After the winter period when our bodies have been subjected to heavier foods and clothing to keep the body warm, longer periods hibernating in buildings with artificial heating and lighting, it is time to give our bodies a spring clean.

It is noted in some of the oldest healing traditions that the body works to an internal clock – not only throughout the day but also through the planetary seasons.

I have included here a little about the liver cycle, and the time influence on the functionality of the liver, to get an idea of the need to adjust our lifestyle to accommodate the body processes; if we do not take heed of these cycles then our body will become unbalanced and dis-eased.

The Liver Cycle

Although scientists are just beginning to recognize the phases of the liver’s cycle, the following appear to describe the hepatic clock:

• The liver synthesizes complex chemicals and processes toxins the most when the production of bile is lowest.
• Along the same lines, chemical synthesis and toxin processing is lowest while the liver’s production of bile is highest.
• Because bile is needed for food processing, the liver makes a greater proportion during the day - and less at night.
• Bile production is assumed to be at its highest at 9am and lowest at 9pm.
• After 9pm, the liver switches to its other primary functions, synthesizing chemicals and processing accumulated toxins.
• The cycle begins shifting around 3am, when the liver slows chemical synthesis and readies itself for bile production.
• The liver cycle shifts again around 3pm, when chemical synthesis begins to increase and bile production decreases.

As we can see from above, the liver is most prepared to aid digestion with its synthesis of bile between 9am and 9pm. This is important information for those who want to work with, and not against their liver.

Therefore, we need to ensure that we are not eating later than 7pm as the bile production is decreasing, and this will have an effect on the digestion of the food taken at that time;  the work should be going on to process toxins, and will now be seriously compromised.

In addition, although this is the most difficult, it is suggested retiring for the night close to 9pm whenever possible. Although this seems extremely early for many adults, those who try it report achieving a deeper and more restful sleep. The liver’s clock may not resonate with a modern, busy schedule. However, eating early and going to bed early co-operates with your liver’s natural rhythm.

So having introduced that important aspect of the liver cycle, let’s now move on to explore where the liver is situated in your body, and its functions.

The liver is one of the largest and most complex organs of the human body. It weighs about three pounds in adults and is made up of a spongy mass of wedge-shaped lobes; of which there are quoted to be between 70,000 and 100,000.

The liver is located behind the ribs in the upper right-hand section of the abdomen. Shaped like a triangle, the liver is dark reddish-brown and consists of two main lobes (right and left), and has numerous functions that are necessary for life.

Some of these functions are to:

• Manufacture (synthesize) proteins, including albumin (to help maintain the volume of blood) and blood clotting factors

• Synthesize, store, and process (metabolize) fats, including fatty acids (used for energy) and cholesterol

• Metabolize and store carbohydrates, which are used as the source for the sugar (glucose) in blood that red blood cells and the brain use

• Form and secrete bile that contains bile acids to aid in the intestinal absorption (taking in) of fats and the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K.

• Eliminate, by metabolizing and/or secreting, the potentially harmful biochemical products produced by the body, such as bilirubin from the breakdown of old red blood cells and ammonia from the breakdown of proteins.

• Helps the body fight infection. The liver contains a number of macrophages (immune cells) called Kupffer cells. For a variety of reasons, patients with severe liver disease do not fight infection well; they are more prone to infections of the bloodstream and other tissues.

• Detoxify, by metabolizing and/or secreting, drugs, alcohol, and environmental toxins

The liver is the hardest working organ in the humanbody

Poor diet, chemicals, pathogenic organisms, antibiotics, hormone replacement, and a lack of essential nutrients impair the liver’s ability to filter and detoxify harmful substances. Almost 2 quarts of blood pass through the liver every minute for detoxification.

Filtration of toxins is absolutely critical as portal venous blood from the intestines contains high levels of broad spectrum microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, parasites and other by-products and toxins. The liver also neutralizes a wide range of exo/endo toxic chemicals.

Allergies, sluggish metabolism, and hormonal imbalances among others, are as a result of a compromised digestive and hepatic function.

Understand how the liver detoxifies

Detoxification occurs in two sequential steps – Phase I and Phase II. This complex system works together to convert (bio transform) toxic fat soluble molecules into non -toxic, water soluble molecules for rapid excretion. Complex nutrients and botanical co-factors specific to each phase are necessary to ensure accurate conversion.

Liver detoxification proceeds via two enzyme pathways:

1) Phase I – P450 enzymes convert toxins into water soluble intermediates

2) Phase II – conjugation enzymes transform these intermediates into compounds which can be excreted via the kidneys or bile.

