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Chlorine -“A Crippler and Killer”
by Charlie Skeen
September 24, 2006
Throughout the United States and Canada and other countries, chlorine is commonly used to kill disease-causing organisms in the water that come from rivers, lakes, and reservoirs which are used by millions of people everyday for drinking, bathing, showering and swimming. But what many people do not know is that this same chlorine they are exposing their body to is a very poisonous and deadly chemical that according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is essentially a pesticide. And since we are living organisms, chlorine is damaging and killing some part of our body each time we drink, shower, bathe, or swim. A University of Minnesota researcher, Dr. Robert Carlson, whose work is sponsored by the EPA, had this to say about chlorine, ‘ the chlorine problem is similar to that of air pollution:, and that “chlorine is the greatest crippler and killer of modern times!”
To understand how this “crippler and killer” came to be used in the drinking water, we need to go back in time to its first application.
The History of Chlorine
Use for Disinfecting Water
Chlorine was first used to disinfect water 156 years ago in 1850 London,
England. At this time, John Snow was trying to disinfect the Broad Street
Pump water supply after an outbreak of cholera. Later, following a typhoid
outbreak in 1897, Sims Woodhead used a chlorine bleach solution to disinfect
potable water distribution mains at Maidstone, Kent in England. It
wasn’t until the early 1900's that the wide and continuous use of chlorine
greatly reduced the number of deaths from typhoid in Great Britain.
Use of Chlorine in
the United States
Due to the success in England of reducing the death rate from infectious
diseases such as typhoid, the use of chlorine in the United States began
in 1908 in Jersey City, New Jersey. Soon after, cities and towns across
the United States began to effectively treat their water supplies, reducing
the danger from waterborne diseases such as dysentery, cholera, typhoid,
and hepatitis A.
The First Use of Chlorine
By the Military
Chlorine is a very toxic and poisonous chemical and has been used effectively
in warfare as a deadly weapon. It was administered as a gas and given
the code name bertholite, by the Germans who first used it against the
French in 1915 during the second battle of Ypres. Almost immediately,
it was used on the eastern front against the Russians and continued
to be used throughout the war resulting in thousands of casualties.
Other Uses of Chlorine
Other uses of this chemical include being used as a bleach in the paper
and pulp industry and to bleach flour. It is also used to make other
chemicals such as ethlene dichloride for the manufacture of polyvinly
chloride which is used to make siding, flooring, tubing, coatings, piping,
film, and other products. Another chemical made from chlorine is propylene
oxide for manufacturing plastics called polyesters that are used to
make boat and car bodies, bowling balls, carpets, and fabrics. Chlorine
is also found in cosmetics, medicines, solvents, sealants, computer
chips, paints, and other types of disinfectants.
Industrial Chlorine
The type of chlorine that is being referred to is industrial type not
the natural mineral sodium chloride such as found in sea water. To produce
industrial type chlorine natural sodium chloride is exposed to powerful
electrical charges which separates the chlorine from the chloride producing
a toxic and poisonous chlorine gas. It is this chlorine that has been
used to treat the drinking water, to poison and kill soldiers during
world wars I and II, and is used for the manufacture of many other chemicals
to make other man-made products and chemicals,
What Research Has Been Done on Chlorine Before Adding it to
the Water Supply?
Since chlorine is a toxic and poisonous substance, even being called
a pesticide by the EPA, you would think that some sort of research would
have been conducted before allowing people to drink, shower and bathe,
and swim in it. However, it's interesting to note that in the July 28th
1951 Journal of the American Medical Association there was a question
to the editor under the section where physicians could ask questions
from a physician as to whether any studies had been done to ascertain
any negative effects to drinking chlorinated water. The editor’s reply
to the question was that he carefully examined all available material
and found that there was never any research conducted on the effects
of chlorine on the human body. However, the editor did say that there
were cases of skin inflammation and many outbreaks of asthma traced
to chlorine, but said these were due to allergies.
At the time of that statement in 1951 forty-three years had passed and people in the United States had been drinking and exposing their bodies to a chemical that was used as a weapon to kill people in two world wars. It kind of boggles the imagination to think that such a powerful and deadly chemical would be allowed to be added to water that people would use for drinking, showering, bathing, swimming in, and making baby formulas without first conducting a study to see if the long-term low dosage use of chlorine would cause any sort of negative effects. The interesting part is that to this date, 2006, or 55 years since 1951, the medical community nor the FDA still have not conducted official studies as to the effects on chlorine in or on the human body.
Available Research
on the Effects of Chlorine on the Human Body
While there has been no official research done on the effects of chlorine
on the human body by the medical community as a whole, or the FDA, there
is however many years of research and experience available from other
researchers, physicians, and scientists from around the world that we
can examine. As you continue reading you will find abundant information
as to how toxic and damaging chlorine is to the body and how you can
protect yourself.
| Chlorine and Cardiovascular Disease |
Cardiovascular Disease
in 1908
When chlorine was first added to the drinking water it was of course
intended to benefit mankind by eliminating disease-causing organisms
such as typhoid and cholera. And it worked very well. Before chlorine
became widely used in1908 in the United States, the deaths resulting
from typhoid were about 35,379, or 31 per 100,000 of population. And
the deaths from heart disease was about 64,439, or 137 per 100,000 of
population.
PLEASE NOTE: Deaths from heart disease were actually
lower than this before 1900, with some of the first recorded cases occurring
in the late 1800's.
Cardiovascular Disease
in 1950
By 1950, or forty-two years later after 1908, chlorine had become more
widely used in the water supplies of the United States. Also, people
had been exposed to chlorine for a longer period of time. Due to the
chlorine and improved sanitary conditions the number of deaths from
typhoid had dropped almost 90 which was essentially zero per 100,000
of population. However, the death rate from heart disease had dramatically
increased to 535,920, or 355 per 100,000 of population. That was a total
increase of 471,481 since 1908 when chlorine was first used in the water
supplies.
Cardiovascular Disease
in 2003
In 2003, ninety-five years after chlorine was first added to the drinking
water in1908, it has become a common household word that people don’t
think much about and is used in almost every municipality’s water supply
in the United States. And since the American public has been exposed
to chlorine for almost 100 years what have been the results? While typhoid
still remains under control and no longer poses a major health risk,
the death from heart disease has increased dramatically.
Based on the estimates of The American Heart Association for 2003 there were 71,300,000 Americans affected by some form of cardiovascular disease resulting in over 910,614 deaths. And out of those deaths it was estimated that 479,305 were due to coronary heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States.
Then in 2004 The American Heart Association estimated that 13,200,000 people alive at that time had a history of heart attack, angina pectoris or both. They also estimated that another 1.2 million Americans would have a new or recurrent coronary attack.
