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Water Ionizers

Water For the 21st Century A Return to Nature by Ronald D. Nicklaw Certified Nutrition Consultant Chapter 1 Water: Importance and Function in the Human Body Chapter 2 Importance of Maintaining Proper Acid/Alkaline Balance Chapter 3 The Dangers of Acidosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions Chapter 4 Ionized Alkaline Water: Characteristics & Benefits of Ionized Water Chapter 5 Ionized Alkaline Water - A Potent Detoxifier Chapter 6 Water: Alkaline Water for Weight Loss Chapter 7 Water: Uses for Acid Water

Introduction

Ionized Alkaline Water produced by a Water Ionizer has many of the same "living qualities" as found in high altitude, free-flowing, spring-fresh mountain water. Mountain stream water is naturally purified and oxygenated as it passes over the stream bed across rocks and terrain. This movement creates water that is microclustered, that is, the water is formed into small clusters of 5-6 water molecules. It will inherently have a negative Oxidative Reduction Potential (ORP), which gives it the ability to neutralize free radicals in the body when it is consumed. Because of minerals in the soil, mountain stream water is naturally alkaline. Ionized Alkaline Water produced by the unique health appliance called the Water Ionizer, has the same characteristics as water from a free-flowing stream: Purified through Superior Filtration Alkalinity through concentrate of minerals High levels of oxygen from the ionizer process Microclustered to more effectively hydrate deeply into tissues Antioxidant activity - free radical neutralizer This is why we call Alkaline Ionized Water: "Water for the 21st century, a Return to Nature". In the following chapters you will discover the unique value and benefits of alkaline water. It can give you greater energy, boost immunity, help you detoxify your body and maintain proper pH balance.

Chapter 1

Water: Importance and Function in the Human Body

Water is necessary for every body function and proper daily intake is essential for optimal health. The average adult body contains over 40 quarts of water, about 70% of body mass. Blood is: 83% water, muscles, brain and heart 75%, lungs 86%, kidney 83%, and eyes 95%. Water is necessary for digestion, absorption of nutrients, circulation, lubrication, and elimination. It is a flushing agent and cleanser for all body liquids. Water facilitates the transport of toxins away from cells and tissues, and ultimate elimination through the kidneys. As a major component of blood plasma, water is necessary in bringing life-giving nutrients to every cell of the body. If the body is dehydrated, water will be allocated from less vital functions to critical areas such as the cardiovascular, nervous, and muscular systems. Over time insufficient water intake can lead to chronic dehydration, imbalance your body's pH, and cause serious health problems. How Much Water Should You Drink? Drinking sufficient water each day is not only essential for life, but also a basic requirement for maintaining optimal health. When evaluating the amount of water you consume each day, you cannot include such liquid as coffee, soft drinks, or alcohol. These liquids will ultimately dehydrate the body as they cause a net loss of body water reserves. The amount each person should drink depends on body size, climate, and your exercise regimen. A good rule of thumb is to drink 1/2 ounce daily for every pound of weigh. For example, a 150 lb. person would drink about 75 ounces of water daily, or approximately 2.5 quarts. So it is recommended that you drink a minimum of 8-10 glasses of water each day. It can be particularly healthy to start your day with a glass of water to flush your digestive tract and re-hydrate our body after a night's rest.

Chapter 2

Maintaining Proper Body Acid / Alkaline Balance

Whether a liquid is alkaline or acidic is determined by its pH, a chemistry term that means "potential hydrogen". When we calculate the pH of a liquid we are measuring the number of Hydroxyl (OH-) ions which are negative and therefore alkaline-forming, as opposed to the amount of hydrogen (H+) ions that are positive and therefore acid-forming. Neutrality is measured as 7 on the acid/alkaline scale. The pH scale ranges from 0 (the highest acidity) to 14 (the highest alkalinity). Chemists measure the degree of acidity of a liquid by the level of concentration of water-bound hydrogen ions, and the level of alkalinity by the number of Hydroxyl ions present. The following table shows the pH of several body fluids: Blood 7.37 - 7.43 Saliva 7.2 - 7.5 Bile 7.5 - 8.8 Urine 6.2 Pancreatic Secretions 7.5 -8.8 Gastric Juice 2.5 The human body has several complex systems for maintaining its critical acid/alkaline balance. Lungs breathe out increased amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) when there are excessive amounts present. When CO2 is dissolved in liquid it forms carbonic acid. The kidney eliminates acid through urine. The blood is also equipped with complex systems to maintain proper pH. It is essential that blood pH be maintained at a level of about 7.4 which is in the alkaline range. When the body is unable to maintain proper pH balance, there is danger that it will become overly acidic. Acids will then accumulate and are deposited in the body causing illness in the body. Although it is possible for the body to become overly alkaline, it is rare and usually caused by metabolic disorders. The most common condition is a tendency toward acidosis, caused by improper diet, environmental toxins, and stress. In the next chapter we will examine the causes and symptoms of acidosis and the dangers it presents to maintaining optimal health.

