The work I am drawing from for this is largely from Dr. Batmanghelidj and his water-cure books and articles. www.watercure.com
Here I am attempting to pull kundalini theory together around the
subject of water. Fire and water see, that is Taoist justice. The Justice of the Tao is the intercourse of opposites.
"When blood becomes concentrated, it draws water from the cells around it." Dr Batmanghelidj
Water is not only the solute in which all chemistry in life occurs,
it also acts as a structural and binding material through which the
body attains its form. Since water is bound into the structural
components of the cell, dehydration causes a disintegration of the cell
framework. 60% of cell water is bound to molecules within the
cell--that means only 40% of the water in the body is "free water." In
dehydration when viscosity is higher proteins and enzymes become less
efficient. Dr. Batmanghelidj goes as far to say that chronic
unintentional dehydration is the origin of most pain and degenerative
diseases in the human body. "Chronic cellular dehydration painfully
and prematurely kills. Its initial outward manifestations have until
now been labeled as diseases of unknown origin."
Here is the short list of things dehydration creates: Constipation, bad
digestion, ulcers, GI tract problems, heart burn, allergies, asthma,
high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney failure,
cancer, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, obesity, diabetes, sugar/carbo
craving, depression, reduced intelligence and brain function, emotional
and social problems, poor eyesight etc. Since I have upped my water
intake I have less appetite, less brownspot pigmentation, less pain,
less depression, more energy, less ama discharge from skin, lowered
blood pressure, easier breathing, better sleep, better digestion,
brighter skin, and reduced sugar craving etc...
The osmotic forces that maintain extra cellular fluid volume are
regulated primarily by salt, and also by sugar and uric acid
concentrations. Water management systems in the body make sure that the
more vital organs get preferential water rations when water intake is
deficient and when under stress. Hence water management is tied into
the fight-flight response to ensure priority regulation in times of
danger.
Stress to the human body can be caused by dehydration, trauma, anxiety, fear, anger, infections, surgery and even exercise. General Adaptation Syndrome is a cascade of biochemical responses set off to reinstate adaptive homeostatis in response to stress. Stress,
both physical and emotional, evokes release of the stress hormones:
catecholamines and corticosteroids, which mediate release and
utilization of substrates for energy production and for improved
skeletal and cardiac muscle performance. It must be remembered also
that the auto-oxidation of catecholamines yields free radicals. So
stress is a factor in hypertension and in the glycation and free
radical decay of metabolites and tissues.
Kundalini activation is interpreted by the body as an autogenous
crisis and thus it initiates a prolonged fight or flight response and
"emergency" energy production. As a consequence a cascade of hormones
are released: noreadrenaline, endorphins, cortisone release hormone
(CRH), prolactin, vasopressin and renin-angiotensin. These agents are
produced to mobilize primary raw materials from body reserves to fight
stress and repair possible damages caused by possible exposure to
injury. Fat is broken down into fatty acids to be converted into an
energy source during stress, through lipolysis induced by beta-catecholamines.
Thus during an awakening the body feeds off itself to make building
blocks available for their emergency resuse. Under such stress some of
the available water is used for the breakdown of stored materials such
as proteins, starch (glycogen) and fat. To compensate for the lost
water the renin-angiotension (RA) system in the kidneys is
activated to hold back more water and make urine more concentrated. The
RA system works in coordination with vasopressin, histamine and other
hormones to conserve water during stress.
While metabolism is up and the body is catabolically "reusing" its
reserves and tissues, it is apparent for the duration of a kundalini
awakening the demand for water intake is increased. Dehydration creates stress--inadequate
hydration will cause further stress, and stress will cause further
dehydration. Prompting the body's many water management systems to come
into effect to prioritize water use. The regulating neurotransmitter
systems, including histamine and its agents, become increasingly active
during water deficient conditions. We can see that many of the classic
kundalini symptoms are various cries for more water by the different
areas of functions of the body and acute prolonged stress: itching,
thirst, high blood pressure, faintness, racing heart, insomnia,
hypervigilence.
If concentrated blood reaches the lungs local histamine production
increases. Since kundalini increases water demand, a shortness of
breath similar to asthma may occur, because histamine initiates
bronchial muscle contraction in an effort to reduce water evaporation
from the lungs. Increased water intake may be the only sound method of
dealing with the over-production of histamine due to dehydration. That
is an obvious statement if ever I heard one.
Pain is the body's crisis call for water. Pain means there is a
build up of toxic waste and that the body is demanding water to wash
the toxins out of the body. Dr. Batmanghelidj points out that one
should first assume that dehydration is the cause of any pain we might
have, and the cure for dehydration of course is water.
Free Water
As I mentioned 60% of cell water is bound to molecules within the
cell, thus 40% of the water in the body is "free water". Besides nerve
energy we also need adequate free water for all processes in the body
including DNA repair, protein synthesis, metabolite and toxin removal,
bile and digestion, bone marrow and immune cell proliferation, steroid
production etc...
Proteins and nucleic acids (DNA/RNA) are linear polymers that fold
themselves into 3D structures. It is the specialized structure which
determines the viability of the molecule for biological processes. To
undergo this conformational rotation to facilitate this folding
adequate "free water" is needed in order to float and maneuver into the
correct shape. Ageing is determined by the rate at which DNA damage
occurs compared to the rate at which it is repaired. For correct
folding and repair DNA must be flexible--with decreased cellular free
water the activities of the DNA repair enzymes are inhibited, and
protein folding is restricted. Water management and mobilization of
free water is one of the major contributing factors in the
stabilization of protein-DNA-RNA complexes. Also the tendency of water
to form hydrogen bonded networks is also important in the self-assembly
of complex proteins.
Alterations in the intracellular environment and consequent
metabolic changes can be brought about by modification of the selective
permeability of the cell membrane. As with other cation pumps, the
intracellular pH buffering Na+/H+ pump is driven by free water.
Tryptophan has a role in controlling the free water content of the
cell--evidence shows that sodium uptake might be affected by tryptophan
levels and is directly involved in controlling membrane permeability.
Cholesterol and Essential Fatty Acids are also moderators of membrane
fluidity. Acetylcholine alters cell membrane permeability via the
acetylcholine receptor; a neurotransmitter gated ion channel.
Salt
Cerebrospinal Fluid is very salty, and this salt is responsible for
removing acids out of the brain cells. If we are short on salt then the
acidity of excess hydrogen ions will interfere with brain cell
metabolism. The more dehydrated the body becomes the higher the
injection pressure has to be for injection of water into the
cells...this injection pressure is called "hypertension." If however we
take adequate water and salt, cells can be sufficiently hydrated
without producing this high blood pressure. During dehydration the body
retains salt in order to hold more water in the body.