Coronaries/Cholesterol/Chlorine
During the 1960s Dr. Joseph Price wanted to know why cardiovascular
heart disease, such as heart attacks, strokes, and atherosclerosis,
had become so prevalent during this time when prior to 1900 it was virtually
non-existent. In his book Coronaries/Cholesterol/Chlorine published
in 1969 he said, “that something has dramatically changed in the last
six to seven decades of human history.” Dr. Price felt that there was
some sort of environmental factor that was being overlooked by the medical
community contributing to the development of atherosclerosis.
NOTE: Atherosclerosis is when the large and medium sized arteries develop plaques on the inner layers of the walls where lesions or tears occur. These plaques are made up of cholesterol, other blood fats called lipids, blood platelets and other clotting factors such as fibrinogen, or protein nets, and cellular debris. As the muscle cells in the artery wall enlarge in the affected area and the plaque continues to form, blood flow diminishes to the organs normally supplied by the artery. Also, due to the hardening of the plaque, or calcification from calcium being deposited with the fats, there is a risk of pressure from blood flow breaking off a piece of the plaque which can travel to various parts of the body causing a blockage.
Dr. Price further comments in his book, “Chlorination gained relatively wide acceptance in the second decade of this century (20th century) and in the third decade (1920's) it was found that satisfactory killing of organisms was dependent upon a residual of chlorine in the water above the amount necessary to react with organic impurities. When it was remembered that evidence of clinical disease from atherosclerosis takes 10-20 years to develop, it becomes evident that there is a correlation between the introduction and widespread application of chlorination of water supplies and the origin and increasing incidence of heart attacks that is exceedingly difficult to explain away.”
| Dr. Price Presents Evidence from Around the World |
Japan:
When the doctor looked at people from around the world he discovered
that the Japanese people who have a very low rate of heart attack, one-sixth
that of the United States, develop atherosclerosis, or blockage of the
arteries by cholesterol and other fat deposits, when they move to Hawaii
and drink chlorinated water. (It’s interesting to note that when the
Japanese where rebuilding their cities after the war they installed
water purification systems using chlorine recommended by the American
engineers who were assisting. Prior to this time they had never used
it. Not soon after this the Japanese medical community began to notice
that the Japanese people were starting to have a lot of cardiovascular
health issues, namely heart attacks. Their investigation led them to
chlorine as the source of the causative factor. They discontinued the
use of chlorine.
Africa:
In Africa, Dr. Price found people that even though they ate a diet very
high in fat and cholesterol, but who did not drink chlorinated water,
did not get heart attacks.
Ireland:
Another physician, Dr. Paul Dudley White, mentioned by Dr. Price, noted
that Irish farm workers who drank their own well water free of chlorine
never suffer from coronary heart disease.
Young Men and Advanced
Arterial Disease
Dr. Price commented on the findings of Dr. William Enos who lead a team
of physicians to autopsy 300 American soldiers who died in the Korean
war. The average age of the deceased soldiers were 22.1 years. All were
examined before their induction and found to be healthy. The autopsies
revealed that 77% of the 300 soldiers had, “gross evidence of atherosclerosis
("hardening" of the arteries caused by the formation of multiple
plaques) in the coronary arteries.” In some of the soldiers the one
or more arteries of the heart were partly or completely occluded, or
blocked. Dr. Enos and the team of physicians explanation of their findings
was that these young men had the early development of “degenerative-disease.”
In other words they felt that this unusual and severe development of coronary heart disease in such young healthy men in such a short period of time was just a natural development of degeneration not attributed to anything they may have been exposed to or ingested.
However, note the comments of Dr. Price, “If you ask any man who served in that war he will tell you that the water in Korea for our soldiers was so heavily chlorinated for sanitary reasons that it was almost undrinkable... Apparently, there is a direct causal correlation between the amount of chlorine ingested and the speed and degree of development of atherosclerosis.”
PLEASE NOTE: American soldiers in Vietnam, just like the ones in the Korean war, drank heavily chlorinated water as well. And their autopsies revealed the same sort of severe artery damage and atherosclerosis in a short period of time.
Chlorine and Heart
Problems
In a book called Poisoning by Dr. W. F. von Oettingen
on page 72 he has this to say on chlorine, “It has been claimed that
injury of the mitral valve (of the heart) and cardiac (heart) insufficiency
may result from severe exposure to chlorine, or carbon
monoxide. Coronary thrombosis, characterized by palpitation, irregularities
of the heart beat, and anxiety, has been reported in poisonings with
chlorine, carbon monoxide and ferric chloride.” (A chlorine compound.)
In his statement the doctor is referring to a severe exposure to chlorine. As we already noted the young soldiers who were examined during induction and were certified healthy before going to war in Korea and Vietnam did have severe exposer to chlorine in a short period of time. Based on what they know about the effects of severe chlorine exposure to the cardiovascular system and how much the soldiers drank in such a short period of time, one can conclude that the main cause of their heart disease was the chlorinated water.
Heart Attacks in the
United States Since 1908
When chlorination of water supplies first began in 1908 in the United
States it wasn’t until 10 to 20 years later that heart attacks first
began to increase. That’s because unlike the soldiers in the Korean
and Vietnam Wars who drank very high concentrations of chlorinated water,
causing a faster rate of developing plaques on the blood vessel walls
within a year or less, the public water supplies had much lower amounts
which produced a slower rate of developing plaques over a 10 to 20 year
period.
Dr. Price’s Result
of an Experiment Using Chlorinated Water
In his book, Coronaries/Cholesterol/Chlorine, Dr. Price
reveals the results of an experiment he conducted with several hundred
healthy young chickens separated into two groups. One group drank from
water with chlorine and the other group used water without chlorine.
Both groups were raised until they had reached complete maturity. The
birds were then autopsied revealing that every chicken in the group
that drank the chlorinated water had some level of cardiovascular disease,
and the ones without the chlorinated water had no signs. It was also
noted that when the amount of chlorine was increased in the water of
the chickens who drank it, the severity of destruction to the cardiovascular
system was more severe and occurred sooner.
Observation of the chickens while they were maturing revealed that the birds without the chlorinated water grew faster, larger and were far healthier, while the chickens that drank the chlorinated water under winter conditions displayed outward signs of poor circulation, shivered, had drooping feathers, and a reduced level of activity. Due to Dr Price’s experiment most of the large poultry producers today provide water without chlorine for the chickens.