BUT – here is a problem – Phase I intermediate metabolites can be 60 times more toxic than their fat-soluble precursors. These water soluble intermediates combine with oxygen, creating free radicals that cause extensive damage to the liver and other cells of the body; it should now become apparent that a balance of Phase I and Phase II enzymes is crucial for efficient and safe detoxification processes. Inadequate Phase II liver detoxification is common in cases of long term xenobiotic exposure, where nutritional factors required for conjugation are depleted.

The slow release of these toxins into the bloodstream is a major factor in the development of chronic disease. Essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids provide nourishment to the body in this phase and are supportive in the repair of damaged tissues. Specific amino acids support Phase II conjugation enzymes, while plant polyphenols provide intense antioxidant support to neutralize damage caused by the created Phase I, intermediate metabolites.

We can see from this phase I, phase II process how important it is to consume good quality, unprocessed fruit, vegetables, and organic meats.

DETOXING THE LIVER??

This label is not really correct – as we can see from above, the liver is continually processing chemicals, pathogens and bio chemical products produced by the body – therefore detoxing is an on-going process.

 So I think that at this point we should change the words that are used so glibly to ……

Cleansing and Supporting the Liver

So how should we support the liver?  - By cleansing the biliary ducts throughout the liver to allow a more natural and effective detoxing of the blood and a more efficient production of bile; this in turn will allow those all important functions mentioned above to take place.

First of all choose a period when the moon is at the end or beginning of a new cycle – this may sound strange, but like the liver cycle (detailed above)  our body follows a natural cycle, for example the 28 day female menstrual cycle.

Even though there are conflicting reports regarding the effects of the moon on the body, I still personally prefer to do the flush at the end of the moon cycle and the beginning of the next – so you decide – try it at various times and feel into the body response.

Let’s now look at the process developed by Andreas Moritz that I use to support and cleanse the liver.

 Prepare mentally for the liver cleanse a week before the process – find some relaxing music, yoga or meditation; this can help your body relax into the cleansing process

1. 2.      Find a time that you will be relaxed by taking yourself out of any stressful areas – a weekend with no commitments, take a holiday from work – make a time for YOU.
2. 3.      Get together all the ingredients needed for the liver cleanse prior to the start date – not only for the liver cleanse itself, but also some quality ingredients for the food intake over the liver cleanse period.
3. Keep the food intake over the week as light nutritious meals, cooked fresh – take your last meal by 5 or 6-00pm – or if that is difficult the latest should be 7-00pm – remember the later the meal the less bile production, so digestion will be compromised.
4. 5.      The week during prior to the cleanse ensure that the colon is clearing – Oxy-Powder or a good natural colon cleansing product can be used, also a colonic therapy session two days before the flush will benefit greatly.
5. 6.      Carry out the liver cleanse over a weekend and let friends and family know that you will be out of circulation for those two days – it is important that you can relax and let the body go through its healing and cleansing period without any agendas.
6. The days following the flush it is important to keep the large intestine clear – have another colonic or take a good natural colon cleansing product.
7. 8.      The week following the cleanse take things easy – work out a menu for light nutritious foods that will allow the healing process to continue.
8. After 14 days a coffee enema could be carried out to push the liver to create bile and carry toxins from the body.

A liver cleanse can be carried out monthly

Here is a link to a very comprehensive book on this subject written by Andreas Moritz – The Amazing Liver and Gallbladder Flush. I would certainly recommend this as a good place to start to understand your liver and how the flush works.

I have added a link here to the ‘Liver Flush Process’ in detail; including a list of all the items needed and how to take them, with some useful product links – I hope you find this useful.

I also use a coffee enema – but this works in a different way. A prepared coffee enema is absorbed into the sigmoid area of the large intestine – this is where there is a direct blood link to the liver through the portal venal system. The

Here is a link to STEP BY STEP GUIDE for DOING A COFFEE ENEMA.

I also use a product called ‘Hepatagest’ prior to a liver flush (but not on the week of the flush) – it is a very balanced combination of vitamins, minerals and amino acids that the body can use to support the cellular structure of the liver prior to the cleansing process.

I have listed here the ingredients of this very complete support food that can be added to juices; rich in antioxidants to support the process.

If you would like more information regarding this product please contact me.

