#Jon DeBow

[jon-debow-blog]

Iodine helps prevents breast cancer

New Post has been published on http://jondebow.com/iodine-helps-prevents-breast-cancer/

Iodine helps prevents breast cancer

Iodine and breast cancer

Big Pharma has no financial interest in looking at any natural product, including iodine. Q: Does iodine supplementation cause goiter? A: No. Iodine deficiency causes goiter, not iodine supplementation. Medical research has shown this for over 100 years. Q: Does iodine deficiency cause breast cancer? A: Breast cancer is a multi-factorial illness. However, the evidence linking iodine deficiency to breast cancer is overwhelming. Iodine deficiency may not be the sole cause of the epidemic of breast cancer that is plaguing us today, but, it plays a very large role in this illness. – Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can’t Live Without It by David Brownstein, M.D.

The thyroid gland needs approximately 6mg/day of iodine for sufficiency. The breasts need at least 5mg of iodine; that leaves 2mg (13mg-llmg) of iodine for the rest of the body. This 2mg is still well above the RDA (14x the RDA) of 150mcg/day of iodine. Either way, this would explain why the RDA for iodine is inadequate and why it is necessary not only to get your iodine levels evaluated but, more importantly, to supplement with the correct amount and form of iodine. FINAL THOUGHTS The connection between iodine deficiency and breast cancer as well as fibrocystic breast disease is strong. – Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can’t Live Without It by David Brownstein, M.D.

Donnie Yance, a health care provider who works with many women diagnosed with breast cancer, believes that a genetic predisposition to a weak immune system is a very strong risk factor for breast cancer. Iodine and thyroid hormones (both natural and synthetic) generally reduce risk of breast cancer. Max Gerson, M.D., an acclaimed (and controversial) cancer specialist, believed that iodine was critical to the process of countering cancer. Some researchers speculate that the low rate of breast cancer in Japan is due to the iodine-rich diet. – Breast Cancer? Breast Health! The Wise Woman Way by Susun S. Weed

At iodine sufficiency, the largest amounts of iodine are found in fat tissue and muscle (striated) tissue. If obesity is present, the body’s need for iodine increases as the fat cells of the body would require more iodine. As previously mentioned, women’s breasts are major sites for iodine storage. Maintaining adequate iodine levels is necessary to ensure an adequately functioning thyroid gland and normal breast architecture. I believe it will also lower the incidence of breast cancer and help women overcome breast cancer. – Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can’t Live Without It by David Brownstein, M.D.

Breast milk contains more iodine than formula milk and premature babies who are formula-fed may be at risk of deficiency. Iodine deficiency may play a role in fibrocystic breast disease. Hypothyroidism and iodine deficiency may also increase the risk of breast cancer, as a higher incidence of disease has been found in iodine-deficient areas. Good sources of iodine include vegetables grown in iodine-rich soil, kelp, onions, milk, milk products, salt water fish and seafood. – The New Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements and Herbs by Nicola Reavley

Other than the thyroid, the highest concentration of iodine is found in women’s breast tissue. When the level of iodine is low, the risk of acquiring breast cancer is greater, and as we’re aware, the fluoride found in Prozac disrupts the iodine, reducing the iodine level. Also, women who acquire breast cancer normally have elevated estrogen and a low level of progesterone in their breast tissue as well. The natural progesterone keeps the estrogen levels in check, basically preventing the problem. And if you really want to prevent the problem, you should definitely avoid Paxil? – Antidepressants, Antipsychotics, And Stimulants – Dangerous Drugs on Trial by Dr David W Tanton, Ph.D.

Excess iodine is excreted in the urine or the sweat, tears, and bile. There have been no reported cases of iodine toxicity from naturally occurring sources in food or water. The RDA of iodine is 150 mcg for an adult male. Iodine deficiency has been known to cause hypothyroidism. It has been associated with increased cholesterol levels, atherosclerosis, fibrocystic breast disease, and breast cancer. Iodine deficiency can also be devastating to the developing brain, causing a mental retardation known as cretinism. Most developed countries, therefore, screen for hypothyroidism at birth. – Fundamentals of Naturopathic Endocrinology by Michael Friedman, ND

But to get back to the topic of seaweed and breast cancer, there is more in seaweed than just iodine. Seaweed as a popular dietary component in Japan is a rich source of both iodine and selenium. Selenium acts synergistically with iodine. Selenium status may affect both thyroid hormone regulation and iodine availability. – You Don’t Have to be Afraid of Cancer Anymore by Bill Sardi

