Jan
31
Penguin Goes Shopping
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Jan
31
Curcumin Relieves Pain and Inflammation for Osteoarthritis Patients
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A study shows that a formulation of curcumin can relieve pain and increase mobility in patients with osteoarthritis. It can also reduce a series of inflammatory markers.
100 patients with osteoarthritis were divided in two groups -- the first group was given the "best available treatment" and the second group was given the same treatment plus 200 mg of the curcumin formulation each day.
According to IFT:
"The results showed that the [curcumin]-treated group had a statistically significant reduction in all primary clinical end-points ... These results were complemented by the evaluation of a series of inflammatory markers, soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule (sVCAM)-1, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR]) ... while no significant variation was observed in the 'best available treatment' group."
This could eventually lead to a phase out of NSAID use, at least as a treatment for mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis.
Dr. Mercola's Comments:
If you've never heard of curcumin -- the pigment that gives the curry spice turmeric its yellow-orange color -- you're in for a treat, as this is one natural compound that should be on your health radar. Curcumin is also the active ingredient in turmeric, which is a very popular supplement.
Both the ancient Chinese and Indian systems of medicine have recognized curcumin's beneficial properties for thousands of years, and now modern research is showing it may be one of nature's most powerful potential healers.
Most notably, curcumin is known for its potent anti-inflammatory properties. The compound has been shown to influence more than 700 genes, and it can inhibit both the activity and the synthesis of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) and 5-lipooxygenase (5-LOX), as well as other enzymes that have been implicated in inflammation.
One of the BEST Supplements for Many Cancers
Dr. William LaValley from Austin Texas, is one of the top natural medicine cancer physicians I know and he recently shared this important information on curcumin which has the most evidence based literature for as a cancer support than any other nutrient. There are over 100 different pathways that curcumin has an effect on once it gets into the cell. Interestingly this also includes the metabolite of curcumin and its derivatives which are also anti-cancer. Curcumin appears to be safe in the treatment of all cancers.
In India where turmeric is widely used, the prevalence of four common U.S. cancers -- colon, breast, prostate and lung -- is 10 times lower. In fact, prostate cancer, which is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in U.S. men, is rare in India and this is attributed, in part, to the curcumin in turmeric.
Numerous studies have looked into this potential cancer-fighting link, with promising results. For instance, curcumin has been found to:
And according to researchers from the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, curcumin blocks a key biological pathway needed for development of melanoma and other cancers.
- Inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells
- Inhibit the transformation of cells from normal to tumor
- Help your body destroy mutated cancer cells so they cannot spread throughout your body
- Decrease inflammation
- Enhance liver function
- Inhibit the synthesis of a protein thought to be instrumental in tumor formation
- Prevent the development of additional blood supply necessary for cancer cell growth
The spice actually stops laboratory strains of melanoma from proliferating and pushes the cancer cells to commit suicide by shutting down nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB), a powerful protein known to induce abnormal inflammatory response that leads to an assortment of disorders such as arthritis and cancer.
To get the full benefits that curcumin has to offer, you will want to look for a turmeric extract with at least 95% curcuminoids that contains only 100% certified organic ingredients.
The formula should be free of fillers, additives and excipients (a substance added to the supplement as a processing or stability aid), and the manufacturer should use safe production practices at all stages: planting, cultivation, selective harvesting, and then producing and packaging the final product.
Details on How to Use Curcumin
The unfortunate challenge as this time is that there are not really any very good formulations of curcumin available to use in cancer. This is because relatively high doses are required and curcumin is not absorbed that well. Typical anticancer doses are up to three grams of good bioavailable curcmin extract, three to four times daily.
One work around for this is to use the curcumin powder and make a microemulsion of it by combining a tablespoon of the powder and mixing it into 1-2 egg yolks and a teaspoon or two of melted coconut oil. Then using a high speed hand blender to emulsify the powder.
Another strategy you can use to increase absorption is to put one tablespoon of the curcumin powder into a quart of boiling water. It must be boiling when you add the powder as it will not work as well if you put it in room temperature water and heat the water and curcumin. After boiling it for ten minutes you will have created a 12% solution and you can drink this once it has cooled down. The curcumin will gradually fall out of solution over time and in about six hours it will be a 6% solution so it is best to drink the water within four hours. It does have a woody taste.
