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Metabolic Imbalances
So far, we know of ten ways that the body's chemistry can go out of
balance. These imbalances are divided into five pairs. The first was
discovered in the early 1900s, the last in the 1950s and 1960s.
These imbalances are very common, and most people who are
chronically unwell have at least one of them. Correcting them
usually results in major improvements in health. For a more complete
understanding of the subject of correcting metabolic imbalances, the
book An Analytical System of Clinical Nutrition, third edition by
Dr. Schenker is excellent.
Doctors can order the book at 800-736-4320 and you can ask for the
name of a doctor near you who can do the test by calling the same
number.
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An overview of the imbalances
Electrolyte stress
These people have excess electrolyte salts - more than the kidneys
are able to get rid of. The blood is beginning to "sludge," the
kidneys are stressed, and the blood pressure is higher than normal.
Heart disease is on the way (if not already there). The person
urgently needs to drink more pure water - one ounce for every two
pounds of body weight per day (if the kidneys are still able to
handle it). They also benefit from taking certain supplements.
Electrolyte insufficiency
With electrolyte insufficiency, the person does not have adequate
salts (chlorides, phosphates, etc.) in their body. They have low
blood pressure, so that there is not enough blood movement to take
nutrients to cells or to carry waste materials away. They have very
low energy, and other health problems. They need kidney and adrenal
support along with certain electrolytes.
Anaerobic imbalance
This imbalance, also called the "anabolic imbalance," is a bit more
complicated. There are two main parts to it. First, there is an
inability to use adequate oxygen in producing energy. Instead of
combining glucose with oxygen to produce energy, glucose is
fermented by the cells and lactic acid is produced. This is not an
efficient way to make energy, and fatigue results. The other factor
is that there is too much of the sterol fats (such as cholesterol)
and not enough fatty acids in the cell membranes, with the result
that cell walls are not permeable enough. This common imbalance is
the chemistry of many cancers, osteoarthritis, and many other health
problems. Other common symptoms include high blood pressure,
constipation, irregular heart rate, sleepiness during the day, pain,
elevated cholesterol, and allergies. Treatment includes a diet low
in saturated fats, sugar and caffeine, with specific vitamin,
mineral, amino acid, and glandular supplements that correct the
chemistry.
Dysaerobic imbalance
The dysaerobic (or "catabolic") imbalance is the opposite of the
anaerobic imbalance. Oxygen metabolism goes too far, producing free
radicals but little energy. Cell membranes contain too much fatty
acids and are too permeable. Apart from fatigue, common symptoms
include migraines and other pain, colitis, diarrhea, hypoglycemia,
insomnia, allergies, rheumatoid arthritis, many cancers, elevated
cholesterol, and many other health problems. Treatment includes
appropriate supplements along with a diet low in poylunsaturated
vegetable oils and fried foods.
Glucogenic imbalance
Those with a glucogenic imbalance have also been called "fast
oxidizers." They tend to use up carbohydrates (starches and sugars)
too fast, and they have difficulty using fat for energy, so they
often have a hypoglycemia slump after lunch, or may sometimes even
wake up at 2:00 am because of hypoglycemia. Common symptoms include
fatigue, high or low blood sugar, depression or anxiety, high
cholesterol levels, weight problems (either over weight or under
weight), and many other health problems. These people need to keep
their protein intake up, avoid excess carbohydrates, excess B
vitamins, stay away from sugars, alcohol, and caffeine, and take a
supplement combination that speeds up fat metabolism.
Ketogenic imbalance
Unlike the glucogenic "fast oxidizers," the ketogenic or "slow
oxidizers" have difficulty using carbohydrates for fuel. What little
energy they can make is mostly from fat. Symptoms commonly include
fatigue, high or low blood sugar, depression or anxiety, over weight
or under weight, and other health problems. Those with a ketogenic
imbalance need to avoid excess carbohydrates, organ meats, and
peanuts. Their supplement speeds up carbohydrate metabolism.
Sympathetic stress
The autonomic nerves, sympathetic and parasympathetic, help regulate
body functions over which we do not have conscious control, such as
heart rate and digestion. In general, sympathetic nerves speed up
the activity of the organs needed for a "fight-or-flight" response.
