Podcasts > The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett > We Can Now Reverse Stage 4 Cancer & These Foods Are Spreading It! Dr. William Li (Chronic Disease Expert)

We Can Now Reverse Stage 4 Cancer & These Foods Are Spreading It! Dr. William Li (Chronic Disease Expert)

By Steven Bartlett

In this episode of The Diary Of A CEO, Dr. William Li discusses how our bodies naturally defend against diseases, including cancer, through immune system and angiogenesis processes. He explains that while our bodies encounter thousands of potentially cancerous cell mutations daily, our natural defense systems typically eliminate these threats before they become dangerous.

The conversation explores how diet and lifestyle choices affect these defense mechanisms. Dr. Li describes how certain foods can help fight cancer by inhibiting blood vessel growth in tumors, while others—like ultra-processed foods and excess sodium—can compromise our immunity. He also addresses the roles of sleep, stress, and environmental factors in disease prevention, and explains how practices like strategic fasting and cold exposure can support health.

We Can Now Reverse Stage 4 Cancer & These Foods Are Spreading It! Dr. William Li (Chronic Disease Expert)

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We Can Now Reverse Stage 4 Cancer & These Foods Are Spreading It! Dr. William Li (Chronic Disease Expert)

1-Page Summary

Body's Defense: Immune and Angiogenesis Systems

William Li explains that our bodies experience approximately 10,000 cellular mutations daily that could potentially lead to cancer. However, our immune system, acting like a police force, effectively identifies and eliminates these threats before they become problematic.

Supporting Natural Defense Systems

Li discusses how the immune system can be strengthened to fight diseases, including cancer. He points to compelling evidence from a Nature Communications study showing how peptide vaccines enhance the body's natural defenses against glioblastoma. Drawing from his mother's experience with endometrial cancer, Li emphasizes the importance of polyphenol-rich foods like coffee, tea, and matcha in boosting immunotherapy effectiveness.

Diet and Lifestyle's Impact on Natural Defenses

Li details how modern dietary choices and lifestyle factors can compromise our body's defense systems. High sodium intake, added sugars, ultra-processed foods, and alcohol all contribute to inflammation and metabolic stress. Sleep deprivation and chronic stress further weaken immunity, while environmental factors like microplastics may be contributing to the rise in early-onset cancers.

Foods and Nutrients Affecting Health Defenses

Dr. Li reveals that over 200 foods can help fight cancer by inhibiting angiogenesis - the growth of blood vessels that feed tumors. He cites specific examples, such as how regular tomato consumption can lower prostate cancer risk by 29% due to its lycopene content. Additionally, Li advocates for strategic fasting practices and explains how activating brown fat through cold exposure or coffee consumption can help burn harmful visceral fat.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Peptide vaccines are a type of vaccine that use small protein fragments called peptides to stimulate the immune system. In the context of glioblastoma, a type of aggressive brain cancer, peptide vaccines can be designed to target specific antigens present on cancer cells. By introducing these peptides into the body, the immune system can recognize and mount a targeted attack against the cancer cells, potentially enhancing the body's natural defenses against glioblastoma. This approach aims to train the immune system to identify and destroy cancer cells more effectively, offering a promising strategy in cancer immunotherapy.
  • Angiogenesis is the process of forming new blood vessels. In cancer, tumors stimulate angiogenesis to create a blood supply, promoting their growth and spread. Inhibiting angiogenesis can help starve tumors by cutting off their blood flow, a strategy used in cancer treatment. Understanding and controlling angiogenesis is crucial in developing therapies to combat cancer progression.
  • Activation of brown fat through cold exposure or coffee consumption involves stimulating a type of fat tissue in the body that can burn calories to generate heat. Brown fat is known to contain a high number of mitochondria, which are responsible for energy production. Cold exposure can activate brown fat to increase energy expenditure, while compounds in coffee like caffeine can also potentially stimulate brown fat activity. This process may help in burning visceral fat, which is the fat stored around internal organs and is associated with various health risks.

Counterarguments

  • While the immune system is crucial in identifying and eliminating cancerous cells, it is not infallible, and some mutations can escape detection, leading to cancer development.
  • The effectiveness of peptide vaccines and the generalizability of the findings from the study on glioblastoma to other cancers or populations may require further research and validation.
  • The impact of polyphenol-rich foods on immunotherapy effectiveness may vary among individuals and cancer types, and more research is needed to establish definitive dietary guidelines.
  • The relationship between diet, lifestyle, and cancer is complex, and while certain factors may contribute to inflammation and metabolic stress, they are not the sole contributors to cancer risk.
  • The role of sleep deprivation and chronic stress in weakening immunity is well-established, but individual responses to these factors can vary greatly.
  • The assertion that environmental factors like microplastics contribute to the rise in early-onset cancers is an area of ongoing research, and causation has not been definitively established.
  • The claim that over 200 foods can help fight cancer by inhibiting angiogenesis is a broad statement that may oversimplify the complex interactions between diet and cancer.
  • The statistic regarding tomato consumption and prostate cancer risk reduction is based on observational studies, which can show associations but not causation.
  • Strategic fasting practices may have health benefits, but they may not be suitable for everyone, and their long-term effects are still being studied.
  • The recommendation to activate brown fat for burning visceral fat is an emerging area of research, and the long-term health implications and practical applications of this approach are not yet fully understood.

