Many health conscious people know that citrus is rich in vitamin C and easily add that to their diet. Calcium-fortified cereals are another food that makes it easy to supplement, albeit a processed food. Millions of people take fish oil supplements daily as well. However, the average woman – especially baby boomers – are at risk of being deficient in crucial vitamins and minerals that seem to fend off certain cancers, diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease, among many. Certainly, multivitamins are often a good idea, but are you getting enough of the six nutrients profiled here?

Potassium

Only 1% of women get an adequate amount of potassium yet it can cut your risk for stroke and heart disease? Potassium does this by lowering blood pressure. One study of close to 250,000 adults concluded that increasing intake of potassium by just 1,600mg per day cut stroke risk by 21 percent! According to Frances Largeman-Roth, RD, “Most fresh fruits and vegetables have 300mg to 400mg potassium per serving”. How much potassium an individual requires depends on the individual’s age, gender and physical condition, among other variables. Fortunately, potassium-deficiency is rare. Nonetheless, it’s important to make sure you’re getting what your body needs to operate on all cylinders and to thwart off disease in some cases. Naturally it’s best to get your needed vitamins and minerals in their natural state in whole, organic foods. Potassium-rich foods include sweet potatoes, Swiss chard, cantaloupe and lima beans.

Vitamin E

Think of Vitamin E as brain food. Current research indicates that this crucial vitamin may protect against small clumps of dead cells – also known as white matter lesions. These have been linked to increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Not all fats are evil and this is especially true when it comes to Vitamin E. This is because it is mostly found in foods high in fat. If you’ve cut back on the amount of healthy fats in your diet, you could be unknowingly reducing the very essential vitamin e.  Loading up on even healthy fats without other adjustments in the diet can lead to weight gain. In order to avoid this, allow for the addition of vitamin E-rich foods by eliminating foods comprised of empty calories. These foods are primarily found in processed foods. Vitamin E –rich foods include sunflower seeds, almond butter and hazelnuts.

Choline

Choline is actually a little known yet essential vitamin. Choline is considered a micronutrient, a class of substances that are required in trace amounts for good health. This micronutrient supports the conductor of the body’s detoxification processes – the liver. There is also research to suggest that adequate choline intake may reduce breast cancer risk. In part because it’s not a well-known micronutrient, the majority of women over 50 take in only half the recommended daily requirement. Choline-rich foods include broccoli, eggs (particularly the yolks), cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, chicken and salmon.

Vitamin B12

B12 keeps your central nervous system in working order, Vitamin B12 deficiency can result in weakness, anemia and numbness. Certain groups, including people with digestive issues including celiac disease as well as those over 50 years old, seem to struggle with absorption of Vitamin E.  Almost exclusively, Vitamin B12 is found in animal-based foods. For this reason, vegans and vegetarians are often deficient in Vitamin B12. This may be one essential nutrient that requires a supplement. Vitamin-E rich foods include yogurt, chicken, shrimp and chicken as well as nondairy milks such as almond and soy milk.

Magnesium

“More than 300 of the body’s biochemical reactions require magnesium,” says Tina Ruggiero, RD.  Magnesium can reduce the likelihood of hip fractures. Magnesium also supports immune system function and helps to ward off metabolic syndrome, diabetes and other diseases. Magnesium deficiency is a commonly overlooked deficiency. This is especially true for people that are gluten-free diet. This is because whole grains can bea significant source of magnesium and individuals eating gluten-free often avoid foods made with grains. Magnesium should be taken both topically as well as internally through diet. Magnesium oil is readily available in health food stores as well as online. Epsom salt baths are also a great way to supplement magnesium through the skin. Magnesium-rich foods include spinach, Swiss chard, brown rice, cashews, black beans and avocado – a healthy fat to boot!

Vitamin D

In tandem with calcium, Vitamin D keeps bones strong. It is also well established that Vitamin D and calcium reduces the likelihood of developing osteoporosis. ­ There is also research indicating that  Vitamin D may help prevent cognitive decline and depression. Unlike other vitamins and minerals, Vitamin D is not found in a lot of foods. For that reason, many people don’t get as much as they need for optimal health. Vitamin-D rich foods include eggs, salmon, fortified dairy and nondairy milks, fortified orange juice and fortified.

References

http://www.franceslargemanroth.com/Websites/flargemanroth/templates/Design/images/Nutrients_Pop_Up.pdf

Eating in Color, Frances Largeman-Roth, RD, Stewart, Tabori and Chang, 2014, New York, NY

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Choline

Truly Healthy Family Cookbook , Tina Ruggiero, RD, Page Street Publishing, 2013, Salem, MA

The post Don’t Cheat Yourself of These Essential Nutrients appeared first on Earth's Living .

Silicon vs. Silica

Silica (SiO₂) is the oxide form of silicon (Si) found in nature and is the second most prevalent element in the environment (followed by oxygen). Silicon is classified as a non-metal, but is in a category of eight elements called metalloids. Metalloids are elements that are classified as non-metals but possess *some* properties associated with metals. For example, at high temperatures, silicon conducts electricity – a property of metals. However, at low temperatures, silicon behaves as an insulator. This unique characteristic of silicon could explain some of the ways bentonite clay works in the body. Could this attribute as a conductor be the science behind the reports by some people that drinking clay energizes them? Silicon is found in considerable amounts in bone, blood vessels, cartilage, collagen, tendons, other connective tissue, eyes and nails. It is silicon that gives tissues strength and stability to bones, skin, hair and nails.

Silica– a chemical compound comprised of silicon and oxygen atoms – is by far the most abundant mineral in the earth’s crust. Silica occurs plentifully in nature on Earth. Silica is what makes up the mineral quartz and is the predominant ingredient in glass.

Silica is essential to life, meaning it is required for the body to carry out ongoing metabolic functions. It plays a vital role in absorption of other minerals and is necessary for skeletal development. In addition, silica must be continuously supplied to the body from external sources. Silicon is considered a detoxification mineral due to its ability to penetrate deep into tissues where it assists with the elimination of toxins.

The German biochemist Adolf Butenandt’s work with sex hormones earned him a Nobel Prize in 1939. One of the conclusions his research proved is that life cannot exist without silica. Dr. Butenandt’s work proved that hormonal imbalances in humans are many times the result of a calcium-magnesium imbalance. Further studies have concluded that silica can restore this balance. Silica has also been found to help with the absorption of phosphorous. For these reasons, silica is considered a catalyst for important bodily functions related to other minerals.

Benefits of Silica

Silica is often referred to as the beauty mineral because it can improve the elasticity of the skin, as well as growth and healthiness of the skin and nails. It is also believed to improve bone health and may even prevent certain types of dementia.

Silica and Beautiful Skin

As with other minerals, silica levels in the body decrease with age unless it is supplemented. As we live longer, connective tissues in the body lose their ability to retain moisture and left unattended, degenerate. Collagen – largely comprised of silica -is responsible for helping to retain moisture in connective tissue. In turn, it is the moisture in tissue that keeps it supple and resilient. Supple and resilient skin is often associated with the prevention of premature aging. Topically, silica can be absorbed by the skin. An inexpensive alternative to potions and lotions are clay masks, clay baths and clay body wraps. All of these methods of clay application exposes the tissues beneath the surface of the skin to the silica and other beneficial minerals in bentonite clay.

Silica and Bone Health

Calcium is leached from bones in the body as a result of aging, diet or lifestyle – or a combination thereof. This results in brittle, thin and weak bones – a condition known as osteoporosis. Calcium cannot be assimilated by the body without the presence of silica. This means that taking a calcium-only supplement will neither reverse nor arrest osteoporosis. Silica can stop the pain associated with osteoporosis as well as repair the body’s own self-repairing process. Bones are primarily made up of calcium, magnesium and phosphorous in addition to silica. The role of silica in this case is to enable the deposit of other minerals into the bones – in particular calcium. Silica is actually a transport agent that is responsible for the absorption of calcium, magnesium, boron and iron by the bones.

For those that have suffered a bone fracture, silica can accelerate the healing process and reduces scarring. “Silicon supplementation increases the collagen in growing bone by 100%.” Since silica helps collagen keep it’s elasticity in connective tissues, it can also relieve associated aches and pains. It may also help keep the body limber.

Silica and Healthy Hair

A major component of hair is silica. By way of comparison, bone has 100 micrograms of silica per gram. Hair contains 90 micrograms of silica per gram (of hair). Silica revitalizes and stimulates hair growth. It also is reported to prevent balding and add strength, shine and luster to hair.

Silica and a Killer Smile

Silica helps harden tooth enamel and thereby can prevent cavities. It also hinders receding gums and gum atrophy and can prevent bleeding gums. Keeping gums healthy is important in order to prevent loosening of and eventual loss of teeth. Everyone looks better with teeth, than without!

Silica and Brain Health

Research shows that the accumulation of aluminum in the tissues of the body is directly linked to the onset of dementia including Alzheimer’s disease. Silica – the predominant element in bentonite clay – helps to remove heavy metals from the body. Moreover, there is evidence that shows that a deficiency of silica can cause aluminum to accumulate in the tissues of the body, including the brain.

Sources of Silica

Silica dioxide is the dominant element in calcium bentonite clay. Certain plants are also an excellent source of this essential mineral.  However, modern food production does not guarantee nutrient-rich produce. Ideally, plants that are grown and eaten by either people or animals are grown in nutrient-rich soil. However, commercial agriculture methods deplete the soil of these needed nutrients. In turn the plants harvested from deficient soil are themselves lacking in essential vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. Read more about the importance of minerals to good health here.

Silicon is among the elements missing from many commercially-farmed foods. Silicon is also destroyed during the processing of food. Eating organic, non-GMO foods are one way to improve the amount of silicon in the diet. Silica is found in the hulls of oats, rice and wheat. Other foods that contain silicon are bamboo shoots, alfalfa, avocados, bell peppers, cucumbers, lettuce, onions, strawberries and tomatoes. Of course, leafy green vegetables contain silica along with many other minerals and important micronutrients. Herbs that contain silica are nettles, horsetail, raw cacao and oat straw.

Summary

Silica has many anti-aging and other health-related benefits. Silica permits the uptake of important minerals by bones including calcium, magnesium, boron and iron. Silica is critical for healthy collagen, the protein responsible for the basic structure of the skin. It is the substance that holds the entire body together. Fortunately, silica can be found in a natural state in calcium bentonite clay, many fruits and vegetables as well as certain herbs. Read more about how bentonite clay can halt some of the signs of aging here.

