Guest guest Posted February 25, 2005 Report Share Posted February 25, 2005 pH Balance: A Homeopathic Approach JoAnn Guest Feb 24, 2005 17:36 PST ================================================================== Recently, I was talking to Charles Marble, a friend and colleague, about the organic farm industry in Naples. He said everything natural about organic farming is derived from the balance between acids and alkalinity in the soil. Where I live, the soil is generally determined to be quite alkaline. What I found interesting was the fact that when the soil is properly balanced, insects cannot thrive and are not drawn to plants. I found this interesting because the same is true for us. What we call the " biological terrain " , or soil, must also be balanced. Normal acid pH is around 6.8 and anything lower is considered acidic, which by most standards, is our nature. Above 7.6 is alkaline. At 7.0 pH is totally neutral, like good water. No one is ever totally neutral, as our system cannot function in a neutral state. However, if one checks some of the key 'experts' (Dr Jenson, Dr Bodine, Dr Cayce, Dr Phiefer, Dr Jinks, etc), you will find they all recommend that the body be 'slightly' alkaline. The stomach is the only part of the body that is always " acidic " (hydrochloric acid), while the remainder of the bodily fluids are supposed to be alkaline. Too much acid, or too many alkaline reactions can cause tissue damage. Blood, spinal fluid and saliva are rarely alkaline, but the stool, liver bile, pancreas or gall bladder bile can be either acidic or alkaline (the range for these organs and glands is broader). But, when they become acidic, the imbalance begins and the parasites' establish a foothold, creating stress on the system. Hyperacidic tendencies and symptoms include cold sores, herpes, arthritis, rheumatic conditions, parasites, candida, insomnia, headaches and migraines, water retention, bladder infections, constipation or diarrhea, teeth sensitivity, burning sensations,ulcers (also bacteria related), hypotension, stress, cravings for certain foods, allergies, asthma, skin disorders of all types and gastric problems. There are more ailments related to " acidosis " , but this gives you a general idea about the long reaching effects of excess acidity. The terrain of the body requires frequent tweaking to maintain balance and health and when acids continue to build up over time, they create a foothold for illnesses and a soil that sustains this imbalance. There are a variety of ways we can start to re-balance our pH, including diet, supplements, Hydrotherapy, Homeopathy and Herb's. First, the food list. These are alkaline producing foods for excess acidity: Uma Boshi Plum paste ( make a soup or tea); Miso soup; avocados; pure maple syrup; raw honey; organic blackstrap molasses; most fresh organic fruits (except cranberry,plums and prunes), vinegar, lemons, eggplant, millet,and organic dates. There are a variety of books available to assist in determining which foods are best suited for your particular needs. Supplements: The amino acid L-Glutamine; MSM; Increased potassium and phosphorus; Combination B complex with a minimum of 100mg per B and 800mcg of folic acid; Primadophilus, combination amino acid for cell rejuvenation; Pancreatic glandular, taken every other day; Multi enzyme, preferably, food based; Anti-oxidants, such as Alpha lipoic acid, grape seed extract, green tea, selenium, Olive leaf extract and natural Vitamin E. Hydrotherapy: Baths can both cleanse and rejuvenate. Start every other day, with weekends off. Drink plenty of pure water after the bath and try to have the bath as hot as possible to open the pores and allow the bath ingredients to penetrate. Do these separately, not combined. Baking soda/Epsom salts, about one pound of each; apple cider vinegar, about 2 cups; hydrogen peroxide, about 2 pints; Bath salts or cleansing salts,available from any health food store; castor oil, rubbed thoroughly into the liver area, the kidney/adrenal area, thymus area, stomach and abdomen, just before entering the bath. Also, there are numerous companies that sell wonderful bath products with an abundance of herbs for cleansing. Homeopathy: Homeopathy addresses deep seated disharmonies from the perspective of the person, not just their symptoms, so giving a remedy for " hyperacidity " will rarely cover the " underlying cause " . The following remedies have been known to aid acid excesses and should be used only for ACUTE problems: Consult a Homeopath or Kinesiologist for additional remedies. 1. Robinia: everything turns to acid; burning sensation with regurgitation of acids with severe sharp pains and vomiting. 2. Natrum Phosphoricum: belching after food; sour vomiting; very sensitive individual with a delicate/refined nature. 