JGeropoulas
The Living Force
"The cell is immortal. It is merely the fluid in which it floats that degenerates. Renew this fluid at intervals, give the cells what they require for nutrition, and as far as we know, the pulsation of life may go on forever."
-- French scientist, Dr. Alexis Carrel, recipient of the Nobel Prize for keeping the cells of a chicken heart alive for 34 years (as quoted in “The Code of Life”)
“the four nucleotides in the DNA “alphabet” can combine to produce 256 different four-unit structures, and the 20 amino acids in proteins can yield about 16,000 four-unit configurations. But the simplest sugars in the body can theoretically assemble into more than 15 million four-component arrangements.”
-- Scientific American, July 2002 (as quoted in “The Code of Life”)
A few days ago, I came across the book, “The Code of Life” by Dr. Ronald P. Drucker in the waiting room of my alternative medicine physician. (He’s an M.D. who also has a Masters Degree in chemistry; and whose interest in alternatives to Western medicine stem from the fact that he was reared biculturally—both mentally and geographically due to having a mother from Colombia, S.A. and a father from America.) The day I was there, he was running behind a record-setting 2 hours—which seemed more like a providential delay once I began reading this book.
What hooked me into reading it, was Dr. Drucker’s position that certain, rarely-eaten complex carbohydrates are essential for cell communication—something that seemed completely at odds with the Paleo or Ketogenic diets. Therefore, I’m sharing this so that others who are more familiar with the biochemistry of those diets can comment on how they may harmonize (or not) with Dr. Drucker’s viewpoint.
Note that, even though he's promoting selected plant-based carbs, he also recommends eating meat and avoiding simple sugars. (Be sure not to miss the paragraph about the Old Testament description of “manna” as it may relate to the “mannan” carbohydrate group!)
“The Code of Life” is the term Dr. Drucker uses to refer to both intracellular (within the cell) and intercellular (cell to cell) communication—both critical, he says, for enabling every physiological process within the body.
His book is structured around these four main intertwined issues:
1. the miraculous capacity of the human body for healing and longevity when properly nourished
2. the destructive nature of man-made, synthetic chemicals
3. the central role the food and drug industries play in obstructing knowledge about healing and longevity
4. the central role certain plant carbohydrates play regarding cell communication
Here are the key sections I’ve excerpted from Dr. Drucker’s book (available free online here: _http://www.thecodeoflife.info/)
From the DigestaCure website (_http://www.digestaqure.com/ingredients.html):
-- French scientist, Dr. Alexis Carrel, recipient of the Nobel Prize for keeping the cells of a chicken heart alive for 34 years (as quoted in “The Code of Life”)
“the four nucleotides in the DNA “alphabet” can combine to produce 256 different four-unit structures, and the 20 amino acids in proteins can yield about 16,000 four-unit configurations. But the simplest sugars in the body can theoretically assemble into more than 15 million four-component arrangements.”
-- Scientific American, July 2002 (as quoted in “The Code of Life”)
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A few days ago, I came across the book, “The Code of Life” by Dr. Ronald P. Drucker in the waiting room of my alternative medicine physician. (He’s an M.D. who also has a Masters Degree in chemistry; and whose interest in alternatives to Western medicine stem from the fact that he was reared biculturally—both mentally and geographically due to having a mother from Colombia, S.A. and a father from America.) The day I was there, he was running behind a record-setting 2 hours—which seemed more like a providential delay once I began reading this book.
What hooked me into reading it, was Dr. Drucker’s position that certain, rarely-eaten complex carbohydrates are essential for cell communication—something that seemed completely at odds with the Paleo or Ketogenic diets. Therefore, I’m sharing this so that others who are more familiar with the biochemistry of those diets can comment on how they may harmonize (or not) with Dr. Drucker’s viewpoint.
Note that, even though he's promoting selected plant-based carbs, he also recommends eating meat and avoiding simple sugars. (Be sure not to miss the paragraph about the Old Testament description of “manna” as it may relate to the “mannan” carbohydrate group!)
“The Code of Life” is the term Dr. Drucker uses to refer to both intracellular (within the cell) and intercellular (cell to cell) communication—both critical, he says, for enabling every physiological process within the body.
His book is structured around these four main intertwined issues:
1. the miraculous capacity of the human body for healing and longevity when properly nourished
2. the destructive nature of man-made, synthetic chemicals
3. the central role the food and drug industries play in obstructing knowledge about healing and longevity
4. the central role certain plant carbohydrates play regarding cell communication
Here are the key sections I’ve excerpted from Dr. Drucker’s book (available free online here: _http://www.thecodeoflife.info/)
“Now I present the question, why, if new cells which make up every tissue and organ of the body are constantly being re-created does arthritis, autoimmune diseases, cancers, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, ulcers, and other degenerative diseases remain and perpetuate? In the case of degenerative disease, what is it that is perpetuating the production of abnormal cells? Why are the cells continually reproducing in an abnormal fashion? What are they lacking that prevents them from reproducing in a normal and healthy state?
Science has repeatedly demonstrated that individuals suffering from chronic diseases are lacking in one or more essential nutrients, resulting in the cells’ inability to function, reproduce, or communicate properly. With enhanced cellular communication and reproduction, many dysfunctions improve. This has been shown by significant improvement in blood sugar levels in diabetics and cholesterol and triglyceride levels in persons with elevated blood lipids.
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The human cell, the very foundation of human life, possesses an intricate and highly sophisticated design. Individual cells are invisible to the naked eye, and yet a multitude of processes occur within them dictating our health, appearance, quality of life, and ultimately our lifespan. The cell contains many components which perform an entire array of vital functions for the body. Within the nucleus of the cell, genetic material (DNA) is the chemical blueprint or master plan for the cell. The cell is the foundation of health and life, and it has specific requirements that must be constantly met in order to avoid cellular starvation, deterioration, pre-mature aging, and ultimately disease.
