Cure cancer with bacteria (Yes, you read that right) As you know, I believe strongly in the benefits of bacteria. It's a topic I've written about many times over the years. And now even mainstream medicine is starting to catch on. Researchers are examining the role of bacteria in all sorts of conditions--and finding some very promising results. In fact, a pioneering new study shows that bacteria may be the long-sought secret to curing cancer. Scientists found that directly injecting Clostridium novyi, a common bacteria species that doesn't need oxygen to survive, into tumors shrunk or eliminated those tumors. Not only that, but this bacteria could potentially bolster the immune system to continue targeting tumor cells for up to two years. This new research is exciting. But it's not the first time bacteria have been linked to positive outcomes in cancer. More than a century ago, a bone surgeon named William Coley observed that some cancer patients who developed severe bacterial infections also experienced remission of their cancer. So why did this idea disappear for 100 years? Well...huge drug companies came out with dozens of chemotherapy "advances" during that time. So, unfortunately, the answer just comes down profits and greed. But back to the new research bringing bacteria into the spotlight once again. In this study, bacteria were a virtually perfect cancer-fighting weapon. They were able to target stubborn tumor cells and destroy just the malignant cells while leaving normal tissue alone. Am I telling you to go out and dutifully get a bacterial infection? No, of course not. But this is another reminder of a topic I'm passionate about: the importance of probiotics (hey, you're looking at the author of a book called Boost Your Health with Bacteria). Of course, a probiotic supplement isn't the same as injecting a specific bacterial strain into a tumor. But the fact is, nurturing the bacteria in your gut is an absolutely essential part of overall health--and fighting cancer. After all, 70 percent of the body's immunity resides in the gut. And I'm thrilled someone else is finally talking about a cancer cure that harnesses the body's natural immune system, rather than decimating it. Supplementing daily with a full spectrum of beneficial bacteria is one of the best health choices you can make. And these good bacteria are not only a great potential possible weapon against cancer... they also help your digestion, your weight, and much more. We're talking major benefits to your overall health. Until next time, Dr. Fred SOURCES: "Phthalates Linked to Testosterone Reductions in Both Genders," MedScape Medical News, 8/19/14 (http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/830137) "Urinary Phthalate Metabolites Are Associated With Decreased Serum Testosterone in Men, Women, and Children From NHANES 2011-2012" J Clin Endocrinol Metab.Published online August 14, 2014. (http://press.endocrine.org/doi/abs/10.1210/jc.2014-2555) "Treating Cancer With Bacteria Shows Real Promise," Time, 8/13/14 (http://time.com/3107896/bacteria-cancer-tumor/) "Intratumoral injection of Clostridium novyi-NT spores induces antitumor responses," Sci Transl Med 2014; 6(249): 249ra111 (http://stm.sciencemag.org/content/6/249/249ra111)