One caution to know is that you want to avoid the "yellow kitchen" syndrome. Curcumin is a very potent yellow pigment and can permanently discolor surfaces if you aren't careful. So you can perform the mixing under the hood of your stove with the blower on to make sure no powder gets into your kitchen.
Research Highlights Curcumin's Pain-Relieving Power
In the latest study of osteoarthritis patients, those who added 200 mg of curcumin a day to their treatment plan had reduced pain and increased mobility, whereas the control group, which received no curcumin, had no significant improvements.
A past study also found that a turmeric extract composed of curcuminoids (plant-based nutrients that contain powerful antioxidant properties) blocked inflammatory pathways, effectively preventing the launch of a protein that triggers swelling and pain.
A Natural Alternative to NSAIDs
Curcumin's anti-inflammatory effects help to reduce irritation to tissues characterized by pain, redness, swelling and heat, which is particularly helpful for osteoarthritis patients.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes joint stiffness, pain, inflammation and swelling that can become debilitating. Many patients turn to non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) and analgesics, like Tylenol, for pain relief, but the regular, chronic use of these types of medications is associated with significant, and very serious, side effects such as cardiovascular problems, gastrointestinal harm and kidney and/or liver damage.
If you are taking an NSAID, you are at approximately three times greater risk for developing serious gastrointestinal side effects than those who aren't.
Approximately 1.2 percent of patients taking NSAIDs are actually hospitalized for upper GI problems, per year of exposure. One study of patients taking NSAIDs showed that a life-threatening complication was the first sign of ulcer in more than half of the subjects.
Researchers found that the drugs suppress production of prostacyclin, which is needed to dilate blood vessels and inhibit clotting. Earlier studies had found that mice genetically engineered to be unable to use prostacyclin properly were prone to clotting disorders.
Anyone who is at increased risk of cardiovascular disease should steer clear of these medications as well. Ulcer complications are certainly potentially life-threatening, but, heart attacks are a much more common and likely risk, especially in older individuals. So having a natural alternative to NSAIDs for pain relief is invaluable, especially for a painful condition like osteoarthritis.
You can use turmeric in your cooking (choose a pure turmeric powder, rather than a curry powder, as at least one study has found that curry powders tend to contain very little curcumin), but you may also want to consider taking it in supplement form.
For many this is a more convenient method to obtain the potential health benefits, especially if it is from a high-quality organic source, and also if you don't particularly enjoy the taste of curry. As an aside, curcumin is not only beneficial for osteoarthritis . research is also emerging showing it may play a beneficial role in the following diseases:
- Cystic fibrosis
- Type 2 diabetes
- Crohn's disease
- Psoriasis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Cataracts
- Gallstones
- Muscle regeneration
- Inflammatory bowel disease
More Natural Tips for Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, the deterioration of cartilage that cushions your joints, is the most common form of arthritis among the elderly. It's normally associated with "wear and tear" on your joints, but can also be caused by repetitive stress or acute trauma.
In addition to an anti-inflammatory like curcumin, I've long promoted omega-3 fats for arthritis because omega-3s are also well known to help reduce inflammation. Look for a high-quality, animal-based source such as krill oil. In addition, adding glucosamine to your omega-3s appears to be an excellent choice for osteoarthritis sufferers in particular.
If you have osteoarthritis, the cartilage within your joint is progressively being damaged, and the synovial fluid that keeps your joints lubricated and cushioned is typically reduced as well. The pain is a result of your bones starting to come into contact with each other as cartilage and synovial fluid is reduced.
Your body is fully capable of rebuilding cartilage and synovial fluid, but in order to effectively do so it needs the proper building blocks. In this case, it needs glucosamine to rebuild both cartilage and synovial fluid, so correcting this deficiency by using a high-quality supplement may be helpful.
In one study, participants with moderate-to-severe hip or knee osteoarthritis who received 1,500 mg of glucosamine sulfate along with 200 mg of omega-3 had greater pain reduction and fewer symptoms (morning stiffness, pain in hips and knees) than those who took glucosamine by itself.
