Death Star of Moderation

The Death Star is a compilation of vices that will inhibit your body from functioning properly and resisting systemic illnesses. These are the rules we all abide by, regardless of who we are or what we believe. You are what you eat, and you are also everything your food eats. You are your own first practitioner, you can either Eat for Prosperity or eat to acquire systemic illnesses. We will need to use abstinence and accept that these are temptations and a product of human error. You can in fact rise above them by following Jesus and condition your body appropriately. You need to have Faith that this will work. Deviations will set you back and potentially cripple your motivation. Your health is determined by digestion, immunity, hormonal balance, and the microbiome.

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What exactly is a Microbiome? It is the diversity of bacterial, fungal, and viral species. Our body's immune and digestive system function together, as various microbiomes are found in the gut, oral cavity, skin, and tissue. Homeostasis (or the ideal equilibrium) of the microbiome is a highly diversified microbial composition. "Healthy" or pro/good bacteria typically suppress fungal growth. As illustrated in the Microbiome Model, when a shift from high diversity to lower diversity occurs in the microbiome either from heavy exercise, illness, dietary inflammation foods, sugar, gluten, antibiotics, drugs, foods promoting hormonal imbalances or consuming too much to too little, aging, among various other reasons [Saltzman et al.]. Just because fungus is present in the microbiome does not necessarily mean it should be there. The inflammatory shift creates immune dysfunction, perpetuating systemic illness. 

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Fungus is a parasite. It should not be present within any of our human microbiome's, it is invasive and serves no purpose other than to harm our body. The spores lay dormant and arise at opportune moments for growth [Badiee]. The only way to prevent fungus growth are to inhibit the factors that feed it, and to strengthen the microbial diversity. A highly diversified microbial composition of good bacteria typically suppresses both pathogenic bacteria and fungal growth. When a shift occurs, the pathogenic bacteria become more prevalent, overcoming the diversity of the good bacteria, allowing various fungal strains to become more abundant [Hoffmann et al.]. 

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Fungus can also contribute to behavioral problems, such as depression, post traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia [Chrobak et al.]. Relative abundance of fungal genus Candida was found to be more than double in autistic neurotypical subjects, and showed a reduction of diversity of other beneficial gut bacteria [Strati et al.]. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that leads to dementia mainly among the elderly. This disease is characterized by the presence in the brain of plaque and neurofibrillary tangles that provoke neuronal cell death, vascular dysfunction, and inflammatory processes. Fungal infection is detectable in brain samples from Alzheimer's disease patients and may be directly associated with the disease [Alonso]. The gut-brain connection is a major determinant of how our food is communicating with our DNA, influencing our neurological design, thoughts, and emotions.  

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Digestion of Dairy products from cattle may be linked to type 1 diabetes, heart disease, infant death, autism, behavioral disorders and digestive problems due to the breakdown of the A1 Beta-Casein [Laugesen][Swinburn]. In addition to lactose intolerance, A1 beta-casein produces an opioid peptide, which in conjunction leads to further digestive issues [Brooke-Taylor et al.]. Cheese contains the casein peptides as well, and can contain other inflammatory caking agents. Unless the dairy of cheese product is labeled A2, it is more than likely a mix. Sheep and goats typically have a higher A2 Beta-Casein concentration, which is why they are understood as a healthier option [Jung et al.]. Genetically bred variations of milk producing cattle will determine if more A1 or A2 beta-caseins will be produced.

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Glycemic Index or sugar (glucose) content plays a vital role in the acquisition of systemic diseases like type 2 diabetes [Bhupathiraju et al.]. Foods with a glycemic index greater than 55 have the capability to spike your blood glucose level in such a way that your body needs to compensate by overloading an insulin response. If blood sugar and insulin response is chronically spiked enough times, insulin resistance will be induced, and your body may just decide that it doesn't want to produce insulin anymore, which is the majority of diabetic cases, Type 2. This results in having to compensate with drugs to stabilize blood sugar. Diabetes Type 2 can be reversed by the utilization of this diet [Bolla et al.], and your body will be able to moderate its own blood sugar by breaking down fat stores and converting it into sugar in a innate body process called ketosis. Studies have even confirmed that the gut microbiome is correlated to the glycemic response [Tily et al.], where a microbial dysbiosis can result in dysregulation of blood sugar.