Salt is a natural antihistamine and the sodium in salt makes mucus
more fluid. During dehydration the lungs produce more mucus to protect
the air passages from drying out. Plentiful water and ½ teaspoon of
salt a day will prevent sinus and lung congestion. Buying the powdered
form of Celtic sea salt or Redmond's Real Salt is cheaper than liquid
ionic minerals...then you can just dissolve it in water and put it in a
squeegee bottle for easy spiking of your water bottles.
The Role of Cellular Hydration in the Regulation of Cell Function
by Dieter Haussinger
"The cellular hydration state is dynamic and changes within
minutes under the influence of aniso-osmolarity, hormones, nutrients
and oxidative stress. This occurs despite the activity of potent
mechanisms for cell volume regulation, which have been observed in
virtually all cell types studied so far. These volume-regulatory
mechanisms are apparently not designed to maintain absolute cell volume
constancy; rather, they act as dampeners in order to prevent excessive
cell volume deviations, which would otherwise result from cumulative
substrate uptake. On the other hand, these volume-regulatory mechanisms
can even be activated in the resting state by hormones, and by this
means changes in cell hydration are created. Most importantly, small
fluctuations of cell hydration, i.e. of cell volume, act as a separate
and potent signal for cellular metabolism and gene expression.
Accordingly, a simple but elegant method is created for the adaptation
of cell function to environmental challenges. In liver, cell swelling
and shrinkage lead to certain opposite patterns of cellular metabolic
function. Apparently, hormones and amino acids can trigger these
patterns by altering cell volume. Thus cell volume homeostasis does not
simply mean volume constancy, but rather the integration of events
which allow cell hydration to play its physiological role as a
regulator of cell function." (Source)
This
article by Dieter Haussinger speaks volumes about how cellular
hydration affects metabolic processes and function. Whether particular
chemistry is catabolic with water exiting the cell, or anabolic with
water entering to swell the cell is determined by the particular
molecular agents involved. For example:
Hyperosmolarity-Catabolic signal and cell shinkage agents are: Glucagon, cAMP, Adenosine, 5-HT, Hydroperoxides, Urea, Extracellular ATP, Benzylamine.
Hypo-osmolarity-Anabolic signal and cell swelling agents are: Amino acids, Conjugated bile acids, Insulin IGF-1, Phorbol ester, Phenylephrine, Bradykinin, K+channel blockers, Ouabain.
Recent
evidence suggests that the state of cellular hydration is an important
determining factor of cell function and that hormones, oxidative stress
and nutrients exert their effects on metabolism and gene expression in
part by modification of cell volume. Cell water volume determines the
effectiveness of antioxidants glutathione and catalase to remove
hydrogen peroxide, thus well-hydrated cells are more resistant free
radical induced cellular damage. Whereas oxidative stress may lead to
cell shrinkage.
Amino acids with nonpolar components are said to be hydrophobic
(water-hating). Amino acids with polar R groups that form hydrogen
bonds to water are classified as hydrophilic (water-loving). The
remaining amino acids carry either negative or positive charges in
aqueous solution at neutral pH and are therefore strongly hydrophilic.
Cellular hydration is an important determinant of protein
turnover. Not only are amino acids potent modulators of cell volume,
but cell volume can exert control over amino acid synthesis, transport
and breakdown. Cell shrinkage inhibits protein synthesis, while cell
swelling stimulates it. The mechanisms through which cell hydration
determines organized protein breakdown (proteolysis) is not known, but intact microtubular
structures are required. Microtubules act as transport pipes and
apparently play an important role in facilitating some metabolic
alterations in response to changes in cellular hydration.
Part of the metabolic effects induced by hormones and amino acids
are due to their cell swelling potency. For example insulin-induced
cell swelling is counteracted by glucagon--a hormone produced
by the alpha cells in the islet of Langerhans of the pancreas. Glucagon
causes a rise in the blood glucose level by releasing glucose from
liver and muscle cells. Glucagon induces cell shrinkage and simultaneously swells the mitochondria as well as stimulating the breakdown of glycogen stored in the liver.
Hydroelectric Energy
Since raised kundalini means an activation
of the sympathetic nervous system the demand for energy generation goes
up, just as it does with the fight flight response. Besides the use of
amino acids, glucose and fat for energy, Dr. Batmanghelidj says that
that body uses water for the generation of hydroelectric energy,
especially in neurotransmission. Thus the demand for plentiful water
increases during kundalini. If however we do not drink extra water, we
may read the cues for thirst as the desire for the energy to be
obtained from sugar and carbohydrates. If we take in simple sugars
instead of water, we will get a temporary energy boost, followed by a
depletion of energy reserves. Plus since the immune system is
compromised by hypertonal sympathetic activation, this means the sugar
is likely to feed yeast and pathogen growth. With recurrent blood sugar
spiking from excessive carbohydrate intake our insulin and leptin
receptors down-regulate leading to glucose intolerance and insulin
resistance.
Even though water is a polar molecule, it is able to pass through the
lipid bilayer of the plasma membrane, via transmembrane proteins that
form hydrophilic channels; but even without these, water is still able
to get through. Water passes by diffusion from a region of higher water
content to a lower concentration. Water is never transported actively;
that is, it never moves against its concentration gradient. However,
the concentration of water can be altered by the active transport of
solutes and in this way the movement of water in and out of the cell
can be controlled. For example the reabsorption of water from the
kidney tubules back into the blood depends on the water following
behind the active transport of sodium (Na+).
94% of the blood and other extracellular fluids are water. The
extracellular fluid of mammalian cells is isotonic to their cytoplasm
ie: where there is no net movement of water in and out of the cell.
This balance must be actively maintained because of the large number of
organic molecules dissolved in the cytosol but not present in the
extracellular fluid. These organic molecules exert an osmotic effect
that, if not compensated for, would cause the cell to take in so much
water that it would swell and might even burst. This fate is avoided by
pumping sodium ions out of the cell with the Na+/K+ ATPase.
Osmosis is the diffusion of water through cell membranes from low
concentration solutions to higher concentration solutions. The osmotic
pressure between the solutions inside and those outside of the cell
causes osmosis, which in turn, generates hydroelectric energy inside
the cell. Osmotic pressure (also called turgor pressure) is apparently
driven by the heat of the water molecules. This energy is harnessed as
Adenosine Tri-phosphate (ATP), the energy fuel of the body, which is
used to fuel the transmission of information within the nervous
system. Lack of hydration will then reduce overall energy and
consciousness levels through insufficient hydroelectric energy
generation.
