Article by Gareth Edwards (BSc. DipION. mBANT)

Gareth explains why the state of our blood is so important and what you can do to improve it.

So …. You’ve logged on to this website called Energise for Life. You might have ordered some products, but maybe your daily energy level isn’t where you would like it to be ….. yet! Maybe that skin condition is better but still not fully disappeared or maybe your aches and pains have diminished, but your still not itching to start marathon training(!?).

When people seek nutritional advice from me and I show them their blood, they are often staggered at some of the forms and shapes they see and the stickiness of their red blood cells. Building healthy blood really is the cornerstone of feeling energetic and healthy.

There are several reasons for this:

• Red blood cells are the “stem cells” from which all other parts of your body are made: Our bodies are in a constant state of flux. Body parts are constantly being broken down and regenerated. Dr. Young has observed that red blood cells can turn into rod bacteria. Given the right environment they will also turn into healthy liver cells or the cells that line your digestive tract.
• Red blood cells are like an energy currency in your body: As well as making you, red blood cells perform the vital task of delivering oxygen to your body cells and removing carbon dioxide (the exhaust from your body’s energy factory). If you have a low number or they are poorly formed then they are going to be less efficient. These microscopic cells really are your health wealth.

How to go about making healthy blood and feel “energised”:

Research and my clinical experience have shown that you can increase the number and quality of red blood cells present in your blood by following a diet high in chlorophyll rich foods and drinks.

Foods that contain high levels of chlorophyll are some of the most alkalising too.

Chlorophyll is the green pigment in plant foods that “harvests” the sun’s energy. Its chemical structure is virtually identical to haemoglobin (the principal protein in red blood cells). This means that increasing consumption leaves less work for your body’s laboratory to make red blood cells.

How to dramatically increase your intake of chlorophyll:

Quite often we think that we are eating and drinking healthily by society’s normal standards, but aren’t getting the health results we want. Here’s a way to take powerful action. Get on to it today!

It is alkaline, warm and filling - pretty much perfect as the dark nights draw in early and the cold starts to set in…

Bibi’s Spicy Carrot & Butternut Soup!

Serves 4

Ingredients:

1 x Medium sized Butternut squash or pumpkin
2 x large Carrots
1 x large red onion
2-3 x garlic cloves
1 x fresh red chilli
1 x piece of ginger
Ca. 1.2 litres of vegetable stock
Juice of 1 orange (optional)
Fresh thyme leaves
Salt and pepper
Olive/Coconut Oil

Instructions:

First up, you need to cut the onion and garlic cloves into nice fine pieces. Now get going on the squash by peeling it and cutting it into cube sized pieces the size of a standard dice. Peel the carrots and cut a similar size (but not shape )

Now, carefully deseed the chilli and cut it into small pieces. Wash your hands thoroughly now, before you wipe your eyes, put them down your pants etc. Peel the ginger and chop roughly.

Now the cooking starts. Heat the oil (coconut is preferable) in a large pot and gently fry the onion and garlic on a low heat until they begin to soften (approx 4 min). Throw in the carrot and squash and season and then fry for another 5-6 minutes until it all starts to soften a little. Add more oil if you need it here.

Next chuck in about 1.2 litres of organic/yeast free vegetable stock, the ginger, chilli and thyme leaves. Bring it all to the boil and then simmer for about 25 min until the squash and carrots are soft.

Now is the fun part - throw it all into a blender and puree it up until it is smooth (or slightly chunky like in the picture - this is how I (Ross) prefer my soups!)

If you’re looking for an extra zing you can now squeeze in fresh juice from 1 orange - but this does decrease the alkalising effect of the soup a little. Delicious though.

The researchers at University College London examined the link between the diet and depression by studying data from 3,500 civil servants who were ‘middle aged’ and discovered those who ate lots of vegetables, low-sugar fruit and fish had a 26 per cent lower risk of future depression. The combination of these highly alkalising foods (including omega-3, too) decreased the risk of depression.

On the other hand, a mainly processed food diet, such as sweetened desserts, fried food, processed meat, refined grains and high-fat dairy products, left consumers with a 58 per cent higher risk of depression - note, these are all the foods that are listed as being highly acidic!

The study was conducted by the researchers separating the participants into two types of diet - essentially an alkaline diet and an acidic diet.

After accounting for other variables including gender, age, education, physical activity, smoking habits and chronic diseases, the authors discovered a highly significant difference in future depression risk with the two different diets.

Dr Andrew McCulloch, chief executive of the Mental Health Foundation responded to this study by suggesting

“This study adds to an existing body of solid research that shows the strong links between what we eat and our mental health. Major studies like this are crucial because they hold the key to us better understanding mental illness.”

I personally feel that this is yet more backing for the alkaline diet. Regardless of the science, regardless of whether you agree that this is all random strange alkaline nonsense, the research keeps coming back in. If you eat a diet high in the foods that have a high alkaline mineral content (fresh green veggies, salads, nuts, seeds, low-sugar fruits, oily fish etc) and avoid those that have a highly acidic effect (sugar, sweets, refined foods, saturated fats, meats, dairy, chocolate, pizza, fizzy drinks etc.) then you will live a long and healthy life.

