Each fortnight we’re putting the best alkaline diet questions we receive from you to our Alkaline Diet Expert, Dr Young trained blood analyst and highly qualified nutritionist – Gareth Edwards.

Gareth is right at the very top of his field, so these answers are absolutely the best you’ll find from arguably Britain’s most qualified expert in the alkaline diet!

Alkaline Diet Q&A With Gareth Edwards

Question One: Is Sodium Bicarbonate Sufficient To Alkalise My System?

Admittedly an all round healthy diet is important and beneficial to heath in lots of ways, but why can’t a person simply take sodium bicarbonate to alkalise their system when sodium bicarbonate is a natural product produced by the body in large amounts (and the very same substance discharged by the pancreas to neutralize stomach acid HCL). If hypertension was deemed as issue then potassium bicarbonate could be substituted for the sodium bicarbonate, or better still a mixture of the two.

Taking either sodium bicarbonate or Dr. Young’s pHour salts combination (sodium, potassium, bicarbonates along with calcium and magnesium) is recommended by practitioners wanting to help people promote alkalinity. This does indeed supplement a substance produced in large quantities by the body.

Read Dr. Young on the subject of how the body actually transforms food into blood by increasing it’s pH in the digestive tract. His strong, and totally credible view, is that hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the stomach is the by-product of sodium bicarbonate production. The sodium bicarbonate is produced in response to the ingestion of acidic foods and fluids.

Taking supplemental bicarbonate salts may facilitate the body in buffering acids but there are essential biochemical building blocks in alkalising foods and fluids, such as vitamins, phyto-nutrients, fibre and chlorophyll that are required to build and promote health.

Remember also that a lot of buffering (neutralising) of acids takes place in the kidneys. While it is essential to have the minerals present to complete this, heavy buffering can lead to stone formation.

Question Two: What Are The Differences Between Juicers And Blenders?

What are the disadvantages of using a really powerful blender [Blend Tec] (instead of a juicer) where I juice greens along with fruits? To buy a juicer on top of the blender is a huge amount of money. Are there advantages in also consuming the fibre?

I think this is a tough question to provide a scientific answer to. I am not aware of any studies where people have been fed on juices or blended foods and their nutrient levels and other markers of health subsequently measured. This research should of course be done…

My own view and experience is that juice really does give you quick and pure entry of nutrients into the blood stream. This can be particularly useful if someone’s digestive system is impaired. It’s also useful if you are looking for ultimate health.

Some people do use blended vegetables and low sugar fruits such as cucumbers as cornerstones to alkalising programmes. Pre-digesting your food like this can lead to more being absorbed. The presence of the fibre can mean that less is absorbed than from a juice. Avoid putting high sugar fruits (apples, pears bananas) in blended smoothies.

Better quality juice machines are a substantial investment, but they should last a life-time. Powdered supplements can act as a bridge while you put the money in the bank! Money to help you get healthier is always well spent and usually returned in increased energy!

Question Three: How Can I Increase My Cholesterol Levels With The Alkaline Diet?

I have been on Dr Young’s programme for the last 9 months. I felt really good. Trouble is I am underweight 84lbs for a 5 footer. Lately, I seem to get low blood pressure and hypo (low sugar level). My cholesterol is very low. By consuming the alkaline diet, all this seems to lower further cholesterol. How can I increase cholesterol? Is it by consuming more healthy oil? I take a variety and a fair portion (at least 6-8 tablespoons/day) on top of coconut milk and oil. I know cholesterol is important to regulate my hormone levels. The last month was my worst supposedly pre-menstrual symptoms. Please advise. Will consuming eggs be safe?

If our bodies produce cholesterol in order to buffer (neutralise) acids and you are on a highly alkalising diet and hydration programme, then low cholesterol might be due to a reduced need. That said, our bodies are constantly producing metabolic acids and these do need to be buffered.

Low cholesterol has been associated with compromised health conditions [1] and you might therefore choose to continue to monitor it. I would not, however, suggest that you start eating a food containing high levels of cholesterol (such as eggs) in order to raise your levels. The link between eating cholesterol containing foods and changing your cholesterol levels has been repeatedly disproved.