Dr. Price’s Conclusion
on the Safety of Chlorine
After studying the results of chlorine on living tissue Dr. Price states
in his book that, “nothing can negate the incontrovertible fact, the
basic cause of atherosclerosis and resulting entities such as heart
and stroke, is chlorine.”
| Chlorine and Cancer |
Chlorine, Disinfection-By-Products,
and Cancer
Fifty-percent or more of municipalities’ water sources come from rivers
and lakes. As the surface water in these rivers and lakes come into
contact with the organic matter as humus from dead leaves and plants,
soil, silt, mud, and different forms of effluent, such as sewage, humic
acids are produced. And when chlorine is used to disinfect water, it
comes into contact with these humic acids producing what are called
DBPs, or Disinfection-By-Products. One class of these chemicals is called
trihalomethanes which would include chloroform, trichloroethylene, and
carbon tetrachloride, all shown to be carcinogens, or cancer causing.
Bladder and Rectal
Cancer
In a study by physicians from Harvard and the University of Wisconsin
it was discovered that these Disinfection-By-Products may be responsible
for over 10,700 cases of bladder and rectal cancers per year.
Greater Risk of Bladder
Cancer
In a study reported on in 1987 by the Journal of National Cancer Institute
it was found that people who drank chlorinated water had an 80% greater
risk of developing bladder cancer.
Gastrointestinal and
Urinary Tract Cancer
Another study by the Columbia University School of Public Health revealed
that women who drank chlorinated water from seven upstate New York counties
had a 44% higher death rate from gastrointestinal and urinary tract
cancers than women who drank water from home wells.
Another study in the 1970s which analyzed thousands of cancer deaths in Louisiana, North Carolina, Illinois, and Wisconsin revealed that those who drank chlorinated water over a lifetime have a fifty to one-hundred percent greater risk of dying of gastrointestinal cancer. It is interesting to note that this risk is from water having chlorine at, or below, the Environmental Protection Agency’s standard as “safe?” And that Dr. Robert Harris, the lead scientist, commented that this standard “is going to make the EPA look ridiculous.”
Kidney, Liver, Nervous
System, and Birth Defects
It has been established that chloroform and carbon tetrachloride destroy
the kidney, liver, nervous system and cause birth defects.
"Studies show - a strong link between chlorinated water supplies with elevated trihalomethane levels and cancers of the bladder, kidney, liver, pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, colon and brain." - from: The Maker's Diet; Jordan S. Rubin, N. MD., PhD.
Chlorine, Women and
Breast Cancer
Approximately one in every eight women in the United States has breast
cancer, and studies show that
chlorine and chlorine byproducts, called organochlorines, may be responsible
for about one-third of them. The source of the chlorine of course would
be from the drinking water, shower, bathing, swimming, and food such
as bleached flour, but organochlorines would come from plastics, agricultural
chemicals, and cleaning and bleaching products. Women with breast cancer
have been found to have 50 to 60% more organochlorines in their breast
tissue than women without breast cancer.
| • | They cause adverse mutations in genetic material, which can then give the wrong instructions to the rest of the cell for cell division, differentiation and proliferation. |
| • | They strengthen the ability of other chemicals to cause cancer by inducing enzymes that transform them into a more cancer promoting form. |
| • | They interfere with the body's natural controls on cell growth and differentiation. |
| • | They mimic or interfere with natural hormones like estrogen. |
| • | They may suppress the body’s immune system's mechanisms for defending against tumorous cells. |
Chlorine and Skin
Cancer
Studies by scientists in Belgium and other places have linked the development
of deadly malignant melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer, to chlorine
exposure from drinking water and swimming pools. In the Ames, and other
mutagenicity tests, sodium hypochlorite has been shown to be mutagenic.
Compared to darker skin people, redheads and blondes are more likely to develop skin cancer as their skin contains more pheomelanins, meaning lighter pigmentation, than melanins, or darker pigmentation.
Skin Cancers Not Due
to Ultraviolet Light
It’s interesting to note that skin cancer is not due to exposure to
ultraviolet light from the sun, and that people who spend a lot more
time indoors exposed to fluorescent light have the most skin cancer.
Also, skin cancer most often appears on areas of the body not exposed
to the rays of the sun.
Skin Cancers Increases
Worldwide
Due to worldwide pollution of rivers and oceans and chlorination of
swimming pools, Franz H. Rampen of the Netherlands has said it has caused
an increase in melanoma, or skin cancer.
Chlorinated Acids
-Extremely Dangerous Chemicals
Besides the cancer causing Disinfection-By-Products such as trihalomethanes
(THMs) produced when chlorine interacts with humic acids in the surface
water of rivers and lakes, it also creates two other chemicals called
chlorinated acids, MX and DCA. Many scientists feel that these two chemicals
are the most dangerous that people can be exposed to.
Mutagen X, also called MX ,is the common name for 3-Chloro-4-(dichloromethyl)-5-hydroxy-2(5H)- furanone (C5 H3Cl3O3) - found in all chlorinated water for which it was tested. H. Paul Ringhand, an EPA chemist, feels that MX may be the single most mutagenic chemical in city water sources. And anything that can mutate, or in this case adversely alter the genetic material of healthy cells, will increase their cancer-causing potential.
DCA (dichloroacetic acid) - adversely alters cholesterol metabolism increasing the bad forms of LDL (low density lipoprotein), VLDL (very low density lipoprotein), and lipoprotein a, all of which travel from the liver to the blood stream where they can plug the arteries producing plaques increasing the risks of heart attack and stroke, while at the same time decreasing the good HDL (high density lipoprotein) cholesterol which travels from the blood to the liver reducing cholesterol and the risks of heart attack and stroke. DCA has also been shown to cause liver cancer in lab animals.
| Chlorine and Its Other Negative Effects on the Body |
Chlorine and Diabetes
Healthy blood sugar levels are maintained by the insulin produced by
the beta cells from the islets of langerhans located in the pancreas.
When chlorine enters the body it produces a powerful oxidizing agent,
or uric acid derivative, called alloxan. This alloxan creates free radicals
that damage the DNA in the beta cells of the islets of langerhans in
the pancreas causing the cells to malfunction and eventually die. Alloxan
also interferes with the activity of the mineral zinc required for the
activation of an enzyme, DNA ligase, that helps produce the genetic
material for the production of new beta cells. And the chlorine deactivates
the B vitamin niacin needed to place the zinc into the enzyme. Zinc
is also required for the storage and function of insulin. When beta
cells fail to produce sufficient insulin, or no longer produce insulin,
and the mineral zinc has insufficient activity, diabetes will be the
result.
The deleterious effects of
alloxan on the pancreas is so powerful that the Textbook of
Natural Medicine calls it “a potent beta-cell toxin.”
