Health and Wellness, An Introduction
No matter how, where, or when an illness or disease begins, the most important factor for recovery is the organism's overall health before it became ill or injured.
The law of survival and evolution, often called natural selection or the survival of the fittest, states that organisms best adapted to their environment are most likely to survive and reproduce.
All organisms, including you, me, and our companion animals, flourish in environments that provide what we need to survive. A fish cannot live outside of water, and we cannot survive without air.
We need to feel safe (since high stress levels lead to poor health), and we also need to obtain species-appropriate nutrition and clean water. I would never throw a steak into a canary's cage, nor would I think to offer a lion a fruit salad. Both might enjoy a taste of the irregular food, but neither could survive long on such an inappropriate diet.
Every organism on Earth exists because it developed specific physiology and skills to navigate its environment. A good navigator matures and reproduces; a poor navigator does not. The strong and healthy survive to produce the next generation, and the healthiest of that generation—those who can understand the game and adapt their survival strategies—build upon this world step by step over thousands of years.
What keeps all these organisms alive and able to reproduce over the years?
Air. Water. Food.
Real Food. Ancestral Food.
I was born in 1955 and observed the transformation of our societies firsthand.
Initially, pharma was like a miracle, and all the ready-made food was a God-send. I worked from 8 to 5, five days a week, and remember going to the grocery store and filling my cart with prepared and frozen food in boxes, bags, and containers. It was GREAT!
But nowadays, I don’t believe anyone can deny that we’ve been undergoing a significant decline in health—for quite some time.
Processed food manufacturers made food easily accessible, but its nutritional value is often lacking.
Over the years, we've been encouraged to trust our major food producers, and they have effectively manipulated us into believing that the processed products they create offer just as many health benefits as anything 'natural' we consume.
In fact, they have effectively convinced the mainstream population and allopathic veterinarian healthcare providers that feeding natural foods is not only unhealthy but also downright dangerous! Especially RAW food for our pets!
How on earth did we manage before BIG FOOD, an industry worth roughly TEN TRILLION DOLLARS, came to our rescue?
Our poor physical and mental health and lack of energy take us to the doctor's office, where we are prescribed various medications for our ailments.
Assessment, diagnosis, and prescription.
It seemed normal, and we bought it hook, line, and sinker.
Major food and large pharmaceutical companies are now valued in the billions of dollars, and they have exerted significant influence over our lives, especially on our regulatory systems and governments.
In today's world, allopathic or “modern” medicine dominates our healthcare system, and medical practitioners must follow established rules or risk losing their license to practise.
Google tells me:
“Medical practitioners in Canada are bound by rigorous, legally binding rules and ethical standards managed by provincial and territorial regulatory authorities (“Colleges”) rather than a single national body. These authorities enforce standards of practice, licensing, competence, and professional conduct to ensure public safety, with physicians being personally liable for negligence.”
“Veterinarians in Canada are strictly governed by provincial and territorial laws, regulations, and bylaws. These regulations, enforced by provincial veterinary colleges, set standards of practice, mandatory licensing, and investigation procedures for complaints. These rules cover the scope of practice, surgical procedures, drug prescribing/dispensing, and advertising.”
Understandably, rules must be followed, and every profession has its own set of rules, regulations, and governing bodies.
But if anyone has been paying attention, especially over the last ten years, are the regulators going too far?
The Times Have Changed
Big Money and Big Pharma have only entered our lives since the mid-19th century.
John D. Rockefeller, the notable historical figure behind the famous Rockefeller family, is widely regarded as the wealthiest American and the greatest philanthropist in history. Although many believe he was a good Samaritan, numerous articles tell a different story.
William "Devil Bill" Rockefeller, father of John D. Rockefeller, was a notorious con man, snake oil salesman, and bigamist. A travelling "botanic physician," he sold fake cancer cures, pretended to be deaf and mute to swindle people, and led a double life with another family, often abandoning his own in poverty while teaching his sons to be "sharp" through deception.
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- "Devil Bill" / Con Artist: He was a flamboyant salesman who seldom stayed home, travelling to sell questionable potions and elixirs.
