Written by Dr. Desiree Edlund for Chiropractic Wellness & Fitness Magazine

Over the last few months we have explored the importance of pH and it’s affect on our overall health.  pH is a measurement of acidity vs. alkalinity in your body’s tissues.  To have good health and to prevent illness and disease, it is best for your body to have a balanced pH of 7.5 (slightly alkaline).  We have learned how to test our pH through litmus paper test strips, and why it is important to follow the 80 / 20 Rule (a diet that consists of 80% alkaline foods and 20% acidic foods).  If more than 20-30 % of your diet is acidic, your body will produce an unhealthy acidic environment which creates a breeding ground for illness and disease, in addition to unhealthy weight gain. However, following the 80 / 20 Rule will significantly raise your pH and therefore bring more health and vitality to your life.

I have had an amazing response from the public regarding my pH articles.  A surprising amount of people didn’t know what pH was and most important, didn’t realize how acidic their diet was…and how this acidity was causing many of their health problems. Many of my readers have emailed me with a very interesting question…. “how do I know if the water I drink is pH balanced?”

This is an excellent question, but before I answer this, let’s explore the fundamentals of water.  All chemical reactions in our body require water. Without water, nothing lives.  Since our body is between 70-80% water, drinking pure, pH balanced water is easily one of the most important things you can do for your health, particularly when you drink it instead of sugary, acidic drinks like soda or fruit juice. Water protects us by preventing toxins and chemical substances from accumulating and creating destruction to our cells.  Water is essential for digestion and absorption of vitamins and minerals.  It is a necessary transporter of vital nutrients and oxygen into the cells and eliminator of toxic substances that can damage the cell. 

Total body water percent decreases with age, resulting in inadequate cellular hydration.   Meaning your body carries too much water outside of the cells versus inside of the cells.  This is common in over acidic or toxic tissues.  It is important to remember, hydrated cells are healthy cells. A well-hydrated cell absorbs oxygen and nutrients and disposes of toxins and waste efficiently. Dehydrated cells are inefficient cells, resulting in limited nutrient absorption and toxicity. Unfortunately, thirst is not an accurate guide to your body’s hydration levels. By the time you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated. 

For water to be most effective in your body, it is necessary that it contain ionized minerals and that it should measure at a higher pH, which is necessary to assure that the body’s chemistry runs smoothly.  

The problem is that most Americans are dehydrated.  We think drinking soda, coffee, energy drinks and fruit juices are sufficient.  The problem with these beverages is that they contain caffeine and sugar, which is extremely dehydrating and acidic.  Let’s first look at energy drinks which are extremely acidic. For example, Red Bull has a pH level of 3.26, almost 10,000 times more acidic than pH neutral water. Diet soda is even more acidic at a pH of 2.97 and therefore can cause weight gain and other health problems. In fact, 32 glasses of neutral pH water are needed to balance one Coke!  Sports drinks are shockingly more acidic than energy drinks and diet soda! Gatorade has a pH level of 2.95, more than 10,000 times more acidic than pH neutral water.

Americans are spending billions of dollars each year on beverages that may provide a temporary energy boost but also increase the likelihood of weight gain and over acidity in the body. A better beverage alternative is to hydrate frequently with purified alkaline drinking water, which hydrates better than diet soda and energy drinks and helps to neutralize the acidity in your body.

Now to answer the question…” how do I know if the water I drink is pH balanced?”   After much research on the topic of water, I have come to realize that most Americans hydrate their bodies every day with acidic toxic water!  Many of you may disagree with me on this statement.  You may say “I drink purified bottle water” or “I have a reverse osmosis system”.  Well let me give you shocking news about the water you are probably drinking!

If you still drink normal tap water, you are drinking water that is approximately pH of 7.0 neutral and still contains alkalizing minerals such as calcium and magnesium.  This is good… however, the problem with tap water is healthy minerals are not the only things you are drinking. City water is also loaded with chlorine, fluoride, bacteria and countless pharmaceuticals such as antidepressants, antibiotics and narcotics.  Dr. J.M. Price M.D. says “Chlorine is the greatest crippler and killer of modern time.  While it prevented epidemics of one disease, it was creating another… after the start of chlorinating our drinking water in 1904, the present epidemic of heart trouble, cancer, and senility began”.