Chlorine In Bleached Flour
Contributes to Alloxan Production
Commercial yeasted breads, even the whole-grain varieties, often have
other problems. They typically contain flour bleach, which forms alloxan,
a compound known to cause diabetes in animals by destroying the beta
cells of the pancreas (Clinical Nutrition Newsletter, Dec. 1982).
…
Healing With Whole Foods by Paul Pitchford, page 451
In order to thoroughly understand how the reduced activity of zinc by alloxan, produced from chlorine in our body, can affect our health we need to see how essential it is.
| • | Zinc is concentrated in the body tissues in the following order;: prostate, eye retina, liver, kidney, muscle, bone, testes, pancreas, heart, spleen, lung, brain, and the adrenal gland. |
| • | It is required for the proper function of over 25 enzymes for digestion and metabolism. |
| • | Involved in DNA synthesis to manufacture protein needed for growth, regeneration of new tissue, repair of damaged tissue, replacement of enzymes, and antibodies for healthy immune system function. |
| • | Absorption and activation of vitamins, particularly the B vitamins. |
| • | Needed throughout the reproductive process. |
| • | Normal prostate function. |
| • | Normal function of insulin for healthy blood sugar control. |
| • | Wound healing as zinc integrates the amino acid cystine into the protein of skin and converts glycine and proline into skin collagen. Also it promotes protein synthesis throughout the body for repair of tissues and wound healing. |
| • | Proper metabolism of alcohol. |
| • | Helps the body eliminate lactic acid buildup produced from muscles due to exercise or work. |
| • | Assists in movement of carbon dioxide from the blood to the lungs for removal. |
As seen from this list zinc is heavily involved throughout the entire human body, and any deficiency or reduced activity of this essential mineral could negatively impact the health in any number of ways.
Zinc and DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA, is found in every cell of the human body
which is essentially a blueprint of all the instructions and information
needed for the cell to reproduce itself. For example; a liver cell can
become only a liver cell and a bone cell can become only a bone cell.
When it comes time for the cell to reproduce enzymes are needed to put
the DNA together within the cell.
In order for the enzymes to become activated several minerals are required, including zinc. When zinc is inhibited from working properly, new DNA cannot be produced. As a result new cell reproduction to replace the old dying cells, of the liver, heart, brain, pancreas, kidneys, thyroid, gastrointestinal tract, arteries, muscle, tendons, lungs, bone, cartilage and other cells throughout the body, slows down or stops altogether. The end result being the breakdown of cells in bones, cartilage, spinal discs, muscles, brain, organs and glands and whatever part of the body is affected by hampered DNA production. If this process were allowed to continue anyone can see that this would have a devastating affect on the health of the body.
Zinc and Premature
Aging of th Body
Any interference with the activity of zinc and new DNA production and
cell replication would be affecting every cell in the body resulting
in premature aging.
Signs of premature aging would be excess wrinkling of the skin, reduced lubrication of the joints, less flexibility and lost range of motion, cartilage and spinal disc deterioration, less energy, weakening eyesight, weight gain from excess fat and reduced muscle tissue, loss of appetite, hormone imbalances, high cholesterol and blood fats, less flexible and healthy blood vessels, increased blood pressure, reduced sex drive, fluctuating blood sugar levels, lowered immune system function, poor digestion and elimination, reduced absorption of nutrients in the small intestine, impaired mental function, increased blood pressure, inflammation, increased sensitivity to pain, poor wound healing, poor teeth, gum, and enamel health, and weak and thinning bones. In essence the body is basically falling apart at an accelerated rate!
Zinc and the Small
Intestine
The small intestine is where most of the digestion and absorption takes
place of the food we eat. On the wall of the small intestine are what
are called villi. The primary job of the villi is to absorb nutrients
broken down by digestion into the blood stream where they are eventually
delivered to individual cells throughout the body. Lining the small
intestine, including the villi, are epithelial cells. Due to the harsh
environment of the small intestine more than a 100 million intestinal
cells die off every sixty seconds with a complete replacement of the
lining of the small intestine every 3 days. The cell replacement on
the tips of the villi are especially important as this is where the
majority of the absorption of nutrients take place.
Without proper zinc activity new DNA cannot be produced and replication of healthy epithelial cells would be affected hindering the repair of the surface of the villi reducing their ability to absorb nutrients. If this were not corrected overtime malnutrition of the entire body would result.
For those people who are suffering
form various bowel problems such as crohns, colitis, celiac, diarrhea,
poor absorption, inflammation and others, it would be very prudent to
remove yourself from exposure to chlorine as much as possible. That
would mean either purchasing chlorine-free drinking water, or using
filters at home for your drinking water, as well as on your shower and
bath tub. More about this will be mentioned at the end of the article.
Zinc and Vitamin D
Vitamin D is considered both a hormone, since the body can produce it
when the skin is exposed to sunlight, and a vitamin. Scientists have
found that vitamin D is needed not only to promote absorption of calcium
from the small intestine and bone formation, but also works with the
immune system to keep it functioning normally and regulates the health
and activity of 20 different tissues including the brain and cell growth.
The body can obtain vitamin D, also known as cholecalciferol, by sunlight hitting the skin which turns 7-dihydroxycholesterol into cholecalciferol, from the food we eat, and from vitamin D supplements, preferably D3, the natural form.
Vitamin D Must Be
Converted Into the Biologically Active Forms for Use
Once D3, cholecalciferol, is available to the body it must
be converted into the more potent bioactive forms, 25-dihydroxycholesterol
and 1,25-dihydroxycholesterol, in order for it to be useful to the body.
Cholecalciferol first goes to the liver where an enzyme converts it
into 25-dihydroxycholesterol. From there 25-dihydroxycholesterol goes
to the kidneys where another enzyme is needed to convert it to 1,25-dihydroxycholesterol.
Zinc Required for Enzymes to Produce
the Bioactive Forms of Vitamin D
As mentioned earlier, enzymes are needed for the activation of the thousands
of processes within the human body, in this case vitamin D3.
And minerals are required for the production and activation of the enzymes.
To produce and activate the enzymes to convert vitamin D into the bioactive
forms, minerals such as magnesium, boron, manganese, and zinc are required.
Zinc Inhibition by
Alloxan from Chlorine Reduces Vitamin D Activity
If the minerals required for the conversion process are low, and, or
zinc is inhibited by alloxan from chlorine, the body cannot produce
the enzymes required to convert the natural form of D3, cholecalciferol,
into the more potent and biologically active forms reducing, and or
preventing, the ability to absorb calcium from the small intestine,
maintain a healthy immune system, and regulate the health of the other
twenty tissues, such as the brain and cell growth.