The correlation is startlingly obvious and clear. I have read a heap of studies that back this up (which I will get around to posting here) and I’ve already posted about the blatantly clear link between alkalising and osteoporosis/bone health before.

Seriously guys - eat alkaline and live alkaline!

You have to trust and feel comfortable with your consultant - and that is why we have created the Energise Live Blood Analysis register. We have handpicked the microscopists (live blood analysts) who we know, trust and have a good working relationship with. The consultants we’ve picked have got an exceptional track record and we feel very comfortable in recommending them to you. Not just any old microscopist can get onto our register!

We also keep a feedback loop with the customers who we refer so that we always ensure that the highest quality of consultations are maintained.

What is Live Blood Analysis (Microscopy)

Live blood analysis is a profound experience where a small sample of your (live) blood is taken and inspected under a very strong microscope. According to Gareth Edwards:

Live blood analysis aims to show the state and interaction of your red blood cells, while the dry blood test reviews where acids may be pooling in the body. The information can be used in conjunction with other tests or as a stand alone assessment of health allowing the practitioner to make specific dietary and lifestyle recommendations to help improve health.

he tests are carried out by extracting a minute amount of capillary blood from the fingertip and placing it on a microscope slide and then observing it through two different optical modalities of a high powered microscope. This technique enables a microscopist as well as a client to observe and analyze the features of the blood terrain via video monitor. Among the phenomena observed in the live and dry blood are:

• The level of activity or lack of activity of the immune system
• The condition of the red blood cells Liver, kidney, pancreatic, heart, lung, prostate, ovarian, breast and other organ stress
• Detection of the presence of parasites, yeast, fungus, mould, and the degree of pleomorphic activity
• Observation of features associated with blood sugar imbalance
• Observation of features associated with mal-absorption of fats
• Observation of features associated with protein mal-absorption
• Observation of phenomena associated with nutrient mal-absorption / vitamin deficiency
• Observation of crystalline forms such as protoplasts, fibrous thallus, uric acid, cholesterol and mycotoxins
• Observation of phenomena associated with gastro-intestinal tract dysfunction
• Observation of phenomena associated with degenerative conditions

To get more of an understanding, click here to see some pictures of live blood.

According to Dr Young: “Live blood analysis is the ultimate test for the prevention of sickness and disease. You can pick up health challenges months if not years before any other diagnostic medical test!”

Having live blood analysis can be a life changing experience and having the opportunity to have your blood tested with the pioneer of this approach to health is a priceless, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

This is an extremely beneficial way for an expert to study your blood and give you a diagnosis, feedback and a plan of action to profoundly improve your health.

At present we have four highly experienced microscopists who we recommend:

• Ruth Daber - UK and Europe
• Gareth Edwards - UK, London
• Kate A’Vard - UK, London and Elsewhere by Appointment
• Marianne Greenwood - UK, SW, Wales and London by Appointment

If you would like to book an appointment or learn more about each of these microscopists, click on their name!

Biography:

• Passionate about helping you improve your health and wellbeing with living foods and alkaline nutrition.
• Nutrition consultant and blood microscopist Gareth Edwards BSc. DipION. mBANT has a living food based approach that is unique amongst qualified UK practitioners. His cutting edge scientific techniques often help patients to achieve their health goals where other regimes have proven unsuccessful.
• Gareth understands that healthy food needs to be tasty and enjoyable to eat and prepare. Understanding any life style or personal factors that may be affecting your dietary choices can form an important part of the consultation
• Gareth Edwards is a member of the British Association for Nutritional Therapy

Who Is Gareth?

Gareth Edwards helps people to overcome health challenges with fresh living foods. He has a degree in Natural therapeutics, a diploma in nutritional therapy and is a nutritional blood microscopist.Gareth has helped people with health challenges as diverse as wanting to loose a few pounds to potentially life threatening disease diagnoses. He has been explaining the importance of food selection and choices to customers and clients at the new Whole Foods market since it opened in June and also practices at London’s leading complimentary health Hale Clinic.

His fresh food based approach draws inspiration from his visit to the Hippocrates Centre in Florida and personal tuition by leading American microbiologist Robert Young. He was also taught by British Nutritionist Patrick Holford during his studies at the Institute for Optimum Nutrition.

One of the corner stones of maintaining or re-discovering optimal personal health is healthy blood. Made aware of this by recovery from a severe infection, Gareth uses the cutting edge technique of live blood analysis to help patients see the state and shape of their red blood cells. This test provides information and insights that are unlikely to be apparent from tests more widely used in conventional medical practice. This test can be really useful and fun to do, whatever your current health goals are. It requires only four small drops of blood.

Gareth is also acutely aware that sometimes, in spite of good intentions, we sometimes struggle to choose healthy foods. He also helps people to assess what may be getting in the way of eating the foods and quantities that they want to eat.

