As Above, So Below

As Above, So Below: Humans and Earth as Symbiotic and Parasitic Entities

The phrase “As Above, So Below” originates from ancient philosophies, suggesting that the macrocosm reflects the microcosm and vice versa. This concept invites us to explore the relationship between humans and Earth by drawing a parallel to the relationship between bacteria and the human body. Just as bacteria can be both beneficial and harmful within the digestive tract, humans have the potential to either nurture or devastate the Earth’s ecosystems. Walk with me as I explore the dual role humans play in relation to Earth, akin to how bacteria interact with the human body, and how this relationship requires a delicate balance for mutual survival.

The Symbiotic and Parasitic Roles of Bacteria and Humans

Bacteria in the human digestive tract can be broadly categorized into those that are symbiotic and those that are parasitic. Symbiotic bacteria play essential roles in human health by aiding in digestion, synthesizing vitamins, and bolstering the immune system. These microorganisms form a mutually beneficial relationship with their human host, thriving within the digestive environment while providing necessary functions for human survival. In contrast, parasitic bacteria disrupt normal bodily functions, causing infections and diseases that can lead to serious health complications.

Similarly, humans interact with Earth in ways that can be symbiotic or parasitic. On one hand, humans have the capacity to contribute positively to the planet’s ecosystems. Sustainable practices, such as reforestation, renewable energy development, and conservation efforts, reflect humanity’s potential to live in harmony with Earth’s natural systems. These actions not only benefit the environment by preserving biodiversity and reducing pollution but also ensure the long-term survival of human societies by maintaining the planet’s ability to support life.

On the other hand, human activities often take on a parasitic nature, causing significant harm to the environment. Industrialization, deforestation, pollution, and the overexploitation of natural resources have led to widespread environmental degradation. This destructive behavior mirrors the impact of pathogenic bacteria in the human body, where an imbalance can lead to diseases that compromise the host’s health. This comparison between humans and bacteria highlights the dual potential humans hold: they can either sustain and enrich the Earth or degrade and deplete its resources.

The Importance of Balance in Human-Earth Interactions

The human body maintains a delicate balance between beneficial and harmful bacteria through what we call our immune system and other regulatory mechanisms. When this balance is disrupted, whether by illness, poor diet, or external factors, the consequences can be severe, leading to conditions such as inflammatory diseases, infections, or even chronic illnesses. Similarly, Earth has natural regulatory systems, such as the carbon cycle, water cycle, and food chains, which maintain environmental stability. These systems are designed to keep ecosystems functioning healthily, ensuring that life can thrive in a balanced environment.

However, just as an imbalance in bacteria leads to health problems in humans, an imbalance in how humans interact with Earth can have devastating consequences. Climate change, driven by excessive greenhouse gas emissions, is one of the most pressing examples of this imbalance. The disruption of the carbon cycle, primarily through the burning of fossil fuels, has led to global warming, rising sea levels, and extreme weather events, threatening both natural ecosystems and human societies.

Another example is the loss of biodiversity, often a direct result of human activities like deforestation, habitat destruction, and pollution. Biodiversity is crucial for ecosystem resilience, allowing environments to recover from disturbances and continue to provide essential services such as clean air, water, and food. The decline in biodiversity mirrors the loss of beneficial bacteria in the human gut, which can lead to digestive disorders and weakened immunity. In both cases, the loss of diversity—whether microbial or biological—leads to a weakened system more vulnerable to external stresses.

The Need for a Symbiotic Future

The future health of both humans and the Earth hinges on maintaining a balanced, symbiotic relationship rather than allowing parasitic behaviors to dominate. In the human body, maintaining a healthy bacterial balance is increasingly recognized as vital to overall health, leading to the growing popularity of probiotics and prebiotics. These substances help nurture beneficial bacteria, ensuring that they outcompete harmful pathogens and contribute to a well-functioning digestive system.

In a similar vein, humans must adopt proactive measures to foster a healthier relationship with Earth. This can be achieved through sustainable practices that minimize environmental impact and promote the restoration of natural ecosystems. Global initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions, protecting endangered species, and restoring degraded lands are crucial steps in this direction. These efforts are akin to providing the Earth with the environmental equivalent of probiotics—restorative actions that promote balance and health.