3.1 grams of protein/ 45 calories

Artichoke leaf extract 4:1 50 mg, Biotin 135 mcg, Calcium (Citrate) 75 mg, Chromium (Polynicotinate) 15 mcg, Copper (Gluconate) 1 mg, DL- Methionine 50 mg, Folate (folic acid) 135 mcg, Green tea (40% catechins) 25 mg, Iodine (potassium) 50 mcg, Iron (Ferrous Fumarate) 1 mg, L-Glycine 1500 mg, L-Lysine Monohydrochloride 50 mg, L-Taurine 100 mg, L-Theanine 25 mg, L-Cysteine 10 mg, L-Glutamine 100 mg, L-Glutathione 10 mg, Magnesium (Citrate) 140 mg, Magnesium (Sulfate) 60 mg, Manganese (Citrate) 1.5 mg, Milk thistle extract (80% Silymarin) 50 mg, Mixed carotenoids 500 IU, Molybdenum (amino acid chelate) 120 mcg, N-Acetyl L-Cysteine (NAC) 35 mg, Potassium (Phosphate Iodide) 100 mg, Red rasberry extract (35% Ellagic Acid) 50 mg, Selenium (Aspartate) 40 mcg, Vitamin A (Palmitate) 1000 IU, Vitamin B1 (Thiamine HCl) 2 mg, Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) 3.6 mcg, Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) 2 mg, Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) 7 mg, Vitamin B5 (Calcium Pantothenate) 3.5 mg, Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine HCl) 3.4mg, Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) 100 mg, Vitamin D3, (Cholecalciferol) 50 IU, Vitamin E (d-Alpha Tocopheryl Succinate) 50 IU, Watercress whole plant 4:1 extract 100 mg, Zinc (Monomethionine) 10 mg, Rice Protein Concentrates (non irradiated), Medium Chain Triglycerides (coconut oil), Rice Syrup Solids, Natural Flavours

What next?

Having taken the time and effort to complete the liver flush you will want to keep the liver function working efficiently.

It is important to remember your body is constantly eliminating toxins and that your body wants to be well; it is its natural state. In this sense prevention is better than cure, and so one of the best ways to detoxify is to prevent toxins getting into the body in the first place.

Lifestyle changes are vital. Read food labels, become familiar with food additives, buy organic if possible or even grow your own! Your diet should be unadulterated.

In addition:

• Avoid overheated polyunsaturated oil and saturated animal fats. (All processed food will contain these)

• Try not to overburden your system with stress, pollution, recreational drugs, over consumption of alcohol, sugar and junk foods.

• It is worth noting as we get older our body produces fewer enzyme and hydrochloric acid to break down our food. Even incomplete digestion can create toxins (might be useful to take an enzyme capsule before eating your main meal to aid digestion).

• It is helpful to start a meal with raw food. Raw foods contain enzymes that help with digestion (try carrot and Pepper sticks dipped in hummus as a starter).

• Certain ‘super foods’ eaten long term are known to help the detoxification process. Some of these are seaweeds, miso, mung beans, fresh coriander, buckwheat, pectin

As a final note – drink plenty of water – see my blog on water.

If you have any questions please contact me

Enjoy the summer  – with your newly cleansed liver

Advanced Technique workshop – this workshop is designed to help massage therapists to prevent damage to the fingers, thumbs and hands/wrists; recent research around the world has shown that massage therapists are encountering serious hand and wrist problems as a result of their work. You will learn over this one day workshop new and effective skills that can easily be integrated into your massage practice.

Well obviously the answer is enough to support the on-going functions in the body. Water is often called the forgotten nutrient since many people take it for granted, but water is essential to life. We can live with less than enough food for weeks, months, even years, but take away our water and we last just a few days

But how much water should we drink? – let’s explore………

First of all, if we can imagine our body as a bag of water – with the bag being the micro-porous skin that covers our body. Inside this bag, is a collection of components made up of cells that combine to form all organs, muscles, bone, blood and lymph. These cells depend on this fluid to process food into vital nutrients and deliver it  to where it is needed for the body to survive. To operate this incredibly complex procedure we need a ‘conductor to lead the orchestra’. This is our brain – the vital computer that sends and receives messages from cell to cell (just like a telecom system) to maintain a balance (homeostasis) in the body systems, (called feedback mechanism).

So, to understand the brain’s complex system of communication in the whole issue of; do we have enough or too much water in the body, let’s explore the system of feedback mechanism.

Under normal environmental temperatures and activity levels, the average adult would require about 1 millilitre of water per calorie of energy intake. For the average adult female and male, this approximates to 2000 and 2800 respectively; this amount will help maintain adequate water balance in the body.

As we can see in the diagram below, body-water balance is maintained when the output of body fluids is matched by the input of water. A small amount of water is lost through the faeces and through the lungs in exhaled air while breathing. We also lose water through our skin in perspiration, which is not visible, and accounts for about 20% of the intake shown in this diagram. The largest output is through the urinary system and accounts for about 55% of the loss of water from the body.

Water Balance

This next chart shows how our body maintains homeostasis by balancing the water content, if this becomes out of balance the result could be either dehydration or oedema.

This is the feedback mechanism

Water balance is controlled by the release of the hormones ADH (antidiuretic hormone) and aldosterone from the posterior pituitary.

Hopefully that has gone some way to explaining how your body is constantly working to achieve a balance so that the body can function correctly.