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The current Periodic Table of Elements, used universally in the field of chemistry lists 110 known elements including; gases, solids, liquids, and “synthetics.” Twenty out of the 110 known elements listed are man-made or synthetic. Reflective of man’s ability to create a “superior” element is the fact that ALL TWENTY man-made synthetic elements are either a contamination hazard, radioactive, or both!
[From that introductory statement, he commits a chapter or more to documenting many examples of the various strategies of the pharmaceutical industry’s misinformation campaign, especially research findings cited in reports by federal agencies (e.g. USDA, FDA), but never made known to the public or implemented in policies.]
Many scientists and doctors have been threatened with research funds being cut-off, jobs terminated, and licenses to practice revoked. Today, many a good practicing doctor would love nothing more than to be granted permission to treat their patients effectively. Many a good man and women who have attempted to go against the Pharma/Medical Establishment and bring true healing and prevention to the deficient, sick, and suffering public, have suffered the consequences themselves and have been ostracized. These are “The Martyrs of Modern Medicine,” and when the head has finally been removed from this giant parasitic beast on public health, through exposure, they will be vindicated and the public freed.
“We are asking the public to believe in what we do not believe in ourselves. We are asking them to take medicines we will not take and to submit to operations which we will not permit on ourselves." E. G. Jones, M.D.
“Every degenerative disease can be traced back to an organic mineral deficiency.” Two time Nobel Prize winner, Linus Pauling.
The human body is in fact much greater than simply the sum of its parts. We are vastly multi-dimensional, composed of matter and interacting energy. Our parts work in synergy, each cell, each organ dependant upon the welfare and health of the other. We are in part and in whole, a symphony of matter and energy, working, producing, communicating, and continually rendering that magnificent notion which we so casually define as “life.” Our fuel and our medicine (natural) is life. Life has been created for life, and life sustains life.
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The Body is comprised of many systems, for example; the digestive, nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, eliminatory, immune, cutaneous (skin), musculoskeletal, energy, or glandular systems. The optimal function of all these areas of the body are dependent upon and synergistic with one another, beginning with the digestive tract. The digestive tract must be operating at optimum health and efficiency in order to provide all areas of the body simultaneously with adequate nutrition.
The degree to which our cells are effectively supported and communicating is the degree of protection we possess against aging and disease. Logically, anything less than 100% support and cellular communication is a partially opened door to pre-mature aging and disease.
It is my belief that the overwhelming majority of persons over the age of fifteen, are lacking digestive efficiency to varying degrees, generally and progressively worsening with age. Most individuals are suffering from degrees of cellular nutrient starvation without experiencing obvious symptoms of disease. This means that a conscious and continual focus on maintaining optimum digestive function, is critical for each and every person interested in general health, anti-aging, disease prevention, and the recovery from existing disease.
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The expression of genes involved in nutrient storage, processing, and metabolism can be influenced by the cell’s nutrient environment. Gene expression is promoted or constrained by the quality of the nutrient environment. Therefore, deficiencies in any necessary nutrient have direct negative impacts on cellular health.
Of all the critical functions that could be discussed in relation to nutrient support of the cells and the body, no area of nutritional need could be more critical than the support of RNA/DNA gene expression in combating premature aging and disease. If there is a fountain of youth and health within the body, it is the accurate and continuous reproduction of this gene expression in which vital nutrients play the pivotal role.
The human body was designed to continually regenerate itself and to replicate new cells that must replace the old, making as exact a copy as possible. For the new cells thus created to be healthy and to replicate as accurately as possible, thus slowing the aging process, all healing components and essential nutrients must be present. Imperfect cell reproduction leads to premature aging and chronic degenerative disease.
French scientist, Dr. Alexis Carrel, received the Nobel Prize for keeping the cells of a chicken heart alive for 34 years. Dr. Carrel concluded: "The cell is immortal. It is merely the fluid in which it floats that degenerates. Renew this fluid at intervals, give the cells what they require for nutrition, and as far as we know, the pulsation of life may go on forever."
Three major physiologic factors in the aging process are:
1. Cellular starvation due to the lack of specific vital nutrients and/or sub-optimal digestive function.
2. Cellular dehydration (lack of sufficient extracellular and intracellular fluids)
3. Toxin-related cellular damage (including RNA/DNA damage)
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Science has revealed that when vital nutrients are not available, cells miscommunicate. When cells miscommunicate, breakdowns occur in the structure and functions of the healing processes. Nutrients are not delivered to cells requiring them. Harmful invaders entering the body are not efficiently eliminated and are left unchecked to wreak havoc. Generally speaking, when the body is supplied with all vital nutritional components, and when cells are communicating efficiently, there exists an “ease” or an optimum state of health. When cells lack vital nutrients or components, causing miscommunication, we have the potential for a state of acute or chronic dis-ease.
Interestingly, it has been documented that malignant (cancer) cells often display incomplete or abnormal sugars (communicators) on their surfaces. In other words, cellular recognition and communication has been disrupted. Efficient cellular communication throughout the body will promote an ideal state of ease throughout the body. The more efficiently the process of cellular communication is allowed to function, the greater the effect of preventing and overcoming existing disease.
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Polymannans are complex carbohydrates which are made up of individual sugar molecules linked together to form molecular chains of various lengths. These complex “sugars” are not sugar as we think of table sugar - they do not increase blood sugar levels, but in fact, help to normalize blood sugar levels. They are not used by the body for their caloric content; rather, they are incorporated into cells, cell membranes, antibodies, hormones, connective tissues, and many other vital functional areas of the body.
