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Keith McFarlane of HealSA & Light in SA, is writing a series of articles for the
Citizen newspaper's monthly CITI HEALTH section
printed on the last Tuesday of every month.

The articles are in order from first through to most current.
Should you have missed an article in the newspaper
please click on the quick link's indicated below.

Walking is an excellent way to help baby turn and stay vertex. Walking creates movement in the pelvis, which helps baby to turn as the mother’s upright stance provides more room making it easier to turn effectively. Regardless of which technique is used to turn baby, Mom needs to get upright, and stay in upright, active positions for at least 30 minutes a day to encourage baby to stay head down.

Relaxation is a very important component in allowing baby to turn. When you are upset or tensed up, so is your baby. Your baby can sense when something is wrong and will even turn to a breech position until you are ready, at which time the baby will often also turn to a vertex position. As mentioned above, it may be Mom’s fear of birth or an aspect of giving birth. Positive visualization combined with a relaxed mind and body can often be the first and only step needed.

Some visualizations that have worked are:

An extension of visualizations is talking to your baby and sound therapy. In Childbirth Without Fear by Grantly Dick-Read, he "encourages the mother to talk to her baby, encouraging it to turn around...the baby may not understand the words, but the soothing tone of voice will ease any anxiety about shifting out of a disadvantageous position."

An alternative is to "place earphones just above your pubic bone and play music for the baby. The theory is that babies can hear well and may move toward the music in order to hear better." Excerpt from Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn by Simkin, Whalley & Keppler. You can also put a radio or cassette/CD player in your pants, near your pubic bone or you can also try between your knees when you are on the ironing board (see slant board techniques below). Nice sounds such as soothing music, your recorded voice or whale sounds are the best. Talk to the baby about turning. Partner can even speak close to mom, low down on her belly, to encourage baby to move towards the sound.

In contrast, place headphones on Mom’s abdomen in the fundal area and played "head banger" music. The baby went vertex very soon after. Presumably the baby didn't appreciate the music and turned to get away from it.

A variation is to use a flashlight so the baby may move toward the light. You can start by shining the light at the top of your belly and then slowly moving it down to where you want the baby's head to be.

In colder climates it’s believed that heat around the pregnant belly can encourage baby to turn. This can be done with a hot water bottle or warm compress, or a tub full of warm water. This helps to relax the stomach muscles, allowing baby the extra room to move. This is an excellent start to other breech turning techniques as it relaxes the stomach muscles, which makes other techniques more effective (See also deep water immersion, below).

Cold therapy is also beneficial. Using the "Frozen peas" trick, have mom place a bag of frozen peas on her fundus, which is where the back of the baby’s head is, and the baby will move away from the cold. This can be done in conjunction with a warm bath, positioning, light therapy and other techniques.

The most successful do it yourself technique for turning a breech foetus is headstand done while totally immersed in water, according to Susan Weed in Wise Woman’s Herbal for the Childbearing Year. It's important to find a pool that's warm enough that you are *really* relaxed. Ideally, finding a therapeutic pool that is kept at a temperature higher than a regular pool where people heat themselves up swimming laps would be best.

Get into the pool and spend at least 15 minutes just paddling around and having fun. Now go to where you can stand with your head just above water, and then do 5 handstands in a row. Just plain swimming can also help the baby turn because of the stretching and crouching involved. This will help you to relax those abdominal muscles to give the baby more room to turn. This may have to be repeated several times before baby will turn. It's best if she can judge vertex from breech because then she'll know when to quit. She may also want someone there to help her into this position.

Don’t forget the benefits of deep-water immersion on increasing your amniotic fluid, also helpful to the baby's turning. Being in deep water will squeeze the fluids in your tissues into your bloodstream and increase the volume of amniotic fluid.

In contrast, if you are an avid swimmer and swim everyday, stop swimming and try alternate techniques.

