THERE is no question that we are what we eat, and that some food items are inflammatory, causing all sorts of ailments among us. Inflammation, like imbalanced microbiome (“good and bad,” gut bacteria) are the initiating factors for most diseases. Foods, besides habits and behavior, have grave influences on our health and longevity.
The association between processed foods (bacon, hot dog, sausages, etc., most deli meats) and cancer has been under scrutiny for decades. Studies have “shown that consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) which are manufactured and often contain additives, preservatives, and artificial ingredients, is associated with an increased risk of several types of cancer, including breast, colorectal, and pancreatic cancer…the association may be due to the high levels of saturated fat, sugar, and sodium in UPFs, which can contribute to weight gain and inflammation, both known risk factors for cancer…additionally, UPFs contain potential carcinogens, such as titanium dioxide and nitrites.”
Various mechanisms on how UPFs increases the risk for cancer include increased inflammation, DNA damage, oxidative stress, and hormonal imbalance.
There are countless ongoing research around the world seeking to validate and confirm these initial findings.
In the meantime, let’s abstain from eating processed foods and consume fresh meats, especially white meat (chicken, turkey, duck, pheasant, quail, etc.), healthy green leafy vegetables of various colors, some healthier nuts (walnuts, chestnuts, pistachios, pecans, pine nuts, hazelnuts, a little macadamia nuts) preferably not peanuts (could have aflatoxin and has phytic acid), almonds (lots of oxalates), cashews (raw cashews contain urushiol, a toxic agent found in poison ivy, may seep into the cooked ones). For diabetics, include all food items consumed in the total caloric count.
Measles do kill
Measles, a most contagious viral disease, is a dreaded infection. I lost a professor of mine from measles pneumonia. Children, under 5 are most at risk for severe complications, and those unvaccinated children and adults are in danger. Measles do kill.
First thought of to be anti-vax, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., emphatically stated that vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles, and that while Vitamin A in itself cannot prevent measles, it helps boost the immune system.
The World Health Organization had declared measles eliminated from the United States in the year 2000 because of its great success in the vaccination program. Travelers from abroad continue to reintroduce the measles virus, besides others, in the United States, and anti-vaccination sentiments (due to ignorance or fake news in the social media) make the situation worse.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control reported there were 285 cases in 2024, and the recent measles outbreak in Texas on March 7, 2025, “is believed to have started in a rural Mennonite community in Texas with low vaccination rates.”
This highlights the vital importance of vaccines for infectious diseases, like the Flu, COVID-19, RVS, measles, and others. The mandated pre-school vaccination program has saved billions of children and adults around the world over since Edward Jenner, an English physician, introduced the first vaccine in 1796.
As I have highlighted in my upcoming book, “Civil Right Versus Science, America’s Achilles Heel,” vaccines in general are safe, effective, and save lives, and the anti-vax civil right protestors and the disinformation in the social media are risking the lives of millions of Americans (billions, around the world).
The FDA is recommending everyone get vaccinated with MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine, which is safe and effective. Children “get two doses: the first one at 12 to 15 months of age, and the second does at age 4 to 6. All those older children adolescents, and adults get one, or two doses of MMR if they don’t have evidence of immunity.” Those going abroad should get fully vaccinated before they travel.
Viral cases stats
“So far this year, the CDC estimates that 5.3 million people nationwide have had the flu, and the virus has hospitalized 63,000 people, as well as contributed to 2,700 deaths, including 11 children.
“Nearly 19% of influenza tests are positive, as are about 13% of tests for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and 7% of COVID tests, according to CDC data.
“Based on wastewater surveillance data, which can help predict whether viruses are expanding or receding, RSV and COVID may still be on the upswing. The CDC says COVID wastewater activity detections are ‘high.’ (COVID-19 boosters are still highly recommended.)
“Meanwhile, norovirus rates have hit what is at least a 5-year high, with positive tests topping 22%, according to data through the end of December. Seasonal norovirus high positive test rates are typically 15% or lower.” – U.S. CDC
Deadly gas detectors
Our homes are full of dangerous chemicals in the garage, kitchen, and bathrooms, like cleaning bleaches, ammonia, lye, sulfuric acid, detergents, air freshers, carpet cleaners, etc. Minimizing the use of these poisons and using natural, environmentally safe non-toxic agents, is obviously healthier.
Besides those harmful agents, smoke, fire, and killer gases (carbon monoxide, butane, propane, radon, hydrogen sulfide, etc.) are potential grave hazards to life too. There are now detector-alarms to protect us and our family. One of them is the 4-in-1 Gas and Carbon Monoxide Temp and Humidity detector-alarms from Hakinaku available on Amazon. It detects other gasses besides carbon monoxide. Just plug this lifesaver in an electric outlet in the room you wish to monitor. That simple.
The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people to live a healthier lifestyle, to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation, or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable to or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health.
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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
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Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, health advocate, medical missionary, newspaper columnist, and chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He is a recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, presented by then Indiana Governor, U.S. senator, and later a presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry S. Truman, President George HW Bush, pugilist Muhammad Ali, David Letterman, Astronaut Gus Grissom, distinguished educators, scientists, etc. (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com; Email: [email protected].