Ketosis is also an effective way to moderate blood sugar with inherited Type 1 diabetes. Fructose, the natural sugar in fruit, will cause a slow rise in blood glucose levels that your body can compensate for [Du et al.]. This is why we are able to use fructose as a plateau for days where we feel the need to consume sugar. The slight blood sugar increase does slow ketosis, but it does not impair its function unlike a chronic blood glucose elevation. Life is a marathon, treat it as such. Do not give in to eating addictive sugar, and do not believe in the lie of moderation. Ketogenic diets reduce insulin sensitivity and blood glucose [Kinzig et al.]. Common carbohydrates that break down into high quantities of sugar are potatoes, wheat, and rice. These foods are considered a "staple" for diet, but this dietary sugar will turn off ketosis and your body's ability to function properly. Choose abstinence from these foods and watch as your body transforms by creating the strongest cells. 

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Diets rich in carbohydrates/sugar significantly influence gut bacterial and fungal microbiota composition [Fajstova]. Methanobrevibacter and Candida are positively associated with diets high in carbohydrates, but negatively with diets high in amino acids, protein, and fatty acids (keto diets) [Hoffmann et al]. High intake of sugars increase the relative abundance of Proteobacteria in the gut, while simultaneously decreasing the abundance of Bacteroidetes, which can mitigate the effects of endotoxin, as well as reinforce gut barrier function, which is a common microbiome composition amongst Crohn's Disease patients [Sam QH] Thus, a high sugar intake may stagger the balance of microbiota to have increased pro-inflammatory properties and decreased the capacity to regulate epithelial integrity and mucosal immunity. Consequently, high dietary sugar can, through the modulation of microbiota, promote metabolic endotoxemia, systemic (low grade) inflammation and the development of metabolic dysregulation [Satokari].

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Do not allow the media to fool you, Artificial Sweeteners can be just as toxic as actual sugar. In a process called apoptosis or cellular death, sugars interfere with neurological behavior and sleep patterns, can induce gut microbiota dysbiosis and promote glucose intolerance, with a chemical dependency as addictive as actual sugar [Liauchonak et al.]. The most common diet sugar additives can be found in your gum and energy drinks! Artificial sweeteners actually trick your metabolism into thinking sugar is on its way. Sucralose and saccharin supplementation impairs glycemic response in healthy adults [Suez J et al.] The body reacts by producing excessive amounts of insulin, the fat storage hormone, which lays down more belly fat, leaving you hungrier and craving even more sugar and starchy carbs. Some studies have shown an increased risk of diabetes and metabolic syndrome, and have been proven to be carcinogenic in animal studies. Conversely, aspartame may even aid in the suppression of cancer therapeutics, minimizing the effectiveness of chemotherapies that cause cell death in tumor cells, and actually aid in growth acting as a nutrient feed [Pandurangan et al.]. Xylitol and erythritol are the only artificial sweeteners that are effective at reducing dental caries and diseases [Nayak PA] in gum and toothpaste, though do not swallow it, as it will kill the intestinal tract lining. 

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Phytoestrogens ​work in a roundabout way to increase free estrogen concentration by promoting a substantial increase in Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG). SHBG will typically increase with age, and SHBG will bind to circulating androgens such as testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and estradiol. SHBG binds tightly to T and DHT hormones, limiting the concentration of free T throughout the body [Laurent et al.], creating a hormonal imbalance. Phytoestrogens act as endocrine disruptors and are linked to high prostaglandin hormone concentrations as prostaglandin synthase modulators [Woclawek-Potocka et al.]. High prostaglandin concentrations cause strong muscular contractions, which are the root cause in painful menstrual cramping. 

The hormonal imbalance can lead to a multitude of issues including: erectile dysfunction, hair loss, reduced bone mass. reduction in testicle size, reduced sperm count, difficulty sleeping, lowered sex drive, reduced muscle mass, mood swings, behavioral disorders, chronic fatigue, hot flashes, reduced energy, acne, accumulation of body fat, changes in mood and mood swings, and menstrual changes. Soy is directly linked to infertility in men [Danielewicz et al.]. 