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We Can Now Reverse Stage 4 Cancer & These Foods Are Spreading It! Dr. William Li (Chronic Disease Expert)

Body's Defense: Immune and Angiogenesis Systems

William Li discusses the remarkable capabilities of the human body's defense systems in detecting and eliminating potential diseases, including cancer.

Body's Defense Systems Maintain Health

Daily Cellular Mutations and Cancer Prevention Systems

Li reveals that every day, approximately 10,000 mistakes occur at a cellular level that could potentially lead to microscopic cancers. These mutations are a natural consequence of cellular replication and DNA copying. Despite this potentially alarming number, most people do not become more sick with diseases, including cancer, because of the body's health defense systems.

The body's defense systems, including the immune system, actively identify and eliminate these potential threats. The immune system is compared to a police force that cleans up undesirable elements, such as drug dealers, indicating its role in targeting cancerous cells.

Boost Immunity With Foods and Lifestyle to Fight Disease and Cancer

Li goes on to explain how the immune system can be awakened to recognize and fight cancerous cells. He cites a clinical trial published in Nature Communications, showing that patients with glioblastoma have benefited from peptide vaccine treatments that enhance the body's natural defenses against such diseases.

Polyphenol-Rich Foods Boost Immune System's Cancer Defense

Boosting the immune system through diet, exercise, and lifestyle strengthens these defenses, helping to eradicate microscopic cancers. A healthy lifestyle can significantly decrease cancer risk.

To support his point, Li shares his mother's experience with endometrial cancer and her treatment using immunotherapy. He emphasizes how a diet rich in polyphenols from sources like coffee, tea, and green tea can improve the efficacy of immunotherapy by strengthening the immune system.

Matcha, specifically, offers substantial benefits in its polyphenol content due to its powdered form, w ...

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Body's Defense: Immune and Angiogenesis Systems

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Peptide vaccine treatments are designed to stimulate the immune system to recognize and attack specific targets, such as cancer cells. In the context of glioblastoma, a type of brain cancer, peptide vaccines can train the immune system to identify and destroy glioblastoma cells more effectively. These vaccines work by presenting fragments of proteins found in cancer cells to the immune system, priming it to mount a targeted response against the tumor. By enhancing the body's natural immune response, peptide vaccines can potentially improve outcomes for patients with glioblastoma.
  • Matcha is a type of green tea that is finely ground into a powder, allowing for the consumption of the whole leaf. This means that when you drink matcha, you are ingesting all the nutrients present in the tea leaves, including polyphenols. Polyphenols are antioxidants that can help protect the body from damage caused by harmful molecules known as free radicals. The powdered form of matcha ensures that you get a concentrated dose of polyphenols compared to traditional steeped green tea, potentially offering enhanced health benefits.
  • Purple potatoes contain anthocyanins, which are plant pigments known for their antioxidant properties. Anthocyanins have been studied for their potential health benefits, including their ability to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Research has shown that anthocyanins in purple potatoes may target and kill colon cancer stem cells, which are a small population of cells within tumors that can drive cancer growth and recurrence. This suggests that incorporating purple potatoes into the diet could be a beneficial strategy in supporting the body's defense against colon cancer.
  • Certain foods like pomegranate juice, cranberries, and Chinese black vinegar can promote the growth of beneficial bacteria like Acromantia muciniphila in the gut. Acromantia muciniphila is a type of bacteria associated with various health benefits, including potential enhancement of responses to cancer immunoth ...

Counterarguments

  • While the immune system is adept at eliminating many cancerous cells, it is not infallible, and some cells can evade immune detection and develop into full-blown cancers.
  • The figure of 10,000 cellular mutations daily is an average estimate, and the actual number can vary greatly among individuals depending on various factors such as age, genetics, and environmental exposures.
  • Lifestyle changes and diet can indeed support immune function, but they are not a guaranteed method to prevent or cure cancer, and over-reliance on these measures may lead individuals to neglect other important medical interventions.
  • The efficacy of peptide vaccines and other immunotherapies can vary significantly among different types of cancers and individuals, and they are not universally effective.
  • The role of polyphenols and other dietary components in cancer prevention is an area of active research, and while promising, it is not yet fully understood or conclusively proven.
  • The studies on purple potatoes and other specific foods killing cancer stem cells are preliminary and need to be replicated and expanded upon before definitive claims can be made about their efficacy in humans.
  • The relationship between gut bacteria and the efficacy of immunotherapy is complex, and while certain bacteria like Acrom ...