Women are particularly at risk due to environmental agents depleting iodine reserves and other agents exposing them to radioactive 1-131. After the thyroid gland, the distal portions of the human mammary glands are the heaviest users/concentrators of iodine in tissue. Iodine is readily incorporated into the tissues surrounding the mammary nipples and is essential for the maintenance of healthy functioning breast tissue. The radioactive decay of 1-131 in breast tissue may be a significant factor in the initiation and progression of both breast cancer and some types of breast nodules. – Fundamentals of Naturopathic Endocrinology by Michael Friedman, ND

“There is growing evidence that Americans would have better health and a lower incidence of cancer and fibrocystic disease of the breast if they consumed more iodine,” he says. Miller points out that Japanese consumption of iodine through seaweed is many, many times that of the United States, and that the health comparisons between the two countries are disturbing. He suggests that iodine consumption may be one of the many reasons why the incidence of breast cancer is so high in the United States and so low in Japan. – The Most Effective Natural Cures on Earth: The Surprising, Unbiased Truth about What Treatments Work and Why by Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S.

The foods richest in iodine are dulse and kelp. All sea vegetables basically contain all of the minerals of the sea, bringing us a good source of trace minerals in general. Iodine seems to work as a monitor, or controller, for calcium metabolism. It’s one of the key minerals. Iodine has the highest frequency of all of Nature’s essential minerals. It supports enzyme systems that help the functioning of certain thyroid hormones and assists in regulating cellular metabolic rates. It may be helpful in protecting against breast cancer. – Spiritual Nutrition: Six Foundations for Spiritual Life and the Awakening of Kundalini by Gabriel Cousens, M.D.

Certain parts of the country have little or no iodine in the soil and isolated agrarian cultural groups who refrained from using iodized salt and cattle feed were subject to this disorder. Iodine deficiency in children may result in mental retardation. In addition, iodine deficiency has been linked to breast cancer and is associated with fatigue, neonatal hypothyroidism, and weight gain. – Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 4th Edition: A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & Food Supplements by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC

Women in Japan commonly consume seaweed, known for its iodine content. Seaweed is reported to reduce the risk for breast cancer. [Japanese Journal Cancer Research 92: 483-87, 2001] In one study, thyroid disease incidence was higher in breast cancer patients than in healthy women (58% versus 18%). But other studies do not confirm that abnormal thyroid hormone levels are associated with breast cancer. [Nutrition Cancer 27: 48-52, 1997] It may be that an increased ratio of thyroid hormone over estrogen sets up a growth-promoting effect on breast tumors. – You Don’t Have to be Afraid of Cancer Anymore by Bill Sardi

Read More… by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger Tags: iodine, breast cancer, health news

About the Author

[rubbishwalks]

Branded in Chippenham: Alcohol

In preparation for next year’s campaign (#LitterCounts), I thought I would share the brands of beverages we have found in Chippenham over the past several years. After each clean up, Jon counts the glass bottles, plastic bottles, and aluminium cans we have found, and records the number of each type and each brand. This has been an eye-opening experience; in three years, our individual rubbish walks and community clean ups have found:

918 glass bottles

3259 plastic bottles

3953 aluminium cans

... and 324 bags of general rubbish

Besides the sheer quantity of recyclable material found, the number of brands is also staggering. Who knew that the country needed 219 types of alcohol? Alcohol containers also comprise nearly one-third of the total recycling found.

So while you’re enjoying your Christmas sherry, click “keep reading” to see the list of alcohol that has ended up as litter in Chippenham, and consider joining us in cleaning up the community in 2018.

