From Dr. Marthin Botha:
Acidosis
Metabolic Acidosis – The Main Cause of Disease
We live or die at the cellular level.
As human life is dependent on Oxygen, and to remain healthy and alive all the cells (over 30+Trillion of them) that make up the human body, must be slightly alkaline in order to utilise the Oxygen. As each cell, in the presence of Oxygen performs its task of respiration (the chemical and physical process in which oxygen is delivered to tissues or cells in an organism), it also creates acidic end products that are used for energy and function. The residue of these products and functions is known as metabolic wastes, and these are acidic in nature. This acidic waste must not be allowed to build up. One example of the waste build-up is the often painful lactic acid which is created through extreme exercise. The body will go to great lengths to neutralize and detoxify these acids before they act as poisons in and around the cell, ultimately changing the environment of the cell.
The Immune System
Most people and unfortunately many clinical practitioners believe that the immune system is the body’s first line of defence, but in actuality it is not. Albeit very important, the immune system’s main purpose is Janitorial, in other words, a very sophisticated maintenance and clean-up service. Therefore, we must instead look at the importance of pH balance as the first and major line of defence against sickness and disease and for health and vitality.
The human body is a very intelligent self-repairing machine. As we become more and more acidic the body starts to set up defence mechanisms to keep the corrosive acid from damaging our vital organs. It is known that the acid waste get locked-up in fat cells, as far away as possible from the vital organs. After all, if the acid is allowed to remain in and around a vital organs, the acid has a chance to corrode (eat holes) in the tissue of these organs. This will cause the cells to mutate and/or die.
This fact also gives credence to the fact that Chronic Metabolic Acidosis is the key to the long-term failure of most of the so called strict Calorie controlled diets. The body can’t use the stored fat (acid warehouses) as energy, thus it has to consume lean muscle mass. When vigorous exercise is added to the already overloaded system, it will only exacerbate the problem.
The oxygen level will drop in this acidic environment and calcium levels will be depleted. So as a defence mechanism, your body may actually make fat (more acid warehouses) to protect you from your overly acidic self. Those fat cells and cellulite deposits will actually be packing up the acid, in an effort to try and keep it at a safe distance from your vital organs. The fat may be saving your vital organs from damage. Many people have found that a return to a healthy, pH balanced, inner biological terrain, helps them to lose excess body fat without having to be on any calorie controlled diet.
Benefits of Alkalinity
Today’s lifestyle causes a multitude of disorders and malfunctions in the metabolism of our bodies. Despite the efforts of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), our food supply, drinking water, air and soil are becoming increasingly contaminated with toxic chemicals. Never before has the human body been presented with such a heavy burden of foreign substances to metabolize and eliminate, thus taxing the body beyond its natural capabilities of detoxification.
Many people just don’t feel good anymore. Some find themselves being much more susceptible to colds, or to whatever “bug” is currently going around. Much more serious are the increasing cases of autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue syndrome, and fibromyalgia. “Health” and “Wellness” have become relative terms.
Low-level toxicity from many sources can be very difficult to detect.
The combined action of all these toxins creates a toxic “cocktail effect” which can seriously weaken the body and the mind through a process we call fermentation. Or it creates the over-acidification of the blood and tissue as a result of the proliferation of yeast, fungus, and bacteria. Yeast and fungus are single cell life forms which inhabit the air, soil, water, and many of the foods we eat. They are more highly developed than the intermediate states of bacteria or the early stages of viruses. Over the years, they have developed into over 500,000 different species. They are opportunists and survivalists. They are constantly looking for new places to house themselves where they may begin to colonize and proliferate. Being that they are single cell life forms, they can only be seen under a microscope but once colonized, these cells make a visible presence in the form of mushrooms, moulds on food and tumour growths.
Yeast, fungus, bacteria, mould, and viruses tend to house themselves in very specific sites in the body, depending on their particular requirements for nutrients and colonization conditions. All are capable of causing severe fermentation through the by-products of their metabolism, which enter the extra cellular fluid or the blood and then are distributed throughout the body. This culminates in the over-acidification of the blood and tissues which systemically poison and destroy the cells of the body. This condition we call over-acidification is a direct result of an inverted way of eating – the abundance of animal protein, especially red meat and pork, dairy products (milk, cheese, ice cream), sugar in any form (sucrose, fructose, glucose). Therefore, there is only one sickness and one disease. It is called Chronic Metabolic Acidosis.