If you are driving along, and someone pulls out in front of you, you
slam on the brakes, your skin goes pale, your heart pounds, your
pupils and bronchial tubes dilate, your palms may get sweaty, your
digestion slows down, and so on. This is the sympathetic half of the
autonomic nervous system in action. In sympathetic stress, a person
is "stuck" in this sympathetic reaction. There may be high or low
blood sugar, low energy, digestive problems, nervous tension,
insomnia, poor circulation, high blood pressure, food allergies, and
other health problems. To correct sympathetic stress, eat lots of
vegetables, avoid concentrated sugars, caffeine-like chemicals
(coffee, tea, chocolate, and colas) and pop that contains phosphoric
acid, and take a supplement combination that reduces sympathetic
response while increasing parasympathetic response.
Parasympathetic stress
Parasympathetic stress is the opposite to sympathetic stress.
Parasympathetic nerves slow things down after the crisis has passed,
and stimulate the digestive tract to work again. The blood returns
to the skin, heart rate slows, respiratory rate slows, pupils and
bronchial tubes constrict, and so on. In a parasympathetic stress,
the parasympathetic nerves are over-reactive, and the person is
"stuck" in this mode. Common symptoms include high or low blood
sugar, digestive problems, arthritis, poor circulation, nervous
tension, depression, asthma, and allergies. In fact, all asthma
patients that benefit from the use of inhalers are stuck in
parasympathetic stress - asthma medications speed up sympathetic
activity and slow down parasympathetic activity. To correct the
imbalance, avoid sugars, fruit juices, large quantities of fruit,
and meals that are mostly starch or sugars. A supplement combination
is also used which corrects the chemistry.
Acid imbalances
There are three kinds of acid imbalance where there is too much acid
and not enough alkali built up in the body. It is interesting that
in one kind of acid imbalance, both the urine and saliva are
alkaline! This often results in poor digestion and assimilation,
joint and muscle pain, rapid heart beat, allergies, fatigue, and
poor function of various glands and organs. Treatment includes a
diet low in fat, fruit, and soft drinks, with an increase in pure
water intake. Various supplements are used depending on the type of
imbalance.
Alkaline imbalances
There are also three alkaline imbalances, where there is too much
alkali and not enough acid in the body. In one of the alkaline
imbalances, the urine can be either acid or alkaline. Common
symptoms include poor digestion and assimilation, joint and muscle
pain, allergies fatigue, and poor function of various glands and
organs. Treatment includes a diet low in sugars, starches, and
fruit, with an increase in pure water intake. Antacids make this
imbalance worse. Various supplements are used depending on the type
of imbalance.
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Testing for metabolic imbalances
Preparation for the test
The person being tested abstains from eating or chewing gum for
thirty minutes before the test. Coffee, tea, chocolate, carbonated
beverages, vitamins, minerals, herbs, and non-prescription
medications (such as pain killers) are avoided for at least 24 hours
before the test. Even one cup of coffee the day of the test will
result in altered chemistry. The person will appear more anaerobic,
sympathetic, and possibly more glucogenic than they really are. When
possible, testing is done just before prescription medications are
taken rather than just after. The goal is to find out, as much as
practical, what the person's chemistry is like when it is left
alone. The person is not, however, asked to stop taking their
prescription medications.
An intake form, metabolic screening questionnaire (a symptom
survey), and a dysbiosis questionnaire (questions related to the
damage that may have been done to the person's normal intestinal
flora) may be filled out. A sheet of instructions for measuring the
person's morning underarm temperature (an indication of metabolic
rate) may be given to them.
Collecting the information
Urine chemistry
A fresh urine sample is collected in a new disposable cup. The
surface tension is measured using a urotensiometer and recorded.
Then an Ames Multistix 10 SG or N-Multistix SG strip is dipped into
the sample. The urine pH and specific gravity are recorded along
with any other findings.
The oxidation index is calculated using the surface tension and
specific gravity.
Saliva pH
A strip of pH paper is moistened with saliva and the result is
recorded.
Hydration index
Te saliva pH and specific gravity are used to calculate the
hydration index. This is used to give an idea of hydration status.