We will move on now to some facts about where water is stored in the body and why, and how it is used.

Where water is stored

Guyton’s Textbook of Medical Physiology states that “the total amount of water in a man of average weight (70 kilograms) is approximately 40 litres.

Approximately 60% of the body’s total water content is contained inside the cells and makes up the intracellular compartment of the body – this means that we have 24 litres of fluid inside our cells and 16 litres of water outside the cells.

The brain is composed of 70% water, and the lungs nearly 90% water. Lean muscle tissue contains about 75% water by weight; body fat contains 10% water and bone has 22% water. About 83% of our blood is water, which helps digest our food, transport waste, and control body temperature.

Each day humans must replace 2.4 litres of water, some through drinking and the rest taken by the body from the foods eaten.

So, if we need to take in 2.4 litres of water over a day, then we must be losing about 2.4 litres, how?

Our body loses water via the skin by perspiration, via kidneys by urine, and via lungs by exhaled water vapour and via intestine by faeces – these are normal functions that eliminate water from the body. But if we add to that, hot humid weather or enough exercise to break into a sweat, then the amount of water needed to stay healthily hydrated, to avoid fatigue, light-headedness, nausea, and even heat stroke, can increase considerably. Water keeps your energy up, weight down, muscles strong, joints supple, digestive system smooth, your whole system in physical balance (homeostasis).

How water is used in the body

In fact water does many things as we can see in these lists:- it

• regulates body temperature
• makes up 83% of blood
• removes waste
• composes 75% of brain
• helps carry nutrients and oxygen to cells
• moistens oxygen for breathing
• helps convert food to energy
• protects and cushions vital organs
• helps body absorb nutrients
• accounts for 22% of bones
• cushions joints (synovial fluid)
• makes up 75% of muscles
• makes up 90% of lungs

• Digestion and metabolism – These are two functions we are particularly concerned with when it comes to controlling our weight. If you aren’t getting enough water, you risk impairing these two functions to a certain degree. Enough water ensures that both digestion and metabolism are working at their full capacity.

• Water’s filling effect – by drinking six to eight glasses of water, you can help curb your appetite. Water can fill you up so that you don’t overeat.

• The thirst-hunger response – When you are dehydrated, your body may signal you to eat when what it really requires is water. It does the same thing for a variety of nutritional needs. For example, your body may need sodium, so it signals you to eat foods containing salt. But all you really need is the salt without all the additional calories in food. By meeting all of your nutritional needs, including your need for water, you can control artificial hunger.

• Better workouts – You can exercise more effectively and at higher levels when you are getting enough water.

• Muscle requires more water – Muscle is comprised of about 70% water, whereas fat is made up of far less water. One of the many benefits of exercise is that you maintain and even add muscle weight, which in turn burns fat. As you gain muscle, you require more water and need to replace more of it daily. So water becomes more important the more active you are. Think of it as a cycle: The more muscle you maintain, the more water is held by the body and the more calories are burned by that additional muscle. So the more muscle you have, the more water you must have available.

• Glycogen storage – Glycogen is a form of carbohydrate stored in your muscles. It can be used as energy when you exercise. The more fit you become, the more glycogen is stored in your muscles. Every gram of glycogen holds about 2.5 to 3 grams of water. So, the more fit you are, the more water your body will hold, and the more water you need each day. Being more fit also allows you to burn calories at a higher rate. In addition to this, as you begin to lose fat, your body increases its percentage of water. So the amount of water you need to drink each day increases; this is especially so, the more active you become. Your body is signalled to hold more water. It will usually let you know it needs more water by making you thirsty, but not always. “

So, hopefully you can see that your body needs water – a lot of water, and every day, more than anything else except oxygen. We can live without food for a week or more if necessary, but not without water. If your body has just 2% less than it requires, you’ll feel fatigued. A 10% shortfall can produce significant health risks. A week without water can be fatal. (See my acidity blog)

So, are we hungry or thirsty?

What most people don’t realize is that a large percentage of the population is severely dehydrated. The reason for this is that the thirst mechanism has been ignored or misunderstood for hunger for so long; you can no longer interpret the correct message. So often when you are thinking you are hungry, your body is really just craving water. Once you start to take in enough water, you’ll notice your thirst mechanism will start to kick in and actually begin functioning again.

The body may seek food as a source of water because about 37% of our daily water intake comes from food. Fruits and vegetables are typically 70 to 95% water. Cooked meat is roughly 50 to 60%. Even bread is made up of about 35% water. So your body may signal that it’s hungry in order to get more water through food. Because water is so important, the body gives off strong messages when it needs more, which is why, when the thirst / hunger mechanism becomes confused the drive to eat becomes compulsive. This would be fine if food didn’t contain calories as well as water.

