Tibetan rites are a simple series of 5 physical and 2 energetic practices

The Tibetan Rites were re-introduced to me by the wonderful yogini Eugene at Somers YogaFest. I was re-inspired by these because they:

• are simple
• are quick
• are effective
• allow for progression
• nourish glands
• are cleansing
• enhance energy.

But what really won me over is how little time the require! They only take 5-20 minutes depending on how many repetitions you are up to.

There are Seven Rites in total. The first five are physical activities – I’ve sketched a simple depiction of these. For great photos and detailed explanations of contraindications and preparation exercises see this excellent contribution from Mary Kurus.

The Rites were originally reported by an English man – “the Colonel”  – who youthed after living with Tibetan Lamas in the Himalaya for a few years. In Tibet, he had learned and adopted their way of life, and had seemingly reversed the aging process in doing so. This way of life includes specific dietary and lifestyle habits, and also these exercises. They are commonly known as “The Five Tibetans”, despite being seven exercises. The last two involve breathing and sounding, more than physical movement.

These exercises can be practiced every day. Ideally do them first thing in the morning, without food in your stomach. Best in a well ventilated room after a cool shower. However, anytime and anywhere is better than not at all. Always practice to your own level. If you have any physical ailments, go gently and build up strength for the practices. Even imagining your body in the positions will help you to, over time, achieve the full position.

BREATHING GUIDELINES:

• As a general rule, breath in and out through the nose.*
• Between each physical exercise, the stance with arms on hips, breath in through the nose and out through the open mouth, with a long, loud exhale. This is very cleansing.

Begin by practicing only ONE of each exercise, then gradually increase the number of repetitions each week.

Exercise 1:

Stand up with feet directly under hips. Stretch out your arms in a straight line from your shoulders, with the palms facing down, fingers extended, shoulders relaxed. Look to your right hand and spin in that direction. Do one up to twenty-one rotations.

When you have finished spinning, stand with your arms on your hips. Inhale fully through the nose, and slowly and loudly exhale from the mouth, with lips pursed in an “O”. Complete two full breaths before moving to exercise #2.

This exercise strengthens the vestibular apparatus in the inner ear (used for balance). On an esoteric level, it is toning for the crown and third eye chakra.

Exercise 2:

Lie on your back with your legs fully extended and your ankles together and flexed. Have your hands along side your body, palms touching the floor. Tuck your hands slightly under your buttocks. On an inhalation, lift your legs to 90 degrees toes pointed, and lift your head, pressing your chin into your

neck. Most of your back stays on the floor. Exhale come back down. This is one repetition. It is a smooth flowing exercise, continue doing them as appropriate for you.

When you have finished your repetitions, stand with your arms on your hips. Inhale fully through the nose, and slowly and loudly exhale from the mouth, with lips pursed in an “O”. Complete two full breaths before moving to exercise #3.

This exercise tones the throat center, so will bring more blood flow to the thyroid and parathyroid. Esoterically, it activates the throat chakra.

Exercise 3:

Kneel with your toes tucked under, and from knees to head upright. Place your palms on the backs of your thighs, under your buttock. Ensure your knees are hip-width distance apart. Tuck your chin to your chest.

Inhale through the nose, arching your back, opening your shoulders and squeezing your shoulder blades together. Drop your head as far back as is comfortable for you. Use your hands to support yourself leaning back.

Then exhale as you return to starting position, with chin tucked to chest. Draw in your gut muscles to support your lower back if needed.

This is one repetition.

When finished your repetitions, stand with your arms on your hips. Inhale fully through the nose and slowly and loudly exhale from the mouth, with lips pursed in an “O”. Complete two full breaths before moving to exercise #4.

This exercise focuses on opening and toning the heart chakra.

Exercise 4:

Sit with legs outstretched and back upright making a 90 degree angle.

Place your palms onto the ground along side your hips, fingers pointing towards toes, arms straight.

Shift your weight on your hands and feet and, inhaling, lift your hips into a “table”. Your arms and calves are the legs. Your thighs and torso the table top. Allow your head to fall back.

On the exhalation, swing back to the starting position.

This is one repetition.

When finished your repetitions, stand with your arms on your hips. Inhale fully through the nose and slowly and loudly exhale from the mouth, with lips pursed in an “O”. Complete two full breaths before moving to exercise #5

This exercise focuses on opening and toning the solar plexus.

Exercise 5:

Start on your hands, with arm straight, and your toes, with legs straight and your tail bone high in the air, with your back straight. ie “Down face dog” but on your toes. Inhale and control your swing through to “up face dog”, still on your toes. Keeping your spine long. Gently lift your gaze. On the exhale, revert back to starting pose – on your toes.

This is one repetition.

When finished your repetitions, stand with your arms on your hips. Inhale fully through the nose and slowly and loudly exhale from the mouth, with lips pursed in an “O”. Complete two full breaths before moving to exercise #6

This exercise focuses on toning and opening the lower two chakras.

These first five exercises can be done a maximum of TWENTY-ONE times. The last two should only be done THREE times each, regardless of how many of the first five you perform.

Exercise 6:

This is a standing position, wherein you hold the three energetic locks (bundhas) – the base (pelvic floor), in the stomach (pulling up under ribs with tummy flattened) and the throat (chin into throat). This should be done on an empty stomach and should not strain your body.

To start: Exhale fully, bending down to force additional breath out, then draw in the energy locks (base, stomach and throat) until you feel the need to inhale. Release the energetic locks and THEN breathe in.

Perform three times (maximum).

The holding of the energy locks to gather energy (prana) into the body. It is said to make sexual energy more potent. Ideally have an experienced yoga teacher teach you these in person.

Exercise 7:

Sit with your spine straight. Decide upon a positive intention (sankalpa) for your practice. It should be phrased as follows”

“ I COMMAND, …. (positive intention statement here) …., RIGHT NOW”

Decide on your intention.

When ready chant “A – U – M”.

The “A” sound relates to the first, second and third chakras

The “U” sound relates to the middle chakras

The “M” sound relates to the top two chakras (eyebrow centre and crown)

When you chant the “M” sound, mentally declare your intention: “I command – your positive intention – Right now.”

Repeat this three times (maximum)

This is a powerful way of programming your subconscious and unconscious with thoughts of your own choosing, rather than a marketing or product companies.

Practice this series every day if you can.

Always practice gently. Never strain your body or take it into discomfort.

Increase your repetitions, one per week. Start with one or two, and build up. Be aware of your body with every move. Make the practice a moving meditation. Body awareness and breath awareness will make it all so much more powerful. You don’t have to do the sixth and seventh practices if you don’t want to.

I feel they are worth knowing, even if people dislike me for saying so. I have written about them in Wellbeing Australia and Australian Natural Health, as well in my newsletters. Knowledge is power. If we know about the depth of the problems, we either a. give up or b. change. I’m hoping these will trigger lots of b. After all, there are LOTs of solutions to help solve these issues.

Below is a concise summary of the earths toxic legacy that is becoming increasingly evident.

1. Toxins are everywhere and every being on the planet is affected. Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are persistent, and take a long time to break down in normal situations.

2. The full extent is unknown.
Toxins are often invisible, harmful and lay dormant or latent for some time. There are over 140,ooo toxic chemicals used commercially, many are still produced in high volume. Very few are tested. Even fewer are tested in combination with others.

3. Chemical cocktails are synergistic
Generally a mix of chemicals together, has a different effect than single substances. The average westerner uses 6-12 body care products a day.

4. Tiny doses can cause a big effectThis is mostly with the toxins which effect hormone function. Rat studies have shown one hormone altering toxin to cause either obesity or underweight in offspring, dependent on dose. Traditionally, dose dictated what is toxic, but not any longer.

5. Windows of development are criticalCertain phases of the life cycle are more critical than others, particularly during development in the womb and during childhood

6. BioMagnification occurs up the food chain.POPs get stored in fatty tissue and become more concentrated as they move higher up the food chain.

7. Bioaccumulation happens over a lifespan
Fat soluble toxins are not often excreted, but accumulate during the life. They are often passed on to offspring.

8. Kids are more at risk
They have a higher intake of food, water and air per kilo than adults, they absorb more, are more exposed through hand to mouth contact and have immature detox systems.

9. Early exposure leads to latent chronic disease
Concerns about weight control can be linked with exposure to Organophosphates damaging natural weight control mechanisms. We have an epidemic of obesity, and ridiculously high rates of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression and cancer. Creating a direct link is challenging, given the number of variables involved.

10. The effects are epigenetic and transgenerational
A pregnant woman’s exposure affects the unborn child and her grandchildren’s.

Are you still reading? Then I commend you for taking the bull by the horns.

There’s plenty of information and support out there.

Two primary texts to inform your self more are The Silent Spring, by Rachel Carson and Our Stolen Future, by Theo Colburn et al.

Dealing with the emotions that may be stirred up by this is important. Speak to people around you. Or attend a Deep Ecology workshop to shift your emotions and change your perspective of our involvement with our environment entirely.

The saying “Beauty is only skin deep” is all too true, and cultivating inner beauty is a task worthy of ongoing effort and energy throughout life. Shining authentically and radiantly through clear eyes and a soft face, adds grace to this crazy world.  Caring for our superficial skin, through healthy practices, will help that inner radiance to be even more stunning. The health of our skin greatly impacts our overall appearance. Healthy skin functioning impacts on the whole body. The skin is often a mirror, indicating how various organs are functioning. Our skin plays a major role in detoxification.

Tips to keep your skin radiant.

Meditate daily
Take time each day to focus on your breath and settle your mind. When calm, project loving energy to your face and allow it to soften and relax. Emotional toxins, scowls and frowns pollute the face as much as air fumes, toxic skin products and bad food choices. Practicing meditation helps us to become more mindful about what emotions are swirling through us, and how we are reacting to them internally and externally. This cultivates beauty inside and out.

