Is: Hygiene as the Secret of the Cancer?

Hygiene is the most important discovery in medical history. Is there a link between hygiene and cancer? Experiments with germfree animals are an ideal arena to study the benefits of hygiene. Do germ free animals get cancer? Do germ free animals live longer? Do they get tooth decay? Should we have germs in the gastro-intestinal tract and on the skin?

By Kenneth Seaton

Maintaining germfree animals (gnotobiotics) is a very difficult experiment, however, it uncovers important evidence in aging, biochemistry, and physiological diseases. It also uncovers the role that specific micro-organisms play in certain diseases. For example, tooth decay appears to be unknown in germfree animals. When they are inoculated with a variety of germs in the mouth, only specific types produce decay. It appears, from this research, that tooth decay in man is an infectious disease caused by a few bacteria. Again, here is a strong link to hygiene! During the last 16 years, I have developed new techniques of hygiene that I believe will change the whole understanding of health care.

Another amazing discovery with germfree animals is that when they are inoculated with bacteria that is present in the gastro-intestinal tract as part of a normal micro-flora in conventional animals, germfree animals often die. Examples of this are, E.Coli and Bacillus Subtilis. This evidence indicates that our immune systems must continue to keep these organisms at bay. In contrast, inoculation of certain parasites such as Entamoeba Histolytica in to germ free guinea pigs has almost no effect. This evidence appears to show that parasites may simply weaken the immune system allowing the germs do the dirty work. Today the W.H.O. estimates that 30,000 - 50,000 children die of diarrhea each day, many of them are carrying parasites, however, it is not the parasite that causes the damage, its the weakened immune system that renders them more susceptible to normal bacteria, which actually causes the diarrhea. Again, all this is a strong link to hygiene!

Another area of knowledge from the study of germ free animals is that microbes living in the gastro-intestinal tract, help digestion and actually produce factors which keep animals alive. For example, germfree hamsters, cannot be reared; apparently they require an unknown nutrient which is yet to be discovered. Ruminants, such as horses and cows, cannot be raised germfree because they need the microflora in the gastro-intestinal tract to produce the amino acids and vitamins. Further, germfree animals often have to be fed large amounts of vitamins to keep them alive. Germfree rodents and rabbits often have a large abdomens, caused by a cecum distention. This may indicated that the gastro-intestinal tract is not receiving some particular nutrient, that is assisted or produced by the normal micro-flora. This may explain why germfree animals do not live several times longer than conventional animals. (Germfree animals live about 25% longer. equivalent to 100 years in humans). My research indicates that it may be possible to extend life span in rodents by up to 400% by new techniques of advanced hygiene. Recently I discovered that the water rat and water vole live up to 4 times longer than their normal counterpart, namely 8 years compared to 2. The evidence supports hygiene, not genetics. Astonishingly, germfree animals when colinated with bacteria, often produce higher levels of albumin (Infection and Immunity, Vol. 6, 1972, p. 112-118).

Germ free animals appear to eat less, and need less food, perhaps germs in our gastro-intestinal tract produce chemicals that cause us to overeat. Perhaps this is a reason why people and animals often get fatter after taking a course of antibiotics which tends to create an overgrowth of certain germs. Again, the importance of hygiene looms in preventing the need for antibiotics.

: Albumin

The lack of inflammation is another characteristic of germfree animals. Examination of tissues from the intestines and the lungs reveals lack of inflammation. The clarity of germfree tissue contrasts with the mildly inflammatory digestive and respiratory tissue of conventional animals. This would indicate that germfree animals have very low levels of acute phase serum proteins. The question is, do they have far higher levels of albumin to compensate. Remember, that germfree animals also have virtually no gamma-globulins. On my conversations with Dr. Wostmann from Notre Dame University, an eminent biochemist who has spent 40 years working with germfree animals, informs me that they do have additional albumin levels, as I predicted, to compensate for the lack of inflammatory proteins and antibodies. He estimates that on average, there is a 10% increase in albumin to compensate. I believe that this is why they live longer (around 25%). Over the last 16 years I have observed that better techniques of hygiene in humans have improved albumin levels. One of the great truths that has stood the test of time is; “A generous concentration of albumin in the blood is associated with good health”.

