Our Holistic Physiology

by Sam Suska

Holistic self-care is a heightened manner of living with the ultimate goal of taking control of our own health. We can take control of our own health by giving our holistic self balanced, loving care and attention on a regular, daily basis. Holistic self-care is a lifestyle designed to help us routinely fulfill and perform the basic functions (breathing, eating, drinking, etc.) with the optimal manners and sources which promote the intended physiology of our mind, body and spirit. The mind, body and spirit are intimately connected which make us a whole 'being' and understanding the human body and the interactions of the aspects which comprise us is essential for holistic self-care. The intended physiology of our body is deeply connected to our mind and spirit which starts with the blood.

The blood plays the greatest role in the physiological processes in our body. The blood flows in the circulatory system constructed of 66,000 miles of blood vessels with two primary intentions: nourish our 70 trillion cells and assist the spreading, balancing and functioning of the 'energy' system. The 'energy' system generates, conducts and moves the electrical energy our body "runs" on by fueling body movement, internal function and metabolism. The circulatory system of the blood works directly and indirectly with the 'energy' system, which helps make the blood viable while the blood is needed to nourish the 'energy' system. The circulatory and 'energy' systems are deeply connected, much like our mind, body and spirit are dependent on each other.

Human blood can be made from more than just bone marrow, it can also be made within the liver or from virtually every tissue in our body. However, the blood is intended to be made by the small intestine from the liquefied, partially digested matter that was once food and drink. Our small intestine has over 7,000 feet of surface area within its 9 or 10 foot of length designed to absorb the nutrients, water and 'energy' from the foods and drinks we consume. This is quite similar to a plant in the soil, which enabled microbiologist Dr. Robert Young to name this the digestive root system. The stomach also has the ability to absorb many substances, water and 'energy' making it a vital part of the digestive root system as well. Like plants, our ability to generate 'energy' and prosper is heavily dependent upon what is absorbed by the root system; poor quality foods and drinks can damage the root system and lead to health issues within the body or mental disorders of the mind. 1

Not only is our digestive system similar to plants, so is our blood. The green substance chlorophyll is the well known blood of plants which is nearly molecularly identical to our own hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that transports the oxygen we need to maintain life and promote health. Chlorophyll can nourish our root system, build healthy red blood cells and promote oxygen movement. The best-selling author and world renowned microbiologist Dr. Robert Young has been helping thousands of people take control of their own health by instituting programs which enable patients to build their blood with dietary regimens based on green plants and supplementation with chlorophyll. Dr. Young runs the pH miracle facility, which has helped thousands of people beat chronic diseases like diabetes, MS, some forms of cancer and many more by simply building their blood, raising pH, eliminating acids from the body and hydrating in full. Dr. Young's program always includes nourishing the root system with green vegetables which are dense with nutrients, 'energy' and chlorophyll.

The functional ability of our mind is also heavily dependent upon on the root system, due to the great majority of the brain neurotransmitter receptors located in the root system. The neurotransmitters play a great role in mood, outlook and overall thought process which means just one deficiency can create or maintain an issue like depression or anxiety, which are common in modern society. Depression, anxiety and many serious disorders like autism and schizophrenia are heavily dependent on the functionality of the root system and the choices we make to nourish or damage our vital root system. A damaged root system is a common underlying factor, and some may say cause, of virtually every chronic disease and mental disorder known to man. 2

The root system begins in the stomach, which has the ability to absorb 'energy' from food and drink in addition to the multitude of neurotransmitter receptors. The stomach can absorb 'energy' and pass it directly to the spleen; an important organ which helps form and build the electrical energy needed to operate the 'energy' system. The thymus, located in our chest cavity also plays a significant role in the 'energy' system and the lymphatic system by helping to build electrical energy and distribute it throughout the entire 'energy' system. The root system is the foundational role determining our blood quality and 'energy' quantity which is why our food and drink choices are so monumental in our health and vitality. 10

The 'energy' system facilitates the smooth flow of electrical energy needed for all body function, metabolism, movement and smooth function of the digestive root system. The 'energy' system consists of 2 inter-connected pathways or circuits and 7 collection centers which have been studied and therapeutically applied for thousands of years by Chinese and Indian practitioners. There is a circuit which flows between the internal organs and another circuit which flows from the internal organs throughout much of the body arising superficially on the arms, legs, torso and head. The more superficial 'energy' circuit are known as the meridians and studied by Oriental Medicine and can be addressed by Acupuncture and Qigong. 9

In addition to fueling the 'energy' system, the digestive root system can absorb nutrients and build red blood cells and blood plasma in the crypts of the small intestine. Red blood cells can be the foundational cell for the entire body, meaning they have the ability to become virtually every type of cell and tissue in the human body.When the root system is operating efficiently in a state of alkaline pH and balanced 'energy' flow the small intestine has the ability to generate healthy red blood cells, which can then build all of the body cells and tissues. 3

However, when the desired alkaline pH of the small intestine is not maintained the root system will not function as intended. The immediate results can be poor red blood cells without proper amounts of 'energy' and oxygen; but the long-term results are more serious as patterns develop. The root system can be damaged to the point where it cannot readily make the red blood cells, and the body goes into a state where it converts it's own tissues and cells back into red blood cells to maintain the needed requirement of approximately 30 trillion red blood cells at all times. This homeostatic mechanism of maintaining the red blood cell count is quite essential and influential to the health of our entire body, so why not preserve the red blood cell count by feeding the root system alkaline pH foods dense with chlorophyll like green vegetables? 7

Our root system is dense with neurotransmitter receptors, absorbs nutrients and 'energy' while also building the red blood cells that go on to build our body will function best when the pH is alkaline. Therefore our overall health and ability to prosper physically and mentally absolutely require an alkaline pH in the digestive root system. Our mind and spirit are operated by the brain and move within the blood and 'energy' system. It may be easier to consider the mind and spirit as one entity due to the consistent interaction between these two aspects of our holistic 'being'. The mind can be considered in charge of conscious thought with the valuable job of determining the options we have to fulfill and perform the basic functions; whereas the spirit is more subconscious and interacts with the mind to make the actual choices. The all-important, health-impacting choices are made by the spirit after shifting through the options presented by the mind.

The mind actually flows through the body within the blood and 'anchored' by the blood within the heart, which is a main reason the heart and mind are so connected. The mind can be 'anchored' by blood when there is proper hydration, pure salt (found in Sea Salt) and a minimal amount of impurities (like acids); this once again points to the importance of what we supply our digestive root system. Our spiritual realm of 'being' encompasses our subconscious aspect and resides within the body in the 'energy' of our vital organs. The spiritual aspect is closely inter-twined with the 'energy' pathways and collection centers affecting the movement mechanisms within the meridians and between internal organs.

The mind and spirit, or are consciousness and sub-consciousness interact within the heart and then operated by the brain; making the heart like the 'emperor' organ and the brain like a loyal soldier following orders. There is a deeply inter-connected aspect of the 'energy' system which flows between the internal organs and is dictated heavily by the mind and spirit. This aspect will be referred to as our spiritual aspect of 'being', which is housed in the 'energy' of organs, with each organ holding at least one aspect of our emotions. The main organ/spiritual relationships involve the lungs, kidneys, spleen, liver and heart, but the large and small intestines, gallbladder and urinary bladder also have a spiritual element. The 'energy' of the lungs harbors our emotional response to adversity, the kidney 'energy' is responsible for the ability to focus, enacting will-power and rationalizing fear, while applied thinking resides within the spleen. The liver and heart interact more than other organ spiritual 'energies' as the liver not only houses dreams and aspirations but also promotes the movement of the spiritual 'energies'. 8

The spiritual 'energy' of the heart may be the most valuable as it in charge of our mind and conscious thought which creates perceptions, which go on to form feelings and lead to the emotions. The heart also provides the necessary insight to rationalize emotions and interact with the mind, which is 'anchored' by the blood in the heart as well. All emotional issues affect the heart, and can deplete the 'energy' of the whole body or simply stagnate the 'energy' flow between the organs and throughout our bodies. Long-standing issues, extreme intensity or obsessive, compulsive emotions have the ability to affect our spiritual 'being', and then our physical 'being' in many fashions.

Spiritual issues have the ability to restrict the 'energy' flow within our organs and between our organs, meaning they can be a powerful internal cause of health issues and general illness. A physically damaged organ, which can be expressed with infection, inflammation or a known chronic disease has the ability to lead to spiritual/emotional issues as well. In some cases physical damage can cause spiritual/emotional issues, but it is more likely for the spiritual aspect of one's 'being' to play a causative role in physical health issues by creating imbalances within the 'energy' system. The 'energy' system desires consistent and proper flow within each organ and between all of the organs; there are 'energy' mechanisms in which the body is designed to operate for proper metabolism and function. Ancient holistic health practices like Oriental Medicine and Ayurveda attempt to return the 'energy' flow to the proper, balanced state for intended function. 8

Oriental Medicine can address the spiritual aspect with Acupuncture, Qigong and herbology; there are many holistic minded professionals in this field who often times make conscious effort to balance the spiritual/emotional aspect of patients. Dr. Chris Salah has experience helping patients address physical ailments likes aches, pains, etc. and the more serious health issues which derive from spiritual/emotional imbalances and conflicts. Dr. Salah uses Acupuncture to correct 'energy' flow within and between the affected organs while helping patients address the underlying issues with mindfulness (conscious choices, stress-relief, etc.), herbs and commitment to ongoing care.