References

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17435951

http://www.holisticwebs.com/cancer/silica.pdf

Rare Earths, Forbidden Cures, Dr. Joel D. Wallach, Dr. Ma Lan, Double Happiness Publishing, 1994, Bonita, CA

http://minerals.er.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/silica/crystalline-silica-primer.pdf

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/03/22/aluminum-toxicity-alzheimers.aspx

http://proliberty.com/observer/20071104.htm

The post Silica -the Anti-Aging Mineral in Bentonite Clay appeared first on Earth's Living .

Lyme disease is caused by bacteria received from a Ixodes tick bite. These ticks are dependent on deer to reproduce and on mice to become infected; hence the reference to deer ticks. On the West coast of the United States these are also known as black-legged ticks. Many people associate Lyme disease with the East coast, but it is in fact found throughout the United States, as well as in more than 60 countries.

Lyme disease is dependent is caused by a spirochete bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi. Lyme disease is not transmitted until the tick has fed for several hours. In addition to the characteristic skin lesion(distinctive bull’s eye) known as erythema migrans at the site of the tick bite, Lyme disease is characterized by fatigue, headache, stiffness, muscle soreness and swollen lymph glands. Neurological symptoms can develop and persist for weeks to months. Lyme arthritis causes pain and swelling in large joints and can affect the person for years. It stars as a ringworm-like spot at the site of the bite. It can be very serious if not treated. In fact, if not treated, it can spread to the heart and nervous system as well as the joints. Symptoms may not develop for a few weeks, so you should keep an eye on the bite area.

Remedies for Lyme Disease

There are two approaches to dealing with Lyme disease. The first approach is to prevent contact with ticks. The second approach is treatment alternatives after a tick bite.

Prevention

Examine your body and clothing after coming in from tick habitats such as woods or fields. Visually inspect all the nooks and crannies for ticks and remove any found promptly. Use a mirror to be sure to get a thorough visual. Even better, shower or bathe within 2 hours of coming indoors to remove ticks that may have found their way on to your person. Although they are a year-round threat, ticks are prevalent in warmer months (April to September) so be extra vigilant during these months. Don’t forget to also examine outdoor gear such as backpacks, coolers, blankets and clothing. Tumble drying clothes for up to an hour at high heat can kill any ticks on the garments.

After pets come in from outdoors – especially if they’ve been in fields or the woods – go over them with a fine-toothed flea comb. This will help to catch ticks that haven’t attached themselves yet. Concentrate around the neck and head and under the ears. Dogs are particularly vulnerable to ticks and the diseases they can cause. Since tick bites can be tricky to detect on dogs and symptoms of Lyme disease may not appear for 7 to 21 days or longer, observe your dog’s appetite and behavior for any changes. Cats are extremely sensitive to many chemicals so be sure to check with your veterinarian before applying any pesticides to them. There are various pesticide products that kill ticks that contain acaricide. These include dusting powder, sprays, topical treatments and collars. Some kill ticks on contact while others are absorbed by the dog’s blood and kill the tick when it feeds on the animal. Tick repellents called pyrethroids are also available. While these do not kill ticks, they can prevent bite wounds.

Use insect repellent when venturing out into the woods, a field or other natural habitat for ticks. There are positives and negatives that go along with all insect repellents. The number one ingredient found in commercial insect repellents is DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), which the Environmental Working Group reports is maligned for being toxic. They also report that DEET’s safety profile is better than most people realize and that in fact, it is among a very small handful of effective insect repellent ingredients. A natural alternative to DEET is oil of lemon eucalyptus. The naturally occurring substancepara-menthane-3, 8-diol (PMD) is concentrated by refining the tree oil. The EPA defines refined oil of eucalyptus as a biochemical pesticide – a naturally occurring ingredient that uses non-toxic mechanisms to control pests. Biochemical pesticides can be approved by the EPA with less safety testing than chemical pesticides. ALL insect repellents must be used with caution with small children. Follow the instructions on the label of any products purchased.

Like creating defensible space in fire-prone areas, eliminating tick habitat can be helpful in preventing tick bites. If ticks don’t have a place to live, they are likely to go elsewhere.  Specifically:

• Don’t let grass get too tall; mow it frequently
• Cut down brush and tall grasses close to the home and near the edge of a lawn
• Place patio furniture, playground equipment, sand boxes, fire pits
• Create a 3 foot defensible space of gravel or wood chips between wooded areas and the edge of the lawn
• Remove leaf litter and other organic debris
• Eliminate tick hiding places; get rid of any trash, old furniture or mattresses from the yard

A classification of pesticides known as acaricides can help reduce the number of ticks in the yard. There are acaricides that are easy to apply, relatively inexpensive and safe if applied according to label instructions. Fortunately, only small amounts of acaricides are required, however, they must be applied at the right time of the year. Specifically, acaricides are applied in the developmental stage where the tick is most likely to transmit Lyme disease. May and early June are the ideal times for application of acaricides. Alternatively, hire a pest control company to help manage ticks in your yard. Check with local health and/or agriculture agencies about the optimum time of year to apply tick-prevention pesticides in your area.

Two of the least toxic acaricides are diatomaceous earth and compounds containing phyrethin. Diatomaceous earth is the crushed fossils of diatoms. Food-grade diatomaceous earth is safe and non-toxic and works by mechanical action. It pierces the shell or exoskeleton of the tick. It then dehydrates and dies. Pyrethrins are natural chemicals that come from chrysanthemums. These do require direct contact with mites and ticks to be effective, although they are not as toxic as other insecticides.

Post-Infection Remedies

Unfortunately, there is not currently a test that can determine if there is an active infection or if the infection has been cleared up. The consensus among experts is that the earlier an infection is treated, the better the likelihood of successfully eradicating Lyme disease in an individual.

Traditional Treatment

Traditional Western medicine treats Lyme disease is with a course of antibiotics from several days to several weeks. There is controversy within the medical community whether or not Lyme disease can persist into a chronic condition. Doctors belonging to the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) do not believe Lyme disease is a chronic condition. As a result, they rarely treat a patient with a course of antibiotics for more than four weeks. In any event, any course of antibiotics should be taken with a good probiotic supplement. This helps to maintain beneficial bacteria in the gut since antibiotics kill off both good and bad bacteria.

Bee Venom Therapy

Bee venom is a poison made by the bee to scare attackers away. (This is not to be confused with wasp venom. Wasps are different insects.) Bees eat pollen and their venom is completely clean. Bee venom contains melittin, a peptide that has been found to be an extremely effective antibiotic for Lyme disease. Melittin has also been found to have effective antiviral properties for some of the other viruses that accompany Lyme disease. This therapy can be uncomfortable for the first months but become easy once reactions cease.

Calcium Bentonite Clay

When taken internally, calcium bentonite clay travels through the body and attracts toxins including parasites and bacteria. The science of how this happens is because bentonite clay has a negative ionic charge. Material in the intestinal tract with a positive ionic charge is attracted to the clay molecule. Toxic material is absorbed by the clay and attaches to the surface. The clay and attached and absorbed toxins are eliminated from the body through ordinary waste processes together.

Since Lyme disease is a bacterial infection, drinking bentonite clay may help remove it from the body. The same clay that Earth’s Living Clay sells as Drinking Powder was used in a study by Arizona State University involving methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Amazingly, it was found that the bentonite clay KILLED MRSA in the lab. A more recent study out of Arizona State University again proved that clay kills a range of pathogens, including MRSA, as well as E. coli.

Our calcium bentonite clay suitable for internal consumption is known as Drinking Powder. It is suitable for internal as well as external use.  Many of our customers use our Drinking Powder as part of their daily ritual. Typically, the way to drink clay is to mix it 1 part clay to 8 parts filtered water. This creates a ‘batch’ of clay water. Just drink 1 ounce of the clay water daily for one week. After Week 1, drink 2 ounces of clay water each day. This recommendation is ideal for healthy individuals. People trying to address health concerns may choose to drink more clay in Week 3, 4 and 5. The most important aspect is to listen to your body, since everyone is highly unique and different from one another.  Drinking clay is safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women, children and pets.

Detoxification

Detoxification will aid in giving the body room to overcome many maladies and return it to homeostasis. There are many raw foods including fruits, veggies, juices and green smoothies that aid the body’s detoxification processes. When it comes to diet and detoxification, processed foods should be avoided. Those that are feeling well and healthy should drink half their body weight in ounces of water on a daily basis. Try to drink 8 ounces of water every hour beginning first thing in the morning; set an alarm to remind yourself.

Regular use of a far infrared sauna is an easy and effective way to detoxify the tissues of the body, particularly for those who have a slow metabolism. Infrared waves penetrate the tissues several inches beneath the surface of the skin – much more so than traditional saunas. This enhances the body’s ability to burn calories as well as other natural metabolic processes. It also brings oxygen to tissue and enhances circulation.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are rarely applied directly on the skin ‘neat’ or without first being mixed with carrier oil. Good carrier oils include hexane-free castor oil, sweet almond oil, coconut oil and olive oil. If new to using essential oils, mix the essential oil 1:10 with carrier oil and monitor the response over several days.

Eucalyptus citriodora is both antiseptic and antibacterial. It can be applied to the chest twice per day. This is also a natural insect repellent.

Rosemary 1,8 cineole chemotype is high in oxides; is antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, antispasmodic and reduces inflammation. Apply Rosemary ct. 1,8 cineole at the site of the infection. If unsure of the location of the infection, apply to the bottom of the feet. This essential oil should not be used on children.

Herbal Microbials

Dr. Dietrich Klinghardt is a Lyme disease expert and has also suffered from Lyme disease himself. Dr. Klinghardt prefers use of a line of herbal antimicrobials rather than long-term antibiotic use because of the impairment of gut flora with the latter. Since his protocol cycles various herbal microbials, it is believed that becoming resistant to these is not an issue. He also recommends focusing on boosting immune system function through diet and antioxidants. Herbal microbials included in Dr. Klinghardt’s treatment include:

• PC Samento (Amazon cat’s claw)
• PC-Noni (a concentrated, energy-enhanced extract of Noni)
• Artemisinin (Sweet wormwood)
• Andrographis paniculata (King of Bitters)
• Polygonum cuspidatum (Japanese knotweed)
• Smilax glabra (Sasparilla)
• Stephania tetrandra and Stephania cepharantha (Stephania root)

Other Natural Remedies

These may be useful in treating Lyme disease:

Cilantro –a natural chelator of heavy metals.

Curcumin – reduces brain swelling and neurological toxins

Grapefruit seed extract – may treat the cyst form of the Borrelia spirochete

Krill oil – reduces inflammation

Melatonin – to help with insomnia

Probiotics – to restore healthy gut flora during and after antibiotics as well as improving immune function

Ozone Therapy

Dr. Dietrich Klinghardt claims to have rescued many people from orthopedic surgery by injecting ozone directly into the hip joint. He states that this therapy is 100% effective if Lyme disease is solely confined to the joint space. The ozone kills the spirochetes after one or sometimes two treatments.