When in the (breech tilt) position, use a little sweet almond oil to massage your belly over the area of your baby's back using a firm but gentle pressure. This would help relax the stomach muscles and encourage baby with the massaging strokes of your hand. Massage in the direction you want baby to turn.

As with all diagnosis, it is preferable to consult with a professional to ensure the correct remedy and dosage for each situation. First, check for underlying concerns.

Is fear causing tightness of the lower uterine segment and keeping the baby high? Ignatia Amara 30C, one tablet every two hours has proven effective for anxiety, depression from suppressed grief, anger or shock.

If Mom has excess or not enough amniotic fluid, try homeopathic Natrum Muriaticum. Excess water may cause baby to float to a breech position. Mom can also eat lots of watermelon or cucumber with the seeds to reduce fluid, as they are natural diuretics. Too little fluid will also be problematic, as baby will not have enough buoyancy to turn. 

Pulsatilla, a well known homeopathic remedy that is used for breech and other mal-presentations as well as prolonged labour. Pulsatilla acts on the muscular walls of the uterus and stimulates their growth. Start as soon as you find out about the breech presentation, but no longer than four weeks prior to your due date as baby will have ample room to turn on his or her own prior to that, and likely will. Take in whatever dosage you have available and lower dosages simply repeat more often each day. 

Recommended doses:

Combine this with the breech tilt exercise at least twice a day for 10 minutes each time. Have Mom take one Pulsatilla tab before beginning the breech tilt.

And finally, Bach Bougainvillea flower essence has been found to work really well for turning breeches. Although not technically a homeopathic remedy, I will include it in this category.

Acupressure or acupuncture (preferably with a professional) using the Bladder 67 point has been proven to turn breech babies. The Bladder 67 point is on the outside of the little toe on both feet, right next to the nail. To apply acupressure, rub and push your fingernail into this point.

The contemporary chiropractic technique used for turning breech or other adverse foetal presentation is called the "Webster In-Utero Constraint Turning Technique" or Webster’s technique after Dr. Larry Webster. Dr. Webster reports effecting successful version in 97% of breech presentations, documented successful versions by other chiropractors is 82%.

The first step is to confirm presentation of baby and acquiring a maternal history of the pregnancy and other relevant factors is mandatory. When the baby is found to be in a breech presentation, the Mother is assessed clinically to determine, and correct, sacral alignment. The Mom then turns on her back and the baby’s location is determined in relation to her belly button. The trigger point for the rectus abdominus muscle is then found on the Mom’s left side and the chiropractors thumb is placed on this point. Pressure is exerted gradually and evenly straight down until the trigger point is found and pressure is maintained, but shifted slightly inward to isolate the broad ligament. As little as 3 to 6 ounces of pressure is often sufficient to induce relaxation of the trigger point. Pressure is maintained for a minimum of one to two minutes, more as necessary on evaluation of the trigger release, even up to 35 minutes. If little or no foetal movement is felt, some counter pressure with the opposite hand can be applied on the uterine wall opposite the side of the trigger point.

Following the adjustment, Mom is again assessed for sacral alignment and in most cases the alignment is achieved. If not, another sacral adjustment is needed. Additional adjustments should not be performed on the same day as the Webster technique. As little as one procedure may work, but typically it can take from three to ten adjustments performed over a two to three week period. Thus it is important to initiate this technique as soon as possible and know that it is harder for the baby to move close to term.

This is probably the most well known alternative breech turning technique. The position of your baby will dictate which position works best. If baby has his/her back to your front, the slant-board exercise is most effective. If baby has his/her back to your back, the beanbag or pelvic tilt exercise will be most effective. The baby’s back and head are the heaviest parts and these techniques use gravity to push the baby’s head into the fundus, tuck it and then do a somersault into the vertex position.

Do this exercise on an empty stomach and discontinue for light-headedness or shortness of breath. Realize that there will be some pressure exerted on the thorax (chest cavity) by the abdominal contents being pushed upward toward the mom's head. One question often asked about these techniques is, "wouldn't the heavier head keep the baby in that position?" These techniques do two very useful things.

