Grain of salt department

Never be sick again. It's an intriguing notion that will be promoted by author Raymond Francis, who speaks next month in Spokane.

Francis' theories are based on his personal experience, not on the gold standard of scientific evidence _ large randomized controlled studies. His book and nutritional products Web site put him into a grain-of-salt category that Prevention magazine calls "profiting prophets."

Still, he has some interesting ideas.

"I made a discovery," he said in a phone interview from his home in the Bay Area. "There is really only one disease. And this discovery changes everything."

Francis' "one disease" is what he terms "malfunctioning cells" caused by malnutrition and toxic chemicals. His prevention and treatment methods revolve around enhancing the immune system through dietary supplements, exercise and sunlight.

There is indeed scientific evidence for some of his recommendations outlined in his 2002 book "Never Be Sick Again." But some of his other ideas, such as the claim that "mammograms are the leading cause of breast cancer," are unproven.

Francis, whose given name is Raymond Francis Friesecke, bills himself as "a biochemist and graduate of MIT." He did receive a master's degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1961, but it was in civil engineering, not biochemistry, according to MIT. Francis confirmed that in an interview.

Francis speaks on June 6 at 2:30 p.m. at Corbin Senior Activity Center, 827 W. Cleveland Ave. Tickets are $12. He also speaks on June 7 at 9:30 a.m. at Spokane Valley Senior Center, 11423 E. Mission Ave. Tickets are $12 for seniors, students and groups of three or more; $15 for others.