Chapter 3

The Dangers of Acidosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions

Acidosis can be defined as the condition in which the acid/alkaline balance of the body has shifted unfavorably, and the body fluids have become overly acidic. Acidosis has been recognized as a contributing factor in many health conditions including gout, heartburn, gastritis, sore muscles, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, skin diseases, obesity, frequent colds and flus, and more serious conditions such as heart disease and cancer. An acidic body state creates an environment that can lead to disease, and speed up the aging process. Disease thrives in an acidic condition; the more acidic a person is, the more susceptible he is to disease. Symptoms of Acidosis Some of the symptoms of acidosis can include lack of energy, constipation, digestive problems such as indigestion and gas, gout, joint pain, chronic skin rashes, allergies, high blood pressure, reduced immune functions, and weight gain. Causes of Acidosis The causes of acidosis can include: inadequate or improper nutrition, insufficient intake of water, stress and too little or excessive exercise. 1) Nutrition and Acidosis The over consumption of acid-forming foods can be a major contributor to chronic acidosis. Certain foods such as meats, dairy products, and fried foods when consumed excessively can lead to an acid condition. Liquids such as coffee and alcohol can also create acidity in the body. 2) Water and Acidosis Insufficient intake of water can be another cause of acidosis, as water is necessary to wash acid wastes out of the body tissues. As we will see in future chapters, the proper type and amount of water consumed can be critical in maintaining proper pH balance in the body. 3) Stress Both physical and mental stress can lead to chronic acidosis. When the body is under stress, body systems produce acids as a natural reaction. The adrenal gland in particular is involved in secreting the stress hormones, cortisol and adrenaline. These hormonal secretions lead to an accelerated metabolic stage that increases acid levels in the body. 4) Exercise Level and pH Balance Lack of exercise can contribute to the accumulation of acids in the body. When we exercise, the body is stimulated to burn fatty acids as well as accumulated acids. Increased circulation improves the elimination of acid wastes from body tissues. On the other hand, excessive or overly intense exercise can result in the buildup of lactic acid in the muscles. Your approach to exercise should consist of moderate physical activity with a period of rest to allow the lactic acid levels to return to normal. 5) Reversing Chronic Metabolic Acidosis In designing a program to reduce acidity in the body and promote alkalinity, you mush remove the direct causes of acidosis. Consume alkaline foods such as fresh vegetables, green salads, and fruits such as bananas, and melons; and reduce the intake of acid foods. Reduce stress and exercise moderately. Finally, the amount and type of water You drink can greatly assist you in reversing acidosis. We will discuss this important topic in the following chapters.

Chapter 4

Ionized Alkaline Water: Characteristics and Benefits of Water Produced by a Water Ionizer