Other tests
The person being tested lies on their back for the next few tests.
This test is called "dermographic lines." Using a blunt instrument
(the 5mm round ball on the top of a four-color Bic pen is just right
- if any burrs are polished off first!) an "X" is drawn on the skin
each side of the navel using firm pressure, and the time is noted.
The lines may turn either red or white. If the lines fade and
disappear in less than one minute, a zero is recorded. If, after one
minute, the lines are white, "white" is recorded. If the lines are
red, "red" is recorded.
The gag reflex is tested by sliding a finger (covered with a new
latex glove) along the top and edge of the tongue half way toward
the back of the throat to where the oral area narrows. A slight
tendency to gag is a zero response. Either discomfort or lack of
discomfort with no gag is a negative response. A gag is a positive
response.
The person being tested is instructed to look up at the ceiling. The
pupil size is recorded on a scale from -4 (very small) to +4 (very
large).
The respiratory rate is counted and recorded.
The pulse is counted for 15 seconds, and the result is multiplied by
4 and recorded.
The reclining blood pressure is taken and recorded.
The person being tested is asked to stand. After waiting for 5
seconds the pulse is counted for 15 seconds and again for 15
seconds. Both numbers are multiplied by 4 and recorded.
The standing blood pressure and another pulse are taken and
recorded. (There are now two blood pressures and four sets pulses
recorded.)
The person being tested is asked to sit down. They are then asked to
"Take a deep breath, and hold it as long as you can." The result, in
seconds, is recorded.
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Evaluating the results
General notes
The imbalances are presented in decreasing order of importance - the
most important are covered here first.
There are some general suggestions regardless of what imbalance may
be found. For general dietary guidelines see the zone.
Avoid junk food - things made in factories. Chemically altered
(hydrogenated) oils, or oils that have been heated to high
temperatures, white flour products (like pasta), white rice, refined
sugar, caffeine, and so on.
Water. If you have good spring or well water available, that is
ideal. Tap water, in most places, is a major problem. Chlorine can
easily be removed with a cheap carbon type filter. Fluoride is a bit
more difficult. Reverse osmosis, de-ionization, and distillation are
the main choices. Those processes take out most everything, so trace
minerals such as Concentrace can be added back.
Oxygenic B is a basic multi-vitamin mineral that contains many
nutrients in a balance that does not create imbalances or make them
worse. (High dose B-complex supplements, for example, make certain
imbalances worse, or can even create imbalances.) The adult dose is
1 tablet 3 times a day after meals.
It is important to retest the person after a week or so to make sure
they are not being given too little, or even worse, too much of a
supplement. It is also important that they understand that they
should immediately stop the program if it seems to make them feel
worse. Vitamins and minerals have powerful effects on a person's
chemistry, and it is not uncommon for these supplements to push a
person from one imbalance into the opposite imbalance fairly
quickly.
Electrolyte stress
Signs of electrolyte stress will include at least two of the
following: 1. At least one of the standing pulses at least 12 points
higher than the resting pulse. (This is called "clinostatic pulse
increase.") 2. Standing diastolic blood pressure of 88 or more. 3.
Systolic blood pressure of 131 or more. If the person is being
medicated for high blood pressure you can assume that they have
slectrolyte stress even if test results to not confirm it
(medication is supressing the symptoms).
Supplements to consider for adults would be an Oxygenic B (basic
multi-vitamin and mineral designed to supply nutrients without
altering basic body chemistry) after each meal. Formula ES before
each meal. Pure water - 1/2 ounce per day per pound of body weight
(maximum of 10 cups) if the kidneys can tolerate that much. If there
is any question, the person is in poor health, or receiving medical
care, they should ask their physician how much they can tolerate. In
any case, if increased water intake does not result in increased
urine output, water intake should be immediately reduced and a
physician consulted. For more information on this subject, see the
book Your Body's Many Cries for Water by F. Batmanghelidj, M.D. The
first 2-3 cups of water should be on an empty stomach before
breakfast. Aluminum is a major cause of electrolyte stress and must
be avoided. It is often found in table salt, antiperspirants, pop
cans, cookware, many antacids, and so on. If the person wants to
lose wieght, they can consider the zone diet.