Avoid excessive UV radiation
Sensible lifestyle factors are instrumental in maintaining youthful skin. In particular avoiding exposure to harsh UV rays will reduce the formation of damaging free radicals and preserve skin for decades to come. Minimising UV radiation damage is one of the simplest and most important elements of preserving skin elasticity and youthfulness. This requires a balance with sunning enough to obtain adequate doses of Vitamin D. Exposing our full body to the sun for 10-20 minutes is health benefiting, longer exposure risks damaging the skin’s structure. Wear a toxin free sunblock on your face everyday.

Feed your skin – Eat the right foods
David Wolfe in his book “Eating for Beauty” suggests that because the skin is the furthest from the digestive system, it’s the last to receive nourishment. Therefore it can be the first to show deficiencies and problematic health.

There are many supplements promoted to enhance the health of the skin. Predominant among them are silicon, sulphur, vitamins A, C, E and other antioxidants and MSM (methyl-sulfonyl-methane). MSM is highly recommended by David Wolfe, who suggests it helps rejuvenate the liver and assists in getting the sulphur rich compounds from a nutrient rich diet to the skin.

Supporting collagen regeneration and stopping it from being damaged through oxidative stress is so important for continual good skin. This is where antioxidants play a role. There are many foods well known for their antioxidant potential, including blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, cherries, plums and pomegranates. 

Some recent research suggests that the considerably less sexy, modest bean, particularly small red bean, red kidney beans and pinto beans are equally, if not richer, in antioxidant potential. In addition, beans contain wonderful fibres to maintain healthy bowel habits and are an ecologically sustainable protein source. Wolfe suggests otherwise, that legumes aren’t beautifying, unless they’re sprouted.

Our ability to assimilate influences the amount of antioxidant goodness we receive from food, and consequently how it can affect our skin. Supporting good digestion, through slowing down our eating; smelling the foods, allowing our mouth to water, chewing adequately and resting after a meal, all help us to obtain benefit from antioxidant rich foods. All the more reason to do leisurely breakfasts, lunches and dinners!

Sweat it out
The skin is a porous surface. Certain substances can continually pass in and out of it.

When we sweat, the water leaving us can take both fat-soluble toxins and heavy metals with it. Excretion of dangerous toxins such as pesticides, lead and mercury is far safer through the skin than excretion via the urine. Because the skin has a large surface area, excretion can occur spread over a large space, thereby diluting any damage that may be caused. Sweat is a boon for the body as it discharges toxins, renews the immune system and regulates heat.

Saunas are great detoxifying aids because they create a huge sweat. Today we have an array of saunas to choose from, dry saunas, steam rooms, infrared and far infrared. All vary somewhat in the way they elicit their effects. Far infrared saunas provide a relaxing heat that deeply warms and elicits an intense sweat. They create a heat, reminiscent of the sun’s warmth when the ozone layer was still intact. Like being warmed to the bone.

After a sauna, it’s fundamental to replenish with lots of water and minerals. Adding a pinch of sea salt and a squeeze of lemon to pure water provides a great rehydration drink.

Bear it to the world – air bathing
Air bathing stems from the tradition of ‘atmospheric cure’, which involves exposing the naked body to air for periods of time. Air bathing can take place indoors or outdoors and is not reliant on light. Ideally the air should be fresh, but even a well-ventilated room, populated by lots of indoor plants is appropriate.

The best time to air bathe is first thing in the morning. Start with 3 minutes and build up to 20 minutes of wandering around in your birthday suit. If you do too much at once, you can become tired during the day.  When you dress, choose to wear natural fabrics that allow the skin to continue to breath.

Brush your skin
Dry skin brushing before showering each day is a simple, extremely effective way to keep the skin surface in vital and clean. Lymphatic flow is enhanced through gentle daily dry skin brushing, to help maintain firm and vital skin. Dry skin brushing stimulates circulation of blood to support skin regeneration. It sheds some of the dead surplus cells, creating vital skin and clear pores. It’s also a great opportunity for deliberate self-care.

It’s very important to use a vegetable bristle brush, not one with synthetic fibres. Jenna Vos, Naturopath and beautician from Quintessence Natural Health and Beauty in Byron Bay, suggests the rounded tips of natural fibres work with the skin, unlike the chiselled edges of synthetic fibres, that can micro-cut the skin surface.

The skin must be stroked skin gently at a pressure that is comfortably firm. Use circular motions help to open the lymphatic ducts. Clockwise strokes are revitalising. Perform gentler strokes on tender skin of the inner thighs, arms and decourtage. Avoid the delicate facial skin all together. When starting dry skin brushing, begin with light strokes for short periods and increase pressure and duration gradually. This is an enjoyable process and should never be uncomfortable.

Herbal helpers
There are many excellent herbs that provide great benefit for beautiful skin. A stand out amongst these is stinging nettle. Nettle supports the kidneys and is rich in many minerals. By supporting the kidney function, the skin is supported in its toxic waste management role. Other herbalists recommend strong teas of red clover or chickweed to be drunk instead of water each day to resolve many skin diseases.

Keep hydrated
Drinking a plentiful amount of good water is the most important step in skin health. Drink the purest water available to you in sufficient quantities every day. Start with one or three large glasses of water on rising to start your day off the right way, ideally starkers. Don’t forget how much water is in fresh fruit and vegetables either. Your skin will mop it up!

Topical applications
Your skin absorbs so think seriously about what you are applying to it. The skin can often use natural substances, such as those found in aloe vera or natural oils. Synthetic chemicals may leave it slightly bewildered. Nourish your skin with molecules it understands and can use.

Copyright Sally Mathrick – please cite www.sparklewell.com.au if using this information
Written in September 2010 and previously published by Australian Natural Health Magazine

We have female heads of state, more feminine concepts have found their way into the public domain, a few percent more women than men exist on the planet and the rate of baby boys born with penile development issues rising. There is also an increase in women presenting with symptoms or disorders, which are caused or linked to hormonal imbalances. Increasingly, oestrogen progesterone imbalance is responsible for many health issues. Too much oestrogen in relation to progesterone is called oestrogen dominance or excess.

Oestrogens ain’t oestrogens.

Oestrogens are a class of steroid sex hormones. The oestrogens produced in the body, or endogenous oestrogens, are oestrone (E1), estradiol (E2) and estriol (E3). These are manufactured predominantly in the ovaries, however the liver, adrenals, breasts and fat cells manufacture small amounts. Oestrogens influence the development and maintenance of secondary female sex characteristics, regulate menstruation and maintain pregnancy. However, they are involved in many other actions the bodies of both sexes. For example, oestrogens affect blood fats, clotting potential of the blood, bone strength, blood vessel maintenance, metabolic rate, bowel motility, muscle mass, fat storage and fluid balance in the body. In men, oestrogens are involved in sperm maturation and libido.

Oestrogens don’t act alone, but are part of a dynamic cascade of many hormones. Progesterone is the major balancing hormone for oestrogen. Prolactin is also a player. When these hormones are balanced, females feel sexy and vital. When they are out of whack, we feel well below optimal and develop all manner of disorders.

What causes oestrogen excess?

There are many theories on why oestrogen excess is so prevalent today. Ruth Trickey, author of Women, Hormones and the Menstrual cycle, suggests the major reason is because women have more periods per lifetime than in the past. This is due to starting menstruation earlier, bearing fewer children, lactating less and an older average age of menopause.

Another factor contributing to oestrogen excess is our intake or influence from substances that act in a similar way to oestrogens.  Various plants provide us with phytoestrogens. The most notable are soya bean and linseeds. Soy bean is referred to as the “abominable bean” by former Hippocrates Health Centre owner Elaine Hollingsworth. She believes eating phytoestrogens, and in particular soy products, contributes to many hormonal diseases, early menarche in young girls and feminisation of boys. Molecules in soy called isoflavones, and in particular genestein, act in a similar, though less powerful way, as estrogens made inside the body. Conflicting research suggesting that isoflavones and other oestrogenic plant chemicals are ideal to treat hormonal excess, rationalising that the plant version is gentler on the body. Of course, dose is an issue to consider. Soy bean is used in many processed foods, and often over consumed.

One component of plastics, called BisPhenol A, has been confirmed to be polluting us with xenoestrogens. Xeno means foreign. There are many other chemicals in our environment that have been recognised as endocrine disruptors, particularly pesticides. Many skin care and beauty products contain phlathates, which have a blocking effect on many hormones. Prenatal exposure to phthalates may be associated with less male-typical play behaviour in boys. The same 2009 study by Swan et al, suggested that these ubiquitous environmental chemicals have the potential to alter androgen-responsive brain development in humans. Another more recent study of boys with undescended testis hypothesized that exposure to a combination of phthalates and anti-androgenic pesticides may have contributed to that condition. Other environmental oestrogenisation comes from the urine of conventionally reared farm animals and women using “the pill” which runs into the water supply. Pharmaceuticals dose people with synthesised estrogens. The Oral Contraceptive Pill (OCP) and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) often use a form of oestrogen with progesterone to alter natural functioning. Both xenoestrogens and phytoestrogens act like oestrogen inside the cell effecting the expression of many genes.

Finally, an overburdened or under resourced liver is a major player in oestrogen dominance, when its ability to metabolise and clear out this excess of oestrogen is thwarted. The liver metabolised oestrogens in its second phase of detoxification via processes called glucuronidation and conjunction with sulfur. Essentially, these processes are where compounds are added to enable excretion via the bowel or kidneys.

The health and balance of the body is dependant upon the correct functioning of the endocrine system. It’s delicate. Tiny amounts of hormone or hormone mimicking substances affect it. It is like an orchestra, and when one instrument goes out of tune, quite often others get confused so oestrogen dominance can negatively effect the balance of thyroid and adrenal gland.

What to do

An plan for balancing oestrogen must be considered according to the individual effected. A major tenet of natural medicine is to remove the triggers or causes of the dysfunction wherever possible, so any plan will include ways to avoiding xenoestrogens and phytoestrogens. Avoid plastic bottles and food wrappings are one small step in the right direction. Choose body care products, which are phlathate free.

