The most common causes of disease all relate to a build-up of toxins and residues in the body that inhibit the various organs and systems from performing
their normal functions. We may think of this in terms of internal hygiene.
As children, most of us were taught to regularly wash our hands and face, brush our teeth, wash our hair, and bathe or take a shower - all aspects of external
hygiene. But unfortunately, most of us were never taught the importance or the methods of internal hygiene - keeping our internal organs and systems clean and well hydrated.
Our cultural attitude is that the best we can hope for is a reasonably healthy childhood and early adulthood. But as we progress into middle age and eventually
our later years, the expectation is that our health, vitality and mobility will gradually deteriorate. We tend to think that our only option is to slow down the
deterioration as much as possible. Unfortunately, if we resort to medications or surgery in response to various symptoms of illness within the body, we
only tend to exacerbate the problem.
Most of us have never been taught about the regenerative powers of the body - that if we work in harmony with the natural processes of the body, cleaning out the
toxins and residues as they accumulate, and making appropriate changes to our eating and lifestyle habits, the vitality and mobility that we experienced in our
younger years can be restored. Even if we are approaching the twilight years of life, it is virtually never too late to reverse the trend of deteriorating health.
In this module, we will focus on four areas of internal hygiene and hydration of the body, but they are all closely interrelated:
- Congestion within the Liver and Gallbladder
- Dehydration
- Kidney Stones
- Congested Intestinal Tract (Colon)
Congestion within the Liver and Gallbladder
The liver, which is the largest organ in the body, is responsible for processing, distributing and maintaining the body's "fuel supply." Also,
it makes new amino acids and converts existing ones into proteins, which serve as building blocks for every cell in the body. Another function
of the liver is to break down alcohol and other toxic substances, including bacteria, parasites and certain drug compounds. As more than a
quart of blood is filtered through the liver every minute, toxins are removed and nutrients are distributed throughout the body.
Yet another important role of the liver is to produce bile, which is crucial to the proper digestion of food. The gallbladder functions in
conjunction with the liver, serving primarily as a reservoir for the bile that is produced in the liver. Bile is produced at a fairly constant
rate throughout the day. However, the need for bile varies in accordance with the digestive cycles. During periods of peak demand, bile
flow from the liver is supplemented by bile that has been stored the gallbladder.
One of the most common health problems involves the formation of hardened "stones" within the liver and gallbladder. These stones are usually referred
to as "gallstones" when they occur in the gallbladder, and "intrahepatic" stones when they occur in the liver. But since both types of stones are
of a similar nature, we will refer to them as "gallstones," regardless of whether they reside in the gallbladder or liver.
Gallstones form as a result of an unhealthy diet and/or lifestyle. They consist primarily of cholesterol and other residues. In a chronic situation,
it is not uncommon for a person's liver and gallbladder to contain as many as several thousand gallstones, ranging from approximately the size of a grain
of wheat, to that of a pea. However, they occasionally grow considerably larger. When the liver and gallbladder become congested with gallstones, all of
the functions of the liver become impaired. Most commonly, the gallstones become lodged in the bile ducts and inhibit the flow of bile to the digestive
tract. In severe cases, the amount of bile reaching the digestive tract may be only 25% of that which is needed for proper digestion.
Gallstones also interfere with the detoxification processes that normally take place within the liver. Over time, as the blood vessels within the liver
become increasingly clogged, the normal flow of blood through the liver, and the consequent distribution of nutrients through the body, becomes restricted.
The good news is that gallstones can be removed from the liver and gallbladder through a rather simple series of cleanses. And by maintaining a healthy
diet and lifestyle, the liver and gallbladder can be restored to a healthy state of functioning. Almost invariably, there will be a noticeable increase
in one's energy level even after just the first cleanse.
Information on how to do a liver cleanse is available in the book, The Amazing Liver and Gallbladder Flush, by Andreas Moritz. It is available at
www.ener-chi.com.
If one chooses to go through the various cleansing and hydration processes that are recommended, it is important to follow the guidelines that are
provided so that the toxins are removed in a gradual, properly sequenced, and safe manner.