Education and awareness are also essential in this symbiotic journey. Just as individuals learn about the importance of maintaining gut health, society must be educated about the importance of sustainable living. Understanding the consequences of our actions and the benefits of positive environmental stewardship can inspire collective efforts to protect the planet. By shifting from a parasitic to a symbiotic role, humans can ensure that Earth remains a viable and thriving home for future generations.

This metaphor of humans as bacteria within Earth’s “digestive tract” serves as a powerful reminder of the impact we have on our planet. Like our own bacteria(gut flora), we can be either beneficial or harmful, depending on our actions and the balance we maintain within our environment. The health of our planet, much like the health of the human body, depends on the maintenance of this delicate balance.

As above, so below—the principle that governs the relationship between humans and Earth also applies to the microscopic world within us. Just as a healthy bacterial balance is crucial for human well-being, a balanced and symbiotic relationship between humans and Earth is essential for the planet’s health and our own survival. By recognizing and embracing our potential to contribute positively to the Earth, we can shift the balance from parasitism to symbiosis, ensuring a thriving future for both humanity and the natural world, within and without.

Devil in a New Dress

How are we to understand viruses and their role in pathology? I predict that in the not-too-distant future, we will have a different understanding than we do today and that our current understanding is little more than a devil(demon) with a new dress on. The word virus is taken from the Latin word for poison. Literally, “slimy liquid poison.”

I predict that in the future, we will come to understand that what we call viruses will be better understood as something akin to snippets of code like those we use in programming our computers, which dictate how they function. Snippets of code that tell biological lifeforms how to function under various environmental conditions at any given point in time.

I predict that in the future, we will no longer entertain the idea that viruses can be passed from one person to another, resulting in various states of disease. Disease and acute expressions of it will be better understood as something more akin to an automobile that is never maintained or serviced. The human body is much like an automobile that begins its life functioning fabulously with a high level of ease. And if it is maintained properly, it can live on indefinitely. If not, it will begin to function poorly and eventually break down completely. Sound familiar? Know anyone whose body is broken down and functioning poorly? The cause is one and the same. Poor quality fuel and lack of scheduled maintenance.

I predict that in the future, if we do well, we will, on the whole, quit looking for causes outside of our control for what we call disease. We will move away from pharmaceuticals, realizing that they cannot make someone whole again. That pharmaceuticals are little more than bandaids on bulletholes. Instead of soft-peddling the role of personal responsibility, we will tell people the hard truths of what their life should look like if they want to maintain full functionality. That we would hold people responsible for what it means to be a fully and gainfully functioning human being rather than pushing pills to numb the pain resulting from poor choices that led them to a doctor in the first place.

Age

Imagine living in a world where it was completely normal to live well beyond one hundred years of age. A world where it was completely normal for a one-hundred-and-twenty-year-old body to have the functionality and appearance of an Olympic athlete.

If that were the norm and you found yourself aging like most people do today, to maybe 80, how would that make you feel? A life where you found yourself shuffling behind a walker or being pushed in a wheelchair by a caretaker from seventy-five until you breathed your last painful breath at 80. A life where you had to stop working and retire at sixty-five because that was all that was expected of you in your condition, all while everyone else around you was living beyond one hundred and twenty years as mentioned above.

How would that make you feel?

The Question

Read the following carefully and then answer the QUESTION.

Only 5–10% of all cancer cases can be attributed to genetic defects, whereas the remaining 90–95% have their roots in the ENVIRONMENT and LIFESTYLE.

Our skin(outside/epidermis) covers an average area of 18.75 square feet. Our gastrointestinal tract which makes up the rest of the humans environmentally exposed surface area covers an average area of 377 square feet.

Our GI tract which is twenty(20) times larger than our external world is just one thin and very delicate layer of dermis compared to our external environment which is made up of an incredibly durable five(5) layers that can withstand all manner of insult and injury.

The average human consumes 1,750 pounds of food per year passing over/through that tract, which is actually external though most consider it internal. In actuality, the inside of our body doesn’t start until the small intestine.

