We Continue To Push And Persevere

In Seijitsu Judo Dojo we teach the lesson of the power of the spoken word. What we speak we never take back. We act on it. Thus, we continue to push and persevere. People come and go but those who choose to make a stand shall stand. Those who contemplate on giving up have already fallen.

We therefore continue to teach. We continue to be Seijitsu!

We are privileged to have learned from Judo greats
Sensei Boy Mondejar (3rd from right) was Chief Instructor of Paglaum Judo Club, Bacolod City. He and his family moved to Ada City, Oklahoma sometime in the 1990's and opened Ada City Judo Club under the United States Judo Federation. He is a multi-awarded Judoka and has been an awardee of the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame. It's quite funny how it seems that he stopped growing old. Judo Champion, Marathon Champion, Push up champion. Photo taken October 23, 2011 at Check Inn Hotel during Sensei Boy's visit to Bacolod City.

Sensei Mondejar doing a high forward fall from a platform during a Judo public demo in Ada City, Oklahoma, U.S.A.


Some of the Judoka Sensei Boy who continued when he moved to Ada, Oklahoma. Some had faded, some had pushed on and persevered. Photo taken sometime around the 1990's.


A picture taken with Sensei Kinjho, 8th Dan (KODOKAN) during my visit last July 18, 2010 at his farm. A bemedalled Judoka and an accomplished Judo Sensei who visited us and taught us during the early 1990s before establishing the ATLETA Judo Club which I later joined sometime in the year 2000.

This picture was taken during our public demo at West Negros College (now West Negros University) in line with our propagation of Judo in school campuses with Sensei Kinjho in the 90's. This was long before the ATLETA was born. The time when we use to go to Bo. Concepcion and be with Sensei Kinjho.


Sensei Pat Prologo Sr. - One of the original 15 Judoka to propagate Judo in Negros. Sensei Pat would recall how it was during their prime. He also expressed his wish for us to continue on what they have started together. Now that Sensei Pat has passed away, we continue to push and persevere.


Rudy Vivero (3rd from left) and other practitioners in their kimono (the word "gi" was not used to refer to training uniforms before). Photo taken during the 1960s during a break in their Judo training. Their dojo was the first to be registered with Philippine Amateur Judo Association in Negros.


Another picture of Rudy Vivero(left) this time with Jun Caduhada (center) and Bert Lamayo (right) who are among the 15 Judo pioneers in Negros. Photo taken during the 1980s in one of their gatherings.

Below: Some of those who stand to push and persevere with us - Seijitsu Judo.























Dare to Push and Persevere!

Video taken during the 1st Iloilo National Invitational Individual Judo Tournament held in Iloilo City, Philippines.


Practice is not a matter of years and months. It is a matter of concentration.

Walk a single path, becoming neither cocky with victory nor broken with defeat, without forgetting caution when all is quiet or becoming frightened when danger threatens. - Jigoro Kano

Health Benefits of Honey

Evidence from cave paintings shows that humans have been hunting for and collecting honey for 10,000 years. It has long been used on its own, and in many foods and beverages for sweetening and flavoring. Honey even has a place in religious symbolism, and is referred to in the Bible numerous times. The particular flavor of honey is based on the source of the nectar.

Why is honey so sweet?

Honey’s sweetness comes from fructose and glucose and has about the same relative sweetness as granulated sugar, but its distinctive flavor is preferred by many over sugar. Most microorganisms have a hard time growing in honey due to its low water activity. It is often used as a healing remedy and has numerous health benefits that scientific research continues to uncover. Here are some of the many health benefits of honey.

At its most basic, organic, raw honey is a healthy source of energy due to the carbohydrates it contains. The carbs in honey supply energy, strength, and endurance, and cut down on muscle fatigue.

Honey Health Treatments


Honey is a safe and natural remedy for the morning sickness that often accompanies early pregnancy, and is thought by many to be more effective than the usual soda cracker remedy.

The benefits of honey as a great soother for sore throats, laryngitis, and pharyngitis have long been known.
When paired with cinnamon, honey can help in relieving indigestion, arthritis, bladder infections, and even bad breath. Some people claim that honey can slow hair loss.

Honey added to warm, raw goat’s milk is believed to increase the human male’s sperm count considerably, and has been used as a natural impotence remedy, as well as in treatment of infertility in women.

When topically applied, honey used as a salve can safely and effectively treat diabetic ulcers, canker sores, bleeding gums, and eczema, and can be used when topical antibiotics are not well-tolerated.

Honey mixed with apple cider vinegar has long been used to sooth stomach aches, to ease constipation, and to treat migraine headaches.

Combined with lemon, honey is able to make the body’s available fat stores more usable for regular bodily functions. Other benefits of honey are that it is cholesterol free, and some believe that it keeps cholesterol levels under control.
Honey is an amazing natural substance, and there is no wonder it has been so widely used for so many thousands of years. It is receiving plenty of attention due to its natural healing abilities. Buying locally grown, organic honey not only supplies you with the goodness of honey, but supports your local beekeepers and local agriculture and economy. The benefits of honey are not just for health, but local economies as well!

One thing you must remember with honey, however, is that it naturally contains botulinum endospores. While these have no effect on the vast majority of the population, babies under the age of 12 months should never eat honey. Before this age, a baby’s intestinal tract has not matured to the point that it can inhibit growth of clostridium botulinum, which is sometimes found in honey. So while older children and adults can safely eat honey, it should not be fed to babies under age one. (source: http://benefitsofhoneyblog.com/)


Honey is considered the only food that includes all the substances necessary to sustain life. History has recorded honey as the most used medicine in ancient Egypt while in the First World War, honey mixed with cod liver oil were used to treat soldier's wound.

Honey is also mentioned in the holy book for the Moslems, the Koran while the great Napoleon has also used the bees as a symbol of his empire.

There is scientific research that shows that honey is a wonderful food. I would only give one as an example. In one recent study, researchers at the University of California, Davis, reported in March 2004 that daily consumption of raw honey may raise polyphenolic antioxidant levels in blood and reduce the risk of damage by free radicals. In English this means better immune system and stronger body.

So, what are you waiting for? Eat honey today!