It is interesting to note that with health care costs in the United States now exceeding $1.6 trillion annually, the single most important
thing we can do to restore and maintain health and vitality - a liver and gallbladder cleanse - can be done at home with items readily
available in most supermarkets for a cost of about $10.
Dehydration
Dehydration of the body is one of the most common health problems. Drinking sufficient quantities of water at appropriate times throughout the day
is probably the single most important thing we can do to improve our health. Perhaps this is not surprising when we realize that about 75% of
our body consists of water.
Virtually all of the organs and systems within the human body require adequate amounts of water in order to function properly. People who do
not drink enough water gradually lower the ratio of the volume of water that exists inside the cells, to the volume of water that is found outside
the cells. This undermines all cellular activity, whether it involves cells of the skin, stomach, liver, kidneys, heart or brain.
Whenever there is cellular dehydration, metabolic waste products are not removed properly. This causes symptoms that resemble disease. Since more and
more of the water within the body begins to accumulate outside the cells, this may typically manifest as water retention within the feet, legs, arms
and face. Consequently, dehydration may not be apparent to the afflicted person. Also, the kidneys may begin to hold on to water, markedly reducing
urinary secretion, and causing retention of potentially harmful waste products within the body.
Normally, cellular enzymes signal the brain when cells run out of water. However, enzymes in dehydrated cells become so inefficient that they
are no longer able to register the drought-like conditions, and consequently fail to push the "thirst alarm button" within the brain.
A dehydrated person may also be suffering from lack of energy. Under normal conditions the water we drink keeps the cell volume balanced and
the salt we eat maintains the balanced volume of water that is kept outside the cells and in circulation. This generates the proper osmotic pressure
necessary for cellular nourishment and energy production. During dehydration, this basic mechanism begins to fail, leading to loss of energy
and potentially serious cell damage.
Drinking a sufficient amount of fresh water is an essential prerequisite for avoiding disease and slowing the aging process. Anyone who is
relatively healthy and wants to stay that way needs to drink approximately 6 to 8 glasses (8 oz. per glass) of water each day. This will ensure
that the body maintains a sufficient level of hydration, which is necessary for efficient digestion, metabolism and waste removal. Our water intake
should be adjusted to take into account body weight, with larger bodies needing proportionately more water. Also, exercise and other activities that
stimulate perspiration create a need for additional water.
Suggested tips & schedule . . .
- Start the day by drinking one glass of warm water. This will end the "drought" of the previous night's sleep and remove accumulated wastes from
the excretory organs. Follow this with a second glass of warm water enhanced with a wedge of lemon and teaspoon of honey. The addition of lemon and
honey has a very cleansing effect on the body.
- About half an hour before each meal, drink one glass of water. Doing this will keep your blood thin and help it to take in the nutrients your
cells need. The water also helps increase the secretion of digestive juices, which is helpful to do right before eating. In contrast, drinking a lot of
water or other beverages with your meal dilutes the digestive juices, which greatly undermines the digestive process and can cause weight gain.
- Following a meal, the blood uses up a considerable amount of water to distribute nutrients to the cells. In effect, the blood can become water deficient quite
quickly. To counteract this, drink a glass of water approximately 2-3 hours after breakfast and lunch to restore the blood's water requirements.>/li>
It is best to drink water that is at room temperature or slightly warmer. Ice water tends to constrict the muscles in the digestive tract, preventing
them from functioning properly. If ice water is the only water available, it is best to drink it one swallow at a time, holding it in the mouth to warm
it up somewhat before swallowing it.
Restoring proper hydration in the body should be done gradually, otherwise it could have harmful consequences! During severe dehydration, the body's cells
are not able to function efficiently. To protect themselves against further loss of water, the cells make their membranes less penetrable to water diffusion
by pulling in extra amounts of fats, including cholesterol. In this condition it would be unwise to suddenly start drinking large quantities of water. Since
the cells have created a barrier in order to save water, they are in no position to absorb increased water all at once. The water would simply stagnate outside
the cells and lead to water retention and weight gain.