Being able to understand that sometimes “I’m hungry” really means “I’m thirsty” can help you react more healthily.

Quality and quantity

It is obvious from the information above that not only is it extremely important to take in the required amount of water to balance the body’s needs, but, it is also important to take in the right quality of water.

If we only drink beverages containing water, the body first of all needs to deal with these other additives. This puts the body through a process of using energy (and water) to deal with these additives before it can utilise the water element within the body functions. As we have already discussed, if these beverages contain alcohol and caffeine then the body has to deal with these elements as toxic substances and get them through the body as quickly as possible; all of this will cause an increase of urine through the kidneys. This will now put the body into a deficit situation with regard to fluid and will start the feedback process to call for more fluid. If we now remember the thirst/hunger trigger you will probably end up eating to satisfy the demand – there is the danger of weight increase.

Another factor with regard to quality is the condition of the water that is consumed. It must be noted that most of the water that we drink contains more than just water. In some areas, water may contain substantial amounts of various minerals, including calcium, sodium, magnesium, iron and lead. Some minerals, like excess sodium and lead, may lead to health problems, whereas calcium and magnesium may be beneficial. But it is other factors with regard to our water supply that can be of concern such as, organic chemicals like pesticides and other pollutants from the atmosphere.

One way of overcoming this problem is to purchase bottled water, but be aware, not all bottled water is what it seems! Be discriminating with regard to the source. Another way is to install a water filter system from the main water supply to act as a guard against pollutants entering your water intake. A water-still can also be used to purify water before it is consumed.

I would like to add a note here about water in plastic bottles.

The containers are made from polycarbonate plastic which contains Bisphenol A. This is reported to be an oestrogen disrupter which has led to the reports of polycarbonate water bottles causing breast cancer when exposed to heat. The Bisphenol A leaches into the drinking water, so purchase your bottled water in glass bottles – you will protect your health – AND THE PLANET.

The moral here is to be careful about the water consumed and to be sure to drink at least one litre and a half of good quality water per day, without any additives such as tea or coffee. The balance of the water intake can then come from neutral beverages and from food.

Situations involving our need for water

Dehydration:

We have to be careful of this in a lot of circumstances. When flying in an aeroplane, your body can become dehydrated.

Make sure you drink a glass of water for each hour you spend in the air.

When you have the flu, you need to drink plenty of water to replace the fluids you lose through sweating and vomiting.

Constipation is a sign of not drinking enough water.

Caffeine can also cause dehydration.

Very dark yellow urine is a sign of dehydration.

Sports & Exercise:

The body is about 60% water and it needs to be fully hydrated to perform optimally.

When the outside temperature or humidity is especially high, the body requires even more water because it must work harder to cool itself.

It may be necessary for sports persons to take an electrolyte formula to balance mineral content in the body.

Water retention:

Fluid retention (oedema) can be caused by excess salt intake – or a lack of potassium.

The sodium / potassium cycle is an important part of the kidney function – the cells in the body have to have both sodium and potassium to balance the interstitial fluid (inside the cell).

Use a very good mineral or sea salt – these have a balance of all the essential minerals – table salt is just sodium and chloride.

Drink plenty of water to help the kidneys to flush out excess sodium and other impurities in the blood, BUT be careful because excessive water intake can cause a sodium deficiency which can be life threatening (hyponatremia  - low sodium levels in the blood).

Digestion:

Water is also valuable as a digestive aid – from the mouth where we need fluid to digest carbohydrates – right through the GI tract water is needed to aid enzyme production to break down food – and the blood system needs to be fluid enough to absorb the nutrients and transport them to the cells.

Bad Breath:

This is a sign of toxicity in the body – can be caused by an overgrowth of negative bacteria in the mouth and the G I tract – but also can be the blood expelling toxins through the lungs on the outbreath.

Gallstones:

Water is needed to flush the liver and dilute the bile. Without enough water the bile secretions can turn into gallstones.  Drink six to eight glasses of water a day.  It flushes the liver and dilutes the bile secretions that lead to gallstones.

We have major problems at this time with gall bladder removal – this is a vital organ not something that can be discarded at will by the surgeon’s knife; there must be a very valid reason (life threatening) before this surgery should be performed.

Kidney stones: 

Water helps decrease the concentration of the stone-forming elements in the urine.

The kidney filters blood – if this blood is not fluid then the nephrons in the kidneys will not be able to filter correctly, leaving behind particles that can condense into stones in the urinary tract

Urinary tract infections:

People who get infections usually don’t get enough water. The urine sits in the bladder too long and bacteria can build up. Drinking lots of water will flush out the bacteria. Drinking water won’t cure an already established infection, but it can make urinating more comfortable and is a barrier to a recurrence.