Ionized Alkaline Water is produced by a unique health appliance called a Water Ionizer. The Water Ionizer first passes the water from your kitchen faucet through an advanced filter to remove pesticides, chlorine, and contaminants. The water is then put through the ionization chamber and electrically splits the filtered water into alkaline water and acid water. This is done by running the pre-filtered water over positive and negative electrodes. A Water Ionizer has two water chambers with positive and negative electrodes. The negative electrode attracts positive minerals, which are the alkaline minerals, to its chamber, while the positive electrode attracts negatively charged minerals, which are acid minerals, to its chamber. The two chambers are separated by a special membrane with very tiny holes, so small that water molecules cannot go through, but large enough to permit the ionized minerals to get through. This ionization process takes place while the water is running through the water ionizer. A stream of alkaline water comes out of the stainless steel nozzle at the top of the unit, and the acid water comes out of the back to drain off into the sink. Approximately 70% of the water produced is alkaline and 30% is acid water. The common alkaline minerals concentrated by the water ionizer to produce alkaline water are calcium, magnesium, manganese and potassium. The acid minerals that are discarded include chlorine, fluoride, sulfur, phosphorus, bromine, silicon and copper. Water Ionizers were developed in the late 1950's by several Japanese Agricultural Universities. After the health benefits were well-researched and demonstrated, the water ionizer was approved as a Health Improvement Medical Device by the Health and Rehabilitation Ministry of the Japanese government. The better quality Water Ionizers have several levels of alkalinity. You can begin by drinking mildly alkaline water, slowly increasing the alkalinity over time. A water ionizer will typically produce water with a pH between 7 and 10. Alkaline water in the 8.5 to 9.5 range is sufficiently alkaline to produce the health benefits desired. Characteristics of Water Produced by a Water Ionizer: Alkalinity Better Tasting Microclustered for better Hydration Antioxidant Activity Increased Oxygen Ability to Detoxify 1) Alkalinity Our lifestyle with high stress, exposure to environmental toxins, and poor eating habits, overload our body's natural defensive systems against acidity. The human body uses alkaline minerals to offset acids. When the body does not have sufficient alkaline mineral reserves it will pull them from other body organs and tissues like bones, the heart, and the teeth. A water ionizer provides a rich source of important alkaline minerals that the body can use to maintain proper pH balance. 2) Better Tasting A water ionizer produces water that is cleaner, healthier, and better tasting. When used in cooking, alkaline water helps bring out the natural taste of food. Sweeter Tasting Juices Using alkaline water to reconstitute your juices from concentrates will result in a sweeter taste with less bite because the acids will be neutralized. Better Tasting Coffee As with juices, all your beverages make with ionized water will be less acid tasting. Natural Colored Vegetables Vegetables will retain a natural texture and color, bright greens and yellows. Fluffier Grains Rice and rolled oats will be fluffier after being boiled in water from a water ionizer. 3) Microclustered Water from a Water Ionizer is "microclustered", meaning it is grouped together in smaller clusters of 5-6 water molecules like clusters found in natural flowing spring water, instead of the 10-13 found in bottled or tap water. This makes it "microclustered" so it will be more quickly and easily absorbed and will hydrate cells and tissues more effectively. The hexagonal molecular structure resulting from electrolysis is what makes ionized water "wetter" than tap or bottles water. It is up to 6 times more hydrating than typical tap water. Therefore it permeates cellular membranes quickly to provide a natural energy lift. 4) Antioxidant Ionized Water has two antioxidant qualities - its negative charge and the presence of Hydroxyl ions. All liquids have an Oxidative Reduction Potential (ORP). Normal tap water has an ORP of +300 to +400 mv. It does not have any potential for reducing oxidation because its ORP is positive. Only a negative ORP can reduce or negate oxidation. Water produced by a quality Water Ionizer typically has an ORP of about -250 to -400 mv, meaning it can act as an antioxidant that can reduce oxidation, neutralize harmful free radicals, and retard the aging process. Alkaline water acts an an antioxidant, scavenging for and neutralizing free-radicals. Because alkaline water has the ability to give up electrons, it can effectively neutralize and block free radical damage to the body. Ionized Alkaline Water seeks out free radicals and converts them into oxygen which your body can use for energy production and tissue oxygenation. 5) Increased Oxygen Water produced by a Water Ionizer will contain a cloud of tiny bubbles in the water. This is oxygen that is consumed to produce higher levels of oxygen in the blood. As Ionized Alkaline Water is produced, Hydroxyl ions are created. These are oxygen molecules with an extra electron attached to them. In the same way mountain stream water passing over the surface of rocks picks up electrons and oxygen, Alkaline Water has high levels of Hydroxyl ions and oxygen. In the body, Hydroxyl ions scavenge for free radicals which are unstable oxygen molecules that cause cellular damage. When the Hydroxyl molecule and the free radical collide, the body is provided with high levels of oxygen which improves energy levels. Energy derived from oxygen is the best form of energy. It keeps us alert, invigorates our bodies, and carries vital nutrients throughout the body. Drinking Ionized Water on a regular basis will increase the levels of oxygen in the blood. This can be especially important for cancer patients who are often fatigued because their blood oxygen levels are low after being depleted by the process of mutual destruction between cancer cells and oxygen molecules. 6) Detoxification Benefits Ionized Water flushes acid wastes from the cells and tissues. Its greater permeability allows it to penetrate more deeply into body tissues. The flushing action provides an effective yet gentle form of detoxification. The next chapter will demonstrate in more detail its ability to detoxify the body.