The primary source of nourishment for yeast, fungus, and bacteria is sugar (carbohydrates). As these organisms feed off the sugar and proteins of our bodies they produce and excrete waste called toxins. These toxins affect us physically, emotionally, and mentally. The solution to this growing problem is to cleanse the blood and nourish the cells. We do this by eliminating those foods which create over-acidification and eating more foods that are alkaline. Yeast, fungus, bacteria, mould, and virus can only survive in an acid base;[i] they cannot survive in an alkaline base.
It is therefore very important that there is a proper ratio between acid an alkaline foods in the diet. When an ideal ratio is maintained, yeast fungus, bacteria, mould, and virus will revert back to their normal healthy state. The ideal ratio in a normal body is 4 parts alkaline to 1 part acid foods which will allow the body to maintain a pH factor of 7.365. To avoid a lengthy chemistry lesson, we will get right to the point. The pH of a product (liquid) refers to the relative concentration of Hydrogen (H+) ions in a solution. Low pH values indicate higher concentrations of Hydrogen ions or acids, and high pH values indicate low concentrations of Hydrogen ions or alkaline. For example, 10: -1 is more acidic than 10: -14.
10 Reasons to avoid Metabolic Acidosis
1. Corrodes Arteries, Veins and Heart Tissues
Like acid eating into marble, Metabolic Acidosis erodes and eats into cell wall membranes of the vital organs such as the lungs, heart, arteries and veins, weakening cardiovascular structures and inter-connective tissues.
2. Accelerates Free-Radical Damage and Premature Aging
Metabolic Acidosis causes partial lipid breakdown and destructive oxidative cascades. This accelerates Free Radical Damage of cell walls and intracellular membrane structures, which then unravel, killing the cells in the process. Metabolic Acidosis is thus thought to be the first step toward premature aging, accelerating oxidative cascades of cell wall destruction, creating wrinkling, age spots, dysfunctional hormonal systems, interfering with eyesight, memory, and a host of other age-related phenomena.
3. Causes Weight Gain, Diabetes and Obesity
An acid pH has considerable influence over the majority of weight problems, including Diabetes and Obesity. It seems that a habitually acid pH can directly cause immediate weight gain. Here’s what happens when a system is too acid. A condition known as Insulin Sensitivity or Syndrome X results, which forces too much insulin to be produced, and the body is flooded with insulin. So that it won’t waste any calories, the liver will diligently convert every calorie it can find into fat.
Stemming from the fact that humans were designed as hunter/gatherers, where there could be long periods between meals, it is not the case in our society today. It is more a case of overeating on the wrong types of acid producing foods. It is thought that an acid pH immediately signals the powerful genetic response to an impending famine, directly interacting with the all important and very sensitive, Insulin-Glucagon Axis. Although being gorged on calorie rich foods, an acid pH will probably alert the genetic response to famine, directing more insulin to be produced and storing more fat than usual.
Conversely, a healthy, slightly alkaline pH will be more likely to yield normal fat burning metabolic activity, making no demands on the body to overly produce insulin and make fat, allowing fat-weight to be burned and naturally lost. And, with a healthy pH, there’s less likely to be any yo-yo effect, or rebounding from a diet with additional weight gain. As long as nutritional stores are maintained, a healthy, slightly alkaline pH allows that the acids stored in the fat to be neutralised, the fat will be burned for energy, rather than being hoarded under the mistaken biochemical belief of an impending famine.
With increased pressure to produce insulin under the worst conditions, beta cells lose phase with one another, cellular communication is thwarted and the Immune System begins to over-respond. Stress within the cells increases, making it difficult for them to perform adequately, and further survive. In a very real sense, they simply burn out! Metabolic Acidosis is thus thought an important yet often underestimated precursor to Diabetes Type 2. Interestingly, before the advent of synthetic insulin, diabetes was treated historically by buffering the system with base or alkaline causing powders.
Click here for a true Healthy Fat Burning program
4. Causes Cholesterol Plaque to Form
LDL-Cholesterol (Bad Cholesterol) is laid down at an accelerated rate within an acid chemical environment of the cardiovascular system, inappropriately lining the vascular network, and clogging up the works! The amount of cholesterol in the diet has not been found to be a major factor in cholesterol plaque formation. Rather, pH status appears to be the factor more directly involved, binding cholesterol with heavy metals and other cellular debris.
See Dr Dwight Lundell’s Article
5. Disrupts Blood Pressure
With Metabolic Acidosis, (pH<7.30) arteries become dilated. Yet, severe lowering of blood pH also causes persistent venous vasoconstriction (a disease in the calibre of blood vessels). When this happens, peripheral blood is shifted more centrally: the more acidic the person, the greater the fractional redistribution of blood to the central vessels. This central redistribution of blood adds to the heart’s workload when its contractibility is already compromised.