Gout: 

Drinking lots of water keeps urine dilute and promotes the excretion of uric acid.

Gout is caused by the formation of sharp crystals of uric acid forming in the fluid of the joint – extreme inflammation.

Don’t forget your children

I am amazed when I see mothers giving juices that are full of sugar or  chemical sugar alternatives, plus other chemical additives, with only a very small percentage of real fruit juice added -  these are not only toxic to the body but also confuse the feedback mechanisms in the body and cause excess fat storage.

We are teaching our kids from birth into adulthood to drink ANYTHING but water – WHY do we do that?

Teach your kids to like and drink pure water! It is GOOD for them! Research has shown that children learn and maintain knowledge far better when they have water freely available during lessons.

Give them real whole fruits for the vitamins, from fruits instead of juices. Or better still make your own fruit juice from real fruit – but don’t forget they need their pure water as well.

I do hope this information has gone some way to make you think about the importance of water and how your health is dependent on you taking in the right quantity and quality

You must read my recent blog about acidity and alkalinity to understand the importance of having an alkaline food and water intake.

 We are born alkaline

We perish acid

If the answer is yes to any or all of these then it is more than likely that your body is acidic.

The definition of pH (acidity)

I think it is important to understand what this symbol means before going any further and the implications of an imbalance.

pH = potential of Hydrogen – Hydrogen is the fuel of life.

Oxygen burns hydrogen in the living system, releasing the energy that runs our bodies – the pH adjusts according to the food and liquids we put in our system and the stress load in our lives.

Hopefully you have already started to see an important link to pH balance and health.

Chemical makeup of the body and link to hydrogen

Our body is just a bag of chemicals made up in the following order:-

We can see that Hydrogen is one of the big four in the human body and plays a role as a component of water and most organic molecules, also an electron carrier (involved with ATP – our body energy).

Hydrogen and Oxygen ( H2O)  play a major role on this planet in the makeup of water generally, and the body composition – water makes up to <78%> of our body – that means it’s pretty important don’t you think?

Correct pH in the body

The human blood pH should be slightly alkaline (7.35 – 7.45).  Below or above this range means homeostasis (balance) of the body is compromised and various symptoms and diseases will be evident.  A pH of 7.0 is neutral.  A pH below 7.0 is acidic.  A pH above 7.0 is alkaline.

An acidic pH can occur from, an acid forming diet, emotional stress, toxic overload, and/or immune reactions, or any process that deprives the cells of oxygen and other nutrients.

The body will try to compensate for acidic pH by using alkaline minerals i.e. calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, iron and potassium.  If the diet does not contain enough minerals to compensate, a build-up of acids in the cells will occur. Another point to consider is that if these important minerals are missing the body will have to find them from internal sources to achieve balance in the body  – hence bone degeneration that is very evident in our society

Outcome of an acid/alkaline imbalance

Another issue right now is that our lives are so fast and this is resulting in an acidic body and damaging the vital organs such as adrenals, liver and kidney.

Stress of any kind influences the adrenal glands ultimately sending us into a high gear catabolic state, breaking down more tissue and reserve energy and producing an excess of acid – this is our fight and flight response.

This condition is so exhausting that we look for a quick fix solution – normally coffee, tea, alcohol or fast food and sugar intake. All of these will cause a rise in acidity in the body

The link here is that when we get stressed the adrenals produce higher amounts of cortisol to increase blood sugar levels, it supresses the immune system and aids the metabolism of fats carbohydrates and proteins.

If we look at what is happening here – the body is now going into hyper vigilance but no real physical energy is being used – it is all internal.

The pancreas has to work harder to produce insulin, adding to the body stress, to get the extra glucose out of the blood. Because the glucose is not being used physically, the body will convert it to a triglyceride and store it in the fat cells – this body reaction has been linked to a symptom called insulin resistance.

Now it gets interesting here, because some bodies are so hyper vigilant that the metabolism used to keep them in that state will use all the extra energy created, and therefore does not need to store it in the fat cells – but when the body is forced to slow down due to dis-ease it converts the extra energy to fat, hence the weight fluctuation that people experience.

The digestive system is affected by cortisol elevation resulting in slowing of digestive action (peristalsis). This causes food to take longer to transit through the gut causing bacterial overload and damage to the ultra-sensitive epithelial tissue (villi) in the small intestine (ilium). The affect here is a lack of absorption of major nutrients causing ACIDITY levels to rise.

So, is this overworked statement correct? – “YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT”

I don’t think so, I think it should read – “YOU ARE WHAT YOU ABSORB”

An acidic imbalance will decrease the body’s ability to absorb minerals and other nutrients, decrease energy production in the cells and its ability to repair damaged cells and decrease its ability to detoxify heavy metals.

