The Candida Story…Is it a Fungus?

January 30th, 2010

Candida is the most misunderstood but possibly the biggest infliction that causes multiple symptomatic problems to the highest level ever in human history. We will start at the start. Candida was first identified in the human body in 1915. It was categorized as a one-cell amoeba type fungus. It is not a bacteria. However, it was recognized as a part of our biological terrain. It was non-invasive, it very rarely was known to move from its correct population parameters, prior to the 1940’s. Candida is a fungus that lives in our blood and in all body fluids, connective tissue and mucus glands. In other words, everywhere. In 1953 it was brought to medical science’s attention that there were multisymptoms showing up in the human body and an elevated level of the Candida fungus seemed to be the only common denominator.

Some of the 2,500 symptoms identified were massive yeast infections, elevated levels of urinary tract infections, athletes foot, nail fungal problems, dry skin, jock itch, itchy mouth, cancerous sores, bleeding gums, odorous vaginal discharges, phlegm, nasal passage blockages, elevated incidence of sinus problems, eye irritations, hair vitality loss, emotional imbalances, endocrine system stress, immune system stress, fight and flight reactivity, pancreatic stress, elevated incidence of thyroid problems, ncidence of liver and kidney stress and toxicity, rapid increase in stomach ulceration, increase incidence in constipation or diarrhea, and the biggie an uncontrollable compulsive urge to eat grain and refined sugars which leads to chronic obesity. I could go on for ever, until all 2,500 thousand symptoms were listed, but attention deficit disorder and the precursor to chronic fatigue syndrome, fibro myalgia, etc. are all underpinned by elevated levels of Candida fungus in the body.

In 1953 the Japanese medical authorities, notified the American medical authorities, that there appeared to be a major explosion in these seemingly unconnected symptomatic problems developing in the areas surrounding Hiroshima and Nagasaki and they notified the American authorities that high levels of Candida were always associated with these symptoms. At first that relationship was denied but in the late 1950’s they presented 5,000 documented case histories to a Mayo clinic in upstate New York. And so finally the American’s looked at the Candida fungus once again, and by this time electron microscopes had been developed and science was starting to unravel the secrets of genetic codes and comparing the Candida fungus that had been stored in formaldehyde since 1915, with the genetic codes of the post atom bombing in Japan, it became evident that low level radiation had mutated the simple one cell fungus.

This was the secret scientific precursor that finally forced all governments on earth to put their atmospheric nuclear testing underground because low level radiation was shown to mutate and change forever the very basis of our biological terrain, i.e. our ability to be alive. Candida since that time has taken every opportunity due to this mutation to rapidly increase in population and this was aided since the 1940’s with the advent of widespread antibiotic use which kills a large proportion of the biological terrain which then stops the checks and balances that maintain the terrain species balance which allows the population explosion of the unaffected species, namely Candida.
Once Candida levels get high enough they move out of their normal confined environment and populate the connective tissues and body fluids. This now is what we call a systemic problem and normally biological processes such as most of the gut bacterias, cannot now bring Candida back into its correct population parameters because the normal biological terrain does not populate the connective tissue, etc. Obviously, since the allopathic medicine’s panicure, namely antibiotics, is one of the most effective ways of creating an environment for this now mutated Candida to have its population explosion, it was impossible to publish or for the world at large to know, the great Candida secrets. Because how could any “Business” ever publicly state that its biggest money earner was creating more disease and un-health than it could ever possibly help.
So, through this mutation and antibiotic use, we’ve had the biggest biological disaster in the human body than ever before in the human history. This has lead to the cravings for sugars and grain, and those two food products in all their forms, have now become the dominant diet of the western population. Candida like the rest of us, wants to be fed.

The course of action:
Enter the B.O.D. strain of Bifidus – Latero Flora.
Candida was recognized in the natural health industry as a problem in the 1960’s. And it was always associated with a known biological terrain decrease and so Acidophilus supplementation was alwaysrecommended. Why? Because Acidophilus was the only known bacteria that was commercially available that was a recognized part of our biological terrain. The recommendation of Acidophilus was a desperate attempt by the therapist to try to give some relief to some extremely sick people. Acidophilus and its near family such as L. Plantarium and L. Salivarius do help in rebuilding a healthy biological terrain but have no known effective reduction of systemic Candida outside of the digestive tract.

However, it became folklore and part of a belief structure in the natural health industry that if you have a Candida problem or any of its many symptoms, Acidophilus and its family was usually prescribed. Everybody was doing the best they knew how.