Low Vitamin D Intake
and Conversion Contribute to Health Problems
Low vitamin D3 intake and inhibited conversion into the biologically
active forms will contribute to bone loss and possible alteration in
the immune system causing it to attack the body producing inflammation
and weakening the bones. Also, research has discovered that it can contribute
to diabetes and autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis,
and multiple sclerosis.
Zinc, Vitamin A
and Eye Health
Vitamin A in the body is stored in the liver. In order for the vitamin
A to be used it has to be transported to the various locations throughout
the body, such as the retina of the eyes which contains one of the highest
concentrations of zinc in the body. The zinc is required to make the
transport protein to move the vitamin A from the liver to the retina.
The alloxan from chlorine would interfere with zinc’s activity preventing
the use of vitamin A contributing to problems of the eye, and any other
areas of the body that require vitamin A, such as lung tissue.
Chlorine and Friendly
Bacteria (Probiotics)
We have about four pounds of bacteria living in our digestive tract.
In fact it is considered an organ. In a healthy bowel about 85% of it
should be good and 15% bad. This is referred to as symbiosis because
of the healthy beneficial relationship between the bacteria and our
body. The two primary strains of bacteria are bifidus and acidophilus.
From these two the body develops other friendly strains with their particular
benefits. Please note the benefits of the two strains of friendly bacteria
below.
| Benefits of Bifidobacteria | |
| 1. | Protects the integrity of the intestinal lining by preventing the growth of pathogenic bacteria and yeasts. |
| 2. | Maintains a healthy acid pH balance in the intestine which prevents disease-producing microbes from gaining a foothold. |
| 3. | Reduces the negative effects of antibiotics. |
| 4. | The primary bacteria in infants which strengthens their immune system and helps them grow. |
| 5. | Protects against bowel cancer by preventing the growth of bacteria that produce nitrates, cancer producing chemicals. |
| 6. | Reduces the toxic load of the liver by inhibiting the production and absorption of toxins by disease-causing bacteria. |
| 7. | Manufactures B vitamins. |
| 8. | Assists in the regulation of peristalsis, muscle movement of the intestines, for healthy bowel elimination. |
| 9. | Helps in the prevention and treatment of antibiotic-induced diarrhea. |
| Benefits of Lactobacillus acidophilus | |
| 1. | Prevents the overgrowth of disease-producing microbes such as Candida, E. Coli, H. Pylori and Salmonella. |
| 2. | Helps in the prevention and treatment of antibiotic-induced diarrhea. |
| 3. | Improves the absorption of nutrients. |
| 4. | Maintains the integrity of the intestinal wall to protect against the absorption of antigens such as toxins, bacteria, and undigested food particles which could produce an antigenic response. An antigenic response is where the immune system produces antibodies called immunoglobulins in response to the presence of antigens in the blood. These antigens can also trigger other physiologic responses such as inflammation which, if left unchecked, can progress slowly and subclincally, which means the individual is not manifesting the characteristic clinical symptoms, adversely affecting the health of the intestines, including the digestion and absorption of food. |
| 5. | Reduces the stress due to food poisoning. |
| 6. | Maintains an acid pH in the intestines which creates a hostile environment inhibiting the growth of pathogens, agents that causes disease, especially a living microorganism such as a bacterium or fungus, and yeasts. |
Chlorine’s Contribution
to the Destruction of the Friendly Bacteria
There are many things that disrupt and destroy the friendly bacteria
such as processed foods, sugars, sodas, various drugs from your physician
and over the counter medications such as Tylenol and Aspirin, low fiber,
antibiotics from your physician and food, alcohol, smoking, stress,
and backed up rotting food in the intestines. But now you add the toxic
chemical chlorine and you have a bad situation made even worse. The
friendly bacteria are destroyed and reduced down to 15% or lower and
the majority now become 85% or more bad. This is referred to as dysbiosis
because of the unhealthy relationship between the bacteria and the body.
With the majority of the bacteria being in a dysbiotic, or bad state,
there will be reduced digestion and absorption of nutrients from our
food and the unhealthy growth of bad bacteria, germs, microbes and other
harmful pathogens. The immune system will be weakened as well, since
70% of it is located in the small intestine.
The surface of the bowel wall also becomes impaired, and in many cases
damaged, resulting in what is called leaky-gut syndrome. This is where
undigested food and other matter not normally permitted into the bloodstream
enters creating allergic and inflammatory reactions as the immune system
becomes activated.
As the harmful pathogens grow in number and travel into the blood stream
through the now weakened intestinal wall, the overburdened liver cannot
eliminate them, and the immune system due to its weakened state cannot
fend them off. As a result the individual’s health becomes impaired
and the immune system can become altered and begin attacking the body
instead of defending it. This can result in increased inflammation of
various tissues such as the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and connective.
Excessive and long term inflammation can affect the joints contributing
to stiffness and pain and increase the risk of osteoarthritis, and could
possibly induce auto immune diseases such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
The cardiovascular system will be affected as well increasing the risk
of heart attack and stroke. In fact, physicians now perform a blood
test for C-Reactive Protein which indicates the level of inflammation
of the cardiovascular system. The higher your C-Reactive Protein the
greater your risk of heart attack and stroke, as much as three times
higher.
Parasites
Last but not least, is something most people do not consider, parasites.
A parasite is an organism that obtains its food, nutrition, and shelter
by living in or on another organism. People can be a host to over one
hundred different types of parasites. In a person with a healthy immune
and digestive system most parasites are destroyed and eliminated. But
once the integrity of the bowel and immune system is impaired by an
unhealthy diet, drugs, lifestyle and chlorine exposure this all changes
and parasites can now make their home inside of the body contributing
to poor health in many other ways.
Chlorine, Asthma, Allergies and Bowel Problems
Many people in the United States suffer from asthma, allergies and bowel
problems. And in many of these cases the cause, or causes, cannot be
found. Note that in 1934 a physician, Dr. M. J. Gutmann of Jerusalem,
found an article in the Journal of Allergy in which chlorinated water
was the cause of asthma and functional colitis.
When chlorinated water was completely taken away from the patient and
given just distilled water, within 3 days both disorders went away and
did not reappear. But when the physician put just a small drop of sodium
hypochloride in the distilled drinking water the colitis and asthma
returned.
Dr. Guttman also relates that he had other patients who were affected
by even the smallest amounts of chlorine by breaking out with hives.
One case was of a woman 28 years old who suffered with hives from childhood.
In an effort to get rid of them she experimented with all kinds of diets
to locate the offending food. When she tried the recommendation to change
her drinking water the hives disappeared within a few days. However,
when she tried drinking chlorinated water again the hives would return.