I would recommend that you measure your urinary and saliva pH to see if you are still acidic. (Energise sell some pH stix to measure this). You might also consider blood analysis to see if you are successfully addressing the issues associated with acidosis. Even when you change to an alkaline diet and hydration programme, certain supplements (such as digestive enzymes, pro-biotics and vitamin C) and stress can keep you acidic.

Underlying acidity (that can take time to remove) is likely to be the cause of being under-weight. It can also be the reason for low blood pressure and low cholesterol. Continuing to have a very high intake of fresh (and powdered) green vegetables and their juices along with bicarbonate and un-refined salt should increase alkalinity and help promote cardio-vascular health. You can order Himalayan salt and bicarbonate salts (pHour salts) from Energise.

You are right to have reasonably liberal quantities of healthy oils and that should give you the nutritional building blocks to make cholesterol. Make sure it’s fresh and kept refrigerated. I’d be cautious about coconut milk, particularly if it comes from a tin. Drinking fresh coconut milk (from a coconut!) could be an occasional treat.

If your liver is compromised (e.g. due to a history of pharmaceutical use) that may effect your ability to absorb and “process” healthy fats. A pH and nutritionally aware practitioner should be able to help you assess this and support you with rebuilding.

Sprouted seeds and pulses are a healthy, alkalising source of protein and carbohydrate to help increase calories. Low blood sugar is not necessarily a problem if you are alkaline and have enough salt.

1. The Lancet, Vol 358, Number 9279, Aug 2001

Question Four: Bluish-Purple Colour Along The Nail Bed Area. Any Reason For This?

I’ve been on the alkaline diet for about 2 months now since I went to Tony Robbin’s conference and have started noticing my finger nails are sometimes a bluish-purple along the nail bed area. Have you heard of any reason for this? Am I lacking a certain nutrient I may not be getting? I am a pharmacist and have already explored the medical reasons and have come up with nothing. Any insight you may have would be greatly appreciated.

According to my highly trusted acupuncturist friend, discolouration of the nail bed can be a sign of liver toxicity. If you have been on prescription medication (or are still on it) this may be the cause. There is also a suggestion that it may be associated with reduced oxygenation of the blood.

Having been taught about essentiality (nutrients your body must have from the diet and cannot be made) over many years, I am increasingly convinced that Dr. Young’s acronym C.O.W.S. really does cover all bases. A diet high in chlorophyll, from low sugar green plant foods, healthy oils, containing omega 6 and three fats, water and unrefined salt will give your body all the building blocks that it needs. Chlorophyll and salt should help build healthy haemoglobin. That will facilitate oxygen delivery in your body.

Make sure that your liver load is minimised and see if the altered colour disappears. Reviewing your regime with a qualified practitioner may be beneficial.

Question Five: Lack Of Strength and Flu On The Alkaline Diet!

I’ve been on the alkaline diet for a while and have lost 21 pounds in weight making me 12 stone 7lb. I am 36 years old and haven’t weighed this since I was 18 years old! I am blown away by the weight loss, and how healthy my insides feel. As an IBS sufferer all my life I can honestly say that all of my symptoms have been relieved. I used to have constant bloating and the pain I was in 24/7 trying to hold in “wind” in public is something I’ve almost forgotten about. On the down side though I have never felt so weak. I seem to be lacking enthusiasm and strength. I have also had the flu 2 weeks ago and was off work for 4 days. Now I don’t know if I was going to get the flu anyway or not, or whether following this diet would have left my immune system slightly deficient I don’t know, I’m not a nutrition expert. I welcome your advice.

Well …. great work! Remember that acids stored in body tissue (fat!) have to pass through the blood in order to be eliminated. This can give you flu like symptoms and leave you feeling weak.

I would encourage you to keep doing everything you can to eliminate the acid. That would mean continuing with your diet, 3 – 4 litres a day of alkaline water with greens, gentle enjoyable exercise and skin brushing. Colonic hydrotherapy or enemas, using clay and skin brushing may also help.