- Character and Methodology: He once bragged, "I cheat my boys every chance I get. I want to make 'em sharp!" This approach taught his sons harsh business lessons.
- Bigamist: While still married to John D.'s mother, Eliza, he led a double life and married another woman, Margaret Allen, in Canada in 1856.
- "Botanical Physician": He used the alias "Dr. William Levingston" to pose as a doctor and sell counterfeit remedies.
- Relationship with John D: Despite his absence, John D. Rockefeller later used his father's loans to build his business and eventually sent his misguided father substantial sums of money.
Although John D. Rockefeller eventually became the world's first billionaire and was known for his piety, his father was a "scoundrel" who directly influenced John's calculated approach to business, according to The Daily Beast and other sources.
Wikipedia +5
John D. Rockefeller revolutionised modern medicine by funding a shift toward scientific, germ-theory-based healthcare, investing roughly $500 million to $1 billion in the early 20th century. Through the Rockefeller Foundation and Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research, he promoted standardised, research-driven medical education, heavily shaping the dominance of pharmaceutical-based treatments.
National Institutes of Health (.gov) +3
Today’s modern medical school training owes much to a major change in the early 20th century. This shift was led by influential figures such as John D. Rockefeller and Abraham Flexner, marking a clear move away from holistic health practices towards a model focused on germ theory and pharmacological interventions. This development profoundly affected the way medicine perceives the human body and its ailments, sidelining approaches that treat the body as an interconnected ecosystem.
The landscape of medicine before Rockefeller’s influence was vastly different. Many medical schools existed, from herbalists and homeopaths to osteopaths and eclectic practitioners. Holistic medicine, which sees the body as an interconnected system, was widely practiced, and schools trained physicians to understand nutrition, the environment, and emotional well-being as vital components of health.
As one of the wealthiest men in history, John D. Rockefeller saw an opportunity to standardize and modernize medical school training. Influenced by germ theory, which identified microorganisms as the primary cause of disease, Rockefeller’s vision aligned with his investments in the growing pharmaceutical industry. He recognized that shaping the narrative around medical training would benefit his business interests while portraying himself as a public health benefactor.
In 1901, Rockefeller founded the Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research, shaping modern medical education. The institute concentrated on laboratory science, especially bacteriology, and promoted germ theory as the foundation of medical practice. This method focused on isolating specific pathogens and treating illnesses with pharmaceuticals, which differed significantly from holistic health approaches of the time.
Abraham Flexner and the Flexner Report
In 1910, Abraham Flexner, an educator with no medical training, authored a report that would revolutionize medical education. Commissioned by the Carnegie Foundation and supported by Rockefeller funding, the Flexner Report assessed the state of medical schools in North America. Flexner visited 155 schools and evaluated their facilities, curricula, and standards.
The report’s findings were scathing. Flexner criticized most schools for lacking scientific rigour and called for a complete overhaul of medical education. He advocated for a model based on laboratory research and clinical practice, similar to the German medical system. This modern medical school training model prioritized anatomy, pathology, and bacteriology, aligning perfectly with Rockefeller’s focus on germ theory.
The Fallout of the Flexner Report
The Flexner Report led to the closure of nearly half of the medical schools in the United States. Schools teaching homeopathy, naturopathy, and other holistic practices were disproportionately affected. The report’s emphasis on standardization meant that only institutions adopting a research-based, germ theory-oriented curriculum survived.
This consolidation transformed medical education into a highly exclusive field. By 1920, fewer medical schools existed, and those that remained required substantial funding, often provided by philanthropists like Rockefeller. This shift also marginalized many women who had found opportunities at alternative medical schools before they closed.
Rockefeller’s Role in Shaping the Curriculum
The Rockefeller Foundation funnelled enormous sums of money into medical schools that adhered to the Flexner model. Johns Hopkins University became a flagship institution, exemplifying the new standards. The foundation’s funding ensured schools focused on laboratory science, pharmaceuticals, and surgery, sidelining nutrition and preventive care disciplines.