Researchers have concluded that the very long-chain polymannans of one million Daltons and greater (a Dalton is the weight of one hydrogen atom), help orchestrate the other healing components... they have thus been named “Conductor Molecules.”
Simple Carbohydrates:
1. Monosaccharides: the simplest form of carbohydrates; simple sugars.
2. Disaccharides: two monosaccharides linked together.
3. Oligosaccharides: three to ten monosaccharides linked together.
Complex Carbohydrates:
1. Polysaccharides: more than ten monosaccharide molecular units linked together.
These aloe-derived complex carbohydrates are labeled by various researchers as any one of the following terms: polysaccharides, complex carbohydrates, mucopolysaccharides, mannans, polymannans, glucomannans, and glucopolymannans. They are comprised of short, medium, and by far the most important, the long, and very long chain polymannans (The Healing Orchestrators) containing a large proportion of mannose.
These polymannans may take on other names when various molecules attach themselves to either end of the polymannan. Some examples are glycoproteins and glycolipids. Complex carbohydrates also include starches and dextrins.
Some of the other beneficial compounds found in Aloe vera include; beta sitosterol (prostate and heart health), salicylates (pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects), numerous minerals, amino acids, saccharides, and oligosaccharides.
Curiously, the root of "mannose" is manna, which the Bible records as the food God supplied to the Israelites for their survival during their journey through the Sinai Peninsula. The people ground it, or pounded it, and then baked it. (Num. 11:8). A double portion was to be found on the day before the Sabbath, when none was to be found.
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The major classes of biomolecules are proteins, including nucleic acids, lipids (fats), and carbohydrates. Until recently, scientists focused on proteins as the primary molecules of communication between cells. Protein molecules were believed to perform most, if not all of the basic biological processes necessary for cells to communicate. The importance of carbohydrates had been mainly ignored due to the fact that carbohydrates were considered to be only a source of calories. Considering the fact that there are many more molecular configurations possible with carbohydrate molecules as compared to proteins, researchers began to suspect that carbohydrates were actually the primary molecules of cellular communication.
The July 2002 issue of Scientific American states: “In contrast, the roughly 10 simple sugars common in mammalian carbohydrates can join with one another at many different points and can form intricate branching structures. Moreover, two linked units do not always orient the same way: sometimes a building block will point up relative to another unit, and sometimes it will point down. In contrast, the four nucleotides in the DNA “alphabet” can combine to produce 256 different four unit structures, and the 20 amino acids in proteins can yield about 16,000 four-unit configurations. But the simplest sugars (the carbohydrates, ED.) in the body can theoretically assemble into more than 15 million four component arrangements. Although not all these combinations occur in nature, the possibilities remain overwhelming.” These are the bulk of the “symbols” making up The Code.
We can clearly see from these comparisons the importance of these carbohydrate or simple sugar molecules in regard to cellular communication. In addition, to work effectively, certain therapeutic proteins must have particular sugars attached to them at precise sites.
Despite the fact that the human body can breakdown complex carbohydrates into simple sugars and can then reassemble them into more complex structures, the body cannot produce the vital polymannans in their various forms. They are comparable to essential vitamins and minerals which the body must have for the prevention of disease and optimum health.
It has been recently determined, utilizing newly developed analytical techniques permitting the investigation of these biologically active phytonutrients, not only are there thousands of different carbohydrate molecules, but many of them can take multiple forms to accomplish different tasks.
There are many more molecular configurations possible with polysaccharides as compared to proteins, it became logical to investigate these carbohydrates as possibly being the basis, in large, of the biological information (the symbols of the Code of Life). In large, they actually make up the physiological Code which determines the endless functions that must be carried out on a moment to moment, minute by minute, hour by hour, day to day, year to year basis, over our entire lifetime.
Many of these processes of communication, assumed to be performed by protein molecules are actually performed by a wide variety of complex carbohydrate molecules (polysaccharides) including polymannans, glycoproteins, glycolipids, glucomannans, and others. These precisely shaped molecules attach to and protrude from cell surfaces and are recognized and understood by neighboring cells.
The polysaccharide molecules are involved vastly in cellular recognition, including immune functions. Without these complex carbohydrates that attach to cell surfaces, the body’s operating systems can break down, resulting in an entire host of disorders, immune and autoimmune diseases which either weaken or inactivate their normal response, or cause immune cells to attack and destroy our healthy tissues. Our disease fighting cells may not recognize disease–causing invaders such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, toxins, or even cancer cells. Hormones may be misdirected, contributing to physical and emotional problems, and pre-mature aging. It is an undisputed fact that health begins at the cellular level. Interestingly most, if not all of the building blocks of these biologically active carbohydrates, as well as many unique healing carbohydrate compounds, are found in high concentrations within certain species of the aloe vera plant.
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For a multitude of reasons relating to improved health, the ingestion of these Aloe-derived polysaccharides is vitally important. The human digestive tract has cells called endocytes that actually take up these Aloe-derived substances intact.
It has been determined that after they are transported into the bloodstream, they are utilized as is, or broken down and reassembled to form other compounds or “symbols.”
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Cellular communication is essential for virtually every important function in the body. How does the stomach know when and how much acid and digestive enzymes to produce? How do the killer cells of the immune system recognize your own healthy tissues from foreign invaders such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, or other disease-causing pathogens? How do our killer immune cells recognize a healthy cell from a diseased one such as a cancer cell? The answer is astounding!
On the surface of each cell are protein and carbohydrate molecules that miraculously identify through the code, the state of intracellular activity (within the cell). Other cells that must interact are also covered with their own protein and carbohydrate identifiers that determine how they will specifically interact with the others, and so on, down the physiological line until the desired substance is produced and the desired effect is obtained.