I also recommend for osteoarthritis:
- Nutritional typing: Your unique biochemistry and genetics influence the ratio of fat, protein and carbohydrates your body needs to thrive, so eating for your nutritional type will ensure that you get the optimal macronutrient ratio out of your diet. Making proper dietary choices is actually one of the most profound ways to reduce inflammation.
- Optimizing your vitamin D levels: Vitamin D deficiency is associated with inflammation, so you will want to be sure your levels are in the healthy range by getting proper sun exposure, using a safe tanning bed or taking a high-quality vitamin D3 supplement. Low vitamin D has also been linked to osteoarthritis directly.
- Exercise: Even light exercise has been shown to help prevent the onset of osteoarthritis, and it is very important to exercise and increase muscle tone of your non-weight bearing joints. In time, disuse results in muscle atrophy and weakness, and immobility may result in joint contractures and loss of range of motion (ROM), so it's important to keep moving.
Your program should include a range of activities, just as I recommend for any exerciser. Weight training, cardio, stretching and core work can all be integrated into your routine, and, if your condition allows, it would be wise to move toward a Peak Fitness program that is designed for reaching optimal health.
There are several other natural strategies that can offer pain relief from osteoarthritis as well, including acupuncture, herbs like ginger and boswellia, bromelain and evening primrose oil.
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Jan
31
Are you afraid that trying to eat healthily will drain your wallet? Not to worry -- some of the healthiest foods in the world are actually very, very cheap. Planet Green lists a number of foods that are great for your body but won't break the budget:
Kale
It's loaded with vitamin C, vitamin B, and calcium, and costs just over a dollar a bunch.
Broccoli and Cabbage
These low-cost cruciferous vegetables neutralize toxins in your liver.
Winter Squash
It's just a few dollars a pound, it's a good source of vitamin B6 and folate.
Sweet Potatoes
They're full of fiber, protein, vitamin A, and vitamin C.
Adzuki Beans
Adzuki beans contain some of the highest levels of protein of any variety of beans, and they also contain high levels of potassium, fiber, B vitamins, iron, zinc, and manganese.
Black Beans
These are a good source of folate, dietary fiber, manganese, protein, magnesium, vitamin B1 (thiamin), phosphorus, and iron.
Sunflower Seeds
Raw sunflower seeds contain 76 percent of the RDA for vitamin E.
Almonds
Almonds are good for heart health and loaded with vitamin E.
To see the rest of their cheap superfood selections, along with a recipe for each food, click on the link below.
Dr. Mercola's Comments:
It's impossible to talk about health without coming back to the basics, namely food. The state of your physical health is the result of what you put into your body, and how you live your life. Unfortunately, the financial situation of most people is strained these days, to say the least. But that doesn't mean you can't maintain good health through your diet.
It's a common misconception that buying pre-packaged processed foods is less expensive than eating fresh and cooking from scratch, but don't fall for this notion. When you consider the nutrient value of fresh versus processed-to-death denatured foods and the subsequent health consequences of each choice, it's quite clear that you can eat well and improve your health and still not spend a fortune.
Health Starts with Your Diet
Your body was designed to maintain equilibrium of health, and one of the basic cornerstones is your diet. Unfortunately, most Americans are flat out delusional about what constitutes healthy eating.
When you're misinformed about what foods are actually healthy, then even the strictest adherence to your diet will get you nowhere.
I think part of the problem is that a lot of people do not understand what "processed food" means. They keep thinking they're eating healthy because they leave the lettuce on their Big Mac's, and they choose vitamin water over soda and eat microwaved veggies with their dinner...
One key aspect of eating healthy is eating non-adulterated foods-foods that are as close to their natural state as possible. If you do that, then basically everything you eat is a "superfood." You need nutrients-all of them-and nutrients are found in abundance in fresh, raw foods.
Still, lists like the one by Planet Green above, and mine below, can be helpful to steer you in the right direction. Just remember that broccoli, for example, will likely not be a superfood any longer if you buy the pre-packaged, sauced-up variety that comes in a microwaveable bag... Ditto for canned health foods like beans and vegetables, and irradiated and pasteurized almonds.