The spiritual aspect of our 'being' is constantly interacting with the mind along with a deep connection to the body within the 'energy' of many of our vital organs. The 'energy' system also has the important job of making the blood viable by supplying it with the 'energy' which adds a spark of life to the fluids in our body; without the smooth operation of the 'energy' system we may have blood which barely keeps us alive and functioning. Our blood passes through the blood-brain-barrier on the way into the brain, which is set up to filter out unnecessary and potentially harmful substances. However, the blood-brain-barrier like the root system needs 'energy for operation and desires a state of alkaline pH in the blood and surrounding fluids to function optimally as intended by the body. When the blood-brain-barrier is compromised by these undesirable characteristics the brain is subject to many of the potentially harmful substances which can flow in the blood.

When the pH of the blood is not alkaline microforms like yeast, bacteria and viruses can develop and flourish. Acidic substances like like sugar (all sugar is acidic), carbonic acid (from soda's), uric acid (from animal foods), aluminum (from many processed foods and table salt), mercury (from fish and vaccines) and many, many more have the ability to harm our brain after they break down the blood-brain-barrier. Additionally, the microforms (yeast, bacteria, viruses)

can get a foothold in our body fluids and tissues and create a multitude of negative effects in our physical body. The results is an overloaded blood-brain-barrier which decreases effectiveness and begins to let these harmful substances into the brain. The choices we make in supplying our root system impacts our mental health, spiritual health and physical health leading to the question, will you continually supply your root system with low-quality foods and drinks?

The brain itself is primarily constructed by fats derived from Omega 3 fatty acids; yes the same Omega 3's found in Fish Oil, Hemp Oil and Flaxseed Oil. The construction of the brain is heavily dependent on the foods and drinks we choose to eat because we cannot generate Omega 3's in our body without a food source, which is why Omega 3 fats are a necessary nutrient. Not only is the brain constructed of these fats, but each one of our 70 trillion cells is built from fatty acids of some sort which determine the ultimate strength and resiliency of the cellular membrane which surrounds the nucleus. Once again, choosing high quality foods is essential to not only brain function, but brain construction and general cellular construction. 2

Thankfully our body has the ability to adapt to low quality foods and drinks which lower the pH, decrease blood quality and eventually lead to health issues. We have an alkalizing buffering system to maintain the intended pH of the blood, all body fluids including the extracellular fluid(which surrounds the cells) and the root system as a whole. Alkalinity is the higher end of the pH scale (from 7.1 to 14), while acidity is on the lower end of the pH scale (from 0.1 to 6.9), divided by neutral pH of 7. Interestingly enough is that the pH scale is logarithmic, meaning it grows exponentially wider as it changes; for example a pH of 6 (acidic) is 10 times more acidic than a pH of 7 (neutral), while a pH of 5 is 100 times more acidic than a pH of 7, meaning that a pH of 4, which is common for soda, vinegars, processed juices, OTC and prescription drugs is 1000 times more acidic than a neutral pH of 7.

This helps explains why seemingly minor, low-calorie drinks like diet soda's, coffee drinks and vinegar's with very low pH in the 3 to 5 range can be so damaging to many people. Simply choosing foods and drinks with higher pH will greatly support the intended state of the blood (an alkaline pH of 7.365); but the body has the innate ability to withstand poor choices to varying degrees depending on the genetic, constitutional strength of the individual. This alkalizing buffering system is the ultimate reason why some people can live reasonably healthy lives (meaning free of major disease, not necessarily vitality) while routinely insulting their root system with nutrition-less foods and drinks.

The alkalizing buffering system addresses acidity in a multitude of ways; most notably generating and secreting sodium bicarbonate to increase the lowered pH. The blood component hemoglobin can also be a powerful neutralizer with it's oxygen component while minerals scavenged from the bones, muscles or teeth can also neutralize acidity. Once acids are neutralized the alkalizing buffering system will attempt to preserve the tissues from damage by chelating the acids with cholesterol generated by the liver or by encapsulating them with bodyfat or even tumors. The human body also has the ability to immediately "burn" the acids by first absorbing acids with circulating unsaturated fats (both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated) which have the ability to quickly and cleanly be used by the cells as a source of 'energy'. Heck, our kidneys and many of our tissues have the ability to generate and secrete ammonia and hydrogen peroxide which are also powerful neutralizing agents intended to be used in dire situations when acidity must be addressed.

The alkalizing buffering system also includes the glands of the mouth along with organs like the pancreas and gallbladder which help prepare our foods and drinks by raising pH so they can eventually become blood within the root system. The stomach also plays a vital role in the alkalizing buffering system as it's cover cells have the ability to draw sodium, chloride, water and carbon dioxide from the blood in order to form sodium bicarbonate. Sodium bicarbonate or baking soda as it is widely known is then used to alkalize food ingested into the stomach or neutralize various acidic substances within the blood, connective tissue or extracellular space. 1

The byproduct drawing sodium, chloride, water and carbon dioxide to generate sodium bicarbonate is hydrochloric acid or stomach acid which is intended to fall to the gastric pits of the stomach and be absorbed into the blood for removal through the kidneys. The stomach shall be known as a vital organ for maintaining alkalinity, but potential issues may arise if the cover cells are stressed and over-used (nausea or heart burn may result), the blood is short of the substances required to form sodium bicarbonate or the gastric pits of the stomach cannot keep up with heightened demand to rid the stomach of acidity and begin to malfunction which may result in GERD or heart burn.

The alkalizing buffering system greatly impacts the connective tissues and the extracellular fluids. The alkalizing buffering system preserves blood pH by removing acidic substances from things like caffeine, dairy, eggs, sugar, etc. and placing them in the connective tissues and the extracellular space, at least temporarily. This helps explain why the joints are so responsive to the choices made in food and drink as one ages and the body slowly breaks down. Following acid deposit in the connective tissue the body can also push it's acids to the extracellular space, which includes body fluids that coat and bathe the cells which make up the body. The functional ability of the human cell heavily depends on the fluid surrounding it; the overall internal environment of the human body is of utmost importance, and begins with the choice we make in nourishing or "challenging" the root system.

The lymphatic system runs within the connective tissues and extracellular space with the intention to filter acidity from the body fluids and even help preserve tissues which are damaged by acidity. The lymphatic system does not have built-in pumps like the circulatory system so it needs the holistic exercises, stretching and resulting perspiration from holistic self-care to assist intended movement

The lymphatic system also plays the most influential role in determining the quantity and quality of the white blood cells. The white blood cells help remove acids which have caused damage (like in the nervous system) or have potential to create damage; meaning the white blood cells are intended to preserve our alkaline design. The body will go to great depths (with powerful side effects) to preserve the alkaline, balanced 'energy' flow design of our body by generating white blood cells and sending them to damaged tissues like those in the pancreas or in the nervous system for acid removal. The white blood cells attempt to remove acids and preserve the desired alkalinity of our tissues, conventional health care does not share this view and instead makes the assumption (I believe very flawed) that the body is "attacking" itself, labeling these "auto-immune" diseases.

The nervous system can be affected by white blood cells, which are attempting to remove acids and their damage from this vital system, which moves 'energy' to our organs, tissues and muscles by using salt to conduct the electricity. The nervous system, like the rest of our internal parts is heavily impacted by the surrounding environment, which means the nervous system is quite susceptible to acid damage and the resulting acid removal by the white blood cells.

The balancing between the separate aspects of the nervous system, the parasympathetic and the sympathetic aspects of the nervous system, is also instrumental to the intended function of the human body. In short, the parasympathetic nervous system enables the body to relax following stimulation from the sympathetic nervous system which excites the body; and the two cannot completely function simultaneously.

Our body is designed to function in a primarily relaxed state with the ability for stimulation when necessary, like the fight or flight response. The mind and spirit have the ability to stimulate the sympathetic nervous system for extended time periods. However, this comes with many undesirable side effects including impaired digestive organ function, which is operated by the parasympathetic as well as the numerous hormones (like adrenaline, cortisol and estrogen) which are not only acids themselves but initiate a cascade of damaging effects. Practicing meditation, performing holistic exercise movements like qigong and yoga along with the ultra-important institution of a rational thought process (both instrumental in holistic self-care) can powerfully influence the proper balance between the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems.