Another Case of Hives
Another case of chlorinated induced hives was reported on by Dr. Gutmann
from an article he read in the November 1944 issue of the Journal of
Allergy. An English officer had a case of giant hives. In the testing
with over forty different foods, they found no sensitivity, or cause
for the allergic reaction. They also found no indications of bacteria
that would cause the allergy.
When the English officer who was stationed in Jerusalem was transferred
to other duty stations where he drank non-chlorinated mineral water,
his hives disappeared. And this is the only thing that changed, as his
diet and lifestyle remained the same. But whenever he was transferred
back to the duty station in Jerusalem and drank the chlorinated water
the hives would return immediately.
Essential fatty acids such as the omega-3, 6, and 9, are required to maintain the health of the entire body. Some of the many essential areas include:
| • | Cardiovascular, reproductive, immune, and nervous systems. |
| • | Manufacture and repair cell membranes, enabling the cells to obtain optimum nutrition and expel harmful waste products. |
| • | Production of prostaglandins, which regulate body functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, blood clotting, fertility, conception, and play a role in immune function by regulating inflammation and encouraging the body to fight infection. |
| • | Proper growth in children, particularly for neural development and maturation of sensory systems, with male children having higher needs than females. Fetuses and breast-fed infants also require an adequate supply of EFAs through the mother's dietary intake. |
| • | The polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids, EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid ) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) found in cold water fish are essential for maintaining our health in the following areas: DHA helps forming neural transmitters, such as phosphatidylserine, important for brain function, and is found in the retina of the eye, indicating a role in its function. They support a healthy cardiovascular and nervous system, cell function, control inflammation, and support joint health and function when converted into hormone-like compounds called prostaglandins that regulate their activity. DHA is needed for the fetus, the infant, and as we age as it is highly involved in the brain. As we age our body produces less EPA and DHA, which may contribute to poor mental focus and cognitive function, and may improve brain abnormalities such as Alzheimer's disease, and other forms of dementia when taken as a supplement or consumed from foods which naturally contain them such as fish and other sea foods. These two omega-3 fatty acids also help prevent the skin from drying and flaking, cushion organs and tissues, insulate the body against heat loss, and are used as an energy source. |
Most people in the United
States are already deficient in essential fatty acids and have an imbalance
because of eating too many processed fats and oils, free radical damage
destroying the good fats because of inadequate antioxidant protection,
and an unbalanced omega 6 to 3 ratio.
Another way that our essential fatty acids are destroyed is by chlorine.
This occurs when chlorine destroys many of the antioxidants, such as
vitamins E and A, that protect these fats from free radical damage.
Another way that these essential fats are destroyed is when chlorine
mixes with surface water it creates a compound called hypochlorite which
produces excess free radicals that oxidize them, turning them rancid.
This was demonstrated by an industrialist chemist J. P. Bercz in 1992.
Deficient and oxidized essential fatty acids and imbalances can contribute
to accelerated aging, excessive weight gain, high cholesterol levels
with unhealthy ratios of HDL (high-density lipoprotein) and LDL (low-density
lipoprotein) and serious health problems such as excessive systemic
inflammation, high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack, cancer, diabetes,
multiple sclerosis, asthma, lupus, postpartum depression, obesity, arthritis,
immune system dysfunction, liver dysfunction, Alzheimer's Disease, ADHD,
autism, schizophrenia, depression, bone loss, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid
arthritis, and various digestive disorders such as leaky gut syndrome,
crohn’s disease, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Chlorine, Halides and the Thyroid
Chlorine belongs to a group of chemicals called halides. Other halides
include fluorine, or calcium flouride, in drinking water and dental
products and bromides found in disinfectants, pesticides, sodas, and
dough conditioners for bread.
Iodine - A Beneficial Halide
Another halide which is very beneficial to our health is organic iodine,
with iodine being the smallest of these halides. Iodine is required
by the body to be used in the thyroid along with the amino acid, L-tyrosine,
to produce a thyroid hormone called thyroxin. Almost every tissue in
the human body is directly or indirectly affected by thyroid hormone.
When chlorine, and other halides such as sodium fluoride, are taken
into the body, being smaller in size than iodine, they will displace
the iodine in the thyroid resulting in poor thyroid function and thyroxin
production.
Without sufficient thyroxin the whole body will be affected such as
the heart, nervous system, metabolism, and body temperature regulation.
Health problems that can result due to thyroxine disruption would be
low energy, poor sleep patterns, slower metabolism with weight gain,
edema or water retention, hormone imbalances, and poor bone remodeling
contributing to osteoporosis.
Chlorine and Iron
Iron is the nucleus of each blood cell. And chlorine affects iron negatively
as an oxidizing agent essentially threatening the healthy structure
of blood. In the book, Water Fit to Drink by Carol
Keough, it cites studies done by the University of Michigan linking
chlorinated water to anemia, a condition where red blood cells are not
providing adequate oxygen to body tissues.
Chlorine Destroys Vitamin E
Notice what Dr. Richard Kunin said happens to vitamin E when subjected
to chlorine in his book, Mega-Nutrition published by
New American Library, “Even in the minute quantities sufficient to kill
germs, chlorine can undermine the body’s defenses against atherosclerosis.
Chlorine creates electrically charged molecules called free radicals,
which can combine with alpha tocopherol (vitamin E) and eliminate it
from your system. In addition, free radicals can directly damage the
[lining] of blood vessels and so create the environment for the formation
of plaque.”
Vitamin E is an important antioxidant that protects us from excess free
radicals that could damage our cells such as the ones in the heart and
blood vessel walls helping to prevent cardiovascular disease and tumor
formation. Insufficient amounts of vitamin E can contribute poor heart
muscle function and weakened and constricted blood vessels contributing
to elevated blood pressure and heart disease.
Chlorine Destroys Vitamins
A, B-Complex, C and Amino Acid Tryptophan
In the book edited by J. I. Rodale and staff, Prevention Method for
Better Health, 1968 the editor mentions on page 383 that he read an
article at that time from a German magazine on the subject of chlorine
and its ability to destroy, or reduce not only vitamin E, but also the
vitamins A, B, C, and the amino acid tryptophan.
Importance of A, C, and E
Vitamins A, C, and E are antioxidants. They work together to support
a healthy immune system, teeth, bones, joints, skin, eyes, lungs, DNA,
and cardiovascular system preventing the oxidizing of cholesterol and
other blood fats preventing plaque buildup on the blood vessel walls.