Herbs can be very effective to balance progesterone and oestrogen when individually prescribed by a trained herbalist. For example, indole rich shepherds purse can help reduce excessive menstruation, phytoestrogenic red clover acts as a blood tonic and can help treating some cancers, St Mary’s thistle can support a balanced liver clearance of hormones and bitter gentian can enhance bile production and increase clearance. Beth root, Wild Yam, Licorice root, vitex and paeony can act to balancer some individuals and help regulate ovulation and progesterone production. As the hormonal system is very delicate and influenced by these herbs, it is best to get professional help to use these medicines safely and effectively.

Exercise to promote detoxification and circulation. Women who exercise frequently often have lighter and less frequent periods. Address and manage stress in your life

There are a number of dietary inclusions to enhance the liver clear oestrogens more effectively. The cabbage family, or cruciferous vegetables, provides compounds, which help to increase the rate at which the liver changes oestrogen into a water soluble, excretable form. Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower and especially broccoli contain a substance called indol-3-carbinol, which supports one of the detoxification pathways to clear oestrogen. Foods rich in methionine, such as beans, legumes, onion and garlic, assist in the breakdown of oestrogen. Good protein rich diet supports the livers metabolising of oestrogen. Additionally Vitamin B1 and B6 are supportive in hepatic clearance, so legumes, organic chicken, oatmeal, peanuts and walnuts can all be eaten freely. Eat a balanced diet free of hormones, pesticides, and antibiotics, which means choosing organic, biodynamic or spray free when ever possible. Drink spring water.

Changing to a raw food diet is triggering a life transformation. I wasn’t expecting such a precipitation of change. I was just hoping to lose my jowls.

Food is fundamental to our existence. How we go about choosing what, where, when and how we eat is moulded through life experiences, education, exposure and accessibility to foods. In some way, it defines who we are. When we make a conscious change about what food we eat, there are consequently fundamental changes in the way we exist. Altering my food choices is profoundly affecting my life. Addictions are exposed, buried emotions bubble up, previously accepted beliefs are challenged, social engagements are forced into renegotiation and slowly but surely, physicality is restructuring.

For years I avoided anything too fundamentalist in the realm of nutrition. The Raw Foodists appeared to me to be radical and far too consumed with what they could eat next. They seemed perpetually hungry and often didn’t radiate health. Raw food seemed too difficult in our world that offers predominantly cooked or otherwise processed foods. And now, here I am, almost a raw foodist!

Raw food requires more forethought than my previous strategy, which involved choosing the healthiest of whatever was available. Additionally, the temptations of “the cooked” abound and appear at the worst of times, namely when I’m famished and have no living snacks left.

What reasons on earth would there be to forego the joys of coffee and toast in the morning? Or abstain from the nourishment of thick minestrone or poached eggs? In a word, vanity.

The turning of another decade brings with it a nascent turkey neck and advent of jowls. There’s also diminishing vision, wrinkles that don’t go away and a “thickening” that seems to accompany approaching – dare I say it – middle age. I caught myself almost accepting the “not quite what I used to be” mentality, and jolted awake. I refuse to accept these things are a “natural” part of aging. And I certainly don’t want jowls! Live foods promises anti-aging and energy abundance, so I’m giving it a go.

“Food is compressed sunlight,” wrote Rudolf Steiner at the turn of last centaury, a succinct description of how plants absorb and arrange the energy of the sun during photosynthesis to create food energy. “The organs of the plant are … a kind of biological accumulation of Sun energy”, writes Wolfe in his Sunfood Diet classic. If “you are what you eat” then adopting a living food diet means you become sunnier. If that means more radiant, warm, ageless and sparkling, I’m into it.

Internet raw food sites often refer to Dr. Paul Kouchakoff’s discovery in the 1930’s of digestive leukocytosis that occurs because of eating cooked food. Digestive leukocytosis means an increase in concentration of white blood cells after eating cooked food, suggesting an immune response is mounted against cooked food. There are many questions surrounding the validity of this old study and strangely, as fundamental to health as it appears to be, it doesn’t seem to have been replicated. A 2006 review of cooked verses raw vegetables studies from Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, suggests that eating at least some percentage of raw vegetables is proven to increase the preventative action of vegetables against cancer. It also gives a good over view of the nutrient degradation that occurs through cooking, but nothing more on the immunological challenges that cook food provokes.

The most convincing argument for adopting raw living food diet is all about enzymes. Enzymes are highly specialised protein substances that trigger all processes within the body. From digestion, to gene replication, to energy creation to hormonal pathways and beyond, enzymes are the catalysts for change. Alchemically, enzymes are the keys for transformation within the body. They are needed for action to happen – or not happen. If our body lacks a particular enzyme, then a function will not occur. Enzymes need other nutrients to work, often the minerals also abundant in raw plant foods.

Living foods contain many plant enzymes, and although these differ from digestive and metabolic enzymes, some synchronicity exists. For example, pawpaw contains the enzyme papain that has a powerful action similar to the digestive enzymes pepsin. When cooking at temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius, proteins are damaged. It’s feasible these damaged proteins could provoke an immune response (i.e. digestive leukocytosis) but regardless, the denatured proteins need to be restructure for the body’s use, if they can be used at all. If they can’t be used, potentially they’re adding to the toxic load of the body. This alone could contribute to my jowl growth.

Wolfe categorises raw living food into 14 categories: Fruits, Leaves, Nuts, Seeds, Legumes, Flowers, Green sprouts, Roots, Shoots, Bark, Sap, Stems, Water vegetables and Mushrooms. With the exception of roots (potatoes) and seeds (wheat), these categories are considered more garnishes within the staple western diet. The majority of food eaten is either processed or dead. The motivations behind processing include reducing bacterial contamination, though also to enhance its storage, transportability and trade-ability. Our world economy is based on cooked food as staples. If a raw living food diet was globally adopted it would have a major impact on the world economy.  Movies such as Food Inc, and Food Matters are echoing what “Supersize me” highlighted a decade before, and building up it to expose food industry built upon unhealthy foods. There are many living food enterprises that are budding if not blooming now, and possibly will continue to thrive.

Today’s raw foodists are misunderstood like the vegetarians of the nineties. I’m ostracised by restaurants, considered “radical” by society and “difficult” by family and dinner hosts. Raw foodists operate out of synch with current mainstream enterprises and new ones (like me) may be found wandering through supermarket isles wondering if there’s anything raw and living there.

My conversion strategy involves using Victoria Boutenko’s Green Smoothies to increase greens and fruit intake each morning. I’m incorporating the concept of complete protein in each meal. This means combining at least two foods from the legumes, nuts, seeds or wholegrains group. I balance this with lots of leafy greens. I eat smaller meals or snacks four or five times a day to maintain good energy. I have three or four pieces of fruit, an avocado, a small mountain of salad, raw vegetables and lots of garlic every day. I consume a bunch of dark green leafies every 2 days. Currently I’m eating 85-95% living foods. I’m still at the novelty stage and for the most part enjoying the discovery.

There’s much still to explore – maple syrup, agave syrup, exotic mushrooms, fresh herbs, spices, super foods, dehydrators and Vitamixes – all lay before me. I’m dealing with my caffeine addiction one day at a time, and am making good progress.

So how am I going with my transformation? I’ve had some empty moments, but over all feel happy. I carry food with me now. I still need 8 hours sleep not 5. I produce less rubbish, maybe one bag a week. My hair is shinier, as are whites of my eyes. I have possibly lost a little weight and my energy levels are mostly fantastic. The jowls however are still there. I’ll give them another three months.

Copyright Sally Mathrick – please cite www.sparklewell.com.au if using this information

WHAT IS IT?
Endometriosis is the growth of endometrial tissue outside of the uterus. Endometrial tissue is the stuff grown each month to line the uterus in readiness for a baby in child bearing women. This tissue is generally contained within the uterus and expelled with menstruation. Endometriosis is when this tissue grows else where, generally in the pelvic cavity. It can attach itself to any of the structures there, such as the bladder, ovaries, ureters, fallopian tubes or ovarian ligaments. Endometrial tissue can rarely also occur in distant sites such the lung and even the nose. Some suffers report having nose bleeds each time they menstruate.

WHY DOES IT HAPPEN?
Exactly why endometriosis occurs is not clear.

The most popular causation theory is that the hormones are out of balance. More specifically, that there is too much oestrogen in relation to progesterone. Another causation theories include a back flow of menstrual blood into the pelvic region, which is why yoga instructs not to do inverted poses during menstruation. Other theories involve immune function, namely increased immune cell activity or even an autoimmune dysfunction. Also an imbalance in the chemicals that mediate inflammation in the body has been suggested to be the reason.

Factors that increase the risk of endometriosis are recognised as first period at a young age, frequent periods that are over a week long as well as heavy bleeding times. Having an immediate family member with endometriosis increases risk significantly too. Pregnancy is associated with decreased risk. IUDs, high caffeine use, high alcohol use and having sex during menstruation all contribute somewhat to an increased risk of developing the disease.

Endometriosis can make a successful conception and pregnancy difficult. Using natural medicine modalities as part of an integrative and holistic approach can certainly offer significant hope to sufferers wanting to conceive. When a multifactorial approach is taken, women can expect significant improvements in their symptoms and in their fertility as balance is re-established in the body. “A body in balance is a fertile body”  says Naturopath Simone Morley from The Centre for Wellness and Fertility.

HOW TO TEST
Diagnosis is arrived at through recognising the symptom picture (see box). Then a pelvic examination by a gynocologist will support the diagnosis. An ultrasound may be done, which doesn’t show up endometriosis but will exclude other diagnoses, like ovarian cysts and adenomyosis. The definitive diagnosis is through performing a surgical procedure called laparoscopy.

Naturopath Andrea Hepner aka The Period Pain Guru, says testing hormones is crucial to understanding what’s happening. She uses a saliva hormone test that measures what hormones, particularly the estrogens and progesterone, are active in the body. Blood tests for hormones measure both the active, free hormones (about 2%) and the bound, “on-reserve” hormones (about 98%) together, so are not accurate indicators of what’s actually going on. Saliva testing can help detect active hormones to explain mild or moderate symptoms. The saliva needs to be tested on Day 21 of the cycle, which corresponds to the peak of progesterone in the menstrual cycle. This will illuminate what levels are in relation to each other. It’s all about how the hormones are balancing. These tests show the relationships and “help to confirm your intuition”, says Hepner.