1.                1860 Imperial Vodka

2.                Absolut Vodka

3.                Activ Premium Vodka

4.                Alfie Gin and Diet Tonic

5.                Alfie Mixed Vodka

6.                Amaretto

7.                Amigos Tequilla Flavoured Beer

8.                Amstel Bier

9.                Anakena Wine

10.            Archers Schnapps

11.            Authentic Cocktail, Woo Woo

12.            Authentic Cocktail, Mojito

13.            Bacardi

14.            Barnstormer Black Cider

15.            Bavaria Lager

16.            Becks

17.            Belgium Lager

18.            Bells Whiskey

19.            Bengali Ale

20.            Ben Shaw's Original Bitter Shandy

21.            Berthold Keller Premium Lager

22.            Biere d'Or

23.            Birra Moretti

24.            Black Ace Cider

25.            Black Rat Premium Cider

26.            Black Sheep Ale

27.            Blackthorn Cider

28.            Blossom Hill White Zifandel

29.            Boddingtons

30.            Bounders Bath Ciders

31.            Breezer Spritzer

32.            BrewDog Punk IPA

33.            Brothers Pear Cider

34.            Budweiser

35.            Bulmer Cider

36.            Cactus Jack's Schnapps

37.            Caffrey's

38.            Captain Morgan's Gold and Cola

39.            Captain Morgan's White Rum Mojito

40.            Caribbean Twist Mixed Mango and White Rum

41.            Caribbean Twist Strawberry Daiquiri

42.            Carling

43.            Carling Black Label

44.            Carlsberg

45.            Carlsberg Export

46.            Carlsberg Somersby Cider

47.            Carlsberg Special Brew

48.            Carlsberg Citrus Hard Lemonade

49.            Carlsberg Kronenbourg 1664

50.            Cassini Wine

51.            Castlemaine XXXX Draft Lager

52.            Chardonnay Contenda

53.            Chase Elderflower Liquor

54.            Chekov Vodka

55.            Churchward Cider

56.            Ciecham Miodowe Beer

57.            Claymore Whiskey

58.            Cooperative Merlot Wine

59.            Coors Light

60.            Corky's Curious Alcohol Mix

61.            Country Choice Dry Cider

62.            Corona Extra

63.            Corona Light

64.            Crabbies' Alcoholic Ginger Beer

65.            Crabbies' Cider

66.            Crofter's Apple Cider

67.            Crumpton Oaks Farmhouse Dry Apple Cider

68.            Dark and Handsome Ale

69.            Debowe Mocne Beer

70.            Desperado Tequila Beer

71.            Diamond White Cider

72.            Dragon Soop Caffeine Alcoholic Beverage

73.            Erdinger Cider

74.            Eridge Vale Super Strong Cider

75.            Estrella Damm

76.            Foster's

77.            Foster's Export

78.            Foster's Gold

79.            Foster's Ice

80.            Foster's Radler

81.            Frosty Jack's Cider

82.            Gin and Diet Tonic

83.            Glen's JG Vodka

84.            Gordon's London Dried Gin

85.            Green Goblin Oak-Aged Cider

86.            Greenall's Dry Gin

87.            Grolsch

88.            Guinness Draft

89.            Guinness

90.            Hardy's Pinot Grigio

91.            Harp Lager

92.            Hawksridge Dark Fruit Cider

93.            Heineken

94.            Helden Brau Lager

95.            Henry Weston's Vintage Cider

96.            Hobgoblin

97.            Holsten Pils Lager

98.            Hooch

99.            Inch's Stonehouse Strong Cider

100.        Independent Spirit

101.        Irish Meadow Cream

102.        Isla Negra Wine

103.        Jack Daniels Whisky

104.        Jack Daniels Whisky and Cola

105.        Jack Daniels Whisky and Lemonade

106.        Jacob's Creek Wine

107.        Jacques Cider

108.        Jagermeister

109.        JP Chenet Wine

110.        John Smith's Extra Smooth

111.        John Smith's Bitter

112.        K Cider

113.        Kingstone Press Cider

114.        Kopparberg Cider

115.        Krakus Polish Vodka

116.        Lambrini

117.        Lambrusco dell'emilia Wine

118.        Laser Extra Strong White Cider

119.        Leffe Beer

120.        Lynx

121.        Magner's Cider

122.        Malibu Cola

123.        Manzana Loca Cider

124.        Marks & Spencer's Cider

125.        Marston Pedigree Beer

126.        Martini

127.        Mcewan's Champion Ale

128.        Morrison's Lager

129.        Mr Whitehead's Cider

130.        MyClassic Vodka and Orange Juice

131.        Mythos Hellenic Lager Beer

132.        Newcastle Brown Ale

133.        Okocim Premium Mocne

134.        Old Mount Cider

135.        Old Speckled Hen

136.        Oranjeboom Beer

137.        Paradise Bay Tropical Drink

138.        Perla Lager

139.        Pearly Bay Wine

140.        Pernod

141.        Perfect Serve Gin and Tonic

142.        Peroni Beer

143.        Petit Coronas Shot Vial

144.        Pimm's

145.        Pimm's and Lemonade

146.        Prince Consort Imperial Vodka

147.        Red Square Vodka

148.        Red Stripe Jamaica Lager Beer

149.        Rekorderlig Cider

150.        Sainsbury's Superior White Rum

151.        Sainsbury's Crown Lager