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We Can Now Reverse Stage 4 Cancer & These Foods Are Spreading It! Dr. William Li (Chronic Disease Expert)

Diet and Lifestyle's Impact on Natural Defenses and Chronic Diseases Rise

The impact of diet and lifestyle choices on our natural defenses is significant, and these factors greatly influence the rise of chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, and dementia.

Processed Foods, Sugar, Salt, Alcohol Weaken Defenses By Damaging Vessels, Increasing Inflammation, Disrupting Metabolism

William Li discusses how dietary culprits such as sodium, added sugar, ultra-processed foods, and alcohol can damage health defenses. Sodium is a high risk factor for hypertension and can cause inflammation of blood vessel linings, leading to long-term health issues. High blood sugar from added sugars in ultra-processed foods necessitates greater [restricted term] production and stresses the metabolism. Regular consumption of even small amounts of alcohol can be detrimental to the brain, liver, and heart, while heavy drinking can cause substantial damage.

Overeating places a strain on metabolism and accelerates cellular aging, promoting inflammation and further health complications. Li highlights how stress compromises health defenses by reducing immune function, and increasing inflammation. Although a small amount of stress can be beneficial, chronic stress significantly erodes the body's defenses. Continuous stress damages DNA and negatively affects the cellular replication process. Steven Bartlett shares his observations on how chronic stress affects his health, linking it to immune system depletion.

Stress and Sleep Deprivation Weaken Immunity and Increase Inflammation

The hosts point out that deep REM sleep is crucial for metabolism to burn fat. Lack of quality sleep disrupts this process, causes fat accumulation, and increases inflammation. Excessive cortisol from prolonged stress can harm metabolism and increase inflammatory markers in the bloodstream.

Modern Lifestyle, Environmental Factors Degrade Body's Defenses, Fuel Rise in Cancer, Diabetes, Dementia

Li warns of the health crises in developed countries, with inflammation being a root cause of chronic diseases. The lifestyles and dietary habits adopted since the 1950s, including environmental degradation, are now showing health effects. Processed meats are linked to cancer, and their consumption raises the risk of bowel cancer with continuous exposure.

Visceral fat, which grows between the body’s organs, becomes highly inflammatory when it grows beyond its own blood supply. This leads to organ compression and widespread inflammation, contributing to health risks. Inflammatory cells that move in result in a very inflammatory fat, which can spread and contribute to the danger associated with visceral fat.

The hosts also ...

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Diet and Lifestyle's Impact on Natural Defenses and Chronic Diseases Rise

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Processed foods, sugar, salt, and alcohol can weaken the body's defenses through various mechanisms. Sodium can lead to hypertension and inflammation of blood vessels. Added sugars in processed foods can disrupt metabolism and increase the need for [restricted term]. Alcohol consumption, even in small amounts, can harm the brain, liver, and heart. Overeating can strain metabolism, accelerate cellular aging, and promote inflammation.
  • Overeating can strain metabolism, leading to accelerated cellular aging. This process promotes inflammation in the body, which can further complicate health issues. Chronic inflammation from overeating can contribute to various health complications by disrupting the body's natural balance. This cycle of overeating, metabolism strain, cellular aging, and inflammation can create a detrimental environment within the body.
  • Chronic stress can damage DNA by affecting the protective caps on chromosomes called telomeres, leading to premature aging and increased risk of diseases. Prolonged stress can disrupt the process of cellular replication, potentially causing errors in DNA replication and cell division. Chronic stress weakens the immune system by altering immune responses, making the body more susceptible to infections and illnesses. Overall, the long-term impact of chronic stress on DNA, cellular replication, and immune function can contribute to various health complications over time.
  • Lack of quality sleep disrupts the body's metabolism, leading to difficulties in burning fat efficiently. This disruption can result in fat accumulation, especially around visceral organs, which can trigger inflammation in the body. Adequate deep REM sleep is crucial for maintaining a healthy metabolism and preventing excessive fat storage, which can contribute to increased inflammation levels. In summary, poor sleep quality can negatively impact metabolism, leading to fat accumulation and heightened inflammation in the body.
  • Excessive cortisol, a stress hormone, can disrupt the body's metabolic processes by promoting the storage of fat, especially in the abdominal area. This can lead to weight gain and metabolic imbalances. Additionally, high levels of cortisol can trigger inflammation in the body by stimulating the release of pro-inflammatory substances, contributing to various health issues. Chronic stress-induced cortisol elevation can negatively impact metabolism and promote the production of inflammatory markers, potentially increasing the risk of developing chronic diseases.
  • Visceral fat is a type of fat that surrounds internal organs in the abdominal cavity. When visceral fat increases significantly, it becomes highly inflammatory, leading to health risks. This inflammation can compress organs, disrupt their function, and contribute to various chronic diseases. Managing visceral fat through healthy lifestyle choices is crucial for reducing inflammation and ...