3. Hydrastis: strong affinity to mucus membranes; indigestion; belches sour fluids; pulsating symptoms. 4. Iris Versicolor: burning sensations along entire alimentary canal; vomits sour or bloody vile; nausea; profuse saliva. 5. Nux Vomica: indigestion; heartburn all symptoms relate to overdoing or excess (alcohol/food/drugs/etc.); sensitive to pressure in stomach; liver remedy with anger, irritability and impatience; type A. 6. Sulphuric Acid: fatigue; nervous but keeps going; irritability at minor things; sour vomiting and belching; vomits mucus, not food; nausea and chilliness. Herbs: Alfalfa; Aloe vera; Comfrey; Cramp Bark; Garlic; Ginger; Slippery Elm; Parsley; Peppermint; Cornsilk These are best taken in single doses, liquid form, about 40 drops, once a day. Taking all of them is unnecessary however, but you may need to experiment to determine the ones that work best. You will generally notice relief of symptoms within a few weeks, but don't overdo this experimentation without consulting a health care practitioner who has knowledge of Herbs and their relationship to medications. You can easily determine your pH balance by purchasing nitrazine paper at a health food store or pharmacy. The paper changes color and indicates an acid or alkaline state. Best to take this test before eating, using two strips, one for saliva and the other for urine. By re-establishing balance in your system, you can eliminate the insects that create illness and provide a soil that repels further infestations. Why harbor unwanted disease?? We can't tolerate pH imbalance in our swimming pools, why do so in our body. David A. Dancu, N.D. is a Naturopath and freelance writer, specializing in Homeopathy. He maintains a practice in Naples, Florida and is the author of Homeopathic Vibrations: A Guide for Natural Healing (Sunshine Press, 1996) available in Karinya and through local bookstores. GHOE: Greatest Herbs On Earth has a number of pH Balancing packages and pH Testing Strips available. Also, read the many other articles on pH listed on our main Health Articles page. http://www.greatestherbsonearth.com/articles/balancing_ph.htm --- Epsom Salt Baths --- First discovered in the town well of Epsom, England and patented in the 17th century for its healing and " curative " powers, Epsom salt baths are the oldest and cheapest ways of relaxing muscles and settling nerves. Simply add two cups (1 pound, 454 grams, 16 oz., 1 pint, 1/2 liter, 500 ml) to your warm bath water to make a standard Epsom salt bath, and enjoy! To make a strong Epsom salt bath, double to quadruple the amount of Epsom salt. To make a VERY strong bath, double it again. Like our friend Teddy Bear here, Epsom salt baths have produced pleasure for millions for a very long time - at least three hundred and fifty years. One of the coolest ladies that I know takes one every 5 days, whether she needs it or not, because it is part of her routine for staying well. Even today, Epsom salt is the primary ingredient in nearly all expensive relaxing bath salts. The crystals are 10 percent pure magnesium, and a rounded 1/2 tablespoon (7.2 milliliter) yields 1 gram of magnesium. It is one of the most highly absorbed magnesium compounds known (easily absorbed through the skin or digestive tract). The effect of these baths has not been understood from a neuroscience aspect until recently. These baths can raise blood and tissue levels of magnesium, resulting in the feeling of well being and relaxation, and perhaps sedation in overdose for all the reasons stated in this essay for orally ingested magnesium. Few who use Epsom salt baths judiciously for relaxation go away unhappy. Now, you can buy your own sensory deprivation tank and fill it with Epsom Salts and really space out! Although I found no clinical evidence of using Epsom salt baths to treat clinical anxiety or depression, in theory there is no reason why, with experimentation, such would not work, and perhaps work very, very well. The trick to success may be simply finding the correct strength. Should one use a standard or strong Epsom salt bath? I think a VERY strong one is best, when done with modest caution. The main side effect of prolonged strong Epsom salt baths, other than relaxing to the point where one falls asleep, is diarrhea. Taking a VERY strong Epsom salt water bath without someone ready to watch the person is unwise, and could lead to overdose, sleep and drowning. Too long spent in very strong Epsom salt baths will put a person on the commode with diarrhea for at least a half hour. What is too long? I think about 20 minutes of a VERY strong bath is long enough, and 60 minutes may result in diarrhea because of the very strong water-drawing capability of the