Vitamin C is needed to insure the healthy turn-over of collagen throughout
the body, including the cardiovascular system, bones, cartilage, tendons,
ligaments, muscles, organs, and glands, because it is required as an
enzyme cofactor for prolyl hydroxylase and lysyl hydroxylase to convert
the amino acids L-lysine and L-proline into the hydroxy forms, hyroxylysine
and hydroxyproline. This is especially crucial in maintaining the health
of the covering on the blood vessel walls called the endothelium which
reduces the friction of blood flow, and the actual muscle cells that
make up the blood vessels. If proper collagen levels are not maintained,
the blood vessels can become stiff and inflexible increasing blood pressure.
There is also a greater risk of internal bleeding from the blood vessels.
Also, since collagen is likened to glue that holds our body together,
any disruption in its turnover will weaken its entire structure.
The Importance of
B Vitamins
The B vitamins acts as coenzymes for the activation of many enzymes
for the many complex chemical interactions, healthy gastrointestinal
tract, the breakdown and utilization of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins,
nervous system function, healthy blood sugar levels, brain function,
energy production, skin, hair, liver, eyes, amino acid utilization,
and DNA activation and utilization.
Chlorine, B-6, B-12,
Folic Acid, Homocysteine and Heart Disease
One of the major factors in maintaining the strength, flexibility, and
health of the lining of the blood vessel walls, called the endothelium,
and the muscle cells of the blood vessels is collagen. If this collagen
becomes broken down and never gets replaced the endothelium and the
walls of the blood vessels essentially become damaged. One of the things
that can damage the blood vessels is an amino acid called homocysteine.
Homocysteine production is a normal part of digestion when foods are
eaten containing the amino acid methionine. In a healthy person with
sufficient amounts of B-6, folic acid and B-12 this is not a problem
because these B vitamins are used by the body to convert it into cystine,
cysteine, and methionine, all harmless amino acids. However, if they
are not available the homocysteine can become overly elevated in the
blood with the ability to breakdown the collagen damaging the lining
of the blood vessels and the muscle cells of the blood vessel walls
producing lesions, or small tears.
In an effort to repair these lesions the body sets in motion several
mechanisms; (1) The liver begins producing more cholesterol, reducing
the good HDL (which carries cholesterol out of the circulatory system
to the liver) and elevates the LDL and VLDL (which carries the cholesterol
and other lipids, or fats, from the liver out to the circulatory system),
and other lipids such as lipoprotein (a) to go to the sites of damage
and plug up, or cover over the lesion; (2) the body kicks in the clotting
system sending blood platelets and fibrinogen (protein nets) to the
affected areas to cover over, or plug up as well; and (3) the muscle
cells in the blood vessel wall where the damage has occurred begin to
grow abnormally large.
All of this contributes to narrowing of the arteries as the plaque builds
up and the muscle cells expand cutting blood flow to the heart and other
affected areas eventually leading to a heart attack or stroke if left
unchecked.
Homocysteine and Bone Loss
Homocysteine also contributes to osteoporosis, or bone loss, by interfering
with the body’s collagen cross-linking which causes a defective bone
matrix. As a result, the normal bone-building process is severely diminished
weakening the bone tissue.
Chlorine, B-6, Niacin, Zinc and Tryptophan
Tryptophan is an essential amino acid which is a precursor to a neurotransmitter
in the brain called serotonin. Serotonin is also a platelet clotting
factor and neurohormone found in the organs throughout the body. Two
of the B vitamins, B-6 and niacin along with the mineral zinc and other
nutrients are needed to convert tryptophan into serotonin.
Serotonin's production can be inhibited by chlorine’s interference of
tryptophan, B-6, niacin, and zinc which can contribute to abnormal sleep
patterns, insomnia, poor brain function, mental retardation, depression,
suicide, schizophrenia, aggressive behavior, poor clotting, compulsive
eating leading to excessive weight gain, anorexia, deficiency of growth
hormone and possibly the hormone prolactin, required for healthy mammary
development and milk production.
Lack of Vitamin E and Joint Problems
The body produces a specialized proteoglycan called hyaluronic acid
which is required to produce a thick lubricating fluid called synovial
fluid. If the level of the hyaluronic acid drops then the synovial fluid
will lose its viscosity, or lubricating ability, allowing too much friction
during movement eventually wearing out the cartilage to the point of
bone on bone, and making the joint stiff and painful to move.
The enzyme hyaluronidase breaks down hyaluronic acid reducing the viscosity,
or lubricating qualities of the synovial fluid. It also has the ability
to destroy the synoival fluid and to send the decomposed fluid to the
lymphatic system causing the joints to swell.
Adequate levels of the antioxidant vitamin E prevent the excessive production
of this hyaluronidase enzyme. When chlorine enters the body it destroys
vitamin E allowing the hyaluronidase to accumulate excessively destroying
hyaluronic acid and the synoival fluid resulting in the swelling and
inflammation of the joints. If this situation is not corrected it would
eventually lead to arthritis and destruction of the cartilage.
Chlorine - A “Crippler and Killer”
While we can’t blame every disease or health problem on chlorine, we
can however, say that chlorine’s long history of use certainly is a
major contributor allowing it to be called a “crippler and killer”.
As its history reveals its use started as well intentioned and was the
technology of its time saving many lives from cholera, typhoid and other
infectious and deadly diseases. But that was over 150 years ago. This
is now the 21st century and we are still using technology from the 19th
century. Or, should I say almost all.
There are some cities that recognize that chlorine is a toxic poison
and use safer means to disinfect water. For example, because chlorine
gas was used as a weapon during the two world wars in Europe, and recognizing
its deadly nature, many communities there do not use chlorine, but instead
use ozone (oxygen) and ultraviolet light to kill harmful microorganisms.
Another method used is a sand filtration system such as the one in Holland.
The main reason why more cities do not use these alternative methods
is because of cost. Chlorine is cheap and they would have to spend more
money than they are willing to make the necessary changes to their purification
systems.
But until the time comes, if ever, when every major city removes chemicals
such as chlorine and sodium fluoride from the drinking water people
will have to take responsibility and remove it themselves.
Reducing and Eliminating Chlorine from Your Life
Many people have begun to this do this already by either purchasing
chlorine free water or by using a filter on their tap at home. However,
there are other areas of chlorine exposure.
Showers and Bathes
Studies done on chlorine exposure have revealed that up to 2/3rds of
it comes from showering and taking a bath. That means that we absorb
more chlorine when showering or bathing than if we drank 8 glasses of
chlorinated water a day. That’s because when we take a shower or bath
we breath chlorine gas called chloroform which goes not only into the
lungs but also goes directly into the blood stream, while we absorb
the chlorine in the water into the pores of our skin that have been
opened by the hot water.
