MINI COURSE 3

Optimum assimilation and digestion 

&

Expanding the Parameters of Health  

 

Optimum assimilation and digestion Proper Food Combining As important as it is to know which foods and drinks to choose, it is just as important to know how to combine food properly. While one mixture of foods aids digestion, another can create the reverse situation. While most live foods combine well with each other because of their composition, there are a few rules which should be followed: First, do not drink liquids with meals as they will dilute the gastric secretions, making digestion more difficult. Second, fruits and vegetables do not mix well. They are better eaten at separate meals, or one should wait at least two hours after eating fruit to eat vegetables. Sprouts are included in the vegetable category, as is wheatgrass. When eating a fruit dessert, also wait for at least two hours after the main course. When eating fruit meals or single fruits, try to make combinations of acid fruits with other acid fruits, subacid with subacid and sweet fruits together with other sweet or dried fruits, rather than mixing the 3 groups indiscriminately. Each of the groups of fruits has a different water and sugar content, and they are more easily digested when eaten with similar fruits. It is also important to eat melons by themselves. Melons are one of the most quickly and easily digested foods. When combined with other fruits as in a fruit salad, their digestion is delayed by the more slowly digested fruits and this can cause fermentation. Avocados are the only exception to the fruit/vegetable rule. They are easily combined with either fruits or vegetables, making them a truly versatile and important food. Eliminative Health For proper assimilation and digestion we need to maintain a healthy colon. The average person is preoccupied with the cleanliness of his home, car, etc., and gives little thought to his internal state of cleanliness. Thus, millions of people have colons that are impacted with toxic waste. Laxatives and other over-the-counter remedies have become big business, with colon cancer emerging as the number two cancer killer in the nation. The colon’s main function is to eliminate unusable portions of food and other metabolic waste from the body. During the final phase of digestion, liquids and some minerals are removed from the food and the colon and then are ready to be recycled. When the colon is clean and functioning normally, we experience a state of wellness, and when it is congested and twisted out of shape, it can cause problems in other parts of the body. A badly impacted colon can be carrying in excess of 10 pounds of fecal matter at one time. Even though a person may have a daily bowel movement, there may still be several days’ worth (even up to a week’s worth) of waste inside the colon. This provides a breeding ground for unfriendly bacteria which can cause a multitude of problems, including headaches, flatulence, indigestion, colitis, bowel cancer and other physical disorders. When these wastes have accumulated in the colon the peristaltic becomes weak and sluggish, causing constipation. These accumulations tend to harden in the pockets of the colon walls. This hardened material obstructs the peristalsis (the natural muscular contraction of the bowel) and more and more buildup occurs. This then interferes with final absorption and digestion, so that instead of absorbing nutrients; the undigested food putrefies, creating toxic conditions. The first step necessary in cleansing the colon is the use of enemas and, occasionally, colonics. Then, use chlorophyll (made from wheatgrass or algae) implants, and change your diet to living foods. We have found through years of research with our guests that instead of harming the electrolyte balance in the colon, enemas with implants actually restore a better balance. After taking a room temperature distilled water enema, this is the way to take a high wheatgrass implant. Fill the enema bag with at least four ounces of fresh undiluted juice. Proceed with the implant using the ordinary enema procedure. Then remove the catheter and remain lying down. Retain the implant for 15-20 minutes before expelling it. Other rules for colon management are common sense and, therefore, oftentimes overlooked. Heeding natures call to eliminate is extremely important, especially the first thing in the morning when bowel functions have been active all night. Regular exercise is also important, and the lack of exercise immediately after eating because the process of digestion requires a great deal of energy. Finally, one small device which we use to great advantage is a foot stool, platform or box to go under both feet, when seated on the toilet. By raising the feet off the ground, we are in a squatting position which is really our natural position encouraging better elimination, and the design of the modern toilet may actually contribute to constipation problems. Fasting Equally important is the role of fasting as a part of life. Throughout history, fasting has been recognized as one of the best methods to eliminate toxic accumulations from the system. While most natural health proponents accept fasting, there are two distinct schools of thought and some convincing arguments are made on each side of the controversy. One group strongly supports water fasting as the correct way to fast, arguing that taking of any type of liquid nourishment cannot be considered a true fast. On the other hand, a different school suggests that fasting with vegetable and fruit juices brings far better results, without the severe reactions that often accompany lengthy periods of food deprivation. At The Vitalitians Soceity Course, we subscribe to this latter point of view, and our extensive experience in our work has convinced us that this is the best course to follow. Severe reactions may attend a water fast which can cause unnecessary stress on the organs of elimination. Drinking water only greatly accelerates the cleansing process causing massive amounts of toxins to be released from the body. Juice fasting, while just as effective, evinces less trauma and discomfort. More importantly, on a juice fast one is nourished and strengthened instead of being depleted and weakened. Anyone planning to try a first-time fast should consult a health professional who can help should difficult cleansing reactions occur. Expanding the Parameters of Health In addition to a more correct relationship of food to life, our research at the Institute has verified the need to expand the parameters of healthful living to include certain other basics. Who will deny the importance