Rockefeller’s influence extended beyond funding. His foundation actively participated in shaping curricula promoting courses in pharmacology and bacteriology while neglecting holistic approaches. Once viewed as a complex ecosystem influenced by lifestyle and environment, the body was dissected into isolated systems, each treated separately.
The Rise of Germ Theory
Germ theory, popularised by scientists like Louis Pasteur and Robert Koch, became the dominant framework for understanding disease. This theory posited that specific microorganisms caused specific diseases, leading to a focus on eradicating these pathogens through antibiotics and vaccines.
While germ theory represented a significant scientific breakthrough, its adoption as the primary medical model came at a cost. Holistic health practices, considering factors like diet, stress, and environment, were dismissed as unscientific. Modern medical school training now trains doctors to treat symptoms rather than address root causes, a paradigm that persists today.
The Marginalisation of Holistic Practices
The shift to germ theory and pharmacological treatments marginalised alternative approaches to health. People labelled practices like herbal medicine, acupuncture, and naturopathy as “quackery” despite their long histories and anecdotal success. This marginalisation was not merely scientific but financial; holistic practices threatened the burgeoning pharmaceutical industry, in which Rockefeller had significant investments.
The Long-Term Effects on Medical Training
The legacy of Rockefeller’s influence and the Flexner Report remains evident in modern medical school training. Physicians receive minimal education in nutrition, lifestyle medicine, and other holistic approaches. Instead, their training focuses on diagnosing diseases, prescribing medications, or performing surgeries. This approach has led to remarkable advances in treating acute illnesses but has struggled to address chronic conditions, often requiring holistic solutions.
Criticism and Calls for Change
In recent years, people have scrutinised this model’s limitations. Critics argue that the overemphasis on pharmaceuticals and procedures has led to a reactive healthcare system that treats symptoms rather than disease. There is a growing movement to reincorporate holistic practices, recognising that the body functions as an interconnected system influenced by numerous factors beyond germs.
Functional medicine, integrative medicine, and other holistic approaches are gaining traction. They offer alternatives to the rigid framework of the early 20th century. These disciplines emphasise patient-centred care, address established root causes of illness, and integrate lifestyle changes into treatment plans.
A Dual Legacy
The transformation of modern medical school training in the early 20th century, driven by Rockefeller and the Flexner Report, left a dual legacy. On the one hand, it standardised medical training, introduced scientific rigour, and contributed to significant advances in the treatment of infectious diseases. On the other hand, it marginalised holistic health practices, narrowing the scope of medical education and creating a system heavily reliant on pharmaceuticals.
As the healthcare landscape evolves, hope exists for a more balanced approach. By integrating the scientific advancements of modern medicine with the holistic wisdom of traditional practices, future medical training can create a system that genuinely serves patients—addressing not just symptoms but the complex ecosystem of the human body.
Reference: https://roccocastellano.com/modern-medical-school-training/
John D. Rockefeller was seen as a notorious yet brilliant businessman in his oil dealings, but he transformed Standard Oil into a massive monopoly by ruthlessly eliminating competitors through tactics like secret railroad rebates, predatory pricing, hostile takeovers, and the infamous ‘Cleveland Massacre,’ where he bought 22 of his 26 competitors in six weeks by threatening them with ruin or acquiring their businesses at very low prices.
Can we honestly believe that John D. Rockefeller and his ultra-rich compatriots “revolutionised” the medical industry to improve our nation's health? Or was it done, as with his oil business, to monopolise and improve his financial bottom lines?
The Basics of Feeding Raw Food
At OUR PET PROJECT, we primarily follow what's called the Prey Model Diet.
A prey model diet is a raw food diet for pets such as dogs and cats that mimics what their ancestors would have eaten. It includes meat, bone, and organs in specific ratios, often cited as 80% muscle meat, 10% bone, 5% liver, and 5% other organs. This approach eliminates processed ingredients and plant matter such as grains, fruits, and vegetables, as proponents believe a carnivore's nutritional needs are met through the consumption of the whole animal.
Prey model diet components
- 80% muscle meat: The primary component, consisting of muscle meat from a whole prey animal.