Now if you don’t drink tap water, do you shower with unfiltered water?  The “chlorine chamber” you create with a hot shower everyday is even more detrimental to your health.  Your skin absorbs more chlorine in one shower than drinking a full glass of chlorinated water.  To protect yourself, use a shower filtration system that removes chlorine and other impurities.

What about you bottled water drinkers?  How safe if bottled water?  You may want to consider others options…

Bottled water is now second only to carbonated soft drinks in annual sales, with 9.4 billion gallons estimated to be sold in 2008. Americans will spend a whopping $12.5 billion on bottled water in 2008.

Did you know that 25% of bottled water is nothing more than reprocessed municipal water, and that 22% of bottled water brands tested in one study contained contaminants above state health limits?

It gets worse…did you know that bottled water costs more in fossil fuels to transport than tap water, and it also takes 1.5 million barrels of oil each year to create enough plastic to make the bottles? This amount of oil could fuel about 100,000 cars for a year. In addition, only 23% of plastic water bottles are recycled and an astounding 38 billion plastic bottles go into landfills every year!  Unfortunately, these bottles can take up to 1,000 years to biodegrade!

Another problem with bottled water is that it is very acidic!  Reverse osmosis used to “purify” bottled water, strips everything out of the water – the bad, but also the good. Reverse osmosis water is “empty water”.  Healthy minerals are eliminated and the water becomes acidic which can be detrimental to your health.

Dr. Robert O. Young who wrote the book The pH Miracle for Weight Loss, tested 60 of the best-known bottle water brands in the world and found that only two had a pH level at or above 9.5, and 30 (including best-known brands such as Fiji, Aquafina, and Perrier) had a pH level below 7.0, meaning they actually are acidic. 

Another health hazard with bottled water is, the bottles leech plastic chemicals into the water! In fact, researchers believe the amount of leeching will differ, based on exposure to sunlight, higher temperatures, time in transport and varying pH levels. 

If you think you are “drinking healthy” by drinking bottled water…think again.  So therefore, I don’t recommend drinking bottled water on a regular basis. Not only because it’s hard to guarantee the water is from a clean source, but most brands of bottled water test at an acidic pH which is draining to your health and vitality.  I must also mention the excessive burden all of these plastic bottles place on our environment!

You’re best option for clean and affordable water is to filter your own water at home.  There are many different filtration systems available on the market.  Some are better than others.  They range from chlorine filtration systems to reverse osmosis and ionizers.  Perhaps I may expand on the differences of these systems in a future article.

To conclude, I would like you to remember these simple water tips…

1. Sip water throughout the day, rather than consuming large quantities at once. If you drink large quantities of water at a time most of the water will pass through your body before your cells are able to use it.
2. You need to drink half your body weight in ounces per day.  For example, if you are 150 pounds, you need to drink 75 ounces of water every day for proper hydration.
3. Help the environment and your health, by limiting your intake of bottled water!
4. Water is the best pick me up in the world…and it has less side effects!
5. Water generates electrical and magnetic energy inside our cells.  It is the power for life!
6. Most importantly, I want you to test the pH of your drinking water.  Use pH testing drops or litmus paper and see what the pH of your drinking water is.  Is it acidic?  Or is it slightly alkaline?  If it is acidic, I recommend you add some lemon juice or alkaline drops as a quick and easy remedy while you decide on possibly adding a filtration system to your home!

AT OC BACK & BODY DOTORS WE NOW HAVE ALKALINE IONIZED WATER (KANGEN WATER) FOR OUR PATIENTS TO TAKE HOME!

YOUR FIRST 30 DAYS ARE FREE!!

STOP BY OUR OFFICE AND WE WILL HELP YOU FILL UP YOUR WATER JUGS FOR HOME!

© 2005-2010 WebExercises, Inc., Patent Pending, All Rights Reserved.

Begin lying on floor facing up.
Bend knees so feet are firmly on floor.
Extend arms upward toward ceiling.
Activate core muscles.
Lift hips off floor to attain a bridge position with knees, hips and shoulders in alignment.
Slowly return to start position.
Repeat for prescribed repetitions and sets.

Initially, you may develop some cramping in the back of your thigh. A simple hamstring stretch before and after may prevent this from occurring.
Slowly return to start position.
Repeat for prescribed repetitions and sets.

© 2005-2010 WebExercises, Inc., Patent Pending, All Rights Reserved.

© 2005-2010 WebExercises, Inc., Patent Pending, All Rights Reserved.