magnesium ion. How frequently should strong Epsom salt baths be taken to treat depression? Daily? Several times daily? Perhaps. Four to six times daily? Let's not over do it, but maybe for a week or two in the beginning. Epsom salts are of particular value to people outside of the United States where there are fewer medicinal or nutritional forms of magnesium. Epsom salt along with magnesium chloride are found using industrial, agricultural, medicinal and veterinary sources world-wide. America has stepped around these old standbys as if they were unimportant, which is a shame. Seriously, the benefits of judicious use of Epsom Salt baths far outweigh the risks. Think of the opportunities for pleasure! Here are 13 wonderful ways to use Epsom salt. Epsom salt baths or topical rinses are used for many purposes in medicine and veterinary medicine. In people, Epsom salt are routinely used for: soothing relief from arthritic pain; reducing stiffness, soreness, and tightness of joints; improving discomfort from muscle aches, pains and tenderness; soothing painful bruises, sprains and strains; alleviating pain from over exertion during sport activities; improving the body's sleeping and resting productivity; increasing and improving body energy levels; improving the rate of natural body healing; soothing away stress; deep cleaning skin and pores; taking the sting out of insect bites and drawing out splinters. http://coldcure.com/html/dep.html#bath --- The " Coffee Retention " Enema -- Apr 24, 2003 19:11 PDT Over time, toxic wastes may accumulate in the colon and liver, circulating throughout the body via the bloodstream. A clean and healthy colon and liver, then, are essential for the health of the organs and tissues of the body. There are two types of enemas - the retention enema and the cleansing enema. The primary action of the retention enema, which is held in the body for about fifteen minutes, is to help rid the liver of " impurities " . the cleansing enema, which is retained for only a few minutes, is used to " flush out " the colon. When using any enema, keep in mind that they should never be used if there is rectal bleeding. In such a case, contact a physician immediately. If you experience tension of spasms in the bowel while using a enema, try using warmer water --99 degrees is a good temp. to help relax the bowel. If the bowel is weak or flaccid, try using colder water --75 to 80 degreees to help strengthen it. After using any enema, be sure to wash and sterilize the tip of the enema bag. The Coffee retention enema When used as a retention enema - coffee does not go through the digestive system and does not affect the body as a coffee beverage does. Instead, the coffee solution stimulates both the liver and gallbladder to " release toxins " , which are then flushed from the body. A coffee retention enema is quite helpful during a serious illness, after hospitalization, and after exposure to toxic chemicals. This enema can also be used during fasts to relieve the headaches sometimes caused by a fast-induced release of toxins. To make the coffee enema solution, place 2 quarts of pure water in a pan, and add 6 heaping tablespoons of ground coffee (do not use instant or decaf). Boil the mixture for fifteen minutes, cool to a comfortable temp. and strain. Use only 1 pint of the strained coffee at a time, and refrigerate the remainder in a closed jar. Use vitamin E oil or aloe vera to lubricate the tip of the enema bag. The liquid will both ease insertion and have a healing effect on the anus and the lining of the colon. The body views the coffee enema as a poison, forcing the liver to quickly dump excess waste build up from the body. However,the coffee enema is not a poison, simply another means to help " detoxify " the system. Taken from the book, " Prescription for Nutritional Healing " , By James A. Balch M.D. & Phyllis A. Balch C.N.C. -- Discussion of People regarding Coffee Enemas -- http://www.annieappleseedproject.org/coffeeenemas.html Ann has been doing coffee enemas since January 1995, immediately after her first recurrence of breast cancer. She always had digestive problems, so deciding to start this process was relatively easy. However the coffee enema is specifically for detoxification. It is said to open the bile duct of the liver so that it quickly sends material into the colon for elimination. It is a retention enema. We STRONGLY recommend an enema bucket rather than the conventional (over the counter) enema bag. The bucket has a long plastic tube and ends with a long red rubber catheter so a very soft tip enters your anus. See the article on people with enema-perforated colons (that hard plastic tip cannot be good for you). CeeCee's point of view 8/99: In answer to your query in