TREATMENTS

Every woman needs to be treated individually, to ensure the best plan is created for their unique situation. Everyone has had different toxin exposure, levels of stress and different inheritance, all of which influences the treatment approach. The diet of individuals also influences the level of inflammation and general good functioning of the body too.

The conventional medical approach is to remove endometrial lesions and small cysts laparoscopy. This is an important step in resolving the disease. Once the tissue has been cleared through the surgery, then hormonal balancing needs to occur. The oral contraceptive pill (OCP) is a tool regularly used for all female reproductive issues in mainstream medicine. One adverse reaction of this is that is reduces folate levels, which acts as a cofactor in some of the biochemical processes that metabolise oestrogen. A deficiency of folate can contribute to the return of endometriosis. Whilst the OCP is a suitable tool for some people, it’s certainly not the only tool in the wholistic medicine cabinet.

Naturopathic strategies can be implemented to help balance the hormones to avoid the recurrence of endometriosis. These strategies are wholistic and takes into account the effects of lifestyle, environmental toxin exposure and nutritional deficiencies. There are many herbs with a long tradition of use and growing scientific evidence that help to balance the hormones.

A high fibre diet is generally recommended to ensure regular clearance of the bowels and to assists in removing estrogens and other toxins from the body. Constipation can increase the re-absorption of estrogens, contributing to high oestrogen levels and possible recurrence of the endometriosis. The nutrient status of individuals need to be assessed. In particular that Vitamin B6, B12 and folate are present to ensure the right biochemical pathways are operating to deal with estrogens properly. Evening primrose oil with omega-three essential fatty acids and a diet with a good ratio of omega-three to omega-six fatty acids can assist in reducing the pain and inflammation associated with endometriosis.

The liver’s ability to detoxify is fundamental in balancing hormones. This can be affected by dietary patterns or drug use. Additionally, exposure to environmental toxins, such as the hormone influencing phthalates must be identified, avoided or reduced all together. These foreign oestrogen-like substances, known as xenooestrogens, are beginning to wreak havoc with hormone function in many mammalian species, not just humans. There are numerous herbs and foods that assist in detoxifying hormones and toxins. These include brocolli sprout extract, which has a strong effect on phase two liver detoxification pathways, that help to clear oestrogen and reduce oestrogen excess.

The jury is still out with the use of phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens are plant substances that gently mimic the action of oestrogen in the diet. The use of phytoestrogens in the form of linseeds, soy products and red clover tea has been studied extensively, with many outcomes supporting their efficacy in balancing hormones in varying disease states. Elaine Hollingsworth author of Take Control of Your Health, refers to soy as the abominable bean, accusing it and other phytoestrogens as wreaking havoc with women’s hormones. In my practice as a naturopath, I recommend consuming fermented soy products, such as miso, tamari soy sauce and tempeh and discontinuing otherwise processed soy products, such as soymilk, tofu and soy hidden in processed foods, to support hormone balance, unless the woman is menopausal. The fermentation of the soybean may assist in its assimilation in the gastric tract, rendering it more harmonious with innate hormonal rhythms.

Anyone suffering from endometriosis is advised to get integrative care for long term resolution. This may involve modern mainstream medicine and naturopathy, as well as other treatment modalities depending upon the individual’s presentation.

Copyright Sally Mathrick – please cite www.sparklewell.com.au if using this information
Previously published by Blitz Publishing

Bones are complex organs and do more than provide skeletal support. Inside the bones blood products are made. Bones are constructed by a protein framework cladded by calcium phosphate. Calcium phosphate is made up of calcium, phosphate and oxygen.

Calcium is the focal point of popular media when discussing bone health. Ninety-nine percent of the body’s calcium is embedded into bones. The one percent found within the soft tissue is vital for a huge number of physiological functions. Every muscle contraction, including each heart beat, is dependant in part upon calcium. Each nerve transmission requires calcium, and therefore calcium is required for virtually every physiological function. If levels of calcium in the blood are insufficient, calcium can be mined from the bones in large amounts. Often too much calcium is taken from the bone and is deposited into soft tissue. This increases the risk of “hardening” diseases such as arthritis and atherosclerosis.

There are actually eighteen key bone-building nutrients required for optimal bone health. A deficiency in any of them can negatively impact bone health. In addition to calcium, the essential bone nutrients include potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, copper, silica, boron, Vitamins A, C, D, B6, B12, folic acid, essential fatty acids and proteins. If the availability of any of these essential nutrients falls short, bone softening, known as osteomalacia, or bone fragility or loss, known as osteoporosis can develop.

HOW TO GET YOUR BONE NUTRIENTS

If you place a calcium supplement in a glass of water, does it dissolve entirely?  If there’s a sandy remnant in the glass, then it’s worth questioning if it can solubilise inside your body, suggests nutrition expert and author David Wolfe. He strongly discourages the use of calcium supplementation in any form, because it contributes to numerous hardening, calcification diseases. Wolfe is a strong advocate for “super foods”, including algaes (spirulina and chlorella) and cacao (chocolate) seeds, both of which contain a high level of minerals, including phosphorus, magnesium and calcium in a wholefood matrix.

Dairy has long been promoted as the major source of dietary calcium for strong bones. Indeed, dairy intake in early years has been shown to increased bone density in young people. However that’s about as far as the evidence goes in terms of the bone health benefits of consuming milk products. Dairy has many nutritional controversial issues, the two most prevalent being digestibility in most adult guts and the toxic bioaccumulation from commercial cows’ exposure to chemicals during rearing.

There are many factors affecting good bone mineralization. Lack of physical exercise is one major reason so many people are experiencing poor bone health. Exercise is possibly the best thing you can do for your bones. Impact and weight bearing exercises that affect the whole spine are particularly beneficial. Walking helps build the hips and legs bone density. Any activity that makes the body work against gravity provides benefit and including variety to your exercise regime provides multi-directorial bone impacts, plus keeps exercise interesting.

Another primary influence on bone strength is the amount of sunlight or Vitamin D we are exposed to. The influence of sunglasses, windows, sunscreens and a society that spends a large amount of time indoors has brought about a deficiency in the sunlight vitamin in epidemic proportions. Food sources are limited. They include fatty fish, beef, liver, butter, eggs and foods fortified with vitamin D, like margarine.

Additionally, hormone imbalances play a role in depleting the calcium stores within the bones, namely oestrogen, testosterone, adrenal thyroid and parathyroid hormones. The use of drugs, including caffeine, alcohol and recreational drugs also effect strength of bone mineralisation in various ways.

Perhaps the primary reason for bone demineralisation is due to contemporary processed, demineralised foods and high levels of stress in the modern world. Both of these factors contribute to a decrease in the body’s pH. This means a slight acidification of the fluids of the body. To buffer acidity, the body extracts alkalising minerals from the bones, like calcium, to reduce the risk of illnesses like cancer or inflammatory diseases.

Refinement of food results in a loss of minerals within the food. Often processing of food leaves a simple carbohydrate or corrupted protein structure with little nourishment value. Many of minerals, vitamins and other plant chemicals are lost in the process of food manufacturing. Commercial plant foods are often grown in poorly mineralised soils, resulting in less than potent mineral foods. When ever possible, buy organic or biodynamic produce.

Dr Susan Brown from the Centre for Better Bones in New York promotes the bone-preserving benefits of a diet high in alkalising fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and spices. These wholefoods create an internal alkaline environment that is kind to the bones and can contribute to their rebuilding.

Professor Bahram Arjmandi is leading a research team that is showing that the humble prune has the ability to support bone regeneration in postmenopausal women. Prunes (dried plums) contain special phenolic compounds that trigger growth factors linked to bone formation. They are also one of the highest antioxidant rich foods and have generous levels of potassium, boron and copper. The women in the study are eating approximately 10 prunes a day and are showing significant increases in bone density after only 6 months.

Starting on 10 prunes straight away will cause digestive mayhem. Best to start with 3 or 4 prunes. Try soaking or gently cooking them, or eating them with other soluble fibres like oats to reduce their digestive impact. Over a few weeks, gradually increase to 10 prunes a day.

BEST EATING FOR STRONG BONES:

1. Prunes
2. Orange vegetables, especially sweet potato and carrots
3. Green leafy vegetables, particularly cabbage, broccoli, turnip greens and watercress
4. Soaked almonds, other nuts and seeds
5. Fruits such as oranges, plums and peaches
6. Celery
7. Seaweeds, like dulse, contain an excellent mineral matrix
8. Superfoods, particularly cacao
9. Dietary phytoestrogens, from fermented soy products (particularly for women transiting menopause)

THINGS TO AVOID:

1. Cut back on the coffee – People with a high caffeine intake often have low bone mass. Caffeine increases urinary output of calcium.

2. Too much animal protein makes the blood more acidic. Acidity is balanced by calcium and phosphorus, often taken from the bones. A high protein intake increases urinary output of calcium.

3. Long term Pharmaceutical use  – investigate long-term use of steroids, thyroid hormone, anticonvulsants, potassium-sparing diuretics and anticoagulants and how they affect bone density.  Discussed with your health professional.

4. Avoid soft drinks – Soft drinks provide excess phosphoric acid, which reduces calcium absorption into the bone.

5. Processed foods – they lack minerals, vitality, nourishment and create an acidic internal environment. They may lead to extracting minerals from your bones.

6. Sedentary lifestyle – get active and put some pressure on those bones!

7. Get into some sun worship! Bear your body for 20 -30 minutes a day to ensure you get your daily dose. Or get yourself a good Vitamin D3 supplement.