Back in 1972 an agricultural scientist by the name of Boyd O’Donnell (B.O. D.) was on sabbatical in Iceland and noticed the native farmers growing crops of corn that were 12 feet high each with 3 ears of corn. On another part of the field were tomatoes that we could not get two hands around. He asked the farmer what kind of seed he was using, thinking that these old Eskimos had a secret seed source but to his surprise they were using common old seed, the same as the every North American farmer was using. His interest aroused, he asked the farmers, how come their crops were so good. And the old Inuit Indians explained that the winter was very mild and the summer had come early, and the ice had melted back, exposing more of the tundra, than was normal. So they used this freshly exposed soil, which has not been exposed since before the last Ice age, to grow their crops on (this is possibly the only virgin soil on earth). And without any chemical or fertilizer they grew these amazing crops.

Being the good agriculturalist that he was he took a soil sample back with him to California, and on analysis the only thing he could find different was an unidentified soil borne bacteria that also populated the plant samples he brought back with him. He  spent the next 15 years learning about this previously unknown bacteria, nearly went broke twice trying to fund his research, and figuring out production systems, and finally found a way to cultivate and freeze dry this bacteria safely without losing its inherent advantages.

It was used first in the early 1980’s as an agricultural spray, which had the effect of making the soil and the crops extremely healthy and vigorous. The farmers loved it. However, once the crops were processed and packaged these little bacteria was dead on arrival. It has proven to be one of the most difficult finicky bacterias known, but Boyd persisted and identified its uniqueness to such an extent that he has been granted a worldwide license and patent on this natural bacteria. One of only 4 natural bacterias ever to be honored in this way.

One of the chance discoveries that his team of researchers found was that Candida fungus had no resistance to its presence. Trials were carried out in the human body and in every single case, systemic Candida loadings in the connective tissue and body fluids dropped dramatically when the patient took the B.O.D. strain of Bifidus.
As a result of the initial trials two major NY laboratories were commissioned to do extensive double blind trials. Results were that the BOD strain is the only known natural bacteria to lower Candida levels in the human body. Further trials have shown that the input of Acidophilus and its family of Bifidus taken into the body as the Candida loading drops, the biological terrain is rapidly brought back into harmony and the symptoms decrease.

However, it is only since the BOD strain has become available that we have been able to significantly reduce severe Candida problems. There is no debate about the BOD strain’s effectiveness and this hole in the gut argument does not hold water. Whether we are talking about a rapid die off of systemic Candida loadings, which is not a gut wall problem in isolation, or a correction in the biological terrain of the gut, to construe that a gut wall problem is intensified by lowering systemic Candida loadings, is at best questionable science and at worst dangerous propaganda. Any imbalance in the body has to be brought back into balance and harmony to achieve full health and vitality.
I personally have treated in excess of 3,000 chronic Candida sufferers. I have been known in the past as the “Candida Man”. I have had many MD’s send me clients with chronic Candida symptoms and in every case by flooding the body with the BOD strain of Bifidus in a three-day process that I call saturation and following this up with  biological terrain rebuilding with enzymes and the other natural bacterias, all chronic Candida symptoms have been alleviated.

The BOD strain is the only natural product that has ever been shown to bring systemic Candida problems under control. In all of those clients that I have used this process with, I have seen no known side effects but only health and vitality advantages. As a result of the BOD’s effectiveness I was party to getting BOD strain into New Zealand and its development into one of the world’s best natural yogurts which has now been recognized and recommended by doctors and hospitals.

I am not interested in debating one bacteria against another. They all have their place. I am only interested in good science and to me, good science is that which works, regardless of people’s belief structures, dogma or vested interests. This is why I recommend strongly and passionately a saturation regime of the BOD strain for anybody with chronic Candida symptoms followed up by the Acidophilus, L. Plantarium, and L. Salivarius, in conjunction with enzymes and a total abstinence of grain and refined sugar in the diet. By saturation I would suggest taking 20 capsules a day for 3 days, followed by 5 capsules a day for 3 weeks, and then repeat the  immersion of 20 per day for 3 days, and then continue with 2 per day to maintain Candida control.