regards to how often do I do enemas, I must say I do one daily even though I am having normal bowel movements. The reason I continue to do so is because of the amount of supplements, drinks, teas, etc. that I am using to fight cancer and build up my body create a tremendous stirring up of toxins that I believe need to be removed from my body Gerson, Kelly, and other alternative cancer healers all advocated coffee enemas. I use the time to listen to tapes, read inspiring books and articles, or just spend quiet time with myself. I always feel better afterwards so I know I benefit from them. I also implant shark cartilege powder as part of this process. When I was at Optimum Health Institute in San Diego, the recommendation was to do wheat grass implants which I also found helpful. I do believe it is what a person either muscle tests positively or intuitively knows makes enemas right for them. If someone sees no need or doesn't feel right about the concept of enemas, then I believe enemas would not be helpful. Again, I strongly believe we must find our own path. There is no one right way or process or answer. Rae's perspective: I also do the coffee enemas - usually once a week. I have done many things in the past three years to detoxify. I find the coffee enemas much easier than colonics which I did the first summer. They were really a chore even though I had a colonic board at home. I find it a quiet, restful time and thinking of the good effects on the liver makes it a nurturing time Sharon's take on them: I do them too, but it took me a few months initially to get up the courage. I only do it about 4 times/week. I found it weird when first hearing them discussed, that someone said they actually liked doing them, but now I find that it is 'my time'. The time when I force myself to stop doing and just relax and read. I like doing them mostly. Here is what Diana said: I also do the coffee enemas once a week. I also find it a relaxing time to read or watch television. My biggest concern is that the bathroom is not being used by someone in my family when my time comes to use it. My son likes to take hour baths. Aliss T. 7/01 Hi all. I have joined the ranks of those of you doing daily coffee enemas. I was worried that I might break down and start brewing a cup to drink, and get re-addicted, but this Therapy Blend stuff from Blackstock is unlike any coffee I've ever seen. It's greenish brown and smells like roasted peanuts. Boiled up as per the instructions, it is light brown and oily smooth. A LOT of oils in those beans! I have been feeling FANTASTIC since starting and haven't missed a day. Had a bit of the jitters the first few days, but not any more. I can't believe I put off doing this all these months because I dreaded how I imagined it would make me feel. But weekly colonics at $50 a pop were really draining the grocery budget. I do have a question though. Is it better to do it before or after breakfast? ANSWER: At the Gerson clinic, the suggested timing was 6:00 AM (before breakfast), 10:00 AM, 2:00 PM (after lunch), 6:00 PM (before dinner) (and 10:00 PM if needed). Everything depends on how YOU feel. 12/01 M: For me, I found going to a professional colon hydrotherapist years ago to be an (emotionally, not physically) uncomfortable experience. The therapist encouraged me to supplement the colonics with home enemas and fasting by following the advice given in Dr. Bernard Jensen's book, title escapes me at the moment. I found taking charge of the whole affair in my own home to be far more empowering, not to mention dirt cheap. When I discovered my breast lump 3 years ago, I'd had about 15 years of experience with plain water enemas under my belt. At this time a friend who was healthy was attempting to optimize her health. She hired the best personal trainer in town who recommended that she do coffee enemas for her health, among other things. She did them and raved about them. Because of her, I was not as reluctant as I might have otherwise been, to try them for cancer. When I did start doing the coffee enemas I consistently heard from people... " wow, you sure don't look like you have cancer " . And it substantially helped my energy levels, though I had no coffee buzz. I have never been a coffee drinker. But as with someone else that posted here, they no longer seem to benefit me the way that they once did. So I don't use them as much as I once did. I have never experienced one harmful or unpleasant effect from the coffee enemas...and I don't know of anyone else that has, either, from discussions on other cancer lists. Ann's NOTE: It is important to understand that coffee enemas are done as part of a total protocol. There is a need to support the body and the immune system. Gerson therapy is such