This year, we have waited a long time to see signs of summer, but it is finally time to gather our gardening supplies! As we prepare to garden, it is a good time to think about the inner garden.
Your inner garden or Biological Terrain is the fluid environment that surrounds all the 100 trillion cells in your body. Over 100 years ago, a French physiologist named Dr. Claude Bernard stated that the main cause of illness is due to imbalances within the human body. He believed that disturbances in this cellular environment affected the whole body, including the immune system. If the immune system became weakened, it had difficulty fighting disease and maintaining health.
FUNCTIONS OF THE BIOLOGICAL TERRAIN
The fluid that bathes the body's cells is a very significant factor in any individual's health. This is because the Biological Terrain has several important functions. It is responsible for delivering nutrients to every single cell in the body! Without the electrolytes, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, hormones and fluid within the Biological Terrain, body cells could simply not perform their countless vital functions that maintain health.
The Biological Terrain must also carry energy-rich ingredients throughout the body, so that energy can be produced in the form of ATP. ATP is the type of energy that the body needs to carry out most actions and reactions.
Thirdly, the Biological Terrain allows the movement of minerals from within the cells, to be filtered and disposed of by the body. Via the Biological Terrain, these minerals enter body fluids, such as blood, urine, lymphatic fluid and saliva. These fluids indicate what has been removed from inside the cells.
STRESS ON THE BIOLOGICAL TERRAIN
Several lifestyle factors can put stress on the Biological Terrain, if they are chronic. A poor diet, lymphatic stagnation, insufficient rest, excess stress, drugs, alcohol and smoking are examples of these. Chemicals and toxins in our air, food, water and environment can also create biochemical stress. These can all create deficiencies and excesses in the body that can cause varying degrees of deterioration of the Biological Terrain.
If the critical balance of pH, nutrient or mineral levels or hydration within the Biological Terrain becomes unbalanced, cellular stress may occur. Over time, this may cause the individual's health to deteriorate. He may become more susceptible to the effects of harmful bacteria, viruses, yeast and fungi.
However, when cells live in a healthy Biological Terrain, they will thrive. They will be better able to resist any harmful effects of damaging micro-organisms.
NURTURE THE BIOLOGICAL TERRAIN
In the past century, the science and use of Biological Terrain has grown tremendously. It is now an important part of nutritional therapies throughout the world. A Biological Terrain assessment considers the pH level. This reveals the acidity or alkalinity of the body's fluids. Many important body functions depend upon very specific pH levels. Proper food digestion and absorption, the activation of enzymes so they can do their jobs, and the binding of hormones with their receptor sites in the cells are important examples of functions that depend upon adequate pH levels.
Secondly, a Biological Terrain assessment considers the level of electrons in the fluids. Specific levels of electrons are required, so that the body can produce energy, in the form of ATP.
Thirdly, a Biological Terrain assessment measures the level of minerals in the fluids. Balanced levels of minerals are necessary for the body to fulfill its many functions. Levels of minerals that are either too high or too low can contribute to demineralization, stagnation or congestion. These imbalances interfere with the ability of our cells to function properly and keep us healthy! As you prepare your outside garden, remember to take care of your inner garden as well. Happy gardening!
Dr. Gail Smolinski has completed her PhD in Natural Medicine. She is also a Registered Doctor of Natural Medicine, has her Doctor of Naturopathy degree and is Board Certified in both, Traditional Naturopathy and Nutritional Wellness.
She is a Certified Low Intensity Laser Therapist, Master Herbalist, Registered Nutritional Consultant, Professional Homeopath and Holistic Iridologist.
You may contact her at 306-783-1261 on weekdays from 9 to 5 or visit her website at www.drgail.ca
This column is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. It provides general information about health and nutrition. It is run bi-weekly, space permitting.