6. Disrupts Critical Lipid and Essential Fatty Acid Metabolism
Metabolic Acidosis disrupts general lipid and essential fatty acid metabolism within the body. Essential fatty acids are intimately involved in nerve and brain function. When Essential Fatty Acid Metabolism is disturbed, neurological problems may arise including Multiple Sclerosis, Macular Degeneration and others, as well as problems with hormonal balance within the endocrine system.
7. Inhibits Metabolism of Stored Energy Reserves
An acid pH inhibits efficient cellular and body metabolism. Metabolic Acidosis causes chemical ionic disturbances, interfering with cellular communications and functions. Metabolic Acidosis reduces Ca (calcium) binding of plasma proteins, reducing the effectiveness of this intracellular signal. Metabolic Acidosis also leads to a disease of calcium cations (positive Ca) entry through positive Ca channels, resulting in reduction of cardiac contractibility, or the ability of the heart to pump efficiently and rhythmically.
Also, positive Ca and positive H (Hydrogen) regulate the activity of intracellular proteins and are driven out of cells, because of the “Sodium-Potassium pump” (Na-K pump), which provides a strong incentive for sodium to be driven into cells. There are some 10 times the amount of positive Na (sodium) in extra cellular fluids than in cells. The Sodium-Potassium pump regulates the amount of sodium and potassium each cell in the body stores and this process uses up as much as 25% of our caloric energy input per day to run. Positive Ca exchanges the positive Na, being forced out of cells, but naturally, the electrochemical gradient for positive Ca favours both positive H and positive Ca entry into cells, as there is less calcium and positive H in cells than in the extra cellular fluids.
Therefore, in acid solutions, less sodium will be present, slowing down the processing and induction of nutritional items going into cells. An acid pH drains us of energy and disallows stored energy reserves to be used. Furthermore calcium may become inordinately leached from bone mass, causing osteoporosis.
8. Inhibits Cellular Regeneration & DNA-RNA Synthesis
For DNA-RNA synthesis and healthy cell proliferation to occur, cell pH must not be acidic. However, cancerous cells grow well in acidic mediums; therefore an acid pH actually accelerates and increases the possibility of cellular mutations (Cancer).
CANCEROUS CELLS DO NOT CONTAIN HYDROGEN IONS. WHEN HEALTHY CELLS HAVE PLENTY OF HYDROGEN THEY CANNOT BECOME CANCEROUS. IF WE CAN GET HYDROGEN INTO ANY UNHEALTHY CELLS, THEY CAN HEAL.
9. Inhibits Oxygen Getting to the Tissue
Metabolic Acidosis or an acid pH decreases the amount of oxygen that can be delivered to cells, making normally healthy cells unhealthy so eventually they mutate or die.
10. Inhibits Life Giving Electrolyte Activity
Life-essential functions, like electrolyte Potassium (K plus) and Sodium (Na plus) channels, are deactivated by Metabolic Acidosis. This has far reaching effects on the cardiovascular system, since without sufficient electrolyte management; heart attacks are likely to occur. Without appropriate electrolyte management, our heart literally stops beating. Inhibition of electrolyte activity also affects the way we feel and behave, and is intimately involved in the energy levels we experience, because of the nature of the Na-K Pump and cellular metabolism.
More background information on Metabolic Acidosis
An Acid pH is the Seed-Bed of Degenerative Diseases [ii]
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Arteriosclerosis
- Heart Attacks
- Stroke
- High Cholesterol
- High Blood Pressure
- All Forms of Cancer
- Diabetes, Insulin Sensitivity, Obesity
- Neurological Diseases, MS, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease
- Liver & Kidney Disease
- Senility, Dementia, Alzheimer’s
- Immune Deficiencies
- Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis & Tooth Loss
- Hormonal Imbalances
- Premature Aging
- Male Prostate Problems
Understanding pH levels and why so many people have Disease
According to the research of Dr. Enderlin, total healing of chronic illness only takes place when and if the body tissues are restored to a normal pH, in other words a slightly alkaline pH. In case you missed it, let me say it again…
“Total healing of chronic illness only takes place when and if the body tissues are restored to a normal pH that is a slightly alkaline pH.”
pH: What does it mean?
pH is the abbreviation for “Potential Hydrogen.” The pH of any solution is the measure of its hydrogen-ion concentration. The higher the pH reading, the more alkaline and oxygen rich the fluid is. The lower the pH reading, the more acidic and oxygen deprived the fluid is. The simple pH scale measures 0 to 14, with 7.0 being neutral. Anything above 7.0 is alkaline, anything below 7.0 is considered acidic.