In order for any of these foods to impart the health benefits you'd expect, they must be eaten as close to their natural state as possible. If you don't understand (and implement) this key point, you'll never experience the truth of your diet being your number one health insurance policy.
Eating for Your Personal Biochemistry
Another important factor is that we all have different nutritional needs. Everyone needs the basic nutrients of fats, protein and carbohydrates, but the ratio of these will vary from person to person based on their personal biochemistry, or simply "nutritional type."
There is no one-size-fits-all diet-even if you're only eating healthy foods.
A simple way to ascertain how well-suited your diet is for your constitution is to evaluate how you feel after eating. If you feel hungry, irritable, sleepy or sluggish after you eat, it's a sign that you're likely not giving your body the fuel that it needs to do its job properly.
I outline the details of nutritional typing in my book Take Control of Your Health, but I'm pleased to now also be able to provide the entire online nutritional typing program for free to everyone. We've previously charged $29 for this program that we're now offering free of charge. It's such an important factor, I urge you to take advantage of this offer to improve your health.
Take a fresh salad, for instance. On the surface, this is a healthy meal. Yet, the same salad is not ideal for everyone. Your body may do best with some chicken, olive oil and onions added. Or you may feel better by adding some grass-fed steak, and using spinach instead of lettuce.
Additionally, while vegetables have potent medicinal qualities, the amount and type of vegetables you should eat daily will also depend on your nutritional type.
For example, Swiss chard, as well as collard greens, kale, and regular lettuces are typically too high in potassium for protein types and will tend to cause biochemical imbalances, whereas these veggie varieties are on the recommended list for carbohydrate types. Protein types tend to do better with vegetables that are lower in potassium, such as cauliflower, green beans, spinach, asparagus, mushrooms, and celery.
So, although some foods may not be deemed a "superfood" in general, if they're right for your constitution, then they are superfoods for you (again, provided they're not processed or cooked into oblivion).
Once you know which foods your body needs (and which you do better without), you will truly be on the road to increased energy, an upbeat mood, and a decreased risk of chronic disease. In short, you'll be on your way to reaching optimal health.
Diet as "Health Insurance"
While the Green Planet article above focuses on nutrient-dense foods that are easy on the pocketbook, I want to redirect your attention here to foods rich in nutrients that can help stave off a majority of health problems-foods that really give you lots of value. Some of these foods would not make the 'Most Inexpensive' list, but their value to your health is tremendous.
As I've discussed on numerous occasions, one of the primary risk factors of diseases of all kinds is chronic inflammation in your body. Low inflammation levels and a strong immune system typically go hand in hand, and together these two factors lay the groundwork for robust health.
Some of the foods below are both inexpensive and highly nutritious while others do cost a bit more but can go a long way toward healing your body of chronic inflammation and boosting your immune system naturally, without resorting to either supplements or drugs.
Some of these foods are also excellent detoxing agents, which is yet another important factor to consider as most of us are exposed to toxic chemicals on a daily basis, even when we actively try to avoid them.
Optimal Health "Superfoods" that Harness the Innate Power of Your Immune System and Quench Inflammation
Unpasteurized grass-fed milk -- Raw organic milk from grass-fed cows contains both beneficial fats and bacteria that boost your immune system. An outstanding source of vitamin A, zinc, and enzymes, raw organic milk is not associated with any of the health problems of pasteurized milk such as rheumatoid arthritis, skin rashes, diarrhea and cramps. Although raw milk availability is limited in the US, depending on where you live, you can locate the source closest to you at RealMilk.com.
Whey protein -- Even if you don't have access to raw milk, you can use a high-quality whey protein derived from the milk of grass-fed cows to receive much of the same health benefits. Whey protein contains beta-glucans and immunoglobulins, which protect your immune system and support your body's natural detoxification processes.
Fermented foods -- If you are serious about boosting your immunity, then adding traditionally fermented food is essential. One of the most healthful fermented foods is kefir -- an ancient cultured, enzyme-rich food full of friendly microorganisms that balance your "inner ecosystem" and strengthen immunity. Besides kefir, other good fermented foods include natto, kimchee, miso, tempeh, pickles, sauerkraut, and olives.