Stress Reduction

Stress in all of its forms can be detrimental to optimal health and wellness. Battling an infection or other illness stresses the body; not feeling well also takes its toll on mental health. For these reasons, it is especially important to engage in stress reduction activities. Examples include:

• yoga
• physical exercise
• meditation
• tai chi
• listening to music
• connecting with nature outdoors.

Find a practice that you enjoy and make it part of your daily routine.

Disclaimer

Readers are advised to seek competent, professional medical advice in administering any treatment of Lyme disease. The treatment options and remedies referenced here are generic and not intended for use by anyone without professional medical help.

References

The Doctors Book of Home Remedies, edited by Deborah Tkac, 1990, Rodale Press, Emmaus Pennsylvania

Nature’s Farmacy, Lorene Davies, 2009

http://www.learningabouteos.com/index.php/2014/03/19/rosemary-essential-oil-chemotypes/

Natural Detoxification, A Practical Encyclopedia, Jacqueline Krohn, MD, Frances Taylor, 2000, Hartley and Marks Publishers Inc, Pt. Roberts, WA

http://www.cdc.gov/lyme/

https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002763.htm

http://www.ewg.org/research/ewgs-guide-bug-repellents

http://www.cdc.gov/ticks/avoid/index.html

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/10/13/under-our-skin-documentary.aspx

https://www.lymedisease.org/lyme-basics/lyme-disease/treatment/

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2015/07/29/lyme-disease-tick-epidemic.aspx

http://www.klinghardtacademy.com/images/stories/lyme/treating_lyme_without_the_use_of_antibiotics1_4.pdf

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What is Arthritis?

Quite simply, arthritis is inflammation of the joints. Joints are found at the knees, wrists, elbows, fingers, toes, hips and shoulders. Joints are also between the bones of the spine. The primary symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and/or stiffness.  Redness and swelling may also be present with arthritis. Arthritis can involve a single or several joints and can also be found in both people and animals. Typically, arthritis worsens with age. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common types and do damage to joints in different ways. Osteo- refers to bone and osteoarthritis is the breakdown of the tissues at the end of the bones where a joint is formed. Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disorder that attacks the synovium or lining of the joints. Gout is yet another type of arthritis more often found in men.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the wearing down – typically over many years – of the cartilage at the end of the bone. Hence, its association and acceleration with age. In addition, arthritis can be accelerated by infection or injury to the joint, regardless of age. Osteoarthritis is rarely found in people under 40 years old.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Auto immune disorders refer to a number of conditions wherein the immune system of the body attacks itself. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks the lining of the membrane that encapsulates the many parts of the joint or synovium. Left untreated, rheumatoid arthritis can destroy both cartilage and bone within the joint. Rheumatoid arthritis affects approximately 1% of the world’s population. Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis often afflicts people under 40, including children.

Causes of and Risk Factors for Arthritis

The following are the most common risk factors and causes of arthritis:

Age

The likelihood of developing osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout all increase with age.

Bacterial Infection

Septic arthritis is an infection of the joint caused by any one of a number of bacteria including spirochetes. Borrelia spirochete is the bacteria that cause Lyme disease, a type of infectious arthritis.  Borrelia spirochete is carried by a small tick carried by mice and deer.

Gender

As mentioned, men are more likely to develop gout. Women are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis. In fact, twice as many women as men suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. However, none of the types of arthritis discriminate and either gender can develop any type of arthritis.

There is some research that indicates that rheumatoid arthritis has a DNA component to it. Specifically, rheumatoid arthritis is linked to genes specific to the X chromosome and may explain why women are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis. (Remember from high school biology that men have an X and a Y chromosome while women have two X chromosomes – twice as many as men.)

Heredity

Those people whose brothers, sisters or parents have or had arthritis are more likely to develop it themselves. There is some factor in the genetic makeup that makes some people more vulnerable to environmental elements, e.g. toxins, which trigger arthritis.

Joint Injury

Those people and animals that have suffered a joint injury in the past are more likely to develop arthritis. Injury-related arthritis happens in the same joint where the injury occurred.

Obesity

People and animals that carry excess weight put more stress on joints including the knees, hips and spine. They are therefore more likely to develop arthritis. Think ballerina versus sumo wrestler.

Poor Nutrition

Rheumatoid arthritis can be brought on by poor nutrition. Specifically, a diet that includes meat, dairy, processed and other foods made with trans fats, salt and sugar can lead to inflammation in the body.

Stress

The onset of rheumatoid arthritis is often associated with physical or emotional stress.

Traditional Remedies for Arthritis

Traditional Western treatments for arthritis include medications, surgical procedures and physical therapy. Since part of Earth’s Living Clay’s mission is to educate people about nature’s many sources of health and wellness, we are not including details on traditional remedies for arthritis in this post. Instead, we’re focusing on natural remedies for arthritis.

Natural Remedies for Arthritis

There are two complementary approaches to dealing with arthritis – or any health condition for that matter. One is to treat the symptoms, i.e. joint pain and stiffness, restricted movement. The other approach is to eliminate those things that exacerbate arthritis.  Here are natural remedies for arthritis (listed alphabetically) that include both approaches.

Acupuncture

Some people experience pain relief from arthritis with acupuncture treatments.  Eastern medicine teaches that energy (qi) in the body travels along 20 invisible channels or meridians. There are more than 2,000 acupuncture points throughout the body that connect to these meridians. Further, when the life force or energy gets ‘stuck’, pain and/or illness result. Stimulating select acupuncture points with needles can restore balance and flow to the body and potentially ease pain.

Bentonite Clay

Calcium bentonite clay is a mineral compound that was formed tens of millions of years ago when volcanic ash came in contact with water. Throughout history, indigenous people and others have used bentonite clay as a natural medicine. In addition, progressive medical doctors and other healthcare experts have recommended clay for many ailments. Fortunately, as we are enjoying a natural health renaissance, more people are learning about bentonite clay and its many uses.

Bentonite clays have a highly alkaline pH as well as a strong negative charge. Bentonite clay can be used internally and/or externally. More specifically, some clays can be used both internally and externally and some are only suitable for external use. Importantly, not all clays are the same; there is a wide spectrum of bentonite clays on the market ranging from clays for industrial use in drilling, wells, ponds and kitty litter, to high-quality food grade clay suitable for ingestion.

Since not all clays are created equally, it’s important to know the grade and cleanliness of any clay you’ll be using. Any clay that will be consumed should expressly and specifically be stated by the supplier as safe for internal use. Request the microbial analysis from the vendor to see that the clay has been tested for pathogens. Review the mineral and microbial analysis for Earth’s Living Clay here. Odorless and tasteless, Earth’s Living Clay comes from a subsurface mine in California. Other clays come from open pit quarries and still others from dried lake beds. Some clays stay pristine underground until brought to the surface, while others may be exposed to the elements and the environment before processing. Get our clay comparison checklist to know what to ask look for when evaluating a clay for internal use.

Bentonite Clay and Arthritis

When mixed with water (or other liquid) and taken internally, calcium bentonite clay travels through the body, attracting toxins to it. This happens as a result of the negative ionic charge it has. Substances in the gut with a positive ionic charge are attracted to the clay molecules and an ionic exchange takes place. More simply, toxic material is absorbed by and attaches to the surface of the clay molecule. Together, the clay and the toxins are eliminated from the body through ordinary waste processes.

Given the evidence that there is an allergic component to some forms of arthritis, it makes sense that bentonite clay would help. The bentonite clay is likely eliminating the allergens from the gut of the arthritis sufferer, thereby removing the source of arthritic inflammation. Another action of bentonite clay in the body is stimulating circulation, i.e. blood flow. Oxygen is carried throughout the body by blood. Getting oxygen-rich blood to the joints through increased circulation helps with the cells’ proper functioning including repair and rejuvenation of healthy joint tissue.

Drinking bentonite clay does more than provide pain relief. By removing allergens from the gut, bentonite clay is eliminating what may be for some the root cause of arthritic pain and inflammation.  Unlike prescription medications that are processed by (and can overtax) the liver, bentonite clay stays in the gut and actually reduces the load on the liver by removing toxins.

For people whose arthritis is infection-based, drinking calcium bentonite clay may help remove the bacteria from the body. In fact, calcium bentonite green clay was used in a study by Arizona State University involving methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The study found that the clay KILLED MRSA in the lab. A more recent study out of Arizona State University once again demonstrated that clays can kill a range of pathogens, including MRSA, as well as E. coli.

Clay for Internal Use – Drinking Clay

Earth’s Living Clay’s Drinking Powder is a calcium bentonite clay suitable for internal consumption as well as external use.  The vast majority of people buying our Drinking Powder mix it with water and drink it as part of their daily ritual. The most common way to drink clay is to mix it 1 part clay to 8 parts water. Once a batch of clay water has been mixed, simply drink 1 ounce of the clay water daily for the first week. After the first week, drink 2 ounces of clay water daily. Two ounces of clay water daily is the right amount for ordinary health and wellness. Some people doing a cleanse or otherwise trying to address a health concern drink more than that on a daily basis. The most important aspect is to listen to your body, since everyone is highly unique and different from one another.  Drinking clay is safe for children, pregnant and lactating women, as well as pets.

Clay does not need to be refrigerated, but some say it ‘tastes’ better when cold. Clay does not expire, so there is no need to worry about how long it sits. Just shake the bottle well before drinking the clay, as it will settle when the bottle stands overnight.  The number one reason why clay doesn’t work is lack of consistency. It’s very important to be consistent with drinking clay in order to see results. How long it takes to see results varies from person to person. Some people feel a difference in a day or two. For others, it takes longer to feel differently.

Alternatively, mix ¾ teaspoon in eight to twelve ounces of water, shake well and drink the entire bottle in one day. After one week, mix 1 ½ teaspoons in eight to twelve ounces of water, shake well and drink the entire bottle. Watch for constipation – the most common ‘side effect’ from drinking clay. The amounts recommended here should not produce constipation, but everyone is as different as snowflakes. If constipation occurs, cut back the amount of clay by ½ until bowels return to normal. Constipation brought on by drinking clay is a sign that it’s ‘working’ – the clay is pulling putrefied fecal matter from the intestines that needs to come out.

Arthritis Testimonials

Here are two Earth’s Living Clay testimonials we received about using our bentonite clay as a natural remedy for arthritis.

“My husband was surprised when he experienced noticeable relief from his arthritis pain after taking the Calcium Bentonite Green Clay for only about a week and a half!”