Electrolyte insufficiency
Signs of electrolyte insufficiency will include at least three of
the following: 1. At least one of the standing pulses at least 12
points higher than the reclining pulse. 2. Standing diastolic blood
pressure of 72 or less. 3. Reclining blood pressure of 112 or less.
4. Reclining pulse of 70 or less.
Supplements to consider for adults are Oxygenic B (3 per day after
meals) and Formula EI (3 per day after meals). The person may have
to increase their salt intake (using Real Salt or similar unrefined
product with no aluminum added). Salt, by the way, is not the "bad
guy" that you may have heard that it is. The sodium level on blood
tests gives an accurate picture of body levels. If the sodium is
below the middle of the normal range, sodium is actually depleted
from the body - a common but dangerous situation. There are a dozen
other supplements that can be used depending on the oxidation index
and other test results. If the person wants to lose wieght, they can
consider the zone diet.
Anaerobic (anabolic) imbalance
The signs of an anaerobic imbalance are: Urine urface tension of 69
or more, oxidation index of -7 or lower, adjusted urine pH of 6.3 or
more, adjusted saliva pH of 6.6 or less, and red dermographics. If
there is an anaerobic imbalance, there will be either a high surface
tension or low oxidation index and at least two other items.
Supplements to consider for adults include 3 Oxygenic B per day
after meals, 1-3 Oxygenic A tablets per day after meals, Oxygenic A
Plus in water before meals twice a day. Extra A Plus can be taken
for pain. Taurine, methionine and tyrosine can also be added
depending on symptoms. The person should avoid sugars, coffee, tea,
chocolate, cola beverages and saturated fat from fatty beef and
dairy fat. If the person wants to lose weight, they can consider the
zone diet.
Dysaerobic (catabolic) imbalance
Signs of a dysaerobic imbalnce are: Urine surface tension of 67 or
less, oxidation index of 8 or more, adjusted urine pH of 6.1 or
less, adjusted saliva pH of 6.8 or more, and white dermographics. If
there is a dysaerobic imbalance, there will be either a low surface
tension or a high oxidation index and at at least two other items.
Supplements to consider for adults include 3 Oxygenic B per day
after meals, 1-3 Oxygenic D per day after meals, Oxygenic D Plus in
water before meals twice a day. Extra D Plus can be taken for pain.
Glutamine, histidine, or glucosamine sulfate can be added depending
on symptoms. The person should avoid polyunsaturated vegetable oils,
hydrogenated oils, margarine (of course), deep fried and even pan
fried foods, and canned meat and fish (oils heated to high
temperatures). If the person wants to lose wieght, they can consider
the zone diet.
Glucogenic and ketogenic imbalances
Determining whether or not there is a glucogenic (fast oxidizer) or
ketogenic (slow oxidizer) imbalance has in the past been a chalenge
for doctors. One method previously developed required that the pH of
a venous blood sample be accurately measured to 2 places beyond the
decimal without the sample coming into contact with air. This test
is beyond the capability of most clinics, or even most hospitals.
Many doctors gave up even trying to test for these imbalances. The
method developed by Dr. Guy Schenker is to compare the adjusted
saliva pH (A-SpH) with the respiratory rate (RR), breath hold (BH,
and fourth pulse (P4). This method works very well. See An
Analytical System of Clinical Nutrition for details.
Supplements to consider for glucogenic and ketogenic imbalances
Supplements to consider for a glucogenic imbalance include one
Oxygenic B 3 times a day after meals, and one Oxygenic G 2 or 3
times a day after meals. Other supplements can be added depending on
symptoms and other test results. The glucogenic person needs to keep
their protein intake up, keep the sugar intake down, and not eat
meals that are mostly starch or sugar. Caffeine, fruit juices and
even large amounts of fruit should be avoided. Onions, peppers,
tomatoes and sweet potatoes also make the imbalance worse. Proteins
along with non-starchy vegetables should make up much of the diet.
For this person to eat a big plate of pasta could be compared to
fueling a wood stove with gasoline. Not a wise choice! For more
information on diet, see the zone.