a total program as is Kelley, Gonzalez, Taylor, etc. Pick and choose aspects but make sure you end up with appropriate nutrients from whole foods, supplements, detoxification, physical exercise and mind/body support. From an email to Ann Fonfa, 7/00 Karolinska Institute, Sweden 12/01 Ann Fonfa's report Abdom Imaging, 8/02 -- Excerpted from Ralph Moss, Ph.D. Healing Newsletter, 5-6/86 --------------------------------History & Science Behind Coffee Enemas --- Excerpted from Ralph Moss' Healing newsletter, 1986: Coffee enemas were an established part of medical practice when Dr. Max Gerson introduced them into cancer therapy in the 1930s. Basing himself on German laboratory work, Gerson believed that caffeine could " stimulate " the liver and gall bladder to discharge bile. He felt this process could contribute to the health of the cancer patient. Although the coffee enema has been heaped with scorn, there has been some independent scientific work that gives credence to this concept. In 1981, for instance, Dr. Lee Wattenberg and his colleagues were able to show that substances found in coffee—kahweol and cafestol palmitate—promote the activity of a key enzyme system, glutathione S-transferase, above the norm. This system detoxifies a vast array of " electrophiles " from the bloodstream and, according to Gar Hildenbrand of the Gerson Institute, " must be regarded as an important mechanism for carcinogen detoxification. " This enzyme group is responsible for " neutralizing " free radicals, harmful chemicals now commonly implicated in the initiation of cancer. In mice, for example, these systems are enhanced 600 percent in the liver and 700 percent in the bowel when coffee beans are added to the mice's diet. Dr. Peter Lechner, who is investigating the Gerson method at the Landeskrankenhaus of Graz, Austria, has reported that " coffee enemas have a definite effect on the colon which can be observed with an endoscope. " F.W. Cope (1977) has postulated the existence of a " tissue damage syndrome. " When cells are challenged by poison, oxygen deprivation, malnutrition or a physical trauma they lose potassium, take on sodium and chloride, and swell up with excess water. Another scientist (Ling) has suggested that water in a normal cell is contained in an " ice-like " structure. Being alive requires not just the right chemicals but the right chemical structure. Cells normally have a preference for potassium over sodium but when a cell is " damaged " it begins to prefer sodium. This craving results in a damaged ability of cells to repair themselves and to utilize energy. Further, damaged cells produce toxins; around tumors are zones of " wounded " but still non-malignant tissue, swollen with salt and water. Gerson believed it axiomatic that cancer could not exist in normal metabolism. He pointed to the fact that scientists often had to damage an animal's thyroid and adrenals just to get a transplanted tumor to " take. " He directed his efforts toward creating normal metabolism in the tissue surrounding a tumor. It is the liver and small bowel which neutralize the most common tissue toxins: polyamines, ammonia, toxic-bound nitrogen, and electrophiles. These detoxification systems are probably enhanced by the coffee enema. Physiological Chemistry and Physics has stated that " caffeine enemas cause dilation of bile ducts, which facilitates excretion of toxic cancer breakdown products by the liver and dialysis of toxic products across the colonic wall. " In addition, theophylline and theobromine (two other chemicals in coffee) dilate blood vessels and counter inflammation of the gut; the palmitates enhance the enzyme system responsible for the removal of toxic free radicals from the serum; and the fluid of the enema then stimulates the visceral nervous system to promote peristalsis and the transit of diluted toxic bile from the duodenum and out the rectum. Since the enema is generally held for 15 minutes, and all the blood in the body passes through the liver every three minutes, " these enemas represent a form of dialysis of blood across the gut wall " (Healing Newsletter, #13, May-June, 1986). http://www.ralphmoss.com/coff.htmlhttp://www.ralphmoss.com/coff.htm -- ACIDIFICATION OF THE BODY -- This is a bit technical. It involves pH which is another term for your acid/base balance. Within the body certain places only operate correctly if they're at exactly the right pH balance. The stomach lining has to be truly " alkaline " in order to counteract the ‘acidic’ digestive enzymes. Otherwise we'd constantly be burning holes in the stomach lining. All phases of digestion are totally dependent upon a delicate acid/base " balance " . The blood must maintain a pH between 7.3 and 7.45. (Guyton). If not,we die. With all the acidic processed foods we keep eating, the body tries desperately to keep its pH within the range. The first things it tries are buffering with bicarbonates in the blood and lungs.