Therefore an acidic body can make tumour cells thrive because of the lack of oxygen, and make it more susceptible to fatigue and illness.  A blood pH of 6.9, which is only slightly acidic, can induce coma and death.

The reason acidosis is more common in our society is mostly due to the typical diet, which is far too high in acid producing animal products like meat, eggs and dairy, and far too low in alkaline producing foods like fresh vegetables.

Additionally, we eat acid producing processed foods like white flour and sugar and drink acid producing beverages like coffee and soft drinks.  We use too many drugs, which are acid forming; and we use artificial chemical sweeteners, which are extremely acid forming.

One of the best things we can do to correct an overly acid body is to change our diet and lifestyle.

The adrenal connection

Another issue right now is that our lives are so fast and this is resulting in an acidic body and damaging the vital organs such as adrenals, liver and kidney.

Stress of any kind influences the adrenal glands ultimately sending us into a high gear catabolic state, breaking down more tissue and reserve energy and producing an excess of acid – this is our fight and flight response.

What can we do to balance acidity/alkalinity

We need to take a step back and start to understand the whole reason that the body needs food; it is to gain the nutrients to run this highly complex and sensitive machine (body), and that not only means putting in the right ingredients, but to make sure that the food is broken down into its component parts – that means to eat peacefully and to chew the food slowly and completely so that the digestion system can disperse the nutrients into the blood and lymph system via the gut wall.

There is a Buddhist saying – “drink your food and eat your drinks”

What does “drink your food” mean?  We should chew each mouthful of food 32 times to make it into a semi-liquid and to drink it. That would ensure that the carbohydrates are absorbed sublingually before moving down to the stomach, where the stomach acid and enzymes can break down the protein element of the food, it is then on to the ilium as a liquid chyme for the final stage of breakdown before absorption.

The other part,  “eat your drinks” means to take water slowly; drinking water too fast can wash many vital nutrients through the gut too quickly limiting absorption.

To maintain health, the diet should consist of 60% alkaline forming foods and 40% acid forming foods.  To restore health, the diet should consist of 80% alkaline forming foods and 20% acid forming foods.

Generally, alkaline forming foods include: most fruits, green vegetables, peas, beans, lentils, spices, herbs and seasonings, and seeds and nuts.

Generally, acid forming foods include: meat, fish, poultry, eggs, grains, and legumes.

The other important ingredient is clean water – we need to drink approximately 1.5 to 2 litres a day. Tap water comes complete with Fluoride and chlorine so it is best to filter these out before drinking.

I have given a link to a site I found interesting, it will certainly make you think about the importance of water in the quest of balancing acid/alkalinity of the body.

Conclusion

Here are some ideas to balance the acidity/alkalinity

• Chewing food well, especially carbohydrates, since their digestion is aided by saliva which begins in the mouth.
• Eating food raw – juicing is excellent
• Not cooking food too much – steaming is best
• Prayer/Meditation/Contemplation
• Calmness (anger makes us acidic)
• Minimizing adrenaline – reduce the stress in your life
• Drinking water with a negative polarity
• Drinking water with alkaline-forming minerals in it
• Eating most fruits and vegetables, especially those low in sugar
• Eating less sugar, candy bars, white rice and white flour (which are acid-producing)
• Eating less fats (which are acid-producing, due to fatty acids)
• Eating less protein (which is acid-producing, although plant protein is less so)
• Avoiding most legal and illegal drugs (which are mostly acid-producing)
• Avoiding stress and anger (these are extremely acid-producing)
• Body manipulation, such as acupressure (deep massage can be acidifying when acids are released so lots of water must be consumed after each session)
• Limiting very strenuous exercise (which can produce large amounts of lactic acid)
• Harmonious music
• Most alternative healing methods

James Lebeau – in his book Balance Your pH states;

“Taking vitamin and mineral pills or any kind of food supplements without balancing your pH is like forgetting to add the yeast to your chocolate cake recipe.”

I would also like to add food to that list – because as your body is mainly water it would be like an acid lake – you do not see fish surviving in that environment, therefore what about the very vulnerable enzyme and hormone structures that we need to break down the food to absorb?

There are some good books available to understand more about this very complex subject.

I hope that I have exposed you, in a very small way, to this very important subject that will determine the health of you and your family; and the planet if we are able to listen?

Suggested books:

Cancer is not a disease, it’s a survival mechanism – Andreas Moritz

Acid and Alkaline – Herman Aihara

Health Defence – Dr Paul Clayton

The miracles of Magnesium – Dr Carolyn Dean

http://www.watercure.com/wondersofwater.html

Do you believe that in your life right now you “do not have enough” – there’s not good health, not enough good food, not enough water, not enough energy, not enough money, and so on? …….