Begin seated in a chair with good posture.
Extend leg.
Attempt to write alphabet from A through Z with toes, moving ankle in all directions.
Repeat for prescribed sets.

© 2005-2010 WebExercises, Inc., Patent Pending, All Rights Reserved.

Last month we explored the function of one of the most neglected glands in the body…  the adrenal glands.  These 2 small glands are located on top of each kidney and are responsible for the front-line work of adapting to stress. The more the stress you are under, the harder the adrenal glands work. They secrete many hormones including DHEA, estrogen, progesterone & testosterone in addition to your stress response hormones (namely, cortisol) that guide the entire body’s reaction to stress.

The accumulation of internal and external stressors profoundly affect your adrenal glands which in turn affects your overall hormonal health.

An estimated 80% of North Americans suffer from adrenal fatigue at some point in their lives. Sometimes the adrenal strain is temporary and only lasts a few days. At other times it can be debilitating and last for years (or a lifetime if the adrenals are not properly restored). Adrenal fatigue usually begins with impaired adrenal function (hyperadrenals), leading to significant adrenal stress and finally complete adrenal exhaustion (hypoadrenals).

If you have Adrenal Fatigue you may suffer with the following symptoms:

Salt cravings

Weight gain

Lack energy… you’re tired for no reason

Dark circles under your eyes

Overwhelmed or run down

You need coffee or other stimulants to give you a boost of energy

You’re exhausted upon awakening

You are exhausted throughout the day, but wake up after dinner

You have no libido

Long recovery times from sickness

You’re memory is not as good

Low blood pressure

You feel faint when you stand up quickly from a sitting position

You have hot flashes, night sweats, or PMS

Depression and/or anxiety

Premature aging

The Thyroid-Adrenal Relationship

The thyroid gland governs your metabolic rate, the rate at which you burn fat for fuel. It’s normal function is dependant on the health of your adrenal glands.  Inadequate levels of adrenal hormones will cause the thyroid not to function properly.  Also, interactions between your hormones are as important as the direct action of the hormone itself. Some adrenal hormones assist in the conversion of T-4 to T-3 (the more active thyroid hormone). Some scientists believe that even the entrance of thyroid hormone into our cells is under the influence of adrenal hormones. This vital adrenal-thyroid feedback interaction is controlled by the nervous system, more specifically, the upper cervical and lower thoracic spine.

Let’s look at how our adrenals and thyroid respond to stress.

When stress hits the adrenals, they respond by either collapsing in fatigue and not producing enough stress hormones, resulting in a functional thyroid deficiency, or they can go in the other direction where they pour out cortisol causing overall hormone resistance, including thyroid resistance. Either way, low or high cortisol levels will cause the thyroid hormones to become inefficient.

One of cortisol’s more important functions is to act in concert or synergy with thyroid hormone at the cellular level.  A proper amount of cortisol—not too high and not too low—is very important for normal thyroid function.

One way to understand the synergy of cortisol and the thyroid is to think of trying to make a u-turn in your car with one hand on the steering wheel, as opposed to two hands where you can turn more easily. Both thyroid hormones and cortisol have to be in the cells at adequate levels in order to activate normal gene expression.  So, when cortisol levels are low, caused by adrenal exhaustion, the thyroid is less efficient at doing its job of increasing energy and metabolic activity.

The symptoms of adrenal fatigue are similar to those of low thyroid, which is why a lot of people who have an imbalance in adrenal cortisol levels usually have thyroid-like symptoms but normal thyroid hormone levels.

What are the best ways to test the adrenal and thyroid glands?

In my practice, we test for adrenal malfunction before the disease sets in.  This is done with very specific salivary hormone testing and questionnaires. The adrenal profile consists of four saliva samples taken throughout the course of a typical day so that the cortisol circadian rhythm can be determined.  Conventional testing will detect only the extreme adrenal imbalances, when damage to the adrenals has already occurred (Cushing’s disease and Addison’s disease). Within those extremes, you may feel miserable and still be told your cortisol levels are normal.

Blood tests may be done to test your thyroid function.  The hormones that should be tested are; TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone), T3 and T4.  But beware…blood testing your thyroid hormones will not always detect a thyroid problem.  Unfortunately, many people who have all the signs of low thyroid function may never receive appropriate treatment because the traditional lab tests are insensitive to early changes in function.