Dr Batmanghelidj asserts that the osmotic flow of water through the
cell membrane can generate “hydroelectric” energy that is converted and
stored as ATP or GTP. He says the cell membrane filters and separates
water from its solid content as water molecules have to be in “single
file” before they can go through the membrane. When there is inadequate
extracellular free water for easy diffusion into the cell vasopressin
is released. When vasopressin reaches its specific cell membrane
receptor, the receptor turns into a “shower head” structure that allows
water in through its holes. Important cells make vasopressin receptors
in greater quantity, enabling them first priority during water shortage
conditions; for example nerve cells have more vasopressin receptors
than other cells.
According to Dr. Batman the energy derived from food is less than that
produced by the hydroelectric energy inside cells. The bulk of the
energy used by the human body comes from hydroelectric energy produced
at the cell level. Dehydration means there is not enough water flowing
across the cell membrane to produce this hydroelectric energy. Another
problem is the build up of acidity in the cells without the presence of
ample free water; the cell cannot maintain its pH balance and it
becomes too acidic. Once the acidity reaches a certain level pain
producing kinins are released, in order to immobilize the area so that
the process of repair can begin. Thus dehydration is a major cause of
pain.
The body tends to begin dehydrating around age 20; and with increasing
age the thirst signal is gradually lost, leading to chronic
dehydration. Reduction in free water means there is inadequate
diffusion through the cell membrane and a lack of hydroelectric energy
to perform active cation uptake. Then the histamine (H1) activated Ca2+
dependent K+ pump becomes operational. Dehydration creates increased
cytosolic calcium turnover for cation regulation. Since the active
transport of cations requires energy, histamine also liberates energy
for this function. The conversion of the energy fuel ATP to its spent
cAMP produces both energy and Ca2+ release.
Whether cells do actually generate hydroelectric energy or not is
rather a mute question, because anyone can tacitly verify the immediate
increase in energy that comes from drinking several glasses of water
and by generally upping their daily water intake. Since all
transportation and communication in the body happens via the matrix of
water, it stands to reason that increasing the volume of free water in
the body will synergize all metabolic processes including energy
generation and consciousness itself.
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
Vasopressin also causes vasoconstriction of vessels thereby
increasing blood pressure, making the single file uptake of water into
the cell more efficient under high viscosity/dehydrated conditions when
the blood is thickened by concentration. Thus during drought management
vasopressin and renin-angiotensin close a number of capillaries and
increase the “pressure” to squeeze water through the membranes of
priority organs. It becomes rather obvious then that to reduce
hypertension we need to increase our water intake.
The increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system during peak
kundalini phases will tend to drive up blood pressure due to the
increased demand of the cells for water and the release of extra
vasopressin and angiotensin. High blood pressure in the head can lead
to headaches, ringing in the ears, dizziness and loss of mental
function, not to mention feeling like you are wearing a heavy helmet.
If you go to the doctor at this point they are likely to give you
hypertension drugs and diuretics. The kundi-smart way to deal with the
situation however, is to drink the full requirement (2 times body
weight (lbs) in ounces per day) and take a few hypertension herbs like
Ashwagandha, Black cohosh, Calamus, Cayenne, Celery seeds, Garlic,
Ginger, Gotu kola, Hawthorne berry, Kelp, Maitake Mushroom, Mistletoe,
Passion Flower, Skullcap and Valerian. Ginkgo will help open fine
capillaries that may be contracted due to the adrenalization of the
activated sympathetic nervous system.
Anything that “relaxes” the kidneys will also help reduce blood
pressure, so you might consider gentle repeated tapping of that area of
the back several time a day and doing a caster oil heat-pack on the
area. Eat 3-4 stalks of celery per day for the duration of any period
of hyper-sympathetic stimulation especially if you have high blood
pressure or pressure in the head. This will help with kidney function,
electrolyte balance; celery is also a sex tonic and removes excess uric
acid from the blood. For high blood pressure consider taking the
anticortisol measures in the Exhaustion Protocol and relaxation
practices in the Kundalini Skills List. Regular exercise will lower
blood pressure, resting heart rate and increase lung capacity. Long
deep-breathing walks in nature will help switch on the parasympathetic
and lower blood pressure.
The brain recognizes low energy levels through monitoring levels of
ADP, that is spent ATP. The brain gets energy from “hydroelectricity”
or from blood sugar. Its need for hydroelectricity is top priority,
because besides the energy gain, water is also needed for the
transportation of solutes, and in nerve transmission to the rest of the
body. When the brain lacks energy both thirst and hunger impulses are
put into effect, however, often we miss the thirst signal and resort to
food especially in the form of sugar, rather than take in water. The
brain is 85% water and a mere 5 % reduction in its water level can
cause fatigue and memory loss. The brain is very sensitive to change in
volume, a 1% change in osmolarity stimulates vasopressin secretion and
stress also releases more vasopressin, thus raising blood pressure.
To summarize: The heat activation produced by osmotically active
“free water” will increase the efficiency of cell membrane receptor
proteins. Dehydration down-regulates the rotational properties of
receptor proteins rendering them less effective, reducing cation
exchange and neurotransmitter/hormone receptor activity. Energy derived
from the hydrolysis of ATP is directly and indirectly water dependent
as hydrolysis requires “free” water. With stress the increased
gluconeogenesis and hydrolysis of fat and proteins requires more water.
Dehydration increases acidity and oxidation reducing receptor
sensitivity, cell membrane permeability, and the generation of ATP in
mitochondria.
Osmolarity and Gluconeogenesis
Kundalini, during the peak phase in particular might put such a
demand on the energy production in the body that protein reserves are
broken down in a pathway that is called gluconeogenesis. This
is the conversion of amino acids and glycerol to "new" glucose.
Glycerol is present in the form of its esters (glycerides) when fats
and oils are hydrolyzed to yield fatty acids.
Gluconeogenesis takes place in the liver and muscle cells of the
body, and for this process the cell uses many of the enzymes of sugar
burning (glycolysis), operating in the reverse direction. Under
conditions of high demand the lactate produced in the muscle is
returned to the liver to be recycled back to glucose, using the energy
from oxidation of a fraction of the lactate. Resting muscles mainly use
fats (fatty acids) for producing energy but as exercise begins, the
muscles begin to use glucose as well. This glucose comes from both the
blood and stores of glucose in muscle (muscle glycogen). Skeletal
muscle undergoes gluconeogenesis as a mechanism to generate glucose for
storage as glycogen. Glycogen is a polysaccharide that is the principal
storage form of glucose in animal cells. Glycogen is found in the form
of granules in the cytosol in many cell types. Up to 8% of the fresh
weight of liver cells are glycogen.
