Acid & Alkaline Explained
There is no such thing as a "one size fits all diet."
According to the author of The Metabolic Typing Diet, William Wolcott, individual metabolism
relates to the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The autonomic nervous system is split into
two components, the Sympathetic and the Parasympathetic. The Sympathetic involves stress
hormones and is acidifying. The Parasympathetic involves digestion and is alkalizing.
We are often told that alkalizing the body is the way of health. It's not quite that simple. Have
you ever wondered why some individuals thrive on high carbohydrate, low fat diets, while
others do better on a low carbohydrate, high fat diet? What about types of protein? A high
fat, high meat diet can either make or break a person, it entirely depends on whether they are
Sympathetic or Parasympathetic dominant. In other words, what is your individual metabolic
type?
According to your metabolic type, the balance of your pH depends on which side of the
autonomic nervous system you stand; Sympathetic or Parasympathetic. Let's say you fall into
the Parasympathetic category or are Parasympathetic dominant. It means you are already
alkaline, and to eat a vegetarian based diet will tip the scales towards over alkalinity.
Conversely, if you are Sympathetic dominant, your acidity will balanced out with a vegetarian
based diet. Determining what type you are will make all the difference in your overall health.
How does one determine their metabolic type? The first indication is by way of your
Triglycerides (blood fats) during a fasting blood test. A reading above 80 indicates potential
excess insulin activity. If this is you, you're likely to be Parasympathetic dominant, which
means you easily convert your carbohydrates into fats. Naturally, a low carbohydrate diet
would suit you best. For those with a triglyceride reading below 80, a metabolic-typing test
would need to be run to determine where you stand.
The following website can help you determine this:
www.bloodph.com
It is not surprising that Parasympathetic types usually come fashioned with a strong digestive
system, allowing them to eat flesh foods, while Sympathetics do much better on vegetables
and whole grains.
While the majority of us have a dominant branch of either the Sympathetic or Parasympathetic,
others have an equal balance and they require a variety of food types.
Candida Overgrowth
What is Candida?
Candida is a type of yeast in and on your body found mostly in the large intestine. Having some Candida is perfectly normal. It is only when we have an overgrowth is when any serious risks to our health result.
These yeasts produce chemical byproducts and/or toxins typically present in very low concentrations. In the case of Candida overgrowth, such toxins are now produced in much higher concentrations. The byproducts of such yeast and bacteria are then absorbed from the intestinal tract into the blood. From there, they circulate throughout the body to all the tissues. Without question this has enormous effects to our health.
When our beneficial bacterium is depleted, usually by way of antibiotics or poor diet, yeast overgrowth occurs. Alterations of steroid hormones, including use of steroids, especially in tandem with a refined, carbohydrate diet and sugars, and especially alcohol can trigger Candida overgrowth.
Once intestinal microflora is damaged, yeast will invade. In ideal circumstances, Candida can double in quantity every half hour, so it takes very little time for it to populate a damaged intestine. Candida creates an environment that prevents the normal flora from repopulating.
Healthy levels of intestinal micro flora is needed to form many vitamins and enzymes, detoxifying compounds from food and the environment, regulate hormone levels and defend against pathogenic bacteria and fungi. To say that healthy intestinal micro flora is required for healthy hair is an understatement.
Candida overgrowth is associated with vitamin K deficiencies. The most beneficial type of vitamin K is synthesized by healthy intestinal micro flora, so naturally an overgrowth of Candida albicans or other kinds of yeast can crowd out the helpful bacteria in the digestive tract that make vitamin K. A low level of vitamin K effects calcium homeostasis. In other words, the calcium builds up on your arteries and soft tissue instead of your bonessimply due to inadequate gut micro flora to produce vitamin K.
This form of vitamin K is not from vegetation, such as phylloquinone or K1. The vitamin K you need is K2 called menaquinone. Besides intestinal produced menaquinone, dietary sources of K2 include raw butter from grass-fed sources or from Japanese natto.
A lack of vitamin K can create other disturbances such as rectal bleeding, even connective tissue disorders such as mitral valve prolapse.
