Do I really have to adhere to such a strict
diet plan while taking the supplements?
While
the products by themselves will help make a radical shift in your
overall feeling of health, energy and vitality, it is also important
to make a decision about the lifestyle you are committed to achieve
in the process. You can take all the dietary supplements
in the world, and if you are still eating french fries and chicken
wings, your health will be affected. At the same time, this
doesn't mean that you have to quit eating everything but vegetables
and adhere to a strict diet of celery for the rest of your life.
For the most part, common sense dictates the foods that are good
for you and the foods that are not.
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How
much water should I drink each day?
The
body needs at least one gallon of water each day to stay properly
hydrated. For larger or more active individuals, that amount should
be increased accordingly.
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Is
it possible to be too alkaline?
Yes.
When monitoring one's saliva, urine, etc. for pH levels, be sure
to note the normal ranges for these bodily fluids. The normal
range for saliva should be 6.8-7.2, urine 6.8-7.2, and arterial/capillary/venous
blood 7.2-7.4. Some tissues and fluids in the body are normally
alkaline, some acid. For example, the stomach and large intestine
must be acidic to breakdown food. Blood pH is the best indicator
of internal balance- it is slightly alkaline at about 7.3. However,
as one becomes more acidic, the blood increases in alkalinity,
a protective mechanism, retaining alkaline salts to offset the
increase in tissue acidity. Therefore, if the blood is too alkaline,
it is an indication of imbalance in the tissues, a serious problem
of excess acidity.
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How
do I know if I am out of balance?
The
body is fine-tuned. When out of balance it may respond with stomach
upset and indigestion; confusion, anger, or irritability; food
sensitivity and allergic reactions; recurrent infections; fatigue
or depression, etc. Even external signs such as unexplained rash,
acne, dark circles under eyes, cracked skin and nails, brittle
hair, excess weight, etc. show that one's body is dealing with
an imbalance. For example, the body produces fat to protect its
vital organs from the damaging effects of acid. When one improves
the diet with fresh, raw, alkaline foods, providing the nutrients
essential to balance and strength, the body naturally repairs
itself and comes into balance, achieving optimal weight on its
own.
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What
is a Cleanse?
Cleansing
is a holistic approach to allowing the body to heal itself, naturally.
It helps to remove debris that has built up in the body and provide
raw materials, or building blocks for repair. A seven to ten day
cleanse is recommended when beginning the program to help one
achieve the goals mentioned previously, as well as transition
the body off of processed, sweetened, artificially flavored foods
to more whole, raw, natural foods. For more information, see our
section on Cleansing.
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What
can I expect during the Cleanse?
It
is important to understand that during the Cleanse, one's blood
is actually "dirtier" than when one began. This can
result in feeling worse before one can feel better. Some so-called
"detox" symptoms may occur, such as: nausea, dizziness,
headache, fatigue, runny nose, etc. Some call these flu-like symptoms
a "healing crisis." It's a good sign! Toxins are being
expelled from the body through wastes, mucus, etc. Most importantly,
one should hydrate, hydrate, hydrate to aid these toxins in leaving
the body and allowing the repair that must take place to occur.
Allow oneself to rest as the body requires. Limit normal activity
for this period of time (i.e. exercise, sight-seeing, strenuous
activity) Then, one will begin to feel lighter, clearer, energetic,
and free of toxins (and other unwanted "guests") that
steal one's vitality!
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How
should I change my diet to lose weight and feel more energy?
Follow
these links for Shopping Lists, sample Menus, and Recipes. There's
much more available in Dr. Robert Young's book, "Sick
and Tired?: Reclaim Your Inner Terrain"
as well as Shelley Redford Young's book, "Back
to the House of Health."
Click these links for more information on diet,
sample recipes, and shopping
list.
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I
don't like the taste of the "greens." What can
I do to improve taste, as I like the energy I feel when I take
them?
If
you have an acidic system, it is very possible that you will not
care for the taste of the drink at first since it is alkaline.
As you change your biochemistry to be more alkaline, you will
actually crave the alkalinity in this drink and other fresh green
foods, too. This is a natural response. Before you
try to enhance the taste, make sure that you are taking the right
dose.
We
only recommend these options to change the flavor of the greens:
- Add some
fresh squeezed lemon to the drink.
- Add the
greens to a weak herbal tea
It's best
not to mix the greens with fruit juices, as there are sugars in
the juice that will counteract the positive effects of the greens.
Finally, if
you prefer, you can simply take the capsules instead of the powder.
The powder is digested more quickly and thus, provides slightly
more benefit. The capsules are a great option, however,
if the taste is a factor while you are just getting started or
when you are traveling.