Copyright Sally Mathrick – please cite www.sparklewell.com.au if using this information
Written in July 2010 and previously published in Australian Natural Health Magazine

Inside our bodies, in return for procuring a warm home, beneficial microbes, referred to as probiotics, boost our immunity, facilitate our complete nourishment and optimise wellbeing.

Remarkably, there are ten times more microbial cells in our bodies than there are body cells. The majority of these are in the gastro intestinal tract and on the skin. This means, on a per capita basis, the microbes are the overwhelming majority in a normal healthy body. Fortunately the body is not a democracy! It’s the vitality of the body that commands rules in times of balance. When one microbial species proliferates excessively, it interferes with healthy functioning.

Candida is a fungal yeast microbe, not a bacterium like many other probiotic species living in the gut. It lives harmoniously with other microbes, but occasionally gets out of hand. Candida excess is most commonly associated with thrush. It often manifests as candida overgrowth in the vagina (thrush) or mouth (mouth ulcers).

Leon Chaitow, prominent Naturopathic doctor in the USA, first published his book Candida in 1985, which revealed that the overgrowth of candida in our gastrointestinal tracts was the primary cause of a large number of symptoms affecting his patients, which he called Candida syndrome. The overgrowth of candida is understood to be the primary cause in various health problems, particularly chronic fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, allergies and fibromyalgia.

The imbalanced growth of Candida is often triggered through a poor diet. One high in refined carbohydrates and unhealthy fats, particularly deep fried foods. Inadequate dietary fibre is also a contributing factor. An impaired immune function, which can be caused through poorly managed stress, can contribute to the imbalance. Use of pharmaceuticals, such as antibiotics, steroids, birth control or other hormonal therapy can also be a causative factor.

When Candida over-proliferates, it changes form. It morphs from a simple, relatively harmless member of the microbial population, into a dominating invader. It can elicit a low-grade inflammation in the gut and lead to a breaking down of the boundary between the intestinal tract and the blood. A reduction of gut integrity, also referred to as “leaky gut”, allows incompletely digested food particles and yeast cells to pass through and enter the blood stream. The immune system soon identifies these large particles in the blood as foreign potential threats, and ramps itself up to deal with them, which can manifest in many ways depending upon the individual.

The main hallmarks of candida overgrowth are craving sugar and bloating afterwards. The sugar cravings come about because the candida ferments sugars into alcohol, which destabilizes blood sugar and leads to intense cravings for more sugar. Bloating, gas, and bubbling in the gut arise because the overgrowth of yeast leads to the fermentation of foods instead of the digestion of foods.

Candida syndrome can manifest as a long list of symptoms throughout the whole body (see box below). Because of the widespread nature of these symptoms, it is often referred to as systemic yeast. Modern mainstream medicine refutes candida syndrome, as it lacks hard gold standard scientific validation.

To reduce candida one needs to reduce the conditions for its growth. Like mushrooms, candida likes to grow in warm, dark moist spaces. Not a lot can be changed in about these environmental conditions. The food that is provided and the pH of the environment can however be altered through diet, lifestyle and remedies. Candida syndrome is treated through the anti-candida diet along with a series of supplements aimed to repair and restore the balance of the gastrointestinal tract. Sometimes too anti-fungal substances will also be employed.

Part of any treatment is accurate diagnosis, which may include a comprehensive digestive stool analysis (CDSA) to confirm the presence of yeast. Yeast syndrome is still vaguely understood, and it can be misdiagnosed in both conventional and alternative circles.

The basis of the anti-candida diet is healthy yeast-free and low in sugars. An abundance of whole foods, particularly plenty of colourful, fiber-rich vegetables, regular moderate amounts of protein and moderate healthy fats is indicated. Absolutely no simple sugars, such as those found in refined foods. Ideally the diet needs to be free of artificial colourings, flavourings, fillers and sweeteners.

People who have had an excess of yeast over the long-term may face nutritional deficiencies due to poor nutrient uptake. To help replete this nutritional status, a sugar free, food derived multivitamin/mineral supplement may be indicated.

The gut needs to be repopulated with the beneficial microbes that will displace Candida and assist in food digestion rather than food fermentation. Living foods such as fermented coleslaws, compotes, yoghurts, kombucha and sauerkraut are a great way of attaining these. A multistrain pro-biotic supplement may also be of support. A particular probiotic yeast called Saccharomyces boulardii directly competes with Candida for space, and is often very effective for people suffering with candida overgrowth. Prebiotic foods are also important. These are foods that feed the beneficial bacteria and help them colonise the gut. The best sources are oat-bran and reheated cooked potatoes.

Discuss with your health practitioner the best antifungal remedies for you. There are numerous natural antifungals found in the natural world (see box). Strong prescription medications can also be called upon, for example Nystatin, particularly if there is persistence in symptoms and if other protocols are followed.

ANTI FUNGALS

Berberine containing herbs – ie golden seal

Oregano essential

Garlic

Citrus seed extract

Pau d’arco

An interesting development in the anti-fungal arsenal is using micro-algae species to destroy fungal cell membranes. A species of algae, Arthrospira maxima, is being used as an antifungal for nail and skin infections with great success.

A compound within fungal cell membranes, called Chitin, holds the fungal cell membrane together. Chitin is destroyed by the Arthrospira maxima, which results in breaking the cell membrane of the fungi, effectively killing the fungal cell. Although this is more specific for other fungal infections, Candida has a similar cell membrane, which poses the possibility of microalgaes helping to balance the microflora of the body.

It seems our evolutionary paths with the micro world continues.

Sally Mathrick is a practicing Naturopath and Workplace wellness provider.  For more information see www.soundmedicine.com.au

Copyright Sally Mathrick – please cite www.sparklewell.com.au if using this information

Ginger has been shown to be as effective as pharmaceutical anti-nausea meds

Nausea – Small frequent snacks can be helpful to abate nausea. For example, crackers and hummus, porridge or stewed fruits.  Avoid fried, rich and processed foods.  If smells makes you feel sick, try eating things cold. Create a relaxing environment to eat in, for example play music or have a nice view. Always rest after eating. Ginger has been shown to be as effective as pharmaceutical anti-nausea meds, so add it liberally to your cooking. Alternatively, infuse grated ginger in hot water add honey and sip frequently. Or find a compounded tablet. Sipping apple juice or peppermint tea quells nausea for some.

Diarrhoea –To prevent dehydration try to drink a glass of fluid every hour. Consider fermented drinks such as organic kefir, miso soup or rejuvelac. Avoid drinks that are very hot, very cold, caffeinated, soft drinks or containing artificial chemicals. Avoid fatty foods. Add psyllium husks to your diet to help slow transit time and bulk up stools.

Constipation – Ensure you are hydrated sufficiently. Choose organic fruit and vegetables.  Organic prunes, apricots and apples are particularly remedial for constipation. Try high fibre cereals and wholegrains.  Avoid processed foods high in sugar, wheat and preservatives.  Reduce alcohol and caffeine.  Magnesium in spinach, Brazil nuts, almonds, apricots, sultanas and artichokes can also help.

Kidney and Bladder – Some anti-cancer drugs irritate the bladder so drink plenty of fluids and choose liquid or soft foods like soup, broth, soft fruits and fruit sorbet. Cranberry juice is particularly good to prevent bladder infections. The hair (silk) from corn on the cob, can be infused in water to soothe the urinary tract if irritated. Corn is a food traditionally very helpful for the kidneys.

Chewing and Swallowing – Mouth ulcers are common during conventional treatment so avoid highly seasoned, acidic or dry foods. Add gravy or sauces to make food easier to swallow. As many ulcers are associated with fungal infections, consider reducing refined sugar intake. Try swilling a light organic vegetable, seed or nut oil in the mouth for 4-5 minutes to soothe the pain.

Malabsorption – If you are having chemotherapy, your ability to absorb vitamins and minerals can be reduced. Consider digestive enzymes, enzyme rich foods, smoothies and soups. Simultaneously, it’s important not to exceed recommended dietary intakes (RDI) of any nutrient in case they interfere with the treatments effect. Discuss this issue with your doctor.

Feeling full – During treatment it’s common to feel full after the smallest amount of food. The best approach is to eat the most nutrient rich foods available, in small quantities, often.  Snack on activated buckwheat, soft organic fruits, miso soup, sprouted legumes, soaked almonds, goji berries and other “super foods”.

Loss of appetite – A common side effect of therapy is reduced interest in food due to pain, nausea or depression.  Think in terms of energy and vital nourishment to bolster you and nibble on regular small amounts of nutrient dense food or drink. The appetite can be stimulated by nice aromas. Try to eat or drink something nourishing every 3-4 hours to keep your energy balanced. Consider snacks like smoothies, avocadoes, vegetable juices, organic broths and soups.

If in doubt, always work with open-minded, well educated health professionals and your own intuition and insight to figure out the best approach to optimizing your health.

Copyright Sally Mathrick – please cite www.sparklewell.com.au if using this information

Article published in Nature & Health Magazine, UK

develop a form of cancer throughout their lives. In America the statistic stands at one in two. Cancer is alarmingly common throughout the world today. But it’s certainly not a new scourge to the human race. The earliest records of this destructive disease are found in Egyptian and Peruvian Incan artefacts. However, why it strikes many more people now than in ancient times, is a worthy question.

Cancer describes more than 200 different diseases that share similar characteristics. Cancer is characterised by its ability to grow without limits, to spread around the body and to not die. A cancer’s growth is to the detriment of the host, often causing dramatic weight loss, night sweats, pain and eventual death. Cancer cells become diverse in their genetic code, because they devise strategies to obtain nutrition and energy from healthy body cells for its survival and growth.

There are many uncertainties with cancer. No consensus on the precise causes of cancer has been established. Direct links do exist, which include genetic predisposition, lifestyle choices (including chemical exposures) and infectious agents. But, exactly why some people get cancer and others don’t, despite similar exposure or inheritance, is where the jury is out.