(Guyton, p 392) Next, the body begins to sweep the extra acids into the tissues, especially muscles and joints. That's where lactic acid ‘buildup’ comes from. If that's still not enough, as a final effort to keep from acidifying, the body will actually precipitate acids out of solution, in the form of solid crystals and salts. This is the exact " mechanism " of gallstones, kidneys stones, uric acid crystals, plaque, and cholesterol crystals. A built-in protection for self preservation. We think of these conditions as major medical problems, but in reality it's just a " sign " that the body's systems are functioning as they should. Otherwise we'd be dead of " acidosis " . " So what happens to the colon from an over-acid diet " ? In a word, enzymes. Or rather, ‘lack’ of enzymes. Enzymes are necessary to break down and digest food. If the environment is too acidic ,the enzymes in the stomach and small intestine do not “work” very well. By the time it gets to the colon, everything that was supposed to be digested should have already had it happen. But it hasn't. So the undigested food gets dumped into the colon. There are no 'digestive enzymes' in the colon. So the food just sits there and rots. Now, minerals can only be 'absorbed' at a certain pH. And minerals are a necessary component of enzyme 'formation'. So it's a vicious circle: ’Acidification’ of the body causes ‘decreased’ minerals, which cause ’decreased’ enzyme production, which causes the food to rot in the tract which further blocks absorption of water, nutrients, and minerals. Downward spiral. A youthful, healthy body is alkaline. A diseased body is acid. The foods we eat must " contribute " to the " alkaline state " of the body. Consume 80 percent " alkaline forming " foods and 20 percent acid forming foods. If you adhere to this 80/20 principle, and minimize negative emotions, you'll be well on your way. " When a body is in an " acid state " , what neutralizes the acid " ? Alkaline ‘compounds’ neutralize acid. That's why you see all those ads on TV and elsewhere advertising products to ‘neutralize’ acidity. Because they do not deal with the CAUSES of acidity, but only the “symptoms”, these products do not work in the long run. The Standard American Diet is 'acid forming'. Meat,poultry, cola,coffee, white bread and dairy are all acid forming. Stress is acid forming. Anger and negative emotions are acid forming. The issue of acid/alkaline balance can be a little confusing because each organ of the body, as well as the blood and skin, have " optimum pH " levels that are different. The blood, for example, is slightly alkaline at pH 7.37 to 7.45. In order for the blood to be constantly maintained within this narrow corridor, the body engages in ‘heroic’ efforts. If the blood gets too acidic, calcium from the bones is " dissolved " and utilized to adjust the blood's pH. " Could this have anything to do with the high incidence of osteoporosis in this country " ? The skin has a slightly acid pH because one of the avenues the body uses to expel 'acid waste' is ‘through’ the skin. Interestingly, the " acid mantle " thus created then protects us by killing bacteria and viruses on the skin. Other pH values are 1.5 for stomach juice and 8.8 for pancreatic juice. The waste products created from the body's own process of metabolism are all 'acid'. Protein 'metabolism' produces sulfuric ‘acid’ and phosphoric ‘acid’. Carbohydrate and fat metabolism produces acetic ‘acid’ and lactic ‘acid’. These acids are poisonous and must be washed out of the system on an ongoing basis. First however, they have to be neutralized by ‘carbonic’ salts, which are composed of alkaline mineral ‘compounds’. We must have a " reserve " of these " alkaline minerals " available at all times to assist the body to do its work efficiently. This is why a high alkaline diet of organic fruits, vegetables and sprouts is so important to our health and well-being. Refined sugar, on the other hand, promotes a condition of acidity wherever it goes - the mouth, the stomach, the blood. In the mouth the pH gets lower with the presence of sugar. At around pH 5.5, the saliva begins to dissolve tooth enamel. Demineralization of bones and teeth is promoted by the acidic environment created in the blood by refined sugar. Calcium, magnesium, and chromium are squandered in the body's attempts to ‘rid’ itself of this non-food (refined sugar). The modern diet, high in animal protein, creates more acid than base in the body, resulting in a " net acid load. " Until recently, scientists thought that this excess acid was