of sunlight, air and water in a full, natural life? Yet, in today’s polluted environment the search for these elements, which are so necessary, has become problematical. Attention must also be paid to detoxifying the larger environment, beginning with one’s home and workplace. Clothing must be re-examined. Our diet and approach to life represents a health restoring lifestyle that makes it imperative to break away from the manipulative systems of the special interests that dominate our world today. Fast foods, drugs, chemicals, additives and preservatives should be assiduously avoided. Sunlight, Air and Water The vital importance of sunlight cannot be overemphasized in any healthful approach to life. Ancient peoples revered the sun as life-giver and healer. In current thinking, however, the sun is depicted as purely destructive and contributes to aging. Yet there is another body of evidence that suggest the modern diet has actually created the negative conditions that sunlight only accelerates. At the Institute we favor this latter opinion and advise moderate sun exposure, in the morning or evening, which helps healing by lowering blood pressure, establishing a better blood sugar balance, aiding digestion and strengthening the immune system. The absorption of vitamin D from the sun’s rays helps to build strong bones. Today there is increasing evidence that most incandescent bulbs and fluorescent tubes have a potentially harmful effect on the human system. Again there are measures we can take to alter these factors in our favor. Science has recognized for some time that light and color affect our whole being. One breakthrough in this type of research was made by F. Jacobsen, M.D. and Norman Rosenthal, M.D. which they named “Seasonal Affective Disorder and the Use of Light as an Anti-Depressant”, conducted under the auspices of the National Institute of Mental Health in Bethesda, Maryland. The original pioneer in this field was Dr. John Ott, who researched extensively the effects of artificial and natural light on the human system. Basically, he determined that a lack of sunlight (full spectrum light) in seasonal periods caused a wide range of mental and emotional problems – from lethargy to full-blown depression – in a wide segment of the population. He further determined that the sun’s rays play a major role in the state of our physical health, especially the immune response. The top echelon of science today is validating these conclusions. Rouleau is a complex modern malady found in the bloodstream of people who operate computers and video display terminals. Basically, this is a “bending” of the blood cells, causing the cells to coagulate and contort their shape, creating massive vulnerabilities and potential disease. This condition is caused by the harmful light frequencies and electronic vibrations emitted from these terminals. Also of serious concern here are possible links to eye problems, miscarriages and birth defects. Swedish studies have reported significantly higher rates of birth defects in babies born to women who work regularly at video display terminals during their pregnancies. The only antidote would be the use of full spectrum lighting, applied directly over the operator during terminal use and certain shielding materials covering the screen. Television viewers should sit at least 6 feet away from the screen and even farther would be better. There is a profusion of health complications brewing from modern inventions that we have not been alerted to as yet. Beside the evident fact that “winter blues” and seasonal ups-and-downs are universally felt, we have somehow neglected to understand the importance of all of the elements in nature. When living in an inclement climate, one should rely on either full spectrum lighting or UV (ultra-violet frequencies included) lights which are less expensive. These should be everywhere in your home; from the light next to your chair to those in your bathroom. They are becoming more available all the time through health food stores and specialty outlets. Contact the Institute for current information. The quality of the air we breathe is of great importance to a healthy life. Proper breathing cannot be overemphasized. While we can touch only superficially upon this serious subject, it is important to state how vital it is to breathe deeply in order to oxygenate the blood stream is one is to be truly healthy. Most people simply do not breathe deeply enough. The result of this is the bloodstream becomes oxygen deficient, leading to all types of physical and brain function problems. One of the best ways to oxygenate the blood stream is through vigorous exercise. That is why our exercise program is such an important part of our courses. However, we do start out slowly because so many of our guests have not exercised regularly prior to visiting the Institute. The benefits do accrue rather quickly though, and this is due to the greatly increased oxygenation. The quality of the air in one’s environment is of equal importance, especially in view of the fact that the skin, the largest organ in the body, also absorbs oxygen. Wearing synthetic clothing for extended periods may be quite harmful because the skin must breathe. Regardless of where one lives, air pollution is becoming a serious problem. Having a complete indoor garden of wheatgrass, tray-grown sprouts and houseplants, helps to oxygenate indoor air. There are some quality air treatment systems on the market today that bear investigation. We can provide information on these if you write to us. Pure water is another basic need. Water pollution has become a world-wide problem and we should take special precautions with the water we use. While there are many sophisticated water filter and purifiers on the market today for drinking purposes, we recommend distilled water, either processed at home or purchased in glass containers. There are so many dangerous substances in our water at this time that distillation seems to make the most sense. Unlike some past thinking on this, distilled water does not leach minerals from the body. Granted, distilled water is unstructured, which basically means its molecular structure is in need of “organizing” before the body can utilize it. However, exposure to sunlight for ½ hour can change this. Actually, on a living food diet, the most important source of structure, distilled water is in the food itself, the highest quality and greatest quantity being found in fruits. One other choice is structured water which not only organizes the H2O molecules; it creates the strongest anti-oxidant effect in your cells fighting against disease.

