AlchemY of Аpogee [ Part I: Quality of Life ]
" The physical body is connected with all the matter
... - through the body we enter the visible Nature in order to use it. No one
should come into conflict with his body,whatever it is.", Peter Deunov
hapter 6: Impaired Metabolism
The secret trigger of almost
all diseases.
Metabolism is a vital
exchange, synthesis and transformation of nutrients, information and energy,
through which life flows and takes place in matter and in our bodies. This
exchange of life manages and maintains almost all physiological functions and
processes: digestion, respiration, excretion, detoxification, growth,
circulation, movement, regeneration, reproduction, interaction with the
environment, etc., through bio-transformation, energy synthesis, transport and
cell exchange. (p.13-17,42)
In short, the metabolism
in our bodies converts food into energy. (p.18,42,96)
Quality of life, health and
metabolism depend on the qualitative exchange of substances and energy between
the cells of our body. The nutrients and biomolecules involved in cellular
metabolism perform various functions and applications:
• nutritious elements:
provide the necessary energy for vital functions, mainly supplied by
carbohydrates (sugars) and lipids (fats); (p.121,131,158,166,168)
• functional:
performing an important transport-communicating role in cellular metabolism and
participating in the realization of life processes (proteins: transport, muscle,
immune, etc.; including enzymes: controlling metabolism and synthesizing
various necessary metabolites; coenzymes; minerals: electrolytes, vitamins and
antioxidants, hormones: signaling biomolecules); (p.34,39,52,62,73,83,85,90,92,104,110,115,135,168)
• structural elements
- the main building blocks of which the body is composed: water - about 60%;
proteins - about 15%; lipids (fats) - about 12%; mineral salts - about 4%;
carbohydrates - about 1%; nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) - about 0.14%; (p.22,51,95,169)
• waste products (unnecessary
metabolites, free radicals, xenobiotics – foreign /poisonous / toxic substances), which play an
important role in cleansing the cells and the whole organism. (p.52-54,61,111,127,143)
Fig..6: Main participants in
cellular metabolism
In practice, the "
Metabolic Puzzle"
consists
of a series of complex tasks
and processes that each cell in the body has to solve and manage, at every
single moment of the day, following the precise instructions set in its DNA. Each cell has the property not only to
self-control, but also to support
the functions of neighboring and other
cells, according to its specifics and role. Metabolism and life processes in
the human body, by nature, are designed to be managed in perfect sequence, naturally and
unhindered. These properties are embedded in our genes. (p.15,22,29,85)
Metabolism, i.e. the cellular exchange, also maintains the vital balance in the
body, under the external influence of various environmental factors: the
change of day and night, seasonal climate change, cold, heat, ultraviolet
radiation, physical and mental stress during daily activities and so on (p.21,25,32,39,64-65,86,94)
The energy that drives metabolic processes
Metabolism, which
practically sustains life in our body, is carried out through two main,
opposite, but mutually supportive processes: (p.20,22,29,
60,70)
• Catabolic processes,
which supply the necessary energy for cellular metabolism - produce ATP
(Adenosine-Tri-Phosphate) - the so-called. "Cellular energy currency"
and the vital glucose, for which purpose they break down the main nutrients
by oxidation, with the help of inhaled oxygen. Catabolic processes also support
the work of the nervous system and muscles. Catabolic processes correspond to the force of action of Yang
energy in our body. (p.20,24,35,42.51,102,108,125,132,139)
• Anabolic processes are
necessary for vital body functions such as growth, regeneration, maintenance of
tissues and muscle mass, genetic synthesis of nucleic acids and proteins, but
also for the storage of energy reserves in the form of fat. Anabolic processes consume
a large amount of energy, delivered through catabolic processes, but also release
a large amount of hydrogen, which later serves for resynthesis of the
"cellular energy currency". Anabolic processes maintain the strength
of the potential Yin energy in the body. (p.29,31,35,40,42,45,95,106,121,135,169)
The
energy provided by the interaction of inhaled oxygen with the hydrogen released
by the cells is the main engine of metabolism. As mentioned, such an
"interaction" in external or laboratory conditions can cause an
explosion of a large scale. In
our body, this cannot happen due to the complex conversion of this process,
which actually oxidizes hydrogen from nutrients to water and releases
excess carbon dioxide. A major role in this regard is played by the
synthesized "cellular energy currency", which, in addition to being
vital for cellular exchange, also plays the role of a kind of buffer,
engaging the explosive energy of hydrogen for beneficial purposes,
including elimination of toxic metabolites, such as ammonium. In contrast to carbohydrates and other nutrients,
which if are in excess have the property of being stored in the form of glucose
and fats for further energy needs, the
"cellular energy currency" - ATP, can not be stored. It can
only be used to exercise cell activity and in case of excess is released as
heat, which is also needed for our body, as well as for the ongoing metabolic
reactions. (p. 20,21,29,31,33,39,40,42,71,73-74,76,78,129,132,162)
It is here that we can find
the reason why we often say that "the atmosphere is hot or explosive"
when we are in a situation of strained relationships, or within the surrounding
of an angry person.
