5 mmol/L BHB.

For prostate cancer specifically, research suggests:

  • Lower insulin and IGF-1 signaling may reduce tumor growth drivers.
  • Promotes Autophagy, which Reduces inflammation and helps modulate the tumor microenvironment.
  • Inhibits Histone Deacetylase (HDAC)
  • Destablizes tumor tissue DNA
  • Promotes Immune regulation
  • Promotes mitochondrial biogenesis

Why Add a Mediterranean Foundation?

The Mediterranean diet has long been associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, better longevity, and anti-inflammatory effects—all critical for men undergoing prostate cancer treatment. By combining it with ketogenic principles, the diet remains therapeutic yet heart-healthy.

Key Mediterranean elements include:

  • Olive oil and avocado oil as primary fats.
  • Low-mercury fish (sardines, salmon, mackerel) for omega-3s.
  • Nuts and seeds (walnuts, chia, flax, pumpkin).
  • Herbs, spices, and aromatics (garlic, rosemary, turmeric) with anti-cancer compounds.
  • Leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables (spinach, kale, arugula, broccoli, cauliflower) that support detoxification and hormone metabolism.

Core Principles of a Mediterranean Keto Diet for Prostate Cancer

Low-Carb, High-Fat Balance

  • Keep daily net carbs between 20–35g to sustain ketosis.(check blood sugar and ketones twice daily to determine your ideal carb level).
  • Prioritize monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats over saturated fats.

Moderate Protein from Lean Sources

  • Choose fish, pasture-raised poultry, and plant-based proteins.
  • Limit red and processed meats, which are linked to higher prostate cancer risk.

Nutrient-Dense Vegetables 

  • Aim for 2+ servings of cruciferous and 2+ servings of leafy greens daily.
  • Include mushrooms, onions, and broccoli sprouts for added cancer-protective compounds.

Phytonutrient-Rich Extras

  • Small amounts of tomatoes (lycopene) and dark berries (anthocyanins) add targeted antioxidants.

Avoid Cow’s Dairy

  • Dairy (especially from cows) may promote insulin and IGF-1 signaling. Swap for nut-based alternatives or sheep/goat dairy in small amounts if tolerated.

Benefits for Prostate Cancer Patients

  • Metabolic health: Stabilizes blood sugar and insulin, which may reduce tumor-promoting pathways.
  • Hormone balance: Cruciferous vegetables provide sulforaphane and DIM, supporting estrogen metabolism and androgen signaling.
  • Mitochondrial function: Ketones enhance energy production in healthy cells.
  • Reduced inflammation: Omega-3s, olive oil, and polyphenols calm inflammatory cascades.
  • Cardiovascular protection: Essential since prostate cancer treatments can increase heart risks.

Practical Tips for Getting Started

Meal Framework:

  • Breakfast: Spinach and arugula salad with smoked salmon, olive oil, and avocado.
  • Lunch: Cauliflower “tabbouleh” with grilled chicken and tahini dressing.
  • Dinner: Baked wild salmon with broccoli, mushrooms, and a lemon-olive oil sauce.
  • Cooking Oils: Use olive oil for salads and low-heat, avocado oil for higher-heat cooking.
  • Snacks (if needed): Walnuts, macadamias, or cucumber slices with wild smoked salmon.
  • Seasoning: Use herbs liberally—rosemary, oregano, turmeric, and garlic are anti-inflammatory allies.

Conclusion

The Mediterranean Ketogenic Diet provides a powerful, evidence-informed nutritional strategy for men with prostate cancer. By blending the cancer-metabolism benefits of ketosis with the anti-inflammatory, heart-protective strengths of the Mediterranean diet, this approach offers a sustainable path that nourishes the body, supports treatment, and promotes long-term health.

As always, dietary changes should be personalized and guided by a qualified practitioner—especially when combined with cancer therapies.

Better Results Through Integrative Synergy: How ThermoField® Hyperthermia Enhances Cancer Treatment at Elevate Health

Better Results Through Integrative Synergy: How ThermoField® Hyperthermia Enhances Cancer Treatment at Elevate Health

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Better Results Through Integrative Synergy: How ThermoField® Hyperthermia Enhances Cancer Treatment at Elevate Health

Better Results Through Integrative Synergy: How ThermoField® Hyperthermia Enhances Cancer Treatment at Elevate Health

At Elevate Health, our mission is to help people with cancer achieve the best outcomes possible—not just survival, but vitality, comfort, and confidence in their treatment path. That’s why we offer regional hyperthermia therapy using the ThermoField® device—a powerful tool that, when integrated with conventional and functional oncology, can help patients experience more effective treatment responses and measurable symptom relief.