152.        Sainsbury's Original Cider

153.        Sainsbury's Dark Fruit Cider

154.        Sainsbury's Parkins Special Bitter

155.        Sainsbury's Saint Cervois Beer

156.        Saint-Omer

157.        Sainte Cervoise Continental Lager

158.        San Miguel

159.        Schlitz Beer

160.        Schweppes Gin and Tonic

161.        Schweppes Lemonade Shandy

162.        Scrumpy Jack Premium English Cider

163.        Shandy Bass

164.        Sharps Pilsner

165.        Sheepy's Cider

166.        Shiraz White Wine

167.        Shipstern's Bitter

168.        Smirnoff Cider

169.        Smirnoff Vodka

170.        Smirnoff Vodka Cola mix

171.        Smirnoff Vodka Cranberry  mix

172.        Sol Mexican Beer

173.        Somerset Cider

174.        Sorso Wine (D'abruzzo)

175.        Sourz Liqueur

176.        Staropramen

177.        Steinlager

178.        Stella Artois

179.        Stella Cidre

180.        Stowford Press Cider

181.        Strongbow

182.        Strongbow Dark Fruit

183.        Strongbow Citrus Energy

184.        Taunton Old Somerset Cider

185.        Tennent's Super Lager

186.        Tesco Apple Cider

187.        Tesco Bitter Shandy

188.        Tesco Everyday Value Bitter

189.        Tesco Everyday Value Lager

190.        Tesco Imported Lager

191.        Tesco Lager

192.        Tesco Pinot Grigio Simply

193.        Tesco Original Dry Cider

194.        Tesco Pear Cider

195.        Tesco Everyday Value Whiskey

196.        Tetley's Smooth Flow

197.        Thatcher's Cider

198.        Thatcher's Gold Cider

199.        Thatcher's Haze Cider

200.        Tiger

201.        Tuborg

202.        Tymbark

203.        Tysk Polish Beer

204.        Tyskie Beer

205.        Ville Bois sauvignon Blanc

206.        V-Kat

207.        Vodkat

208.        Volkova Schnapps

209.        Wadworth 6x

210.        White Ace White Cider

211.        White Star

212.        William Grant and Sons Whiskey

213.        Wine Bottle

214.        WKD Original Vodka Blue

215.        Wychwood Bah Humbug

216.        Young's Bitter

217.        Zeo Zest

218.        Zubrowska Bison Grass Vodka

219.        Zywiec Beer

[jon-debow-blog]

Silk Road train connects Finland with China

New Post has been published on http://jondebow.com/silk-road-train-connects-finland-with-china/

Silk Road train connects Finland with China

New Silk Road train link connects Finland, Nordic countries with China

by Janne Suokas

With the launch of its first direct cargo train link to China last week, Finland became the first Nordic country to establish itself as a node in China’s emerging New Silk Road trade network.

The new rail link, connecting the southeastern Finnish city of Kouvola with Xi’an and Zhengzhou in central China, is the fastest among the many similar connections opened between China and Europe in recent years. It only takes ten days for trains from Kouvola to travel the 8,000km route through Russia and Kazakhstan to Xi’an.

The direct transportation route to China’s fast-developing central regions is expected to offer new business opportunities for companies in Finland, as well as other Nordic and European countries.

“The rail connection will create jobs in Kouvola but it is also significant for the economy of Finland and the Nordic region,” said Simo Päivinen, Development Director at Kouvola Innovation Oy.

The Kouvola-Xi’an rail link, which will initially run once a week, is part of China’s Belt and Road initiative – an ambitious plan proposed by Xi Jinping in 2013 to boost trade across Eurasia through massive investments in infrastructure, including railroads.

The rail connection was developed by the Finnish and Chinese cities involved in the project, alongside partners in Russia and Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan Railway’s transport and logistics service provider KTZ Express, which is a big player in the China-Europe cargo train traffic industry, operates the route.

“We began preparations in 2013 and started city-level discussions with Xi’an and Zhengzhou in 2015 and 2016. The Chinese were eager and ready to open this route,” Päivinen went on.

Faster and cheaper route

According to Päivinen, shipping cargo by sea from Finland to China takes several weeks but remains the cheapest option. However, if the goods need to be further transported from Chinese ports to inland destinations, the cost can more than double, making the much faster Kouvola-Xi’an route a competitive option in terms of price as well as speed.

Besides Finnish and Nordic companies, the route could be attractive to firms based elsewhere in Europe, too.

“Currently, all cargo train traffic from Central Europe to China passes through Poland and Belarus and that route suffers from congestion,” Päivinen said.

The fact that Finland, Russia and Kazakhstan share the same track gauge means that containers only need to be reloaded once during the trip, at the Khorgos dry port on the border between Kazakhstan and China.

“China is investing more and more in developing its central regions and the new route offers the possibility to reach these,” said Olli-Pekka Hilmola, Professor of Logistics at the Lappeenranta University of Technology.