Raw organic eggs from free-range chickens - Raw, free-range eggs made it to my 2008 list of the 10 Healthiest Foods Under $1, and they're still an inexpensive and amazing source of high-quality nutrients that many people are deficient in, especially high-quality protein and fat. A single egg contains:
- Nine essential amino acids.
- Six grams of the highest quality protein you can put in your body. Proteins are nutrients that are essential to the building, maintenance and repair of your body tissues such as your skin, internal organs and muscles. They are also the major components of your immune system and hormones.
- Lutein and zeaxanthin (for your eyes).
- Choline for your brain, nervous- and cardiovascular systems.
- Naturally occurring B12
And as long as you have a good source for fresh, organic eggs, you need not worry about salmonella if you choose to eat them raw. To find free-range pasture farms, try your local health food store, or go to http://www.eatwild.com or http://www.localharvest.org.
Grass-fed beef or organ meats -- Grass-fed beef is very high in vitamins A, B12 and E, omega-3 fats, beta carotene, zinc and the potent immune system enhancer CLA (conjugated linoleic acid, a fatty acid). But don't confuse "organic" with grass-fed, since many organically raised cows are still fed organic corn, which you don't want. However, most grass-fed cows are raised organically.
Coconut oil -- Besides being excellent for your thyroid and your metabolism, coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, which converts in your body to monolaurin - a compound also found in breast milk that strengthens a baby's immunity.
Its medium chain fatty acids, or triglycerides (MCT's) also impart a number of health benefits, including raising your body's metabolism and fighting off pathogens such as viruses, bacteria and fungi. Additionally, a very exciting and recent discovery is that coconut oil may serve as a natural treatment for Alzheimer's disease, as MCT's are also a primary source of ketone bodies, which act as an alternate source of brain fuel that can help prevent the brain atrophy associated with dementia.
Make sure you choose an organic coconut oil that is unrefined, unbleached, made without heat processing or chemicals, and does not contain GM ingredients.
Berries -- Blueberries and raspberries rate very high in antioxidant capacity compared to other fruits and vegetables. They are also lower in sugar than many other fruits. Other good ones include natural cranberries, which have five times the antioxidant content of broccoli, and have been found to decrease total cholesterol and LDL (bad cholesterol) levels in animal studies. Unsweetened cranberry juice has also been traditionally used to successfully treat urinary tract infections.
Broccoli - Broccoli is also on Green Planet's list, and for good reason. This humble vegetable is indeed a superfood with near miraculous powers of healing and disease prevention. It contains the highest amount of isothiocyanates, a cancer-fighting compound, of all the crunchy vegetables. Isothiocynates work by turning on cancer-fighting genes and turning off others that feed the disease.
Other vegetables containing isothiocyanate include:
- Brussel sprouts
- cauliflower
- cabbage
- arugula
- watercress
- horseradish
Research has shown that eating cruciferous vegetables can significantly reduce your risk of breast, bladder, lung and prostate cancer. Best of all, you don't need to eat massive amounts of these veggies to take advantage of their health benefits. Studies have shown that just 10 spears a week (5 servings) can make a difference in your health.
Chlorella - A superfood if there ever was one, chlorella is a single-cell freshwater algae that acts as an efficient detoxification agent by binding to toxins (most of which promote chronic inflammation), such as mercury, and carrying them out of your system. The chlorophyll in the chlorella helps you process more oxygen, cleanses your blood and promotes the growth and repair of your tissues. (For more information, please see my interview with expert, Ginny Banks.)
Tea - As for beverages, clean pure water is a must for optimal health, but if you want another beverage, a good choice with added health benefits is high quality herbal teas.
Matcha tea is the most nutrient-rich green tea and comes in the form of a stone-ground powder, completely unfermented. The best Matcha comes from Japan and has up to 17 times the antioxidants of wild blueberries, and seven times more than dark chocolate. Tulsi is another tea loaded with antioxidants and other micronutrients that support immune function and heart health.
Is Organic Worth the Price?
Last but not least, when shopping for fresh foods, do you have to buy everything organic?