Detoxify Your Home

For a healthy life we need to consider the environment. There is a growing awareness of the threat of indoor air pollution. Insecticides, formaldehyde, asbestos, radon gas, lead, tobacco smoke, etc. pose a serious threat to our energy-efficient, weather tight and inadequately ventilated homes. According to High Kaufman, hazardous waste expert at the Environmental Protection Agency, “We’re just beginning to identify the problem of indoor air pollution, but everywhere we look is worse than be expected”.

Practically any enclosed building can become the source of dangerous contaminants due to the buildup of volatile chemical concentrations exuded from plastics and solvents. The combustible particulates from heating plants and tobacco, which give off nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons, provide and ideal setting for the cultivation of fungi, nematodes and bacteria that may cause respiratory ailments such as legionnaire’s disease, among others.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, manufactured particle board, plywood, carpet backing, furniture, permanent press clothing and insulated materials emit poisonous formaldehyde gases that can progress to more serious conditions. A recent study of 164 mobile homes, in four randomly selected trailer parks, revealed that more than half of them exceeded what are considered safe levels of formaldehyde concentrations.

Especially dangerous is urea-formaldehyde foam insulation. Some research has indicated a definite link to crib deaths. If you suspect such a problem in your home, you can obtain a “dosimeter” to measure concentration of formaldehyde. The Environment Protection Agency may be able to provide information on this matter.

Another widespread and dangerous indoor pollutant is radon gas, a radioactive substance emitted from the earth’s crust from uranium deposits found in much of inhabited earth. Exposure can occur, unknowingly, through such simple activities as using a washing machine or taking a hot shower. Here again, testing should be available in your area. Homeowners can minimize gas seepage into cellars by sealing off all masonry cracks and by providing adequate ventilation in living areas.

Another source of indoor pollution that should not be overlooked is cigarette smoke. British researchers have recently discovered that urine samples of 85% of the non-smokers tested contained measurable levels of tobacco substances even though some of these individuals did not believe that they were being subjected to second-hand smoke.