Gareth has won three sporting national championship titles and writes a weekly column in the Daily Star
Costs:

Gareth offers the following options either at the Hale Clinic or at his home clinic in Clapham:
• Initial Nutrition Consultation (1.5hrs): A full review of diet, lifestyle and medical history based around a questionnaire and food diary. Advice, information and motivation to make new informed choices - £75 or £100 plus deposit
• Live blood analysis (with still images) (1.5hrs): Review of diet, lifestyle and medical history with pin prick test to view live and dry blood. Highly motivating and packed with information. Still images of blood are e-mailed after consultation - £100 or £130 plus deposit
• Live blood analysis (With typed report containing personal blood images) (2 hrs): Full review of diet, lifestyle and medical history. Live and dry blood viewing. Typed report including annotated pictures of your blood forwarded by e-mail after consultation. Packed with empowering information to make new super healthy choices - £170 or £225 plus deposit
• Follow up consultation (1 hr): Discussion / review of progress. Chance to increase understanding / seek clarification. Maintain and increase motivation - £80 or £85

CLICK HERE TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH GARETH

Testimonials
“I found this form of nutritional consultation not only fascinating, but also very helpful. By actually being able to see my own blood cells and the affects certain foods can have on them, helped me improve my diet and stick to my healthy eating. It also found a possible link to my depression and the high levels of lead in my system, and has given me options of how to combat this. I would recommend this type of consultation to anyone and everyone.” JN – Central London
“I have gained a whole new awareness of the type of foods that I am putting into my body. After 7 days of following Gareth’s professional advice I can honestly say that I feel more energized and much healthier. Awareness is the key.”
CG – SW London
“Coming face to face with any inner workings of your body is an extraordinary experience, short of putting a camera inside you; this is probably one of the best ways of gaining an insight into you body.
In many ways this gives us a better understanding of the way our body reacts to the food we eat, and the lifestyle we live. Seeing the shape of my red blood cells (which were still moving around), the other substances within the blood, lactose and glucose in crystals, all gave Gareth undeniable insight in to my diet. Having his expertise on hand to tease out, point out and rectify all the dietary imbalances that revolve around my lifestyle was truly motivational. I have made marked changes since working with Gareth.”
TM South London

Biography:

Ruth started learning about Dr Young’s work in 2004 while she significantly improved several of her health challenges including frequent cold symptoms, constant nasal congestion, severe stomach aches, eczema, excess weight, tiredness and hay fever.

Who Is Ruth?

Ruth completed the Basic and Advanced Microscopy courses with Dr Young. She also spent the best of 2008 directly assisting Dr Young with clients and coaching them through the pH Miracle program at The pH Miracle Center in Valley Centre, CA.
Consultations and coaching are available in Brighton and other UK locations and several countries around Europe. Ruth also speaks fluent German.
As well as being thoroughly trained in “The New Biology™”, the application of Dr Young’s full protocol in conjunction with various conditions and having guided clients through the process for several months on a daily basis including supplementation, exercise and nutrition, Ruth has great passion for food… especially when it comes to creating new alkalising recipes and sharing them with others. She has great knowledge of the Alkalarian™ diet and the different phases of the program (Cleanse, Control, Construct) as designed by Dr Young.
Ruth is able to turn your kitchen upside down to get you started with an alkaline delicious diet pronto!

Costs:

Consultation £15 booking fee + x consultation fee

CLICK HERE TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH RUTH

Testimonials
Dear Ruth
A month ago I emailed Dr. Young at his ranch in San Diego.I asked for help, as I was desperate to get the protocol right and cannot afford to go to the US. As you know, I am having a 4th relapse of cancer- multiple myeloma, and have made a commitment to heal the natural way. No more chemical cosh for me! His chief assistant, Dr. Patrick Soboto replied. He gave me some advice and recommended that I contact you here in the UK to guide me through my programme. He said that you were the best person for the job and that he was impressed with your knowledge and hands on experience and that you have worked alongside Dr. Young in person. So I contacted you and within a week there you were at my home, laden with equipment, food and a happy, smiling face.I cannot thank you enough for the support and guidance that you are giving me.I really enjoyed the 6 hours that we spent together, seeing my blood analysed and learning how to do the protocol properly.It has been a real education learning which brands of equipment and supplements to buy.I especially enjoyed the “cooking lesson”, be it that it was really juicing and making nutritious smoothies!!Thank you for making lunch too.I’m looking forward to our next meeting in 2 weeks and seeing my progress.My turn to do lunch.
Best wishes, Lynette Gold
Having my blood tested live in front of me was very inspiring. It was fascinating to see the results of an acid lifestyle show up in the blood and it has definitely given me the motivation to get alkalising. The detailed report that followed means that if I feel my willpower slipping I can just reread the report and look at the pictures of my blood to remind myself of why I want to get my body into an alkaline state.

Regards, Marion Wilmot