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Women in particular undergo dramatic hormonal changes during the course of their lifetime, including the development of disease symptoms upon puberty, pregnancy and menopause [Frémont et al.]. Phytoestrogens may contribute to intestinal dysbiosis within the gut microbiota by altering production of estrogen receptors. The fluctuation of estrogen-dependent pathways play a role in moderating Vitamin D. Deficiency in Vitamin D may result in bone loss (osteoporosis) and chronic muscle weakness and pain. Vitamin D is also highly correlated with fertility, making it imperative that unbound androgens are not inhibited or bound to SHBG [Al Emadi].

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Lectins are more commonly understood as a plants natural defense from getting eaten. Lectins are carbohydrate binding proteins present in most plants, especially seeds and tubers like cereals, potatoes, and beans. Many lectins are (a) toxic, inflammatory; (b) both resistant to cooking and digestive enzymes; and (c) present in much of our food [Van Damme]. It is no surprise that they sometimes cause “food poisoning” and promote inflammatory disorders [Gong]. Lectins can also be found in many livestock feed products that promote inflammation in the animals, which change their fatty acid composition and promote illness as well. For the most part, the lectin protein is often found in the seeds, thus you can literally cut them out, such as tomato seeds or bell peppers. Vegetables with a lower lectin concentration can still be consumed without inflaming your gut if you cook them out for long enough, such as zucchini and squash. Chickpea and Mung Beans are exceptions in the legume categorical rule. Chickpeas are a pseudograin that act as a prebiotic, increasing colon protein expression of anti-inflammatory interleukin-10 and epithelial repair cytokines [Monk et al.].

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Omega-6 fatty acids are inflammatory fats. The ratio of omega-3,6,9's fatty acids consumption play a vital role in chronic inflammation. The Deflame Diet Guidelines state that an anti-inflammatory diet consists of an omega-6 to omega-3 ratio under 4:1. Diets high in omega-3 and omega-9 fatty acids have a higher level of HDL or high density lipoprotein, the "good cholesterol," while a diet high in omega-6 fatty acids raises LDL concentrations, or low density lipoprotein, the "bad cholesterol." The percentage of fat type to include in our diet is a high concentration of unsaturated fats, a moderate amount of saturated fats, and no trans fats. Plant oils constitute unsaturated fats, and will have a high omega-3 and omega-9 fatty acid content. Meat fats constitute saturated fats, and depending on how the meat was raised, may or may not have a balanced omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid content ratio. Fried foods using inflammatory oils high in omega-6 fatty acids are unhealthy trans fats that do not support a healthy immune system.

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Processed meats produce includes livestock that are fed improperly and contained in small, confined spaces. Not only is this farming practice inhumane, but these animals will have a higher level of cortisol and a higher ratio of inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids [Miller]. It is estimated that roughly 25-30% of all beef cattle acquire liver abscesses due to poor dietary feed [Macdonald], which is more than 330 million cattle affected every year. 97% of all cattle will be introduced to a feed lot at some point in there life, making them more susceptible to illnesses. This not only jeopardizes the health of the livestock, but the consumers that eat these products, acquiring the increased inflammatory fatty acids, cortisol, and toxins. It is worth keeping in mind that chickens are omnivores and should not be fed a complete 100% vegetarian diet, and farm fed fish are typically fed corn and soy to "fatten them up," similar to cattle. 

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Gluten promotes growth of a biliary sludge, which can paralyze gallbladder contractility [Wang et al.]. Biliary sludge can spontaneously disappear and re‐form over time, or it can evolve to become gallstones. Gluten intolerance is permanent in coeliac patients, when gluten is reintroduced, relapse often occurs. Under these circumstances, biliary sludge can disappear and re‐form over time in coeliac patients. 

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disorder resulting from an interaction between diet, genome and immunity [Harnett et al.]. Fungal strains i.e. Candida albicans is found in higher prevalence in coeliac patients, as gluten directly feeds fungus. The biliary sludge promotes an overgrowth of harmful bacteria that reduce the high diversity of healthy bacteria, including the fungal eating bacteria. Fungal overgrowth promotes inflammation, damaging the immune system and intestinal lining. Fungus can also be found in your oral cavity in the plaque.

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Zonulin is a protein modulator that modulates tight junctions and cell permeability to allow particles to flow in and out of the cells [Fasano1][Fasano2]. Gluten activated zonulin, which allows larger particles to flow in and out of the intestinal tract. Genetically modified food, commonly in wheat produce, typically have more pesticides, more environmental exposure to toxins, more endosperms, they are genetically modified to last longer on the shelves, be bigger and taste better. Autoimmune diseases may be triggered from gluten, and many experience heavy sensitivity towards the toxins associated with cell uptake enabled by the gluten [Fasano3]. Cells open up to allow larger particles of toxins to flow into your cells with the help of gluten, causing what is more commonly known as leaky gut syndrome [Drago]. 