“I can’t begin to tell you how much Earth’s Living clay has helped me. I had been suffering with allergies that are gone now. I also had joint pain in my hip, which my doctor said was arthritis, again gone. I also had some foot pain, and that too is gone. My mother was suffering from herniated disc pain in her back. She was scared that she wouldn’t be able to return to her previous state of livelihood, due to her condition. I went and stayed at her house for a week, in tow was 24 ounces of liquefied clay which I planned to have her start 3 ounces of daily. She was in so much pain that she was willing to give it a try. Within 3 days she came to me in tears, not from pain but because she was so overjoyed about her pain subsiding that she wanted to thank me. I’ll end this by extending my thanks to you, Earth’s Living. Without this clay I’m certain that my health would not be on the positive side. I never want to be without the clay again. Thanks again!” You can read more Earth’s Living Clay testimonials here.

Clay Baths and Poultices

As mentioned, Earth’s Living Clay’s Drinking Powder can be used both internally and externally. Our Bath Clay is a sodium bentonite clay suitable for external use only. We offer both types of clay since some people use bentonite clay externally only. Our Bath Clay’s mineral composition is different and it is less expensive than our Drinking Powder.

Clay baths work differently than drinking clay. As a bath, the clay still acts as a detoxifier. However, when the clay bath water comes in contact with the body, the toxins are pulled out from the tissues through the skin. Toxins, free radicals and heavy metals in the tissues are literally pulled out of the body through the skin. Clay baths work to detoxify the tissues OUTSIDE of the intestinal tract, while drinking clay detoxifies the inside of the intestinal tract.

One of the benefits of clay baths is that they increase circulation in the body, which can provide pain relief for arthritis sufferers. This is evident by the pink and sometimes red skin right after a clay bath. Pink or red skin indicates that the blood vessels are dilated and blood has come to the surface of the skin. Clay baths are safe for children, pregnant and lactating women, as well as pets.

A clay poultice or compress is bentonite clay (either for internal or external use) mixed one part clay to three parts water and blended to the consistency of sour cream.  Left to stand for several hours or overnight, the clay will ‘gel’ and thicken to use as a clay poultice. The clay gel can then be used to cover sore joints including hands, feet and knees. The clay is allowed to dry, which takes about 20 minutes. Afterwards, the clay can be rinsed off with warm water. There is no harm in leaving the clay on after it’s dried, but it does stop detoxifying once it’s dried out.

Depending on the location of the poultice, once on the joint, the poultice can be wrapped in damp gauze or a damp paper towel. This will keep the clay from drying out as quickly. The gauze or paper towel can be covered with a clean plastic produce bag or plastic wrap. A glove or sock can also be placed over the wrapped hand or foot. Warming the glove (provided it’s not rubber) or sock first, can bring additional pain relief to the sore joint.

Diet

A very small study at Royal Postgraduate Medical School, London, suggests that rheumatoid arthritis may be similar to diseases such as migraine headache and eczema, which can be allergic reactions to food intolerances. Since arthritis is a disease of inflammation, it seems logical that avoiding inflammation-causing foods and consuming anti-inflammatory foods is a worthwhile practice.

Foods to Avoid for Arthritis

• Milk – vitamin D causes sore joints
• Red meat
• Sugar
• Citrus fruits
• Paprika and cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Nightshade vegetables – eggplant, tomatoes, white potatoes, green peppers. There is a toxin in nightshades called sotanine which some people are very sensitive to, including those suffering with arthritis and psoriasis. The toxin sotanine interferes with enzymes in muscles and may cause pain.

Foods that Help Arthritis

• Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) – there are many reports of arthritis sufferers finding miraculous pain relief and joint mobility by drinking 1 teaspoon of ACV in a glass of water tree times daily, ideally before meals. Some find adding honey or other natural sweeteners help make the drink more palatable.
• Eggs
• Onions
• Garlic or asparagus – the sulfur content in these vegetables help to remove metals from the body
• Green, leafy vegetables – a much-needed source of Vitamin K
• Fresh vegetables
• Non-acidic fresh fruits
• Whole grains including oats and brown rice
• Fish – provided it has not been farm-raised, exposed to radiation in the ocean, does not accumulate mercury in its flesh and is harvested sustainably.

Essential Oils

Essential oils should never be applied directly on the body. They should be diluted in a quality carrier oil. There are many carrier oil options including grapeseed, sunflower, olive, sweet almond and castor oil. For use by an adult, try 20 drops of essential oil in 10 ml of carrier oil to start. Listen to your body and see what ratios work best for you. Remember that you can always add more, but you cannot subtract once the essential oil has been added.

Rosemary, Basil, Dill, Eucalyptus globulus, Thyme and Peppermint all work well to ease arthritic pain. Since increasing circulation in the body can help with arthritis, Coriander is recommended. Coriander is a circulatory stimulant and helps the body release toxins. Basil improves circulation as well. Black pepper is a warming oil that also stimulates circulation in the body and can provide pain relief from aching joints. Scotch Pine can help with arthritic pain. Clove Bud and Cinnamon Bark can be used solo or together and are very warming essential oils. As such they both work well at relieving pain and inflammation. Clove Bud and Cinnamon Bark are NOT appropriate for children, pregnant women or the elderly. Doctors in Europe have used Fennel to prevent and treat arthritis. This is due to its ability to prevent toxin buildup in the body, especially around the joints.

Recipe for Arthritic Stiffness by Lorene Davies

2 Drops Lavender

2 Drops Helichrysum

2 Drops Peppermint

6 Drops Carrier Oil

Mix in your clean hands and apply directly to the area of pain and stiffness. The majority of arthritis sufferers experience stiffness in the morning. To help combat this, apply oils, rubs and liniments in the evening at bedtime.

Exercise

By breaking a sweat regularly –several times a week – joints stay flexible.  Exercise is critical for helping to reduce pain as well as slow down joint deterioration. Yoga is one of the best forms of exercise for people with arthritis. It can help improve joint flexibility and range of motion. People with joint pain can swim or do water aerobics since the water helps reduce the load on weight-bearing joints during exercise. No access to a pool or the ocean? Some gyms have cardio equipment that is easier on weight-bearing joints such as the elliptical. Bicycling is another way to exercise and get moving without a lot of strain on joints. Dancing can be a great way to get moving as well as a lot of fun. For those people that prefer group exercise, you can always adjust the intensity to your liking. No need to “Keep up with the Joneses” when it comes to exercise. Then there’s the old standby of walking. Walking can be a very effective form of exercise for people of all fitness levels. Be sure to invest in a solid pair of walking shoes and orthotics, if needed. Strength training has a myriad of benefits; however traditional training with weights can be painful for arthritis sufferers. Instead, opt for isometrics. Isometrics involves tensing muscles without any visible movement. Of course, regular exercise will also help with weight loss, among other benefits. Regular exercise also increases blood circulation which can reduce inflammation.

 Far Infrared Sauna

One beneficial detox method is using an infrared sauna, particularly for those who have a slow metabolism. Infrared waves heat the body tissues several inches beneath the surface of the skin. This can enhance the body’s natural metabolic processes, including the ability to burn calories. It also enhances circulation and helps oxygenate tissues. Repeated use of the sauna slowly restores skin elimination, which can significantly help reduce toxic load. Far infrared sauna is so effective, because the heat penetrates up to 2” below the surface of the skin, to the subcutaneous fat and fat is where excess toxins live.

Steam baths, sweat lodges, vigorous exercise, and hot tubs are other options, but not as effective as far-infrared sauna. A study was done with traditional sauna and far infrared sauna. The sweat from a normal sauna showed 90 – 95% water content. Sweat from far infrared sauna showed 80% – 85% water and 15% – 20% toxins and heavy metals. As with any form of sweating, water is lost in the process. For this reason, adding some natural, unprocessed salt to the diet, to replace minerals lost in the process, is recommended. Fortunately, there are many scientific studies to back up the benefits of far infrared sauna. This has led to the inclusion of far infrared sauna in more and more wellness and even mainstream health centers.

Herbs

Herbs are another amazing gift from Mother Nature. They are readily available in the marketplace and in some cases, in your own backyard. Used correctly, they can be powerful remedies and should be used mindfully. There are several herbal remedies for arthritis, most of them for external use as a pack or poultice. Here are two such herbal remedies for arthritis. Since the majority of arthritis sufferers experience morning stiffness, it helps to apply poultices or liniment at night before bedtime.

Black Mustard

For osteoarthritis, a poultice can be made with black mustard (Brassica nigra). Simply grind the seeds to a powder and mix with water to a paste consistency. Apply the paste to a piece of brown paper and apply to painful joints. Note: This should not be used for rheumatoid arthritis.

Cayenne

Add equal parts Cayenne (Capsicum annuum) powder, mullein (Verbascum Thapsus) and slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) with enough organic apple cider vingar to moisten the mixture. Apply poultice to sore joints. If the preparation is too hot, cover the skin with organic vegetable oil prior to placing poultice on the skin. As an alternative, blend equal parts cayenne powder and glycerin and shake well. This can be applied to painful joints. As with the multi-herb blend, if preparation burns the skin, apply organic vegetable oil first.

Ice Packs

As with many forms of inflammation, an ice pack on the sore joints or extremities can bring pain relief. Simply put a handful of ice cubes each in two plastic baggies. Place them in dish towels and place above and below the sore joint for twenty minutes up to three times a day. Dr. Peter D. Utsinger of Germantown Medical Center reported that not only did this protocol relieve joint pain, but also improved joint range of motion, strength and sleep duration, when followed over four weeks.

Massage

Therapeutic massage is more for pain relief than stopping the progression of arthritis. Kneading and gentle stroking of muscles increases circulation in the body and can warm the tissues near the joints. Be sure to let your massage therapist know where you have pain so they can work those areas appropriately or avoid them, as needed.

Meditation

Since the onset of rheumatoid arthritis is associated with emotional stress, mental health practices can be helpful. Meditation can help to calm the mind as well as the body and bring clarity and a sense of peacefulness.

Sound Sleep

When our bodies sleep, an amazing array of healing processes take place. It’s critical that our bodies rest well in order to fully allow this healing symphony to happen. The best condition for most people to achieve sound sleep is a cool, dark and quiet room.

 Stretch Gloves

Some arthritis sufferers report pain relief with the regular use of stretch gloves.  These gloves for the hands are designed to reduce swelling and pain through compression. There are different types of gloves including those that leave the fingers unrestrained, those that wrap the hand as well as the wrist and a third category of gloves that give off infrared heat when activated by sunlight.

Supplements

Primrose oil or salmon oil both control arthritis pain and inflammation. Arthritis sufferers will want to consider taking a free form amino acid complex to help repair tissue. Try to find a free form amino acid complex that includes histidine, which helps to remove metals from the body.