The lack of inflammation, lack of germs and their toxins, predict that the capillary walls should remain tight and problems such as edema should be unknown. Thus, germfree animals should be able to maintain homeostasis easier and longer. The higher levels of albumin should also assist and result in lower levels of a whole range of problems including cancer.

: Cancer

Spontaneous tumors and transmissible tumors are very rare in germfree animals. Genetically programmed cancers do occur, yet even these may be markedly less. Germ free animals are also more resistant to radiation and carcinogens. Cancer follows a similar route in germfree animals when chemical carcinogens are applied in large amounts. Tumors that develop sometimes grow faster in germfree animals indicating that the immune system may play an important role in suppressing cancer and its growth in normal animals. The evidence that cancer is normally extremely rare in germfree animals, opens a tremendous link to cancer and hygiene. Dr. Pollard, a pathologist from Notre Dame who has worked extensively with germfree animals, reports a 75% drop in Prostate cancer in germfree rodents, which he thought was linked to calorie restriction, because the animals eat less, however, I believe it is due to higher levels of albumin in these animals. It is well reported that serum albumin is the most important factor in mortality from Prostate cancer (Lancet, Feb. 24’90, p. 482), and all other cancers (Lancet, Dec. 16’89, vol. 2, p. 1445). In further support, calorie restricted animals have higher albumin and A/G ratios than controls, and they also have a much lower incidence of cancer.

I believe that all this explains the mystery of why most cancers are remarkably higher in lower socio-economic groups. The simple answer is hygiene. Occum’s Razor states: “The simplest solution is the one most likely to be correct”. A strong link between hygiene and cancer was shown by the famous London surgeon, Sir Percival Pott, who clearly established in the latter part of the 17th century, that soot on the skin caused the common cancer of the testicles in chimney sweeps. In those days this was a major health problem. He introduced thorough washing of the skin and this form of cancer disappeared. It is also well established that albumin is the factor in serum which inhibits the growth of cancer cells (Anti-Cancer Research, 1990, Vol.10, p. 343-352).

: Summary

Germfree life is not normal, desirable or practical. The lesson learned from these studies is that advanced hygiene, which to a large extent controls bad germs, yet allows beneficial micro-flora to assist in maintaining health, is the obvious and sensible path to tread. This high technology hygiene can bring all the benefits of a germfree life with none of the disadvantages. Advanced hygiene is specially designed to ensure a person maintains a strong and perfect immune system. I believe the evidence is overwhelming that proper hygiene can reduce most cancers to a level never before thought possible. The problem is, today in a modern society, personal hygiene is still appalling.

K. Seaton, Copyright, September 1996
Assisted by Patrick Brodnik
National Hygiene Foundation

: References

Thomas D Lucke, Professor of Bio-Chemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, “Germfree Life” in Encyclopedia Britannica, 15th edition, Vol. 8, p. 127 to 131.
Henry Foster, Gnotobiology in The Laboratory Rat, Vol. 2, Baker, Lindsay Weisbroth ed, American College of Lab. Animal Medicine, Academic Press, NY. 1980.

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:Has Cancer Been Solved?

Journal of Advancement in Medicine
November 18th 1998
Dear Editor,

:Has Cancer Been Solved?

Our paper on Cortisol and stress (1) notes at p.92; “Numerous studies show a compelling link between low levels of albumin and the risk of cancer.” In 1991 I produced a paper entitled “Is there a link between hygiene and cancer?” In 1994 in the JNMA (2) I responded that the link between hygiene and albumin was at the basis of most cancers.

The reason I write is that the cortisol/stress paper (1) has stimulated several readers to ask 2 basic questions:
a. Can serum albumin profiles be restored in cancer patients?
b. What causes hypoalbuminemia in cancer?

The answer to the first question (a) is; Yes, however, it is far more difficult than normal and requires strenuous and religious performance of the hygiene system: The soap must be used 5 to 10 times a day on the hands, the facial dip s performed 3 times a day and the salt bath using the Dip C, every night. It is essential to achieve/maintain a minimum of 47g/L albumin with an A/G ratio of 2.0 to achieve and maintain remission in most forms of cancer. These findings apply to all ages, all types of cancer, all races and socio-economic groups. I estimate that during the last 18 years several hundred clients with various forms of cancer achieved albumin levels as high as 46 - 50g/L, accompanied by remission.