Ensuring adequate intake of dark green leafy vegetables, their juices and wheatgrass juice should help build haemoglobin and therefore energy levels. Avocados, hemp oil and nuts and seeds should provide calories. Sprouted seeds, beans, pulses and grains are alkalising and calorific too. The pHlavor spray can help energise you too.

Please Note: The answers above do not replace the advice of a qualified physician.

Another set of great questions and great answers! If you have a question for Gareth – leave it in the comments below!

Krill Oil is fast being recognised as the most effective and efficient source of Omega 3 (EPA & DHA) and has been clinically proven to provide the following benefits to men & women:

Men:
• Aids Muscle Growth & Repair
• Very High in Antioxidants
• Reduces LDL and Raises HDL Cholesterol
• Treats Pain & Inflammation (especially Rheumatoid Arthritis)
• Increases Libido
• Works Wonders on Skin Conditions Such as Eczema & Psoriasis
• Boosts & Maintains Energy Levels
• Dramatically Effective in Helping Treat Depression
• Significantly Decreases Risk of Mental Illness

Women:
• Proven to Decrease Symptoms of PMS
• Very High in Disease-Fighting Antioxidants
• Supports Weight Loss By Helping The Body to Burn Fat as Fuel
• Increases Metabolism
• Supports Strong Hair & Nails
• Promotes Soft, Clear Skin
• Vital for Pregnant Women or Those Wanting to Become Pregnant
• Dramatically Effective in Helping Treat Depression

Krill Oil – The Nutritional Gem from our Oceans

Article by Bibi

Krill Oil and its numerous health benefits are becoming increasingly popular and well known around the globe. Various studies have been conducted in recent years in order to prove these benefits and to highlight its superiority towards Fish Oil.

This is a quote from Dr Tina Sampalis M.D., Ph.D. which says “I call … Krill Oil nature’s perfect recipe. It’s like what nature intended for humans by putting it in a small and plentiful marine animal.”

In the following article we are going to look at this in more detail and highlight how Krill Oil has numerous health properties and can help us with various symptoms ranging from Arthritis, Hyperlipidemia to Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS).

1. What is Krill Oil and where does it come from?

Krill Oil is extracted from shrimp-like crustaceans that are abundant in all the oceans and are approx. 1 to 6 cm long and mainly feed on phytoplankton. The most well known type is the ‘Antarctic Krill’ – in technical terms (Euphausia superb). There are large amounts of Krill stock in our seas and they are also one of the most successful types of animals in the world.

This stems from the fact that their bio mass of ca. 500-900 million tons is probably larger than of any other ‘multiple-cellular’ animal. This means that the Antarctic Krill is a crucial part of the ecosystem. A core advantage with Krill is that they are plentiful in the oceans.

Krill are also positioned right at the start of the food chain and are therefore free from heavy metals and pollutants.

2. What does Krill Oil contain?

Krill Oil is similar to Fish Oils in that they are both partly made up of Omega-3 rich oils EPA (eicosapen-taenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). The main difference between those two types of oil is that Krill Oil is the unique source of Omega rich oils in the form of phospholipids; whereas all Fish Oils are triglycerides. As the Omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs) contained in Krill Oil are bound to these phospholipids, the body can take them in much better than Omega-3 EFAs contained in Fish Oil.

Most Krill Oil typically has more than 40% phospholipids by weight and upwards about 30% EPA and DHA. This is the main difference between Krill and Fish Oil, as the EPA and DHA of Fish Oil is totally in the form of triglycerides.

Apart from its high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are extremely important for our health, Krill Oil is also becoming increasingly popular because it contains an antioxidant called Astaxanthin. Krill eat algae that produce the bright red pigment Astaxanthin that gives Krill, salmon and other crustaceans their slightly reddish/pink colour.

Furthermore, Krill Oil also contains Omega-6 fatty acids, Vitamin A, Vitamin E and Cantaxanthin.

3. What makes Krill Oil so nutritiously valuable?

As outlined above, Krill Oil contains healthy fats like the EFAs (Essential fatty Acids) in the form of Omega-3s and Omega-6s plus the potent antioxidant Astaxanthin, Vitamin A and Vitamin E.