For example, cortisol, which
we called "stress hormone" and can also manifest as "anger
hormone", is responsible for intense catabolic processes, ie. for the
breakdown of stored fat and glucose under stress. For this purpose, cortisol
does not always require the intervention of oxygen, which in turn potentiates
the acidification of body fluids due to the generated excess of hydrogen
molecules. Not coincidentally, as a result of overeating, after a late
dinner or alcohol intake, but also after sleepless night, we become angry. Such
situations, in turn, catalyze the anabolic processes in our body, which also
release excess hydrogen molecules in our blood and increase the heat in our
body. This leads to stagnation of excess Yang energy in our Liver and
slows down the metabolic and detoxifying processes controlled by this organ. Due
to the generated excess heat and unused energy, we become nervous, restless,
irritable and angry, thus activating cortisol. This hormone can help us
restore balance in a short time, but it can also quickly push us to the next
unreasonable step, such as eating something sweet at the most inappropriate and
unhealthy moment for our body.
It is clear that saving and
accumulating energy, but also its excessive waste, not only slow down the
metabolism, but also potentiate our inflammable emotions. (p.12,25,27,33-35,39,47-48,54-55,58,71,79,90)
Metabolic rate
The metabolism of proteins, sugars and fats is
determined by the specific chemical processes of protein, carbohydrate and
lipid metabolism. The rate of ongoing biochemical reactions in cells can define
the metabolism as accelerated, normal or slow, depending on the amount of
energy consumed, calculated in calories.
For example, intense exercise can speed up
metabolism, increasing the blood flow, and stimulating the catabolic processes for the supply cellular energy. But similar to overeating, it can also slow
down the metabolism for a while (2-7 days) by potentiating the anabolic
resynthesis for muscle regeneration and by burdening the cells with neutralizing
the waste metabolites (such as ammonia and lactic acid) from intensive
muscle work. In this regard, regular, but not strenuous, exercise can be
extremely helpful in maintaining a good metabolism. Over time, cellular
metabolism can be affected by external influences, or by an unbalanced systemic
change in lifestyle. This can slow down cell cleansing, and hence the body's
natural detoxification. Such processes can be caused by genes, heredity,
aging, deterioration in immunity, but also by impaired hormonal effects. A
metabolic dysfunction (delayed metabolism) at the cellular level can
often be perceived as a signal for a mental, physical or emotional malaise and,
in the case of systemic manifestations, lead to a more noticeable health
disorder or disease. (p.27,33,39,47-48,49,52,57-58,60,61,66,78,85,143,165)
A good metabolism is a balance between food and fluids intake, nutrients produced
and absorbed, energy produced and used, and waste products released -
unnecessary fluids and metabolites. The excretory system is controlled by the
liver, kidneys, spleen and lungs, with a particularly important role played by
the thyroid gland, lymphatic system, sweat glands, bladder and colon.