However, unpasteurized honey should not be taken by pregnant women. Also, make sure you only buy cold-pressed honey because heated honey contains additives, so it may not be able to retain its healing properties.


Benefits

Honey is sedative, anti-fungal and nourishing
Soothes tissues and help retain calcium in the body
Antibacterial -- great for both internal or external problem
Considered to be a Swiss army knife in the world of alternative medicine.

Honey can boost the immune system


The Use

Mixture of equal quantities of honey and ginger juice is a good expectorant. It helps in colds, cough, sore throat and runny nose.

For asthma, mix half a gram of black pepper powder with honey and ginger juice mixture. Drink this mixture a few times a day.

Honey can soothe and encourage the healing of sores in the mouth or vagina.

A bowl of oats porridge with a spoonful of honey will calm the nerve. Ideal to be taken before an exam.

Honey is a great moisturizer and can be used on the skin as a natural revitalizing mask

Eating a little local honey will make you "immune" to pollens in the area.

To improve eyesight, mix honey with carrot juice. Take one hour before meals in the morning.

To purify the blood, mix one glass of warm water with 1-2 teaspoonful of honey and one teaspoonful of lemon juice. Take this preparation daily before you go to the toilet. It will also reduce fat and cleans your bowel.

Natural honey causes a lower rise in blood sugar than that of refined sugars in people with Type 2 diabetes. A little unprocessed honey may be added in their drinks when they crave some sweetness in their diet. Just use raw honey to benefit from this goodness. (source: http://www.oohoi.com/natural%20remedy/everyday_food/honey.htm)



Honey… Natural Energy

Honey is also a rich source of carbohydrates, providing 17 grams per tablespoon, which makes it ideal for your working muscles since carbohydrates are the primary fuel the body uses for energy. Carbohydrates are necessary in the diet to help maintain muscle glycogen, also known as stored carbohydrates, which are the most important fuel source for athletes to help them keep going.

Whether you’re looking for an energy boost or just a sweet reward after a long workout, honey is a quick, easy, and delicious all-natural energy source!

Honey as an Athletic Aid


Pre-exercise: For years, sports nutritionists have recommended eating carbohydrates before an athletic activity for an added energy boost. As with many carbohydrates, pure honey may be an effective form to ingest just prior to exercise. When honey is eaten before a workout or athletic activity, it is released into the system at a steady rate throughout the event.

During Exercise: Consuming carbohydrates, such as honey, during a workout helps your muscles stay nourished longer and delays fatigue, versus not using any aid or supplement. Next time you reach for a simple bottle of water, add some honey to it – it might give you that much-needed athletic boost!

Post-exercise: An optimal recovery plan is essential for any athlete. Research shows that ingesting a combination of carbohydrates and protein immediately following exercise (within 30 minutes) is ideal to refuel and decrease delayed-onset muscle soreness. Therefore, honey is a great source of carbohydrate to combine with post-workout protein supplements. In addition to promoting muscle recuperation and glycogen restoration, carb-protein combinations sustain favorable blood sugar concentrations after training.

Usage Tips

When planning your athletic training program, remember that honey is a rich source of carbohydrates, providing 17 grams at just 64 calories per tablespoon. Combining honey with fruits, vegetables, lean meats, whole grains and other healthful foods can add to your total nutrition and give you a great natural energy boost. Try these tips to fuel your diet with the sweet goodness of honey!

Staying hydrated is one of the most important tools for an athlete. Simply add honey to your bottle of water for an energy boost during your next workout.

Snacks are a great way to add extra fruits and vegetables to your diet. Try mixing peanut butter and honey, or honey and light cream cheese, as a dip for fresh fruits or vegetables.

Peanut butter and honey sandwiches on whole wheat bread are a great, high-energy snack to provide a good combination of carbohydrates, protein and fat.

Since honey is a convenient, portable source of energy, take it with you for tournaments and long periods of activity to help sustain your energy levels.

The best time to work, rest and play

An early-morning workout can blast the cobwebs away.
But if you really want to feel the benefits of exercise, it might be better to wait until the afternoon.

That, according to scientists, is the best time to put muscles and stamina to the test.

Thanks to studies of the body's natural rhythms, they say they can pinpoint the best times for working up a sweat, enjoying a drink, using some serious brainpower or even making love.

To get the best out of your day, they suggest working or studying in the morning and putting off any physical exercise until mid to late afternoon.

Circadian rhythms

Russell Foster, a professor of molecular biology at Imperial College London, said doing things the other way around inevitably results in poorer performance.

This is because hormones are highly active in the morning, helping to boost concentration and short-term memory, while body temperature - which maximises muscle performance - only peaks between 5 and 6pm.

If your typical daytime schedule does not match up to the expert advice, you may fare better in the evening.

The best time to enjoy a drink for example, is between 7 and 8pm - just as the pubs start to fill up.

It also happens to be the time when the liver is at its most active in detoxifying the body.

Libido tends to peak between 10pm and 1am, meaning the best time to make love helpfully coincides with most of our bedtimes, said Professor Foster.

According to the research, ovulation typically occurs at midnight which means late at night is also the best time to conceive.

The guidance is based on circadian rhythms - fluctuations in the body's needs and capabilities which repeat roughly every 24 hours, dictated by the cycle of night and day.

"We cannot yet explain some of these things, but over a 24-hour period there are constant changes in light and temperature which the body responds to and also prepares itself for," said Professor Foster.

"It's ironic that so many people go to the gym in the morning and that Olympic athletes will get up at 4am to train because the difference between performance then and the potential later in the day is huge."

Peaks and troughs

In the U.S., researchers found lung function was at its worst around midday and its best between 4pm and 5pm - providing another reason to exercise in late afternoon.
But if it is your brain that needs a workout, then late morning is the best time to knuckle down to some serious concentration.

Levels of cortisol - a hormone related to stress but which can help mind function - rise rapidly between 6 and 8am as the body prepares for the day ahead.

But early-morning sleepiness can still be taking its toll at this time of day.
It is not until 10 or 11am - at which point heart rate and blood pressure have also 'warmed up' - that the ability to concentrate and solve problems is at its peak.
"Hormone levels are high in the morning and there is some evidence that they can enhance mental performance," said Professor Foster.