safely excreted by the kidneys, resulting in no undesirable physiological consequences. However, research now indicates that acid can be retained in the body, and its presence is " linked " to osteoporosis, loss of " muscle mass " and " reduction of hormone levels " —--all symptoms associated with aging. Declining kidney 'efficiency' is common as people age, and contributes to the problem of acid buildup. Renal 'tubular failure' may eventually result. Researchers recommend that people modify their diets as they age to reduce the net acid 'loads'. This means cutting down on animal food. By putting more vegetables into their diets, people may reduce their chances of developing osteoporosis, kidney disease, and other age-related problems. Considerable attention is now focused on the role of calcium in osteoporosis, but too much " acid " caused by high-protein diets may be the true villain. In one study, women whose net acid load was neutralized by alkaline supplements experienced increased retention of calcium and phosphorus, and greater new bone formation. Based on information in: Consumers' Research, Dec 1997 Excerpted from Spectrum Magazine http://www.garynull.com/Article.aspx?Article=/LibraryTitle.aspx --- The breakdown products of processed proteins are highly 'acidifying' to the blood. This sets in motion the whole calcium buffering program in which the pH of the 'blood' is saved from all this dangerous 'acidification' by 'pulling' calcium out of the bones and teeth. Result: uric acid crystal deposition in joints and organs, osteoporosis, ' and total " disruption " of kidney and adrenal function which further try to regulate blood pH. In addition, too much protein in the diet " putrefies " in the digestive tract, setting up blockages, leaky gut syndrome, and a whole host of 'intestinal' disorders. Excess 'nitrogen' in the system from all those excess amino acids further stresses the blood. The food advertisers pretend that we need more protein and less fat. The more protein and the less fat, the better. The truth is, Americans average 125 g of protein per day, while only requiring 25 g. (McDougall) We are not protein deficient in this country. That only happens in Third World starvation countries. The reason for this Protein Religion is simple economics: high protein foods are expensive. It's a sales job. At stake are billion$ in foods and billion$ in advertising. Food faddists like to complicate things, deriving rules and patterns out of thin air. Usually for the end purpose of book or supplement or food sales. A reasonable proportion of fats, protein, and carbohydrates is just common sense. Less important than the proportion of fats, protein, and carbohydrates is the form in which each is presented. Digestible or indigestible? Natural or processed? Raw or cooked? Sprayed or organic? Cleanse or clog? With or without enzymes? These are the real issues that determine the value of a food. These are the questions we should be asking. 'Acidosis' occurs when the body loses its alkaline ‘reserve’. Some causes of acidosis include kidney, liver and adrenal disorders, improper diet, malnutrition, “ketosis” (resulting from high-protein diets, i.e. Atkins ) Anger, stress, fear, anorexia, toxemia, fever, and the use of extremely excessive amounts of niacin and aspirin. Diabetics often suffer with this condition! Stomach ulcers are often associated with this condition also. Cancer cannot exist in an 'alkaline' environment. All forms of arthritis are associated with ‘excess’ acidity. Acid in the body dissolves both teeth and bones. Whatever health situation you are faced with, you can monitor your progress toward a proper acid/alkaline balance by testing your saliva pH. Sulphur acts as a buffer to maintain pH. Sulfur can be taken in supplement form. Use elder bark, hops and willow for acidosis. Start with small amounts of fresh fruits and gradually add larger amounts as your pH improves. Drink potato broth everyday. Avoid animal protein especially beef and pork, and processed refined junk foods. Reduce your intake of cooked foods. When ingested, both cooked and processed foods become ‘acidic’ to the body. Avoid refined processed cereals, cookies, cakes,crackers, fried foods, macaroni and refined sugar. Arginine is an amino acid found in many foods, including dairy products, meat, poultry, and fish. Supplemental arginine has been proposed as a treatment for various conditions, including heart problems. Arginine has been found to stimulate the body's production of 'gastrin', a hormone that increases stomach acid. Because excessive acid can irritate the stomach, there are concerns that arginine could be harmful for individuals taking drugs that are also hard on the stomach (such as NSAIDs). Unlike the