Iron and Arthritis

British investigators found that some patients given iron dextran intravenously developed acute joint inflammation. The same was found for patients given iron sulphate orally. Another study from George Washington University found that when iron compound added to the synovial fluid aided bacterial growth in the fluid. Dr. David G. Borenstein concluded “Iron promotes the growth of the bacteria which can contribute to the inflammation associated with arthritis.” This suggests that arthritis sufferers may want to eliminate multivitamins or other supplements containing iron.

Vitamin C

Studies have revealed that rheumatoid arthritis sufferers have a deficiency of Vitamin C. This deficiency can aggravate rheumatoid arthritis. On the flip side, mega doses of Vitamin C can bring about the recession of the disease. Since the toxicity of Vitamin C is close to zero, 500 milligrams spread throughout a day would not be considered excessive and may well do wonders. Be sure to check with your healthcare professional before making changes to your supplementation protocol.

Weight Loss

For those people that are overweight, losing weight will help by decreasing the strain and wear-and-tear on the joints. The more overweight a person is, the more stress that is placed on joints. Stress on the joints in turn puts stress and pressure on the cartilage which interferes with the bone. The result is increased inflammation, pain and swelling.

Summary

There are many different types of arthritis. The most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The former is rare in people younger than 40. Rheumatoid arthritis can strike people of all ages, including children. Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are more common in women; gout – a third type of arthritis – is more common in men.

There are many natural remedies to help deal with the joint pain and swelling associated with arthritis. These include acupuncture, massage, ice packs, far infrared sauna, essential oils, stretch gloves and supplements. Other natural remedies for arthritis may help to eliminate causal factors of and reduce the progression of arthritis. These include bentonite clay, diet, exercise, meditation, sound sleep and weight loss.

With so many natural remedies for arthritis available, commit to two or three of these and give them a try for 21 days. Many of these are free or inexpensive and may be just the thing that makes living with arthritis less painful. And living free of pain makes life more enjoyable!

The information herein I intended for informational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated nor approved by the FDA. Any dietary and/or lifestyle changes and/or products mentioned should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any changes to your health care regimen.

References

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/arthritis/basics/risk-factors/con-20034095

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=165385

http://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/treatments/natural/other-therapies/mind-body-pain-relief/acupuncture-gets-respect.php

Galton, Lawrence, 1001 Health Tips, Simon and Schuster, New York, New York, 1984.

Balch, James F. & Balch, Phyllis A., Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Avery Publishing Group, Garden City, New Jersey, 1990.

http://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/arthritis-diet/foods-to-avoid-limit/

http://www.medicinenet.com/rheumatoid_arthritis_exercises_slideshow/article.htm

http://www.orthop.washington.edu/?q=patient-care/articles/arthritis/infectious-arthritis.html

Davies, Lorene, Nature’s Farmacy, 2009.

Hoffman, David, Medicinal Herbalism, Healing Arts Press, Rochester, Vermont, 2003.

Barone, Don et al. The Doctors Book of Home Remedies, Rodale Press, Emmaus, Pennsylvania, 1990.

© 2015 Earth’s Living Clay | www.earthslivingclay.com

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Drinking Clay vs. Bath Clay

Earth’s Living Clay offers clay for internal use (Drinking Powder) as well as for external use (Bath Clay). For those people that only want to use clay externally, our Bath Clay is a better value, as it costs less than our clay for internal use. The mineral content in our internal use and external use clays is different. Our Bath Clay is a sodium bentonite clay while our Drinking Powder is a calcium bentonite clay. Our Drinking Powder is also more finely milled (or crushed) and mixes better with water for drinking. Read more about the differences between sodium bentonite and calcium bentonite clay here.

The best way to determine if a clay is for internal or external use is to read the label and/or ask the supplier. Reputable retailers of edible clay will have a current microbial analysis available on their website or on request. A microbial analysis is performed by an independent laboratory and checks the clay for pathogens including e Coli, streptococcus, salmonella as well as yeasts and mold. None of the pathogens should be detectable. The report should be published on laboratory (not retailer) letterhead. Find our mineral and microbial analysis reports for our edible clay from an independent laboratory here.

Using Clay Internally

We recommend mixing our Drinking Powder 1 part clay to 8 parts water in a glass or food-grade plastic bottle. Using a kitchen funnel (or make one with a piece of paper), add dry clay to the bottle. Add water to the bottle and shake well. Drink 1 ounce of the clay water daily for the first few days to a week. Provided there is no constipation, drink two ounces of clay water daily beginning in week 2. After a few more days, another ounce of clay water may be consumed daily. Clay is meant to be taken in relatively small amounts. The thinking “If a little is good, a lot is great!” does not apply to taking clay. People that find it difficult to drink the shaken up clay water may want to try drinking the water after the clay has settled to the bottom of the jar and not shake the container prior to drinking.

Clay water can be left on the counter. Some people find clay water tastes better when cold. It does not however have to be refrigerated. Clay does not go bad. It is millions of years old. Either way, after sitting, the clay will settle to the bottom of the container. Simply shake the bottle prior to pouring it. Do not store hydrated clay in metal containers. Prolonged exposure to metal can result in clay pulling unwanted metallic elements from the container and into the clay.

How to Calculate 1 to 8

The easy way to calculate one to eight is to divide the size of the bottle you’re using by eight. With an eight ounce bottle, one part clay to eight parts water means mixing one ounce of clay with eight ounces of water. Add one ounce (2 tablespoons) of clay to the bottle. One ounce is equal to two tablespoons. Fill the eight ounce bottle with water and shake well. With a 32 ounce bottle, put in 4 (32/8) ounces of dry clay and fill the bottle and shake well. See the table below
for more on this.

Container Size in Ounces                  Dry Clay in Tablespoons
8                                                                 2
12                                                                 3
16                                                                 4
32                                                                8

Our recommendation of 1 part clay to 8 parts water is just that – a recommendation. You may find you like less clay and more water or vice versa. The important thing is to listen to your body
and find a formula and amount of clay that suits you. People have very different constitutions and everyone needs to listen to their body to know what is best for them.

An Alternative Method

Some people prefer to mix their clay as they drink it, which is fine. In this case, mix ¾ teaspoon dry clay with at least eight ounces of water. Shake well and drink the entire bottle. You may find you like more water, which is also fine. Keep the dry clay amount at ¾ teaspoon for the first week. During week two, you may choose to add 1 ½ teaspoons of clay to eight ounces of water. Shake well and drink the entire bottle in a day. You will find it best to add the dry clay to a bottle, then add the water, then shake. Adding the dry clay to a glass and stirring will likely result in clumps. Clay is best mixed with water by shaking.

Externally

Baths

Clay baths are an excellent and relaxing way to detoxify, exfoliate the skin, relieve sore muscles and joints and increase circulation. We recommend using 8 ounces of clay in a bath for an adult to begin with. Simply pour the clay into the running water right under the spigot. Get in the bath and stay at least 20 minutes. More clay can be added to subsequent baths, depending on the results from the first bath. Clay baths can be taken a few (three to four) times a week if desired. Listen to your body, as people have entirely different constitutions.

Clay baths are also safe and effective for children. There is some anecdotal evidence that clay baths help children with autism. The amount of clay added to the bath must be adjusted for children based on their body weight. Read more about clay baths for children here.

Clay is OK in both septic systems and in sewers. Be sure to rinse the bath tub well to make sure the clay has made its way all the way out to the street (in the case of sewer) or septic tank.

Poultices

Clay can be mixed one part clay to three parts water and made into a paste or gel. Use a plastic, rubber or wooden utensil to mix the clay and water. A rubber spatula works well too. Mix to the consistency of sour cream. When feasible, let the clay sit overnight as it will thicken. Do not store hydrated clay in metal as the clay can pull metallic elements out of the container and into the clay.

Clay mud (our Wound Warrior) can be applied directly to open wounds, burns, scrapes, cuts, scratches, fractures, bruises, bug bites and infections both on people and animals. It can be applied topically as well as orally, vaginally and anally. In the case of a dental problem such as an abscess, for example, the clay poultice can be placed on the outside of the cheek at the site of the sore tooth.

Clay works as long as it’s hydrated. We recommend putting a damp piece of gauze or paper towel on top of clay poultices. Cover the gauze or paper towel with a clean plastic bag or plastic wrap to keep the moisture in. It’s perfectly safe to leave the clay on for extended periods of time.

There is no harm leaving the clay on after it has dried. Our Wound Warrior is a clay poultice. We also have a line of Therapeutic Muds that is our Wound Warrior with specific combinations of essential oils to help with specific conditions such as brown spots, sore muscles, psoriasis and hot spots (for dogs).

Some people find having clay mud in their first aid kit can be a lifesaver. Clay mud can safely be stored as in a tightly sealed glass (preferable) or food-grade plastic jar. Should the clay dry out (which it might over a year or more), just rehydrate with clean water. Clay does not go bad – it’s millions of years old.

Summary

Bentonite clay is an amazing gift from nature. It has so many uses, it boggles the mind. With so much versatility for both adults as well as children – and even pets – there’s no reason not to have some on hand. It has been used safely for centuries by indigenous cultures and is a “go-to” remedy in modern times as well.

© Earth’s Living Clay 2015 | www.earthslivingclay.com

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1. Detox your body.

The body accumulates chemicals, (pesticides) toxins, heavy metals, artificial ingredients, etc. By detoxing on a daily basis, you can get rid of those poisons and have a body free of most chemicals and heavy metals. I use Earth’s Living Clay’s Drinking Powder to detox my body on a daily basis but everyone has to find what detox works best for them.

2. Make your own natural cleaning supplies.

Look up the DIY natural cleaning supplies on the internet. They are healthier and far less expensive than the harsh, chemical ridden cleaners on the supermarket shelf. My favorite general cleaner is made up of a half cup of lavender flowers and a half cup of thyme and a pint of white vinegar. It cleans everything, including windows and mirrors and it smells wonderful.

3. Make your own make-up.

It’s easy to do and you will save a ton of money in the process. You can go online and look for the DIY natural make-up. As a matter of fact, I will be holding a special class sometime this Spring, to teach everyone how to make their own make-up with zero chemicals in it. Follow me on the Northland Getting Well Support Group on Facebook to learn more.

4. Trade in your box of iodized table salt for sea salt.

Iodized table salt is overly processed and stripped of salt’s minerals which could otherwise help stabilize blood pressure. On the other hand, unrefined and unadulterated salt – in moderate amounts – can create an internal environment hostile to pathogens.

5. Change your pots and pans to stainless steel.

Teflon and aluminum pans bring unwanted heavy metals into your body. Budget one new stainless steel pan a month until you have a whole set.