The generation of glucose from amino acids and fats is more energy
intensive that glycolysis, that is it uses more energy and needs more
water. All amino acids except lysine and leucine are precursors to
glucose via gluconeogenesis. Lysine and leucine are the only amino
acids that are solely ketogenic, giving rise only to acetylCoA or
acetoacetylCoA, neither of which can bring about net glucose
production. A small group of amino acids comprised of isoleucine,
phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and tyrosine give rise to both
glucose and fatty acid precursors and are thus characterized as being
glucogenic and ketogenic. The rate of gluconeogenesis from various
substrates is sensitive to small changes in the pH, and pH is governed
largely by free water and sodium (salt) availability.
During fasting, gluconeogenesis is the main process of glucose
production in the liver. In many respects the body in peak kundalini
with the HPA axis firing away may be similar to the fasting body in its
need for alternative glucose sources. The key that triggers this extra
gluconeogenesis in the liver might be that which occurs during
diabetes. Excessive production of glucose in the liver is a major
contributor to hyperglycemia in both type1 and type 2 diabetes. Hepatic
gluconeogenesis is tightly regulated by hormones mainly through
transcriptional regulation of the rate-limiting enzymes, e.g. PEPCK and
G-6-Pase. PEPCK expression is inappropriately up-regulated in diabetes
resulting in excessive gluconeogenesis.
Gluconeogenesis during peak kundalini may stimulated by changes in
the amino acid balance and from the drop in pH due to the acids
released from lyosomes during apoptosis, and through acids produced
from hyperadrenalization. Since there is intense catabolic activity
during the peak with both apoptosis and gluconeogenesis, the acidic
chemistry means that our demand for extra water intake during this time
is crucial to help prevent oxidation damage and immune challenges like
Candida, fungi, viruses and cancer. The higher blood sugar levels
during an awakening could ultimately lead to insulin resistance,
pancreatic necrosis, pre-diabetes and loss of calcium from the bones,
so careful attention is necessary to the maintenance of a low glycemic
diet to avoid blood sugar spiking.
Cell swelling in response to insulin may be a consequence rather than a cause of insulin action. The anti-proteolytic
(protein conserving) effect of insulin and some amino acids is partly
due to their cell-swelling effect. Whereas stimulation of proteolysis
(protein degradation) by glucagons is apparently mediated by cell
shrinkage. The hormone glucagon activates gluconeogenesis in the liver;
this is the pathway by which non-sugar substrates such as amino acids
are converted into glucose. Glucagon also enhances lipoysis, or the
utilization of fats for energy, thereby conserving blood glucose by
providing fatty acid fuel to the cells.
Liver cell swelling stimulates glycogen synthesis and lipogenesis; the stimulatory effect of glutamine
and other amino acids on glycogen synthesis and lipogenesis is due to
amino acid-induced cell swelling. Glutamine is the most plentiful
nonessential amino acid in the body, the most plentiful protein in
blood and is involved in more metabolic processes than any other amino
acid. In the kidney, Glutamine also regulates hydration, electrolyte
balance and the acid/base balance which affects muscle response. Low
glutamine reserves result in excessive excretion of calcium, magnesium,
potassium, phosphorus and shifts pH to an acid balance, with the
resulting loss of physical energy. Large amounts of glutamine are used
for glutathione, the body's most powerful, abundant, water-soluble
antioxidant.
In many tissues, including the brain, some processes such as protein catabolism (nucleotide degradation) generate free ammonia.
Mitochondria in liver cells contain enzymes that allow them to detoxify
ammonia, a waste product of protein metabolism. Glutamate and glutamine
play critical roles in nitrogen metabolism, acting as a kind of general
collection point for amino groups. Glutamine has a very important role
in nitrogen metabolism because of its two nitrogen atoms. It is
utilized as a fuel, in protein synthesis, and to produce other
important compounds and amino acids. Glutamine is also an essential
nitrogen transporter, allowing ammonia to be removed from areas of the
body like the brain and lungs and deposit into the intestines and
kidneys.
Glutamine passes freely across the blood brain barrier and once in
the brain it is converted to glutamic acid and GABA. Depletion of
glutamate in the glutamine synthetase reaction may have additional
effects, for glutamate and its derivative g-aminobutyrate (GABA) are
important neurotransmitters. The main by-product of glucose metabolism
in the brain is water itself.
Speculation on the cause of head pressure in kundalini
centers on a potential depletion of ATP in brain cells through the
swelling of glial cells and their consequent reduction in glucose
supply to neurons. High levels of NH4+ lead to increased levels of
glutamine, which acts as an osmotically active solute in brain. Brain swelling
is mediated in part through an increase in the osmolyte glutamine in
the brain, thus headaches or pressure in the head may occur through
glutamine's cell volumizing effect. Glutamine accumulation in
astrocyctes (glial cells) creates ammonia induced glial swelling and
intra-cranial pressure. Excess glutamine is a by-product of high
ammonia levels in the blood, which occur if the liver cannot adequately
process ammonia.
This ammonia induced glutamate toxicity and astrocycte swelling
might be the main cause of head pressure associated with kundalini, if
the liver and kidneys are overloaded and not adequately dealing with
the extra ammonia that is produced during the hypermetabolic state of
kundalini arousal. Glial swelling means the astrocyctes cannot attend
to the neurons as well, thereby explaining one of the reasons for
reduced mental function during kundalini. Evidence suggests that
glutamine forms in astrocytes and as it accumulates water also
accumulates causing the cells to swell. Both ammonia toxicity and
swelling is reduced by inhibitors of the enzyme glutamine synthetase,
which obviously reduces glutamine production.
Inhibition of gluconeogenesis from glutamine is accompanied
by a reduction in ammonia production. Gluconeogenesis occurs in acidic
pH conditions thereby raising ammonia levels. Hyperammonia results in a
rise in glutamine with a reduction in myo-inositol and taurine.
[Inositol, also known as myo-inositol, functions closely with choline.
Inositol is a carbohydrate that closely resembles glucose in structure.
The body and intestinal bacteria make inositol from glucose. Inositol
functions similarly to choline in helping move fats out of the liver.
It functions in nerve transmission and makes up an important part of
phospholipids.]
Ammonia exists as two different forms, NH3 and NF4+. NH3 is a small
lipophylic molecule that is readily permeable across the phospholipid
bilayer of cell membranes. In contrast, NH4+ a monovalent cation, does
not passively diffuse cell membrane but only passes through cation
channels. Ammonia can be a weak acid or a weak base, depending on what
type of chemical it is suspended in. Ammonia is toxic for an organism
even in small amounts can induce apoptosis.