Mainly due to our Western diets we are commonly lacking a sufficient intake of Omega-3s, which has been proven to be extremely important for human health. Unlike the other fats, the body cannot produce them itself and yet they are essential for the efficient working of our cells that make up our body and for the development of our central nervous system. We therefore need to take them in with foods and high quality oil supplements like Krill Oil. They also play a central role in regulating our coagulation, our blood pressure and inflammations.

Omega-3 fatty acids also have a positive impact on our cholesterol levels. Krill Oil has the ability to reinstate the balance between ‘bad’ and ‘good’ essential fatty acids, which can help in the prevention of inflammations.

Furthermore Omega-3s fatty acids are also very beneficial for our brain functions, as it improves our performance and concentration capacities. People who have been taking Krill Oil have reported that they have started to feel benefits like increased alertness and higher levels of concentration.

Other well documented benefits of the EFAs are lubricate joints and improved blood circulation. They can also protect against heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and diabetes, just to name a few core benefits. Besides that, they can also help relieve secondary symptoms of asthma, arthritis, allergies and skin conditions.

As the EFAs can also help in the prevention of inflammations, Krill Oil has therefore got an important anti-inflammatory effect, which can reduce pain levels for people taking it regularly.

The other core ingredient contained in Krill Oil is Astaxanthin, which is one of the most potent natural antioxidants ever discovered. It is often called the ‘ultimate antioxidant’ as it has up to 550 times the antioxidant capacity of Vitamin E, and up to 10 times the antioxidant capacities of Beta Carotene and Lutein. Research into the health benefits of Astaxanthin also suggest that it looks very beneficial in maintaining the eyes, fertility, immunity, heart and arteries, the digestive system, muscles and joints and premature ageing of skin.

The highly antioxidant power of Krill Oil protects the body and protects the oil of becoming ‘rancid’ or to oxidize, which can be detrimental to our health. This happens quite frequently with other types of oils. These antioxidants together with the Omega-3s fatty acids are built into the cell membrane of each newly developed cell in the human body. They protect us from attacks from so-called “free radicals”, which can lead to an early death of cells and a function loss.

Another important point is the difference in the ratio of Omega-3s and 6s contained in Krill Oil. Our body uses about the same amounts of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. The main problem is that our intake of Omega-6s is generally too high nowadays due to our diet, as these EFAs are also contained in vegetable oils as well as white meat and eggs.

Krill Oil can help here – it contains 15-times more Omega-3 than Omega-6 fatty acids. This is an about three times better ratio compared to other Omega-3 sources like Fish Oils.

4. What are the main advantages of Krill Oil in comparison to Fish Oil?

Generally it can be said that people take Krill Oil for the same reasons they use other oils rich in Omega-3 fatty acids like Fish Oils and Flax Seed Oils.

Krill Oil has however got some important advantages in comparison to most Fish Oils, as has already been partly mentioned above. Krill Oil has a much more pleasant taste, as it does not cause fishy burps or a fishy aftertaste, which is a very common side effect of Fish Oil.

Another advantage is that it does not become rancid and also has a longer durability than most Fish Oils.

The results of a study published in 2003 also show that Krill Oil is easier digestible and the body can absorb it better, which is particularly the case for the absorption of the Omega-3 fatty acids. This means that a large number of people who are suffering from a very weak digestion of fats should profit from the intake of Krill Oil. This is due to the fact that the Omega-3s in Krill oil are bound to phospholipids in contrast to the Omega-3s of Fish Oils which are bound to triglycerides.

As well as this, the ratio of Omega-3s and Omega-6s in Krill oil is about three factors better than the ones contained in Fish Oils as well as Vegetable Oils.

Krill Oil can also positively influence our Cholesterol levels and has shown much better results than Fish Oil. An official study showed that the improvement was ten-times higher by a daily intake of 2g of Krill Oil in comparison to a daily 3g intake of Fish Oil.