QUESTION: According to the aforementioned information, what is the single greatest cause of environmentally caused cancer based on exposure and lifestyle choices?

A Momentary Channeling of Ray Bradbury

It’s a gentle Southern California afternoon just a few miles from the coast of Long Beach. The sound of birds calling out in a harmonious sense of discord. The ants in front of me on the hot concrete mill back and forth to and fro, gently greeting each other for just a moment as they continue on their journey.

I look up to see the leaves of my Betula Birch, which I planted some fifteen years ago—it may have even been sixteen. The leaves bristled back and forth quickly, then slowly, and back again as the gentle breeze from the south worked them up into an audible frenzy. Which reminds me…I need to trim Betty a little.

As I look down at the 60-year-old warm concrete beneath my feet, I’m reminded that my father and his father before him may have very well stood here, just like me, looking at this same piece of ground, the same sky, breathing in that same sense of awe that I am experiencing.

They may have even experienced many years earlier, that same joy I feel…Sitting here today.

Wulzen Anti-Stiffness Factor

The Wulzen factor, also known as the “anti-stiffness factor,” is a compound called stigmasterol, which is present in raw milk and sugarcane juice. Dr. Rosalind Wulzen discovered stigmasterol. Stigmasterol plays a crucial role in the assimilation of calcium and phosphorus by promoting their proper utilization and preventing their excessive deposition in soft tissues. It helps maintain the balance of these minerals in the body, ensuring that calcium and phosphorus are adequately absorbed and utilized for bone health and metabolic processes. This regulation prevents calcification and the associated negative effects on various organs and tissues, contributing to overall health and the prevention of conditions such as atherosclerosis, chronic kidney disease, liver disease, neurological disorders, cognitive decline, and other related disorders.

Stigmasterol is a fat-soluble nutrient that combats arthritis and alleviates symptoms such as pain, swelling, and stiffness. Early nutrition researchers considered it to be a vitamin-like substance, but it was never officially recognized as a vitamin by mainstream medical and government authorities. The factor is destroyed by pasteurization, leading to a debate where advocates argue that pasteurization could contribute to arthritis by eliminating this beneficial compound.

Stigmasterol, also known as a phytosterol, is a plant sterol found in various plant sources such as vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and unrefined plant oils. It is also concentrated in mammalian lactates, which offers several health benefits. Firstly, stigmasterol lowers cholesterol levels by competing with dietary cholesterol for absorption in the digestive system, thereby reducing the amount that enters the bloodstream. Additionally, it exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, which are beneficial in managing chronic inflammation-related conditions like arthritis.

Stigmasterol also has antioxidant effects, protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals and potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Some studies suggest that stigmasterol inhibits the growth of cancer cells, indicating possible anticancer properties, though more research is needed in this area. Furthermore, stigmasterol may contribute to maintaining bone health by influencing enzymes involved in bone metabolism. Its combined effects of lowering cholesterol and providing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits also support better cardiovascular health.

Critics of pasteurization laws suggested that acknowledging the existence and benefits of the Wulzen factor would challenge the widespread promotion of pasteurized dairy products. In modern nutritional science, the Wulzen factor is not widely acknowledged, with limited contemporary research supporting its existence or efficacy. Most of the evidence comes from early studies. While raw milk advocates often cite the Wulzen factor as a reason for consuming unpasteurized dairy products, regulatory bodies continue to support pasteurization to prevent foodborne illnesses, citing the lack of scientific consensus on the benefits of the Wulzen factor.

Interestingly, both Rosalind M. Wulzen and her longtime colleague and lifelong friend Alice M. Bahrs lived almost 100 years. Both made it to 98, which is not a common feat. It would appear that they may very well have discovered a key factor in greater longevity and quality of life if it were demonstrated that they were actually smoking what they were selling. Chances are they were.

Incorporating stigmasterol-rich foods into a balanced diet may provide these aforementioned health benefits, though it’s important to consider overall dietary patterns and lifestyle for optimal health outcomes.