The answer to the 2nd question (b) is: The hypoalbuminemia is caused by a specific inhibition of liver albumin gene transcription triggered by the tumor necrosis factor (TNFa). In advanced cancer patients the level of liver albumin messenger RNA can be reduced by as much as 90%. Elevated TNF is part of the acute-phase reaction which is defined as a generalized response of the body to stressful insults mainly associated with acute or chronic infections. (3) Elevated APRs and reduced albumin is a “Devil’s Circle” (4) that can only be broken by better hygiene.

Should the concentration of serum albumin reliably increase via hygiene in the elderly and oncology patients, it would virtually solve the mystery of cancer.

The concentration of albumin in cancer and other patients also singularly reflects the degree of wasting (Cachexia) and poor prognosis. (5) Numerous attempts to raise albumin in cancer patients by a variety of nutritional intervention, usually fails. (6)

It is well established that the acute-phase reaction, usually involving mediators IL-1, IL-6, IL-8 tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and C-reactive protein, causing a reduction in the concentration of albumin is associated with the risk and development of cancer. A discrete low albumin precedes all forms of cancer. This can easily be observed by monitoring the A/G ratios. Cancer risk increases when the ratio falls below 1.7. The lower the ratio, the greater the risk.

In vitro and in vivo albumin displays the most powerful anti-cancer properties of all serum substances. Further, albumin binds and neutralizes virtually all known carcinogens, including aflatoxins and nitrosomines. This ability to neutralize virtually all carcinogens makes albumin the most important natural anti-cancer compound in the body. Albumin concentration is also the single-most important factor in determining outcome in cancer patients. Albumin restoration almost always leads to full remission, falling levels to a relapse. A famous study showed, the single-most important fact in stabilizing long-term cell growth, and prevention of cancer lines, was the concentration and quality of albumin.(7) This fact was reinforced in a telephone conversation (1990) with Leonard Hayflick, who determined the “Hayflick Limit.”

Below I list numerous reasons why albumin controls cancer:

1. Albumin binds/neutralizes/transports most carcinogens.
2. Albumin stabilizes cell growth and DNA replication.
3. Albumin is the most abundant/versatile antioxidant.
4. Albumin protects from all forms of radiation.
5. Albumin controls waste removal.
6. Albumin controls life span of cells and mutation.
7. Albumin controls osmotic pressure.
8. Albumin buffers pH and electrolytes.
9. Albumin transports/buffers sex hormones.
10. Albumin transports/buffers glucocorticoids.
11. Albumin buffers against all biochemical variations.
12. Albumin stabilizes interstitial fluid.
13. Albumin transports/neutralizes most drugs.
14. Albumin maintains calcium homeostasis.
15. Cancer cell growth is inhibited by high albumin.
16. Liver cells are protected from chemical toxicity by albumin.
17. Albumin concentration suppresses metastasis.
18. Cachexia is caused by low albumin.
19. Germfree animals have higher albumin and far lower cancer.
20. The most powerful anti-tumor compound in serum is albumin.
21. Analbuminemic rats and humans are highly susceptible to cancer.
22. Albumin transports and delivers Nitric Oxide.
23. Persons with serum albumin >48g/L rarely develop cancer.

: Conclusion

The acute-phase reaction reduces albumin, promotes cancer, and leads to Cachexia and Sarcopenia. Should the hygiene regime described in our paper reliably reduce this acute-phase reaction and restore albumin profiles, as the testing clearly shows, it would revolutionize the prevention and treatment of all types of cancer. Again, “Occam’s Razor” is confirmed, in that the simplest solution is the one most likely to be correct. Medical practitioners should be encouraged to implement this hygiene regime in all oncology patients and strive to achieve a minimum albumin profile 48g/L (4.8g/dL) and A.G ratio 2.0. Patients must be fully informed and motivated to follow the hygiene regime exactly. Above all, it can do no harm, fulfilling the Hippocratic Oath.

No doubt, the reason why cancer has remained a mystery appears to be simply because albumin concentrations were mistakenly linked to nutrition, thus, all attempts to raise and maintain albumin have usually caused greater health problems. Infusion of albumin is futile. (8) One of the reasons is because albumin is heated and treated to such a degree that it loses its anti-cancer potential, such as the binding site at C34. The body seems to finally reject all albumin that is not made by its own liver. Remember, genetic predisposition to all forms of cancer is dramatically enhanced in the presence of low albumin.

Sincerely,
Kenneth Seaton