In skeletal muscle, excess amino groups are generally transferred to
pyruvate to form alanine, for transport to the liver. The energetic
burden of gluconeogenesis is thus imposed on the liver rather than the
muscle, and all available ATP in muscle is devoted to muscle
contraction. Liver tissue is the site of gluconeogenesis in
higher vertebrates and, during this process, amino acids are
deaminated, forming ammonia. Extrahepatic tissues, especially working
muscle, form ammonia which must be returned to the liver for
detoxification. Working muscle also forms glutamine, which is
deamidated in the liver forming additional ammonia. In mammals, the
site of detoxication is the mitochondrial matrix of hepatocytes.
The classical pathway for ammonia detoxification in mammals is the
urea cycle, the first two enzymes of which, are localized exclusively
in the mitochondrial matrix. They convert ammonia to citrulline, which
then exits to the cytosol for conversion to urea for excretion.
Glutaminase is an important kidney tubule enzyme, somewhat present in
many other tissues as well. It is involved in converting glutamine
(from liver and from other tissue) to glutamate and NH3+, with the NH3+
being excreted in the urine. Glutamate and aspartate are important in
collecting and eliminating amino nitrogen via glutamine synthetase and
the urea cycle, respectively.
In the cytosol of hepatocytes, amino groups from most amino acids
are transferred to a-ketoglutarate to form glutamate, which enters
mitochondria and gives up its amino group to form NH4+. Mitochondria
behave as perfect osmometers; they respond to changes in osmotic
pressure of the suspending medium by shrinking (or swelling) as water
flows across the membrane to compensate for the difference in activity
when the osmolytes are added to (or removed from) the external medium.
The mitochondrial membrane is permeable to NH3, which are neutral small
molecules. Ammonium salts added to isolated rat liver mitochondria
deviate alpha-ketoglutarate to glutamate synthesis, thus decreasing its
availability as respiratory substrate. As a consequence a decrease of
respiratory rate is observed which is paralleled by progressive
mitochondrial swelling. It was demonstrated that L-carnitine may
abolish this swelling thus improving structural and metabolic state of
mitochondria.
Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is
the mechanism by which the body rids itself of damaged cells. It plays
a prominent role in protection against cancer. Over the last few years,
it has become apparent that mitochondria are of critical importance in
the apoptosis process. Proteins that control the survival or death of
cells are specifically associated with the mitochondrial outer
membrane, and permeability changes across the mitochondrial inner
membrane, probably associated with Ca2+ transport and mitochondrial
swelling, and the release of proteins, particularly cytochrome-c, from
the inter-membrane space, play an early role in the deciding the fate
of the cell. The outer mitochondrial membrane is composed of about 50%
phospholipids by weight and contains a variety of enzymes involved in
such diverse activities as the elongation of fatty acids, oxidation of
epinephrine (adrenaline), and the degradation of tryptophan.
Histamine
Histamine Release Factor (HRF) promotes fluid flow and hydroelectric
energy generation, water intake, blood flow regulation and inhibition
of water elimination. H1 receptor activation lowers core temperature to
reduce water loss, and H2 activation induces heat loss mechanisms.
Regulation of wakefulness and appetite by histamine has long been
suggested by observations that substances that block H1 receptors are
not only sedating but also increase appetite and weight gain.
Histamine by itself is anabolic, or a promotor of growth. As a
pro-adaptation hormone, histamine releases extra energy within the
cell, locking it into an amplification of stimuli, leading to various
changes such as increased cell division, increased acid production, and
changes in energy-dependent cation exchange through the cell membrane.
Besides being a neurotransmitter in charge of water regulation,
histamine also manages the immune responsibilities of defense against
antibacterial, antiviral and other foreign agents. In dehydration,
histamine suppresses its own activity on the immune system, otherwise
dehydration would constantly activate the immune system. Histamine can
inhibit the immune system through reducing interleukin, interferon,
increasing cAMP, cAMP produced by the action of histamine suppresses
function within cells that generate it possibly leading to depression.
Adequate hydration reduces exaggerated histamine activity. In
drought management, under histamines direction, subordinate systems
become active in prioritizing water distribution. These include
vasopressin, renin-angiotension, prostaglandins and kinins. Kinins are
blood plasma proteins that influence smooth muscle contractions, affect
blood pressure, increase blood flow throughout the body, increase the
permeability of small capillaries, stimulate pain receptors and promote
saliva formation.
In stress the body assumes a crisis situation and will begin to
mobilize for fight/flight by producing: endorphins, cortisone releasing
factor, prolactin, vasopressin and renin-angiotensin. When under stress
the brain has to process more information than usual. Histamine allows
the blood vessels in the brain to dilate improving mental efficiency
during stress or danger. With dehydration the level of energy
generation in the brain is decreased leading to depression and chronic
fatigue.
Excess histamine can amplify cell division, increase acid production
(H+), suppress the immune system and inhibit bone marrow. According to
Dr. Batmanghelidj stress/dehydration can turn T cell lymphocytes into
functioning as killer cells on bone marrow. Histamine (H2) also
increases killer cell activity along with serotonin. Lymphocyte
proliferation is reduced when histamine induced suppressor factors
cause monocytes to produce prostaglandins.
The serotonergic neuronal system regulates histamine activity
through stabilization of the calcium current across the cell membrane.
Serotonin also inhibits histamines acid secretory capacity in the
stomach. Histamines primary function in the gut appears to be the
regulation of cation exchange and the regulation of water absorption.
H3 receptors are expressed in the central nervous system and, to a
lesser extent, the peripheral nervous system, where they act as
feedback inhibition of histamine synthesis and release. Adequate free
water to promote cell hydration makes this feedback inhibition more
effective. The H3 also been shown to presynaptically inhibit the
release of a number of other neurotransmitters including, but probably
not limited to dopamine, GABA, acetylcholine, noradrenaline, and
serotonin.
Vasopressin
Vasopressin is released into the brain in a circadian rhythm by
neurons of the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus. Vasopressin
is an antidiuretic hormone that is mainly released when the body is low
on water, where upon it causes the kidneys to conserve water by
concentrating the urine and reducing urine volume. As its name implies
"vaso-pressin" stimulates the contraction of the smooth muscular tissue
of the capillaries and arterioles (vasoconstriction), thereby raising
the blood pressure. It promotes contraction of the intestinal
musculature, increases peristalsis.
Vasopressin is one of two octapeptide hormones formed by the
neuronal cells of the hypothalamus and stored in the posterior lobe of
the pituitary gland, the other being oxytocin. The structure of
oxytocin is very similar to that of the vasopressins and its amino acid
sequence differs at only two positions. The neurons that make
vasopressin are adjacent to the neurons that make oxytocin. The
similarity of the two peptides can cause some cross-reactions: oxytocin
has a slight antidiuretic function, and like oxytocin high levels of
vasopressin can cause uterine contractions.