This production line, controlled in large by these polysaccharide encoders, is responsible for the formation of enzymes, hormones, neurotransmitters, substrates, and the building blocks of life. New cells, glands, tissues, organs, and re-growth and repair are carried out in this fashion. The symbols in this coded language are the key to these processes of growth, reproduction, regeneration, healing, cell repair, and recovery from disease. Improved function results from the restoration and adequate maintenance of this process.
It has been shown that even the ends of dendrites (extensions of nerve cells) are surrounded by immune cells, indicating that there exists cellular communication between the nervous and immune systems. These communications or chemical messages are often controlled by these carbohydrate-containing molecules. The process known as chemotaxis (the movement of cells controlled by chemical messengers) is to a great extent, dependent upon the symbols in this code. It has been determined that energy is required to convert these molecules from one form to another. Also, the rate of these conversions is dependent on the quantities of these molecules present. The greater the presence, the faster the rate of production. It is scientifically apparent that sub-essential communication between cells, and between cells and the immune system causes us to age prematurely, inevitably contract disease, and if lacking severely, cease to exist.
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There is much current research being directed to more fully decipher this coded language. In the meantime, we can benefit enormously by ensuring adequate consumption of the building blocks of this code – the full compliment of Aloe-derived healing components including the short, medium, long, and very long chain polymannans, which are the components and building blocks, in conjunction with adequate protein, phytonutrient, mineral and vitamin support of which more will be discussed.
The dietary lack of these complex carbohydrates and nutrients will become recognized as a major deficiency syndrome. I have named this condition Cellular and Immune Communication Deficiency Syndrome (C.I.C.D.S). Just as many of the deficiency syndromes currently recognized today were misunderstood as to their origins, C.I.C.D.S. has been largely unidentified and yet will prove to be the underlying cause of a vast number of immune, auto-immune, and chronic degenerative diseases, as well as premature aging.
Due to the absence of these essential polysaccharide phytonutrients and support components, including vitamins and minerals in our modern food supply, ]b]we all[/b] may be currently suffering from C.I.C.D.S to a greater or lesser degree. Soil depletion, pesticides, gene manipulation, hormones, toxins, pollution, processed, preserved, adulterated, fast, and overcooked foods are but a few reasons for the gradual destruction of these vital natural compounds. These biologically active components possess numerous healing properties in addition to their cellular communication functions. They are essential to our quality of life and survival! They are our food and medicine by design.
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A pH of 7.4 is so important for the optimum health of the cells and subsequently the entire body. The body possesses buffering systems that strive to ensure the maintenance of this pH level. When nutrient deficiencies occur, causing the blood pH to fall below the optimum level, the body will begin to pull calcium and other pH buffering agents from the tissues and other areas of the body such as bones, leading to osteoporosis. The body will take these desperate measures, depleting other areas of calcium and essential nutrients in order to maintain the optimum blood pH.
Many phytonutrients, and in particular calcium and the Aloe healing components have been shown to support the extracellular alkaline environment, reduce the levels of toxins from disease causing organisms, have antioxidant (free radical protective) functions, and possess anti-inflammatory properties (inflammation is a major factor in all degenerative disease). These natural components have normalizing, homeostatic, and balancing effects on the gastrointestinal, sugar regulatory and immune systems, supporting health, anti-aging, and longevity.
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Due to these unnatural procedures employed with the focus on mass production and cost reduction, in conjunction with the elimination of varieties of foods, our modern diet is lacking in the essential healing carbohydrates and other plant nutrients, especially the long and very long chain polymannans, so important for the prevention and elimination of most of the chronic degenerative diseases that prevail and are continuing to increase.
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Research into carbohydrates has revealed their far reaching and very important structural and metabolic functions. These include among many others, glycogen for energy storage, ribose, and deoxy-ribose in nucleic acids (DNA and RNA which make up the genetic code), metabolic intermediates (for energy production), glycolipids in cell membranes and the nervous system, glycoproteins in the immune system, proteoglycans in cartilage and collagen found in connective tissues throughout the body.
Science has also firmly established the importance of these carbohydrate molecules in their relationship to cellular communication; reinforcing what has been observed for thousands of years, Aloe enhanced healing. These carbohydrates are either essential components of, directly or indirectly control, regulate, or influence the vital processes of digestion, reproduction, healing, immunity, cellular, and tissue repair. These carbohydrates are critical to virtually every cell, tissue, and organ within our body.
Some examples of the many forms of these complex carbohydrates and their functions are: glycosaminoglycans (mucopolysaccharides) which protect the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urinary tracts. These coat the mucous membranes that are so important for protecting us from bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, and other foreign invaders such as dust and pollen. They also form proteoglycans which are incorporated into cartilage which cushions, lubricates, and protects our joints.
The popular nutritional supplements chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine sulfate used by many today for the prevention or alleviation of arthritis are made from these carbohydrate molecules. These carbohydrates attach themselves to the protein surface of each cell and function as the symbols which communicate a language from cell to cell. Without these symbols there is no communication between cells. Without these symbols we are defenseless against chronic disease.
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The list is virtually endless in relation to where these essential carbohydrates are found. Hyaluronic acid is found in sperm and the intervertebral discs of the spine. Heparin which is essential for proper blood clotting, glycoproteins, and glycolipids occur in cell membranes and serum albumin (the major protein found in the liquid portion of the blood) also contains these essential carbohydrates. Glycolipids and gangliosides are essential components of the nervous system. The presence of these glycoproteins on the outer surface of the plasma membrane (the glycocalyx or the fuzz) covers cell surfaces for important cellular recognition and other immunological functions. In healthy cells, so omnipresent are these simple and complex sugar molecules that cells appear to other cells and to the immune system as “sugarcoated.”