Generally, a jury is swayed by solid, accepted evidence. When it comes to health care, scientific validation is the evidence of choice. This is acquired through double-blind placebo controlled clinical trails, which require substantial resource and often directed by economic goals. Consequently the majority of gold standard scientific evidence in health care exists due to funding from companies that have vested interests, predominantly pharmaceutical and agrochemical companies. Evidence from traditional, empirical or anecdotal sources can often be devalued or dismissed by the jury, as circumstantial, superstitious or “unproven”.  Adopting such parameters of evidence, often results in missing effective healing supports for those suffering.

THE NATURAL UNDERSTANDING

Natural medicine considers that a build up of toxins hinders the natural flow of healing vitality throughout the body and allows disease to proliferate. If the toxic load is low and the body’s self-cleansing mechanisms are functioning well, the body’s vitality is high and the opportunity of disease to develop greatly reduced. This understanding is based upon traditional, empirical, anecdotal and, increasingly, scientific evidence collected over many years.

Natural medicine takes a wholistic approach to cancer prevention and treatment in individual people. Essentially, a wide variety and combination of factors contribute to cancer development in individuals. These include toxin exposure, nutritional deficiencies, level of physical activity, psychological attitudes, genetic patterning and positive social connection. Over the last decade many clinicians have developed programs to treat cancer, using understandings derived from a natural medicine approach.

ACID – ALKALINE and CELLULAR RESPIRATION THEORIES

In 1931 Otto Warburg won a Nobel Prize for discovering that cancer cells function only in an oxygen deprived environment. He also went on to show that cancer cells use fermentation to respire, unlike healthy cells that use oxygen to fuel their activities.  Fermentation in the body produces a by-product called lactic acid, which shifts the pH slightly towards acidity. It generally involves a yeast-like catalyst to convert sugar into simpler substances like alcohol, as any beer brewer could testify. Warburg considered lack of oxygen to be the primary cause of all cancers, triggered by any number of secondary causes.

In 1939 Swiss Scientist Paul Muller won a Nobel Prize for discovering the use of DDT as a seemingly miraculous pesticide. It was used to kill the lice on soldiers, refugees and prisoners heads during world war two. DDT, and a host of other chemicals, predominantly compounds known as the organophosphates and chlorinated hydrocarbons, were embraced by agriculture and sprayed liberally over the land for a number of decades. DDT was banned in the 1970’s, after much outcry about the destructive wake of such chemicals. These chemicals are now called the persistant organic pollutants, or POPs, due to their inability to break down and linger in the environment and it’s inhabitants.

The book “Silent Spring” written by Rachel Carson is an environmental horror story detailing the long-term effects of these agricultural chemicals on various animals. It was shunned when first released in the 1960’s, as it proposed that pesticides used to kill bugs didn’t stop working with the bug, but actually stayed in the eco-system and were found in the bodies of more complex life forms. This effect is understood as bioaccumulation. In the book, Rachel Carson proposes that due to this wide spread pesticide use, as many as 1 in 3 people could develop cancer in the future. Sadly a prophesy which has come to being.

Somewhere between 70,000 and 100,000 synthetic chemicals have been introduced to our environment since the end of World War Two. Many of these chemicals, in isolation, appear to not to be harmful, or are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for human use. However, chemicals do not exist in nature by themselves, but interact with other chemicals. The effects of these interactions in individuals are a complex area of uncertainty.

A pioneer in natural cancer treatments is German doctor Max Gerson. He came to realise that cancer developed because of faulty metabolism due to bad nutritional intake and ongoing exposure to various synthetic chemicals in foods, air, water and pollutants. Gerson’s understanding was that cancer changes the body’s normal sodium/potassium balance, a balance already disturbed by a modern diet full of processed, altered denatured foods.

Gerson’s therapy uses foods low in sodium, high in potassium and rich in vitamins A and C and other antioxidants. One vegetable juice is consumed an hour in Gerson therapy to increase antioxidants, increase potassium and live enzyme intake. Fats and dairy products are excluded for the first four to six weeks as they burden the digestive system too much. Gerson therapy ensures that patients eliminate excess sodium, which is responsible for altering cellular electrochemistry to favour cancerous growth. Gerson therapy also involves various cleansing practices, including coffee enemas.

Rudolf Breuss was a healer from Austria born in 1899. He believed that cancer survived on proteins, and by reducing protein intake and supporting the body with nutrients, cancer could be healed. Protein metabolism creates uric acid waste that increases acidity within the body. Breuss developed a specific mixture of organically grown carrot, beetroot, celery, Chinese radish and potato that provided all of the minerals and vitamins required by the body in liquid form. His therapy involved a 42 day fast consuming this mixture, which allowed the body’s own defences to deal with the diseased tissue. Testimonial after testimonial confirmed that his treatment worked wonders.

Other pioneers in natural cancer treatment include Milton White, MD who believed that cancer is a result of chronic, infectious fungal infestation. Robert Young developed the “pH Miracle” movement based along similar lines to Gerson’s theory.

All around the world clinicians work today to treat cancer, aside from or in conjunction with the orthodox treatments of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. For example, in Australia the Ian Gawler Foundation and Petrea King’s Quest for Life Foundation provide wholistic approaches to cancer care and treatment. In the Himalayan foothills, The Ganga Prem Hospice is embarking on a spiritually lead, integrative approach to cancer treatment. In Denmark Humlegaarden provides a raw food diet and therapy, lead by Dr Kristine Nolfi.

Natural healing methods rely on the inherent healing power inherent to facilitate healing. This power is affected by foods and substances we consume, situations that we are exposed to and the way we manage these. According to the natural medicine tradition, a regime involving exercising, regular sunbaths, drinking good water, eating wholesome food and maintaining positive social connections and psychology, will by and large prevent diseases including cancer.

Discuss your treatment with a qualified health professional.

Do regular cell maintenance – Free radicals are created through excessive toxin load within the body and can damage DNA. Without antioxidant action or without functional repair mechanisms then a mutated DNA strand can replicate and form cancer. Broccoli sprout powder contains sulforphane, a powerful intra cellular repairer. All Brassica or cruciferous vegetables, like Brussels sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower, have cancer prevention attributes.

Keep the hormones in tune – Avoid xenoestrogens in the environment from products using plastics containing BisPhenolA. All substances that disrupt natural hormonal balance should be avoided. See Our Stolen Future by Theo Colburn for more information.

Keep positive and stay empowered – Don’t isolate yourself, maintain a positive, can-do attitude and keep connected within your community. Cancer is powerfully destructive and needs powerful medicine. An individual regaining a feeling of control, direction and belonging in their lives, whether though eating well, meditating, healthy socialising or any practice that gives them this sense, is an important element of their healing.

Reduce your acidity – Many processed foodstuffs contain compounds that contribute to the toxic load in the body. For example trans-fatty acids, hydrolysed fats, deep fried foods, highly refined carbohydrates, fructose, smoked or charred meats, foreign synthetic preservatives, colour and flavour and residues of pesticides, synthetic hormones and ripening agents used in their production are all quite foreign to the digestive system and contribute to internal acidity. Additionally many of the vitamins, minerals, trace elements and phytochemicals, which often work as antioxidants in the body, are destroyed during the processing of the food.

TOP CANCER PREVENTION TIPS:

-    Minimise your synthetic chemical intake and exposure – eat organic produce and whole foods, use synthetic-free personal care and cleaning products.
-    Double your fresh fruit and vegetable intake – ideally 60 – 100% raw.
-    Move towards a plant protein based diet rather than an animal protein diet.
-    Exercise at least 4 times a week – and sweat.
-    Involve yourself with other beings – stay connected with your community
-    Take vitamin D3 supplements, particularly during winter.
-    Deep breathing – an alkalising act that just requires a moment of consciousness.
-    Drink enough of the purest water you can find
-    Undertake regular cleansing processes, including juice fasting, raw food fasting, colonic hydrotherapy and meditation retreats.

Copyright Sally Mathrick – please cite www.sparklewell.com.au if using this information
Written in April 2010 and previously published in Nature and Health Magazine, UK

1. Eat organic and spray free produce. Grow your own, shop at Farmers markets, buy your fresh produce through food co-ops or at organic grocers. Ask for and support organic growing methods and avoid sprays.

2. Enjoy Tomatoes. They rich in lycopene, a potent antioxidant recognized to protect against prostate diseases, including prostate cancer. Levels of Lycopene are higher when tomatoes are cooked.

3. Explore legumes, which includes chickpeas, kidney beans, lentils, peas, and broadbeans. These are particularly rich in chemicals called saponins which can help prevent cancer cells from multiplying. These are best prepared the old fashioned way, that is soaked/washed/sprouted or slow cooked. Avoid canned foods, as they are generally lined with a BPA plastic coating which can seep into the precooked food.

4. Eat something orange every day. Vegetables and fruits such as carrots, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, mangoes all contain beta-carotene, a repairing antioxidant that enhances cells ability to prevent the changes that can lead to cancer.

6. Nibble nuts and seeds. They are a rich source of Vitamin E which acts to support antioxidants functioning in the body. Brazil nuts are rich in the trace mineral Selenium, which is protective against numerous cancers including prostate. Ensure your nuts and seeds are correctly prepared to access their nutrition.

7. Drink green and black tea. These contain many active plant chemicals that seem to protect against stomach cancer and other chemicals which may boost immune function to fight viral infections.

8. Chillies and spices – Capsaicin, the main plant chemical in hot chillies, is traditionally considered to help kill cancer cells. Chillies also optimises the digestive system and is heating internally. Spices and herbs are rich in phytochemicals, many of which have proven beneficial effects on health.

9. Olive oil is rich in enxymes, antioxidants and vitamin E and is one of the healthiest fats. Studies have found that olive oil can be helpful in preventing breast and colon cancer. As olive oil is damaged if heated, only add olive oil when serving food, not during cooking. Use Rice bran or coconut oil that can sustain higher heats for cooking.

10. Garlic has many therapeutic benefits. It boosts immunity, helps lower blood cholesterol and offers protection from cancer development and progression. Choose organic or Australian garlic to avoid bleach and methyl bromide often used on imported garlic.

