April 7, 2008 — The hunt for new ways to fight bacteria including MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is taking an earthy turn.
Researchers at Arizona State University have found three minerals in certain types of clay that target MRSA, antibiotic-resistant E. coli, and other bacteria.
The scientists studied more than 20 different types of clay to learn about antibacterial minerals in those clays.
The researchers, who included Lynda Williams, PhD, note that clay has long been used in healing. But they aren't recommending clay treatments for MRSA. Instead, they want to figure out how to harness the clay minerals to block or treat skin infections.
Williams and colleagues presented their findings in New Orleans at the American Chemical Society's 235th national meeting.
SOURCES: American Chemical Society's Spring 2008 National Meeting & Exposition, New Orleans, April 6-10, 2008. News release, American Chemical Society.
© 2008 WebMD Inc. All rights reserved.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
HOW CLAY WORKS
Bentonite clay minerals function differently and really heal. Adsorption is the process by which the charged particles of other substances combine with the charged particles on the outer surface of the clay molecule. First imagine the structure of the clay molecule to be similar to a stack of business cards with spaces in between the cards. The clay molecule has unsatisfied ionic bonds around its edges and naturally seeks to satisfy those bonds. For this to happen it must come into contact with a molecule of another substance with unsatisfied bonds that carry an opposite electrical (ionic) charge. When the two molecules meet, the ions held on the outer surface of the clay molecule are exchanged with the ions held on the outside surface of the molecule of the other substance. Bentonite clay molecules carry a negative electrical charge while toxins, bacteria, viruses, parasites and other impurities carry a positive charge. When the clay is taken into the human body, the positively charged toxins are attracted to the negatively charged surfaces of the clay molecule. The clay molecule acts like a magnet, attracting and holding the toxins and impurities to its surface, and removing them when the clay is removed or expelled.
Absorption is a slower and more complex process. Acting like a sponge, the Bentonite clay molecule draws other substances into its internal structure. Absorption can only occur when the foreign substance has undergone a chemical change and is then allowed to enter the clay’s molecular inner structure. Once the foreign substance has undergone the chemical change, it enters into the spaces between the clay’s inner structures. So the toxins that were formerly only sticking to the surface of the clay’s outer structure through ionic bonding, are now pulled inside the clay molecule. This is the primary reason why absorptive clays are labeled as mobile layered or expandable clays. The more substances that are pulled into the clay’s inner structure, the more the clay expands and its layers swell. All absorbent clays have a charge on their inner layers. This means that charged ions sit between the layers of the clay molecule surrounded by water molecules. The clay expands as foreign substances are absorbed and fill the spaces between the clay molecule’s stacked layers. Absorbent clay will absorb positively charged toxins and impurities and ignore negatively charged nutrients. Calcium Bentonite clay is by far the most effective clay, with the strongest drawing power.On a molecular level, bentonite’s minute particle size creates a large surface area in proportion to the volume used. The greater the surface area, the greater its power to pick up positively charged particles of ions.The pH of Calcium Bentonite Clay is 9.7, and thus it acts as an alkalizing agent for the body. The pH scale goes from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Below 7 is acid and above 7 is alkaline. Clay helps balance the body’s pH level.
Clay exfoliation treatments are increasing in popularity for detoxing, cleansing the skin and balancing the bodies pH levels.
Absorption is a slower and more complex process. Acting like a sponge, the Bentonite clay molecule draws other substances into its internal structure. Absorption can only occur when the foreign substance has undergone a chemical change and is then allowed to enter the clay’s molecular inner structure. Once the foreign substance has undergone the chemical change, it enters into the spaces between the clay’s inner structures. So the toxins that were formerly only sticking to the surface of the clay’s outer structure through ionic bonding, are now pulled inside the clay molecule. This is the primary reason why absorptive clays are labeled as mobile layered or expandable clays. The more substances that are pulled into the clay’s inner structure, the more the clay expands and its layers swell. All absorbent clays have a charge on their inner layers. This means that charged ions sit between the layers of the clay molecule surrounded by water molecules. The clay expands as foreign substances are absorbed and fill the spaces between the clay molecule’s stacked layers. Absorbent clay will absorb positively charged toxins and impurities and ignore negatively charged nutrients. Calcium Bentonite clay is by far the most effective clay, with the strongest drawing power.On a molecular level, bentonite’s minute particle size creates a large surface area in proportion to the volume used. The greater the surface area, the greater its power to pick up positively charged particles of ions.The pH of Calcium Bentonite Clay is 9.7, and thus it acts as an alkalizing agent for the body. The pH scale goes from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Below 7 is acid and above 7 is alkaline. Clay helps balance the body’s pH level.