Maintaining the alkalinity of the digestive root system, blood, connective tissue and extracellular fluids will take time but it can be done with holistic self-care, perseverance and patience. Balancing and promoting the intended flow and balance within the 'energy' system will complete the whole program of restoring health by restoring the internal terrain of the body. Cellular malfunction is also considered to be at the root of every disease, and by alkalizing the extracellular fluid you can address an underlying factor in whatever disease, health issue, minor symptom or simple fatigue you want to help address within yourself. 4

The alkalizing buffering system can greatly affect our appearance in addition to playing a great role in overall health and vitality. This alkalizing buffering system will strip down the alkaline reserves in the bones, muscles and glands to maintain the alkaline design of the human body. The bones or teeth can depleted of calcium, the muscles depleted of magnesium and the glandular tissue depleted of sodium bicarbonate when we are living an existence of even low-grade metabolic acidosis. Acidity is not only created by nutritional choices but with poor emotional management, over-exercise, poor sleep habits and environmental pollution.

Emotions are a powerful internal cause of acidity when poorly managed they can produce powerful hormones like cortisol, estrogen and adrenaline amongst many more, which are very acidic and powerfully stress the alkalizing buffering system. The alkalizing buffering system empties the neutralized and collected acidity into the elimination system, which removes acidity from the body via breathing, sweating, urinating and defecating (stool).

The ultimate acid load of the body is determined by the balance of acids ingested (by nutrition) or created (by emotions or movement) and the acids eliminated. The elimination system preserves the alkaline design!

The body will go to great lengths to remove an overload of acids, this includes raising the internal temperature to open the pores to sweat out acids, generate mucus to preserve internal cavities and move acids out of the sinuses, create nausea to induce vomit and remove acids from the stomach, increase urination to expel acids through the kidneys which may be seen with cloudy urine or diarrhea to quickly expel acids through the colon. These symptoms are generally called the "flu", but in actuality they are signs the body is preserving it's alkaline design in a manner other than storage, which is why the body generates fat (to store acids!). 5

The elimination system works closely with the alkalizing buffering system to preserve the alkaline design of the human body by ridding the body of as many of the harmful microforms (yeast, bacteria, viruses), acids (like lactic acid from dairy and movement, as well as uric, nitric, phosphoric and sulfuric acids from animal foods and processed foods) and other inorganic substances like table salt (sodium hydroxylate not NaCl), aluminum (in many processed foods and table salt), mercury (in many fish and significantly found in vaccines) and additives like MSG and aspartame which have been found to be neurotoxins which damage neurotransmitters and chemicals in the brain. 6

Understanding our holistic 'being' can really help us stick to our individualized holistic self-care plan which can be determined in my upcoming book "The True Health Lifestyle: Guide for Holistic Self-Care". A thorough understanding of our holistic 'being', which has been described in this article can go a long way toward making holistic self-care more than a fad or short-term project. Holistic self-care is a deep commitment to providing ourselves with balanced, loving care and attention which supports the alkaline design and balanced 'energy' flow within our body which powerfully influences and interacts with our mind and spirit.

The conventional science community is beginning to realize the powerful impact of what we eat has on our health. The China Study, a significant and best-selling book by noted nutritionist Dr. T. Colin Campbell, lists a plethora of studies and findings which implicate animal protein as a powerful factor in many diseases. Upon applying my holistic understanding of the human physiology it quickly becomes apparent this is due to the significant acidity from animal foods (uric, nitric, phosphoric, sulfuric) along with congesting the digestive root system due to inefficiency in breaking down these substances. Therefore, we can begin to make the connection between our choices and our health, our thinking and our emotions.

Please refer to my past articles to learn which foods supply the root system with nutrients, 'energy' and maintain the alkaline pH. My past articles also list and explain which foods fund the alkaline reserve (with sodium, chloride, potassium, magnesium, calcium) that supplies the alkalizing buffering system in maintaining the intended high pH of our body. Please refer to my past articles to learn what types of moves, exercises and techniques balance and regulate the 'energy' system of our spiritual aspect of 'being'. Please refer to my past articles to learn techniques, exercises, moves and foods which assist the elimination system in preserving the alkaline design of the human body.

In addition to my past articles, please refer to the ground breaking work of Dr. Robert Young, who has defined many of the terms I use in this article; including the digestive root system and the alkalizing buffering system. Dr. Young has authored the "pH Miracle" series of books, and I highly recommend his newest installment which is an updated and revised version of his classic text, "The pH Miracle ". Dr. Young is doing some revolutionary work based on his viewing and assessing the live blood of patients, which enables him to see "inside" the body of the patient and put together a holistic health plan which builds the body by re-building the blood and digestive root system.

If you are so inclined to gather more information you can also begin your own research with the bibliography I have included with this article. The sources I have used here can all be practically read and understood by a non-scientist, so please educate and empower yourself.

I am presently finishing "The True Health Lifestyle: Guide for Holistic Self-Care" for a 2011 publishing. This is a simple handbook for implementing and maintaining a life of holistic self-care, which is a very practical and meaningful lifestyle that can help all of us, regardless of perceived barriers or limitations. This text will enable you to determine your own individualized holistic self-care plan and provide the scientific rationale for each and every lifestyle suggestion offered by myself.

Thank you for reading, and please e-mail me at truehealthservices@gmail.com with any questions or comments. Thank you and take care, I hope you take some steps this very day toward holistic self-care!

1. The pH Miracle, Dr. Robert Young. 2010

2. The Ultra Mind Solution, Dr. Mark Hyman. 2008

3. Articlesofhealth.blogspot.com Dr. Robert Young. 2009

4. Never Be Sick Again, Raymond Francis M.S. 2007

5. The pH Miracle for Weight Loss, Dr. Roberty Young. 2005

6. Excitotoxins, Dr. Russell Blaylock. 1996

7. Human Physiology: An Integrated Appriach, Dr. Dee Unglaub Silverthorn. 2009

8. The Foundations of Chinese Medicine: A Comprehensive Text, Giovanni Maciocia. 2005

9. Energy Medicine: Balancing Your Bodies Energy for Optimal Health, Donna Eden. 2008

10. Your Body Doesn't Lie, Dr. John Diamond. 1977

Holistic Nutrition "Food Guide"

by Sam Suska

Holistic nutrition is plant-based, built with the foods that promote internal alkaline pH and balanced, adequate 'energy' flow through our bodies. Unlike the majority of other nutrition plans, holistic nutrition does not focus on reducing foods down to the nutrients forming them. Those of us following the holistic nutrition plan will not be counting calories, worrying about 'completing' proteins or purchasing foods because they are called "low-carb" or "low-fat". The 'holistic nutrition' blogs I have previously written are listed below and can provide some more insight into holistic nutrition:

http://truehealthservices.blogspot.com/2010/06/10-holistic-nutrition-tips.html

http://truehealthservices.blogspot.com/2010/07/holistic-nutrition-shopping-list.html

http://truehealthservices.blogspot.com/2010/08/by-sam-suska-lifestyle-of-holistic-self.html

http://truehealthservices.blogspot.com/2010/10/how-to-understand-calories.html

When following the holistic nutrition plan, we are actually living the whole lifestyle of 'holistic self-care'; this is not a "diet". I do not like to use this term because of the poor associations with fad diets and the tendency to view this as a short-term project. Holistic nutrition is one aspect of the holistic self-care lifestyle, complemented by plans of holistic exercise, holistic reflection and basic holistic living. These 4 plans are simply organized ways of providing your whole 'being' (consisting of mind, body and spirit) with balanced, loving care and attention.

Holistic self-care is a lifestyle that can be implemented rather practically into virtually anyone's life, with an educated process described in my forthcoming book, "The True Health Lifestyle: Guide for Holistic Self-Care". Implementing holistic nutrition is a process and the time frame of this process is heavily determined by your present nutrition plan, past misconceptions of nutrition and of course the level of your commitment to providing your whole 'being' with balanced, loving care and attention.

The first step of holistic nutrition can be taken by nearly everyone, regardless of level of commitment by increasing the quantity of water consumed on a daily basis; most of us need at least a gallon, with 3 liters being sufficient for smaller people. The next step is also quite easy to perform; simply replace the salt you presently use with Sea Salt, which is pure salt and necessary for the body to function optimally. Use Sea Salt on all of your meals, aiming for at least a 1/2 tablespoon each day.

Once you have made these simple improvements a part of your life (probably at least a few weeks or so), you are ready to eat more consistent meals that will likely be smaller, but don't have to be. At least 4 meals per day and up to 6 or 7 for the most active people will provide the body with a steady supply of nourishment. An important point to this improvement step is to also remove the 'worst of the worst' foods and drinks you regularly consume. This means cutting out soda's, deserts, potato chips, lunch meats and the like.

Once you have gotten accustomed with eating consistent meals a little 'cleaner' than before, you can make the major step of significantly improving the quality of your foods and drinks.