It turns out menaquinones (K2) may influence hair growth. The explanation is a bit technical, just bear with me. A deficiency of Vitamin K2 results in the protein, osteocalcin being unable to bind calcium. Matrix Gla Protein (MGP), which is stimulated by vitamin K2 prevents the deposition of calcium in arterial walls. MGP is the most powerful antagonist of tissue calcification yet known to date.
Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling inhibits the anagen (growth) phase in hair follicle cycling. Matrix GLA protein (MGP) inhibits Bone Morphogenetic proteins (BMP)-2 and -4. It has been shown that Matrix Gla Protein is up regulated when the catagen (breakdown) phase is inhibited.
There is evidence that BMP-2 is responsible for vascular calcification and mineralization of the extracellular matrix, effectively calcifying soft tissue. In such a scenario, there is a loss of Matrix Gla Protein. This is where Vitamin K2 steps in and reverses this process.
The EMBO Journal (2000) 19, 6664
MMP-9 gene activation (matrix metalloproteinase-9) is triggered by Candida by design as a consequence of spreading itself. Considering that receding gums are involved with oral Candida presence, its of no surprise that getting this yeast under control will help more than just your hair; it will spare systemic inflammation as well.
Matrix Biol. 2004 Nov;23(7):477-86.
Certain Candida strain populations can be accelerated by estrogenic activity, including beta-estradiol, and even the soy isoflavone Genistein. Paradoxically, Genistein can help downregulate androgenetic activity in those without Candida overgrowth.
Candida possesses an estrogen-binding protein (EBP) that binds mammalian estrogens with high affinity. Hence, this can nullify any positive benefit from Enterolactone enhancers, such as 7-HMR (Spruce Lignans) and SDG (Secoisolariciresinol Diglycoside) fromFlax Lignans.
Microbiology. 1995; 141:2685-2692.
Candida by products produce false estrogen mimics, this in turn signals that the body has adequate estrogen levels when in fact, it only has plenty of xenoestrogens, therefore reducing its supply of good estrogens.
When the body is under stress its need for cortisol increases, this becomes a problem since over active adrenal glands will spare its progesterone supply, as it is needed to manufacture cortisol. Less progesterone means increased activity of estrogen.
The lack of progesterone compounds into an added dilemma, in this case the messenger osteocalcin. Osteocalcin is a protein produced by osteoblasts; it is needed to regulate insulin sensitivity. The more osteocalcin that is available, the more efficient insulin is at improving glucose metabolism. The amount of osteocalcin available is dependant upon the activity of osteoblasts. A low progesterone level diminishes osteoblast activity; hence lower the level of osteocalcin. Irregardless, vitamin K2 is needed as a co-enzyme in osteocalcin production, which is probably in short supply with Candida overgrowth as previously discussed.
Candida stimulates potent inflammatory compounds by activating phospholipase A2, which is activated during phagocytosis; releasing arachidonic acid for production of eicosanoids, which initiate acute inflammation. This is a recipe for hair loss through in through.
J. Biol. Chem., Vol. 281, Issue 9, 5506-5514, March 3, 2006
Candida overgrowth can produce a large number of symptoms. Some of these include hair loss, halitosis (bad breath), headaches, acid reflux, acne, anxiety, allergies, arthritis, chemical sensitivities, depression, hyperactivity, hypoglycemia, hypothyroid, fatigue, night sweats, sore throat, sinuses problems, hormone imbalances, blood sugar imbalances, flatulence (gas), gastritis, diarrhea, chronic constipation, etc.
The reason Candida has such a broad range of symptoms is besides its ability to produce nearly a hundred different toxins, the organs and tissues it affects create unlimited complications.
In very serious cases, the Candida overgrowth permeates through the gut wall, known as systemic candidiasis. The effects of this can disastrous, from organ failure to cancer. This occurs when Candida changes into the fungal form damaging the intestinal lining. Note that Candida can form into cancer.
Candida overgrowth can lead to brain fog, as the toxic by products produce alcohols and acetaldehydes. Some patients with candidiasis feel as if they are perpetually being drunk since these yeasts convert sugars into alcohol. If this werent bad enough, it also congests the liver, which further contributes to brain fog. If the liver, the filter for blood, is congested, it cannot take toxins out of the bloodstream fast enough. These toxins will pass the blood-brain barrier, depleting it of oxygen and glycogen.