I've noted a few instances in my list above where organic is essential, such as when buying eggs, dairy products (including milk, yoghurt, cheese and butter) and meats. Ideally, you'll want these to come from free-range, grass-fed animals that have been raised organically. If you can't afford to buy everything organic, focus your attention on these instead of organic vegetables. They will actually give you the greatest health benefits for your money.
This is because conventionally-raised animal foods, which are given pesticide-laced feed, tend to have higher concentrations of pesticides. Non-organic meats can have up to five times more pesticides than non-organic vegetables! Conventionally-raised animal products also contain inferior nutrition.
That said, most fruits and vegetables contain unacceptable and unsafe levels of pesticides, so it's a wise choice to buy organic produce as often as you can. Alternatively, and perhaps even preferably, look for fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables that are in season, as oftentimes locally grown foods are raised according to organic standards at a more affordable price.
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Jan
29
Is a College Education Still a Good Investment?
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The United States may have a college education bubble that could soon start to burst, possibly as soon as mid-2011. While college may be worth attending if you plan on actually learning something, going to college simply to get a better job is becoming a poor choice, if it ever was a good one -- work experience will likely benefit you more than a degree.
The cost of college is the only thing in the U.S. that never declined in price during the panic of 2008; in fact, it rose in price substantially. Tuition is way up, but the employment situation in the U.S. has deteriorated. All across the U.S., students are graduating in debt with no jobs waiting for them.
According to the National Inflation Association:
"With all of the technological advancements taking place around the world today, the cost for a college education should be getting cheaper
... When the U.S. dollar collapses and the college bubble bursts, NIA predicts we will see a boom in online education where Americans take all of their courses over the Internet from the comfort of their own home at a fraction of the cost of traditional college."
Sources:
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Jan
29
The Single Most Important Element for Your Health
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Dr. Mercola's Comments:
Water is clearly one of the most important factors in terms of what you put into your body, simply because without it you will die within a few short days. You may know that two-thirds of your body is water, but did you know that in terms of the number of molecules, your body actually consists of over 99 percent water molecules!
Astounding, isn't it?
For years, Dr. Pollack had been doing research on muscles and how they contract, but it struck him as odd that the most common ideas about muscle contraction do not involve water, despite muscle tissue consisting of 99 percent water molecules.
"So I became interested in water," Dr. Pollack says. "We've been doing research in my laboratory at the University of Washington for some 10 years now on water. The book that I wrote in 2001, it's called Cells, Gels, and the Engines of Life, talks about the role of water in cell biology. Water is absolutely central."
Yet textbooks by and large completely ignore the presence of water in your organs, muscles and tissues. Dr. Pollack's book addresses this discrepancy and brings to the fore the role of water.
"The central message of that book is that if you don't understand how water interacts with the components of the cell, you haven't a clue of how the cell works," he says.
Interestingly enough, if you're like most people, you probably think we've got water all figured out. But according to Dr. Pollack, this is far from true. In fact, "those in the field know that it's absolutely not true. We haven't a clue how water works," he says. So here we are in 2011, and even now leading scientists like Dr. Pollack are just starting to pick at the tip of the iceberg in terms of understanding the foundational basis of water!
"In our lab, we've been focusing mainly on water structure near interfaces. Your body, of course, is filled with interfaces. Inside the cell, it's mainly proteins, nucleic acids, and salts. They're all interfacing with water," Dr. Pollack says.
"So the central question is: what happens when water interfaces with those constituents? Does it change? Does it remain the same? This is where we've made some important discoveries."
Highlights of a Decade's Worth of Research into Water
Dr. Pollack's research has uncovered some interesting surprises.
"[T]he chemistry book says, if you have a charged interface, or so-called hydrophilic (water-loving) interface (which most of the constituents in your cell are), the current view is that a few water molecules might actually line up and become ordered. But this is considered a secondary effect, -- not very important for understanding of how cells function. What we found is that instead of two or three molecular layers, the ordering of water can actually amount to a few million molecular layers.
In other words, the water at interfaces can order in a macroscopic way. Is a really huge amount of this kind of water, and its properties are so different that it looks like a distinct phase of water."
So, what does this mean, in terms of affecting human biology?