Counterarguments

  • While processed foods, sugar, salt, and alcohol can have negative health impacts, moderation and balance are key, and not all individuals will experience the same degree of harm from these substances.
  • The relationship between overeating and health outcomes can be complex, and factors such as genetics, activity levels, and types of foods consumed also play significant roles.
  • Some research suggests that certain types of stress, such as eustress or short-term stress, can actually enhance immune function and improve health outcomes.
  • The impact of stress on DNA damage and cellular replication is not fully understood, and other factors like genetics and environmental exposures may also be significant contributors.
  • The role of sleep in health is multifaceted, and while sleep deprivation can have negative effects, individual sleep needs can vary, and some people may not experience significant health issues with variations in sleep patterns.
  • The body's response to cortisol is complex, and cortisol has essential functions in metabolism and the stress response; not all cortisol elevation is harmful.
  • Lifestyle and environmental factors are important, but the rise in chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, and dementia cannot be solely attributed to these factors; genetics and access to healthcare also play critical roles.
  • The link between processed meats and cancer risk is subject to ongoing research, and not all studies have found a consistent association.
  • The role of visceral fat in inflammation and health risks is significant, but it is also influenced by other factors such as hormone levels, physical activity, and overall body composition.
  • The connection between diet, blood vessels, and brain health is comple ...

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We Can Now Reverse Stage 4 Cancer & These Foods Are Spreading It! Dr. William Li (Chronic Disease Expert)

Foods and Nutrients Affecting Health Defenses

Dr. William Li discusses how diet and nutrition can contribute to the body's natural ability to fight diseases such as cancer, potentially more effectively than pharmaceuticals.

Plant-Based Foods Inhibit Tumor Growth and Support Blood Vessel Function

Dr. Li reveals over 200 foods that can starve cancer by inhibiting the process of angiogenesis, which is the growth of blood vessels that tumors rely on. Some drugs were swapped out with food in an experiment, leading to impressive results that fortified the body's natural ability to control blood vessels and shut down the ones that feed cancers.

Lycopene In Tomatoes Cuts Tumor Blood Supply, Reducing Prostate Cancer Risk

Epidemiological studies show that consuming tomatoes regularly can lower the risk of prostate cancer by 29%. Men who reported eating tomatoes had fewer blood vessels in their prostate cancer, making it less aggressive. Tomatoes contain lycopene, which can inhibit the blood supply to tumors, especially when cooked, enhancing the absorption of lycopene.

Fasting and Time-Restricted Eating Boost Fat-burning and Cell Regeneration

Fasting, an ancient practice, is beneficial to metabolism and fat-burning, particularly when utilizing the natural fasting state during sleep. Dr. Li suggests a daily routine that includes a 12-hour fast and delaying breakfast to extend the fasting period, contributing to burni ...

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Foods and Nutrients Affecting Health Defenses

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Angiogenesis is the process of new blood vessel formation from pre-existing vessels. It is crucial for growth, wound healing, and tissue repair but can also play a role in cancer progression by supplying tumors with blood. Inhibiting angiogenesis is a strategy used in cancer treatment to cut off the blood supply to tumors, hindering their growth and spread.
  • Lycopene is a red pigment found in tomatoes and other red fruits and vegetables. It is a carotenoid compound with antioxidant properties. Lycopene is known for its potential health benefits, including reducing the risk of certain cancers. It is not converted into vitamin A in the body.
  • Brown fat, also known as brown adipose tissue, is a type of fat in the body that generates heat by burning calories. It is different from white fat, which stores energy. Brown fat is activated by cold temperatures or certain foods like coffee, and it helps in burning visceral fat, which is considered harmful.
  • Visceral fat is a type of ...

Counterarguments

  • While diet and nutrition are important, they are not the only factors that contribute to the body's ability to fight diseases; genetics, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices also play significant roles.
  • The claim that over 200 plant-based foods can inhibit tumor growth may be overly simplistic, as the effectiveness of these foods can vary greatly depending on the type and stage of cancer, as well as individual differences in metabolism and genetics.
  • Epidemiological studies suggesting that consuming tomatoes can reduce prostate cancer risk do not establish causation, and other factors may contribute to the observed correlation.
  • Fasting and time-restricted eating may not be suitable for everyone, such as individuals with certain medical conditions, pregnant women, or those with a history of eating disorders.
  • The recommendation to delay breakfast as a means to extend fasting may conflict with research suggesting that a healthy breakfast can contribute to better metabolic health and cognitive function.
  • The activa ...

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