The transition from a state of severe dehydration to improved hydration should be very gradual and is
best monitored by a health practitioner who understands the basics of water metabolism.
Dangers inherent in common beverages . . .
In most modern cultures, the majority of people tend to respond to the body's natural thirst signal by drinking beverages such as coffee, tea, soft
drinks, beer, wine, or a wide range of other concoctions. While it is true that such drinks contain water, they also contain other things such as caffeine, alcohol,
sugar, artificial sweeteners or other chemicals that act as strong dehydrators. The more of these beverages one consumes, the more dehydrated the body becomes.
The effects they create in the body are exactly the opposite to the ones that are produced by water. For example, caffeine triggers stress responses
that at first have strong diuretic effects, leading to increased urination. Beverages with added sugar raise the blood sugar level, which coerces
the body to give up large quantities of water.
Kidney Stones
The kidneys truly are the body's "master chemists." They not only remove waste products and excess fluids from the body via the urine, but also maintain a
critical balance of salt, potassium and acid. The main responsibility of the kidneys is to keep the blood pure and healthy, and maintain proper fluid balance
within the body. To accomplish this, the kidneys need to constantly monitor normal blood volume and filter out the right quantity of urine in order to keep it balanced.
There are many factors that can disrupt this process and cause congestion in the kidneys. These factors include improper diet, dehydration, fatigue,
overeating, gallstones, blood pressure disturbance, digestive disorders (especially constipation), medical or narcotic drugs, and vitamin supplements.
When the kidneys are unable to separate the necessary amounts of urine from the blood, part of the urine keeps circulating around the body, thereby
depositing urinary waste products in the blood vessels, joints, tissues and organs.
Tiny crystals are formed in the kidneys when urinary constituents, which are normally in solution, are precipitated. Precipitation occurs when these particles
occur in excessive amounts or when urine becomes too concentrated. Stones in the kidneys start off as tiny crystals and can eventually become as large as an egg.
The tiny crystals are too small to be detected by X-rays, and since they usually do not cause pain, they are rarely noticed. Yet they are big enough to block
the flow of liquid through the tiny kidney tubules. Also, the crystal particles usually have sharp edges. Once released by the kidneys along with urine, they may
cut and wear away the inner surface of the urinary canal during their passage to the urinary bladder. This can cause severe pain in the loins or lower back. There
may even be blood in the urine, pain running down the legs, numbness in the thighs or difficulty in passing urine.
Most crystals or stones originate in the kidneys, although some may also be formed in the bladder. If a large stone enters one of the two urinary canals,
urinary discharge becomes obstructed. This can lead to serious complications, such as kidney infection or kidney failure. Regardless of where the blockage
occurs, anytime the kidneys are prevented from removing and regulating water and chemicals, these delicate organs are likely to suffer injury. The kidneys' various
functions may be affected separately, so urine output may be normal despite considerable kidney disease.
Typical symptoms of congestion in the kidneys are strong body odor, water retention, abdominal swelling, rapid weight gain, high blood pressure, energy depletion,
sweating of palms and feet, skin disorders, puffy eyelids and dark circles under the eyes.
Kidney cleanse . . .
There are various herbs that can effectively and painlessly dissolve kidney stones within a period of 3 to 6 weeks. Regardless of whether or not someone has been
diagnosed with kidney stones, doing a kidney cleanse once or twice a year has tremendous curative and preventive benefits. The kidney cleanse not only improves overall
physical health, but also tends to reduce stress, fear and anxieties.
We believe that the best source of information and guidelines for doing a kidney cleanse is
The Amazing Liver and Gallbladder Flush, by Andreas Moritz. It is available at
www.ener-chi.com.
Congested Intestinal Tract (Colon)
The body's health and vitality largely depend on the effortless and complete elimination of waste products from the intestinal tract. Most physical
problems are caused by a build-up of waste material that may at first accumulate in the large intestine, commonly known as the colon, and then
spread to other parts of the body, such as the liver, kidneys, heart and lungs.