Lie on your back with your hips raised high on pillows or lie on an ironing board slanted at a 45-degree angle against a sofa. For light-headedness you can us a small pillow under the right hip (if the "plank" is stable) to elevate some uterine pressure from the inferior vena cava (large vessel bringing blood back to the heart from the legs). This manoeuvre should not be tried if you have high blood pressure, heart problems or lung problems. Relax, breathe deeply, and avoid tenseness.

An alternative is for Mom to also use pillows on a flat surface to raise hips 12-18" above shoulders.

Made an indention for your tummy and lie down on your front, again with your head lower than your hips. An alternative to this is to adopt an all fours position and slowly lower your chest to the floor (knee chest position), again so your hips are higher than your head. (This looks like the position recommended for prolapsed cord).

If done 10 minutes twice a day for 2-3 weeks after the 30th week the pelvic tilt had an 88.7-96% success rate in 744 patients. It is recommended that the pelvis be raised 9-12 inches above the head and be done on an empty stomach.

You need to do this several times a day for 10-15 minutes and you have to be persistent, as they do not usually turn on the first try. If the baby does turn, stand up slowly and take a long walk or do some squats to try to help the baby settle into the vertex position.

In conclusion, there are many decisions to be made. The Mother and her partner can only determine which choice, or choices, are best, though it can be greatly influenced by her caregiver. I sincerely hope these decisions have been made easier though the information I have provided in this article, and I wish you and your baby a great birth experience!

For many people, summer evokes a time of fun, relaxation and holiday. At the same time, all of us have heard the warnings: ‘Stay out of the sun, cover up and don’t go outdoors unless it’s absolutely necessary’.

As we scramble for protection, it is now becoming evident that rather than being something to fear and avoid, the sun may actually be good for us!

Over the past decade, many scientists studying cancer have come to the conclusion that sunlight exposure may actually decrease cancer rates and improve health, while the use of sunscreen chemicals may actually increase the incidence of cancer.

Our bodies need sunlight in order to make vitamin D. Ultraviolet sunrays act on the oils in the skin to produce this ‘sunshine’ vitamin, which is then activated for use by the liver and kidneys. The amount of sunlight needed to produce vitamin D is determined by skin pigmentation. The darker your skin, the more sunlight you need; the lighter, or fairer your skin, the less sunlight you need.

According to Dr. Michael Hollick, people with dark skin pigmentation may need 20 to 30 times more sun exposure than fair skinned people to generate the same amount of vitamin D. This may be one of the reasons why prostate cancer is epidemic amongst African men.

Nutrition experts suggest that vitamin D is possibly one of the most underrated nutrients and warn that many people may be at risk of vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin D is essential for assimilating calcium and phosphorous and maintaining healthy bones and teeth. It also regulates cell growth, explaining its role in cancer prevention and may counteract calcification of the arteries, preventing heart disease, hypertension and strokes.

Good food sources are oily fish, sunflower seeds, D-fortified dairy products, wheat germ and egg yolks; however, it is nearly impossible to get enough vitamin D from our diet alone. Sunlight exposure is the only reliable way to generate adequate amounts of vitamin D in the body.

As the healing rays of natural sunlight cannot penetrate glass, it is advisable for office- or home-bound people to take a vitamin D supplement every second day.

People who are deficient in vitamin D often tend to have higher rates of breast, colon, ovary and prostate cancer, as well as a higher incidence of mood disorders, high blood pressure and impaired immune response. Vitamin D deficiency is also linked to bone diseases like osteoporosis, osteoarthritis and rickets.

In addition:

According to health pioneer, Dr. Johanna Budwig, the detrimental effects of the sun upon many people today is largely due to the lack of rich essential fatty acids, or Omega oils, in the diet and the abundance of toxic, altered fat substances.

These essential fatty acids attract and store sun energy, making it available for life functions, according to need. When this reservoir is empty, we become irritable, tired and our limbs become heavy.