You can now replace these 'poor' foods and drinks:

Most packaged foods, Most canned foods, Heavily cooked foods, All dairy products, Coffee

Non-organic land animals, All wheat products, Breads with yeast or wheat, Soda, shrimp and other bottom feeders, Processed fruit and vegetable juices, Cereal, Corn or any product with Corn, Artificial Sweeteners,Mushrooms, All fermented foods including Vinegar, All refined Sugar, Peanuts, Cashews, Roasted nuts and seeds, All non-organic Oils, Roasted Oils, Lunch Meat, Enzyme supplements, All carbonated drinks, Sparkling water, Red wine, Peanut Butter, Anything heated in a microwave, All but a few types of pasta, Caffeinated teas, Soy sauce and most Soy products, once again All Dairy products including yogurt and cheese!

With the following foods separated by food types:

• The following foods are not a definitive list, but a great starting point for most of us.
• Remember to break these food down into at least 4 and up to 7 smaller meals per day. A future blog will offer samples of some tasty, nourishing 'holistic nutrition' meals. Also, please refer to the past blogs for meal ideas.
• Each food type has a general suggestion.
• My forthcoming book will enable you to individualize your holistic nutrition plan by estimating your metabolism, along with your metabolic-type and internal climate to build a plan specifically to suit your needs.
• The individualized plan, determined by the forthcoming text, will give you your own 'optimal balance' between cooked/un-cooked foods, which food types to increase/decrease from general recommendations while also suggesting the best times of day to consume what type of meal. In addition, specific nutritional supplements will be suggested to assist your nutrition and benefit your specific needs.

Green Veggies and Low-Starch Vegetables

recommend to build nearly every meal around these foods, preferred to be organic

balance between cooked and un-cooked is individualized and explained in the book,

but for now aim for a 50/50 balance of cooked/uncooked foods, increase cooked if digestion is 'slower' than desired,

lightly cook by steaming or stir-frying in essential oil

Arugala, Artichoke, Asparagus, Beets, Carrots,

Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Cauliflower, Endive,

Cabbage, Celery, Cucumber, Leeks, Peppers,

Dandelion, Collard Greens, Radishes, Squash,

Mustard Greens, Green beans, Sea Vegetables,

Kale, Okra, Romaine, Spinach, Bok choy

Chard, Zucchini, Watercress,

Parsley, Barley grass, All green leafy vegetables

Grains/Legumes

can be included with one and occasionally two meals per day

Quinoa, Buckwheat,Millet, Spelt, Peas, Brown Rice, Lentils

Low Sugar Fruits

can be included with virtually every meal

Avocado, Lemons, Limes, Tomatoes, Onions,

Herbs/Spices

recommended to be used with at least one meal and can be used with almost every meal

Cinnamon, Garlic, Ginger, Cumin,

Turmeric, Curry, Basil, Cilantro, Oregano, Corriander

Nuts/Seeds

always prefer these to be raw, they are best when soaked or sprouted, organic preferred

recommended for one meals per day by themselves, can be included in more meals as well

Almonds,Walnuts, Flax seeds, Pine nuts,Sunflower seeds,Pumpkin seeds, Pistachios, Macadamia nuts, Almond Butter, Hemp seeds, Tahini (sesame seed butter), Hemp Butter, Sunflower Butter

Essential Oils

always preferred to be cold-pressed and organic, quality is essential here!

recommended with nearly every meal

Coconut Oil, Avocado Oil, Macadamia Nut Oil, Olive Oil, Flaxseed Oil, Hemp seed Oil, Sunflower Oil, Udo's Oil Blends

Moderate Sugar Fruits

never combine with other food types, eat maximum of one meal per day of just these

recommended one meal every other day, good following workouts

always, always prefer organic!

Blackberries, Blueberries, Cherries, Coconut, Blackcurrant, Cherries, Grapefruit, Pineapple, Pomegranate, Raspberries, Strawberries

Animal Foods

recommended for one to two meals per week, but make your reduction very practical

cook in olive oil or coconut oil, and always lightly to preserve the foods

Wild Salmon, Wild Mackerel, Sardines, Wild Tuna, Trout

these following animal foods are recommended for less than once per week, if at all

if you are unwilling to reduce that far, simply choose highest quality twice per week

Organic grass-fed beef and bison, Organic butter, Lamb, Venison

Nutritional Supplements

recommended for nearly everyone following holistic self-care

any supplements beyond this are highly individualized

there is also a recommended cycling of these supplements as well to defer costs

Sea Salt, Food-derived multivitamin, Iodine, Fish Oil, Aluminum-free baking soda, Calcium/Magnesium combination, Vitamin D3, Chlorophyll

This is a simple holistic nutrition "food guide", you can begin the rewarding process now. I have personal experience of trial and error with a multitude of "diets" and natural-health oriented nutrition plans, but each one had at least one major weakness. The holistic nutrition plan was designed to have no weakness and be highly individualized to maximize effectiveness. I have personally progressed from the Atkins Diet to the present status of only eating a fatty fish at most once per week for my animal food indulgence. You can still indulge if you choose to in other animals, or you can not choose this option at all.

There has been nothing more rewarding in my whole life than the self-empowerment I feel from the deep commitment to my individualized holistic nutrition plan. I have had quite a journey with foods and drinks and health in general; having lost around 70 pounds in the last 6 years, nearly dying from a mysterious disease 4 years ago and handling an eating disorder since my initial weight loss. The peace of mind I now have from my commitment to providing my whole 'being' (mind, body and spirit) with alkalinity and 'energy' from my 'holistic nutrition plan' is better than any self-centered joy I ever received from the 'poor' foods which challenge health and peacefulness.

I wish you the best in your personal journey to what I call 'optimal function', which is when the mind, body and spirit are able to interact and work at their highest levels. The state of 'optimal function' is possible for all of us and very probable with a commitment to holistic self-care. Begin the process now by reading my other blogs and feel free to e-mail me (truehealthservices@gmail.com) with any questions or comments, I am certainly willing to assist anyone with sincere interest, as I have been doing for years.

You can reach the state 'optimal function' which is signified by an alkaline pH with adequate, balanced 'energy' flow within the body, a rational thought process with positive outlook within the mind and a peaceful and content spirit. Best wishes and learn from every event in this life, especially the challenging or seemingly negative events.

The Stages of Empowerment

by Sam Suska

The ability to provide ourself with balanced, loving care and attention is a part of the innate intelligence shared by all, but few are completely in touch with. Modern living has not generally cultivated self-care; modern living has minimized and reduced the powerful option of caring for your mind, your body and spirit.

Holistic self-care (of mind, body and spirit) has been marginalized in our post-modern society because it is not as financially profitable or as easy to follow as conventional healthcare which tends to focus on managing symptoms or issues. Conventional healthcare practitioners may want to address the actual causes of the symptoms but often times they lack the tools (holistic health knowledge), the patient may be seeking a 'quick fix' or completely uninterested in taking an active role in their own health.

For the motivated individual even remotely interested in addressing the actual causes of their health symptoms and issues the powerful option of holistic self-care exists. The symptoms and issues themselves are actually signs that one's self-care needs adjusted.

Holistic self-care is built with a holistic-minded philosophy which applies strategies for one to use in choosing how to fulfill and obtain their basic functions. The basic functions (breathing, thinking, choosing, moving, eating, drinking,eliminating, sleeping, grooming and socializing) work together in fulfilling the electrical energy potential of the body, balancing the mind and ultimately determine the health and well-being of the person.

It is even becoming conventionally accepted that what one eats, how regularly one exercises and how one handles stress determines their health and whether individuals develop and overcome chronic diseases. Paying close attention to how one fulfills and performs their basic functions is emerging as more than a trend, it is becoming a part of the lifestyle of millions; but these millions of motivated individuals need some guidance with an underlying philosophy.

When the basic functions are neglected, overlooked or partially fulfilled with questionable quality in sources, the body, the mind or both will develop symptoms. Minor symptoms like a cold, a flu or skin issues are just signs to urgently improve the manners and sources used to fulfill and perform the basic functions. Holistic self-care applies a holistic-minded philosophy to one's life that leads to one consistently choosing high quality manners and sources in performing the basic functions; making it a powerful tool in preventing minor symptoms in the first place.

Chronic diseases and health issues along with a multitude of mental disorders (anxiety, depression) are actually major symptoms and generally develop due to more long term incompatibility between one's form of holistic self-care (or lack thereof) and the needs of their mind, body and spirit. The major symptoms themselves are expressions of dysfunction and disharmony within and between the mind, body and spirit of the individual.

The disharmony within the whole 'being' can be addressed by improving the manners and sources used to fulfill the basic functions, which have the ability to nourish and connect the mind, body and spirit. Holistic self-care can be a powerful tool for the motivated individual to improve the function and harmony within their mind, body and spirit. Instituting holistic self-care is the process of empowering one's self to address the actual causes of their symptoms or prevent future symptoms.