"If you are doing an exam, ideally you should start at 11am and finish at 1pm and that would probably put you at a statistical advantage over people doing it in the afternoon."

However, he was less certain about the peaks and troughs of libido. The fact that it tends to peak in the late evening could also be due to cultural reasons, he said.
"A cynic might say that it's simply because that's when the pubs turn out," he added.
"It is certainly a distinct rhythm in terms of libido, but whether it is for social reasons or it is driven by our biological clock, we don't know."

Making the most of time

A better understanding of the body's rhythms could do more than simply help us make the most of our time.

Scientists believe it could also be used to work out the most effective times to take medication.

For example, the discovery that lung function is strongest in the afternoon could mean asthma treatments are more effective even in small doses at this time of day.
But not everyone can benefit from the body rhythm boom. Shift workers appear to be beyond help.

"Between 4am and 6am, your ability to do manual tasks is impaired in the same way as if you were drunk," said Professor Foster.

"Even if you work night shifts for 20 years, that doesn't change."


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-324555/The-best-time-work-rest-play.html#ixzz1bI7GbLo1

Rest and Recovery After Exercise - Improve Sports Performance

Rest and Recovery After Exercise - Improve Sports Performance
After Exercise Rest - Why Rest Days Improve Sports Performance
By Elizabeth Quinn, About.com Guide
Updated October 28, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board


The Primal Pyramid



Most athletes know that getting enough rest after exercise is essential to high-level performance, but many still over train and feel guilty when they take a day off. The body repairs and strengthens itself in the time between workouts, and continuous training can actually weaken the strongest athletes.

Rest days are critical to sports performance for a variety of reasons. Some are physiological and some are psychological. Rest is physically necessary so that the muscles can repair, rebuild and strengthen. For recreational athletes, building in rest days can help maintain a better balance between home, work and fitness goals.

In the worst-case scenario, too few rest and recovery days can lead to overtraining syndrome - a difficult condition to recover from.


What Happens During Recovery?

Building recovery time into any training program is important because this is the time that the body adapts to the stress of exercise and the real training effect takes place. Recovery also allows the body to replenish energy stores and repair damaged tissues. Exercise or any other physical work causes changes in the body such as muscle tissue breakdown and the depletion of energy stores (muscle glycogen) as well as fluid loss.

Recovery time allows these stores to be replenished and allows tissue repair to occur. Without sufficient time to repair and replenish, the body will continue to breakdown from intensive exercise. Symptoms of overtraining often occur from a lack of recovery time. Signs of overtraining include a feeling of general malaise, staleness, depression, decreased sports performance and increased risk of injury, among others.


Short and Long-Term Recovery

Keep in mind that there are two categories of recovery. There is immediate (short-term) recovery from a particularly intense training session or event, and there is the long-term recovery that needs to be build into a year-round training schedule. Both are important for optimal sports performance.

Short-term recovery, sometimes called active recovery occurs in the hours immediately after intense exercise. Active recovery refers to engaging in low-intensity exercise after workouts during both the cool-down phase immediately after a hard effort or workout as well as during the days following the workout. Both types of active recovery are linked to performance benefits.

Another major focus of recovery immediately following exercise has to do with replenishing energy stores and fluids lost during exercise and optimizing protein synthesis (the process of increasing the protein content of muscle cells, preventing muscle breakdown and increasing muscle size) by eating the right foods in the post-exercise meal.

This is also the time for soft tissue (muscles, tendons, ligaments) repair and the removal of chemicals that build up as a result of cell activity during exercise.

Long-term recovery techniques refer to those that are built in to a seasonal training program. Most well-designed training schedules will include recovery days and or weeks that are built into an annual training schedule. This is also the reason athletes and coaches change their training program throughout the year, add crosstraining, modify workouts types, and make changes in intensity, time, distance and all the other training variables.


Adaptation to Exercise

The Principle of Adaptation states that when we undergo the stress of physical exercise, our body adapts and becomes more efficient. It’s just like learning any new skill; at first it’s difficult, but over time it becomes second-nature. Once you adapt to a given stress, you require additional stress to continue to make progress.
There are limits to how much stress the body can tolerate before it breaks down and risks injury. Doing too much work too quickly will result in injury or muscle damage, but doing too little, too slowly will not result in any improvement. This is why personal trainers set up specific training programs that increase time and intensity at a planned rate and allow rest days throughout the program.


Sleep Deprivation Can Hinder Sports Performance

In general, one or two nights of poor or little sleep won't have much impact on performance, but consistently getting inadequate sleep can result in subtle changes in hormone levels, particularly those related to stress, muscle recovery and mood. While no one completely understands the complexities of sleep, some research indicates that sleep deprivation can lead to increased levels of cortisol (a stress hormone), decreased activity of human growth hormone (which is active during tissue repair), and decreased glycogen synthesis.

Other studies link sleep deprivation with decreased aerobic endurance and increased ratings of perceived exertion.


Balance Exercise with Rest and Recovery.

It is this alternation of adaptation and recovery that takes the athlete to a higher level of fitness. High-level athletes need to realize that the greater the training intensity and effort, the greater the need for planned recovery. Monitoring your workouts with a training log, and paying attention to how your body feels and how motivated you are is extremely helpful in determining your recovery needs and modifying your training program accordingly.

FYI : Liver Care

The liver is the largest single gland in the body. It is located on the right side of the abdomen under the lower ribs and just under the diaphragm which divides the chest from the abdomen. Liver performs a number of important functions in the body. When the liver is healthy it works very smoothly. But the liver can be affected by a number of serious disorders, such as virus infections, parasites, and disturbances of the circulation, stone formation in the bile ducts, injuries due to poisonous substances, and various kinds of tumors.

Most of the foods we eat are stored in the liver, after having been digested and absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. The liver has another very important function, that of detoxifying or destroying many harmful poisons and even certain medicines that are taken into the body for other purposes. When the liver is sick these functions are impaired and soon the whole body suffers. Not only does the liver store food materials, it also produces bile, a golden-yellowish liquid that is needed for the absorption of fat from the intestine. Another important substance produced in the liver is cholesterol, part of which passes into the bile. It may even form stones in the bile ducts and gall bladder under certain conditions.