Galactose is needed for the synthesis of lactose (milk sugar), glycolipids, proteoglycans, and glycoproteins. Galactose is readily converted in the liver to glucose. Your body can make glucose from galactose. Galactose is required in the body as a constituent of proteoglycans, glycoproteins, and glycolipids (the cerebrosides of the nervous system). Cerebrosides are components that make up the insulation surrounding the nerves known as the myelin sheath..
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an example of a disease in which the glycolipid, the insulating material coating the nerves, is defective. Multiple sclerosis affects neurons, the cells of the brain and spinal cord that carry information, create thought and perception, and allow the brain to control the entire body. Surrounding and protecting some of these neurons is this fatty myelin sheath layer, which helps neurons carry electrical signals. Multiple sclerosis causes gradual destruction of the myelin sheath (demyelination) and transection (cuts into the coating of the nerves) of neuron axons in patches throughout the brain and spinal cord.
One of the major amino sugars is glucosamine, a major component of cartilage. This is an example of a glycoprotein. The body produces glucosamine, an essential component of healthy cartilage from glucose and amino acids. These complex carbohydrates are incorporated into cell membranes. Glycophingolipids are sugar containing lipids. They are located in the plasma membranes of cells. Many of the proteins and all of the glycolipids have externally exposed oligosaccharide chains.
The Biochemistry of Cellular Communication
Complex carbohydrate chains, when available, attach to cell surfaces and are the means through which one cell communicates with another. This type of cell to cell communication is referred to as intercellular communication. Although much is yet to be discovered in regard to this miraculous phenomenon, we presently know that variations in the configurations of these complex carbohydrates determine how our own cells recognize each other, and how they recognize a foreign cell. This cellular recognition is an essential immune function because the cells of the immune system must recognize and destroy disease causing organisms while leaving our own cells intact and undamaged.
Auto-immune diseases are at least partially due to a breakdown of this function. Autoimmunity is the failure of an organism to recognize its own constituent parts (down to the cellular level) as "self", which results in an immune response (attack) against its own cells and tissues. Without adequate amounts of these essential carbohydrates the immune system cannot function optimally. One of the many remarkable actions of these immunologically active substances from Aloe is their “immune modulatory” effects. Immune modulation refers to a regulatory or balancing function, not just a stimulatory one. All the physiological actions which are constantly maintaining normal function must remain in balance.
Just as we want a healthy and responsive immune system capable of recognizing and destroying abnormal cells, harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, and toxins, we do not want an overactive immune system creating allergic, inflammatory, and self-destructive actions known as auto-immune disease. We do not want our hearts to beat too fast or too slow, too hard or too weakly. We want the food we eat to travel through our digestive tract at the required speed for optimal absorption of its nutritive value. We do not want our blood sugar to rise too far or too fast (diabetes) or fall too far or too fast (hypoglycemia). This regulatory process is known as homeostasis or “balance.” These are just a few examples illustrating the critical importance of effective cell to cell communication.
Special Receptors Lying in Wait
Most common foods are broken down and absorbed by the typical processes of digestion. Conversely, there are specific essential complex carbohydrates or macromolecules which are required to be absorbed intact without being broken down or digested. These complex carbohydrates, known as Aloe polysaccharides or polymannans, are molecules linked together like beads in a necklace or links in a chain. The lengths of the chains vary, and are responsible for the many diverse healing functions, including but not limited to, blood-sugar regulation, anti-oxidant functions, anti-inflammatory effects, wound healing, and immune modulation.
The human body is designed with special receptor sites called enterons which line the digestive tract. Miraculously, these special receptor sites are designed to take in or engulf, intact, these Aloe polymannans. This process is called pinocytosis or endocytosis. Editor’s note: As used here the term pinocytosis is interchangeable with the term endocytosis. Both terms refer to the process whereby large, undigested nutrient particles are taken into the enterons intact and unbroken, therefore being abundantly available for their many healing and nutritive purposes.
Due to this process these polymannans are absorbed in a totally different way which protects the links of the chains. The chains are not broken or digested by the digestive enzymes found in our digestive tract. These large chain macromolecules must be absorbed intact for their structure to retain their healing physiological functions. They must not be broken down by the digestive enzymes within the digestive tract so as to retain their healing properties. Therefore, this complimentary mechanism of endocytosis exists within the body to perform this essential task of absorption without destruction of these long chain structures.
The very existence of this complimentary process, these “receptors in waiting,” is indicative of the critical importance of the ingestion of these essential long chain macromolecules. The human body, with these special receptor sites is literally lying in wait for these polymannan molecules.
It is logical to assume that the human physiology was designed possessing these enterons to perform endocytosis or pinocytosis specifically to process these indigestible yet highly essential plant nutrients which had for millions of years been present in our food supply. Once inside the enteron, these aloe polysaccharides are carried to the sidewall of the cell where they are then introduced into the lymphatic system, from there, transported to the bloodstream where they are carried to each and every cell in the body as required. At this stage, this miraculous process is referred to as chemotaxis. It is the transport of necessary cellular substances to the areas in need. In addition, in the presence of these Aloe polysaccharides the process of chemotaxis is markedly enhanced!
Intracellular Communication
Once inside the cell, these long chain macromolecules which have been taken in by endocytosis including polysaccharides, proteins, and polynucleotides (DNA and RNA) can be used for their unique healing properties or broken down inside the cell for their nutritional value. We refer to this process as, “intracellular digestion.” It is the second form of digestion which occurs within the cells. This form of digestion only occurs after these intact healing components have entered the interior of the cell where they are either utilized intact, for their unique and necessary healing properties, or they may be broken down and processed into their subcomponents for further use.