As these essential oils become depleted, the skin becomes dry and prone to free radical damage. This is when burning occurs.

Super oxidants greatly boost your body’s ability to handle sunlight without burning. Astaxanthin is one of the most powerful ‘internal sunscreens’, allowing you to stay out in the sun for twice as long without burning.

By supplementing our diet with essential fatty acids and antioxidants, we can safely enjoy more sunshine benefits and reduce potential sunburn.

Sunscreen lotions reduce the body's ability to absorb ultraviolet radiation, which is the mechanism through which the body produces vitamin D. A sunscreen with a weak SPF of 8 can reduce your ability to make vitamin D by more than 95%.

In addition, most brands of sunscreen contain toxic chemicals. These harmful toxins can be absorbed by the skin and enter the bloodstream, where they can affect the function of the liver and other organs.

Studies now reveal that chemical based sunscreens may actually generate large quantities of free radicals, which increase cellular damage and changes that can lead to cancer. On top of that, they often have strong estrogenic activity that can interfere with normal sexual development and behaviour. Being synthetic in nature, they are alien to the body and can accumulate in body fat stores.

The chemicals to be wary of are the PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid) family, which include benzophenone, oxybenzone and dioxybenzone; as well as triethanolamine.

Studies have found that the incidence of skin cancers has increased even as sunscreens have become popular among fair-skinned people. One reason may be that wearing sunscreen makes people stay in the sun too long.

Worldwide, the greatest rise in melanoma has been experienced in countries where chemical sunscreens have been heavily promoted. The rise in melanoma has been exceptionally high in Queensland, Australia where the use of sunscreens has been heavily promoted. Queensland now has more incidences of melanoma per capita than any other place on Earth.

In response to the depleted ozone threat, Professor Johan Moan of the Norwegian Cancer Institute found that the yearly incidence of melanoma in Norway had increased by 350% for men and by 440% for women during the period 1957 to 1984. He also determined that there had been no change in the ozone layer over this period of time. He concluded his report in the British Journal of Cancer by stating that ozone depletion is not the cause of the increase in skin cancers.

To enjoy the health benefits of the sun, spend up to 20 minutes every day in the gentle sunlight before 10am or after 3pm. Start slowly, with 5 to 10 minutes of exposure on your face, arms and legs.

As your skin gradually becomes accustomed to sunlight it gains a protective pigment or tan. This can act as a natural filter to keep harmful UV radiation from penetrating further into the skin.

When spending extended periods in the sun, always use some protection. Cover up, wear a hat and use a safe, natural sunscreen that contains powerful antioxidants to prevent free radical damage to your skin. Remember, UV rays can penetrate flimsy fabrics, so don’t rely on clothing for complete protection.

Minimise sun exposure when the sun is at it’s hottest, usually between 10am and 3pm and always avoid getting burnt!

Don’t ignore sun safety rules on overcast days – you can still get burnt.

Always reapply sunscreen regularly and don’t keep them for too long as they lose efficiency with age.

Change your diet if it is high in chemical additives, processed foods and refined carbohydrates. These alter the body’s chemistry, increasing susceptibility to sunburn.

Sunburn may not show until 24 to 48 hours after sun exposure, so you may be sunburnt before you actually realise it. The signs of sunburn include weakness, redness, swelling and pain.

To relieve sunburn, gently pat pure apple cider vinegar onto the affected area and leave it on to prevent blistering and peeling.

Essential oils that can provide sunburn relief are lavender, chamomile, peppermint and aloe vera.

For all over sunburns, add 1 cup of pure apple cider vinegar to a cool bath and enjoy a healing soak. After soaking, gently dry your body and pat pure apple cider vinegar to the needed areas. Wait 5 minutes and then apply aloe vera gel to soothe and rehydrate the skin.

A good sunscreen has two purposes; it helps to maintain the skin to maintain its natural oils, which can be lost through exposure to the sun’s radiation and it protects the skin from the damaging effects of overexposure to the sun’s UV rays.