“The advantage in terms of transportation speed is considerable, which can help companies to reduce inventory levels and storage costs as well as improving product quality and margins for high tech, fashion, food, project-based, seasonal and other such products,” Hilmola concluded.

Boost for trade

The first train that left Kouvola for China on Friday was carrying Finnish forestry products, which, along with machinery and equipment to be used in mines and factories, are likely to make up the majority of loads heading east in the future as well.

Food products – especially pork – could be transported as early as next year if talks with Russian authorities about their interpretation of banned EU products go smoothly.

From the Chinese perspective, the route’s opening puts Finland and Kouvola on the map of various transport and logistics projects launched in Asia, Europe and Africa under Beijing’s Belt and Road initiative.

“This plays an important exemplary role in stimulating the northern European and Baltic countries and other countries in Europe to get involved in the Belt and Road programme and realise its strategy to connect land and the sea,” said Professor Wang Yiwei from Renmin University in Beijing.

It is hoped the regular cargo train link will revitalise China’s trade relations with Finland and Europe, and boost trade growth between China and the Nordic countries.

More…

About the Author

[jon-debow-blog]

China’s New Silk Road Into Europe Is About More Than Money

New Post has been published on http://jondebow.com/chinas-new-silk-road-into-europe-is-about-more-than-money/

China’s New Silk Road Into Europe Is About More Than Money

Beijing is spending billions on new ports and rail lines, but its ambitions for Europe are as much about geopolitics as commerce.

By Keith Johnson

China is actively building out the European portion of its ambitious new “Silk Road” plan, with port deals from Greece to the Netherlands, railroad investments in Greece, Serbia, and Hungary, as well as a handful of historic, high-profile state visits this spring by President Xi Jinping.

Beijing’s multibillion-dollar plans to build overland and maritime links across Central and South Asia — whether that means huge investments in Pakistan or gas pipeline deals in places like Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan — grab the lion’s share of attention. But the ultimate prize in the Silk Road plan — also known in China as the “One Belt, One Road” initiative — is someplace else: Europe.

That’s true both because Europe represents a bigger and richer market than the relatively poor countries that dot the steppe, and because Beijing’s ambitions aren’t purely commercial.

“It is not an economic project, it is a geopolitical project — and it is very strategic,” said Nadège Rolland, an analyst at the National Bureau for Asian Research, a think tank. As it has across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, China is trying to parlay its economic heft into bigger diplomatic influence in Europe, especially in cash-strapped states in the east and southeast.

That task is made easier thanks to the increasing weight and reach of Chinese state-owned companies. Beijing began encouraging consolidation among competing firms last year as a way of trying to deal with overcapacity in Chinese industry, where having several giant firms in the same sector was leading to inefficiencies.

The resulting mergers created giants like such as CRRC Corporation, formerly a pair of railroad equipment makers and now the world’s second-biggest industrial company, and COSCO, cobbled together from a pair of state-owned shipping firms and now the world’s fourth-largest shipping company.

Both of those mega-firms are active in China’s recent European investments: COSCO is snapping up stakes in ports, while CRRC is working to build new rail lines in Eastern Europe. Another state-owned giant, ChemChina, has been on a European buying spree in the last year, gobbling up agricultural firms, tire makers, and machine tool manufacturers. And their state-backed involvement makes clear that more is at stake than the financial bottom line.

“Most Chinese foreign direct investments are not normal foreign direct investments,” said Philippe Le Corre of the Brookings Institution, co-author of the recently published book China’s Offensive in Europe. “With a few exceptions, they just happen to have the whole Chinese state behind them.”

One of the unstated purposes of China’s entire Silk Road program is to buy political goodwill from countries along the way. Decades ago, Chinese investment in Africa often brought support from those countries for Chinese positions in the United Nations. Chinese investments in Afghanistan, for instance, have recently translated into Kabul’s support for China’s territorial positions in the South China Sea disputes.

In Europe, China’s investment push has indeed led to a few diplomatic victories. Fueled by big investments in the energy sector, Xi received red-carpet treatment from British leaders on a state visit last year, and China considers the U.K. its best friend in the West.

Several of Europe’s biggest countries, including the U.K., France, Germany, and Italy, supported China’s creation of a new international development bank, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, despite heated objections from the United States.

More…

About the Author

[jon-debow-blog]

New Silk Road

New Post has been published on http://jondebow.com/new-silk-road/

New Silk Road

China is reviving the historic Silk Road trade route that runs between its own borders and Europe. Announced in 2013 by President Xi Jinping, the idea is that two new trade corridors – one overland, the other by sea – will connect the country with its neighbors in the west: Central Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

China seems to pursue three key objectives

1) A new impetus for its economy. One Belt, One Road focuses on infrastructure development and matches the appetite of Chinese state-owned enterprises with overcapacity.