The cell is composed of a cell membrane which surrounds the cytoplasm (the fluid inside the cell.) There are numerous organelles (cell organs) within the cell. An organelle is a discrete structure of a cell having specialized functions such as the mitochondria for energy production, the ribosomes for protein production, and the nucleus for cell replication. There is a great deal of activity occurring within the cell. Communications of many types are taking place. For example, hormones have membrane receptors and use intracellular messengers to produce intracellular signals. The cells are virtual mini factories processing The Universal Spectrum of nutrients and producing energy, new cells, tissues (cell replication), and virtually every substance required for every physiologic function throughout the body.
The cells' semi-permeable outer membrane has channels that open to take in nutrients from the extracellular fluid such as the intestinal tract, lymph, or blood. These channels are opened by chemical messengers such as calcium ions, and hormones such as insulin which increases the transport of all nutrients into the cell interior. The cell can also excrete toxins, by-products of metabolism or manufactured substances that are needed elsewhere by the processes of channel transport for small molecules and by exocytosis for large macromolecules. As mentioned, the cell is covered with a fuzzy coat called the glycocalyx made up of glycoprotein identifiers that direct the immune system to recognize self from foreign.
Through this process of communication, immune cells may identify and destroy invaders or cells that have become defective, such as cancer cells, while leaving healthy cells unaffected. Groups of cells organized together make up tissues, tissues form to make up organs, and the organs working in harmony permit the human body to perform its many various functions. The very basis of life, health, and longevity is healthy cells. This complimentary digestive process of intracellular digestion is the process which fuels the cells.
All essential nutrients must be available at all times for optimum cellular health and reproduction. Optimum health depends on optimum cellular communication. “The Code of Life” is the language used for both intracellular (within the cell) and intercellular (cell to cell) communication. This cellular communication in whole enables virtually every physiological process within the body!
The Process of Exocytosis
Exocytosis is the process by which the cell releases macromolecules or expels toxins from the cell interior. Most cells release macromolecules such as proteins, antigens, and collagen to the exterior by exocytosis. The signal for exocytosis is often a hormone, which when it binds to a cell surface receptor, induces a local transient change in calcium concentration. Hence, calcium triggers exocytosis. Hormones such as the glycoproteins, insulin, and parathyroid hormone are also released by this calcium-reliant process. Calcium is also responsible for delivering nutrients into the cell, regulating cell membrane voltage, and controlling channel openings which deliver vital nutrients into the cell’s interior. Macromolecules, existing and entering the cell, which are too large to traverse these channel openings, are transported within vesicles directly through the cell membrane.
The process of exocytosis involves the removal of toxins from the cells, transport of intracellular products, and intercellular communication, all of which are dependent upon healthy cell membranes. This exemplifies why the Aloe derived components are known to enhance detoxification. Exocytosis is important in cellular signaling as well. In neuronal communication, both chemical and electrical information needs to be transmitted throughout the cell. Exocytosis sends and converts the electrical information into chemical information. Within the neuralcells, the information is electrical. In the synapse (the gap between nerve cells) after exocytosis has occurred, the neurotransmitters are released and the information is chemical. The release of the neurotransmitter can either be excitatory (causing activity from the target cell) or inhibitory (preventing activity by the target cell).
Exocytosis is also needed by cells for secretion of proteins such as enzymes, peptide hormones, antibodies from cells, turnover of plasma membrane, release of neurotransmitter from presynaptic neurons, placement of integral membrane proteins, acrosome reaction (the release of hyaluronic acid to facilitate fertilization of the ovum by the spermatozoa) during fertilization, antigen presentation during the immune response, and recycling of plasma membrane bound receptors.
Dr. Ivan Danhoff, recognized as one of the world’s foremost experts on medically active plant molecules, states:
“The fact is that lining the gastrointestinal tract there are cells which are called enterons. These enterons are the lining cells of the digestive tract. Each of these cells produces a very sticky substance on the surface of their cells. This sticky substance is called the glycocalyx or sometimes it's just referred to as “the fuzz.” It is in this glycocalyx that there are special receptors; special binding sites for the aloe polysaccharides. These binding sites or receptors are of two different types. The first type is called non-specific receptors and they bind the majority of the aloe polysaccharide which is taken into the body. When these polysaccharides are linked to these receptors it provides a marvelous protective action along the gastrointestinal tract.
As a result of this protective function is one of the major things that can prevent the reflux of acid from your stomach into your esophagus. In fact, studies are currently being done now which show that the polysaccharides of aloe, with this binding to these nonspecific receptors, may protect the lining of the esophagus from acid which is refluxed from the stomach. Now, in addition to these nonspecific binding sites, there are specific binding sites or receptors. When these specific sites are bound to aloe polysaccharides a remarkable process occurs. The cell wall completely engulfs the polysaccharide, a process called pinocytosis or endocytosis. We find then that these aloe polysaccharides are now inside the cell (the enterocyte), the lining cell of the intestinal tract and they are then carried to the sidewall of the cell where they are then put into the lymphatic system and from the lymphatic system they are transported to the blood.
So it means then by the special pinocytotic mechanism, the special cell engulfing mechanism, the aloe polysaccharides are able, even with very long chain lengths, to be transported across the lining of the intestinal tract and find their way into the bloodstream. We know then that this is a characteristic of polymannans and so the polymannans are handled by the digestive tract in this very special way; this process called pinocytosis...Now the aloe polysaccharide as we have indicated before may be of different lengths, so we have small necklaces, medium necklaces, large necklaces, and very long necklaces. As these lengths of chains of polysaccharides vary, we then find that there are a significant number of different healing activities.”