Clay exfoliation treatments are increasing in popularity for detoxing, cleansing the skin and balancing the bodies pH levels.
Monday, September 21, 2009
PERSONAL RESTORATION
I am often asked to write an article or offer insights on this subject. It is an important focus for us this time of year, as we head back to the busy schedules, get kids to sports and school, make the lunches, check the homework, get it ALL done and then do it all again the next day. It is exhausting.
Recently I came across a breathing technique on a website for Dr. Andrew Weil (“Aging Gracefully”) and I thought I'd share it with you. When you are headed for work, chest tight because you are late, or you are getting the kids into the car, and that is no feat, -- try this:
The 4-7-8 (or Relaxing Breath) ExerciseThis exercise is utterly simple, takes almost no time, requires no equipment and can be done anywhere. Although you can do the exercise in any position, sit with your back straight while learning the exercise. Place the tip of your tongue against the ridge of tissue just behind your upper front teeth, and keep it there through the entire exercise. You will be exhaling through your mouth around your tongue; try pursing your lips slightly if this seems awkward.
--Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound.
--Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a mental count of four.
--Hold your breath for a count of seven.
--Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound to a count of eight.
--This is one breath.
--Now inhale again and repeat the cycle three more times for a total of four breaths.
Note that you always inhale quietly through your nose and exhale audibly through your mouth. The tip of your tongue stays in position the whole time. Exhalation takes twice as long as inhalation. The absolute time you spend on each phase is not important; the ratio of 4:7:8 is important. If you have trouble holding your breath, speed the exercise up but keep to the ratio of 4:7:8 for the three phases. With practice you can slow it all down and get used to inhaling and exhaling more and more deeply.This exercise is a natural tranquilizer for the nervous system. Unlike tranquilizing drugs, which are often effective when you first take them but then lose their power over time, this exercise is subtle when you first try it but gains in power with repetition and practice. Do it at least twice a day. You cannot do it too frequently. Do not do more than four breaths at one time for the first month of practice. Later, if you wish, you can extend it to eight breaths. If you feel a little lightheaded when you first breathe this way, do not be concerned; it will pass.Once you develop this technique by practicing it every day, it will be a very useful tool that you will always have with you. Use it whenever anything upsetting happens - before you react. Use it whenever you are aware of internal tension. Use it to help you fall asleep. This exercise cannot be recommended too highly. Everyone can benefit from it. Read more....
Breathing Exercise Link
Recently I came across a breathing technique on a website for Dr. Andrew Weil (“Aging Gracefully”) and I thought I'd share it with you. When you are headed for work, chest tight because you are late, or you are getting the kids into the car, and that is no feat, -- try this:
The 4-7-8 (or Relaxing Breath) ExerciseThis exercise is utterly simple, takes almost no time, requires no equipment and can be done anywhere. Although you can do the exercise in any position, sit with your back straight while learning the exercise. Place the tip of your tongue against the ridge of tissue just behind your upper front teeth, and keep it there through the entire exercise. You will be exhaling through your mouth around your tongue; try pursing your lips slightly if this seems awkward.
--Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound.
--Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a mental count of four.
--Hold your breath for a count of seven.
--Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound to a count of eight.
--This is one breath.
--Now inhale again and repeat the cycle three more times for a total of four breaths.
Note that you always inhale quietly through your nose and exhale audibly through your mouth. The tip of your tongue stays in position the whole time. Exhalation takes twice as long as inhalation. The absolute time you spend on each phase is not important; the ratio of 4:7:8 is important. If you have trouble holding your breath, speed the exercise up but keep to the ratio of 4:7:8 for the three phases. With practice you can slow it all down and get used to inhaling and exhaling more and more deeply.This exercise is a natural tranquilizer for the nervous system. Unlike tranquilizing drugs, which are often effective when you first take them but then lose their power over time, this exercise is subtle when you first try it but gains in power with repetition and practice. Do it at least twice a day. You cannot do it too frequently. Do not do more than four breaths at one time for the first month of practice. Later, if you wish, you can extend it to eight breaths. If you feel a little lightheaded when you first breathe this way, do not be concerned; it will pass.Once you develop this technique by practicing it every day, it will be a very useful tool that you will always have with you. Use it whenever anything upsetting happens - before you react. Use it whenever you are aware of internal tension. Use it to help you fall asleep. This exercise cannot be recommended too highly. Everyone can benefit from it. Read more....
Breathing Exercise Link
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