Another important component is prothrombin, which is needed for the clotting of the blood. Urea, an important component of the urine, is also produced in the liver. The production of all these substances may be changed under certain disease conditions.

Jaundice is a disease marked by a yellow discoloration in the skin or in the whites of the eye. This is due to excessive amount of bile in the blood stream. Hepatitis is an acute inflammation of the liver caused by some infectious or toxic agent. The skin may be discolored and the whites of the eyes turn yellow. Various substances and organisms may be responsible for hepatitis, including germs, viruses, and toxic agents.

Another important disease of the liver is the cirrhosis of the liver. It is mostly associated with alcoholism. Poor nutrition may be responsible for this condition also. In some cases chronic poisoning with industrial fluids, such as carbon tetrachloride, may also play a part. In the early stages of the disease there may be frequent attacks of gas and indigestion, with occassional nausea and vomiting and with abdominal pain and weight loss.

Cancer may occur in almost any organ of the body. When it begins in the stomach or large bowel, the liver may soon be involved mainly because the blood flows toward the liver from all the digestive organs including the pancreas and gall bladder. This is known as metastatic carcinoma.

HOME REMEDIES FOR LIVER CARE

Papaya has been found beneficial in the treatment of cirrhosis of the liver, caused by alcoholism and malnutrition. Take a tablespoon of juice by grinding the seeds, mix with ten drops of fresh limejuice, and take it once or twice daily for about a month as a medicine for this disease. This is one of the important home remedies for liver care.

The herb trailing eclipta, botanically known as eclipta Alba (Bhringaraj ), has proved invaluable in cirrhosis of the liver. Take the juice of all parts of this plant in doses of one teaspoon, mixed with one teaspoon of honey, three times daily.

Picrorhiza known as picrorhiza kurroa (Katuki) is a drug of choice in ayurveda for cirrhosis of the liver among adults. Mix a tablespoon of the powder with an equal quantity of honey, take this thrice daily.

The juice of carrots, in combination with spinach juice, has been found beneficial in the treatment of cirrhosis of the liver. Mix -200 ml of Spinach juice with 300 ml of carrot juice to prepare 500 ml or half a liter of combined juices. Similarly, 300 ml of carrot juice, combined with 100 ml each of cucumber and beet juices can be used effectively. The patient must stop taking alcohol in any form. One of the best home remedies for liver care.

Vegetables such as beets, squashes, bitter gourd, eggplant, tomatoes, carrots, radishes, and papaya are especially useful in this condition.

The patient should avoid all refined, processed, and canned foods; spices and condiments; strong tea and coffee; fried foods; all preparations cooked in ghee, oil, or butter; all meats; and all chemical additives in food. The use of salt should be limited.

Application of hot and cold compresses, for two to three minutes each, on the liver area are beneficial.

Daily morning exercises, which involve stretching and deep breathing, are also effective in preventing the liver. Stretching and deep breathing kind of exercises early in the morning provide the most benefit for anyone with sluggish liver.

Soak 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of Bentonite clay in 1 cup of filtered water for 12 hours. Then add ½ to 1 tablespoon of psyllium husks or plantago seeds to the clay mixture and mix well. Drink and eat the whole cup of mixture immediately and then followed by 1 cup of warm water before bedtime. This is an effective home remedy for liver.

Drink at least 8 cups of warm water a day including 2 cups first thing in the morning. Epsom salt may help in flushing out the stones from the gall bladder. Epsom salt dilates the bile duct.

Take 2 tablespoons of GCG to crush the stone and wait for 1½ to 2 hours before taking 1 tablespoon each of Coptis and Curcuma again. The crushed stones appear to move easier and the pain is relieved. This is one of the best home remedies for liver care..

Milk thistle is found useful in patients who have developed acute liver disease from drugs, environmental toxins or ethanol or mushroom poisoning.

Another good home remedy for liver care is to take one tablespoon each of Coptis and Curcuma can usually help to push out the stones or other blockages.

A licorice root extract called glycyrrhizin has also shown good result as a possible remedy for chronic hepatitis C and liver cancer. (source: http://dailyhealthtips.blogspot.com/2009/06/liver-care.html)

FYI : Why Kidney Detox, Natural Health Remedies | Barron Report:

Why Kidney Detox, Natural Health Remedies | Barron Report
© 1999-2011 The Baseline of Health Foundation
A Kidney Care Formula

As the incidence of kidney problems has soared to epidemic levels over the last ten years, the need for a strong, dedicated formula for doing a regular kidney detox has become paramount. Even though a number of herbs (chanca piedra, juniper berry, uva ursi, parsley root, dandelion root, and horsetail) are common to both kidney and liver maintenance, a few additional ingredients are necessary for long-term kidney health. Such a kidney detox formula should also play a major role in eliminating gallstones and, amazingly, even helping with arthritis.

But first, let's explore some background on the kidneys and the extent of the problem in the world today.
The Kidneys

The kidneys are bean-shaped organs located on either side of the lower back, just below the rib cage. Their function is to:

* Keep the composition of your blood balanced.
* Regulate the amount of fluid in the body.
* Control balance of electrolytes in your blood.
* Help to control blood pressure.
* Produce hormones that are crucial for blood and bone formation.



kidneys

After blood is filtered through the kidneys, the primary byproduct is urine. The production of urine is a complex process. Far from being a simple removal of water from the body, it is, rather, a process of selective filtration that not only removes waste and potential toxins from the blood while retaining essential molecules, but that also serves to balance key biochemicals and hormones in the blood. Blood enters the kidneys by way of the renal artery and is processed in tiny tubes called nephrons and returned to circulation through the renal veins. The substances that are filtered are turned into urine, composed of 95% water, 2.5% urea, 2.5% mixture of minerals, salt, hormones and enzymes. Urine is then collected in the central part of the kidney and passes through the ureters to the bladder. When the bladder is full of urine, it is emptied from the body through the urethra. Approximately 180 liters of blood move through the two kidneys every day, about 1.5 liters of urine are produced.