When the spleen stimulates excretion, the liver is
ready to uptake, transform and supply nutrients and energy. (p.25,121-123,131,163)
And when the colon is emptied, the mind clears and the
lungs begin to efficiently supply the cells with oxygen. (p.139-144,162)
Physical and mental conditions such as lymph stagnation, cellulite, weight gain,
emotional, digestive and hormonal disorders are signals of a metabolic
disorder. Metabolic impairment can
have various causes: sedentary lifestyle, excessive exercise, poor diet,
excessive consumption of alcohol and medication, overeating, inadequate water
intake, stress, and even over-emotionality and depression. An impairment of the
metabolism can be due to an energy
imbalance in some organs or organ systems: blood flow, cardiovascular
activity, endocrine glands, energy stagnation in the liver and spleen,
digestive disorders, kidney function. The
most common symptoms of a metabolic disorder can be: flatulence, swelling
in the limbs, tiredness and exhaustion, lack of tone and mood, chronic
headache, gastrointestinal disorders, constipation. All of these unpleasant
conditions and symptoms "speak" of toxicity in the body, which depletes minerals, vitamins and antioxidants in the
blood and significantly reduces the natural functions of the cells for
nutrition and self-cleaning. Metabolic
syndrome, which potentiates persistent hunger, for example, is a condition
of acute cellular malnutrition due to
chronic genotoxic stress.. (p.35,47,49,51,55,63,88,127)
Table
9: Under what circumstances can
the various states of impaired metabolism occur and how to overcome them?
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Indicators:
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|
|
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Signals of impaired
metabolism:
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fatigue, nervousness, bad
mood, headache, insomnia, weight gain, poor memory and concentration,
indigestion
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fatigue, impaired vision,
stiffness, back pain, problem skin, cellulite
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bloated abdomen, edema,
constipation, varicose veins, high blood pressure,
increased appetite, chronic fatigue
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dry or oily skin, feeling
hungry, hunger for sweets, lymphatic stagnation, varicose veins,
constipation, hemorrhoids |
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Metabolite with impaired /
stimulated metabolism:
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Bone metabolism: cortisol, ammonia, aldehydes
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Lipid metabolism: (triglycerides, phospholipids, sterols, bile
acids)
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Carbohydrate metabolism: purines, fructose, carbohydrates,
lactic acid
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Protein synthesis: oxygen, hydrogen, carbon, water, thyroid
hormones
|
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Biomarkers:
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blood sugar, calcium,
pancreatic enzymes,
thyroid hormones
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cholesterol,
triglycerides,
liver enzymes
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uric acid,
glycated proteins,
insulin
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leukocytes,
platelets,
hemoglobin, pH
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Risk factors:
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sedentary lifestyle, excessive alcohol consumption, systemic
overeating in the evening, taking corticosteroids and nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs, sweets with coffee
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late bed - after 23.00, late evenings - after 20.00, late
waking - after 9.00, stress, excessive sugar intake, sedentary lifestyle,
statin intake, diabetes
|
sedentary lifestyle, excessive consumption of meat,
delicacies and seafood, sweetened beverages, pasta and sweets, intake of
sweet fruits after dinner
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fasting, overeating, irregular lifestyle,
stress, alcohol, insufficient water intake, lack of
oxygen and exercise, chronic disease
|
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Impaired energy flow:
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Exhaustion of essential
energy Heart-Kidney
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Stagnation of
Yang Energy: Liver - Spleen
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Stagnation of Yin Energy:
Spleen - Heart
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Yin energy Exhaustion :
Lung - Kidneys
|
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risk of developing a disease
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hormonal imbalance,
infertility,
neuropsychiatric disorder,
cardiovascular
diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, pancreatitis, osteoporosis autoimmune
diseases: arthritis, psoriasis, cancer
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Bile stasis,
spikes,
hepatic steatosis,
high blood pressure,
atherosclerosis,
varicose veins,
hemorrhoids
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gastrointestinal
disorders,
obesity, gout,
insulin resistance,
metabolic syndrome,
diabetes, cardiovascular disease
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impairment of renal function,
obesity or weight loss,
muscular dystrophy, pulmonary complaints,
decreased immunity, anemia
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Prevention:
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Stress management and
emotional control
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Building a regime
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Appetite regulation
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Movement
and breathing
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How do we
understand the concept of "prevention" and what are the
consequences of the ways in which we apply it?
Pages 7-9, 50-51,79, 87
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- Active rest after periods of prolonged stress,
relaxation,
- music, massage, dancing, swimming;
- an appropriate diet with imports of
vitamins, minerals and antioxidants from fresh plants,
- self-control and acquisition of skills
for control of emotions and stress;
- positive setting,
- avoid irritants.