Most of it is stored in the posterior pituitary gland to be released
into the blood stream; some of it is also released directly into the
brain. Vasopressin is secreted in response to reductions in blood
plasma volume and in response to increases in the plasma osmotic
pressure (ie: thickening of the blood), by pressure receptors in the
veins, atria, and arterioles. Secretion in response to increases in
plasma osmotic pressure is mediated by osmoreceptors in the
hypothalamus. The neurons that make vasopressin, in the supraoptic
nucleus and paraventricular nucleus, are themselves osmoreceptors, but
they also receive synaptic input from other osmoreceptors located in
regions adjacent to the anterior wall of the third ventricle.
In the kidneys vasopressin has a specific effect on augmenting
resorption of water independently of solutes, resulting in
concentration of urine and dilution of blood serum. Its rate of
secretion is regulated chiefly by the osmotic concentration of the
plasma. Many factors influence the secretion of vasopressin; for
instance, alcohol and caffeine reduce vasopressin secretion. The
resulting decrease in water reabsorption by the kidneys leads to a
higher urine output.
Vasopressin acts on three different receptors: V1a, V1b and V2. The
receptors are differently expressed in different tissues, and exert
different actions:
V1a - vasoconstriction, gluconeogenesis in the liver, platelet aggregation and release of blood clotting factors.
V1b - corticotropin secretion from the pituitary gland. Vasopressin
is secreted from the hypothalamus and transported directly to the
anterior pituitary gland, where it is an important releasing factor for
ACTH, acting in conjunction with CRH.
V2 - control of free water reabsorption in the collecting ducts of
the kidney to influence the body's electrolyte and fluid balance. In
times of extreme dehydration, over 24% of the filtered water may be
reabsorbed in the collecting duct system.
Through an unknown
mechanism vasopressin release within the brain has been implicated in
memory formation, including delayed reflexes, image, short and
long-term memory. Vasopressin is involved in blood pressure and
temperature regulation and in aggression and territorialism. It is
thought that vasopressin, released into the brain during sexual
activity, initiates and sustains patterns of activity that supports
pair bonding between the sexual partners. Studies support the
hypothesis that vasopressin is involved in male aggression towards
other males. Vasopressin might also be tied into aggression to ensure
that during times of acute environmental water shortage, at least the
most aggressive members of a population will survive by eliminating
competitors for the water. Thus well-hydrated populations will tend to
be less aggressive and territorial.
High levels of vasopressin secretion can occur with increased
opiates, this may cause mild deficiency of sodium in the blood for
several days. This is obviously an important consideration during
kundalini when opiate levels are very high. It is essential to add that
touch of salt to our drinking water to adjust to increased vasopression
levels during high endorphin production.
Cortisol
The stress, or "death," hormone cortisol, can seriously damage your
brain and circulatory system. Modern life probably gives many of us
generally higher cortisol levels...especially since we have become
cognizant of our negative impact on the planet as a species, and since
we don't seem to be moving in any "benign" collective condition. This
deprives us of the sense of an open-ended future and reverts our energy
into present survival mode. Once we can move in a direction of high
integrity and possibility, chronic stress and excess cortisol will
abate.
The prolonged activation of the sympathetic nervous system that
occurs during awakening leads to chronic overproduction of cortisol and
an eventual reduction in anabolic steroids such as testosterone. One
can see the effects of this in the feminization of advanced
Gurus...note their fat faces, and enlarged bellies and breasts.
Enlightenment practice has traditionally produced individuals which
nature is basically saying are unsuitable to reproduce...hence the loss
of sexual characteristics normally associated with attracting the
opposite sex. Men lose their "cut" facial lines, their broad shoulders
and narrow waists, and become more like obese women. Socially though,
these enlightened types still manage to attract females and breed
because of their social status and siddha power.
But we can have our cake and eat it too. One can have fully
activated enlightenment chemistry in the body, and as long as one keeps
up a steady strength training, and stress relief program, coupled with
a heavy antioxidant regime...then you can be an advanced Guru and be a
manly man also. Normally we think of Jesus as being the perfect example
of the alchemical marriage between male and female but (hypothetically)
he still looked very much like a male. For he came from the Essene
tradition of health in which sexual characteristics are maintained at
peak for the lifespan of the individual due to the dietary and living
practices.
A "balance" of the sexes is not a denial or negation or a fusion of
the sexes...for this would lead to an absexual or asexual effect and a
diminishment of Eros. The point is the polar play...it's the play of
the poles, hemispheres and sexes in their most actualized function that
constitutes enlightenment...or "unity" consciousness. To have a manly
man be soft and hard, now that is an exciting thing. That a man can
fully embody his femininity means that he is so strong he can be soft.
He doesn't look less of a man for it, but simply that he no longer
holds his masculinity as a power tool.
Integral spirituality would ensure that the enlightened male would
not be turned into a woman and would remain true to form. Firstly
through adequate muscle building exercise to maintain testosterone
levels. Also through taking antioxidants to counter the increase in
free radicals that occurs with hyperactivation of the nervous system.
And by taking cortisol reducing supplements as well as those that build
up the sex and growth hormones.
Remember energy follows the Tao...years of stilling the nervous
system with meditation and other quietening practices will allow it to
flip into extreme activation. However someone who constantly
autostimulates themselves with their emotions, habits or stimulants
won't have the energy reserves for a full-on blasterama.
Any increase in spiritual energy/kundalini/presence is the
activation of both sympathetic and parasympathetic. So this is going to
increase our cortisol levels. Obviously all the nerve calming
techniques in the spiritual bag of tricks will help to reduce the raw
fear/danger bandwidth of sympathetic activation. But there will still
be hyperactivation of brain and nerves throughout an entire awakening
and beyond.
With awakening there are acute events and phases involving
consecutive activation of the on and off switches...and other periods
in which both on and off switches are on full-blast at the same time.
Note that when you are in love there is a similar rise in nerve
activity, which promotes both deeper relaxation and opening
(parasympathetic), and heightened alertness and energy (sympathetic).
The most impactful "practice" for reducing cortisol levels must be
"loving relationship." Even loving relationship with a pet will reduce
stress hormone release. Laughter, intimacy and acceptance are
fundamental to our health.
Cortisol is an anti-inflammatory
glucocorticoid steroid hormone arising from the adrenal glands that
among other things, regulates water retention and blood pressure.
Cortisol is necessary to maintain the full response of processes in
times of prolonged stress. It is a major agent in the death and
resurrection process, where the body is catabolically broken down and
reassembled to a form that is more efficient at conveying higher levels
of consciousness and sensitivity. Cortisol initiates the self-digestion
and remobilization of stored energies and raw materials. Fat is broken
down into fatty acids to be converted into energy (lipolysis).