Other Functions of the Kidneys

In addition to cleaning the blood, the kidneys regulate the amount of water contained in the blood. ADH (Vasopressin) is an anti-diuretic hormone produced in the hypothalamus and stored in the pituitary gland. When the amount of salt and other substances in the blood becomes too high, the pituitary glands release ADH into the bloodstream and to the kidneys. This increases the permeability of the walls of the renal tubules, helping to reabsorb more water into the blood stream. The kidneys also adjust the body's acid-base balance to prevent acidosis and alkalosis.

Another function of the kidneys is the processing of vitamin D. The kidneys convert this vitamin to an active form that stimulates bone development.

The nephrons

As mentioned above, the processing (or filtering) in the kidneys is done in the nephrons. Not surprisingly then, most kidney problems are focused in the nephrons, and correspondingly, most kidney drugs target the nephrons. For example, most diuretics inhibit the ability of the nephrons to retain water, thereby increasing the amount of urine produced.

The important thing to understand about the nephrons is that they are very, very tiny – and therefore easily plugged. When plugged, they become inflamed and infected and die. Also, because they are so small they are easily damaged by chemical imbalances in the blood that attack protein – specifically, high blood sugar and high insulin – which is why diabetes and kidney disease go hand in hand. The bottom line is that over time, when enough nephrons die, kidney function is compromised to the point that the kidneys can no longer do their job. At that point they require outside support (i.e. dialysis) or outright replacement (a kidney transplant).



For a full explanation of the anatomy of nephrons and how they work, check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nephron.

Kidney Diseases

Diseases of the kidneys range from mild infection to life-threatening kidney failure. The most common form of kidney disease is an inflammation of the kidneys. Kidney sludge is the result of the accumulated crystallized minerals that sometimes obstruct the flow of urine and damage the kidneys. If the minerals accumulate to a sufficient degree, the sludge actually forms into rough surfaced stones that actually rip and tear at the ureters on their way out of the kidneys.

Anyone who suffers from kidney stones knows the pain involved in passing a stone, but keep in mind that a kidney stone is only the extreme manifestation of sludge. Just because you don't suffer from kidney stones doesn't mean you don't have a problem. Kidney sludge may not be painful passing out the ureter, but it is nevertheless deadly over time as it slowly chokes off kidney function nephron by nephron.

How extensive is the problem? Virtually, every living person has some degree of sludge build up and some loss of kidney function over time. The only question is how much. Does it reach the point where it causes painful kidney stones to form or the point where it chokes off a critical mass of kidney tissue, ultimately leading to kidney failure.

It should be noted that although kidney stones and gallstones are not identical, the mechanisms involved in their formation are remarkably similar. This means that the same formulas used for eliminating kidney sludge and kidney stones will also help remove gallstones – and for that matter, even help with removing pancreatic sludge and arthritic calcium deposits in joints.

Kidney failure occurs when the kidneys are no longer able to keep the blood balanced. In acute kidney failure, symptoms include swelling, drowsiness, and irregular heartbeat. In chronic kidney failure, symptoms include fatigue, loss of appetite, headaches, cramps and thirst.

In addition to sludge, the other major kidney problems are connected to infection, inflammation, and direct damage to the protein that makes up the kidney tissue as a result of high sugar and high insulin levels.

A growing epidemic

The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse estimates that each year, nearly 100,000 Americans are newly diagnosed with kidney failure. More than 100,000 currently have End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) due to diabetes, and an astounding 7.7 million have physiological evidence of chronic kidney disease.(1) According to the U.S. Health and Human Services Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, an estimated 650,000 Americans will have kidney failure by 2010 and will require renal replacement therapy, either ongoing renal dialysis or a kidney transplant.(2) Without one of these therapies, ESRD is fatal. Yikes!

Fortunately, it's good to know there are ways to keep your kidneys healthy to avoid going down that road.

Taking care of your kidneys

Paramount to good care of the kidneys is reducing the toxic load they have to deal with, especially proteins and chemical contaminants which can build up in the kidneys, slowing their function, increasing acidity and raising blood pressure. So, consider lightening the diet--instead of eating meat every day, try going vegetarian for a day or so a week. A vegetable/fruit-based diet allows the body system to alkalinize via the kidneys, lowering blood pressure, and contributing to a sense of well-being. Also, drinking enough water so that the urine is a light color of yellow. A whole lot of water is not necessarily good for the kidneys, and it is always better to drink small amounts of water throughout the day, rather than gulping down a quart or two because you're thirsty. This just creates kidney stress.

The regular use of a kidney cleansing and rebuilding formula is now mandatory considering the stresses we put our kidneys under thanks to our “modern” lifestyles. A good kidney formula/s will include most of the following properties and ingredients.

What the formula needs to do

1. Anti-lithic (stone breaking)
2. Diuretic (water removing)
3. Antiseptic (infection killing)
4. Anti-nephrotoxic and anti-hepatotoxic
5. Soothing to urinary tract tissue
6. Anti-inflammatory
7. Stimulating to renal tissue

A note on stones

Different stones in the body have different chemical make-ups.

For example, gallstones are primarily formed from cholesterol, bile salts, and proteins. The more protein, the harder the stones. Think of it like the protein used to make fingernails. Incidentally, this protein primarily comes from the lining of the gallbladder. In other words, although stones get their start in the liver, they turn problematic in the gallbladder – which is why removing the gallbladder gets rid of symptoms, but not necessarily the underlying problem, which starts in the liver.

Pancreatic stones are formed from fatty acids, calcium, and proteins.

And kidney stones themselves vary significantly. There are four types.

* Calcium stones are composed of calcium that is chemically bound to oxalate (calcium oxalate) or phosphate (calcium phosphate).
* Uric acid stones. If the acid level in the urine is high or too much acid is excreted, the uric acid may not dissolve and uric acid stones may form.
Struvite or infection stones develop when a urinary tract infection alters the chemical balance of the urine causing stones to form from ammonium, magnesium, phosphate (aka struvite).
* Cysteine stones. Some people inherit a rare condition that results in large amounts of cystine in the urine, which causes the formation of cystine stones that are difficult to treat.

The important thing to understand is that although all of the above types of stones have different chemical compositions, most of them can be dissolved by the right combination of herbs in a single formula.