Supplements to consider for a ketogenic imbalance are 1 Oxygenic B 3
times a day after meals, and 1 Oxygenic K 2 or 3 times (depending on
the severity of the imbalance and the size of the person) a day
after meals. Other supplements can be added depending on symptoms
and other test results. The ketogenic person should avoid foods
which make their imbalance worse - sugars, fruit juices, meals which
are mostly starch or sugars, organ meats, shrimp, lobster, clams and
peanuts. If the person wants to lose weight, they can consider the
zone diet.
Sympathetic stress
Sympathetic test results include large pupil size, standing systolic
blood pressure of 5 or more than reclining, standing diastolic blood
pressure 6 or more than reclining, fourth pulse 12 or more than the
reclining pulse, white dermographics, fourth pulse of 80+, first
pulse 73+, when the standing systolic blood pressure is divided by
10 and subtracted from the respiratory rate, the answer is 3-, and
reduced gag reflex. If a person tests both glucogenic and
sympathetic, you should not try to correct both.
Supplements to consider include 1 Oxygenic B 3 times a day after
meals and 1 Complex S 2 or 3 times a day after meals. Other
supplements can be added depending on symptoms and other test
results. It is important to eat lots of vegetables at 2 meals a day,
and avoid sugars, caffiene (coffee, tea, chocolate, cola beverages,
etc.) and soft drinks that contain phosphoric acid (such as colas).
If they have asthma, they actually have parasympathetic stress - the
sympathetic stress is almost certainly caused by their medications
and must not be treated. If the person wants to lose wieght, they
can consider the zone diet.
Parasympathetic stress
Parasympathetic test results include small pupil size, standing
systolic blood pressure increase of 3-, standing diastolic blood
pressure increase of 4-, fourth pulse increase of 8- compared to the
reclining pulse, red dermographics, fourth pulse of 75-, first pulse
63-, when the standing systolic blood pressure is divided by 10 and
subtracted from the respiratory rate, the answer is 5+, and
increased gag reflex. If a person appears to be both ketogenic and
parasympathetic, you should not try to correct both.
Supplements to consider include 1 Oxygenic B 3 times a day after
meals and 1 Complex P 2 or 3 times a day after meals. Other
supplements can be added depending on symptoms and other test
results. The person also needs to keep their protein intake adequate
- see the zone diet for more details. They need to avoid sugars,
fruit juices, large amounts of fresh fruit, and meals that are
mostly starches or sugars. If they have asthma, they almost
certainly have parasympathetic stress even though they may test
sympathetic due to their medications. In this case, use Complex P
regardless of test results. They may also appear to have respiratory
acidosis. This must never be treated as this would make their plight
worse.
Acid imbalances
Acid imbalances are often a result of imbalances discussed above. In
acid imbalances, the respiratory rate is generally 19 or more. The
one exception is with resperatory acidosis with high blood pressure
where the respiratory rate may be reduced. The breath hold tends to
be 40 or less. When the breath hold is divided by 5 and the result
is subtracted from the respiratory rate, the result is usually 10 or
more.
With metabolic acidosis, the adjusted urine pH is usually 5.9-,
adjusted saliva pH is usually 6.8+. The first pulse is usually 75+,
and the pulse increase from pulse 1 to pulse 4 is usually 10 or
more.
With potassium excess acidosis, the adjusted urine pH is usually
6.3+, adjusted saliva pH is usually 6.8+. The pulse increase from
pulse 1 to pulse 4 is usually 10 or more. It is interesting that we
can have an acidosis with an alkaline urine - the kidneys are
dumping excess potassium and thus save hydrogen (acid). So we have
an acid condition with alkaline (high pH) urine!
With respiratory acidosis, the adjusted urine pH is usually 5.9-,
adjusted saliva pH is usually 6.6-. The first pulse is usually 75+,
and the pulse increase from pulse 1 to pulse 4 is usually 10 or
more.
Alkaline imbalances
Alkaline imbalances are often a result of imbalances discussed
above. In alkaline imbalances, the respiratory rate is generally 13
or less. The one exception is with respiratory alkalosis where the
respiratory rate may be increased. The breath hold tends to be 65 or
more. When the breath hold is divided by 5 and the result is
subtracted from the respiratory rate, the result is usually 5 or
less.