Holistic self-care is not a treatment to any specific disease or health issues; it is a lifestyle of giving one's whole self or 'being' (mind, body and spirit) balanced, loving care and attention. Modern society has confused balanced, loving care and attention with pleasing one's personality and ego. The top 4 selling products in the United States represent this: sugar, caffeine, alcohol and tobacco are powerful psychoactive stimulants regularly used to please one's personality and satisfy the ego.

We are all familiar with the manners in which people use these products (including sugar and caffeine) to 'handle' and cope with stress. However, the confusion occurs when someone seeks to provide themselves with some sort of 'fuel', 'energy' or reward with these products. There is no balanced, loving care provided by sugar, caffeine, alcohol or tobacco. These psychoactive products have become commonplace in modern living and are just one flawed way that people attempt to provide themselves with care and attention.

Imbalance is also a prominent issue of modern society. Everything one can do is classified as one of the basic functions; holistic self-care is a balanced approach at improving all of the manners and sources used to perform and fulfill the basic functions. The typical modern citizen pays close attention to a few of the basic functions (like thinking, grooming and socializing) and completely overlooks a few (eating, drinking) all the while lacking a mindful approach to any of the basic functions. Holistic self-care is an individualized process and plan to improve, and give balance how one uses the sources and manners to perform and fulfill the basic functions.

The forthcoming text I have authored, "True Health: Guide for Holistic Self-Care" guides the reader through the process of consistently providing one's whole 'being' with balanced, loving care and attention. Holistic self-care is not a one-size-fits-all approach to healthy living; it is a very individualized approach. The individualization occurs within basic parameters that have been shown to support the states of mind, body and spirit that promote 'optimal function' and harmony within and between the aspects of the 'being'.

Implementing holistic self-care begins with the first stage of empowerment: initiation. During the initiation stage the individual recognizes the necessity of taking an active role in their own healthcare. At this point the individual is in the process of gathering information and considering the practicality of holistic self-care. This person may feel the task of holistic self-care is daunting and questions whether or not health is completely within their control. That is natural, in modern society it is not common for individuals to hold themselves accountable for their health. Accountability for one's own health may or may not occur at this stage, but skepticism with positivity is necessary for progression to the next stage of empowerment: observation.

The observation stage of empowerment varies in length, and sadly many people never move beyond this stage. The hallmark of the observation stage is making the connections between the basic functions and 'holistic health status'. "True Health: Guide for Holistic Self-Care" provides the reader with the ability to quickly estimate their own 'holistic health status' to determine their individual starting point. Upon determining the 'holistic health status' many people become more aware of their entire being (mind, body and spirit) and the role the basic functions play in overall feeling on a daily basis.

Once this motivated individual firmly realizes that the choices he or she makes in fulfilling and performing the basic functions determines their 'holistic health status', they are ready to progress to the following stage of empowerment: prioritization. Willingness to invest time and effort into one's mind, body and spirit grows during this stage of implementing holistic self-care. The individual will feel some peace of mind and satisfaction in regularly preventing and relieving stress, performing holistic exercises, using more natural supplies for grooming and drinking a suitable amount of water while increasing the amount of whole foods in their nutrition.

The accountability occurring during this stage is exciting and challenging. One has now made the exciting connections between cause (basic functions) and effect ('holistic health status'), but the challenge of consistency remains. One important factor to be aware of and avoid during this stage is the justification for inconsistency in holistic self-care. When the individual does things like not performing the daily 'energy' building and balancing techniques or eating meals of processed low-quality foods and drinks they need to be honest with themselves. Refrain from 'irrational justification' which uses some form of reasoning to explain why they are not following their holistic self-care plan.

This person just needs to make a note of what their state of mind was that lead to the inconsistency. At a later time, and this stage will likely be lengthy, the individual will no longer have the desire to consistently go outside of their individualized holistic self-care plan; at this crucial point one is now ready to progress to the application stage of empowerment.

This stage of empowerment is highlighted by the ebb and flow of confidence within the mindset of the individual. The commitment to providing one's self with balanced, loving care and attention is growing to deeper levels, this person is gaining comfort in their holistic self-care plan. One is now employing more natural and holistic forms of healthcare, eating green foods, using a variety of holistic exercises and techniques; but with this enlightenment even setbacks and challenges may occur.

The unpredictability in life should be appreciated; these challenges, whether they are unexpected or within one's control make life interesting. Treasure these opportunities because they are invaluable opportunities to show resolve, build character and help one's self and others! The confidence built here is lasting and can lead directly into the ultimate stage of empowerment: inspiration.

The final stage of empowerment follows the significant maintenance of the application stage until one has complete confidence in themselves and the power of holistic self-care as a whole. At this stage of empowerment the individual has made considerable, clearly noticeable improvements in 'holistic health status', mindset and appearance. Family, friends and associates observe the positive changes, ask questions and have the ability to be inspired by a powerful example of holistic self-care.

The practicality and rationality of holistic self-care will be obvious to others; the individual here must make it a point not to try and force the principles or scientific realities onto people, this can create negativity and alienation. Instead, the individual must be humble and helpful at all times and especially when called upon by others. Simply being comfortable with and committed to the principles and practicality of holistic self-care is enough to inspire others to take control themselves and begin their own stages of empowerment.

I have written "True Health: Guide for Holistic Self-Care" during my own progress through the stages of empowerment. I have assembled this short text using first hand knowledge of the trials, tribulations and most importantly the character and resolve demanded and built during my own personal progression through the stages of empowerment. My personal rewards include peace of mind, spiritual contentment and mind/bodily health are only bested by the experiences of helping guide others through their own stages of empowerment.

"True Health: Guide for Holistic Self-Care" is being prepared for release in the upcoming future. Thank you for reading. I hope this article, this book as a whole can inspire people to empower themselves and once again pass on the inspiration.

If you have any questions or comments about this article or about how to provide balanced, loving care and attention to your whole 'being' please e-mail me at truehealthservices@gmail.com .

How to Understand Calories

by Sam Suska

The conventional American perspective on nutrition uses calories as a tool to evaluate food and make dietary suggestions. In general, the conventional American perspective makes the ill-advised assumption that all calories are equal; hence the saying "a calorie is a calorie". This flawed assumption has built a nutritional outlook that focuses on the quantity of calories while directly overlooking the quality within the calories. As a result the dietary advice from the conventional perspective focuses on reducing calories in order to "improve diet" and possibly meet goals like losing weight or improving health.

The conventional American focus on the number of calories has been confusing, damaging and ineffective for the overall health of Americans. The best-selling books, "In Defense of Food" by Michael Pollan and "Good Calories, Bad Calories" by Gary Taubes investigate the flawed conventional American nutritional advice in two completely different manners. Along with the vital text "The pH Miracle" by Dr. Robert Young, these profound books played an essential role in the forming of the nutritional principles within the holistic self-care perspective I have formed.

The holistic self-care perspective will be explained and detailed in the forthcoming text, "The True Health Lifestyle: Guide for Holistic Self-Care". Holistic nutrition plays an instrumental role in the overall lifestyle holistic self-care, and is focused on the quality within calories and completely overlooks the quantity of calories! As a result the holistic nutrition focuses on replacing foods that are low quality (which may or may not be high calories) with high quality foods (which may or may not be high in calories).

"In Defense of Food" and "Good Calories, Bad Calories" do a fantastic job of investigating the conventional American nutrition perspective and explaining the many flawed assumptions which are used to build the conventional perspective as a whole. Michael Pollan and Gary Taubes make valuable contributions towards understanding calories and food more practically and rationally but overlook the most powerful factor of food; the pH influence of the specific food within the human body.

Prior to moving forward I must state that I am not completely condemning the reducing of calories in order to lose weight. I am condemning calorie reduction and focusing on calories because this does not focus on the quality of foods and the resulting health implications. Caloric reduction can be a significant first step for individuals who are intimidated or uncomfortable with significantly improving the quality of the foods chosen for consumption. It is very possible to reduce bodyweight, even significantly, simply by reducing the overall number of calories while continuing to eat the same poor foods. However, as both "In Defense of Food" and "Good Calories, Bad Calories" observe and conclude that caloric reduction while eating low quality foods does not lead to a healthier, happier individual. Caloric reduction, if practiced with low quality foods will negatively impact the metabolism and lead to regained weight and/or chronic health issues; and this is only the 'tip of the iceberg' of health issues resulting from poor quality foods, no matter the amount consumed.

"The pH Miracle" does not truly investigate the conventional American nutritional perspective, instead focusing on simply stating the pH-based perspective on foods and calories. The single most important realization from Dr. Robert Young is that the body does not actually "run" on calories, but on the electrical energy held within calories. The conventional American nutritional perspective is built on one flawed assumption that the body "runs" on calories.