Human blood will always stay in a very narrow pH range around 7.365 – 7.42. In order to do so it will rob the rest of the body from alkalizing minerals such as calcium and magnesium, from the tendons, muscles and bones, causing diseases such as arthritis and osteoporosis. Therefore, for the pH to be below or above this range for long periods of time, means that symptoms and disease can develop. If blood pH moves too much below 6 or above 7.8, cells stop functioning as they should and disease will set in, eventually causing death.
If you have a health problem, most likely you are acidic.
We have seen that research shows that unless the body’s pH level is slightly alkaline, the body cannot heal itself. So, no matter what type of modality of treatment you choose to use, to take care of your health problem, it won’t be effective until the pH level is balanced. If your body’s pH is not balanced, you cannot effectively assimilate vitamins, minerals and/or food or nutritional supplements. Your body pH affects everything.
Like most living things on earth the body has to have a balanced pH to function correctly. The alkaline level is very important because research has already proven that disease cannot survive in an alkaline state and yet thrives in an acidic environment.
An acidic pH can occur from:
- An acid forming diet
- Emotional stress
- Toxic overload
- Dehydration
- Immune reactions or any other process that deprives the cells of oxygen and other nutrients.
The body will try to compensate for an acidic pH by using alkaline minerals. If the diet does not contain enough minerals to compensate, a build up of acids in the cells will occur. There are two factors that are ALWAYS present with cancer no matter what else may be present. Those two factors are Acid pH and Lack of Oxygen at a cellular level.
Can we manipulate those two factors that always have to be present for cancer to develop and by doing so will that help reverse the cancer? If so, we need to learn how to manipulate those two factors. Cancer needs an acidic and low oxygen environment to survive and flourish within. As the pH scale is a Logarithmic scale, each point that the pH change, multiplies the actual effect by a factor of 10. People with cancer are between 1000 and 10,000 times more acidic than normal healthy people.
Why is this so?
In the absence of oxygen, glucose undergoes fermentation to lactic acid. This causes the pH of the cell to drop from between 7.3 to 7.2 down to 7 and later to 6.5 in more advanced stages of cancer and in metastases the pH drops to 6.0 and even 5.7 or lower. Our bodies simply cannot fight disease if our body pH is not properly balanced. If the pH drops to below 3.5 the cells will die and so will the person.[iii]
The normal human cell has plenty of molecular oxygen and a slightly alkaline pH. The cancer cell has an acid pH and lack of oxygen. Cancer cells cannot survive in an oxygen rich environment. Again, the higher the pH reading, the more alkaline and oxygen rich the fluid is. Cancer and all other diseases hate oxygen/pH balance. Therefore, pH balance is very important for one’s health.
Chronic Metabolic Acidosis (an extended time in the acid pH state), can also result in rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, lupus, tuberculosis, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, most cancers and many more health problems.
People who remain too acidic often display symptoms such as: anxiety, diarrhoea, dilated pupils, extroverted behaviour, fatigue in early morning, headaches, hyperactivity, hyper sexuality, insomnia, nervousness, rapid heartbeat, restless legs, shortness of breath, strong appetite (always hungry), high blood pressure, warm dry hands and feet. Metabolic Acidosis (overly acidic body) is the primary indicator of Calcium Deficiency Disease.
Balancing the pH is a major step toward well-being and greater health. Scientists have discovered that the body fluids of healthy people are alkaline (high pH) whereas the body fluids of sick people are acidic (low pH).
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IMPORTANT NOTE –Always work with a qualified Natural Healthcare Professional.
References & What the Experts say
i. Dr Otto Warberg, Nobel Prize winner in 1931 for Physiology says; “If our internal environment is changed from an acidic, oxygen deprived environment to an alkaline environment full of oxygen… viruses, bacteria and fungus cannot live.
ii. Dr Theodore Baroody in his book “Alkalize or Die,” writes “The countless names attached to illness do not really matter. What does matter is they all came from the same root cause: too much acid waste in the body.”
iii. Arthur C. Guyton, M.D., probably the most recognised author on human physiology, states in his Textbook of Medical Physiology: “The first steps in maintaining health is to alkalize the body (pH or acidic/alkaline balance). This is one of the most important aspects of Homeostasis. The cells of a healthy body are alkaline while the cells of a diseased body are below a pH of 7.0. The more acidic the cell, the sicker we become. If the body cannot alkalize the cells, they will become acidic and thus, disease sets in. most cells will die in the 3.5 pH range. Our bodies produce acid as a bi-product of normal metabolism. Since our bodies do not manufacture alkalinity, we must supply alkalinity from an outside source to keep us from becoming acidic and dying.”
Freakin' Xtreme! 