When buying a natural sunscreen, make sure that it contains coated zinc oxide. Most ‘natural’ barrier creams contain titanium dioxide, however this too may be a free radical threat.

Avocado oil, sesame oil and shea butter contain moisturising properties as well as a low SPF sunscreen.

To prevent sunburn and chapping, coat exposed skin with an equal mixture of pure apple cider vinegar and extra virgin olive oil.

Other natural protectors include

To make your own sunscreen use:

Store this natural sunscreen in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 weeks. For maximum protection from the sun, apply the sunscreen to dry skin, 30 minute before exposure. Limit your sun exposure time to less than an hour, based upon your skin type.

Skin Types
There are four basic skin types, each with a different level of tolerance to sun exposure. People with light, fair skin and blond or reddish hair are Type I, and their natural protection time (amount of time skin can be exposed to the sun without burning) is 5-10 minutes. The natural protection time of people with skin Type II, who have a somewhat darker complexion, is up to 20 minutes. People with skin Types III and IV, those with much darker skin tones, can stay in the sun for 30-40 minutes. To determine how long a sunscreen will protect you, multiply your natural protection time by the SPF.

Sensible exposure to the sun is the simplest, easiest and yet one of the most important strategies for improving your health. There is no drug, no surgical procedure and no high-tech procedure that comes even close to the astonishing healing power of natural sunlight.

SPILLING THE BEETS
- Article by Keith McFarlane for CITI HEALTH

A little bit can often go a long way. In the case of information, not having all the facts can often be more damaging than the ignorance that preceded it.

The current source of national and international amusement is the much-touted lemon, beet and garlic remedy. With the world facing the devastating effects of the HIV pandemic, to suggest a fruit, vegetable and herb remedy surely seems laughable; and yet thus far we are seemingly helpless in our plight to end this modern day plague.

Are we grasping at straws, or is there method in all of this madness?

Following medical opinion, the HIV virus targets the immune cells of the body and once inside these cells, reprograms them to produce more viral particles, which eventually overwhelm and kill the cell. As the immune system fails, the individual is overwhelmed by opportunistic infections, which eventually result in death.

In response, current medical protocol is aimed at killing the virus, immunizing against possible infection and educating about prevention and the dangers of infection.

In contrast, advocates of traditional healing suggest that continued suppression of the immune system through long-term drought, starvation and immunization as well as poor hygiene and compromised living conditions will most certainly leave an individual open to opportunistic infection. Once health is compromised, the inevitable downhill spiral will follow.

Traditional protocol involves, rebuilding the immune system through a program of cleansing, hydration and nutrition as well as improving sanitation and living conditions.

It is important to remember that no one dies of AIDS. It is the opportunistic infections that eventually claim life.

Yet, both pathways lead to opportunistic infection.

Could it be that in a quest to cure the disease, we are missing vital pieces of the puzzle that lie right before our eyes?

Perhaps, rather than any one individual holding the answer, maybe we all have something to contribute to this vital life saving puzzle.

After all, there can only be one winner and one loser ... the people who have the disease. The only thing at stake here is life, not money nor reputation!

Evidence is now emerging that individuals who are HIV positive, all share common key nutrient deficiencies. These include the vital amino acids Cysteine, Glutamine and Tryptophan as well as the mineral Selenium.

These nutrients are all essential for cellular health. Indeed, current opinion suggests that Selenium deficiency is now a leading mortality indicator in full-blown AIDS.

Whether it is a virus that is stealing these nutrients to reproduce itself, or simply the ravages of compromised living, surely it would make sense in any health program, to include protocols that replenish these key nutrients and boost immune functioning.

What makes this even more interesting, is the emerging research that links the same key nutrient deficiencies to other viral conditions like Hepatitis, Ebola, Coxsackie’s virus and Herpes as well as an increased vulnerability to heart conditions, cancers, depression, psoriasis, diarrhea, muscle wasting and dementia.