Dr. Young observes the laws and conclusions of physics when considering calories. The reality is that all matter, whether living or inanimate is made up of electrical energy containing protons and electrons. The protons and electrons within foods is what provides the 'energy' from food; more specifically electrons provide the body with lasting 'energy' while protons, at best may only be able to stimulate the body for short-term 'energy'. The short-term 'energy' of protons can be observed in proton-dense components of processed foods like sugar, caffeine and additives like aspartame or MSG which provide immediate stimulation but have clear long-term detrimental effect on the human body.

The electrical energy content of foods generally corresponds with the pH implications of the food within the human body, thus electron dense foods generally raise pH. The electrical energy content of foods can be found by measuring the vibration of solids or the oxidative reductive potential (ORP) of liquids. "Raw Food Life Force Energy", by Natalia Rose has a good chart which summarizes the findings from multiple scientific studies. Dr. Young himself has measured the ORP of a good deal of liquids, including waters and many commonly consumed beverages.

A great deal of electron-dense foods and liquids, but certainly (and importantly) not all have the ability to raise the pH of the human body. The pH implications can be demonstrated by the ash left by the food upon digestion (which has been scientifically studied multiple times), but this method does not take into the overall effect of the food on the whole body. Dr. Young considers the net effect of the food on the pH of the body by observing the impact on the blood following the consumption of foods by viewing the blood with a high-powered microscope. As a result the holistic nutrition plan in "The True Health Lifestyle: Guide for Holistic Self-Care" is mostly influenced by the work of Dr. Young with addition input from "In Defense of Food", "Good Calories, Bad Calories", "Raw Food Life Force Energy" and "Healing with Whole Foods".

"Healing with Whole Foods", by Paul Pitchford presents a great deal of the Asian perspective on nutrition. The Asian nutritional perspective is not based on calories or pH implications, instead focusing on how foods impact the overall 'energy' flow of the body and manifests as emotions and symptoms, both positive and negative . The holistic nutrition plan presented in "The True Health Lifestyle: Guide for Holistic Self-Care" is very individualized, practical and asks the reader to never consider calories ever again.

The reader will evaluate foods based on the electrical energy content (electron dense vs. proton dense), the internal pH implications and the overall flow of 'energy' within the whole body. The reader will freely eat avocado's, fresh hummus and raw almond butter (which are high in calories) and avoid processed foods advertised as 'fat-free' or 'low-calorie'. The reader will also look for ways to add high calorie liquids like olive oil and hempseed oil to their meals which help raise pH while eliminating low calorie liquids like diet soda's, vinegar dressings and coffee which severely lower the pH within the body.

In addition, the reader will determine their own individualized holistic nutrition plan which suggests the proper balance between raw and lightly cooked foods in order to adequately generate and balance the 'energy' flow within the whole body. In combination with a multitude of other skills the reader will learn of practical ways to avoid the most damaging foods (called negative 'stressors') and realistic manners of implementing the holistic nutrition plan as a step-by-step process.

One can start their holistic nutrition plan today by replacing dairy, animal foods in general, processed foods and drinks with high quality foods which may or may not be high in calories. These high quality foods are green leafy vegetables, low-starch vegetables, sprouted nuts and seeds, specific nut and seed butters, a few grains (quinoa, buckwheat, millet and brown rice) and fatty fish. The following links are for articles previously written which specifically make some recommendations to start off a basic, soon-to-be individualized holistic nutrition plan

http://truehealthservices.blogspot.com/2010/06/10-holistic-nutrition-tips.html

http://truehealthservices.blogspot.com/2010/07/holistic-nutrition-shopping-list.html

http://truehealthservices.blogspot.com/2010/08/by-sam-suska-lifestyle-of-holistic-self.html

So, until "The True Health Lifestyle: Guide for Holistic Self-Care" is published in 2011 the inspired individual can easily e-mail me directly at truehealthservices@gmail.com for direct information and holistic lifestyle consultations.

Furthermore, the ultra-inspired reader can directly read "The pH Miracle: Revised and Updated" by Dr. Robert Young first and follow that with "In Defense of Food" by Michael Pollan, "Good Calories, Bad Calories" by Gary Taubes. Furthermore, if one were so inclined and time efficient "Healing with Whole Foods" by Paul Pitchford and "Raw Food Life Force Energy" by Natalia Rose are also recommended. Finally, "Never Be Sick Again" by Raymond Francis, "Food Combining and Digestion" by Steve Meyerowitz, "The Ultra-Mind Solution" by Dr. Mark Hyman and "The China Study" by T. Colin Campbell offer valuable perspectives and practical suggestions on nutrition.

Best wishes in your holistic self-care, I encourage you to e-mail me with questions or comments. Thanks for reading and remember to be kind, not right when interacting with others and try to help at least one other person every day!

Be Kind, Not Right

by Sam Suska

Holistic self-care is a commitment to holistic-intentions which guide our choice-making process and lead us to giving ourselves balanced loving care and attention. This care is provided to our mind, body and spirit which are the equal aspects of our whole 'being'. Holistic self-care is the lifestyle I have designed to help any willing individual take control of how their body feels, how they think and manage emotions and ultimately find peace of mind and happiness.

Our mind, body and spirit of a person can be provided balanced loving care and attention by making 'optimal choices' in our 'basic functions'. The basic functions consist of everything we need and can possibly do, which can be categorized as one of the following; breathing, thinking, choosing, moving, eating, drinking, sleeping, eliminating, grooming and socializing. The 'optimal choices' are defined by the manners and sources we use to fulfill and perform the 'basic functions'; with the holistic-intentions of holistic self-care we willingly make these choices.

"True Health with Holistic Self-Care", my forthcoming book provides the reader with basic plans for implementing the lifestyle once he or she understands the basic philosophy and commits to the 'Stages of Empowerment'.

making the optimal choices in performing and fulfilling the basic functions. The individualized plans are holistic nutrition (eating, drinking), holistic living (sleeping, eliminating, grooming, socializing), holistic exercise (breathing, moving) and holistic planning (thinking, choosing).

The plan referred to as "holistic planning" focuses on the basic functions of thinking and choosing. These basic functions enable and govern the practice of holistic self-care as a whole. Whether or not one commits to making the optimal choices and provide balanced loving care and attention to each aspect of the 'being' depends on this. "Holistic planning" mainly employs the the mind and spirit; which interact to determine the process one uses to think and ultimately make decisions.

Conscious thinking is actually the process of considering, evaluating and determining options in concert with the outlook of the individual. The thought process is within control of the individual; with commitment to rational thought process one can evaluate and possibly address the feelings which form emotions. Emotions are generally the result of feelings, which are formed within the thought process and outlook; however, when the individual is applying an irrational thought process they may feel as though they are 'slaves' to their own emotions. But, with patient and persistent application of "holistic planning" one can 'take control' of thought process and outlook.

Complementing the thought process is the outlook used by one to form perceptions and reactions of everything experienced. The perception of each situation affects the amount of information gathered, the instant reaction and how this information will be recalled. The outlook of the individual varies from the undesired negativity to the positive outlook for combination with a rational thought process to implement and maintain holistic self-care.

The mind of the individual operates the thought process and outlook with a steady interaction with the body, but significantly more from the spirit. The spiritual aspect of the individual is represented to the conscious mind and physical 'being' with deeper feelings. The feelings can be found within the sub-concious or deep within the conscious and consist of dynamic states of spiritual outlook and conflict.

The state of spiritual outlook can vary from extreme control to extreme lack of control; with preference of moderate control. The resulting feelings can be happiness, sadness, anger, despair or the desired contentment. With moderate control the individual can be 'in the moment' while taking non-extreme measures to care for one's self which over time the result can be spiritual contentment.

The spiritual state of conflict is usually deeper within the person, regulalry emerging to the conscious mind when making choices or applying thought process in quickly arising situations. The state of conflict can be expressed in situations which immediately 'stress' the individual with obstacles and noticeable difficulties. The state of conflict varies as well, from extremely conflicted to extremely thoughtless and uncaring. The preferred state of conflict is one of minimal conflict referred to as peacefulness.

The spirit desires the underlying states of contentment and peacefulness; both are very even-keel with a medium temperament. The foundational principle is that the whole 'being' can reach and maintain 'optimal function' with a content and peaceful spirit. 'Optimal function' is the 'holistic health status' which forms vitality, productivity and wellness. 'Optimal function' is the goal for holistic self-care and occurs when the mind, body and spirit each reach and maintain the overall states which form this overall status.

The mind desires the state of rational thought process with a positive outlook to enable 'optimal function'. The body reaches 'optimal function' with sustained alkaline pH and adequate, balanced 'energy' flow. These require the aforementioned spiritual states of peace and contentment; which can be initiated with a few simple measures that can resonate to the deeper states of conciousness or sub-conciousness.