The Primacy of Electrolytes and Hydration on Human Function and Life

Fluids, electrolytes, and acid-base physiology play a crucial role in maintaining overall human health and well-being.

Fluids, including blood, plasma, and interstitial fluids, regulate body temperature, lubricate joints, and facilitate waste removal. Electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus, help maintain proper fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions.

A delicate balance of electrolytes is essential for optimal organ function, including heart rhythm, nerve transmission, and muscle contraction.

Acid-base physiology regulates the body’s pH levels, ensuring that the blood remains slightly alkaline (pH 7.35-7.45).

Imbalances in fluids, electrolytes, and acid-base physiology can lead to a range of conditions, from mild dehydration to life-threatening illnesses such as sepsis, electrolyte imbalance, and acid-base disorders.

Furthermore, disruptions in these physiological processes can have broad impacts on overall health, affecting energy production, immune function, and even cognitive performance. Maintaining proper fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance is essential for optimal human health and well-being.

Drink Plenty of…

What is Earth’s most abundant solvent? Why, it is water, of course. It just happens to also be Earth’s most abundant corrosive agent.

Water is highly effective in promoting various types of corrosion and weathering processes due to its widespread presence and its chemical properties. Here’s why water is considered the most abundant corrosive agent:

1. Chemical Reactivity: Water can dissolve many substances, including salts and gases, which can lead to chemical reactions that cause corrosion. For example, when water dissolves oxygen, it can form oxidizing agents that contribute to rust formation in metals.

Electrochemical Corrosion: Electrochemical reactions can occur in the presence of water, leading to the corrosion of metals. Iron rusting is commonly seen, where water facilitates the transfer of electrons between iron and oxygen.

Physical Weathering: Water contributes to physical weathering through processes such as freeze-thaw cycles. When water enters cracks in rocks and freezes, it expands, causing the rocks to break apart.

Acid Rain: Water in the atmosphere can combine with pollutants like sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) to form acid rain. Acid rain accelerates the corrosion of buildings, monuments, and other structures by reacting with materials like limestone, marble, and metals.

Hydrolysis: Water can participate in hydrolysis reactions, breaking down complex minerals and rocks into simpler forms. This process is a significant factor in the chemical weathering of rocks.

Biological Corrosion: Water supports the growth of microorganisms, which can produce corrosive byproducts. Certain bacteria, for instance, can produce sulfuric acid, contributing to the corrosion of concrete and metal structures.

Given its ubiquity and its involvement in various chemical, physical, and biological processes, water is undeniably Earth’s most abundant and effective corrosive agent.

Osmosis…Water ALWAYS follows salt

Maybe you are not dehydrated. Maybe you have an electrolyte deficiency disorder that is preventing you from achieving sufficient levels of hydration no matter how much water you drink.

What would an electrolyte deficiency disorder look like you ask?

Electrolyte deficiencies can present with a variety of clinical symptoms, depending on which electrolyte is deficient. Here are some common electrolyte deficiency disorders and their clinical presentations:

1. Hyponatremia (Low Sodium)
Symptoms: Nausea, headache, confusion, fatigue, muscle weakness, seizures, and in severe cases, coma.
Causes: Excessive water intake, heart failure, kidney disease, liver disease, and certain medications.

2. Hypernatremia (High Sodium)
Symptoms: Thirst, restlessness, irritability, muscle twitching, seizures, and coma.
Causes: Dehydration, excessive salt intake, diabetes insipidus, and certain medications.

3. Hypokalemia (Low Potassium)
Symptoms: Weakness, fatigue, muscle cramps, constipation, arrhythmias, and in severe cases, paralysis.
Causes: Diuretic use, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating, and certain medications.

4. Hyperkalemia (High Potassium)
Symptoms: Muscle weakness, fatigue, numbness, tingling, arrhythmias, and in severe cases, cardiac arrest.
Causes: Kidney failure, excessive potassium intake, certain medications, and tissue damage.

5. Hypocalcemia (Low Calcium)
Symptoms: Numbness and tingling in fingers, muscle cramps, spasms, seizures, and cardiac arrhythmias.
Causes: Vitamin D deficiency, hypoparathyroidism, chronic kidney disease, and certain medications.