11. Berries are delicious. They contain ellagic acid that reduces damage to cells and prevents DNA damage that can lead to cancer. Blueberries, strawberries, grapes and goji berries are especially high in antioxidants. Do your best to get organic as they are often heavily sprayed.

12. Whole grains – like brown rice, barley, oats and buckwheat are all high in fibres that can help to reduce risk of various cancers.

13. Eat less. As a rule, western people eat more food than they need. When you eat a diet high in nutrients, you will find you naturally need to eat less. Eat less, live longer, so that at the end of the day, you will eat more and for longer!

14. Appreciate what ever you eat. The attitude of gratitude will support your health in many many ways, and you will enjoy yourself more.

Article Published in Natural Health Magazine, UK

By Sally Mathrick – Naturopath

Lead is not new to human civilization. Its history of mining and smelting was first identified as early as 6500BC. Romans made their water pipes from lead. Their ruling classes were known to overindulge in Sapa, a grape juice concentrate used to sweeten food and wine, contaminated with 0.1% lead. Some historians suggest that lead poisoning was the reason behind high levels of infertility and reduced intelligence in the aristocracy, factors contributing to the downfall of Rome. Indeed the insane Roman emperor Nero was known to drink huge amounts of wine.

In more modern times, lead was used widely in paints. It has also been used in various industries, namely construction, ammunitions and agriculture. Some pottery glazes require lead, particularly red glazes. Lead lighting materials, lead fishing sinkers and lead flashing for roof tops are all common sources of lead around the home today. Recent concerns about lead contaminated toys from China are alarming. An American study by the FDA in 2009 showed all the lipsticks they tested contained some level of lead.

High levels of lead in the body can create many non-specific signs and symptoms, including digestive pain and disturbances, anaemia, confusion, clumsiness, nervousness, lethargy, insomnia, headaches and mood instability. A tell tale sign of severe lead poisoning is a blue-black line on the gums. Lead poisoning has also been associated with other diseases like gout, kidney disease, anaemia and ADHD.

Lead accumulates. It doesn’t dissipate, biodegrade or decay. It is a ubiquitous metal and unavoidable in the world. Fortunately, only 10% of ingested lead is absorbed in the human digestive tract, with the other 90% excreted through the bowel. However children take up more. Between 30-50% of ingested lead is absorbed by them. If the child is deficient in calcium or iron, the lead uptake percentage is in the higher percentage realm. Lead can be profoundly damaging to children who are still growing organs and developing their nervous systems.

There is no safe level of lead intake for human beings. There are no recognised functions for lead in the human body, though some fungi seem to need lead as part of their growth requirements. Lead deposits are found in the blood, liver, kidneys and the brain. Like other heavy metals, lead profoundly alters nervous system function and therefore affects intelligence and learning. Lead toxicity has been identified as a causative factor in attention deficit disorder (ADD), which is associated with difficulty in literacy, numeracy and abstract thinking. Lead has also been associated with anti-social behaviour. Lead poisoning is possibly the most important chronic environmental concern for modern children, due to their rapid growth and development.

A few years ago a study showed that 11% of the children in Mount Isa, a mining town in Queensland, had excessive levels of lead in their blood. The strategy to combat this, due to professed limitations in ability in reducing pollution levels, was to ensure children had a nutrient rich diet. The major mineral that competes with lead uptake is calcium. There is some evidence that this nutrient repletion approach has been moderately successful.

Calcium and iron rich plants are an invaluable element of any lead detoxification program, and by buying certified organic, you can be more confident that the plant isn’t actually laced with lead. Other beneficial approaches in lead detox involve opening the channels of elimination, particularly the bowel and the skin. The use of far-infrared saunas is a judicious part of a lead detox protocol too. Ideally, any detox protocol should be individually determined, because we all have different toxic fingerprints, sensitivities and needs.

Pharmaceutical chelation therapies are administered when people exhibit signs of frank lead poisoning. High levels of lead in the blood generally indicate the need for chemical chelation. More low-grade, chronic lead poisoning, with its barrage of non-specific symptoms, is generally identified through the analysis of heavy metals in the hair.

The educated and cautious use of natural chelating agents, combined with a nutrient dense organic diet, over a long treatment period, can support a reduction in detectable lead levels, and consequently a reduction in symptoms. Natural chelators including bentonite clay and zeolite, under professional guidance, can be helpful. Used indiscriminately they can be harmful. These should only be used when the body is replete with minerals. The chelating agents can bind up vital minerals instead of the heavy metals if not use correctly.

Today the use of heavy metals is reducing, as more evidence arises about their adverse health effects. Humanity is becoming more attuned to what substances are life affirming and those that are not, and we act on choosing those, which nurture life, or at least I hope so!

Copyright Sally Mathrick – please cite www.sparklewell.com.au if using this information
Written Dec 2011 and previously published in Wellbeing Australia issue #138

Is the earth becoming more feminine? Excluding the Vatican and Arab nations from United Nations statistics, there are 1.8% more women than men on the planet. This trend of female dominance has developed since the 1970s. The concentration of estrogens and oestrogen-like substances in the earth are increasing due to an accumulation of various plastic, pharmaceutical and agricultural wastes that mimic oestrogen’s actions are polluting the environment at a rapid rate.

Oestrogens are the predominant female hormones. They are a class of steroid sex hormones. Endogenous oestrogens are produced inside the body. They are manufactured predominantly in the ovaries, although the liver, adrenals, breasts and fat cells also manufacture small amounts. Externally, or exogenously produced estrogens and oestrogen-mimicking substances include plant oestrogens and xenoestrogens. Soy and linseeds have compounds called phytoestrogens, which appear to act as mild oestrogens. Xenoestrogens are a range of chemicals that often have a more powerful oestrogenic effect in the body. Xeno means foreign.

In optimal health, endogenous oestrogens influence the development and maintenance of secondary female sex characteristics, regulate menstruation and maintain pregnancy. They are involved in other actions the bodies of both sexes, from blood clotting to bone strength, bowel motility and fluid balance. Of course, oestrogens don’t act in isolation; they are integral to the hormonal orchestra. Additionally, oestrogens are recycled and transformed by enzymes to become other hormones. In women, progesterone is the major balancing hormone for oestrogen. Prolactin is also a player.

When hormones are optimally balanced, we feel sexy, vital and alive. When oestrogens are imbalanced in a man lower sperm levels, breast development and alterations in fat distribution can occur. In women damaged eggs, recurrent miscarriage and genetic abnormalities in embryos are not uncommon. Many women suffer disorders associated with hormonal imbalances, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, infertility, irregular menstruation and fibroids. Often these are due to too much oestrogen in relation to progesterone, termed oestrogen dominance or relative oestrogen excess. Stress can be a major cause of this imbalance, because higher cortisol demands reduces the building blocks available for progesterone production. The capacity for the body to balance hormones is inherent. Once the trigger for the imbalance has been rectified, homeostasis normally resumes.

Exogenous oestrogens play a major role in dysfunction. Since 2002 Sarnia in Canada has recorded a birth rate of two girls to each boy. Sarnia is surrounded by the world’s largest petrochemical complex that emits low levels of hormone disrupting pollutants. Gender birth rates were balanced in 1984. The petrochemical companies acquired the land in the 1960s. An array of health issues plague communities living near by. Recurrent miscarriages are commonplace, as are childhood asthma and ear infections. The situation in Sarnia suggests that consistent low level pollution affects sperm, as it carries the defining chromosome for gender, and that the effects takes a generation to develop.

A recent Yale study found that rats exposed in utero to BisPhenol A (BPA), found in plastic bottles, reacted more intensely to oestrogens as adults. This suggests that BPA affects the genes in utero, called an epigenetic effect, changing the behaviour of the adult. Frighteningly BPA has been an ingredient in baby bottles as well as water bottles for decades.

Other chemicals recognised as endocrine disruptors are pesticides and herbicides. The effects of these were first exposed in “A Silent Spring” by Rachel Carson in 1962. A generation later, Theo Colburn and colleagues described how many plastics were disrupting the hormonal function of animals in “Our Stolen Future” from 1996. Phlathates, which block many hormones actions, are commonly found in anything fragranced. Prenatal exposure to phthalates may be associated with less male-typical play behaviour and potentially alter the androgen-responsive brain development in humans, changing the wiring of the brain. Recently the effect of untreated animal manure and algal blooms on oestrogen levels in water ways have been shown to be a main factor in the feminisation of amphibians. The manure comes is industry farmed animals subject to an array of chemical treatments and superphospates have been identified for triggering algal blooms.

Sadly, these uncomfortable truths are still largely ignored. Many people unknowingly eat poisoned foods, drink water contaminated by endocrine disrupting compounds and lather products filled with chemicals over their bodies.

Detoxing oestrogen excess involves a number of steps. Firstly, avoidance is fundamental. My favourite online resource for environmental information is Environmental Working Group (ewg.org). Look at their body burden database to ascertain if a product is safe for use. Buy organic food. Drink spring water, or have an excellent ionic filter. Support local organic produce as much as possible. Avoid using plastic in general, and specifically on your food (cling film and plastic containers).

Secondly, support your liver to clear oestrogens. The cabbage family provides compounds that help to increase the rate oestrogens can be changed into an excretable form. Foods rich in methionine, such as beans, legumes, onion and garlic also aid in the breakdown of oestrogen.

Thirdly, have healthy bowel movements. Consume adequate fibre to help bind oestrogens and excrete from the bowel rather than being reabsorbed. Dietary fibre reduces oestrogen through decreasing an enzyme produced by intestinal bacteria called beta glucuronidase. High saturated fat diets increase levels of beta glucuronidase that encourages oestrogens reabsorption back into the body. Reduce saturated fat and choose monounsaturated fats or essential polyunsaturated oils, like in chia seeds. Probiotics, like lactobacillus acidophilus found in yoghurt, also reduces the beta glucuronidase activity.

Finally, acknowledge daily that we come from the earth. By respecting the earth as our mother, perhaps less polluting and more life affirming activities will be used in the future.