After saturation with the BOD, I always carry the BOD on for another 3-6 months in conjunction with the other bacterias and enzymes but my advice is to put them into the body 12 hours opposed (i.e. BOD in the morning, the rest in the evening, or vice versa). That gives the BOD time to establish in isolation, which it prefers.
But please remember the BOD strain of Bifidus is a natural bacteria that used to be in every bit of soil on this planet, in every fruit, in every vegetable, and every animal God ever made. Low-level atmospheric nuclear radiation killed it and even now if we have an X-ray or Cat scan we will literally wipe it out of the body and have to start the  process over again. It does not stay in the body even in the perfect environment. We used to get it with every mouthful but now we can only get it from the capsule. It is different, it is unique, I recognized its uniqueness when I first did the research and nothing that I have ever come across or observed in my clinic has changed that, on the contrary it has reinforced my passion for this great natural bacteria. However, due to its effectiveness, there is a lot of professional jealously and back stabbing, because it is a registered bacteria and nobody is allowed to produce it except Boyd O’Donnell.

Saturation level is a minimum of 20 a day preferably spread throughout the day for three days (2 every waking hour, or 10 in the morning, 10 in the evening), and then 5 a day for remainder of the month. If Candida symptoms still persist, repeat saturation, go another month on normal levels and if required, repeat saturation for a third time (only required for extremely difficult, persistent chronic cases). Three months after effective saturation, usage can drop to 1 capsule per day for the rest of your life. However, one antibiotic shot, X-ray, etc. and saturation will have to be reapplied.

By Denie Hiestand

What Latero-Flora™ Can Do

January 28th, 2010

Latero-Flora™ can help maintain a healthy colon and will help populate the intestines with beneficial bacteria. Latero-Flora™ has shown significant effectiveness in easing gastrointestinal symptoms and food sensitivities while enhancing the patient’s digestive capacities.

The Discovery Of Latero-Flora™

An agriculturalist visiting a remote part of Iceland discovered rich tasting vegetables produced without chemicals. Returning to the U.S., the agriculturalist conducted a series of studies which revealed the secret of the soil’s growing power.

The patented formula is a unique strain of Bacillus laterosporus (B.O.D.™ strain), a naturally occurring bacteria.

Latero-Flora™ (B.O.D.™ strain) is available only through health professionals. This product can help maintain a healthy colon and will help populate the intestines with beneficial bacteria. The result is that, since early 1989 when this product was introduced commercially, a continuously growing number of individuals, doctors, clinics, and healthcare professionals have praised this product and recommended it to their friends and patients.

The Secret World Within You: How It Dramatically Influences Your Health

Just as Earth holds an abundance of life forms (sometimes existing harmoniously, other times struggling fitfully against each other) so too does the human body hold a vast internal ecosystem consisting of thousands of billions of living microorganisms that co-exist.

This vast internal ecosystem, referred to by many researchers as “human intestinal flora,” dramatically influences and to a certain degree even directs, every individual’s personal state of health and well-being, including their physical and mental health and metabolism.

Over 400 distinct species of microorganisms inhabit the various regions of the human digestive tract, making up nearly four pounds of every individual’s total body weight. This vast population of microorganisms far exceeds the number of tissue cells that make up the human body.

When functioning properly, this vast unseen world:

  • Helps guard your body against unfriendly bacteria.
  • Helps in the function of the digestive system.
  • Maintains your body’s vital chemical and hormone balance.
  • Performs a vast number of needed tasks for maintaining high energy levels, proper immune function.

Transient Microorganisms

Transient microorganisms are extremely important to understand. These include food-borne microorganisms and soil-borne microorganisms that make their way into the human digestive tract and, depending upon the characteristics of the specific organism involved, influence the overall health of the human system.

Transient microorganisms are different from resident microorganisms in that they do not take up permanent residence in the gastrointestinal tract. Instead, they establish small colonies for brief periods of time before dying off or being flushed from the intestinal system (via normal digestive processes) or by peristaltic bowel action. However, in taking up temporary residence, they contribute to the overall function and condition of the digestive system.

For example, the lives of some of the most important resident microorganisms involved in human digestion and intestinal health depend on byproducts produced by the visiting transients. Therefore, in many cases, these two very different types of microorganisms nonetheless enjoy a complex symbiotic relationship that may dramatically influence the health and wellbeing of your entire body.

Bacillus laterosporus (B.O.D.™ strain)

This is one of the most enigmatic of the transient “friendly” microorganisms found in the human gastrointestinal tract. Bacillus laterosporus (B.O.D.™ strain) is a spore bearing bacteria. This enables the encased spore to survive the stomach acids. Thus, the full benefit of Bacillus laterosporus B.O.D.™ will bloom and flourish in the colon and establish colonies that will enhance your immune system.

“A scientist describes Bacillus Laterosporus BOD as a live organism which punctures the cell membrane of bacteria and fungi, consuming them phagocytically (eating and digesting).”