6. Hypercalcemia (High Calcium)
Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, muscle weakness, confusion, and in severe cases, cardiac arrest.
Causes: Hyperparathyroidism, cancer, excessive vitamin D intake, and certain medications.

7. Hypomagnesemia (Low Magnesium)
Symptoms: Muscle cramps, tremors, seizures, arrhythmias, and personality changes.
Causes: Alcoholism, malnutrition, chronic diarrhea, and certain medications.

8. Hypermagnesemia (High Magnesium)
Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, low blood pressure, respiratory depression, and cardiac arrest.
Causes: Kidney failure, excessive magnesium intake, and certain medications.

9. Hypophosphatemia (Low Phosphate)
Symptoms: Weakness, bone pain, confusion, respiratory failure, and in severe cases, seizures and coma.
Causes: Malnutrition, alcoholism, diabetic ketoacidosis, and certain medications.

10. Hyperphosphatemia (High Phosphate)
Symptoms: Itching, joint pain, muscle cramps, and in severe cases, calcium deposits in tissues.
Causes: Kidney failure, excessive phosphate intake, and certain medications.

Each of these electrolyte imbalances can have serious consequences if not addressed promptly. Diagnosis typically involves blood tests to measure electrolyte levels, and treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of the deficiency or excess.

The Potassium Problem

Most people do not get enough potassium in their diets. It is estimated that LESS THAN 2% of Americans meet the recommended daily intake of 4,700 milligrams (mg) of potassium per day

Long-term subclinical hypokalemia, where potassium levels are slightly below the normal range but not low enough to cause obvious symptoms, can still have significant effects on the body. Here are some potential effects:

Cardiovascular System:

Arrhythmias: Even mild hypokalemia can increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmias, as potassium is crucial for normal heart function.

Hypertension: Low potassium levels can contribute to high blood pressure.

Heart Failure: Chronic hypokalemia may exacerbate or contribute to heart failure in susceptible individuals.
Muscular System:

Muscle Weakness and Cramps: While severe hypokalemia causes significant muscle weakness, even subclinical levels can lead to mild muscle weakness, cramps, and fatigue.

Rhabdomyolysis: In rare cases, prolonged mild hypokalemia can lead to muscle breakdown, known as rhabdomyolysis.
Renal System:

Kidney Function: Potassium is essential for kidney function, and long-term hypokalemia can impair the kidneys’ ability to concentrate urine, leading to polyuria (increased urination).

Nephropathy: Chronic hypokalemia can contribute to kidney damage and nephropathy over time.
Metabolic Effects:

Glucose Intolerance: Potassium plays a role in insulin secretion and function. Low potassium levels can lead to glucose intolerance and potentially increase the risk of diabetes.

Metabolic Alkalosis: Chronic hypokalemia can cause metabolic alkalosis, a condition where the body becomes too alkaline, leading to a variety of metabolic disturbances.

Neuromuscular Effects:

Fatigue: Persistent low potassium can lead to general fatigue and lethargy.
Neuropathy: Although less common, chronic hypokalemia may contribute to peripheral neuropathy.
Bone Health:

Osteoporosis: There is some evidence suggesting that chronic low potassium levels may contribute to bone demineralization and increase the risk of osteoporosis.
Gastrointestinal System:

Constipation: Potassium is important for normal muscle contractions, including those in the gastrointestinal tract. Low levels can lead to decreased motility and constipation.

Potassium helps the brain send signals to the digestive system’s smooth muscles, which then contract to move food and aid digestion. Potassium channels also play a role in slow-wave production, gastric contraction, and acid secretion.

Potassium channels play a prominent role in gastrointestinal smooth muscle cells and slow-wave production. Potassium channels are involved in acid secretion and gastric contraction. Gastric functional problems such as reflux disease and motility disorder are classified as electrophysiological disorders.

The shortfall in potassium intake is largely due to dietary patterns that are low in fruits and vegetables, which are the primary sources of potassium. Increasing the consumption of potassium-rich foods like bananas, oranges, potatoes, spinach, and beans can help address this deficiency.