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- normalization of the daily diet, work
and rest,
- balanced menu,
- diet for detoxification and
strengthening of the liver and cleansing of the gallbladder,
- regular light sportsclasses.
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- reduce carbohydrate intake: sweets, pasta,
bread,
- reduction of meat intake, and especially
of delicacies: salami, pate, trifles, bacon,
- exclusion of "snacks" between
main meals,
- turn off late dinner.
- regular light physical exercises for
energy balance and regulation of bowel movements.
- regular exercises to improve blood
circulation and muscle tone
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- breathing exercises in fresh air to
improve the pH in the lungs and body fluids,
- balanced diet with sufficient intake of vegetables and fruits,
- water intake every 30 minutes in 50-100 ml
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Page 95-99
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Page 105-106
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Page 123,125-130
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Page 135-137
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When we talk about metabolism, we often refer
to our physical condition, without realizing that the metabolism in our body
takes place simultaneously on a physical, mental and spiritual level. For example, the metabolic stagnation in
our body indicates impaired energy exchange in the energy meridians and their
governing Yin and Yang organs, or even activated destructive energy.Metabolic
imbalance usually occurs when energy blockage occurs in the Yang organs. TCM takes
as a basis of all diseases the "pentagram" of the destructive energy
exchange in the five major Yin-organs of our body. (Table 2, p. 20) If we
look closely at the pentagram of destructive energy in Fig. 3 p. 20 and Fig. 7 below, it
will become clear that it is most often activated by stagnation in the Colon. When the Yang
energy of the colon is stagnant, toxic bile begins to circulate in the body (p.104,108-112,140-144),
causing stagnation of Yang energy in the reservoir of Yin energy - the liver. In
Table 2
on page 20, this destructive process is symbolized by "the
property of the element Metal (colon) to cut the
Tree (liver)". Stagnation of bile acids in the colon has the
potential not only to change the circadian rhythm and chemical composition of
essential bile juices produced in the liver, but also those secreted by the
gallbladder in the stomach after eating, and secondary bile acids synthesized
by the intestine flora. This is one of the reasons for the increased acidity of
the circulating fluids in the meridian of the bladder, which in turn
potentiates the depletion of vital minerals, vitamins and trace elements in the
small intestine and disrupts the epithelial layer and cell walls of blood vessels (varicose veins, hemorrhoids, etc. ) .When the vital elements in our
body are primarily involved in maintaining the alkaline-acid balance and
neutralizing free radicals, the balance in the intestinal flora is disturbed,
and hence the indigestion and malnutrition of cells and organs, excessive
production of lactic acid and putrefaction of food in the colon, storage of fat
in the abdomen, thighs and lymph, increased toxemia (contamination) and
weakened immunity. (p.49,51,52,55,61,79,86) Today, more and more scientific and medical researches find
out that the main cause of
metabolic syndrome, overweight, chronic and malignant diseases lies in the
impaired metabolism of bile acids.
In
some religions and socio-political organizations beliefs, the pentagram is
considered as the most stable symbol of protection in the earthly
existence
of human being. This suggests that the "pentagram of destructive
energy" once set in motion in our bodies can hardly be neutralized. (p.20,29,31,33,57)
If
we look at metabolism in our mental level through the “heptagram of the Seven Forces”, we will be able to find the
effect of these relationships on our physical manifestation in the Yin-Yang hexagram, and to neutralize the "pentagram
of destructive energy." (p.42,51,59,93,98,99)
Fig.7: Energy regulators of metabolism
Often
the Ego seeks to reap the fruits of the Spirit by cutting down the Tree of our Soul's sacret
desires,
which according to TCM are stored and kept in the Liver.
If,
instead to ignit passions, we melt the element of Metal in the Fire of Love,
compassion will immerse us in the deeper Water of Consciousness, in which to
cool the ambitions of the Ego - the only culprit for the diseases and
sufferings in our earthly existence. ( p.104,111,117,133,137)
The good metabolism needs purity of mind and body, cordiality and
cheerful mood, oxygen, rest and movement, some fresh food and fresh water.