5. What are the Core Health Benefits of Krill Oil?

Here is a list of the most common reported health benefits shown in published studies of Krill Oil:

• Arthritis: A recent study conducted with the aim to evaluate the effect on Neptune Krill Oil on Chronic Inflammation and Arthritic Symptoms. Ninety patients were recruited with confirmed diagnosis of cardiovascular disease and/or rheumatoid arthritis and/or osteoarthritis and with increased levels of C-reactive protein (CRP). The result of this study clearly show that Krill can significantly reduce joint pains, inflammation and to increase the flexibility of the joints. It has also shown to alleviate symptoms caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. (Click here to see details of this Study)
• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): A study conducted at the University of Montreal evaluated the effects of Neptune Krill Oil on the Management of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Dysmenorrhoea. The participants of this study were seventy patients of reproductive age diagnosed with premenstrual syndrome.

  The conclusion of the study was that Neptune Krill Oil can significantly reduce dysmenorrhoea and the emotional symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and is shown to be significantly more effective for the complete management of premenstrual symptoms compared to omega-3 fish oil. Krill oil preferentially benefited breast tenderness, feeling of inadequacy, stress, irritability, depression, joint discomfort and bloating. Both groups improved on weight gain, abdominal discomfort and swelling. (Click here to see details of this Study)

• Cholesterol: In a study conducted by the University of Montreal, McGill University and a medical centre in Quebec, Canada, 120 people were given Krill oil, fish oil or a placebo. The results of this study demonstrated within high levels of confidence that krill oil is effective for the management of Hyperlipidemia by significantly reducing total cholesterol, LDL (commonly referred to as “bad”) cholesterol , and triglycerides, and increasing HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels. At lower and equal doses, krill oil was significantly more effective than fish oil for the reduction of glucose, triglycerides, and LDL levels. This is something that no pharmaceutical drug has yet been able to manage. (Click here to see details of this Study)
• Power of Potent & Bioavailable Antioxidants: studies highlight that krill oil contains a powerful combination of antioxidants, which are not only beneficial for your continued health, but also sustain the shelf life of the oil. Krill oil provides you with an ample supply of vitamins A, E and D, plus alkaline minerals such as potassium, sodium and zinc. And it also contains large amounts of the B-complex nutrient, choline.
• Strong, Natural Stress Reducer: the high choline content (as mentioned above) means that Krill Oil is a powerful de-stresser. This, along with the general benefits to your mood and energy levels provided by this potent source of omega-3 means that Krill is very beneficial to those living a high-stress lifestyle
• Powerful Pain Killer: In a recent double-blind study, fourty-five patients with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis were administered 300 mg of krill oil. After only 7 days, inflammation was reduced by 19%, pain was reduced 24%, stiffness was reduced by 21% percent and immobility was reduced by 16%.

  The combination of three anti-inflammatory ingredients (omega 3, phospholipids and the antioxidants mentioned above) make for a very effective, and healthy, pain reliever.

• Muscle Repair & Growth: vital to the creation of new muscle is the repair and restoration phase after workout (or muscle stress) and omega 3 is absolutely vital to this process. The role of omega 3 directly impacts the bodies ability to recover and rebuild as the body will only reach an optimal level of recovery if all of the necessary components are in place- meaning that cardiovascular, hormonal, immune, and muscle function are contingent, to a large degree, upon the required amount of omega 3 consumption. As a perfect and easily absorbed combination of EPA and DHA, Krill Oil is highly recommended.
• Increases the Production of New, Healthy Red Blood Cells: Krill Oils supports the formation of red blood pigment (haemoglobin) from other, simple substances: Haemoglobin ensures that oxygen is carried around the body. Sufficient haemoglobin levels are essential as this means that oxygen and nutrients reach the muscles and other areas of the body where they are needed. Also, acidic waste products (including carbon dioxide and lactic acid), will be removed with greater efficiency if haemoglobin levels are sufficient.

If all the information above has made you interested in giving this exciting Krill Oil a try, then have a look at the latest addition to our product range – the ‘Jarrow Krill Oil 60 Softgels’ for only £29.99.

We are almost certain that you will discover your new favourite Oil supplement which has highly antioxidant powers and provides you with all the healthy essential fatty acids (EFAs) needed for our bodies to function at their most efficient level!