Used throughout Europe for decades and gaining traction in advanced integrative clinics worldwide, regional hyperthermia is more than supportive care—it’s a synergistic enhancer of outcomes.

What Is Hyperthermia Therapy?

Hyperthermia is the use of therapeutic heat—typically 104°F to 113°F (40°C to 45°C)—to selectively weaken cancer cells and enhance the impact of other treatments. At Elevate Health, we use the ThermoField® medical device to deliver regional or local hyperthermia, precisely targeting tumors or affected tissues without harming healthy cells.

This technique is non-invasive, well-tolerated, and backed by a growing body of evidence showing that it can help make standard therapies—like chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy—work more effectively.

We offer local and regional hyperthermia only. Whole-body hyperthermia is not available in the U.S.

Why Hyperthermia? Better Outcomes Through Integration

1. Makes Cancer Cells More Vulnerable to Treatment

Hyperthermia enhances the effects of chemotherapy and radiation by:

  • Improving blood flow to tumor areas
  • Increasing oxygenation, which helps radiation work better
  • Disrupting cancer cell repair mechanisms

In a controlled trial, patients with recurrent breast cancer had significantly better local control and overall outcomes when hyperthermia was added to radiation therapy.
van der Zee J, et al., Lancet Oncology, 2001.

This synergy means that therapies are more likely to work—and more likely to last.

2. Amplifies Immune Activation

Hyperthermia also helps your immune system do its job. It activates:

  • Heat shock proteins that make tumors more “visible” to immune cells
  • Dendritic cells that initiate adaptive immune responses
  • Natural killer (NK) cells that help destroy abnormal cells

These mechanisms make hyperthermia a smart pairing with mistletoe therapy, IV vitamin C, or metabolic therapies already used in integrative oncology.

Frey et al., 2020, found hyperthermia to be a significant enhancer of immune recognition in cancer models.

3. Provides Measurable Symptom Relief

While the primary goal is improved therapeutic effectiveness, many patients also report tangible benefits in symptom control:

  • Reduced inflammation in treated areas
  • Decreased pain or discomfort around tumor sites or lymph nodes

At Elevate Health, we track symptom changes throughout your care and often see improvements in pain scores, mobility, and swelling, especially in the weeks following hyperthermia treatment.

Who Benefits from Regional Hyperthermia?

This therapy is most often used with:

  • Breast, prostate, ovarian, colorectal, or pancreatic cancers
  • Lymphatic involvement or soft-tissue recurrence
  • Tumors that are hypoxic or radiation-resistant
  • Patients using low-dose chemo, hormone therapy, or immunotherapy

We tailor its use to your care goals—whether you’re aiming to enhance treatment efficacy, reduce local tumor burden, or improve quality of life.

A Synergistic Tool in Personalized Cancer Care

Hyperthermia is not a standalone treatment—its value lies in synergy. At Elevate Health, it is part of a deeply personalized, data-informed plan that may include:

  • Mistletoe and immune therapies
  • IV therapies like high-dose vitamin C, artesunate, alpha lipoic acid
  • Repurposed medications based on tumor biology
  • Nutritional interventions (e.g., therapeutic mitochondrial supportive, ketogenic diets)
  • Functional lab testing and tracking of tumor markers, inflammation, and immune health

Our goal is simple: better outcomes for people with cancer, delivered safely and compassionately.

Why Patients and Practitioners Trust It

Patients choose ThermoField® hyperthermia at Elevate Health because it:

  • Boosts the power of standard treatments
  • Reduces inflammation and pain in targeted areas
  • Is non-invasive and compatible with many treatment plans
  • Honors the whole-person model of integrative healing

In a time when resilience matters more than ever, this therapy offers both a scientific edge and tangible comfort.

Scientific References

  1. Van der Zee, J., et al. (2001). “Comparison of radiotherapy alone with radiotherapy plus hyperthermia in locally advanced pelvic tumours.” Lancet Oncology, 2(9), 556–563.
  2. Datta, N. R., et al. (2015). “Local hyperthermia combined with radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy: Recent advances and promises for the future.” Cancer Treatment Reviews, 41(9), 742–753.
  3. Frey, B., et al. (2020). “Immune modulation by heat shock proteins and hyperthermia.” Cancer Immunology Research, 8(2), 205–215.

Experience the healing power of gentle, targeted heat. Schedule your ThermoField® hyperthermia session at Elevate Health today.

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