stomach, which has an acidic environment, the small intestine has an alkaline environment, created by the " scretion of bicarbonate " (like baking soda) from the pancreas. The alkalinity then stimulates the pancreas to secrete digestive enzymes. Meanwhile, the gall bladder releases bile, which aids in the breakdown of fats. The liver, the gallbladder and the pancreas play an important role in the digestion of foods, so let's take a closer look at how they work. --- The Pancreas The Pancreas provides important " enzymes " to the body. This gland is about six inches long and is nestled into the duodenum. It secretes insulin, which ushers sugar from the blood stream into the cells. Insulin is secreted into the blood, not the digestive tract. The larger part of the pancreas manufactures and secretes pancreatic juices, which contain some of the body's most important digestive enzymes, and bicarbonate, which 'neutralizes' stomach acid. METABOLIC ENZYMES Metabolic means having to do with operating the body's specific systems. Cell life, nerve transmission, brain signals, hormone distribution, oxygen exchange, liver function, acid-base balance in the blood. All these jobs require specific enzymes in order to happen, on a second-by-second basis. Metabolic enzymes are the worker protein molecules that keep this whole biochemical circus going all day long. Metabolic enzymes are what actually utilizes the nutrients that have been broken down by the digestive enzymes, provided that normal digestion has taken place. So the direct interrelationship between the two types of enzymes - digestive and metabolic - is not really a big subject for debate Processed foods become our cells. We become processed food. Never underestimate the forces at work 24 hours a day to make us consume as much processed dairy, hydrogenated soybean oil, white sugar, and white flour as possible. We are addicted to the things that " poison " us. We all know that human food comes in three varieties: fats protein carbohydrates Each is a large molecule made of smaller units. Since the body prefers the smaller units, these 'large' fat, protein, and carbohydrate chains must be ''broken down'. Fats are broken down to fatty acids; proteins are broken down to amino acids; carbohydrates are broken down to glucose molecules. The process of breakdown is called " digestion " Each food type has a special enzyme to make this breakdown happen: Lipase is the enzyme that breaks down fat. Protease breaks down protein. Amylase breaks down carbohydrates. Now many doctors and others with no background in nutrition will say that we can eat anything we want because the body's digestive enzymes are " designed " to break the food down. This would be true if we were eating an 80% natural diet. By that I mean a diet in which most foods contain within them the enzymes necessary for complete breakdown, without placing a burden on the body's own enzyme reserves. The natural diet leaves behind no 'residue' from the digestive activity. That is 'normal' digestion. But we don't have a natural diet. Most of us have a SAD diet - the Standard American Diet. You know - burgers, fries, pizza, beer, chips, donuts, coke, etc. These are non-foods, new to the human species in the past century. Our digestive systems were never designed to break these chemical bizzarros down. So the stuff doesn't get digested - it just sits there, rotting. Abnormal diet = abnormal digestion. The best course of action would be to eat a diet consisting of more than 80% enzyme-rich raw foods. No arguments there. But most of us simply can't resist all that conditioning and advertising, and we rationalize to ourselves how " life was meant to be lived and the hell with the rest, " etc. And that line of reasoning brings most of us to processed foods. Luckily, today we have a way at least to minimize the clogging, toxifying residues of undigested food. Everything we put in our mouths is a decision, even if it's an unconscious one. Each food choice poses two questions: - will this nourish the body? or - will this clog the body? The cumulative effect of these decisions determines whether we are toxifying or detoxifying day by day – whether we are getting sicker or better, building our immune reserves or using them up, promoting degeneration or slowing it down, moving toward life or toward death.. Aging or anti-aging. _________________ JoAnn Guest mrsjo- DietaryTi- www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Genes AIM Barleygreen " Wisdom of the Past, Food of the Future " http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Diets.html Mail - Find what you need with new enhanced search. Learn more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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