Health is a complicated issue. No individual or singular remedy can be asked or expected to solve the ills of the world. However, by improving our lifestyles and habits through appropriate breathing, hydration, nutrition, exercise and cleansing, we can all contribute to our own health and well-being.

All we need is the right information.

In light of this, what benefit do lemons, beets and garlic actually offer?

Recognised for their pH balancing and cleansing properties, lemons help to neutralize acidity and break down the toxic environment that promotes microbial infection. With proven antiseptic and anti-growth factors, lemons are also a source of selenium and assist in cleansing the liver as well as stimulating digestion and elimination.

Touted as the next big superfood, beets are known for their cleansing and restorative qualities. High in nutrients, beetroot improves digestion and strengthens and protects liver functioning. It also helps to reduce free radical oxidation and homocysteine buildup, which compromise immune function.

Garlic is one of the most intensively studied herbs in natural medicine. A proven antiviral, antibacterial and anti parasitic agent, it also enhances the immune system, reduces congestion and prevents infection. Along with its powerful antioxidant properties, it also improves liver functioning.

None of these humble foods can claim to cure HIV AIDS. They do however strengthen the immune system, which is all anyone with compromised immune functioning could ask for; and with a stronger system, we have a much greater chance of inhibiting viral activity.

The choice is ours … ridicule, vilify or collaborate?

Do we really need to deliberate?

No heroes, just winners.

Diabetes is one of the fastest growing diseases in the world today.

According to the Center for Disease Control, the incidence of diabetes leapt 50% in the last 10 years. Current world statistics suggest that 171 million have the condition and this figure is set to double by 2030.

The single greatest problem with diabetes diagnosis is the failure to diagnose. Currently, only about half the people who have diabetes are actually diagnosed. This number however, does not include those who have weakened glucose tolerance. Most people over the age of forty may actually be pre-diabetic.

In order for our cells to function healthily, they must have oxygen and glucose. Most of the food that we eat is broken down into glucose, which passes into the bloodstream where it is used by the cells for growth and energy.

Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas that controls the glucose levels in the blood and how much is absorbed by the cells.

Diabetes occurs when the body is unable to produce or use insulin properly. As a result, glucose cannot enter the cells and remains in the bloodstream causing hyperglycaemia or excess sugar in the blood.

‘Insulin resistance’ occurs when insulin is overproduced to try and remove the excess glucose from the blood stream.

If not managed properly, diabetes can have very damaging results, such as, retinopathy, blindness, cardiovascular disease, amputation of a foot or leg and kidney disease.

Due to a sedentary indoor lifestyle, most people have poor breathing habits, resulting in low blood oxygen levels. To continue producing fuel for our everyday activities, the body will naturally demand more glucose. This usually comes from a diet high in concentrated, cooked, processed and refined foods.

This automatically increases the amount of glucose in the bloodstream, raising insulin needs. If this carries on for too long, the pancreas will be unable to meet the constant insulin demands and cells will lose their ability to respond to insulin.

Apart from producing insulin, the pancreas also releases digestive enzymes, which help to break down the food we eat. 75% of the enzymes needed to digest our food should come from food itself. This will only happen if the food is natural and raw. Cooking food destroys these vital food enzymes, once again increasing the workload of the pancreas.

Another consequence of this compromised way of eating is dehydration. When the food leaves the stomach, the acids are neutralised by the pancreatic juices. Poor water drinking habits will also affect pancreatic functioning.

Insulin resistance has traditionally been linked to the excessive consumption of refined carbohydrates found in sugary foods, but it is now known that sugar overload increases the rate of chromium excretion in the urine. Scientists now suggest that chromium deficiency rather than excess sugar may be the real underlying cause of insulin resistance.

• The first priority is to reduce the body’s glucose needs by increasing blood oxygen levels. Take 5 deep breaths every hour and remember to breathe between every mouthful when eating. An oxygen supplement is highly recommended.

• Perform some gentle aerobic exercise every day.

• Take digestive enzymes with every cooked meal to reduce the pancreas workload.