If you think of the cell as a matrix of proteins, like a grid made up of proteins and nucleic acids, the spaces in between those grids are filled with water. This means there are a lot of surfaces that interact with water and impact its structure. Your cells consist mainly of this interfacial, or structured/ordered water, making it essential to understand this water in order to understand the workings of the cell.
This is not a new idea. It's been known for years, although the information has largely fallen out of view and been forgotten. One of the pioneers in this area is a Chinese-American researcher Gilbert Ling, who wrote several books on the central importance of water in the cell.
So, water is actually part of the structure of each cell. In addition to the fact that this water is interfacing and is ordered, it is also charged. And the water just beyond it is oppositely charged. This acts like a battery.
Dr. Pollack explains:
"In your cells are multiple batteries with plus and minus charges, separated... [T]he question is, how are these batteries charged?
The charge comes from incident radiant energy; light, heat, ultraviolet. All of these absorbed energies separate the charge. The energy that's coming in from outside builds this charge separation and order. This potential energy fills your cells. I think this energy is critical to an understanding of how your cells work."
In a nutshell, the water in each of your cells achieves its ordered structure from energy obtained from the environment, typically in the form of electromagnetic radiation, including sunlight and infrared heat.
How the Water in Your Cells Impacts Your Health
You may have heard about "structured water" before. Many are quite skeptical, and some don't even believe it exists, let alone that it has any value. But it's important when trying to find high quality water. Water filtration processes used to clean our water supply frequently de-structures the water, so the question is whether or not this matters. Dr. Pollack explains this challenging concept in the following lecture:
"In terms of the water that we drink, it's really a complicated issue," Dr. Pollack admits.
But "the water inside your cells is absolutely critical for your health. If you have a pathology of an organ, it's not only the proteins inside that organ that are not working, but also the water inside that organ. That near-protein water is not ordered in the way it should be.
So what you want to do is reestablish a kind of "ordering."
What this means is that if you don't have properly structured water in your cells, it can impact the functioning of the much larger protein molecules (and others) that are interfacing with it.
In fact, the protein molecule in your cells cannot be viewed as just a molecule by itself. It's actually the molecule PLUS the water. These two factors together form the "entity" of the molecule in question.
"If you need that entity to function properly--take a muscle for example-if the muscle is not functioning, it's the protein and the water that are not functioning," Dr. Pollack explains. "You need plenty of this ordered/structured water and proteins in their right form in order to make the muscle function properly. So if you have a muscle injury then both are not functioning."
So, how do you restore it?
Restructuring Water in Your Cells Creates Tissue Healing
Classically, one way of doing it is to use infrared radiation (heat). By applying heat to the muscle, you increase blood supply, which is helpful. But you're also building water structure! Dr. Pollack's research shows that infrared heat is very effective for ordering cellular water. In terms of the source of the infrared heat, as long as it emits the right wavelength of radiation, it will be effective. According to Dr. Pollack, the wavelength of 3 micrometers (microns) is ideal and very effective.
The sun also emits this wavelength, which may be yet another reason why sun exposure has such profound health benefits and just feels good through and through. Interestingly, the human body also emits radiation within the ideal range, which may explain why simple physical contact, including 'hands-on healing,' can contribute to improved health!
"I know there is a lot of skepticism about that," Dr. Pollack says, "but from a physical point of view, it's entirely possible."
Another way to structure water is to use light.
The visible light spectrum, ultraviolet (UV) and near infrared also builds ordered water zones. Again, light therapy has been used for years to remedy various maladies, such as depression and jaundice, for example. But it's only now that scientists are beginning to understand why such therapies work.
Clearly, one of the primary health benefits of sun exposure and UVB's is that it makes your body create vitamin D, which we now realize is absolutely crucial for optimal health. But the fact that it also helps structure the water within your cells may be yet another contributing factor. After all, your body is a conglomerate of symbiotic relationships.
Should You Drink Structured Water?
This is still a question open for debate. However, Dr. Pollack believes that if you're able to drink structured water, it would be good for your health. Interestingly, certain waters, such as the "healing water" from the Ganges and Lourdes, for example, have been studied and found to have the signature of the structured water found in cells.