Gregory O.M.D. in “A Holistic Protocol for The Immune System”

“Latero-Flora™ has shown significant effectiveness in improving and, in many cases, eliminating gastrointestinal symptoms and food sensitivities while enhancing the patient’s digestive capacities….I am convinced that Latero-Flora™ will play a very important role in fighting the scourge of this century – the suppression of our immune system.”

Dr. Luc De Schepper’s report in the Townsend Letter for Doctors

Latero-Flora™ can help maintain a healthy colon and will help populate the intestines with beneficial bacteria, thus enhancing the immune system, and in general help in the digestion and absorption of nutrients.

Since early 1989, when this product was introduced commercially, a continuously growing number of individuals, doctors, clinics, and health care professionals have praised this product and recommended it to their friends and patients.

Learn More About the Benefits of Bacillus Laterosporus

Recommendations for Fighting Yeast

  1. Do not ingest any form of refined sugar or fermented foods including yogurt and cheese. You may have the following fruits: granny smith apple and berries of all kinds. Eat 1 clove of garlic every day.
  2. Supplement with Probiotics as recommended.
  3. Take a plant enzyme formula with each meal. Enzymes help to chew the food up and thus leave less for the yeast to thrive on.
  4. Practice food combining for your diet. Food combining is designed to help your food move quickly through your system without any chance of fermentation which, in turn, will greatly improve your digestion process.
  5. Take some kind of colon cleanser before bedtime to facilitate the removal of the dead yeast from your body. This can protect you from experiencing a healing crisis from the toxins given off from the yeast. Plus, as an added benefit, it will keep the colon clean and provide an oxygenated environment. Yeast thrives in an anaerobic environment.

Remember that it can take months to get yeast under control. Continue on your diet and take only high quality supplements.

Ingredients

Serving Size

2 capsules

Bacillus laterosporus (B.O.D.™ strain)

70 mcg.

Total carbohydrate

< 1g

Vegetarian Capsules

Contains no yeast, corn, starch, fructose, lactose, preservatives, artificial coloring or flavoring.

Other Ingredients

Rice flour, vegetable capsule.

Usage

Adults-every morning, 20 minutes before eating, take 2 capsules with water. After one to two months, reduce usage by half. Children-take 1 capsule as described above. Capsules may be opened and contents dissolved in water. Store at room temperature or refrigerate. Shelf life for capsules is two years.

Refrigeration

Latero-Flora™ has bacillus bacteria which is a spore bearing. This means it is encapsulated so that the Latero-Flora™ will make it through the stomach acid into the gut. There it sets up colonies in the gut. Every 32 minutes the spores colonize. Bacteria like Acidophilus and other forms of Probiotic are live so they do require refrigeration. Think of yogurt which has acidophilus it is always cold. For this reason Latero-Flora™ does not need to be refrigerated. Call 505-473-0057 for more information.

Darkfield Microscopy..Your Inner Terrain

January 28th, 2010
Live Blood Analysis

Darkfield Microscopy or Live Blood Analysis is a way of studying live whole blood cells under a specially adapted microscope that projects the dynamic image onto a video screen. This allows you to view your inner terrain. Digestive, eliminative and immune functions can be assessed as well as the presence of bacteria and other micro-organisms.

The darkfield microscopic examination of the freshly taken live blood is one of the most important examinations of biological medicine applied at St Francis Chiropractic Center.  It enables us to view the inner terrain (milieu) and to examine the functions of the red blood cells. It also shows the evolutionary stages of the smallest proteins (endobionts) which are found in every human body. We are also able to see any developed structures such as bacteria, virus and fungus. The darkfield examination shows the state of the blood cells, endobionts and the plasma in a functional and structural way, making bacterial processes and fungal pre-stages in the blood clearly visible.

The darkfield examination is very suitable for the evaluation of clients with chronic diseases; for children who are prone to infections; for recurrent bacterial problems; for candida and other fungal problems and also to answer questions concerning chronic problems of toxicity (such as amalgam disturbances).

The darkfield microscope is a vital instrument for the supervision of biological therapies. For example, therapy tests can be made by adding blood directly to the medication and by controlling its reaction. The examination is very motivating for the client because the results can be discussed and demonstrated live on the screen. It cannot be replaced by any other blood examination, neither by normal microscope examination, nor by blood tests sent to laboratories. The blood rapidly changes its function with changes of the inner terrain after taking a sample.

How Is It Done?