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Fungal microbiota and diversity are significantly elevated in inflamed mucosa compared to noninflamed mucosa, which may be associated with Crohn's Disease [Li]. This shift is mainly characterized by expansion in the proportions of Candida spp., Gibberella moniliformis, Alternaria brassicicola, and Cryptococcus neoformans. 

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The best thing you can do is abstain from gluten. Often times, gluten-free alternatives will contain inflammatory compounds, such as rice and sunflower oil. This is not a healthier alternative, and was the primary reason why the Rainbow Seekers was created, so that everyone could partake in communion to improve their health. 

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Alcohol is at the center of The Death Star because all you need is a little bit to believe in the lie of moderation. Alcohol is the "gateway drug," Alcohol use is associated with agitated or sedated behavior, slurred speech, depressed/suicidal or euphoric mood, hallucinations in perception, delusions and paranoia in thoughts, poor insight, decreased concentration span, disorientation, and amnesia in cognition, and altered judgement [Alozai]. Alcohol will kill the fungi-eating bacteria in your gut microbiome that normally suppresses fungal strains, creating a dysbiosis that allows harmful bacteria and fungus to grow more abundantly. This creates acidic conditions and inflammation in your gut, oral cavity, tissues, and organs [Engen et al.]. The dysbiosis of the microbiome promotes the inflammatory state, which is the precursor to almost all other systemic illnesses.

Alcohol will increase the amount of cerebral spinal fluid in the brain [Tolentino et al.​], displacing oxygen delivery to your brain, and lowering inhibitions as a result. Oxygen becomes displaced in the blood stream as -O2 (oxygen) converts into -OH (alcohol), shunting oxygen away from the brain and other tissues [Baek et al.]. Alcohol induces dysregulation of stress circuitry in the body [Retson et al.], increasing the level of stress and inhibiting the body's ability to recover from stress. Alcohol has severe neurological inhibition, disrupting network communication responsible for the neurocognitive impairments associated with high chronic alcohol consumption. [Spindler et al.]

Alcohol influences glucose metabolism and insulin in several ways in diabetic patients as well as in non-diabetic patients by preventing glucagon stores to be released. The initial spike in blood glucose levels triggers a heightened insulin response, and chronic spikes may develop type 2 diabetic in some patients [Steiner et al.]. Ketones are excreted in the urine through a process called ketonuria [Lefèvre et al.]. This inhibits the regulation of blood glucose by removing the ketones that are usually responsible for breaking down body fat to replenish blood sugar. In a significantly large observational study of over 25,000 subjects, alcohol consumption was negatively linearly associated with brain grey matter volume [Topiwala et al.]." In another study of 36,678 middle-aged adults, alcohol intake is negatively associated with global brain volume measures, regional gray matter volumes, and white matter microstructure, and becomes stronger as alcohol intake increases [Remi et al.]. The reduction of gray matter accelerates aging, leading to multiple neurological disorders and physical dysfunction.

Higher blood pressure and body mass index increased risk of alcohol-related harm, and binging on alcohol had additive negative effects on brain structure on top of the absolute volume consumed. "No safe dose of alcohol for the brain was found," and moderate consumption is associated with more widespread adverse effects on the brain than previously recognized. Alcohol is a social fallacy.

Pastors and priests should not make your health decisions, you are your own first practitioner. Jesus showed us how to take communion, but the intended purpose was to be of a symbol of the sacrificial remembrance of His death for our sins. Jesus, in fact, did not want us to participate in religious acts mindlessly. Jesus says it himself in Mark 7:6-8 "Rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: "This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far away from Me. But in vain do they worship Me, teaching the precepts of men. Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men." It is by the act of man do we religiously insist that we must use wheat bread that breaks down into sugar and gluten, and alcohol to partake in communion. Congregations should be taking communion consciously that is beneficial for everyone's health, "because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread" (1 Corinthians 10:17). Health disparities are not just the problems of the individual, the burden should fall and resolve itself within the congregation, as brothers and sisters in Christ. Galatians 6:2 "Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." A health-conscious life begins together with communion as a community in Christ.