With metabolic alkalosis, the adjusted urine pH is usually 6.3+, and
the adjusted saliva pH is usually 6.6-. The first pulse is usually
67-.
With potassium depletion alkalosis, the adjusted saliva pH is
usually 6.8+. The first pulse is usually 67-. The urine can be acid
(low pH) in this alkalosis, by the way, because there is a potassium
shortage, and the kidneys save potassium and dump hydrogen ions
(acid) instead. So we have an alkalosis with an acid urine!
Treating acid and alkaline imbalances.
Treating these imbalances is a bit complex. See An Analytical System
of Clinical Nutrition for details.
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The Zone
Introduction: There is considerable evidence that obesity is a
glandular problem. We all know people who can eat very large amounts
of high calorie foods and stay slim. Others gain weight on 700
calories. But obesity does not appear to be just a thyroid problem.
The real culprit is high levels of insulin. A diet that includes
refined carbohydrates (white flour and sugar) is known to raise
blood sugar levels in many people. Insulin levels must then go up to
try to deal with the excess blood sugar. Eventually, the person may
become insulin resistant, and normal levels of insulin are no longer
able to control blood sugar levels. Now the pancreas produces excess
insulin when any carbohydrate foods are eaten, and insulin levels
are higher than normal. And we know that most overweight people do
produce too much insulin.
Insulin is a storage hormone. Above normal insulin levels get you at
least four ways. First, excess insulin forces blood sugar into
storage as fat. Second, excess insulin prevents the utilization of
stored fat for energy. Third, excess insulin can increase hunger.
Fourth, high levels of insulin are also associated with coronary
artery disease. You have probably figured out by now that an
abnormally high level of insulin is not in your best interests!
Dr. Barry Sears has researched the insulin problem, and has come up
with a program that lowers insulin levels by using a specific ratio
of protein to carbohydrate. For a fuller account of his research,
see his book Enter the Zone. (Note: If you are a diabetic, are
pregnant, or are being treated for any serious illness, you should
consult your physician before making dietary changes.)
Find out your lean body weight. Enter the Zone tells how to do this.
If you do not have the book, use your approximate ideal weight.
Figure out how much protein you need per day. Take your lean body
weight (or your approximate ideal weight if you don't know your lean
weight) and multiply it by 0.0714 if you are sedentary, by 0.0857 if
you walk some, by 0.1 if you exercise for 30 minutes 3 times a week,
and by 0.114 if you exercise an hour a day, 5 times a week. Round
this number off to the nearest whole number to give you the number
of protein units you need per day. One protein unit is one ounce of
lean meat or cheese, one large egg, one and one-half ounces of fish,
one cup of milk, one-half cup of yogurt or one-half cup of cooked
dried beans, split peas or lentils. (Each protein unit actually has
about 7 grams of protein.)
Add one unit (actually 9 grams) of carbohydrate to your daily
requirement for each protein unit. Best carbohydrate units are: One
cup of cooked non-starchy vegetables, one-fourth cup of cooked dried
beans, split peas or lentils, one-half cup cooked onions, two cups
of raw non-starchy vegetables, one cup of tomatoes, one-half cup of
unsweetened fruit, or one-third cup of cooked oatmeal. Some
carbohydrate units that can be used less often are one-fourth cup of
winter squash or corn, one-third cup peas or potatoes, one-half cup
cooked carrots, one-third of a banana, one-fourth cup of fruit
juice, one-half slice of whole- grain bread, one-fourth cup of
whole-grain pasta, one-fourth pita pocket, two cups of popcorn,
one-fifth cup of rice, one rice cake, or one-half tablespoon of
honey. For a lot more ideas, buy the book or a carbohydrate gram
counter.
Add one unit of fat (1.5 grams) for each protein unit. There are
many possibilities, but a few are one-third teaspoon of oil or
butter, one-half teaspoon of nut butter, two tablespoons of avocado,
or three olives. This fat, by the way, is in addition to the fat
that is in your other units.
Do not eat large servings of protein or very large meals. Large
servings of protein or any very large meal will raise insulin
levels.
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