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For the day Понедельник, Апрель 6th, 2009.

SCIENTIFIC EXPLANATIONS: POOR POSTURE

Pain is a significant stress to the body. The adrenal glands are forced to work hard for as long as we are in pain. Back pain, neck pain and headaches are perpetuators of the stressed state. Poor posture places undue strain on the muscles of the back, shoulders and neck making them tight and eventually stiff and sore. The sensory nerves convey this state of agitation from the muscles to the brain creating, or adding to, any agitation that may already exist there. Brain agitation manifests as that stressed-out feeling of being ‘uptight’. Being ‘uptight’ usually means tight neck muscles that are causing the shoulders to hunch up.

The muscles of the neck are attached to the vertebrae of the neck and when they tighten they pull the vertebrae together. In time the vertebrae press tightly enough against each other for the nerves that run between them to become pinched. Pinched nerves that emanate from the neck can cause a host of symptoms in the tissues they serve as well as pain in the neck muscles. Those that run from the neck to head can give rise to headaches and those that serve the face can give rise to involuntary twitches in the facial muscles and puffy bags under the eyes.

Those nerves that run from the neck to the nose can give rise to sinus pains, stuffy nose, runny nose and post-nasal drip. Pinched nerves can mimic the symptoms of allergy. Pinched nerves are one of the reasons allergy type symptoms remain in stressed people who are sticking strictly to their Anti-Candida/Anti-Allergy Program. The other reasons are long-term high levels of stress hormones in the blood which lower the body’s resistance, and neurokinin.

Hard-chargers are prone to bad posture. Being always on the go they tend to sit on the edge of chairs and hunch forward over desks, typewriters and computers. This in time strains the neck, shoulder and back muscles. The head weighs 7-9 kg (15-20 lb) and this perpendicular posture with a forward-bending of the head places great strain on the neck muscles, which keep the head from falling forward, back or sideways.

To get some appreciation of what this does to the neck muscles, imagine what expanding a Bullworker to 9 kg (20 lb) of pressure and holding it for eight hours would do to your arm and chest muscles. If the perpendicular, forward-bending, while perched on the end of the chair, posture is combined with a lot of rushing around and speeding in cars the muscles tighten even more. Working under pressure and taking on too much work gives rise to rushing and speeding.

Poor fluid intake and poor oxygen intake also tighten muscles. The muscles are about 70 per cent water and if these levels drop below 70 per cent the muscle tends to shrink. A shrunken muscle is a tight muscle that does not respond well to any method that is used to relax it, whether it is deep breathing exercises, massage, meditation, heat or Valium. Fully hydrated muscles expand to their normal size and are much easier to relax.

Adequate oxygen is needed to facilitate the metabolic processes of muscular expansion and contraction. Oxygen-deficient muscles (hypoxia) are more prone to fatigue, tightening and pain as any out-of-condition person knows when they suddenly take up a vigorous exercise regime. A lack of vitamins and minerals, especially the B vitamins, calcium, iron, zinc and magnesium, interfere with muscle cell metabolism and predispose muscles to spasm (tight, sustained contraction).

In addition to correct diet, deep breathing exercises, adequate fluid intake and the mental relaxation exercises, close attention must be paid to posture if tight muscles, pain and the allergy-mimicking symptoms they produce are to be overcome. Sit back in chairs. By using the support of the chair back you reduce the strain on the back and neck muscles which no longer have to work hard to keep you upright.

If having to bend forward to do paperwork take the weight of your head on your hand with the elbow supported by a pile of books. If your shoulder and neck muscles are already sore sit with a warm hot water bottle on them for ten minutes at night while relaxing in front of the TV. To thoroughly negate the stresses and strains imposed by the perpendicular forward-bending posture we need to regularly practise the opposite posture, that is, horizontal bending back.