Copyright Sally Mathrick – please cite www.sparklewell.com.au if using this information
Written Oct 2011 and previously published in Wellbeing Australia issue #137

It’s wonderment made it so highly prized as a commodity of trade that the word ‘merchant’ stems from it. The alchemists held mercury, or quicksilver, as one of the three fundamental substances on earth, and yet mercury has no known essential function in any plant or animal. Mercury is to the world of metals what water is to the earth. It dissolves precious metals. It is a mesmerising, liquid silver metal that morphs and moves like no other substance on earth.

Throughout history, mercury has had many uses, particularly in medicine. In fact, it was prescribed for so many illnesses that doctors became known as quicks, shortened from quick silver. Overtime, quicks morphed into the modern word quacks. Today, mercury is still used in health care, for example in amalgam tooth fillings, as preservatives in immunisations, as homeopathic remedies and in measuring devices like thermometers. It’s found in many household items, such as batteries, eco-fluro light bulbs, fabric softeners as well as pesticides and fungistats.

The hazards of mercury to human health have been known since the Roman conquest of Spain.

Criminals sent to work at the Spanish quicksilver mines generally died within three years. Mercury has an affinity with a number of the body’s functional chemical groups, effectively inactivating numerous enzyme systems thus injuring cell membranes, disrupting energy production, blocking nervous system communication, interfering with healthy immune cell function and disrupting cellular respiration. It has a negative effect on the kidneys, lungs and gastrointestinal system.

Mostly though, mercury is very bad for our brains. It robs us of memory, degenerates nerves and is known to create madness, epitomised by “the mad hatter” of Alice in Wonderland. The first sign of mercury sensitivity or toxicity is normally a fine hand tremor. Headaches, muscle weakness, narrowing field of vision, deafness, nervousness, decreased libido, fatigue, impaired judgement, sleeplessness and emotional instability also indicate mercury toxicity, or micromercurialism, from chronic long-term exposure.

Mercury builds up in the body over a lifetime.

It is also bio-accumulative, meaning it concentrates itself as it moves up the food chain. The average contemporary 70kg human has 6mg of mercury stored predominantly in their brain, liver and muscle. Dolphin meat has been measured at 2000 ppm (parts per million). The concentration of mercury recommended as safe is 0.4ppm.

Mercury is the most prevalent, non-radioactive toxin on the planet. It comes in various chemical forms, which have varying levels of absorption in the body. When it’s inhaled or ingested, it “pastes” to the blood, possibly with the iron in the hemeoglobin, to be transported around the body.

The major source of mercury on the planet is from a natural off gassing. Additionally emissions from steel, iron and coal industries, crematoriums, garbage and petrochemical industries, have all contributed to the toxic mercury load in soil, water and air. There was an epidemic of Minamata disease in 1956, caused from Chisso industry pouring mercury waste into a Japanese river, polluting the fish that the people of Minamata consumed. This pollution was recognised as the primary cause of a large number of babies born with severe deformities.

A Swinburne University study, published in The Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, revealed that the grandchildren of people who suffered “Pinks disease”, a hypersensitivity to mercury poisoning, had a 1 in 25 chance of having Autistic Spectrum Disease (ASD), compared to a 1 in 160 chance of “normal” Australians. Mercury was used widely in medications, including teething formulas for infants until 1950s and Pinks disease was not uncommon. The study screened for the incidence of Down’s syndrome, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other diseases, but only increased ASD was identified in the grandchildren of “mercury sensitive” people.

This study can shed light on the vaccination and autism debate.

Mercury has been used extensively as a preservative in most immunisations since the 1930s, making up about 50% of the preservative thiomersal. It’s not the vaccination per se, but the preservatives used in them that affect sensitive people. Tolerance and sensitivity to mercury is a random, variable affair, with some genetic basis.

Dentists create amalgam fillings with mercury and other metals, which may or may not seep into the body, depending on who you want to believe. There are varying opinions exploring this, including the famous “smoking tooth” video, which may or may not show mercury vapours off gassing. Common sense tells me that a toxic heavy metal not needed by the body, is not compatible with healthy function. All metals conduct electrical charges, so amalgams would conduct charges that interfere with the body’s chemical electrical systems, at the very least.

I recently had the last of my 9 amalgam fillings removed, after a 4 year long process. I wonder what, if any, health improvements I will notice.

The detox protocol I used to protect my body from mercury exposure pre and post removal was consisted of:

• daily chlorella to help chelate heavy metals

• daily doses of Vitamin C and other mixed antioxidants

• routine cleansing practices

• a single dose of homeopathic Mercury sol 30C during removal process

Mercury has a half-life of 40-60 days, which means it takes 40-60 days for the levels of mercury to halve in the body. Given I had those fillings for twenty-five years or more, I have a may be dosing for a while longer yet. Other nutritional agents that reduce mercury toxicity are selenium, pectin and algin. So I eat a couple of Brazilian grown Brazil nuts, a few organic apples or pears and a variety of brown seaweeds every day.

Avoiding mercury is a wise step. Food Standards Australia provides guidelines to reduce Mercury exposure by reducing seafood consumption, particularly for pregnant women. It is possible to choose fillings made from biocompatible materials. Demand preservative-free vaccines (also free from the new Aluminium preservative) by writing to the pharmaceutical companies expressing your wishes to avoid heavy metals being injected into your blood streams.

Hopefully soon the trade in mercury will relent, and the world will become a little less mad.

Copyright Sally Mathrick – please cite www.sparklewell.com.au if using this information
Written Aug 2011 and previously published in Wellbeing Australia issue #136

Part of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) mandate is promotion of the global use of nuclear power. It’s hard to take their information as whole truth. Conversely, anti-nuclear camps declare a “nuclear holocaust”, whipping one into conspiratorial hysteria. I sourced information widely from independent and dependent news agencies, organizations, educational and government bodies. Having machete my way through so many opinions, it’s necessary to declare my biased interconnected, wholistic approach from the outset.

Nuclear power plants currently provide over 10% of the world’s energy. Power is created through breaking apart the nucleus of an atom. The atoms smashed in power stations are generally specific isotopes (atoms with differing quantities of neutrons to protons in the nucleus) of uranium or plutonium. Nuclear is often marketed as a “clean” energy source because it doesn’t emit carbon, like coal-generated power. The pollution caused by nuclear power is radioactive waste. This comprises of unstable atoms that emit or radiate excess energy in the form of particles or waves. These emissions are energetic enough to alter electrons of other atoms, which is called ionising radiation. Ominously, one measure of this is dps, which stands for “disintegrations per second”.

The effects of ionising radiation in living tissue are destructive. They include creating free radicals, breaking chemical bonds, forming new ones and damaging the molecules that regulate vital cell processes, namely DNA. In humans, acute radiation sickness can cause death. Radiation-induced cancers may take 10 to 15 years to appear and include leukaemia, multiple myeloma, breast, lung and skin cancer. The length of time ionising radiation is active depends upon the element involved. The amount of time it takes for the radiation activity to reduce by half is called a half-life. The half-life of Uranium-235 isotopes is 700 million years.

The Tsunami occurred on March 11. The latest update on IAEA’s website, already a month old, declares the situation “remains very serious”. This week, mainstream press reported it might up to a decade before the meltdown is finally controlled. Cesium-134 and -137 (half life 30 years) and Iodine-131 (half life 8 days) have all been detected in food crops in Japan. There’s been no mention of uranium. All things considered, it’s prudent to take some precautionary measure, even more so if they taste good.

Miso, the fermented paste that is coincidently very common in Japan, has a reputation for protecting humans from radiation. When the A-bomb was dropped on Nagasaki in 1945 a hospital 1.4 km from Ground Zero contained 70 tuberculoses patients and 20 employees. Despite their close proximity, all of these people escaped acute radiation damage. The leading physician, Dr Akizuki, suggested the reason for the protection from disease was due to their consumption of wakame miso soup, fermented bean paste soup with seaweed.

Since then studies preformed on innocent mice, have shown that miso needs to be in the body at the time of radiation exposure. There is no real protective effects evident when given immediately, or a few days, after irradiation. Studies also showed that the miso that had been fermented longer kept the irradiated mice alive for longer, and was more protective. Generally, darker miso has been fermented longer.

Ensure any miso you eat is unpasturised, as it is a living food. Miso is alkalizing in the body, contains amino acids, trace Vitamin B12 as well as beneficial bacterial strains such as lactobacillus. It is also a very tasty seasoning to many meals. There can be too much of a good thing of course. Excess of miso (and salt) can contribute to nervous system and cardiovascular disease. Also people susceptible to fungal diseases should eat it very modestly.

The inclusion of wakame shouldn’t be overlooked. As with many seaweeds, wakame provides the body with a wonderful multimineral matrix, and contains tens of different minerals and trace elements that can act to protect our bodies from toxins.

High on the list of radiation protective remedies is the “incomparable one”, Aryuvedic herb Tulsi, or Holy Basil. Other suggestions for protection from radiation include general health practices will continue to support the body’s natural repair and defence mechanisms, such as a range of antioxidants, organic food, avoiding higher foods that are higher in the food chain, to avoid bioaccumulation.

Energetic remedies may hold some support for radiation exposure. The children from Belarus affected by Chernobyl were provided with flower essence remedies through The Green Cross. Whether the benefits were placebo or not, shouldn’t disregard the fact there was benefit received. Other vibrational remedies may provide protection. Dutch homeopathic pioneer Jan Scholton has been investigating the remedial properties of The Lanthanides, the rare earth elements, which is worth keeping an eye on.

Psychologically, recognising, expressing, releasing, acknowledging and creating perspective for the feelings associated with a disaster such as this, is another important step in dealing with it effectively. Joanna Macy is a woman whose “Despair and Empowerment” work I admire greatly and that provides people with the impetus to continue despite adversity.

Albert Einstein’s work was fundamental in revealing how to split the atom. He also left us this thought: “There are two ways to live life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” At this point, I’m vying for the latter.

Copyright Sally Mathrick – please cite www.sparklewell.com.au if using this information
Written June 2011 and previously published in Wellbeing Australia issue #135