Patience and persistence are the pre-requistes necessary to implement these simple measures to provide balanced loving care and attention to one's spiritual self. Patience is always required in self-care because the focus is on improving the underlying conditions, which generally develop over long periods of time. Noticeable symptoms referred to as the flu or a headcold may seem to quickly arise; but the truth is the underlying conditions of the person which enable these expressions of 'challenged function' developed slowly over time. Improving these underlying conditions generally requires a period of time; there is no magic pill in holistic self-care.

The first simple measure to address the spiritual aspect is the identification of one's own ego and the overall impact this has on life as a whole. In terms of holistic self-care the ego is viewed as the aspect of the individual with self-centered intentions. The self-centered intentions are not focused on nourishing the individual, but pleasing the personality, usually in the immediate time frame expressed by "I want". Holistic self-care consists mostly of one "should" be doing (positive 'stressors'), and with persistence the "should" will become "I want" as taste buds and energy levels evolve.

Simply noticing the balance of "wants" and "shoulds" will show the powerful impact the ego can have on 'holistic health status' and self-care as a whole. The follow-up measure consists of applying the holistic self-care principle of "be kind, not right". The kindness applies to how you perceive experiences and information, how you take care of your self and how/if you judge and interact with others. Socializing is a basic function and does impact the well-ness of the person as a whole, in fact conventional studies in the United States have repeatedly found individuals with satisfying social lives to live longer and with better quality.

"Be kind, not right" can be most readily applied to socializing during regular discussions like how and what people choose to eat. Foods and drinks are routinely discussed between people and this is a practical opportunity to "be kind, not right". The food choices of many people are formed by a combination of misguided advice and willingness to please one's personality. The pleasing of one's personality generally occurs with an irrational thought process in order to justify the choice of what one "wants".

These individuals generally use the conventional medical perspective on nutrition, which can be easily misconstrued due to it's basis on 'scientific reductionism'. Holistic nutrition is quite simple to understand and practical to implement, whereas the conventional medical perspective on nutrition can be understood many ways with difficulty to implement due to reliance on 'scientific reductionism'. For better understanding of 'scientific reductionism' please refer to "In Defense of Food", by Michael Pollan and please refer to the forthcoming text "The True Health Lifestyle: Guide for Self-Care", by myself for holistic nutrition information.

When discussing foods and drinks one should not focus on "being right"; this generally does not help inspire others to implement holistic self-care. The focus on "being right" usually drives other people away from the principles discussed, and initiates an adversarial nature between outlooks on nutrition. However, one can readily focus on "being kind", by simply referring to the basic principles of 'holistic nutrition' and the intended states of 'being' within just the human body (alkaline pH with balanced, adequate 'energy' flow).

One can easily get tripped up into defending their principles and explaining the science behind them, but this generally does not inspire others to 'take control' of their lives with holistic self-care. The mind needs to be open and the willingness to improve one's self must exist within a person to consider, investigate and implement holistic self-care. When those traits surface it is usually noticeable, otherwise the best one can do is simply plant the seeds for others to empower themselves with holistic self-care.

So, make "be kind, not right" a frequent self-affirmation in your life as you commit to holistic self-care. Recall this affirmation when discussing many of the basic functions you may perform and fulfill with others such as eating, drinking and moving. Simply stating the principles behind what one does and the bodily intentions along with reserving judgment of what others do and follow will enact "be kind, not right" and lead to inspiring others to take steps towards their own holistic self-care.

Please e-mail me at truehealthservices@gmail.com with any questions, comments or feedback. I am presently completing "The True Health Lifestyle: Guide for Holistic Self-Care" which will be an easily understood and practical handbook to 'take control' of one's own well-ness, vitality and health as a whole.

Holistic Health Status

by Sam Suska

There are multiple forms of ongoing healthcare available to the modern public. Ongoing healthcare is basically all healthcare outside of emergencies and acute situations which require immediate attention. The conventional American medical perspective is adept at handling these emergencies and acute situations with extraordinary results that have saved millions of lives. However, the conventional American medical perspective requires assistance from commplementary forms of ongoing healthcare to maximize effectiveness.

Ongoing healthcare is any manner of dealing with persistent health issues or ensuring optimal health, this includes caring for the mind and body. The modern public generally employs the conventional American medical perspective for ongoing healthcare, using medical professionals and medical services for addressing specific issues or regular check-ups. The definition of health used by the conventional American medical perspective guides the fundamentals, practices and tools employed and available to the medical professionals in this field.

The conventional American medical perspective generally defines health as "the absence of disease". The definition of health by the conventional American medical perspective leads medical prodessionals to focus on diagnosing disease at check-ups and applying the tools they are familiar with in order to manage the noticeable symptoms when addressing specific issues. There is a complementary form of ongoing healthcare available to the modern public which is built on an expanded definition of health that offers specific check-ups and a variety of tools in addressing specific issues and helping patients reach and maintain optimal health.

The holistic self-care perspective defines health as "the efficiency of the whole 'being' in 'adapting' to 'stressors' ". Holistic self-care observes health to be a dynamic, constantly changing 'status' that is based on how the mind, body and spirit deal with the inevitable 'stressors' in living. The holistic self-care perspective observes the majority of specific issues to be caused by inefficiency in 'adapting' to the 'stressors', therefore this ongoing healthcare perspective focuses on improving the functional ability of the whole person.

However, one does not need specific issues to seek or apply holistic self-care. Holistic self-care is simply an active form of taking control of the underlying causes and conditions of the whole person which determine health and influence the vitality and productivity of each individual person. The whole person consists of mind, body and spirit; these aspects work together in determining the functional ability of the individual. Holistic self-care addresses each aspect with safe, natural, effective manners including holistic professional care (holistic lifestyle coach, acupuncturist, chiropractor, reiki master, etc.) and holistic self-care (holistic nutrition plan, holistic exercise plan, holistic living plan, holistic planning).

The holistic self-care perspective addresses the underying conditions of the mind, body and spirit of the individual to improve the functional ability of the individual. The functional ability of the individual is referred to as the 'holistic health status', which can vary from 'optimal function' to 'challenged function'. The holistic self-care perspective provides the individual with a 'holistic health status' and an individualized plan to address the underlying conditions of the mind, body and spirit with professional care and a detailed self-care plan. The detailed holistic self-care plan is a process of improving the manners and sources the individual uses to fulfill and perform the basic functions (breathing, thinking, choosing, moving, eating, drinking, eliminating, sleeping, grooming and socializing).

The underlying causes of 'holistic health status' are generally found within the manners and sources the individual uses to perform and fulfill the basic functions. The basic scientific principle of finding causes guides the ongoing healthcare of holistic self-care; this means that many conventionally recognized diagnoses can be addressed, possibly alleviated. Holistic self-care does not claim to treat any conventionally recognized diagnoses; in fact holistic self-care uses a completely different understanding of disease or 'challenged function'. Conventionally recognized diseases likely fall into a stage of 'challenged function' which has less than optimal states of mind, body and spirit that are different for each individual person. Two individuals with the same conventional diagnosis very likely have a 'holistic health status' in differing stages of 'challenged function' with different states of mind, body and spirit that form this underlying condition of the whole person.

Each individual person has different genetics and capabilities with a variety of expressions of 'challenged function'. Holistic self-care is very individual based and uses a variety of professional care that cater to the individualized needs of each patient. Acupuncture, chiropractic, reiki and the foundational care of holistic lifestyle coaching apply different tools of treatment to each individual and put together individualized plans for holistic self-care.

'Challenged function' arises regularly throughout modern living and is generally expressed differently by each person; two people with identical lifestyles can go on to develop two different conventional diagnoses and two different stages of 'challenged function' as well. Holistic self-care is not focused on the expression of 'challenged function' but the underlying conditions of the 'holistic health status' and the basic functions which are the underlying causes that form and maintain the less than optimal states of mind, body and spirit.

The whole person can reach and maintain 'optimal function' when the mind, body and spirit are in specific states of 'being'. The mind requires a state of rational thought process and positive outlook for 'optimal function' to occur and maintain. The improvement of state of mind can occur with commitment to specific ideals and principles which seek to improve the outlook one has and the way they go about a thought process.

The spirit requires states of peacefulness and contentment for 'optimal function' to occur and be maintained. The improvement of spiritual state requires patience and is generally the product of commiting to nourishing one's self with optimal manners and sources of performing and fulfilling the basic functions. This commitment is the hallmark of holistic self-care and is a processs that is highly individualized and capable by all people regardless of present condition. "The True Health Lifestyle: Guide for Holistic Self-Care", the forthcoming book I am in the process of completing describes this commitment while providing significant scientific rationale.

The final aspect of the whole 'being' is the body, which is generally the focus of the modern public. The modern public generally has a limited outlook on health and function because the body is generally considered a separate entity from mind and spirit; if mind and spirit are even considered at all. Holistic self-care is built on the principle that everything occuring life, including the state of the human body has underlying causes.