The best way to exercise this posture is by swimming backstroke two to three times per week in warm water. Follow this with a warm shower, never a cold one (heat expands, cold contracts and tight, sore muscles are contracted muscles), with the jets of warm water being trained directly on the tightest, most painful spots. Make sure while swimming that you look at the roof, not the end of the pool. Looking at the end of the pool cranes the neck forward and strains the muscles. Don’t rush, this is a time to relax. Do a length and take a rest. Breathe deeply and slowly during this time then do another length. Do not be competitive about this swimming exercise. This is a time for therapy not a time for goal setting. If you’re not a swimmer then Tai Chi, yogic walking and yoga are just as effective for releasing tight neck, back and shoulder muscles. No head, neck or shoulder stands though if you do yoga.

In addition to straining neck and back muscles the posture of perpendicular forward-bending tends to round the shoulders forward so that chest expansion is restricted. This same posture forces the lower ribs down into the abdomen restricting the action of the diaphragm. Shallow breathing results, giving rise to oxygen deficiency, which tightens muscles, which in turn reduces chest expansion and perpetuates shallow breathing. A vicious circle is born which gets the sufferer more uptight and tired, which aggravates the collapsed state of the perpendicular forward-bending posture. Is it any wonder those who rush get less done, make more mistakes and have to repeat more of their work. The distraction of the pain and the lack of oxygen in their brain greatly affect concentration, comprehension and memory. In the initial stages of your muscle relaxation regimen it pays to consult your osteopath or chiropractor for heat, massage and manipulation of the muscles and vertebrae. This will accelerate your recovery.

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SCIENTIFIC EXPLANATIONS: THE METABOLISM

The metabolism can be broadly described as the sum total of all the chemical reactions which take place inside all the cells of the body. Perhaps the most important metabolic processes are those which turn the food we eat into energy or into body chemicals such as hormones, enzymes and antibodies. These chemicals are made from protein, fat, carbohydrate, vitamins, minerals and trace elements. If a deficiency exists in any one of these nutrients certain chemicals cannot be made and this will adversely affect the function of the other chemicals, thus producing an imbalance in the metabolism.

Most metabolic imbalances are associated with over-weight which in turn is frequently the result of eating the wrong type of food. Take white bread for example. It is both fattening and capable of causing serious disturbances in the metabolism. It is fattening for two reasons:

1. Because white bread is refined it is quickly digested and therefore rapidly absorbed into the blood as molecules of glucose which arrive in the bloodstream in such large quantities that the blood sugar levels immediately shoot up. To normalise the blood sugar levels the pancreas releases the hormone insulin which removes the glucose from the blood by converting it to fat. Years of eating white flour and sugar can so sensitise the pancreas that it over-reacts and releases too much insulin. This causes the glucose levels to drop too low, causing the metabolic imbalance known as functional hypoglycaemia. This usually happens to those who are vitamin and mineral deficient and/or under stress.

2. Because white bread is refined it lacks the vitamins and minerals required for normal carbohydrate metabolism and, because it cannot be metabolised properly and used by the body as a carbohydrate energy source, most of it must be converted to and stored in the body as fat. Thus, the body has increased in weight but its carbohydrate needs have not been fully satisfied. This usually manifests a desire to eat more carbohydrate and all too often white bread is again the choice.

To be correctly metabolised, any carbohydrate food needs to contain vitamins B3 (niacin), B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B6 (pyridoxine), B5 (pantothenic acid) and the minerals phosphorus and magnesium. During the milling process of whole grain flour to its white refined state the magnesium, phosphorus, pyridoxine and pantothenic acid are removed and not replaced. If this white flour (refined carbohydrate) is to be metabolised at all the body must steal these four nutrients from other glands and tissues, thus creating imbalances in the metabolism. It steals phosphorus from bone, thereby impairing its growth and ability to repair and magnesium from heart muscle, predisposing it to spasm and, in time, arrest. Pantothenic acid (B5) is stolen from the nerves and brain, rendering us liable to lowered energy levels and increased irritability, and pyridoxine (B6) is stolen from the white blood cells, particularly the T-lymphocytes (which attack viruses, yeasts, bacteria and cancer cells) causing them to become very weak and lethargic.