Proteins are broken down to amino acids to build neurotransmitters, new
proteins and special aminos to be burned as fuel by muscle.
The major ergotropic (catabolic) effects of cortisol involve
its facilitating gluconeogenesis and the conversion of protein in
muscles and connective tissue into glucose and glycogen; and consequent
increase liver glycogen stores. Gluconeogenesis involves both
the increased degradation of protein already formed and the decreased
synthesis of new protein. The prolonged HPA axis activation of chronic
stress can create amino acid imbalances due to certain proteins
being used up in the energy generating gluconeogenesis. Central to
gluconeogenesis is the metabolism of glutamate (glutamine and GABA) and
proline and a decrease in cysteine and methionine. There is a loss of
serum tryptophan and tyrosine due to their breakdown in the liver and
an increase in glutamate and arginine.
Cortisol can also decrease the utilization of glucose by cells by
directly inhibiting glucose transport into the cells. An excess of
cortisol can also lead to a decrease in insulin sensitivity,
most likely due to blockage of insulin receptors. Cortisol also reduces
the utilization of amino acids for protein formation in muscle cells,
leading to a progressive loss of protein, muscle weakness and atrophy,
increased protein breakdown by 5% to 20%. Loss of bone mass also occurs
through increased calcium excretion and less calcium absorption. Excess
cortisol can cause programmed cell death (apoptosis) in the thymus
leading to thymic involution. Thus prolonged high levels of cortisol can throw the immune system into chaos and catabolically ravage the body.
Hyper-cortisol production may be central to depressive symptoms and
cognitive deficits, arising from the neurocytotoxic effects of raised
cortisol levels. As well as the fight-flight response, sustained freeze
response and dissociation also increases blood cortisol and promotes
depression. Chronic high cortisol significantly increases learning and
memory impairment, as well as atrophying neurons in the hippocampus.
The frontal lobes are also particularly sensitive to the
neurodegenerative effects of cortisol. Prolonged high cortisol levels
may also lead to hypertension because it causes sodium retention
(bloating) and potassium excretion.
Even mild elevations in serum cortisol can increase plasma glucose
concentration and protein catabolism within a few hours in healthy
individuals. Cortisol can increase body fat levels especially when it's
increased dramatically in the body. Cortisol can inhibit growth-hormone and testosterone
and can directly inhibit pituitary gonadotropin and TSH (thyroid
stimulating hormone). It may also interfere with the conversion of
thyroid hormone T4 to the active T3, thereby decreasing metabolic rate
and making it harder to lose body fat.
Studies show that restricting normal caloric intake by 50% can lead
to a subsequent increase in cortisol levels by 38%. To help control
cortisol levels maintain a highly nutritious diet, do not overtrain,
maintain quality downtime, get 8 hours sleep a night, and consume a
high-glycemic carbohydrate to increase insulin levels directly after an
intense workout, for insulin interferes with cortisol. Also cultivate a
nurturing social circle. During one stage of sleep cortisol levels are
elevated because protein is being re-cycled. Cortisol-suppressing
supplements can be taken before bedtime to help minimize excess
cortisol production during sleep.
Supplements to reduce cortisol levels include Vitamin A, Zinc, and
acetyl l-carnitine, DHEA, Phosphatidylserine, L-Glutamine, Zinc.
Studies also showed that the individuals taking Vitamin C improved
their testosterone:cortisol ratio by over 20%.
All the adaptogenic herbs will aid this transmutation process while
protecting the tissues from damage by free radicals, heavy metals,
metabolites and toxins: Foti, garlic, ginkgo biloba, goats rue, gotu
kola, olive leaf, rhodiola rosa, rosemary, basil, wild yam, devils
claw, dong quai, astragulus. The adaptogen Siberian Ginseng is a body
balancer that halts the overproduction of cortisol.
Exhaustion Phase: Towards the end of an awakening we might need
to enhance the adrenal glands and cortisol metabolism in the body with
a small amount of licorice root. I assume that licorice root is
important during the exhaustion phase for returning the adrenal glands
to full health. However during the peak it might amplify the effects of
already high levels of adrenaline and cortisol. Licorice root extends
the lifetime of cortisol in the kidney.
Glycrrhetinic acid, the steroidlike constituent of glycyrrhizic
acid in licorice, inhibits an enzyme responsible for inactivating
cortisol in the kidney. Licorice is useful for "deficient" adrenals,
because glycyrrhizic acid allows cortisol to stick around in the distal
tubules of the kidney. Cortisol binds to a protein that causes the
kidney to retain sodium longer than it normally would, increasing blood
pressure, possibly contributing to include water retention, headaches,
lethargy and heart failure. So large amounts of licorice should not be
taken if one tends towards these conditions.
Licorice helps heal ulcers by inactivating 15-hydroxyprostaglandin
dehydrogenase in the stomach lining. Licorice also extends the life of
prostaglandins that protect the stomach wall. The effect of licorice on
the prostaglandins that release mucous may also explain why licorice
helps soothe a cough.
"Prolonged periods of exposure to elevated levels of cortisol
(such as occurs during chronic stress) cause a number of adverse
effects in the body. These include elevation of blood sugar (diabetes),
sodium retention (resulting in hypertension), suppression of immunity,
gastric ulcers, headaches, loss of bone density (osteoporosis), heart
attacks, loss of even more hypothalamic glucocorticoid (cortisol)
receptors (creating a "vicious cycle"), and increased neuronal cell
death in the brain." See the following for receptor sensitivity
recovery: Neuroendocrine Theory Of Aging, Part II: Adaptive Homeostat
Dysfunction, Ward Dean, M.D. http://vrp.com/art/1666.asp
Endorphins, Depression and Immunity
White blood cells (leukocyctes) are immune cells that are produced
in the bone marrow. They consist of a variety of types: neutrophils,
eosinophil, basophils, monocyces, macrophages and lymphocytes-(B-cells,
T-cells and Natural Killer). Although all lymphocyces originate from
progenitor cells in the bone marrow, they take different paths toward
becoming mature immune fighters. For example T-cells migrate to the
thymus gland where they learn their role as killer cells; B-cells,
which make antibodies, mature in the bone marrow; while Natural Killer
cells (NK) accumulate and mature in tonsils, lymph nodes and the
spleen. NK cells are the first to respond to a challenge to the immune
system and burst forth from lymphoid tissue while the T & B cells
are still mobilizing.