6. Use Himalayan salt lamps.

Himalyan salt lamps purify the air and are less expensive than electronic air purifiers. I have one in my bathroom (also as a night light) and one in my office area (where I spend most of my time).

7. Get some (more) house plants.

Certain house plants help purify the air in your home or apartment, in addition to adding beauty and nature to your internal environment. Shoot for one plant for every 100 square feet of office or home space.

8. Invest in a good water purifying system.

If you rent or live in an apartment, purchase a water pitcher (I have Zero Water pitcher which actually tells you when to purchase a new filter for it). If you own your home, consider installing an RO water system and if feasible, a whole-house water filtration system.

9. Purchase a shower filter.

If your drinking water is full of chemicals, so is the water coming out of your shower. You can purchase a shower filter for when you take showers and wash your hair. (I use Aquasana). You can also fill your bathtub with water from the shower head so you’re not bathing in water with chlorine, flouride and other toxic chemicals.

10. Use coconut oil.

Coconut oil can be used for so many things besides cooking! I use it as a moisturizer on my face every morning. I put it in my hair and let it moisturize my hair. I leave it in for about 2 hours before shampooing my hair. No conditioner is needed since your hair will be so soft. In the winter time are feet are usually covered, with socks, shoes, or slippers in the house and the feet have a tendency to dry out. Rub coconut oil on your feet every evening before going to bed for softer, smoother feet.

11. Use herbal medicines in place of pharmaceutical drugs.

Look to nature first for your health and wellness. Mother Nature has gifted us with MANY natural remedies and they’re easy to find online. Many times on the Northland Getting Well Support Group on Facebook page, we include small tips on how to make your own cough drops, cough syrup, headache remedies, etc.

12. Reconsider vaccination.

Vaccines are loaded with stuff that our body doesn’t want or have any need for. Improving your immune system will do far more for you than any vaccine can do.

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This information and products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

About the Author

  Jan Fox has been a fan of clay for many years. In fact, she’s not sure exactly where she learned about it. As a prolific researcher, she assumes she learned about clay while investigating some thing or    another. In her search for the very best clay, she found Earth’s Living Clay. From Jan’s point of view, staying healthy now pays big dividends as we age, not to mention that natural remedies are much less    costly than traditional, Western medical treatments for chronic illness and disease.

Jan teaches chair yoga to other seniors where she lives. Jan started doing yoga in 1968 and became an instructor in 1970. Jan is also now teaching chair yoga at a nearby fitness center in Kansas City and  another yoga studio in Liberty, MO. Jan is also an herbalist, having studied herbalism for 5 years. She enjoys making tinctures, salves and other herbal remedies for herself and friends and family. People  living in the Kansas City area can buy Earth’s Living Clay from Jan by connecting with her through the Northland Getting Well Support Group on Facebook page.

The post 12 Small, Simple Steps To Becoming Healthier appeared first on Earth's Living .

The kidneys perform critically-important functions in both people and animals. The kidneys:

• filter blood and waste products
• help regulate blood pH
• maintain and regulate the body’s water balance
• help regulate blood pressure.

The kidneys also produce a hormone called erythropoietin which is important in red blood cell production. pH is a measure of either acidity or alkalinity of a liquid such as urine, blood and saliva. Optimal pH is best between the very narrow range of 7.3 and 7.5. Read more about pH here.

Who Gets Kidney Disease

Unfortunately, some breeds of cats and dogs are predisposed to kidney problems. Persian cats, for example, are genetically predisposed to kidney problems. However, any animal can develop kidney disease. Kidney damage can be sudden (acute) or it can develop over time (chronic). Sometimes the two conditions can co-exist, such as if an animal with chronic kidney disease suddenly gets a urinary tract infection. Acute kidney injury is usually seen in young and middle-aged animals, since they tend to be more likely to ingest toxic substances. Chronic kidney disease is more common in middle-aged to older animals. Although statistics are lacking for dogs, there are statistics that report chronic kidney disease affects between 10% and 15% of dogs. Chronic kidney disease may affect between 35% and 50% of cats older than 15 years old. It follows that as cats are living longer, this percentage is also growing.

What Happens When Kidneys Are Damaged

While some body parts (liver, bones, arteries, e.g.) can be repaired, the kidneys have a limited ability to repair themselves. Healthy nephrons – the thousands of functional units that make up the kidneys – can increase their output and compensate for damage to a degree. However, if one part of a nephron is damaged, the entire nephron becomes non-functional. If too many nephrons are damaged, kidney function deteriorates, sometimes permanently.

Two Types of Kidney Disease

There are two types of kidney failure – acute and chronic. Both types are dangerous illnesses that can afflict horses, cats, dogs and other animals.

1. Acute Kidney Disease

Acute kidney disease is marked by an all-of-a-sudden failure of the kidneys. Typically this happens when an animal consumes something poisonous or toxic. It can also result from exposure to Leptospirosis, a very serious yet rare bacterial infection. During the process of urine being formed, the bacteria spreads to the kidneys and damages them.

Causes of Acute Kidney Disease

Toxins such as anti-freeze, grapes, raisins, and lilies are well known examples of toxins that are very damaging to the kidneys. Lilies are problems with cats specifically, however, not all species of lilies are toxic. Tiger lilies and star gazer lilies are toxic but peace lilies are not. However, the kidneys can be affected by non-fatal exposure to toxins, medications (even when given at appropriate doses), prolonged dehydration and low blood pressure. The sweetener Xylitol is toxic to cats, for example. Examples of drugs that can be toxic to the kidneys include platinum-based chemotherapy agents and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) like aspirin, carprofen and meloxicam. Other causes of acute kidney injury include infections, including bacterial infections, Lyme disease, leptospirosis and feline infectious peritonitis and trauma. Prolonged decreased blood flow, such as when an animal is hit by a car or other prolonged blood loss can also damage the kidneys.

2. Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease happens kidney function deteriorates over a period of time. In cats, this is known as chronic renal failure. With dogs, this is known as chronic kidney failure. Chronic kidney disease can be the result of consuming something toxic over a period of time or repeated exposure to heavy metals or other poisons. A long- standing, undiagnosed infection can lead to chronic inflammation which can also result in chronic kidney disease.
Animas’ diets are as important to their health they are to human health. The wrong diet or one that consists of cheap and substandard protein can tax the kidneys’ capacity for breaking down waste products. This results in excess nitrogenous waste in the system. Symptoms of chronic kidney disease include loss of muscle mass, weight loss and loss of appetite, stemming from excess nitrogen in the body.

Causes of Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease is defined as abnormal kidney function that is present for more than three months. Aging is one of the most common, if not the most common, cause of chronic kidney disease. As noted above, other causes include a history of previous trauma or damage to the kidney, infectious agents like leptospirosis, Lyme disease and drug or toxin exposure. This can include chemotherapy drugs and for this reason, drug use must be monitored carefully. There are some unusual causes of chronic kidney disease including immune-related diseases and, in rare cases, even cancer. Some breeds of dogs and cats have inherited kidney abnormalities that can result in altered kidney function. Abnormal kidney function is sometimes noted in these animals at a very early age, but in others it can take years for signs of disease to become apparent.

Signs of Kidney Disease

• Increased thirst (chronic)
• Increased urination (chronic)
• Decreased urination (acute)
• Decreased appetite as a result of waste products building up in the blood
• Depression, lethargy as a result of waste products building up in the blood
• Vomiting, nausea as a result of waste products building up in the blood
• Halitosis (bad breath) that has a distinct odor known as uremic breath
• Mouth and stomach ulcers. The kidneys produce a hormone that creates the acid to break down food in the stomach. If the kidneys are not working properly and that hormone is not removed, it continues to cycle through the body and this excess acid can create ulcers.
• Pale gums (chronic)
• Discolored urine, straining to urinate.

How Kidney Disease is Diagnosed

Kidney disease is diagnosed through a combination of:

• physical examination findings
• history of the animal
• laboratory analysis.

Physical examination findings are often non-specific, but the history provided by the pet owner can be extremely helpful. Blood tests and urinalysis are the cornerstone of diagnosis. These tests look at nitrogen and creatinine values in the blood and compare them to urinalysis results. Kidney blood values like blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine can be elevated, but doesn’t necessarily mean there is kidney disease present. A classic example of this is dehydration. In that case, the kidneys are absorbing as much water as they can such that the urinalysis shows very concentrated urine. Conversely, high blood values and normal urinalysis values are a red flag for kidney disease.

Ultrasound examination of the kidneys is a newer diagnostic test that helps determine the underlying cause of kidney dysfunction. This is because the kidneys often develop very distinct changes with the onset of kidney disease. Other tests performed might include blood pressure measurement, a urine culture (if infection is suspected) and urine protein measurement.

As noted above, although the kidneys repair very well, they do have a great reserve capacity. Together, the two kidneys can compensate for a loss of about 67% of TOTAL kidney function before any noticeable signs appear. This is why people and animals can live with just one kidney and why kidney transplantation is so successful in humans. Once the loss of function hits 67%, increased water consumption is observed. After 75% of the total capacity is loss, blood values of certain metrics change.

Some veterinarians may order special tests such as a culture of the urine or a test for Lyme disease or leptospirosis.

Prognosis for Dogs and Cats with Kidney Disease

Unfortunately, the prognosis remains poor for dogs and cats with acute or severe kidney injury, with mortality rates around 50%. However, for those pets that survive, prognosis is reported as very good. There are a few reports that suggest that some pets may have residual kidney damage, but do not show any signs of kidney disease. For chronic kidney disease, prognosis tends to vary but with treatment is often very good for cats. The prognosis closely correlates to the IRIS scale for cats. (See explanation of IRIS scale below.) Unfortunately, for dogs the prognosis is poor overall, even when treated.

How Kidney Disease is Treated

Traditional Treatment

A common treatment designed to flush the excess nitrogen waste in the body is through subcutaneous or intravenous fluids. If after 48 hours of IV fluid treatment, if the BUN metric goes down by only 10 to 15 points, it’s likely that the kidneys are permanently damaged. Continuing this therapy could cause unneeded suffering for the pet. Often veterinarians recommend a special diet. In the past, low protein diets were recommended. The thinking was that a low protein diet reduced the work required by the kidneys to break down protein. Dr. Al Plechner, DVM, recommends small quantities of high quality protein, given more frequently. He believes this is less injurious to the remaining functioning units (nephrons) of the kidneys. A high quality protein for a pet suffering with kidney disease has the same characteristics that a high quality protein for people has. They are:

• Hormone- and antibiotic-free
• Grass-fed
• Organic.