Comments from Others
"Volatile organics can evaporate from water in a shower or bath."
from: Is Your Water Safe to Drink? Consumer Reports"
A long, hot shower can be dangerous. The toxic chemicals are inhaled
in high concentrations." from: Bottom Line;
Dr. John Andelman, PhD. Books
"Avoiding contact with chlorinated water is of the utmost importance.
This includes bathing water and drinking water. Chlorine kills bacteria,
friendly and unfriendly, in the intestines. it can be absorbed through
the skin. I recommend installing a shower filter to remove Chlorine."
-from: Patient, Heal Thyself; Jordan S. Rubin, N.MD.,
PhD.
Asthma and Bronchitis Has Increased Dramatically
In the last 20 years asthma and bronchitis has increased 300%, especially
in children. Researchers feel this is due to breathing chlorine gas,
or chloroform. Note what Dr. Lance Wallace of the United States Environmental
Protection Agency said about this, “ Showering is suspected as the primary
cause of elevated levels of chloroform in nearly every home because
of chlorine in the water.”
Chlorine and Dishwashers
Another area of the house that increases the exposure to chlorine is
from dishwashers. When the chlorine containing detergents are added
to the dishwasher they blend with the organic food matter creating various
harmful chlorine compounds that get vented into the air that we breathe.
A dishwater can vent 5 to 7 quarts of air per minute of operation. To
reduce this hazard you could either wash dishes by hand in a sink which
has a filter, and if you do not have filtered water you can wear rubber
gloves, or use chlorine-free automatic dishwashing gel by Seventh Generation.
If you cannot find the gel in your area their toll free number is 1-800-456-1191.
Their web address is www.seventhgeneration.com.
Chlorine and Swimming Pools
Another area of severe chlorine exposure is swimming pools. Researchers
found that the chlorine in the water reacts to the organic matter of
the human body such as sweat, urine, blood, feces, mucus, and skin cells
producing toxic chlorine by-products called chloramines. Also, chloroform
exposure is 70 to 240 times higher in the air over indoor pools than
outdoor pools. One hour of swimming in a pool with chlorine showed chloroform
concentrations in the swimmers’ blood ranging from 100 to 1,093 parts
per billion.
Chlorine and the Skin and Hair
Besides the damaging effects of chlorine internally, it also damages
our skin and hair. The chlorine robs the skin and hair of moisture making
it less elastic as it breaks down the protein structures that keep them
healthy, strong and flexible. Over time the appearance would become
less youthful and healthy looking.
The Truth About Beauty
Note this statement from Kat James, The Truth About Beauty,
"at least 70% of the skin's blemish- and wrinkle fighting hydration
comes from the water we consume. If you haven't done so already, switching
from chlorinated tap water-the water you shower in- to reliably pure
water will be perhaps the most important health and beauty lifestyle
upgrade you will ever make." About dry skin, she points out. "Chlorinated
water can contribute to dry skin. Installing a shower filter can make
an unbelievable difference."
Premium Shower and Water Filters
For those who interested in a shower filter to remove chlorine from
their water I recommend the Premium Shower Filter by New Wave Enviro
Products. I have been using this filter for about 14 years and it works
extremely well. And if you looking for a water filter to remove chlorine
from the water you use to drink and cook with they also have one called
the Premium 10-Stage Filter that uses the same KDF® technology as
the shower filter.
How Does the Premium Shower Filter Work?
A patented mixture of zinc and copper called KDF-55, plus crystal Quartz,
converts chlorine into zinc chloride. Zinc is considered to be helpful
in alleviating dandruff and is used in anti-dandruff shampoos. Unlike
carbon, KDF® stands up to hot water and is very effective in filtering
out chlorine, odors and dirt particles. KDF® possesses strong bacteriostatic
character, inhibiting the growth of bacteria, fungus, algae and mildew.
The Premium Shower Filter contains 14 oz. of KDF® and 2 oz. of crystal
Quartz for enhanced performance.
Proven Effectiveness and
Safety of KDF® Technology
In a book called, Don’t Drink the Water published in
1996, by Lono Kahuna Kupua A’O, on pages 65 and 66, it has this to say
about KDF® technology.” Independent laboratory tests confirm user
experience that KDF® is one of the best tools for improving drinking
and bathing water naturally and economically. Compared to carbon-only
units, KDF® lasts far longer, doesn’t permit bacterial growth, and
removes a much wider range of inorganic matter (e.g. heavy metals).
Compared to reverse-osmosis, KDF® is less expensive, wastes no water,
does not require membrane replacement, works in most water temperatures,
and removes chlorine. Compared to ultraviolet lights, KDF® works
in turbid water, doesn't require bulb replacement or electricity, and
takes out inorganics. Compared to ozone, KDF® lasts longer than
17 seconds for a continued residual bacteriostatic effect in water,
does not require electricity, and costs less. Compared to water softeners,
KDF® reduces hard scale and helps to condition water without the
need for brine tanks, or salt replacement. It is also less expensive
to install and operate.”
“In 1992, the EPA ruled that KDF® qualifies as a mechanical device
which filters water and imparts nothing harmful to the water. Later
that year, the National Sanitation Foundation tested the media and found
it to be in compliance with its Standard 61, which certifies that the
media imparts nothing harmful to the filtered water.”
If you cannot locate a Premium
Shower Filter, or a Premium
10-Stage Water Filter, with the KDF® technology in your area
I have them available on my site at www.livewellnaturally.com.
Summary
Besides learning to eat healthy, exercising regularly, and improving
our overall lifestyle, we also need to remove and prevent toxic chemicals
like chlorine from our drinking water, the shower and bath, dishwasher,
swimming pools, and even food such as bleached flour.
We have already examined the consequences to the body when we allow
chlorine to interfere with the way it functions. What good does it do
to spend money on supplements, eat organic foods, and try to live the
best healthy lifestyle possible if we allow chlorine to destroy our
vitamins, minerals, enzymes, essential fatty acids, amino acids, proteins,
DNA, skin, hair, and the trillions of cells that make up our body?
And, while it’s true we cannot entirely prevent ourselves from growing
old and eventually dying, we can however take better care of ourselves,
so we can age more gracefully and enjoy better health and live our lives
without the debilitating diseases so common to many.
So, whether you are suffering from a health problem, or you enjoy a
fairly good level of health and vitality, the removal of chlorine would
certainly improve your quality of life.
References: |
|
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Elizabeth Lipski, M.S., C.N.N, Digestive Wellness, Keats Publishing, 1996 |
2. |
Hanna Kroeger, Parasites The Enemy Within, Hanna Kroeger Publications, 1991 |
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Lono Kahuna Kupua A’O, Don’t Drink the Water, Kali Press, 1996 |
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