Sugar, be it white, brown or raw, requires the same vitamins and minerals to be metabolised and is thus responsible for creating the same metabolic havoc. How much of our processed foods contain white flour and white sugar? Most of it. Even frozen turkeys contain added sugar! Any manufactured food with a word in the list of ingredients on the label ending in -ol, -ole, -one, -os or -ose has sugar in it. You’ll be amazed how many do.

It is the complex interaction between all the vitamins and minerals which maintains a balanced metabolism and a healthy body. Foods picked fresh from the garden have a far greater chance of containing all the necessary nutrients. The foods on the Metabolism-Balancing Program, especially when supplemented by a complete vitamin and mineral formula, ensure that our bodies receive the required nutrients. No vitamin or mineral can work on its own and must be aided and complimented by all the others. For a single vitamin or mineral to be effective it must arrive in the system with all the other vitamins and minerals and at the same time. That’s why you take your vitamin and mineral formula just before the main meal of the day. Unrefined foods ensure a balanced metabolism and are also the foods which arc least (if at all) fattening.

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THE ANTI- CANDIDA PROGRAM: THE LIST OF DO’S

1. Do study amines and salicylates, moulds and ferments (don’t eat unleavened breads from your baker— bakers use yeast plus sour dough), malt, monosodium glutamate (MSG) and milk (for the appropriate six weeks). Do this before starting the program to make absolutely sure you do not eat any of these foods.

2. Do eat liver at least once, preferably twice, per week. The nutrients in liver can make the difference between average and excellent results. Lamb’s liver is best. Chickens are force fed with chemical pellets, so don’t eat chicken liver.

3. Do wash all fruits and nuts in warm water and soap to remove mould (unshelled nuts don’t need to be washed). Don’t leave them in the water too long. Just in and out for a quick brisk wash then dry them quickly before they go soggy. Rinse off all the soap. Sunflower seeds are grown locally and therefore are fresher than nuts. Only wash them if they smell a bit mouldy.

4. Do chew wholemeal, unleavened bread thoroughly, taking the time to mix it well with saliva. Unleavened bread requires more chewing than ordinary bread as it’s harder to digest.

5. Do cut your freshly baked, unleavened bread up into slices. Wrap them individually in greaseproof paper and keep them in the freezer. Leave them out overnight to thaw. This way they won’t grow mould.

6. Do rinse and wipe clean the blade of any cutting utensil before cutting any food you are going to eat. Black, brown and greeny blue coloured film on the crust of bread or on the surface of vegetables is mould. Wash off before cutting through fruit or vegetables, you will drive the mould in otherwise.

7. Do seek out all mould in the house and remove it. Cracked pipes that leak into brick, concrete and carpet underlay are insidious mould producers. If the house is the slightest bit musty after one to two days of being shut up, there is hidden mould—find it.

8. Do wear a mask if cooking a food you are allergic to as the smell of it can trigger your symptoms. This is applicable to those who are cooking for others who are not on their program.

9. Do drink mineral water with a drop of freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice in it when out socially. If they are available have a Diet Coke or diet lemonade as well. Dry roasted cashews, hazelnuts, almonds and macadamia nuts (the latter three have salicylates) may also be had as a treat or at parties. As a treat at home you may have popcorn. Be careful about salted nuts. If the manufacturers can’t guarantee they haven’t used adulterated salt don’t touch them.

10. Do test all nuts by biting and tasting them before eating them. If nuts are getting old they turn rancid and lose their sweet fresh taste. Rancid nuts can cause enough of an adverse reaction as to mimic your allergy and Candida symptoms. Many patients in the past have erroneously believed they are allergic to nuts because they have eaten rancid nuts. Fresh nuts are more nutritious. However, roasted nuts can be eaten once per week as a treat. No need to wash roasted nuts.