Dietary therapy is the therapy most likely to increase long-term survival in pets with advanced disease. It does not PREVENT disease, but slows the progression for those animals that have been diagnosed with kidney disease. These special diets have less protein, phosphorous and sodium. They have increased B vitamins, soluble fiber, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids and for cats, more potassium. Another concern with kidney disease is phosphorous retention. For this reason, any diet for the animal with kidney disease needs to be low in phosphorus.

Inflammation is not good anywhere in the body, but is particularly bad for pets with kidney disease. There are several anti-inflammatory remedies to help. Omega-3 fatty acids are routinely given. It is not unusual for them to be administered Vitamin E to enhance their anti-inflammatory function. Currently, many vets are also recommending krill oil as a substitute for fatty acids. Another problem encountered with kidney disease is that potassium levels drop dangerously low. This needs to be monitored as well. In some cases, potassium gluconate is recommended.

Treating Acute Kidney Injury

The goal in treating acute kidney injury is to stimulate urine production. This can be accomplished through:

• Fluid support
• GI protectants or antacids
• Treatment of the underlying toxicity, if possible. These must be administered fairly soon after ingestion.
• Dialysis buys time while the team is working to get the kidneys to work again.

Treating Chronic Kidney Disease

A group of veterinarian specialists created the International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) to try and standardize the terminology related to chronic kidney disease. A common language helps to compare results of various studies, when everyone has the same understanding of what terms mean. IRIS created a staging system for chronic kidney disease with the goal of customizing treatments based on the stage the animal is in. The IRIS staging scale is based on:

• Blood creatinine levels – creatinine level is a close marker of kidney function
• Protein levels in the urine – as kidneys start to fail, protein may leak into the urine. This may be an early marker of kidney disease.
• Blood pressure.
(Recently IRIS developed a similar staging scale for acute kidney injury.)
The treatment of chronic kidney disease focuses on slowing down the progression of kidney dysfunction, as well as improving quality of life. Treatment of chronic kidney disease (in both dogs and cats) may include:
• Dietary changes – the most beneficial treatment, particularly because of its ability to slow down the progression of disease. This has been proven with many good studies. This is the therapy most likely to increase long-term survival in patients with advanced disease.
• Fluid therapy -tends to work best in cats. This is more for making the animal feel better, not so much to stop the progression of the disease.
• Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation
• Correction of any underlying diseases
• Treatment of hypertension, if present
• Phosphorus-binding agents – phosphorous tends to increase late in kidney disease and is generally found in proteins. Kidney disease diets are often low in protein for this reason.
• Correction of anemia.

Additional Traditional Therapies for Kidney Disease

• Drug treatment with Calcitriol, a form of vitamin D used to treat low levels of calcium in the blood
• Surgery – if a stone is in the kidney
• Lithotripsy – a form of shock wave therapy (doesn’t seem to work well with cats)
• Dialysis – more prescribed for acute (rather than chronic) kidney disease
• Renal transplantation – very expensive and more often seen with cats but has really fallen out of favor.

Calcium Bentonite Clay as a Natural Complement to Traditional Treatment

Traditional medical treatment can help the animal to cope with some symptoms. Adding calcium bentonite clay is a natural remedy that can bring relief to many of the symptoms that come with kidney failure. There is scientific research that has shown that calcium bentonite clay may be useful in averting osteoporosis. A huge positive with using calcium bentonite clay is that there are essentially NO contraindications to using it. Food-grade calcium bentonite clay is actually safe enough for pregnant and breastfeeding women to use. It is completely safe and non-toxic.

For those veterinarians and pet owners that want natural remedies to both prevent and treat kidney disease, Dr. Plechner recommends using calcium Montmorillonite bentonite clay. He believes adding clay to the animal’s diet enhances traditional kidney disease treatment in dogs and cats in the following ways:

Improves Absorption of Micronutrients

All clays originate from volcanic ash. The calcium Montmorillonite clay that is mined in California near Death Valley has baked in the hot sun literally, for centuries. Experts believe this exposure to these high desert temperatures permits the micronutrient to lose one molecule of water. This in turn creates a negative ion in the clay molecule that allows the micronutrient – once ingested – to enter the cell through the cell membrane. Other essential nutrients are aided in crossing the cell membrane as well, as a result of this negative ionic charge.

Detoxification

Calcium bentonite clay neutralizes harmful toxins that enter the body. This can happen through breathing, eating or through the skin. Bentonite clay is inert when dry. However, once hydrated, the negative ionic charge comes alive, hence the term ‘living clay’. As the clay moves through the digestive tract, it attracts positively charged elements such as harmful bacteria, allergens and parasites Earth’s Living clay both adsorbs and adsorbs toxins. Positive ions are exchanged with negative ions. Together, the clay and the toxins exit the body through normal elimination channels.

Elevated Nitrogen

Nitrogen accumulates in the blood stream since the failing kidneys cannot process it all. This elevated nitrogen can result in many problems. The measure of nitrogen is BUN or blood urea nitrogen. Excess BUN irritates mucous membranes in the intestines and stomach. Elevated nitrogen also hinders red blood cell production and the pancreas can become inflamed. Many veterinarians prescribe Carafate to treat such irritation. Calcium bentonite clay contains many trace minerals and it too can provide soothing. However, unlike Carafate, calcium bentonite clay is 100% natural.

Gastrointestinal Irritation

As mentioned above, elevated BUN in the system often irritate the gastrointestinal tract. This irritation can result in vomiting and diarrhea, as well as nausea. Calcium bentonite clay is well known as an anti-diarrheal and will also soothe the intestines. Calcium bentonite clay can also help with absorption of food, which is critically important during times of stress and illness.

Mineral Imbalance

Kidney disease often creates an imbalance in the ratio between potassium and calcium. Calcium bentonite clay provides both potassium and calcium, which can help correct any imbalance of these two minerals as a result of failing kidneys.

Osteoporosis from Phosphorous Retention

Often, animals suffering from kidney disease retain phosphorus, which is a serious issue. When functioning well, the body works to maintain a ratio of 1:1 or 1:2 of calcium to phosphorus. When an animal is retaining phosphorous as a result of kidney disease, the body frequently removes calcium from bones. This is an attempt by the body to maintain the normal 1:1 or 1:2 ratio. When this happens, the result is osteoporosis.

Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology and Fim Biotect in Germany found that clay was equally as effective at binding phosphorous as conventional binders. They also concluded it was safer than conventional phosphorous binders. Specifically, these researchers determined that clay can be used for longer periods of time than conventional binders. They go on to say that it can help stabilize patients with kidney disease and improve kidney function.

According to Dr. Plechner, including calcium bentonite clay (which is high in chelated calcium), can reduce bone loss that occurs due to phosphorus retention. Bentonite clay is often used regularly by both pets and people that suffer from osteoporosis or lack of bone density but do not have kidney disease. NASA commissioned a study of calcium Montmorillonite clay in the 1960s. There was a concern with astronauts developing osteoporosis from lack of gravity for extended periods. Those researchers concluded that consuming calcium bentonite clay did stop pathological changes in the long bones of the animals studied. They found that it also helped to correct loss of bone density.

Bacterial Infections

Arizona State University has studied the ability of calcium bentonite green clay to kill Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ( MRSA) E.coli, salmonella and staph. Calcium bentonite clay is anti-bacterial and as such, it can kill bacterial infections in the kidneys. Amazingly, it also neutralizes toxins molecules that build up in the body during kidney disease.

Summary

Kidney disease can afflict both dogs and cats at any age. Acute kidney disease is more common in younger animals, while chronic kidney disease is more common in older animals. There are numerous causes to kidney disease in cats and dogs and there are different treatments available. Calcium bentonite clay is a natural remedy that can complement traditional treatment for kidney disease. In addition to help animals suffering with kidney disease, calcium bentonite clay can help with other ailments including arthritis, parasites, itching, yeast infections and diarrhea. Calcium bentonite clay can also be used daily for general health and wellness. Visit our testimonials page to see all of the ways our calcium bentonite clay has helped people and their pets.

References

Kidney Disease: Diagnosis and Treatment, Dr. Kelley Diehl, DVM, MS, DACVIM
How Does Clay Help Reverse Kidney Disease?
www.drplechner.com
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/kidney-disease
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a682335.html

© Earth’s Living Clay 2015 | www.earthslivingclay.com

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What is Acidosis?

Acidosis is a condition where there is too much acid in bodily fluids. On the flip side, alkalosis is the condition where there is too much base in bodily fluids. Extreme imbalances in either direction can indeed be life threatening, but fortunately, are rare. However, chronic, low levels of imbalance in either direction can manifest in serious health conditions if not addressed. It is much more common in Western cultures to find imbalances on the side of acidosis.

Acidosis, Diet and Cancer

It is well known that dietary factors directly impact risk of cancer. Certain dietary choices can change the balance between acid and base in the body over time. Acidic diets – high in animal protein and salt and low in fruits and veggies – can result in a state of metabolic acidosis. There are no studies that directly link acidosis brought on by diet and cancer. However, an acid-base imbalance has been shown to change molecular activity in the body in such a way to promote tumor production or carcinogenesis. “Acidity is a well-known factor associated with cancer. Specifically, lower pH levels (acid) promote the invasive and metastatic potential of cancer cells.”[1] Most fruits and vegetables are net-base producing foods. Asparagus is one example of an alkaline food. On the other hand, meat, eggs and dairy products are net-acid producing foods. Potassium salts and magnesium both serve to counter net acid production and help to promote alkaline balance. Cancer, candida, yeast, mold, fungus, viruses, bacteria and parasites cannot survive in a pH of 7.0 or above! Read more about what pH is and why it’s important here.

Respiratory Acidosis

Ordinarily, the lungs and kidneys maintain the proper pH level of acids and bases. A normal pH level in the body is 7.4. When functioning well, the lungs eliminate excess carbon dioxide (an acid) from the body. The inability of the lungs to remove excess carbon dioxide results in respiratory acidosis. Symptoms of respiratory acidosis include lethargy, fatigue, sleepiness and shortness of breath.

Metabolic Acidosis

Another condition marked by excess acid in the body is metabolic acidosis. This can result from the kidneys being unable to remove all of the acid produced by the body. Metabolic acidosis indicates the presence of an underlying condition that may include diabetes, kidney disease, and severe dehydration or poisoning by methanol, aspirin or ethylene glycol (anti-freeze). A buildup of lactic acid in the body is a type of metabolic acidosis. It can be brought on by excess alcohol consumption, strenuous exercise for a long time, hypoglycemia, cancer, medications, or liver failure or seizures among other things.

In the United States and other Westernized cultures, persistent, low-grade acidosis is the norm when it comes to acid-base imbalance. This is often the result of an ongoing buildup of excess metabolic acids. This is often seen as people age and the kidneys weaken. However, it can happen in younger people with the overconsumption of acid-forming foods including refined food, protein, grains, sugar, coffee and alcohol.