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Why
do the colloidal products sometimes have a metallic flavor?
You
may taste the mineral compounds in the product. Only take
the recommended dose of each of the colloidal products under
your tongue instead of on your tongue to minimize any
adverse taste. You should not taste the product at all if
it is administered in this manner.
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How
can I expect to feel physically? Are there any side effects?
This
all depends on where you are starting out. Some customers
have reported that they have felt an increased energy level within
as little as 4 hours of taking the products. Others have
an initial opposite effect and feel poor for the first three days.
Both of these situations are normal depending on the level of
acidity within each individual. Since cells regenerate within
90 days, the products will be at maximum benefit at that time.
If
you don't feel well for the first three days of taking the product,
this may be normal as your body is beginning to cleanse itself
from an accumulation of toxins that have taken years to build
up. As your body starts to cleanse you may experience loose
stools or diarrhea and be going to the bathroom more than usual.
This may be more pronounced when taking cleansing products.
You should be more regular after a few days.
If
you find that you are uncomfortable, you may reduce your dosage
by half for the first three days as your body is adjusting.
After the first few days of cleansing, most people begin to feel
better - for many people, better than they've felt in years!
We
recommend that you take the products as directed for two weeks.
By that time you should be able to notice a change and increased
vitality and energy level.
Should
you have a specific medical condition or symptoms that concern
you, we recommend that you consult with a licensed health professional.
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Should
I continue to take my prescription medication?
Always
continue to take prescription medication unless your licensed
health professional states otherwise. Our supplement products
are very effective but very gentle. The products were formulated
so that they will not react with other medications but as with
any medication prescribed for a medical condition, it is always
best to first consult with your health professional.
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How
Can 'Acidic' Fruits Be Alkalizing?
It
is often said that "acidic" fruits like lemons, limes
and low sugar grapefruits are acidic and will acidify the fluids
of the body. In fact, the citric, lactic, and other acids in such
fruits exist primarily in their anionic form, especially as their
Na+ and K+ salts (e.g., potassium citrate or calcium ascorbate).
Following
absorption, these anions are metabolized to bicarbonate (HCO3)
and therefore will alkalize -- not acidify -- the blood and tissues.
Alkalinization occurs even though the fruits pH in vitro is typically
low (4 pH), because the free protons are more than offset by the
generate bicarbonate -- electrons. For example, a liter of diluted
lemon juice (1 part lemon to 10 parts distilled water) with a
pH of 4 has only 0.1 mmol (i.e., 10 to the minus 4 moles) of free
protons. As long as the quality of organic anions exceeds this
small number, which it does, a net alkalinization will occur.
I
hope this gives many of you clarity concerning the alkalinization
of low sugar fruits in vivo.
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I
am confused by some conflicting information in your website. In
the Food Ash section it says that watermelon should be eaten only
sparingly. However, in the W.O.M.A.N. section, it says that watermelon
is an Extremely Alkaline Forming Food, and can even be used as
a yearly fast. Which is it?
Almost
all fruits contain natural simple sugars - some much more than
others. Simple sugars are the first thing that yeast in your digestive
system will ferment. Since excess simple sugars can cause an overgrowth
of yeast, as well as increase the acid level of your body due
to the fermentation process, you want to avoid fruit as much as
possible. This is the reason watermelon is listed as something
that should be eaten only sparingly. At the same time, watermelon
is listed as an alkalizing fruit because it burns down to a nearly
"neutral" ash, as opposed to an acidic ash as some other
fruits do.
But,
while watermelon has a high level of natural sugars, it is loaded
with nutritional qualities. The nutritional content of watermelons
are; in a cup of diced watermelon, 11 mg. Calcium, 16 mg. Phosphorus,
0.8 mg. Iron, 2 mg. Sodium, 160 mg. Potassium, 940 I.U. vitamin
A, 11 mg. Vitamin C, 3.4 mcg. Folic acid, 17 mg. Magnesium, and
0.11 mg. Zinc. Watermelon also contains high concentrations of
lycopene that may help reduce the risks of prostate cancer. It
can be enormously helpful in the detoxification process. Watermelon
is also a high-water-content fruit. These are typically the kinds
of fruits you want to eat.
If
you are a very ill person, you would generally want to stay away
from ALL high-sugar content fruits. But, if you have a balanced
system, and can handle a little simple sugar in your diet, then
watermelon can be an excellent fruit to eat.
I
agree that the two different information sources can seem a bit
contradictory. I would say that the best answer depends on what
your health status is at the moment.
