The name of Dr. Otto H. Warburg is extremely important to medical science. This 1931 Nobel Prize winner is mostly known for his extensive cancer research. In fact, most of his work revolves around the process of oxidation and the metabolism of tumors. In the words of the Nobel Prize Committee, “he has shown, among other things, that cancerous cells can live and develop, even in the absence of oxygen.”
It’s a well-known fact that all life depends on oxygen for survival. The survival mechanism of cancerous cells, which can thrive in an oxygen-free environment, was explained Dr. Warburg. According to him, “tumor cells obtain the energy required for their existence in two ways: by respiration [a process that requires oxygen] and by fermentation [an anaerobic process]. In respiration they burn organic materials to carbon dioxide and water; in fermentation they split glucose to lactic acid.”
Taken that both carbon dioxide and lactic acid are acidic, it’s only logical that cancer cells basically thrive in an acidic environment.
The occurrence of tumors in an oxygen-deprived environment is followed by the release of HIF (hypoxia-inducible factor) by a protein called CHCHD4. HIF is a dimeric protein complex that stimulates formation of blood vessel around the tumor as well as tumor migration, which support tumor growth and metastasizing in the body.
Aggressive diseases like pancreatic cancers and gliomas (a form of brain tumor) contain higher levels of CHCHD4 than other cancers.
Dr. Warburg explained that “Summarized in a few words, the prime cause of cancer is the replacement of the respiration of oxygen in normal body cells by a fermentation of sugar. All normal body cells meet their energy needs by respiration of oxygen, whereas cancer cells meet their energy needs in great part by fermentation. All normal body cells are thus obligate aerobes, whereas all cancer cells are partial anaerobes.”
Along with this important breakthrough, Dr. Warburg also explained that there’s a solution to fighting cancer. “In order to kill tumor cells…through want of energy it is necessary…to stop respiration as well as fermentation.”
The fact that tumors obtain the energy they need for growing in two ways indicates that depriving them of glucose isn’t the best way to fight the disease. According to him, “In order to kill tumor cells…through want of energy it is necessary…to stop respiration as well as fermentation.”
The Acid-Alkaline Balance
Cancers thrive in an acidic environment meaning that one of the easiest ways to fight it is by alkalizing your body. Acidosis, a state of increased body acidity, is usually the result of consumption of acidic foods including dairy, red meat, refined grains and sugar.
Aside from cancer, this state can trigger a number of other life-threatening diseases including multiple sclerosis, high cholesterol, arrhythmia, immunodeficiency disorders, joint pain, osteoporosis, lethargy, chronic illness, heart disease, and diabetes.
Alkaline foods, on the other hand, reduce the acidity of body fluids thus improving your overall health. The list of alkaline foods is long, but it mostly comprises fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Other factors aside from food that improve your body’s alkalinity are proper hydration, sufficient sleep and deep breathing.
Now, two of the most powerful ingredients for fighting acidosis in your body include lemon juice and baking soda.
Not many know that baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is produced by the pancreas to neutralize excess stomach acid. Baking soda consumption has proved effective in many cancer patients.
As for lemon juice, most people think it’s acidic because of its taste. However, this ingredient becomes alkaline once ingested.
Here we provide a cancer-fighting recipe that combines these two ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsps. freshly squeezed lemon juice or organic apple cider vinegar
- 1/3-1/2 tsp. baking soda
Directions:
Mix the ingredients into a tall glass. The lemon juice will start fizzing, but this is a normal chemical reaction. When this stops, pour about 8 ounces of water into the glass.
Drink this all at once on an empty stomach first thing in the morning. For optimal results, consume on a regular daily basis.