When one eats highly processed foods that have been stripped of most nutrients, natural fiber and life force, the muscles wrapped around the colon have
great difficulty moving along the partially digested food mass. When this substance remains in the colon for too long, it becomes progressively harder
and drier. Accumulated or trapped waste material in the colon may consist of impacted feces, hardened mucus, dead cellular tissue, bacteria, parasites
and various other toxic substances. Such toxins can find their way into the blood stream and lymph system, causing one to feel tired, sluggish or ill.
Other common colon-related complaints include constipation, diarrhea, bloating, headaches, dizziness, nausea, sinusitis, eye and ear disorders, backaches,
bad breath, body odor and disorders of the nervous system. Chronic situations are a common cause of colon cancer.
A healthy colon absorbs water, minerals and other nutrients. But when the membrane of the colon is impacted with plaque, it cannot properly assimilate
and absorb these minerals and nutrients. Accordingly, the body will begin to suffer from nutrient deficiencies. Most diseases are, in fact,
deficiency disorders. They arise when certain parts of the body suffer mal-nourishment, particularly minerals. The most common cause of mal-nourishment
is intestinal congestion. Stated simply, a clean colon is a prerequisite for a healthy body.
Colon Hydrotherapy
Colon hydrotherapy, also called "colonic irrigation" or simply "colonic," is perhaps one of the most effective colon therapies. Within a short period of
time a colonic can eliminate large amounts of trapped waste that may have taken many years to accumulate. During a 40-50 minute session of colonic hydrotherapy,
a total of 2-6 liters of distilled water is used to gently flush the colon. Through gentle abdominal massage during the colonic, old deposits of hardened
mucus and fecal matter are loosened and subsequently flushed out by the water.
A colonic removes not only harmful, toxic waste, but it also tones, hydrates and rejuvenates the colon muscles. The repeated uptake and release of water
improves the colon's peristaltic action and reduces the transit time of fecal matter. In addition, colonic irrigation helps restore the colon's natural
shape, and stimulates the reflex points that connect the colon with all the parts of the body. This form of colon cleansing can detach old crusted layers
of waste from the colon walls, which permits better water absorption and hydration of the colon and the body as a whole. However, it may take at least 2-3
colonic sessions for these latter benefits to take effect.
During a colonic, one may feel a slight discomfort from time to time when larger quantities of toxic waste detach themselves from the intestinal walls and
move towards the rectum. However, the feeling of lightness, cleanness and clarity of mind soon afterwards more than compensates for any feelings of mild discomfort.
Colonic irrigation can also help with emotional problems. It is no coincidence that the transverse colon passes right through the solar plexus, which is
the body's emotional center. Most of our unresolved or "undigested" emotional issues are stored in the solar plexus and result in the tightening of the
colon muscle. This may slow bowel movement and cause constipation. Colonics can help clear the physical obstruction and release the tension that caused
the emotional repression in the first place.
Colonic cleansing is best done when the stomach is empty, or at least 2-3 hours after eating. It is beneficial to drink 1-2 glasses of water afterwards and
eat a piece of fruit, or have some freshly prepared fruit juice one-half hour later. The first meal or two after the treatment should be light. After a
colonic, the bowel movement will become naturally restored within about two days. If it takes longer than that, it indicates that the colon had accumulated
unduly large amounts of waste over a period of many years.
There are several different types of colon hydrotherapy systems currently in use, but all serve the same function. Professional colonic therapists
receive their training from a variety of sources, but there are not yet universal standards or licensing arrangements. Fees for a colon hydrotherapy
session vary considerably, but a typical one-hour session is in the range of $50 to $75.
Recommended Resources
The information in this module has drawn heavily on books and teachings of Andreas Moritz, who is world renown in the field
of alternative health. We would especially recommend his following books, all of which are available through his website:
www.ener-chi.com.
- Timeless Secrets of Health & Rejuvenation (This is his most comprehensive book on alternative health.)
- The Amazing Liver & Gallbladder Flush
- Cancer is Not a Disease! . . It's a Survival Mechanism
- Heart Disease No More!
- Ending the AIDS Myth
- Diabetes No More!
- Feel Great, Lose Weight
- Heal Yourself with Sunlight
- Simple Steps to Total health