The most sensitive and accurate way to evaluate your thyroid function is monitoring your basal temperature, that is, basic body temperature.  It is best to take the test as soon as you wake up in the morning (after you have had adequate rest).  Before you get out of bed, place the thermometer in your armpit while holding your elbow close to your side to keep the thermometer in place.  Read and record the temperature and date.  Repeat the test for three consecutive mornings (preferably at the same time).

What are your temperature findings?

Normal thyroid function is between 97.6 – 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (36.4-37 degrees Celsius).  Readings below 97.6 degrees Fahrenheit (36.4 degrees Celsius) may indicate hypothyroidism.  Please note that men and postmenopausal women can perform the test at any time, however menstruating women must perform the test only on the second, third and fourth days of menstruation, because the female hormones affect body temperature.

Another great test to evaluate the function of your thyroid is the iodine home test.  Buy some topical iodine at the local pharmacy.  Before you go to bed, apply it to your inner arm (about 2-3 inches in length).  Make sure it dries before you put your pajamas on!  If the iodine is absorbed by the morning (the color of your skin is normal), you may have a thyroid problem.

So if you are tired of feeling worn down, emotionally unbalanced, not sleeping well, forgetting things, struggling with weight (even while dieting and exercising) and just not feeling yourself…I strongly recommend getting your adrenal and thyroid hormones checked.

Fortunately, your adrenal and thyroid function can be restored if detected early enough.  Don’t ignore the signs and symptoms.  Instead, look at the natural ways to restore your hormones…it may change your life!

It’s becoming increasingly difficult to separate the facts from the hype created by the media and government officials. In order to make an informed decision on whether or not to get the flu shot, it is important to do your own homework. Review current research on the safety issues surrounding the flu vaccination (including the H1N1 vaccination) and then practice preventative measures against getting the flu in the first place.

A CBS investigative report included state-by-state test results that revealed some VERY different facts from what the US Centers for Disease Control have been telling the American public. The CBS report found that H1N1 flu cases are not as prevalent as feared. The CBS article even states:

If you’ve been diagnosed “probable” or “presumed” 2009 H1N1 for “swine flu” , odds are you did NOT have H1N1 flu.

In fact, you probably didn’t have the flu at all.

“The results reveal a pattern that surprised a number of health care professionals we consulted. The majority of cases were negative for H1N1 as well as seasonal flu, despite the fact that many states were specifically testing patients deemed to be most likely to have H1N1 flu, based on symptoms and risk factors, such as travel to Mexico.”

“In most states the percentages ranged from 83 to 98 percent NOT BEING H1N1 or influenza.  Most cases were some type of cold or upper respiratory infection that looks like influenza but is caused by another type of virus or bacteria!”

Surprising?  Now let’s look at the next question…

Does the Flu Vaccine Actually Work?

Not only are the vaccines loaded with toxic chemicals including mercury and aluminum, but many people get the flu shortly after receiving the shot. This is because it actually weakens the immune system, making you more predisposed to the illness.

It is also important to note that the majority of flu shots contain 25 micrograms of mercury; an amount considered unsafe for anyone weighing less than 550 pounds!

So remember…If you get a flu shot, you can still get the flu (or flu-like symptoms). This is because it only protects you against certain strains, and who knows which flu viruses are circulating in your area this winter.

 8 Ways to Avoid the Flu…

Now that you know what harm vaccines can do, the following are some simple things you can put into practice to avoid catching the flu or any other viruses passing around.
1.  Daily Vitamin D.  Supplementing with Vitamin D each day will help to keep the flu away!  Getting enough Vitamin D is a key preventative strategy against the cold and flu, as it has an immense strengthening effect on your immune system.  Nearly all Americans are vitamin D deficient in the winter and spring when the sun is farthest away. Vitamin D levels in your blood fall to their lowest point during flu season and it has been shown that a person with a low vitamin D blood level is more vulnerable to contracting colds, influenza, and other respiratory infections.

During the winter months with no or very limited exposure to sunshine, 3,000-5,000 units per day is appropriate for most adults. If you are very heavy you may need to double that dose, and for children the dose can be one third to half that.

2.  Avoid Sugar. Since sugar breaks down the functions of the immune system, it is very important to eliminate it from your diet in order to keep your immune system running strong and capable of fighting viruses such as the flu.

3.  Get Enough Sleep. Getting the proper amount of sleep will help build up your resistance against any circulating invaders. When your body becomes fatigued by not enough sleep, it’s more difficult to fight the flu. In order for your body to receive proper rejuvenation, you should be getting 7-8 hours of sleep each night.