• Increase the amount of raw fruit and vegetables eaten in the day and reduce intake of concentrated processed, refined and artificial foods.

• Take steps to lose excess body weight.

• Drink 8 glasses of water every day. Always have a glass 20 minutes before a meal and 2 hours after a meal to ensure adequate digestive hydration.

• Take 3 Brewer’s Yeast tablets with every meal for chromium supplementation.

• Take a teaspoon of cinnamon in juice every day. Cinnamon rekindles the ability of fat cells to respond to insulin and greatly increases glucose removal from the bloodstream. Cinnamon also contains magnesium, which is known to be deficient in diabetes.

• Another good source of available magnesium is Spirulina.

• Drink a glass of green bean juice every day to help stabilize blood sugar levels.

• As an alternative to refined sugar, use Stevia, Molasses or Jaggery.

Always keep your doctor informed about any changes that you make, as you may reduce your need for insulin!

‘A quarter of what you eat feeds you, while the other three quarters feeds your doctor!’

While good nutrition is now accepted as fundamental to health, the after effects of our eating habits are mostly ignored.

Health pioneer, Dr Norman Walker, who lived well beyond his allotted three score and ten years wrote, ‘The very best of diets can be no better than the very worst, if the sewage system of the colon is clogged with a collection of waste and corruption’.

In fact, all symptoms of degeneration and disease are an attempt by the body to cleanse itself of waste build-up and restore full energy flow.

Most toxins accumulate as a result of poor dietary habits. It is no secret that the typical Western diet consists of over-processed, devitalised foods grown with chemical fertilizers and sprayed with a multitude of toxic chemicals.

Another harmful aspect of the common diet is its high fat and low fibre content. Fibreless foods tend to be sticky and gooey when digested, adhering easily to the walls of the colon as they pass through.

This causes a gradual build-up of toxic residue, as layer upon layer of waste matter accumulates. Eventually, between 5 and 40 pounds of faecal material can be found residing in this important canal.

The four primary organs of elimination are the lungs, the skin, the kidneys and the colon. All deal with particular waste release and are vital for our health and vitality.

If any one of these organs becomes congested, waste stagnates causing the other organs to compensate. This will compromise their own functioning, leading to toxification and eventual organ failure.

While most people regard external bathing as an important part of their daily routine, few realise the value, let alone the absolute necessity, of internal bathing.

Keeping our internal organs clean is a lifetime practice. It is an essential part of the healing process, when illness and disease strike; however, perhaps more importantly, it should also be a natural part of our daily health maintenance program. After all, we are constantly polluting our bodies, not only with our dietary choices, but also through the air we breathe and the water we drink.

For the first time in human history, the number of overweight people rivals the number of underweight people. What makes this finding even more tragic is both groups are suffering from the same underlying condition … malnutrition.

As a result, both the hungry and the overweight share high levels of sickness and disability, shortened life expectancies and lower levels of production.

Not getting enough food will most certainly lead to malnutrition; but how, you may ask, does this happen when you eat too much?

Before leaping into the minefield of nutrition, an important question we need to ask is: ‘Why do we eat?’

For any part of the body to function, it needs energy. The eyes need energy to see, the brain needs energy to think, muscles need energy to work and so on. In other words, first and foremost, we are hungry for energy.

The cells of our bodies generate this energy - and to do so, they must to be fed. There are 50 essential nutrients that are necessary for health and well-being. These include light, oxygen, water, enzymes, minerals, vitamins, essential fatty acids, amino acids and glucose.

Our most important nutrient is oxygen. Oxygen converts glucose within the cells to produce our energy needs. Unfortunately, this highly efficient method is compromised by poor breathing habits. When we don’t breathe properly, the cells resort to a less efficient means of energy production, one without oxygen.

As a result, cellular health is compromised and our power wanes. To accommodate our constant energy demands, our cells naturally demand more glucose. If this is not quickly reversed, this demand for glucose can increase to a whopping eighteen times more than normal.