What if a disease labeled “incurable” wasn’t the end of the story?

In this episode of The Glen Merzer Show, Sam Shepherd, creator of ValAsta, returns with a bold and controversial perspective that challenges conventional thinking about cancer, chronic disease, and the role of inflammation in human health. A physicist, engineer, and inventor with over 40 patents, Shepherd shares his personal journey after being diagnosed with polycythemia vera, a rare blood cancer widely considered non-curable.

Refusing to accept that prognosis, he spent years researching the underlying mechanisms of disease. What he discovered led him to astaxanthin, a naturally occurring compound found in algae, and eventually to the development of a modified form designed for improved absorption. According to Shepherd, targeting inflammation at the cellular level may play a critical role in addressing a wide range of chronic conditions.

This conversation explores:

• The link between inflammation and chronic disease

• Why some conditions may be misunderstood or underexplored

• The role of antioxidants and nutrient compounds in cellular health

• How personal research and lived experience can shape new perspectives

• The tension between anecdotal evidence and clinical research

• Broader questions about healthcare systems, patient education, and access to information

Watch the full episode and decide what resonates.

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To know more about Sam Shepherd's work visit www.valasta.net

Moving Medicine Forward, by Dr. Michael Klaper and me, available now on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Moving-Medicine-Forward-Doctors-Nutrition_and/dp/1637748264

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DISCLAIMER: This podcast does not provide medical advice. The content of this podcast is provided for informational or educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health issue without consulting your doctor. Always seek medical advice before making any lifestyle changes.