11. Do chew nuts properly. All nuts must be reduced to a puree before they leave your mouth. Bits of nut have sharp edges that can irritate the bowel lining to the point of causing diarrhea. Many patients have erroneously believed they were allergic to nuts because they had diarrhea that showed bits of (unchewed) nut.

12. If it’s a drinks party, get them to make popcorn and the Candida Killer dip with plain Kettle Chips (provided you are past the first four weeks) for you. You can drink diet lemonade or Diet Coke at the party. My experience is that friends are only too willing to help.

13. If you are pregnant do stay on fruit for the duration of the program. This will slow your rate of healing down but that can’t be helped. Stay off milk for the mandatory six weeks of the program and for the whole program if you are proven allergic to it or belong to any of the Asian, African or Mediterranean ethnic groups. Crushed egg shells plus Formula Six and sardines or salmon three to four times per week will give you all the extra calcium you need.

14. Do take a herbal laxative if at first you are a little constipated. Any type is OK and won’t affect your allergies, as laxatives are not absorbed.

15. Do substitute soymilk for cow’s milk as long as the soymilk doesn’t contain malt and other additives. Have only the soymilk shown on the shopping list.

16. On completing the Anti-Candida/Anti-Allergy Program, and successfully containing all your symptoms, do return to the Metabolism-Balancing Program, plus Formula Six, for the rest of your life. Go back onto the Anti-Candida Program once a year for four weeks to give yourself a clean out.

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THE METABOLISM- BALANCING PROGRAM: IRON AND FLEXIBILITY

If you are very tired, have heavy or extended periods, have mid-cycle bleeding, have had a number of children or have had miscarriages or termination of pregnancy, you will more than likely need an iron boost. I recommend you go on a course of the FAB Co iron tablets available at the health store. (Not for men.)

Take one before breakfast, one before lunch and two with Formula Six just before the evening meal. Do this for four weeks, and if you haven’t picked up in that time, do it for another four weeks. Then stop. Formula Six will do the rest.

The Metabolism-Balancing Program is flexible. Not only can you swap your options around, you can eat them at different times of the day, if you choose. You can have the evening (main) meal for lunch, if you like, and breakfast in the evening! It doesn’t matter what order you eat your meal in, as long as you eat three meals per day, eat what’s on the program and take the supplements before and after the main meal, whenever that is.

The Metabolism-Balancing Program is flexible enough to allow you 5 per cent junk food. That’s 5 per cent of the total weekly food intake, which means no more than five items of junk food per week. You may wish to take this in the form of sweets at a dinner party once per week. Often it creeps in as sugar or white flour in sauces and gravies. Five per cent junk food will do you no harm if you arc following the program seriously and taking your supplements.

Keep frozen foods to a minimum—have them only if fresh foods are not available.

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STRESS: TAKING TIME OUT

It takes time to adopt new attitudes and for some people a change of attitude doesn’t come easily. Action always speaks louder than words and action can greatly influence the way we think. For this reason, hard-chargers will find it of benefit to set aside specific time to do other things. Write this schedule down, post it on your mirror and rigorously adhere to it. The following checklist is one I suggest as the basis of such a schedule. It will bring balance to your life and in so doing will lower stress levels:

• Take time to work—it is the vehicle of success.

• Take time to rest—it is the foundation of health and vitality.

• Take time to think—it is the source of achievement.

• Take time to play—it is the secret of perpetual youth.

• Take time to read—it is the fount of wisdom.

• Take time to be friendly—it is the road to happiness.

• Take time to love and be loved—it is nourishment for the soul.

• Take time to share—it is too short a life to be selfish.

• Take time to laugh—it is the music of the heart.

• Take time to dream—it is the well of inspiration.

Feelings follow thoughts. The thoughts we choose to think determine the feelings we experience. We are all born with a free will. This enables us to choose the thought we wish to think.

So powerful is human thought it can over-ride the effect that external influences can have on us. Because of this, we have the power to remain minimally distressed through the greatest adversity, if we choose to. Our attitude has the greatest of all influences on our stress levels.

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