2) The Silk Road will help to alleviate China’s thirst for energy, with new gas pipelines in Central Asia and new deepwater harbors in South Asia to be constructed. These massive infrastructure projects will also accelerate the renminbi’s internationalization and its emergence as an alternative reserve currency, a strategic economic objective.

3) Most importantly, the core of this initiative lies in its strategic and geopolitical importance. China seeks to build a cordon sanitaire of regional stability. Its leadership firmly believes economic prosperity is the only way to maintain peace in its fragile neighborhood, from volatile Central Asia via a fragmented Pakistan and war torn Afghanistan to the terror belt in the Middle East and North Africa. The Chinese government has resisted the idea of labeling the “belt and road” project as its own Marshall Plan, but the commonality of China’s economic interests with the corridor nations and a sound infrastructure bond will be the best way to prevent regional conflicts. It’s also a viable way to export China’s model of development: the right to develop irrespective of political systems.

About the Author

[jon-debow-blog]

1st Freight Train To The U.K. From China Rolls Into London

New Post has been published on http://jondebow.com/1st-freight-train-to-the-u-k-from-china-rolls-into-london/

1st Freight Train To The U.K. From China Rolls Into London

It took about two weeks, nearly 7,500 miles, nine countries and two continents. But before this freight train could roll to a well-deserved stop, it had to break through one final barrier, a banner proclaiming its historic achievement:

“First freight train from China to UK — Yiwu to London.”

The train, which set out from the eastern Chinese city earlier this month, inaugurated a direct freight train service between the two countries with its arrival in east London’s Barking terminal Wednesday. But to do so, it first had to cross Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus, Poland, Germany, Belgium and France.

The final leg of its intercontinental trip was under the sea, in the Channel Tunnel between France and the U.K.

It should be noted, the news comes with a little caveat. The train that left Yimu isn’t identical to the one that rolled into London, as The Guardian notes: “Differing rail gauges in countries along the route mean a single locomotive and set of wagons cannot travel the whole route.”

Still, the freight train — with its rather mundane cargo of clothing and household goods — marks a milestone for an altogether more ambitious plan: the revival of the centuries-old Silk Road trade routes between China and the West. Chinese President Xi Jinping announced the multibillion-dollar investment in infrastructure known as “One Belt, One Road” in 2013.

With the new service, London is now the 15th European city to be linked with China by rail — and the BBC reports China is planning another 20 European routes. The U.K. route was announced by the state-run China Railway Corporation, and it is operated by the Yiwu Timex Industrial Investment Company.

It is seen as a possible compromise for companies looking to send goods from the one country to the other, trimming the expenses of air travel and cutting the time of shipping by sea.

“For us a service which is quicker than sea and cheaper than air is a great middle ground,” British exporter Jody Jacobs tells the BBC.

More…

About the Author

[jon-debow-blog]

[jon-debow-blog]

Breast Cancer Survivor Says Raw Food Diet Helped Her Heal

New Post has been published on http://jondebow.com/breast-cancer-survivor-says-raw-food-diet-helped-her-heal/

Breast Cancer Survivor Says Raw Food Diet Helped Her Heal

By Jennifer

Janette Murray-Wakelin is a breast cancer survivor who credits a raw food diet, meditation, physical activity, and following her intuition for her ability heal. In the early 2000s, she was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer and told that she had just six months to live, without any guarantees. However, within those same six months, she was given a clean bill of health and also went on to participate in hundreds of marathons in only one year.(1,2) That’s right, in just one year.

She explains that she was offered chemotherapy, but that it “didn’t make sense” to her.(1)

“I was already compromised, so why would I compromise myself further so I’d get another six months of being sick?”(1) Rather than embrace what she calls a “very fear-driven” mindset that many doctors create in such a situation, she shunned their chemo and radiation recommendations in favor of alternative methods that she felt were significantly wiser and healthier choices. “Most people go with what their doctor says because they don’t realize that they can take responsibility and control themselves,” Murray-Wakelin says.(1)

The Decision to Walk Away from Traditional Cancer Treatments

So, without hesitation, she walked away from traditional cancer treatments and started asking herself what she could put in her body to make a difference. What made the most sense to her was to enjoy a diet filled with high-nutrient, living foods.(1)