What to look for in a formula

Chanca piedra (Phyllanthus niruri)

For a number of years now, I have recommended using chanca piedra before liver detoxing to soften gallstones before trying to pass them during the detox. Chanca piedra works equally well on gallstones, kidney stones, and kidney sludge. In fact, the name chanca piedra, as it is known in Peru, comes from its effect on kidney stones and gallstones. The literal translation is “stone breaker.” It effectively softens both kidney stones and gallstones for easy passage out of the body. It is also renowned for its diuretic qualities and has been shown effective at helping relieve edema and urine retention. It also works as an anti-inflammatory agent in the kidneys and as an antihepatotoxic in the liver. That is to say, it counters the effects of toxins in the liver.

References (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
Hydrangea root (Hydrangea Arborescens)

The most common use for hydrangea is for the kidneys and bladder because of its effective diuretic property which helps increase the flow of urine. This removes impurities from the system and lessens the likelihood of infection along the entire urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, bladder, prostate (in men) and urethra. Hydrangea, like chanca piedra, is also considered an anti-lithic herb, which prevents stones or gravel from forming in the kidneys and bladder. As an anti-lithic herb, it can also assist the body in removing stones and gravel from these organs. This was a primary use of hydrangea by Native Americans.

Like most diuretic herbs, hydrangea is an excellent choice for treating inflamed or enlarged prostate glands. It is commonly combined with horsetail for this purpose. Maintaining healthy urine flow keeps the prostate less likely to constrict around the urethra, which prevents stagnant urine from causing more infection. This can also reduce inflammation by eliminating impurities from the prostate.

A scientific study published in Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry in 2003 noted that hydrangea root extracts have greater antioxidant power in liver tissue than milk thistle and turmeric combined. The findings of Japanese researchers amplify observations of nineteenth-century American physicians who used hydrangea primarily as a treatment for "kidney gravel," small stones in the kidneys that could be passed with a minimum of pain after treatment with the herb. Physicians of the time also used hydrangea as a treatment for chronic chest pain caused by bronchitis. Hydrangea root powder has a greater diuretic effect than other preparations of the herb , but it has less of an effect on pain.

References (10, 11, 12)
Gravel root (Eupatorium purpureum)

Like chanca piedra and hydrangea, gravel root also exhibits both diuretic and anti-lithic properties. Used primarily for kidney stones or gravel (which accounts for its name), it also helps with cystitis, dysuria, urethritis, and pelvic inflammatory disease. It can also play a role in the systemic treatment of rheumatism and gout as it encourages excretion of excess uric acid. And finally, it tones the reproductive tract and is used to treat inflammation of the prostate.

References (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
Marshmallow root (Althaea Officinalis)

Marshmallow's highest medicinal acclaim is as a demulcent. Internally it has a soothing effect on inflamed and irritated tissues of the alimentary canal, and urinary and respiratory organs. It aids in the passage of kidney stones and is used in combination with other diuretic herbs for kidney treatments which assist in the release of gravel and stones. It works very well for urinary problems.

Marshmallow has factors which combine with and eliminate toxins, helping the body to cleanse. This makes marshmallow an excellent herb to add to other formulas to help neutralize toxins that are the causative factors of arthritis.

Marshmallow is also very soothing to any sore or inflamed part(s) of the body. As well as the urinary tract, this herb will soothe an irritated digestive tract and help with diarrhea or dysentery.

References (20, 21)
Juniper berry (Juniperus communis)

Juniper Berries are used to treat infections, especially within the urinary tract, bladder, kidneys, and prostate. Their antiseptic properties help remove waste and acidic toxins from the body, stimulating a fighting action against bacterial and yeast infections. Juniper Berries also help increase the flow of digestive fluids, improving digestion and eliminating gas and stomach cramping. As a diuretic, Juniper Berries eliminate excess water retention contributing to weight loss. Juniper Berries' anti-inflammatory properties are ideal for relieving pain and inflammation related to rheumatism and arthritis. In addition, Juniper Berries are beneficial in reducing congestion, as well as treating asthma and colds. Juniper Berries make an excellent antiseptic in conditions such as cystitis. But the essential oil present in this herb is quite stimulating to the kidney nephrons. Some texts warn that juniper oil may be a kidney irritant at higher doses, but there is no real evidence that this is the case, and the dosage in this formula is quite low. Nonetheless, people with serious kidney disease probably shouldn't take juniper.

Contemporary herbalists primarily use juniper as a diuretic ("water pill") component of herbal formulas designed to treat bladder infections . The volatile oils of juniper reportedly increase the rate of kidney filtration, thereby increasing urine flow and perhaps helping to "wash out" offending bacteria. The volatile oils, particularly terpinen-4-ol, may cause an increase in urine volume. According to some sources, juniper increases urine volume without a loss of electrolytes such as potassium. It is recommended by the German Commission E for kidney ailments.

References (22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
Corn silk (Maydis stigma )

Corn silk is a soothing diuretic and works as an excellent remedy for urinary conditions such as retained urine, burning urine, kidney stones, bladder infections, gonorrhea, and as a lymphatic system cleanser. Corn Silk is used to treat bladder infections, kidney stones, infections of the prostate gland, and urinary infections.

References (27, 28, 29)
Uva ursi (Arctosyaphylos uva ursi)

The chief constituent of Uva Ursi is a glycoside called arbutin. This is what is responsible for its diuretic action. During its excretion arbutin produces an antiseptic effect on the urinary mucous membrane and can therefore help eliminate urinary tract infections. Tannic acid is also contained in the leaves. This herb also helps to keep the pH balance of urine from being too acid. It actually strengthens the lining of the urinary tract and helps to relieve any inflammation in the system. It has a direct sedative effect on the bladder walls. Allantoin, also found in Uva Ursi spurs the healing of wounds. For chronic inflammation of the bladder or kidneys Uva Ursi has no equal. Two studies report that urine from individuals given uva ursi is active against the most commonly involved bacteria in bladder and urinary tract infection.

This study supports the results of a double blind study of 57 women with recurrent cystitis. After one year, the placebo group had 20% incidence of recurring cystitis, whereas the uva ursi group had no recurring infection.

In addition it has anti-lithic properties that help in dissolving crystals not just in the kidneys, but throughout the body as well. It has, therefore, been used for arthritis and other painful joint problems.