It is so easy to see the world with not enough – especially when you see the world news radiating at you from the television and newspapers showing poverty and world disasters – especially now with the world facing a challenge from the financial crisis affecting many people around the world.

If you follow the fear,  you are succumbing to the idea of scarcity thinking – now look at that word ‘scarcity’ and see the word ‘scare’ in there and then see the idea of how this word cultivates fear.

The opposite of this thinking is ‘abundance thinking’ But – If you look at the world right now you do not have a problem with either scarcity or abundance, in fact nearly every problem that you as an individual, or a nation or the planet face at this moment boils down to a distribution problem.

Some of you reading this are probably thinking right now – that’s right, I do not have enough – but there are others with plenty.

Perhaps there is the key – where is their mind-set – are they thinking, “I do not have enough” or are they thinking “I have plenty”?

It is so easy to drop into the action of fear – let’s take the word F-E-A-R and break it down to see what it means:-

Fantasised: the idea in your head is a fantasy

Experience: it is not an actual experience just a very vivid video playing   in your head of what you think is going to happen

Appears:     this video is so real that it appears …….

Real:           so real in fact that your adrenals start to produce the hormone adrenaline which it turns spikes your cortisol and then you are in an imagined state of fight and flight – but it is so real your

whole body is reacting – this is so damaging to your body putting extreme pressure on the adrenal glands, the pancreas, the liver and the intestinal organs. This creates an acid environment within the body (watch for my future blogs on acidity)

BUT NOTHING ACTUALLY HAPPENED – YOU created the whole scenario in Your heads!!

So what steps can you take to move away from this damaging FEAR and into the feeling of LOVE?

There are some simple steps to Come From Love, Even If It Doesn’t Seem to Make Any Sense to You Right Now:

Two simple steps to start to acknowledge what you do have, it’s easy to focus on what you don’t have – but what about the things you do HAVE?

• Every morning before rising be grateful for all the things you do have

• Before sleep be thankful for all the things you have been given and have been able to do over the day – In other words feel the gratitude – Become ‘thankful’

It is so important that you not only SAY “Thank you,” but you BECOME “Thank you”. That means to truly realize how precious and fragile this life really is.

You often don’t realize what you have until it’s gone.

Don’t wait for things to be gone before recognizing what you have and what you should be grateful for.

‘At one time when I was in this state of fear I suddenly realised what I had here and the fragility of life on planet Earth’ – think about it you are on a ball that is spinning at 1038 Mph at the equator, around a ball of fire in a universe that is full of debris that could collide with our planet at any time – I think that is pretty fragile don’t you?

So as Buddha said – be thankful for every moment – feel the gratitude and the love for all we have right now.

Thich Nhat Hanh wrote, “If the only prayer you ever pray is ‘Thank you,’ it will be enough.”

Discover your true Value.

The two steps above deal with your Inner Game of Enough (Love). These last two deal with your Outer Game.

If you want more of the thing called money for example, you have to first discover the Value you add to others. Because money is only given when Value is perceived; you have to have an exchange.

What is the main Value you love to give?

That’s your first clue as to how you’re going to make more money doing what you love.

‘My mantra is - to do what makes your heart sing’.

We have altered the word love to mean many things – in many relationships love means – “I will love you if ………….” – we see most problems arise in relationships when the other person does not fit in with the perceptions of the others boundaries and realities – suddenly there is no love.

Let others share your values

We’re often told, “Do what you love and the abundance will follow.” But if that were true, everyone would be paid for lying on the beach!

Here’s the way it REALLY works:

• You start by doing what you love and getting really good at it.

• You show people how, why, and that they will benefit from you doing what you love – then, and only then, does the abundance follow.

That second bit is called sharing with others our experiences and knowledge. And it’s the foundation of the Outer Game.

That’s why it’s important to apply what you have learnt so you can show other people how, and why we all benefit when you share your gifts.

Think about it – who would you do business with?

Someone who just wanted your money?  Or someone who was interested in what you wanted and needed and then worked with you to find a solution? And if that happened for you would you go back to them? And would you recommend them? And would their income improve?

I think the answer is yes to all those

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

This whole theme can be applied to many issues in life – so while it may be easy to blame the boss, the government, the banks, it’s not a great place to be in “not enough” its certainly not what I would call fun!!

And yes it might take a little more effort to come from having enough (Love), but do it anyway. Work at it for a while and see how your life changes from fear to love.

Oh, and by the way – don’t watch the news or read the newspapers they are only cultivating fear and scarcity (scare-city? Interesting when you break this word down) and I don’t know about you but I would rather not live there!!

See you in the place that has enough (love) for us all and is without fear.

Best wishes

Peter Gray

17^th June 2011