Chapter 5

Ionized Alkaline Water: A Potent Detoxifier

Water is essential for detoxification of the accumulated acid wastes in the body. It is the means by which toxins are flushed out of the body tissues for excretion through the kidneys. Modern living exposes us to a broad spectrum of toxins, including those we consume in the food we eat, toxins produced naturally in the body as a by product of normal metabolism, heavy metal exposure, and air pollution. Common symptoms of excessive toxins include bad breath, coated tongue, frequent fatigue, headaches, digestive problems, allergies, and skin disorders such as acne or rashes. Toxins We Consume Even the best of diets, those from unprocessed organic foods, contain natural toxic substances that need to be neutralized and eliminated. Common examples of these natural toxins are glycoalkoloids in certain vegetables, lectins in beans, molds and fungi found in grain, peanuts, and some fruits. Chemical and Additives in Our Food It has been said that there are approximately 3,000 additives in use in the commercial production and preparation of foods including preservatives, stabilizers, artificial coloring and flavoring. Large amount of chemicals, pesticides, and insecticides are finding their way into our foods. Antibiotics are used in meat products as growth enhancers which eventually are found in meat and milk products. In addition, common prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicine contain substances that must be neutralized and detoxified by the body. Toxins Produced in the Body The body produces certain by-products during normal metabolic process that must be detoxified and eliminated. A good example is the toxins produced during protein digestion. Both urea and ammonia must be detoxified and eliminated mainly by the kidneys, which need to be supported by the adequate consumption of quality water. Heavy Metal Detoxification Common heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, arsenic, and aluminum are found in our environment and can be absorbed by the body. Sources of heavy metals include pesticide sprays, cooking utensils containing aluminum, cigarette smoke, dental fillings, anti-perspirants, and antacid medication. The absorption of these heavy metals from our environment take place over long periods of time, resulting in a slow buildup. However, the body must neutralize and detoxify these heavy metals if it is to maintain good health. Detoxification Benefits of a Water Ionizer The body can be detoxified by the daily use of Ionized Alkaline Water. Acid wastes collected in the body over years of improper diet, daily stress, and exposure to environmental toxins can be neutralized and washed out of the body.

Chapter 6

Alkaline Water for Weight Loss

Nearly one in 3 American adults is overweight, and about half of those are clinically obese. Obesity in America has more than doubled between the year 1960 and 2000. In his breakthrough book "The pH Miracle for Weight Loss", Robert O. Young, PhD, states that the cause of obesity in America "is a fundamental misunderstanding of how and why the body stores fat". What matters most according to Dr. Young is keeping your body properly alkaline, rather that acidic. His book reveals that keeping your body sufficiently hydrated with Alkaline Water is critical in maintaining proper weight. Weighing too much is not about fat according to Dr. Young, but the overproduction and storage of fats produced by the typical American diet and lifestyle. Dr. Young writes: "Excess acid in the body starts to break down cells in your tissues and organs - pretty much the same way acidic steak sauces tenderizer meat. Cell breakdown sends the body into self-preservation mode; it uses dieting and body fat in a desperate attempt to protect itself, no matter what the costs. Fat can bind up acids and sometimes escort them out of the body. But fat is used primarily as a way to store those acids. Ask any plastic surgeon: the fat they liposuction out of their patients is brown and black because of all the acids it contains. In the short term, this is good news: your body is protecting itself from immediate damage by those acids. The bad news: over the long term, those fat/acid deposits create a whole bunch of health problems." Dr. Young goes on to explain that being overacidic causes you to be overweight. The excess stored acid is protecting the cells, tissues, and organs. "The body protects itself against the acids as best it can by binding them up with fat and storing them away." His book presents a program to restore balance to your body, thereby naturally shedding excess pounds. Consuming alkaline foods and drinking alkaline water on a daily basis can help you neurtalize toxic acids, and wash them out of the body.

Chapter 7

Uses For Acid Water

You should never drink the acid water produced by a Water Ionizer. However, it has certain characteristics that make it useful. Acid water has the ability to kill bacteria on contact. It can be used on the skin and hair, since both are slightly acidic. It can be used as a skin astringent to tighten and cleanse. Acid water can be used on house plants as they thrive on water that is slightly acid. Summary of Uses of Acid Water Skin Care Natural astringent for improving complexions. Improves smoothness and elasticity of the skin. It removes skin oil and greasy dirt with out harsh chemicals. Helps heal cuts, blisters, scrapes. Relieves chapped hands and dry, itchy skin. Soaking in warm acidic ionized water may improve healing for athletes foot, rashes, nail fungus infections and insect bites. Provides excellent relief from poison ivy and poison oak. Excellent treatment for acne and eczema. Hair Care Use an a natural hair conditioner. Hair feels great after rinsing in it. Antiseptic Highly antiseptic for cuts, abrasions and wounds Use as mouthwash after brushing teeth. Effectively removes plaque from teeth. (Not to be consumed) Fruits and Veggies Wash vegetables, fruits, meats and fish with it to kill bacteria. Plant Care Acid loving plants will thrive Helps promote plant and vegetable growth Cut flowers last longer Reduces fungus on rose bushes

Water for the 21st Century
by Ronald D. Nicklaw
Certified Nutrition Consultant