- 10% edible bone: Provides calcium and contributes to dental health, though this ratio is higher for kittens/puppies and can be adjusted for adults or seniors.
- 5% liver: An essential organ that supplies vital fat-soluble vitamin A and other nutrients.
- 5% other secreting organs: Includes organs like the spleen, pancreas, or kidneys, which provide a variety of essential vitamins and minerals.
- With cats, I like to top it off with hearts, livers, gizzards and whole mussels a couple of times per week. You can purchase these items frozen at just about any grocery store.
Key considerations
- Nutritional needs: The diet is based on the idea that a carnivore's essential nutrients come from the animal itself, rather than plant matter.
- Eliminating processed foods: A key goal is to avoid processed ingredients found in many commercial pet foods.
- Potential for imbalance: Without careful attention to ratios, the diet can be lacking in certain nutrients and may require adjustments for individual pets.
- Transitioning pets: It is recommended to transition a pet to a new diet slowly.
We firmly believe that variety is the spice of life, and a well-balanced rotation of different proteins and other food items is the key to complete nutrition. We generally 'balance' over a week or two.
We don't eat a 'complete and balanced' meal every time we prepare our food, and neither do any other animals on the face of the earth.
It is a fallacy that a processed food item is 'complete and balanced' as the BIG FOOD companies want us to believe.
The product may contain X, Y, and Z nutrients formulated to sustain life, but the recipe is designed for the survival of animals, not the thriving of animals.
The fact that everyone is a different size, shape, and in a different state of health and vitality at any point in time, nullifies this claim.
I have different nutritional needs on Monday than I do on Thursday. I have different needs if I am tired or feeling poorly than when I've had a great night's sleep and am full of vim and vigour. I have different nutritional needs in the summer than in the winter, or if I spend most of my time indoors or outside, or in the sunshine or under clouds.
AND ... I cannot imagine eating the same thing day in and day out, week in, week out, month after month, year after year! Eating the same composition and texture every day can impact the teeth and physical digestive system, and this alone can become a detriment to overall health.
It's called that crazy old thing - C O M M O N S E N S E !
Green Tripe, Oh My
Green tripe is the unbleached, minimally washed stomach of ruminant animals.
Ruminants (cows, sheep, etc.) are herbivores - they eat plant matter. Herbivores have the digestive enzymes required to properly breakdown copious amounts of plant matter (such as grass and hay), therefore the stomach contents remaining in green tripe will be in a pre-digested form by the time a dog or cat eats it.
A carnivore would not be able to digest large amounts of plant matter if they were to eat it before it has passed through an herbivores gut!
Feeding green tripe (not the same as tripe available in the stores which has been cleaned and sterilized) benefits cats and dogs by improving digestion through probiotics and enzymes, supporting skin and coat health, boosting the immune system, and providing a complete protein source rich in vitamins and minerals.
It can also help stimulate appetite and soothe gastrointestinal issues, and provides a low-allergenic protein option.
Digestive Health
Provides probiotics: Contains high levels of Lactobacillus acidophilus and other beneficial bacteria that support a healthy gut microbiome.
Aids digestion: Rich in digestive enzymes that help your pet break down and absorb nutrients from their food.
Soothes GI Upset: Can help soother gastrointestinal issues and may be beneficial for pets with IBS.
Nutritional Benefits
Complete protein: Green tripe is a great source of complete protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues.
Rich in vitamins and minerals: Contains essential nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, and B vitamins. It is also a rich source of iron, potassium, maganese, zinc, & selenium.
Balanced fatty acids: Provides a good ratio of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids for overall health.
Other Benefits
Supports skin and coat: The nutrients in green tripe contribute to healthier skin and a shinier coat.
Boosts immune function: Supports a healthier and stronger immune system, helping to protect against illness.
Low allergenic: Its low allergenic properties make it a good option for pets with food sensitities.
Stimulates appetite: The strong smell can help entice picky eaters.
Supports teeth and bones: The calcium and phosphorus ration is ideal for strong teeth and bones.