The underlying causes of 'holistic health status' and the state of the body specifically, are in almost all cases, found within the manners and sources the individual uses to perform and fulfill the basic functions. The human body can reach and maintain 'optimal function' when the states of alkaline pH and adequate, balanced 'energy flow' are persistent. The 'optimal function' state of the human body is ultimately determined by the choices made by the individual, which itself is a basic function (choosing).

As a result, the state of the body is the expression of the mind and spiritual states of the individual. The thought process and outlook employed by the mind and the states of conflict and outlook within the spirit integrate to determine and present options to the character of the individual which gathers this information to perform the basic function of choosing. Choosing is the basic function that determines the manners and choices one uses to perform and fulfill the rest of the basic functions.

'Holistic health status' can then be observed as the cycle of living; the states of mind and spirit make the choices which determine the state of the body and greatly influence the state of mind and spirit as well. The key to addressing the cycle of living which impacts and ultimately determines 'holistic health status' is to make the commitment to nourishing one's self with optimal manners and sources used to perform and fulfill the basic functions. This commitment is an individualized process, different for everyone but with univeral implications on health, vitality, productivity and performance as a whole. The peace of mind, satisfaction, relaxation and sense of controlling the feeling and function of the body results from holistic self-care.

I am currently completing a text entitled, "The True Health Lifestyle: Guide for Holistic Self-Care " which will enable the reader to determine their own personal 'holistic health status' and a plan of holistic professional care and holistic self-care to address the underlying conditions and causes of the present status. The process begins with improving thought process, outlook and spiritual status in order to determine better options and make optimal choices of the manners and sources used to fulfill and perform the basic functions.

Holistic self-care is an empowering process that has personally impacted myself and many clients I have professionally guided in their journey to health and well-being. Thank you for reading this article, I hope to inspire each and every person I come in contact with in this life, and the process of writing this book has been rewarding. With my best wishes and thoughtfulness this text on holistic self-care will help a multitude of individuals reach 'optimal function' and inspire others to take an active role in health and well-being.

Please e-mail me at truehealthservices@gmail.com with your comments and questions. I am willing and able to converse or assist anyone. Thank you and best wishes.

Basic Function: Elimination

by Sam Suska

Holistic self-care is an active lifestyle of performing and fulfilling the basic functions (breathing, thinking, choosing, moving, eating, drinking, eliminating, sleeping, grooming, socializing) with optimal manners and sources. The optimal manners and sources of the basic functions are positive 'stressors', which form acids in the human body but with benefits that outweigh this negative result. When the basic functions are not performed in optimal manners and sources they are generally classifed as negative 'stressors', which form more acids than benefits they promote, if any.

Absolutely everything a human 'being' does is a 'stressor', classified as positive or negative, and fits into at least one of the categories of basic function. The balance between positive and negative 'stressors' plays the largest role in determining the 'holistic health status' of the individual. In addition, the balance between 'stressors' or acids formed within the human body and 'stressors' or acids eliminated from the human body plays a nearly equal and significant role in determining the 'holistic health status'.

Optimizing the basic functions, or practicing holistic self-care is essential, but many indidividuals in the 'holistic health status' of 'challenged function' need to go a step beyond by ensuring the elimination function is consistent and efficient. The basic function of elimination occurs through four modes of body function including respiration (breathing), urination, defecation (passing stool) and perspiration (sweating). A very integral aspect of holistic self-care is specifically supporting these modes regulalry and intelligently.

Supporting elimination can be as simple as maximizing the basic function of movement with consistent and faithful practice of holistic exercise and holistic nutrition plans. The holistic exercise will immediately increase the elimination through respiration (requiring more breathing) and perspiration (sweating). The holistic nutrition will immediately increase elimination through urination (from the gallon per day of alkaline water) and defecation (from dense, fibrous foods rich with antioxidants).

In order to ensure maximizing elimination with holistic exercise the focus needs to be on maintaining a full body sweat for 20 minutes. This means actually sweating for this amount of time; it may take 20 minutes to warm-up and initiate a sweat. The overall time period does not matter, what is important is full-body sweating and staying in an aerobic zone. When exercising in the aerobic zone, the acids formed are far outweighed by the benefits of conditioning the entire body and promoting elimination thus making it a positive 'stressor'.

However, exercise can also be performed in the anaerobic zone, which is considerably more vigorous and forms acids that generally outweigh the benefits making this a negative 'stressor'. Anaerobic exercise or what I constantly refer to as vigorous exercise has a plethora of potential benefits when performed in a holistic fashion. In my forthcoming text, "The True Health Lifestyle: Guide for Holistic Self-Care", I describe and detail a variety of holistic exercise plans which maximize vigorous exercise by balancing it correctly with relaxing exercise and specific techniques that help clear the acids formed by anaerobic exercise.

For this article we will only refer to aerobic exercise, which is a very simple and efficient manner of maximizing the basic function of movement to stimulate the body to increase elimination of 'stressors'. Staying within this zone is as simple as checking the heart rate during exercise, which is quite easy to do in modern gyms on the lower-impact forms of cardio recommended for holistic exercise. The elliptical machine, the rowing machine and treadmills with think, cushioned treads are lower-impact machines in nealry all gyms that people may be able to check their heart rate. Staying between 110 bpm and 150 bpm will ensure that most people are in the aerobic zone, and remember to get a full body sweat for 20 minutes.

Maximizing elimination with holistic nutrition can be easily and painlessly performed with cost-effective supplementation. Quite simply adding chlorophyll drops and alkalizing drops to the gallon of water one aims to drink every day is quite an effective start. Chlorophyll drops can be purchased in many health food stores, this is simply an extract from plants, it is the nutrient that gives plants a green color. Chlorophyll can help loosen the mucus and fecal matter that generally line the 9 feet of small intestine and 3 feet of large intestine where most individuals seem to hold the waste from the Standard American Diet (SAD). One may notice a green tint to stool once they have been following this for a few days, that is expected and showing the improvement of elimination.

Complementing the chlorophyll with alkalizing drops is essential to not only ensure the water is alkaline, but also supplies the muscles which line the small and large intestines with minerals. The small and large intestines are basically internal muscles, and like all muscles they function optimally when 'loose' (think of your neck, what is worse than a 'tight' neck?). Alkalizing minerals like sodium, chloride, potassium and magnesium are what creates the conditions inside the muscle that allow relaxation and 'loose' feeling. The alkalizing drops, which are available through my business True Health Services, contain these nutrients which can help improve elimination by improving the function of intestinal muscles that push stool out of the body through the mode of defecation.

Holistic self-care is broken into 4 basic domains which I thoroughly describe and outline in "The True Health Lifestyle: Guide for Holistic Self-Care", holistic nutrition, holistic exercise, holistic living and the ultra-important holistic planning. These 4 domains cover a variety of manners and strategies to perform and fulfill all of the basic functions in optimal fashion. Holistic nutrition covers eating, drinking and eliminating. Holistic exercise covers breathing, moving and eliminating. Holistic Living covers sleeping, grooming, socializing and eliminating. Finally, Holistic Planning covers thinking and choosing.

To round out this brief discussion of maximizing the basic function of elimination we must discuss the Holistic Living plan. Bathing is the simplest and often times the most effective manner to improve elimination through the mode of perspiration, as hot water opens the skin pores. A simple, effective bath for elimination purposes must be very hot and include alkaline minerals. These can be performed daily, the following bath is a morning bath which I refer to as 'energy' promoting, while also stimulating elimination.

Start with hot water, add 32 oz. of 3% hydrogen peroxide and 1 lb. of aluminum-free Baking Soda (Bob's Red Mill brand is great) and 1/2 lb. of epsom salt. This combination of alkaline minerals and hydrogen peroxide will open the skin pores to eliminate the acids stored directly under and within the skin. More importantly, the alkaline minerals and hydrogen peroxide will stimulate the external body to generate 'energy' flow while also providing the skin and connective tissues directly with minerals needed for optimal function. The internal body actually produces hydrogen peroxide as a means to assist in alkalization by multiple means such as improving oxygen flow and 'energy' flow.

In addition to bathing for elimination purposes, one can also sleep with elimination purposes by wearing food pads during the 6 to 8 hours of time when restoration and alkalization of the body occurs. The foot pads can assist these functions by drawing acids out of circulation, they are somewhaty cheap, easy to use and quite effective, especially since there is an extreme amount of blood flow through the legs and feet especially. Acuped is a noted brand which makes foot pads.

The preceeding manners and strategies to support the basic function of elimination are just scratching the surface. "The True Health Lifestyle: Guide for Holistic Self-Care" details and describes these and many other (some more intense, some quite simple) strategies to eliminate 'stressors' from the body. Recall the balance between 'stressors' formed in the body and 'stressors' eliminated from the body is vital in determining the overall 'holistic health status' of an individual. Paying close attention and practicing the strategies described in this article is a very good step in taking control of one's health and wellness to improve vitality and productivity!