4.  Address Stress. Everyone deals with varying amounts of stress on a daily basis. Our bodies lose the ability to fight off the flu and other illnesses when we let stress overwhelm us. As a matter of fact, reports show that up to 90 percent of illness and disease are stress-related!

Eating small, frequent meals that are rich in fruits and vegetables help your body deal with stress a lot easier.  Meditation and yoga also help to combat stress. If you are under a lot of stress, I recommend you check your adrenal hormones through specialized saliva tests.  Your adrenal glands are your stress control centers and if they are not working well, you should be supporting them with high quality adrenal supplements.

3.  Exercise. Exercise helps boost your immune system by improving circulation and lymphatic flow throughout your body.  Regular workouts helps the immune system detect an illness before it gets a chance to spread. Be careful though…if you feel as if you are coming down with a cold, light exercise is the best.  Do not over-exert yourself because this will lower your resistance and you will get sick.

4.  Eat Garlic Regularly.  Fresh garlic is better than garlic supplements because the antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal components of garlic are destroyed within one hour of smashing the garlic. Therefore it is best to eat fresh garlic, as garlic pills don’t work.

5. Wash Your Hands Regularly.  Washing your hands will help decrease the likelihood of spreading viruses to your nose, mouth or other people. If your immune system is strong, it should be able to fight off a virus if it does enter your body, but washing your hands provides that extra barrier of protection.

6.  Consume a high quality Omega 3 Fish Oil daily.  Fish oils improve the structure of your cellular membranes which increases communication between the cells and therefore enhances your overall immune system.

7.  Limit your intake of processed foods and preservatives.  Overloaded with chemicals, processed foods burden our intestinal tract, liver, immune system and overall health.  It is wise to stay away from these toxic foods which give you zero nutritional value and only drain your immune system.

8.  Get Regular Chiropractic Adjustments!  Lastly, but most important is to get adjustments on a regular basis.  Enhancing your nerve system through adjustments will boost your immune system.  This is because your nerve system controls everything in your body, including your immune system!

A chiropractor is similar to a mechanic for the body.  Every person is like an automobile.  Whether it is a Ford or a BMW, you must keep that car tuned up so that it will run more efficiently.  By receiving adjustments and relieving pressure from the central nervous system, the chiropractor assists the body to run more efficiently.  It allows the body to adapt more easily to our ever changing environment.  This includes all the viruses and pathogens that plague us during the flu season. Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t know what it feels like to have a healthy running body, because they have never been worked on.  Instead they live a life of daily stress without any tune-ups and wonder why their body “breaks down” with the cold, flu or other illness.

Unlike vaccinations, Chiropractic adjustments are natural, safe and best of all…they work!!

So there you have it…my secrets to avoiding the flu during the holiday season.  Follow these preventative actions and you will not be disappointed!

You may want to check out The  National Vaccine Information Center (www.nvic.org). They are our premier watch-dog and vaccine-safety advocates, and the NVIC web site offers invaluable guidance to help keep yourself and your family safe and healthy this winter.

Remember, knowledge is power.  It will allow you to make the best decisions for better health.  I advise you to continue to educate yourself, your family and your friends about how to enhance your immune system and how to prevent the flu.  I wish you all a very healthy and happy holiday season!

Dr. Desiree Edlund

OC Back & Body Doctors

Begin lying on your back.
Extend arms above head flat on floor.
Activate core and lift knees above hips and maintain a 90/90 hip and knee position.
Activate core.
Lift one arm off the floor and raise it towards ceiling until above shoulder level while simultaneously extending one leg downward towards floor.
Pause momentarily.
Return to start position, alternating sides.
Core activation should be maintained throughout entire exercise.
Repeat for recommended repetitions and sets.

© 2005-2010 WebExercises, Inc., Patent Pending, All Rights Reserved.

© 2005-2010 WebExercises, Inc., Patent Pending, All Rights Reserved.

Begin lying on floor.
Lift knees so that a 90º position is attained at hip and knees. Place hands beside ears. Activate core.
Lift shoulder off floor approximately 6 inches attempting to bring elbow toward opposite opposite knee so that both simultaneously meet.

Return to start position and repeat on opposite side. Continue alternating sides until recommended repetitions are complete.

© 2005-2010 WebExercises, Inc., Patent Pending, All Rights Reserved.