References (30, 31, 32, 33)
Parsley root (Petroselinum crispum)

An important diuretic, parsley root also helps clear uric acid from the urinary tract and helps dissolve and expel gallstones and gravel – and prevent their future formation. It also inhibits the secretion of histamine and is therefore useful in treating hives and relieving other allergy symptoms. A decoction of parsley root can help eliminate bloating and reduce weight by eliminating excess water gain. Note: the German Commission E, an advisory panel on herbal medicines, has approved parsley for use in the prevention and treatment of kidney stones.

References (34, 35)
Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria)

Agrimony is one of the most frequently used herbal supplements for kidney stones. Primarily because of its high silica content, it can help get rid of kidney stones in a matter of weeks. Urinary incontinence, cystitis and other disorders of this system may also be treated with Agrimony.
Dandelion leaf (Taraxacum officinale)

Dandelion leaves and roots have been used for centuries to treat liver, gall bladder, kidney, and joint problems. In some countries, Dandelion is considered a blood purifier and is used for ailments such as eczema and cancer. It has also been used to treat poor digestion, water retention, and diseases of the liver such as hepatitis.

Dandelion leaf is also a good natural source of potassium, and will replenish any potassium that may be lost due to the diuretic action of the other herbs in this formula.

Studies show beneficial effects of dandelion on reducing urinary tract gravel, attributed to disinfectant action and possibly the presence of saponins. Dandelion has also been used traditionally to treat respiratory disorders. Dr. James Duke notes in his book, The Green Pharmacy, that numerous clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of dandelion leaves and root for treating pneumonia, bronchitis and upper respiratory infections. Dr. Duke recommends drinking the juice that remains after the greens have been cooked. The German Pharmacopoeia lists dandelion leaf and root for treating gastrointestinal complaints stemming from bile deficiency, as well as to stimulate appetite and diuresis. Dandelion was also used in folk medicine to ease painful joint and bone conditions. The tea reduces water retention and is considered a traditional blood purifier. The diuretic effect is also useful for reducing swelling.

References (36, 37, 38)
Horsetail (Equisetum arvense)

Horsetail has not been extensively studied in people, but professional herbalists recognize that the herb has diuretic (promotes the excretion of urine) properties that may be useful for the following health problems:

* Urinary tract infections
* Kidney stones

References (39, 40, 41, 42, 43)
Orange peel

Limonene and flavonoids found in orange peel seem to have anti-carcinogenic properties. They can block the carcinogenesis by acting as a blocking agent. Studies have shown that limonin and limonene can induce the enzyme activity of glutathione S-transferase, which is an important detoxifying enzyme.

In addition, orange peel has antiseptic, bactericidal, and fungicidal properties.

References (44, 45, 46)
Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

Peppermint has a relaxing effect on the muscles of the digestive and urinary system. It is useful for treating spasm problems in the urinary tract. It also has strong antibacterial and anti-fungal properties which help rid the kidneys of bacteria.

Three double-blind trials found that enteric-coated peppermint oil reduced the pain associated with intestinal spasms, commonly experienced in IBS.

References (47, 48, 49)
Goldenrod (Solidago virguarea)

Goldenrod is used as an aquaretic agent, meaning that it promotes the loss of water from the body (as compared to a diuretic, which promotes the loss of both water and electrolytes such as salt). It is used frequently in Europe to treat urinary tract inflammation and to prevent or treat kidney stones. In fact, goldenrod has received official recognition in Germany for its effectiveness in getting rid of kidney stones, and it is commonly found in teas to help "flush out" kidney stones and stop inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract. Goldenrod is said to wash out bacteria and kidney stones by increasing the flow of urine, and also, soothe inflamed tissues and calm muscle spasms in the urinary tract. It isn't used as a cure in itself, but rather as an adjunct to other, more definitive treatments such as (in the case of bladder infections) antibiotics.

Several studies have found that goldenrod does in fact increase urine flow.

References (50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55)
Who should use this formula and when

Since everyone accumulates sludge in their kidneys and livers, everyone is a candidate for regular use of this formula. Even people who have had their gallbladders removed will benefit. Regular softening and flushing of stones and gravel will keep your kidneys, liver, and gallbladder functioning at optimum levels and, more importantly, keep areas of those organs from choking to death and becoming non-functional. The sooner you start in life the better, but certainly the older you get, the more mandatory regular use becomes.

And as for anyone already suffering from painful kidney stones or gallstones, this formula can be a godsend. Whereas medical doctors can offer only surgery or expensive lithotripsy procedures (which are also not without risk), this formula offers a safe, highly effective alternative – that can work with remarkable speed. Painful kidney stones and gallstones can usually soften enough for easy passage in as little as 2-8 days. And regular use of the formula can prevent any recurrence.
How to use
Simple

Use 4-8 droppers in diluted juice three times a day until bottle is gone.
Better

Take 4 ounces of this formula and mix with a quart of fresh squeezed apple juice (not bottled) and a quart of water. Drink a pint each day over 4 days.

For most people, doing this program twice a year should be enough to keep the kidneys functioning properly. An ideal time to do this program is shortly before doing a liver detox. Again, the same herbs that soften kidney stones for easy passage will also soften gallbladder stones. Using this formula shortly before doing the liver detox will greatly reduce the likelihood of discomfort when doing the liver detox.

For those who have a predilection to getting kidney stones or gallstones, this program can be done once a month to minimize the chances of any future occurrence.

If you have currently existing painful kidney or gallstones, you probably will want to mix up two batches and drink it for 8 straight days.

Do not do more than once a month on a regular basis as the diuretic effect may deplete the body of essential water soluble vitamins and minerals over time.

Note: If using in preparation for the liver detox, make sure you use within 30 days of starting the detox so the gallstones don't get a chance to reharden before flushing.