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Can
you tell me where green tea places on your list of Alkaline and
Acid-producing foods? I noticed black tea was high for acid production,
but did not see green tea. Also, does it make any difference if
the tea is decaffeinated?
Let
me start by saying that ALL teas are acidic in nature. If you
were going to become 100% alkalarian you would lay off all teas.
But, since most of us need some form of "hot" drink
we will consider that green tea is the most beneficial. Let me
explain.
There
are three types of tea, but just one plant. All teas are produced
from the camellia sinensis plant. The three types are Green Tea,
Black Tea, and Oolong.
Green
Tea, popular in China and Japan is the least processed of the
teas. After the tea leaves are picked, they are quickly steamed
to prevent oxidation: which preserves the important antioxidants
in the leaves.
Black
Tea is the most processed of the three. It becomes "black"
by a process of firing and oxidizing the leaves. This oxidation
process can also be called "fermenting." During fermentation,
enzymes oxidize the tea leaf and turn it brown just like a tree
leaf in the fall changes colors from green to brown. This process
is accelerated by increased heat and high humidity. As a result
of these conditions the tea leaves become more "infested"
with various types of fungus. And THAT is something you want to
avoid in your diet. Also, the "firing" process, which
dries the leaves, destroys the naturally occurring enzymes of
the plant.
Green
Tea, on the other hand, is steamed immediately after picking to
prevent oxidation (fermenting). There are two benefits to this
process. The first, is that more of the natural enzymes of the
plant are left in tact. Since the steaming process prevents oxidation,
there is less chance for the formation of fungus and mold - benefit
number two. Green Tea is definitely the better of the two choices.
Oolong
tea is processed very similarly to black tea.
Concerning
caffeine: All teas, even "decaffeinated", contain some
traces of caffeine. Caffeine is a natural alkaloid (other common
alkaloids are nicotine, heroine, morphine, and cocaine) which
the plant uses for the storage of nitrogen. Caffeine can alter
the way proteins function in the body, and the result can limit
the effectiveness of proteins. Once a foreign alkaloid (i.e.,
caffeine) is introduced into the system in large quantities, the
proteins in your body will "adapt" to the new foreign
alkaloid. The proteins then become dependent on the new foreign
alkaloid, instead of the normal alkaloids they require. This is
the molecular basis of addiction. This dependency is what creates
the craving for coffee and tea. Also, withdrawal symptoms arise
because the newly adapted proteins cease to function correctly.
Once you stop ingesting the foreign alkaloid, the proteins in
your body will begin to re-adapt, and normalize. Proper supplementation
can reduce the withdrawal symptoms, and speed up the process of
"kicking the habit."
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Is
soda really all that bad?
Coca
Cola and other Soda Pops have a pH of around 2.0 to 2.3. That
makes sodas 100,000 times more acidic than water which generally
has a pH of 7.0, which is neutral. Coca-Cola
is also not the only soda that has phosphoric acid as the active
ingredient! Please see this
amazing comparison of Water vs. Coke.
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I
know that some mushrooms are very poisonous, but aren't there
health benefits to eating certain mushrooms?
Another
common name for mushroom is "toad stool", which originates
from the German word Todesstuhl, which means "Death's
Stool".
Although
some people believe that certain mushrooms (e.g. white button,
shiitake, and reishi) have beneficial properties, it would be
completely irresponsible for us to eat them. The "so-called"
benefits of some mushrooms would be the amounts of Zinc and Germanium
found in certain species. Although I agree that these two
minerals are beneficial to the human body, eating the poisonous
delivery system for these minerals is ludicrous. There are
plenty of other ways to get Zinc and Germanium without having
to take the risk of mushroom poisoning. Even canned mushrooms
that you buy everyday from the supermarket,
although rare, can be toxic if they
are canned improperly. Another point, most mushrooms that
cause human poisoning cannot be made nontoxic by cooking, canning,
freezing, or any other means of processing. Also, there
is a mystique to certain mushrooms, having the "magical"
properties of being extremely beneficial to the human body.
If you were to ask the 'experts' what those properties are, in
medical terms, they have no clue. Why should they?
There are NONE! Two things that most people don't realize (or
want to) about eating mushrooms:
1.
ALL mushrooms are poisonous by nature. The edible kind just
have a smaller amounts of toxic poisons. The main poisons
found in all mushrooms are: amanitin, orellanine, muscarine,
ibotenic acid, muscimol, psilocybin, gyromitrin, and coprine.
Kill yourself instantly, or slowly, over a period of time.
The choice is yours.
2.
Mushrooms are FUNGI. If you really enjoy
the taste of fungus, may I suggest a cheaper way of getting it.