"In other words, there was a particular absorption of energy at a particular wavelength that's absolutely characteristic of the structured water," Dr. Pollack says.
"That makes me think that there is a good possibility that the water really has the capability of retaining that structure over a long time. Therefore, it's possible that if you drink water that has this structure, it might be good for your health."
The second issue is: what happens when you swallow it? Does it still have the proper structure by the time it's absorbed in your intestines? According to Dr. Pollack, this question has yet to be answered and needs to be studied further.
One thing that is known is that structured water tends to stay together.
"For example, if you eat Jell-O, Jell-O is just filled with this kind of water," Dr. Pollack says. "The reason why the water doesn't dribble out of the Jell-O is because it sticks together into this liquid crystalline-structured fashion.
So it's possible that when you swallow properly structured water. it might be preserved. If this structure is then absorbed into your intestines then it's possible it can be retained all the way into your cells. It's also possible that it's the charge within the ordered water that really matters.
Structured water contains charge, negative charge usually. It's possible that what you're really doing is absorbing the negative charge, and that negative charge is critical for building the structure. That's another possible route."
Structuring and Destructuring Water-How is it Done?
Another open question is how you might de-structure water, which is what Dr. Pollack's team is currently exploring. It's unclear whether boiling, for example, can de-structure the water, or whether in fact it might help add structure. On the flip side is the question of how to reintroduce structure to water. I've often recommended two simple approaches to restructure water:
- Cooling it to about 39 degrees Fahrenheit
- Stirring the water with a spoon in a circular jar to create a vortex
Dr. Pollack agrees. Water cooled to around 39 degrees Fahrenheit, or about 10 degrees Centigrade, does increase structure.
"We're studying the effects of temperature on the water structure that we see next to these hydrophilic surfaces," Dr. Pollack says. "It does look as though when you reduce the temperature, this area of structure increases. In fact, we're studying the possibility that the structured water is actually an intermediate between water and ice. It's possible that the real structure of this structured water, if you will, is very much like ice-not quite, but almost."
As for restructuring water by creating vortices, Viktor Schauberger is recognized as one of the leaders in this area. This technique is also used when making homeopathic remedies.
Dr. Pollack explains why this technique works:
"If you think of a vortex, what happens? Well, the vortex is a kind of mechanical perturbation or agitation. Probably it builds bubbles-little air bubbles that are deeply involved or enveloped into the vortex.
If these bubbles contain an envelope of structured water, then vortexing would be a very powerful way of increasing structure. So I think that is another way of increase. Both of those ideas: reducing the temperature and vortexing, probably do lead to increased water structure."
Researchers have also investigated what happens to the structure of water when you run an electrical current through it.
"If you put a negative electrode right next to structured water, the structured region grows, but with a positive electrode it diminishes," Dr. Pollack explains. "So this structured water is just filled with charge. It's not free charge, its charges that are fixed at points in a very tight matrix--something like a semi-conductor. But it can build, and the source from which it builds is water, ordinary bulk water.
. So yeah, if you put an electrode in, it does work. It has a powerful effect. In the experiments we've done, it's just a matter of 5-10 volts. We haven't studied it in enough detail how much voltage you really need to put on to be effective. That needs to be done in the future. There are pilot experiments that we've done and we haven't published them yet."
The Connection Between Structured Water and the Practice of Earthing
Dr. Pollack also offers some fascinating insights into the technique of earthing, or grounding-the simple act of walking barefoot to "ground" with the Earth. The scientific theory behind the health benefits seen from this simple practice is that your body absorbs negative electrons from the Earth through the soles of your feet.
Interestingly, Pollack adds support to this idea by explaining how the Earth is negatively charged, so when you ground, you're connecting your body to a negatively charged supply of energy. And since the Earth has a greater negative charge than your body, you end up absorbing electrons from it.
These negatively charged electrons may then help increase the structure of the water in your cells-just as water increases in structure when a negative charge is introduced with an electrode. Dr. Pollack is a wealth of information, and our interview covers far more than what I've summarized above. I highly recommend listening to the entire interview or reading through the transcript for even more information on this important topic.
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