Australia resident Murray-Wakelin, who was a vegetarian at the time of her diagnosis — something she says worked in her favor, making her better poised to fight her breast cancer and respond to juicing — had always been interested in fitness and health. However, she believes that accidental exposure to high-chemical substances that got on her skin and being in an area where she was exposed to toxic levels of pollution led to her diagnosis.(1)

Upon receiving news of her breast cancer, she immediately immersed herself in research and read up on others who chose to forego traditional cancer treatments. Referring to many books and studies that have a slew of side effects and questionable results listed, she notes that “…the smaller the print got, the more it became obvious that this was not the thing to do.”(1) Instead, she turned to the book The Breuss Cancer Cure by Rudolph Breuss, doing a 42-day juice fast based on its writings.(1)

Healing Foods for Breast Cancer Recovery

For her particular situation, the fast included several healthy foods from the Brassicaceae family such as beet root, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.(1) After 42 days, she added other foods such as carrots and green apple to her juices.

Wheat grass was also a must, helping to rid harmful cells. “Cancer cannot survive in an oxygenated environment, therefore the more oxygen I could pump into the body through exercise, conscious breathing and drinking wheat grass, the better,” she says.(2) She says that the idea was to starve her cancer while at the same time, provide the body with nothing but essential nutrients to keep it going strong.(1)

Why Staying Physically Active Keeps Cancer at Bay

As for fitness, she explains that doctors told her to take it easy and to stop running. ��So, the first thing I did,” she says with a laugh, “was increase my distance.”(1) Once again, she stresses the importance of how cancer cells can not thrive in an oxygenated environment, which is why she felt exercising more and not less, was essential.

Just how active has she been?

In 2013, her and her husband ran 365 marathons for 365 consecutive days throughout the year. On January 1, 2014, they ran one more which set a new world record for the most consecutive marathons.(3) By the way, they’re both in their sixties! They say their 100% raw vegan plant-based diet, awareness of sustainability, and faith in human kindness and healing naturally keeps them motivated.(3) Barefoot shoes, they add, help too.

She describes having tons of energy and feeling “fantastic.”(2)

“There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that consuming 100% raw food made a huge difference to my recovery time and to my overall healing,” she says.(2) “My diagnosis of cancer and resulting journey to optimum health has been an experience I am truly grateful for. I know for certain that I will continue on the raw path, as I continue to experience more health benefits and an ever-increasing enlightened consciousness. Every day is exciting when you are raw!”

Read More…

About the Author

[jon-debow-blog]

Breast Cancer–Pink Ribbons and tears are not enough

New Post has been published on http://jondebow.com/breast-cancer-pink-ribbons-and-tears-are-not-enough/

Breast Cancer–Pink Ribbons and tears are not enough

By Thomasina Copenhaver Posted Monday, February 3, 2014 at 12:03pm EST Keywords: breast cancer, cancer, pink ribbon

Breast Cancer—Pink ribbons and tears are not enough

In 1974, former First Lady Betty Ford announced publicly that she had undergone a mastectomy. This helped to de-stigmatize and bring awareness to, a very private and painful issue that many women faced alone. Since that announcement, billions of dollars have been raised in the name of “breast cancer awareness,” and to support breast cancer research—but seriously—are we really any more aware?

Before you get defensive, close your mind, and start backing away—a reaction I get every time someone asks why I don’t support marches and pink ribbons—just for a brief moment—please read with an open mind. First, ask yourself a few questions:

Does the word cancer scare you?

Before the breast cancer awareness movement, there were essentially three options for treatment; surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy—what other current cutting edge treatments are you aware of today?

How many of your friends, relatives, loved ones, actually beat cancer after just one of any of the above treatments-–only to have it come back somewhere else? How many died?

How does buying a pink bucket of fried chicken, or a pink beer pong table empower you to seek true research?

Here’s my last and most important question—Where does the money you raise at any of the marches go? I am not talking about “it goes to the state march for life office.”  Where does each of those dollars go and how does it help women get cutting edge treatment and the latest research? That is the purpose right?

No one has ever been able to trace the money for me, from the hard earned and fought battles on high school tracks all over America to the end of the money trail.

The first use of a pink ribbon in connection with breast cancer awareness was when the Susan G. Komen Foundation handed them out to participants in its New York City race for breast cancer survivors in 1991. The following year, the pink ribbon was adopted as the official symbol of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Alexandra Penney, the editor in chief of Self magazine, and Evelyn Lauder, the senior corporate vice president of Estee Lauder Cosmetics Company, and a breast cancer survivor herself, created the ribbon for distribution to stores and businesses in New York City.