Warning: The diuretic effects of this formula may enhance the toxic effects of certain medications, such as digoxin (used to treat congestive heart failure), phenytoin (for seizures), anticoagulants, and others. For this reason, people taking prescription medications should not use this formula without first consulting a health care provider. Also, anyone with severe kidney problems should not use this formula without first consulting their physician.
Testing the formula

There was never any question that this formula would work for many people. I've used variations and pieces of it for years, and some of the herbs have been time tested over decades, if not several centuries. But I wanted to see if this version of the formula was indeed stronger than anything I had put together before – after all, that was the intent. I needed an extreme test case. I decided to test it with Patty C., someone with a known, long-standing kidney condition, to see if it would help…and do so quickly.

Note: The following testimonial is from an individual stating what results THEY have experienced. I am not making any medical claims and I am not saying that the following referenced formula will cure the problems you have.

Here is her experience.

In 1989, at the age of 37, I began to have severe back pain, high fevers and nausea that would cause me to lie in bed for days. I curled up in bed, attempting to take deep breaths as sharp pains shot through my body and fevers made each muscle ache. I was shortly diagnosed with kidney sludge and a urinary tract infection where doctors put me on Vicodin and antibiotics. Despite the pain medication, I continued to suffer from abdominal pain, stiff neck, lower back pain, spinal disk trouble, fluid retention, heel spurs, weight gain, fuzzy eyesight, and hair loss.

One day in 1993, sharp pains caused me to rush to the hospital. I felt like I had knives stabbing me in my lower back, over and over again, and the intense burning when trying to urinate haunted me every time I felt the urge to go to the bathroom. Desperate to try anything, doctors immediately performed surgery on me by placing a J-J stent, which is a tube that coils up in the kidney and urinary bladder to ease the passage of stones.

Unfortunately, the stent only lasted a few weeks. I had so many stones that even the stent backed up causing additional pain. Even worse, the doctors felt my condition was so severe that they denied me as a candidate for kidney or urinary transplant. They felt that the massive amounts of sludge would cause scar tissue and ruin any transplant within a year.

Pain clinic management was all that was allowed which turned into chronic kidney infection, bladder infections, and spiking fevers for the years that followed. I would go to work each day in chronic pain, constant burning, frequent urination, fever, chills, and nausea. Then water retention and medication even started to cause heart palpitations and high blood pressure.

In 1997, the pain was so intense, that I ended up in the hospital again and was given liquid Morphine once an hour which is usually only used for cancer patients. They sent me home with Morphine patches, phypenol, Vicoden, and Cipro and continued to tell me there was nothing more I could do.

It never got better, even though they continued to switch pain medication with Methadone. Soon, all I could do was crawl off the coach to go to work and crawl back in bed as soon as I got home. Working as an admitting clerk at a hospital, who usually handles 100 of patients a day, became exhausting. Every ten minutes I had to get up in-between cases and either use the bathroom or sit and cry due to the pain. Several times I buckled over while trying to help a patient and co-workers had to close the booth down as I crashed out on the desk in agony.

My co-workers said they could not hide my pain from the patients any longer (or my boss) and the hospital forced me finally go out on disability. Eventually I had to have family and friends come over to drop off groceries and basic supplies. I needed help with basic tasks such as showering, cleaning house, cooking, and driving.

My friends watched me for the next three years go from being a social butterfly to a dark anti-social outcast hiding in a dark room, unwilling to open the blinds. Eventually, I no longer wanted friends to visit and I just wanted to lie there alone hoping the medication would knock out the pain and allow me to sleep through the entire experience. Sleeping all day eventually led to severe depression. I have always been known as the fun, positive comedian to all my friends, but the pain even wiped out my positive spirit. My family was so concerned, that they motivated me to start seeing a psychotherapist. I later realized that pain has a major impact on mental stability and two-thirds of all people committed to mental institutions suffered from kidney disorders BEFORE the mental illness. Clearly, I was not alone.

I did get my fighting spirit back and that got me through the last ten years. With a more positive attitude, I managed to have friends over again. I continued to experiment with alternative solutions such as aloe vera, cats claw, beta-carotene, magnesium, large does of vitamin E, Chinese mushroom tea, spirulina, and anything else I could find through friends or at the health food store. I tried natural healers, Reiki, massage treatments, you name it, but nothing made a difference. I moved home with my elderly parents and we tried to help each other make it through each day. Nothing got much better except that I learned to cope with my situation with a positive attitude. Kidney and urinary infections continued every 2-3 months and Cipro became my life mate which would completely knock me out in bed for at least a week at a time. Doctors started to joke with me saying I would glow in the dark for being on Cipro so long!

Until Jon Barron came along…

I tried his new kidney formula on September 20th, 2007. Immediately I liked the taste, especially when mixed with fresh pressed apple juice, and told myself that this would be an easy formula to take for seven days. Within 8 hours, I could tell something was happening in my kidneys. I had a little bit of nausea on the first day, but it went away by the second day. By the third day, ALL my kidney symptoms—back pain, abdominal pain, stiff neck, lower back pain, fluid retention, heel spurs, fuzzy eyesight, and painful urination—completely dissipated. The most AMAZING part is that I had a release of major pressure in my lower back and right kidney, which is the first time I have ever noticed even a slight release in over ten years. When I went to the bathroom, I could actually urinate with ease and I never had to strain (this is common because kidney sludge inhibits regular flow). I also had no burning! All of this was so shocking I held my breath hoping that this pain relief would continue. By the fourth day, I stopped taking my evening dose of pain medication and noticed for the first time in over ten years, I had no pain.

I am now on the sixth day and I am overwhelmingly amazed at how fast this formula has worked, and how it already has so drastically changed my life. I am so grateful for a formula that can change my life and all the other thousands of people who are enduring the same excruciating pain. This formula is so tremendous that I only wish I could have had access to it years ago!

Patty C., CA
Update

2 months later, I can report holding strong even after the one round of this formula! I still do not have need for my evening pain medication, my urine flow has remained normal, pressure in my lower back has never returned and my energy levels continue to climb.

Jon Barron is a lifesaver and I am so grateful for his dedication and the research he did to create a formula that could help my life and all the other thousands of people who are enduring the same excruciating pain. This formula is so tremendous that I only wish I could have had this product years ago. Thank you Jon Barron and the staff at Baseline Nutritionals®!

Still interested in more information on this topic? Review the following Newsletters:

* Phase 2: Kidney Detox
* Baseline of Health®, Part 2
* Blood of My Ancestors

References

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