Harmful Effects of Acidosis

The body does an amazing job balancing pH and works to rid the body of excess acid. In the course of doing this over and over and over in individuals in a perpetually acidic state, it depletes the body’s alkali mineral reserves. This in turn has negative consequences. Listing every problem that can result from chronic, low grade acidosis is beyond the scope of this post. The harmful effects of an overly acidic body shown here were chosen because bentonite clay can help address them. Several studies have identified these conditions as resulting from acidosis:

• Loss of calcium, dissolution of bone and development of osteoporosis
• Loss of potassium and magnesium stores which can result in a tendency towards high blood pressure and inflammation and the associated pain that can bring
• Increased production of free radicals which can exacerbate inflammation and pain
• Imbalance of bad gut flora (bacteria) and associated digestive issues
• Creation of breeding grounds for various type of viruses, which thrive in an acidic environment
• Encouraging growth and spread of yeast and fungi
• Increased acidity in the mouth that can cause an imbalance of oral bacteria and in turn increased dental decay and gum disease
• Suboptimal liver detoxification

How to Prevent Acidosis with Calcium Bentonite Clay

One of the most important facts about Earth’s Living Clay’s Drinking Powder is that it has a pH of 9.7. This makes our calcium bentonite clay on the base end of the pH scale. For those with an overly acidic system, raising the pH of the body can be accomplished by consuming calcium bentonite clay with a high pH. Keep in mind that not all clays are created equally, so ask what the pH is of any clay being considered. Want to know what else to consider when researching clay? Get our Clay Comparison Checklist here.

In the 1960s, NASA commissioned a study to help counter the damaging effects of weightlessness on astronauts’ bone health. Experiments were conducted on rats, hamsters, mice and miniature pigs. Researchers concluded that there were beneficial effects of clay supplementation. Specifically they found that clay supplementation prevented pathological changes in the long bones of the animals. Researchers also found that the clay contained some factor/s other than calcium that improved the utilization of calcium and/or bone formation.

Earth’s Living Clay is a compound of trace mineral elements including magnesium, calcium, and potassium. Trace minerals refer to the amount, which is very small or minute. The minerals are in a form (oxide) wherein they are tightly bound together, making them not bioavailable to the body. Bioavailable refers to the ability of a drug, herb, supplement, etc. to reach the circulatory system. For this reason, calcium bentonite clay is not considered a mineral supplement. However, there is anecdotal evidence that consuming calcium bentonite clay does remineralize bones and teeth. Find the book How I Healed My Teeth Eating Sugar that explains this here.

Calcium bentonite clay is a powerful yet safe detoxifier. It has a strong negative ionic charge that attracts positively charged ionic molecules to itself. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells in the body and have a positive ionic charge. Calcium bentonite clay absorbs and adsorbs free radicals in the body. There are also pathogens in the body including both ‘bad’ bacteria and viruses that can cause disease. E-coli and listeria are two such bacteria that cause illness in the body. Calcium bentonite clay can not only absorb and adsorb these pathogens, but it has been shown to be one of the only effective treatments against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Arizona State University has been studying bentonite clay to understand its powerful anti-bacterial effect.

Yeast is present in the gut and can grow on the surface in and around every living thing. Like bacteria, not all yeast is something horrific and to be feared. However, under certain conditions, yeast can grow out of control and wreak havoc on the body.   A common yeast overgrowth occurs with Candida albicans. There seems to be a strong link between candida and fibromyalgia, for example. Read more about candida here. There are several changes that need to be made to rid the body of candida, but all sound candida programs begin with detoxification of the body. Calcium bentonite clay is a safe yet effective detoxifier of the gut when consumed internally. It can also detoxify tissue when bathed in or used as a body wrap.

 Earth’s Living Clay’s Drinking Powder has a pH of 9.7, making it highly alkaline. Brushing the teeth with our Drinking Powder or our Tooth Polish are effective ways to add alkalinity to an overly acidic mouth. In addition to absorbing excess bad oral bacteria, there are reports of bentonite clay stopping erosion of the teeth caused by excess acid in the mouth. Some have even reported remineralization of the teeth from consuming clay.

The liver is the conductor and orchestrator of the detoxification functions in the body. Everything that goes into the body is processed by the liver; it works tirelessly to convert harmful chemicals to water soluble waste so it can be eliminated. When taken internally, calcium bentonite clay eliminates toxins, parasites, allergens and other harmful elements from the intestines. In this way, it lessens the load on the liver. Consider this analogy: Some cities (like San Diego) have curbside recycling of yard waste.  That is greenery that would otherwise go in the regular trash. By diverting the green waste into other bins for another truck to pick up, it lessens the amount of garbage the regular trash collectors need to process. Bentonite clay is a detoxifying agent that picks up a lot of the garbage so that it doesn’t have to be processed by the liver. Read more about how clay supports liver health here.

Summary

Imbalances in the pH level of body fluids – in either direction – can negatively impact health. In modern times, excess acid is far more common and a fairly easy state to enter. The good news is that mindful eating habits can go a long way towards preventing and reversing acidosis. Earth’s Living Clay’s Drinking Powder has a pH of 9.7, making it an alkaline compound. Consuming calcium bentonite clay can counter some of the negative effects of acidosis. It does this by ridding the intestines of unwanted and harmful pathogens including bad bacteria, yeast and molds, thereby easing the work of the liver. Calcium bentonite clay also remineralizes bones and teeth.

Calcium bentonite clay is a safe and natural remedy that helps the body return to homeostasis so that it can heal itself. A well-functioning body is in a better position to deal with the daily assaults encountered in our modern world. Can something so basic really be so beneficial? The answer is yes! Read our testimonials to learn how others have used Earth’s Living Clay to improve their health.

References

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001181.htm

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3571898/

Brown, Dr. Susan E. and Trivieri, Jr. Larry The Acid Alkaline Food Guide, Garden City Park: Square One Publishers, 2006.

http://www.medicinenet.com/bacterial_infections_101_pictures_slideshow/article.htm

http://sese.asu.edu/node/346

Lott, Joey How I Healed My Teeth Eating Sugar: A Guide to Improving Dental Health Naturally, Creative Space Independent Publishing, 2014.

[1] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3571898/

© Earth’s Living Clay 2015 |  www.earthslivingclay.com

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Macaws and Parrots Eat Clay

Stan learned about clay through an advertisement he received about Amazonian Macaws that eat clay from a riverbank in Peru. Scientists discovered why these birds have a taste for dirt – the healing properties of clay. Read more about this phenomenon here. From this first encounter about geophagy (the consumption of clay), Stan did research on the web. He found the book Living Clay and discovered Earth’s Living Clay had the best information about bentonite clay  – and the best prices as well.

How Ferment2Healthy Started

Stan has always researched health-related books and products. He enjoys explaining and introducing the benefits people get by being proactive in the care of their own health.  Stan enjoys making his own kefir, kombucha, and fermented veggies. The Essential Supplements section of Ferment2Healthy allows him to introduce visitors to other products and also about animals as well.  Stan and his wife are determined to make drinking two ounces of calcium bentonite clay first thing in the morning part of their routine – and doing foot baths as well. He actually likes making a clay mask even more than his wife! Sometimes simple steps can help us in our walk through life.

In Stan’s Spare Time….

Even though Stan and his wife have a small lot in a 55+ community, they still have several little garden spots. They grow blueberries, Ningxia wolfberries,  flowers and veggies. Stan likes digging in the earth. Where he and his wife live in southern Salem, Oregon it is mainly clay soil, so he has to work hard using Bokashi to ferment his own compost! Each year the garden is getting better!

© Earth’s Living Clay 2015 |  www.earthslivingclay.com 

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In a world that relies so heavily on pharmaceuticals and quick fixes, it is often hard for people to believe that such a simple food as honey could provide the many benefits with which it is credited. To those in the know, however, honey is not only regularly consumed as food, it is a helpful addition to their first aid kits as well. Until fairly recently in America, most people were only familiar with pasteurized honey, or worse – a sugary syrup imported from China and other far off lands that is often labeled as honey. Not only do these honey impostors taste terrible, making most people believe that they don’t like honey, they also have none of the therapeutic properties of real, raw honey.

Consider the Differences in Honey

While it is clear why sugar syrup doesn’t have the health benefits of real honey, distinguishing the benefits of raw honey over pasteurized honey takes a little more analysis to understand. Pasteurization is the process of heating up a substance with the theoretical benefit of killing unwanted pathogens and bacteria. In the process, however, beneficial nutrients and enzymes are lost, weakening the natural curative powers of the honey. Add to that the filtration process, which most commercial honey is subjected to and now the product is little better than refined white sugar. Don’t be so quick to think that honey not labeled pasteurized isn’t actually pasteurized though. Some honey is what I call “accidentally pasteurized”.

Many honey producers extract honey solely for profit. The faster they can get the honey out of the hive, the more money they make. This means that the must liquefy the honey by heating it above its normal temperature of 95º. The result is a relatively lifeless honey providing minimal health benefits. Therefore, when purchasing honey, make sure it is labeled “raw”, “unpasteurized” or clearly states that the honey has not been heated above the temperature of the hive for extraction. If you buy raw honey locally, you can simply ask the beekeeper.

How Can Honey Benefit You?

Here are just some of the main ways raw, unprocessed honey benefits those who choose it as an alternative to regular honey:

•    Raw honey is a natural curative for sore throats
•    It boosts your energy levels – just don’t overdo it, especially if you’re prone to diabetes
•    Raw honey improves digestive health
•    It also contains vital antibacterial and antioxidant compounds that help fight off free radicals.
•    When applied topically, raw honey speeds up wound healing and provides relief for skin conditions such as acne and eczema.

If until now the only honey you’ve known is of the pasteurized, syrup variety, you’re in for a treat because raw honey is absolutely delicious! It bears no resemblance in flavor to the putrid, off-putting syrups, which are thankfully being displaced in the market. Instead, it raw honey has a clean, delicate flavor, which will vary based upon what the bees have been eating. Stop by your local farmer’s market, health food store, specialty shop or favorite online marketplace and get some raw honey to add to your table and first aid kit!

Are you a raw honey convert? Let us know in the comments below why you made the switch!

About Adrienne Hew

Adrienne Hew, the Nutrition Heretic is a Certified Nutritionist and author of several books on more than just nutrition and cooking. Through her own journey from ill health to vibrant wellness, Adrienne uses of storytelling to combine humor with scientific facts. Her books appeal to people who love to eat without guilt, while being mindful of the critical role that diet plays in overall health and well-being. Read more about Adrienne’s journey on her website. 

© Earth’s Living Clay 2015 |  www.earthslivingclay.com 

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