These essential carbohydrates also account for eight to ten percent of the weight of thyroglobulin (thyroid protein). The thyroid gland is one of the larger endocrine glands in the body. It is a double-lobed structure located in the neck, responsible for production of hormones that regulate the rate of metabolism and affect the growth and rate of function of many other systems in the body. Erythropoietin is a glycoprotein which stimulates the production of red blood cells from the bone marrow. Red blood cells are the most common type of blood cell and the vertebrate (animals with backbones) body’s principal means of delivering oxygen from the lungs to body tissues via the blood. Without adequate oxygen to the tissues, degeneration occurs and pain may be produced.
A large number of other hematopoietic (production of blood cells) growth factors have been identified, most of which are glycoproteins. Like erythropoietin, most of the growth factors isolated have been glycoproteins, proving to be very active in-vivo (in live animals) and in-vitro(outside of a living organism such as in test tube or tissue culture), interacting with their target cells via specific cell surface receptors and ultimately (via intracellular signals) affecting vital gene expression. The ABO substances (blood types) are complex oligosaccharides present in most cells of the body. The different saccharide molecules located at the end of these proteins determine blood types in humans.
This is yet another example of how these carbohydrate molecules define and determine cellular recognition throughout all the tissues of the body. Another interesting example is when a baby is born it is coated with a slick white layer of Vernix, also known as Vernix caseosa, which is the “waxy” or “cheesy” white substance, a mucopolysaccharide-rich protective coating. This facilitates delivery and is present to protect the infant from infection. These essential carbohydrates are necessary for the proper development of the fetus including the production of glycophingolipids, vital components of the nervous system.’
The Difference Between Simple and Complex Sugars
Simple sugars such as glucose (blood sugar), fructose (fruit sugar), sucrose (table, cane, or beet sugar), lactose (from dairy products), and maltose (from malt) are made up of short chains of carbon atoms to which are attached hydrogen and oxygen atoms. These are utilized for energy production and their caloric content. These sugars are in their simplest form and can be considered to be fuel or building blocks for the production of more complex forms. They are known as caloric sugars (sugars used for energy).
These sugars should not be consumed in large amounts due to the fact that they require vitamins and minerals for their conversion to energy. Secondly, they stimulate the production of elevated insulin levels, obesity, the increased production of VLDL (very low density lipid), LDL (low density lipid, known as the "bad cholesterol"), and triglycerides. This is why we do not want to ingest large amounts of these particular types of simple sugars.
Conversely, galactose (synthesized by the body, forming glycolipids and glycoproteins in several tissues) and mannose are other examples of simple sugars which are not as readily available, and are not involved in the production of excess blood fats or triglycerides. Instead, they have been shown to possess an array of healing benefits.
Complex carbohydrates are made up from these healing simple sugars. Two examples would be glycogen (stored in the liver and muscles) and starch, made up of long chains of glucose molecules attached to each other.
Complex carbohydrates include many types of fiber including indigestible cellulose, essential for normal bowel function and soluble fiber which has been found to lower cholesterol levels. Studies have found that consumption of adequate fiber lowers the incidence of bowel diseases including colon cancer.
Essential complex carbohydrates are involved with the maintenance of digestive function and normal blood-sugar levels, absorption of nutrients, destruction of disease causing organisms, the support and maintenance of friendly bacteria, regulation of inflammatory processes, and anti-oxidant functions.
...
Additional benefits include; the reduction of inflammation in arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis, improved wound healing, and the increase in immune cells and functions to mention just a few. Below I have listed the major known benefits.
Stabilized aloe healing components:
1. Provide much of the language of The Code of Life for cellular recognition, intracellular communication, and communication between cells (intercellular) and the immune system.
2. Contain antioxidant and free radical scavengers. The importance of antioxidants to overall health and longevity is profound. Not only do antioxidants protect us from tissue damaging free radicals such as protection of the skin from sun damage, the lungs from air pollution and second hand smoke, the retina of the eye, and even the destruction of DNA. Research indicates that the amounts of antioxidants we consume are directly proportional to how long we will live and the quality of our lives.
3. Possess hypoglycemic and blood sugar normalizing functions in both Type I and Type II diabetics.
4. Contain an insulin-like growth factor that lowers the required amount of insulin needed to maintain normal blood sugar levels.
5. Reduce the amount of insulin needed, thereby reducing cardiovascular risk factors and stress on the pancreas and likely increasing its useful life, overall improvement of the intake of nutrients through the cell membrane.
6. Are incorporated into the cell membranes throughout the body, enhancing the membranes effectiveness regarding a number of known functions.
7. Enhance the excretion of toxins from the cells by a process known as exocytosis.
8. Possess anti-inflammatory functions particularly effective in ulcerative colitis and arthritis, due at least in part to the specific inhibition of leukotriene B-4, a highly pro-inflammatory substance.
9. Are likely to reduce the incidence of cancer, stroke, and heart disease. This is due primarily to the scientifically established fact that chronic inflammation increases the incidence of these conditions.
10. Possess antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal effects which are of particular interest especially today, linked to the increased incidence of antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria that are no longer responsive to treatment. (This further establishes why the ingestion of these Aloe–derived polymannans are so helpful in preventing, normalizing, and correcting so many digestive tract disorders.
11. Possess immune modulating and immune stimulating effects. Examples of enhanced immune functions by the ingestion of these very long chain polysaccharides are: stimulation of antibody production (by leukocytes) and an increase in the number of killer T-cells produced. This expresses the tremendous importance in these immune stimulating functions. The levels of antibody present in our blood directly affects our ability to destroy pathogenic (disease causing) organisms. The killer T-cells are among our first line of defense in destroying dangerous bacteria and viruses and may even protect us from those responsible for an array of cancers.
