Thursday, June 30, 2011

Synthetic hormonal milk and cancer

So back to our cows and synthetic hormones.  Milk that is produced by cows that have been injected with artificial hormones, rBGH/rBST, contains much more IGF-1 than synthetic hormone-free milk.  Studies indicate it contains up to a 20-fold higher level.  The endocrine system is very sensitive, so even subtle amounts exert a big influence.  IGF-1 is an insulin-like growth factor.  So when our children drink their milk, they’ll grow big and strong and they’ll grow taller, right?  No, actually the “growth” here refers to the growth of other cells in our bodies.  All cells in our bodies grow and then at a pre-programmed time self-destruct.  This is the normal state of things.  But what happens when the cells don’t die but continue to grow?  Well, there are a couple names for that condition including “cancer” and “tumor”.   Increased levels of IGF-1 present greater risk of cancer, specifically cancer of the breast, the prostate and the colon.  IGF-1 promotes the growth and invasiveness of cancer cells by inhibiting normal cell death.  Please note that IGF-1 is not destroyed by our digestive tract, nor is it destroyed by pasteurization.  As a matter of fact, its effects are intensified by pasteurization.  A number of studies show a relationship between elevated IGF-1 levels and the development of certain tumors.  In fact 19 scientific publications link increased IGF-1 levels with increased risk of breast cancer; ten studies point to increased risk of colon cancer and seven studies show a correlation with increased risk of prostate cancer.  The initial studies Monsanto commissioned prior to the approval of its use by the FDA consisted of a 90-day study conducted on 30 rats.  There were no studies done on long-term effects on people; there are no studies being done now.  Dr. Samuel S. Epstein, M.D. is professor emeritus of Environmental and Occupational Medicine at the University of Illinois School of Public Health, and Chairman of the Cancer Prevention Coalition. He has published some 260 peer reviewed articles, and authored or co-authored 11 books including the 2006 What's In Your Milk?  He wrote a great piece on Hormonal Milk and Meat, well worth the reading.

No comments:

Post a Comment