The stem cells of bone marrow produce white and red blood cells. The
growth of stem cells depends on the availability of free water and on
the heat of activation generated by free-osmotically active water for
their maturation. If someone is so dehydrated that they have arthritis,
you can be sure that their bone marrow is getting inadequate water for
healthy immune cell production.
Dysregulation of the mechanisms of autonomic homeostasis associated
with dehydration, stress, kundalini and depression include: the
generation of imbalance in amino acids, immune suppression, excess or
deficient levels of certain neurotransmitters and hormones coupled with
the down-regulation of receptors.
Corticotrophin Releasing Hormone (CRH) is hypersecreted and its
receptors are down regulated during depression. CRH appears to act on
the immune system directly, as well as causing HPA axis activation
which then has adrenal and cortisol consequences on immunosuppression.
Beta-Endorphin is an opiate neuropeptide which is synthesized from the
same precursor as ACTH. Which means that its production is increased
along with ACTH in response to CRH release. Endorphins also have water
intake regulatory properties and are involved in stress regulation. The
direct action of opiates on ACTH seems to be inhibitory. Endorphins
manipulate the serotonergic neural system possibly negatively affecting
the delayed feedback component of the ACTH release in stress. Similarly
the opiates that are generated from sustained periods of kundalini
activation could bring about immunosuppression due to their effect on
the serotonergic systems and ACTH release.
Unabating secretion of CRH and ACTH would create hypervigilence,
suppress normal sexual activity, create immune deficiency and delayed
maturity. ACTH inhibits synthesis of lymphocytes especially in response
to proteins, while it amplifies the proliferation of B cells--raising
levels of neutrophils the phagocytic cells that normally represent 70%
of the population of white blood cells. Neutrophils can only execute
one phagocytic event, because they expend all their glucose reserves in
the one respiratory blast which releases NADPH oxidase enzyme, which
produces large quantities of superoxide free radicals which end up
killing the cell.
Depression of the immune system can occur with prolonged stress, dehydration and depression due to an amino acid imbalance
generated from incessant cortisol, CRH and vasopressin secretion. This
immunosuppression is characterized by an amino acid imbalance that
shows an increase in glutamate and arginine and a decrease in
tryptophan, cysteine and methionine.
Major depression is associated with the increased secretion of
beta-endorphins and enkephalins, which act on the immune system through
opiate receptors on the cells. Depression thus reduces the number of
natural killer cells and monocytes and inhibits the ingestion capacity
of phagocytic immune cells.
Dehydration causes histamine to bring on prostaglandin release,
which in turn causes the dissolution or degeneration of bone tissue (osteolysis).
Osteolysis and excess calcium release brought about by prostaglandin
release (PGE2) raises cytosolic calcium which can deplete ATP reserves
and bring about cell death (apoptosis). PGE2 raises transglutaminase
(TGE) levels; and enzyme that is strongly anti-inflammatory and immune
supressive. It induces apoptosis especially in the thymus gland and
liver, through rigidifying the cell membrane. Prostaglandins in the
bone marrow are reputed to produce osteolysis, thus raising Ca2+
availability to promote repair or the growth of new blood vessels from
pre-existing vessels.
Interleukin
Cytokines are a unique family of growth factors secreted primarily
from leukocytes. Many of the lymphokines are also known as interleukins
(ILs); specifically, interleukins are growth factors targeted to cells
of blood origin. Cytokines bind to a specific cell-surface receptor,
initiating intracellular signaling cascades that then alter cell
functions. This may include the upregulation and/or downregulation of
several genes and their transcription factors that results in
production of other cytokines, or increase in the number of surface
receptors for other molecules, or suppress their own effect by feedback
inhibition. Interleukins have many functions on many different cells
and are secreted by a number of cells including monocytes and dendritic
cells.
Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is cytokine that acts as a neurotransmitter to
stimulate the HPA axis and activate the immune system. Binding sites
for interleukins have been found within the HPA axis. IL-1 is also
produced by macrophages of the immune system in response to infection.
Originally IL-1 was described as T cell activation factor and it also
helps promote the maturation and clonal expansion of B cells. Another
way it facilitates the immune system is by increasing the expression of
cell adhesion molecules on endothelial cells of the blood vessels which
allows transmigration of leukocytes, immune cells that fight pathogens,
to sites of infection
One action of IL-1 is its action on the hypothalamus. Here IL-1, and
some other cytokines (including IL-6), bind to receptors on the
endothelial cells within the hypothalamus and appear to reset the
thermoregulatory centre increasing the core body temperature causing
fever. In the muscle and fatty tissue IL-6 stimulates energy
mobilization which leads to increased body temperature. Interleukins
are able to trigger oxidative stress as well as general stress
mechanisms. High levels are associated with an acute phase of
inflammation, including alteration in liver and brain functions.
Interleukin 1-alpha (IL-1) directly inhibits insulin secretion; that
is it prevents the glucose-activated increase in insulin secretion and
chemical breakdown of glucose via oxidation in the pancreas. It has
been found that IL-6 destroys the structure of DNA in insulin producing
cells. Cortisol releasing mechanisms promote the secretion of the
neurotransmitter interleukin-1 (IL-1) and IL-6, which in turn can
increase Cortisol Releasing Hormone (CRH). This means that the cortisol
released during stress and dehydration can cause the atrophication of
the pancreas and bring about diabetic conditions. Along with lysine,
tryptophan is a prominent amino acid employed in the correction of
errors during DNA production. Dr. Batmanghelidj says that the cortisol
releasing mechanism can result in cell nucleus breakdown and DNA
fragmentation. And that the amino acid cysteine forms a type of
scaffold with zinc hooks that keep the DNA segments in position.
The autoimmune nature of multiple sclerosis reveals cytokine
accumulations in Cerebrospinal Fluid. In multiple sclerosis patients
there is a frequent detection of interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis
factor but not interleukin-6. Apparently when macrophages release IL-1
it signals more macrophages to invade damaged tissue. The initial burst
of IL-1 causes more IL-1 to be released, which amplifies the injury
response. This causes a runaway inflammation in the brain where you
don't want it. This inflammation adds to the damage caused by the
initial injury and destroys more healthy neurons, and since the brain
is non-regenerating this leads to irreversible consequences for brain
function. Taking substances that reduce IL-1 release reduces damage in
multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's Disease and Downs Syndrome and also
reduces neuronal death after stroke.
Another cytokine called transforming growth factor (TGF) is involved
in remodeling and repair of tissue after trauma. There is a strong pack
relationship between the interleukins, tumor necrosis factor and TGF,
which must be activated by the "trauma" of dehydration.
(For all your biochemistry needs Prof. Michael King of Indiana State University School Of Medicine is your man.)
©2006
Biology of Kundalini by Jana Dixon