12. Enhance chemotaxis, the migration of immune cells to a site of injury or infection, thereby initiating the repair and healing response; promoting tissue growth and regeneration.
13. Protect the mucous membranes lining the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary tracts resulting in an increased resistance to infections.
14. Help stop and prevent the damage and leakage of the intestinal wall, thereby alleviating the stress from the immune system.
From MIT’s Technology Review, February, 2003, “If you don’t have glycosylation . . . (the enzymatic breakdown and building up of varied complex carbohydrates) …“You don’t have life.”
Recommendations
Please make no mistake when reading this book. I am not suggesting that anyone ingest Aloe vera gels or liquids. Most gels and liquids contain preservatives, are bitter, unpleasant, and impractical to drink. Due to the fact that the gels and liquids cannot be effectively stabilized, the medium, long, and very long chain polysaccharides (the healing orchestrators) are mostly destroyed. In order to obtain a fair quantity of the other healing components, a large volume of the gel or liquid would have to be consumed. In addition, gels and liquids may contain significant levels of various undesirable agents that have irritating or laxative effects (they may cause diarrhea).
For internal consumption, I have recommended an excellent mannose-rich, stabilized, encapsulated products like Digestacure manufactured by Pristine Nutraceuticals. [see ingredients listed after these excerpts]
The only sweetener we recommend is natural stevia. Increased sugar consumption has been implicated in diabetes, hyperactivity, and obesity. The addition of refined sugars, particularly table sugar (sucrose) and fructose (refined from fruit) should be avoided as much as possible. Clarification; Do not avoid fruit; avoid fructose refined from fruit due to the high concentrations.
Cod liver oil has been shown to be important for the development of the nervous system. It is thought to be of benefit in preventing learning disabilities. High levels of the elongated Omega III fats EPA and DHA, essential for prostaglandin (regulatory hormones) and brain development are present. It is a neurological wonder which improves brain function, stress response, memory, learning disorders, bipolar syndrome, and manic-depression. It is also effective in improving immune response and alleviating allergies and asthma. It protects against childhood leukemia and lung cancer, prevents rickets in the young, and osteoporosis in the elderly. It is effective in treating arthritis. It reduces inflammation, helps relax blood vessels, and reduces pain and damage in inflamed joints. Patients of all ages with colitis respond more favorably to cod liver oil than medication.
Cod liver oil contains vitamins A, D and K which support immune function, calcium absorption, and blood clotting. Alternative treatments for cancer have emphasized natural vitamin A. Cod liver oil lowers blood pressure from elevated cortisol levels. It promotes absorption of calcium and magnesium, thereby lowering blood pressure which helps protect against glaucoma. It has been documented to reduce morbidity and mortality in children. Pregnant women taking cod liver oil have infants with lower risk of Type I diabetes. Cod liver oil has been shown to improve glucose response in adult diabetics with both Type I and Type II diabetes.
[Book concludes with this listing of reference sources for 350+ citations: _http://www.digestaqure.com/references.html)]
From the DigestaCure website (_http://www.digestaqure.com/ingredients.html):
Note: This product is not “Aloe Vera” as most understand Aloe. Under any size-exclusion laboratory analysis, All processed Aloe Vera products prove to be short-chain soothing agents. Processed Aloe juices, gels, and powders will not eliminate the autoimmune attack.
[/b]What is DigestaCure made of?[/b]
Pristine Nutraceuticals has cultured a "Superplant" (no genetic manipulation) from the Aloe family. The plants are grown in organic volcanic soil which has never been touched by a chemical fertilizer or pesticide. Due to the high mineral structure of the volcanic soil, the Superplant is able to produce what scientists refer to as a high-quality immune modulating agent. The modulators are stabilized and concentrated into a powder. All undesirable elements are left behind. The powder is classified as a food material; "The perfect food for the immune system."
There are No other ingredients or additives. There are no side-effects or contraindications with medications. These are the agents the human immune system is designed to receive. These are the agents which have been depleted from the modern-day food supply due to man's use of chemicals in growing and processing, and methods such as green harvesting and genetic manipulation. These are the healing components which have be demonstrated in over 400 studies conducted by hundreds of scientists, Ph.D.'s, M.D.'s, and natural healing physicians, to balance and restore proper immune function, among many other physiological modes of healing.
For the last four decades, a technique has been sought which would stabilize the immune modulators in sufficient quality and quantity, potent enough to revive immunity. Pristine Nutraceuticals has solved that problem. Under independent laboratory analysis using size-exclusion chromatography technology, DigestaCure is proven to contain in excess of 15 times the stabilized immune modulating agents of Any product, manufactured under Any process, Anywhere in the world. See the biological names of the modulators below.
Each capsule of DigestaCure contains a proprietary blend of 500mg of these pure, concentrated immune modulating agents.:
Main ingredients:
1. Stabilized long-chain polymannan and polysaccharide molecules
2. stabilized mannose molecules
3. stabilized glucomannans
4. stabilized glucopolymannans
5. stabilized medium and short chain polysaccharides
6. stabilized mucopolysaccharides
7. stabilized glycoproteins
8. stabilized glycolipids
Trace amounts of:
1. natural beta sitosterol
2. natural plant minerals
3. natural plant enzymes
4. natural plant amino acids
DigestaCure is organically produced in rich volcanic soil utilizing no pesticides, chemical fertilizers, or gene manipulation. It contains No yeast, corn, wheat, gluten, soy, dairy, animal products, OR ANY OTHER ADDITIVE, and is suitable for vegetarians.