Carbon monoxide is another killer that may be stalking a weather-tight home. Poorly ventilated furnaces, gas dryers and unvented kerosene heaters are all possible sources of carbon monoxide poisoning. Also, prolonged exposure to common Household chemicals found in various cleaners, soaps, disinfectants, pesticides, paint thinners and all volatile substances should be avoided.

For many years the approved treatment for termite infestation has been the use of chlordane. However, research now has shown that this poison does not break down, as was previously thought, and dangerous contamination may continue indefinitely. There have been many cases where homes have actually been abandoned because heating ducts were contaminated with this deadly substance.

This list could go on and on. Such indoor environment hazards may seem to be beyond one’s control, but to be aware of possible dangers allows us to explore safer options and to take corrective measures. Also, through ignorance, we may further add dangerous pollutants to our home environment. By being aware of these hazards, we may be able to avoid much pain and grief.

Clothing

Our clothing may also be potentially hazardous to our health. This area has yet to be investigated fully. Accumulating data indicates that synthetic fabrics do affect our health. The advent of these fibers has imperiled many super-sensitive people by the wide-spread and unregulated use of chemical agents, flame retardants, solvents, acid and dyes. These are used to treat both natural and synthetic fabrics. Of all the chemical processes involved, the flame retardants have been the most widely publicized, and these have been found to be both mutagenic and carcinogenic in research on animals.

Of equal danger is vinyl chloride, a highly toxic chemical known to be carcinogenic in humans. It is used frequently in synthetic fabrics, especially in fake furs and wigs. This is extremely dangerous where wigs are concerned, due to the high permeability of the scalp.

For all these reasons, not to mention the larger negative impact on the environment from chemical wastes created by these synthetics, we recommend only natural fibers – cotton, linen, wool, flax, hemp and all organic silk. Because of their breathability, these fibers are the most comfortable.

Caring for clothing is important. As much as possible, try to wash your clothing in a biodegradable product and avoid spot removers, pre-washing treatments and bleach. The residues they leave behind may produce skin irritations and allergic reactions, and these products have a negative impact on the environment as well. Dry cleaning should be used as little as possible. With garments that must have this process, let them air outdoors for about a week so that most of the fumes can be dispersed.

Planetary Wellness

The program that we evolved at The Vitalitians Society Course is a completely integrated system. The foods we choose and those we grow are returned to the earth through composting. Our every aim here is to live healthfully and in complete harmony with the earth. Living within the framework helps to protect us from the machinations and manipulations of special interests. This program will give you total control of your dietary choices, leading to full responsibility for your own health. This approach, beginning on an individual level and expanding outward, can lead to planetary harmony as well.

Over our lives we have been discouraged from living with Passion. Layers of unwanted involvements weigh heavily on us and diminish our spirits. When this spark is gone we cannot appreciate life and live with the joy and freedom which is our birthright. This is why one must have a main objective and that is to fulfill yourself through an impassioned focus on those things that give you the most joy.

Those people who feel out of touch with themselves spew their discontent all over the planet creating everything from unsafe energy sources to piles of rubble as they discard whatever they wish out the windows of their cars, off the sides of their boats and in the garbage cans in front of their homes and businesses. Trained by a market-based culture we are avid consumers who do not think about tomorrow and, more importantly, do not care about today. This destructive activity has let us into a disease causing environment filled with our discards and, as nature always will, she is trying to let us know that we must stop. Disease rates are growing, multiplying and mutating. Each year there are hundreds of new symptoms and disorders that cannot be categorized under the traditional health criteria. We have observed the recipients of catastrophic disease becoming younger and younger as time passes. You must stand strong and think and act independently so that you are a contributor to yours and others advancement rather than just one more burden on the planet.

Over our lives we have been discouraged from living with Passion. Layers of unwanted involvements weigh heavily on us and diminish our spirits. When this spark is gone we cannot appreciate life and live with the joy and freedom which is our birthright. This is why one must have a main objective and that is to fulfill yourself through an impassioned focus on those things that give you the most joy.

You must stand strong,

Think and act independently,

So that you are a contributor

To yours and others

Advancement rather

Than just one more burden

Upon the future of the planet.