Don't clean your shower for several weeks and simply scrape away
the fungus that collects on your tub. Low cost fungus...yummy.
For
a complete analysis of all mushrooms, their related poisons, and
other information, please visit the FDA's comprehensive site concerning
mushrooms at http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~mow/chap40.html.
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If
I don't drink milk, won't my bones break?
Dairy
products offer a false sense of security to those concerned about
osteoporosis. In countries where dairy products are not generally
consumed, there is actually less osteoporosis than in the United
States. Studies have shown little effect of dairy products on
osteoporosis. The Harvard Nurses’ Health Study followed
78,000 women for a 12-year period and found that milk did not
protect against bone fractures. Indeed, those who drank three
glasses of milk per day had more fractures than those who rarely
drank milk.
There
are many good sources of calcium. Kale, broccoli, and other green
leafy vegetables contain calcium that is readily absorbed by the
body. A recent report in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
found that calcium absorbability was actually higher for kale
than for milk, and concluded that “greens such as kale can
be considered to be at least as good as milk in terms of their
calcium absorbability.” Beans are also rich in calcium.
Fortified orange juice supplies large amounts of calcium in a
palatable form.
For
more information, visit our page entitled "Got
Milk?"
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If
I don't eat meat where do I get my protein?
Some
great sources for protein come from avocados, fresh almond milk
and soy sprouts. All the greens contain proteins and is where
all of the strongest animals in the world get their protein --
with their heads to the grass. Keep in mind that the body derives
over 90% of its protein needs from cellular recycling.
If
you need more information you can find it in the food combining
section of Dr. Young's book, "The pH Miracle
"
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Why
is Super Hydration so important?
It
is important to understand that because of a gradually failing
thirst sensation, our body becomes chronically and increasingly
dehydrated, from an early adult age. With increase in age, the
water content of the cells of the body decreases, to the point
that the ratio of the volume of body water that is inside the
cells to that which is outside the cells changes from a 1.1 to
almost 0.8. This is a very drastic change and causes one to lose
their desire for hydration.
Since
the water we drink provides for cell function and its volume requirements,
the decrease in our daily water intake affects the efficiency
of cell activity. Simply put, the cell is only as healthily as
the fluids it is bathed in! It is the reason for the loss of water
volume held inside the cells of the body which causes a reduction
in the thirst sensation! As a result, chronic dehydration sets
in which causes symptoms that equal disease when the variety of
emergency signals of dehydration are not understood.
Keep
in mind that when we are born our bodies are 90% water and 10%
matter. As an aging adult the body begins losing water, dehydration
sets in and hydration falls to about 70% water and 30% matter.
Upon death the body is only 50% water! In reality we die of dehydration!
Just
because someone does not perceive they are thirsty does not mean
they are not thirsty. The body adjusts and goes into a masking
phenomenon that leaves the body dehydrated.
The
adult male or female is approximately 43 to 45 liters of water.
These waters need to be filtered and eliminated and replenished
daily. If they are not, the rivers, steams and oceans of our body
become polluted with digestive, respiratory and metabolic acids.
When these acids build up we experience the symptoms of dehydration,
we call disease. Any and all disease is an expression of this
dehydration and a compromise in the alkaline pH of our body fluids.
Disease is not about the cells or tissues or organs, it is all
about the hydration and the quality of the fluids of the body
that surround the cells that make up our tissues and organs.
The
key then to a long life is to maintain the integrity of the internal
fluids of the body by a process of hydrating with alkaline fluids.
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Is
there a connection between body fluid pH and cancer?
"When
healthy, the pH of blood is 7.4, the pH of spinal fluid is 7.4,
and the pH of saliva is 7.4. Thus the pH of saliva parallels the
extra cellular fluid...pH test of saliva represents the most consistent
and most definitive physical sign of the ionic calcium deficiency
syndrome...The pH of the non-deficient and healthy person is in
the 7.5 (dark blue) to 7.1 (blue) slightly alkaline range. The
range from 6.5 (blue-green) which is weakly acidic to 4.5 (light
yellow) which is strongly acidic represents states from mildly
deficient to strongly deficient, respectively. Most children are
dark blue, a pH of 7.5. Over half of adults are green-yellow,
a pH of 6.5 or lower, reflecting the calcium deficiency of aging
and lifestyle defects. Cancer patients are usually a bright yellow,
a pH of 4.5, especially when terminal." The
Calcium Factor: The Scientific Secret of Health and Youth
,
by Robert R. Barefoot and Carl J. Reich, M.D., Gilliland Printing
Inc., Arkansas City, Kansas, 1996.
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