Acetaldehyde is a particularly toxic substance and is a product of the metabolism and/or fermentation of carbohydrate in yeast. Acetaldehyde is thought to be the major source of tissue damage in alcoholics rather than ethanol itself. The conversion of acetaldehyde into acetic requires NAD (niacinamide), and aldehyde oxidase, which is dependent on riboflavin, iron and Molybdenum.
Candida albicans is an anaerobic organism and therefore grows more readily in an anaerobic (low-oxygen) environment. Anything which interferes with the ability of the body to carry oxygen to its tissues may enhance the growth of Candida. Molybdenum supplementation can may aid in producing a higher level of tissue oxygenation and thereby decrease the anaerobic environment in which Candida flourishes.
A simple test to find out if Candida is a potential problem, click here
To know for certain if Candida is a serious problem for you, consider getting a lab test for Candida immune complexes.
How to control Candida overgrowth
Niacinamide has a number of roles that are not well known, among them is an excellent treatment for arthritis, a cousin of vitamin B3 called Niacinamide, not regular niacin. Niacinamide may help to eradicate Candida overgrowth. Take 500 milligrams of Niacinamide three times daily.
Niacinamide can dampen inflammation by inhibiting Interleukin-1, which prevents cytokine release. Niacinamide also inhibits TNF-a (Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha), especially when coupled with N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC). Additionally, Niacinamide appears to modulate the Phospholipase A2 enzyme, cutting off Arachidonic acid, the precursor for prostaglandins, such as PGI2, and thromboxanes, which are derived from the COX-1 and COX-2 pathways.
A product of lactic acid bacteria, Butyric acid, is a short chain fatty acid, which inhibits germination and morphogenesis of Candida albicans. This means that it prevents the conversion from the yeast to the hyphal form. The hyphal form is associated with increased virulence and mucosal invasiveness.
Regulation of Candida albicans Morphogenesis by Fatty Acid Metabolites
Butyric acid stimulates more beneficial bacterial growth, and increases mineral and fat assimilation, while also curbing inflammation. Candida overgrowth in of itself will make it difficult to produce enough butyric acid. Once Candida overgrowth has been controlled, supplementing with butyric acid is very helpful to help essential lactic acid bacteria to adhere to the intestinal lining.
Butyric acid can be found in butter and kombucha tea, or as a dietary supplement. It has a rancid odor, but can restore the order and health of the gastrointestinal tract. Its especially helpful with desensitizing food allergies and to counteract yeast related depression.
Horopito (Pseudowintera colorata) is native plant of New Zealand, which have been used by the indigenous Maori to cure fungal infections. An extract of Horopito called Kolorex is found in capsule form.
Based on reports of New Zealand physicians, it has a reported 76 percent improvement rate among their patients using Kolorex capsules for the treatment of systemic Candida.
In a 1997 trial, twenty-two patients taking Kolorex capsules were compared with 10 patients administered flucanazole for treatment of chronic recurring intestinal candidiasis. At seven days, all patients in the flucanazole group showed significant improvement. At 14 days, the Kolorex group had improved comparatively-an impressive 90 percent showed the same level of improvement.
Horopito is generally well tolerated, yet some mild nausea can be expected during the first few days of use. This is called a die-off or Herxheimer reaction, which is the body's response to the toxins released by dead Candida cells.
A microbiologist, lichiroh Ohhira of Japan has formulated a product made up of fermented lactic acid bacteria, called Dr. Ohhira's, Essential Formulas Inc., Probiotics 12 PLUS. Varieties of lactic acid bacteria are extremely effective for getting Candida under control. Many users report cessation of cystic acne and better skin health overall using this product.
Iodine is antifungal and its role is essential in nutrition, yet it is underutilized today (see, thyroid section). Using liquid Lugols solution, take a test drop in water or other beverage. If there is no allergy, proceed to take 10 drops in divided doses throughout the day not exceeding three weeks. If symptoms improve, continue to take Lugol's solution at two drops per day until Candida is normalized. Lugol's solution is not easily obtained over the counter and should be 5% solution. It can be purchased here
There are many Candida control products available today aside from the whats been previously mentioned. The following are worth investigating in the event of systemic candidiasis. Note that a "die-off" reaction should be expected if you have Candida.