However, the first breast cancer ribbon was actually peach colored and created by a much lesser known 68-year-old woman named Charlotte Haley in 1990. Charlotte was a breast cancer survivor along with four generations of her family that had also fought the disease. Charlotte made the ribbons by hand at her own dining room table, and personally handed them out with a card attached that read,

“The National Cancer Institute’s annual budget is 1.8 billion US dollars, and only 5 percent goes to cancer prevention. Help us wake up our legislators and America by wearing this ribbon.” Charlotte distributed thousands of these cards and ribbons by hand and in addition, wrote to many prominent women (former First Ladies and Dear Abby) of that time to enlist their help to spread the word about breast cancer prevention.

In 1992, the year after the huge success of the pink ribbon giveaway, Alexandra Penney and Evelyn Lauder approached Charlotte Haley to attempt to adapt her idea with theirs and work together. Charlotte soundly rejected their offer and refused to be part of what she felt was a commercial effort. Ribbons were big business—after all—The New York Times declared 1992, “The Year of The Ribbon”–so Lauder and Self Magazine were not to be dissuaded. High-powered lawyers came up with answer: change the color of the ribbon. They chose “150 pink”—one of their most popular colors. In the fall of 1992, Estee Lauder collected over 200,000 pink ribbon petitions, urging the White House to push for increased funding for breast cancer research. The peach ribbon and Charlotte Haley were history.

Meanwhile, another national movement was gaining ground. National Breast Cancer Awareness Month was founded and initiated by a British chemical company called Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) in 1985. This was in partnership with the American Cancer Society and the pharmaceutical division of ICI, Zeneca. Imperial Chemical Industries manufactures and sells pesticides, plastics, and pharmaceuticals. Its chemical plant in Ohio was identified in 1996 as the third largest source of cancer causing pollution in the United States.

The American subsidiary of ICI is AstraZeneca. In 1997, after the acquisition of a chain of cancer treatment centers, Zeneca merged with a Swedish pharmaceutical company called Astra to form AstraZeneca; creating the world’s third largest pharmaceutical entity.

AstraZeneca manufactures one of the world’s top selling breast cancer drugs, Tamoxifen. In 1998, The National Cancer Institute hailed tamoxifen as “preventing” breast cancer when taken continuously (usually for a period of five years); despite the fact that known side effects were serious blood clots in the legs and lungs, and increased risk of cancer elsewhere, such as endometrial and uterine. Additionally, in 2009, a study published in the Journal, Cancer Research, found that long term tamoxifen use increased the risk of an aggressive, difficult to treat estrogen receptor negative second cancer in the opposite breast. The National Cancer Institute provided funding for the research. Did they stop prescribing tamoxifen? No.

One of the only attempts at “prevention” was the promotion of yearly mammograms—with slogans like “Early detection is your best prevention.” Unfortunately, by the time cancer shows up on a mammogram, it is far too late to “prevent” it. Additionally—it has finally been acknowledged that radiation exposure from yearly routine mammography may actually cause more cases of breast cancer than it identifies in younger women. Squeezing breasts between two metal plates has also been shown to damage delicate lymph tissue, causing it to rupture. The National Cancer Institute reports that mammograms misidentify tumors some percentage of the time, resulting in additional invasive and unnecessary procedures, and causing needless anxiety.

Radiation—in the form of mammography or treatment seems counterintuitive to the prevention or elimination of cancer. Why is it, that we are told to avoid and protect ourselves from harmful x-rays (dental for example) that could cause cancer, then turn around and treat cancer with the same harmful radiation?  Why do we allow our breasts to be squeezed between two metal plates that expose us to the equivalent of 40 chest x-rays and run the risk of rupturing a harmless cyst or tumor?  Two CT head scans are enough radiation to cause a genetic mutation, and the risk of soft tissue sarcoma doubles. Radiation does not prevent or cure cancer. Neither does chemically poisoning the body with chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy and radiation remove tumors. Tumors are clusters of cancer cells. Once destroyed, where do these cells go? They go into the bloodstream to be eliminated. Chemotherapy, radiation and even surgery do not treat the circulating cancer cells. You must get rid of these cells in the blood to be truly free of cancer. The way to eliminate these cells is with detoxification (pull out the poisons) and then to feed the body essential minerals and nutrients to build healthy red blood cells and bone marrow. In order for you to be healed of cancer, it must be completely gone from both scans and your blood. Western Medicine measures the amount of circulating tumor cells in your blood by a blood test for “cancer markers.”

A German doctor and cancer survivor, Dr. Ryke Geerd Hamer did an enormous amount of research about the emotional aspect of cancer. His research is extremely scientific and undeniably proves that most cancers are related to an unresolved emotional conflict. Here are the breast cancer issues:

More…

About the Author