Using a very fine needle, a drop of blood is taken from the finger and directly placed on a glass slide. Without fixation or coloring, the blood is examined right after taking it through a special darkfield microscope with up to 1000x enlargement. The patient can follow the process via video transmission on a large screen. The examination lasts approximately 15 minutes. The blood can be examined again several hours after taking the sample. This procedure informs us about the speed of degeneration of the cells (shows cell resilience, the immune system and the degenerative tendency).

We recommend repeating this examination every 3 months during an isopathic and immune biological therapy.

This examination was developed and described by Prof. Dr. G. Enderlein. With this method he proved that co-relations exist between blood parasites, symbionts, bacteria and fungi. The main proven fact is that chronic diseases are created by increasing sickness tendencies of the endobionts and that bacteria, viruses and fungi develop in the human body, or are changed to pathogenic agents of diseases depending upon the inner terrain (determined by acid-base balance, protein content and level of trace elements).

The practitioner can show patients what blood looks like in a state of optimal health and let them compare this imagery with that of their own blood in real time on the video monitor.  Even in individuals who feel well, there is often evidence of a problem in the internal milieu that may produce disease symptoms if the health of the blood does not improve.  And because the sight of the problem is so vivid, it often inspires patients to undertake the lifestyle changes or the treatment necessary to forestall disease.

With the help of the darkfield microscope, practitioners can detect evidence
of vitamin and mineral deficiencies (including the need for antioxidants to
repair free-radical damage); toxicity (including dental amalgam poisoning);
poor circulation and oxygenation; abnormal blood-clotting; abnormal liver
function; arteriosclerosis; allergic reactions; abnormal immune system
function; abnormalities related to hormonal imbalances; pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria, parasites, fungi, yeast); and digestive enzyme and hydrochloric acid deficiencies.

The existence of pre-stages which are not yet able to make one ill but that can foreshadow an illness is an important preventative examination.

Can Probiotics Help the Digestive System?

January 28th, 2010

What Are Probiotics?

Repeatedly demonstrated to aid gastrointestinal health in the human body, acidophilus and other probiotics are key elements of our overall health and well being. This is particularly true when we consider that many of our common-day chronic ailments begin in the digestive system. It is also true when we consider the sheer number of people that suffer from poor gastrointestinal health, a condition which lowers the overall level of good bacteria in the body.

Before we go into the multi-fold benefits of taking probiotics, let’s define what probiotics are. The Joint FAO/WHO Working Group defines probiotics as “live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host.”

In plain English, probiotics are a type of living bacteria that actually benefit your health when taken in the appropriate amounts. This friendly bacteria, located in the gastrointestinal tract, comes in a variety of forms. With more than 400 different bacteria living in the human gastrointestinal tract, the most common forms of intestinal probiotics are L. acidophilus and Bifidobacteria bifidum.

These bacteria act as balancing agents for non-friendly, pathogenic, gut-bacteria such as Candida or E. coli. When the “good-guys” are not present enough, a number of bacteria-related health problems such as digestive upset, headaches, sluggishness, irritability, cadidiasis (an overgrowth of the bacteria Candida albicans), and even anxiety can ensue.

Lactobacillus acidophilus is, quite possibly, the strongest of our probiotic fighters. Studies show that L. acidophilus actually creates a natural form of antibiotics in the body. This natural antibiotic increases our ability to produce antimicrobial action against the pathogens in the food we eat, the air we breath, and the things we come in contact with. Stress, unhealthy lifestyles, and most importantly, unhealthy acidic diets, destroy our natural amounts of probiotics. In this sense, it is a great idea to add a probiotic supplement to your diet.

The Health Benefits of Probiotics

The following health benefits are associated with the intake of daily doses of probiotics.

Enhanced immune system response

Reduces negative affects of taking many types of antibiotics

Aids in preventing and treating colon inflammation following surgery

Helps to prevent eczema in youth

Increased ability to digest food

Therapeutic for viral respiratory tract infections by enhancing the overall immune system

Reduces lactose intolerance

Reduces incidence of yeast infection, vaginitis and candidiasis

Increases ability to assimilate the nutrients from food

Alleviates many common digestive disorders such as constipation, diarrhea and IBS

Acts as a treatment for halitosis (bad breath)

Increases ability to synthesize vitamin B

Increases ability to absorb calcium

Promotes anti-tumor and anti-cancer activity in the body

Who Should Take Probiotics?

There is no question that candiasis sufferers require supplemental use of probiotics to replenish beneficial GI bacteria and rebuild the immune system. Even if you don’t have candidiasis, environmental and food toxins, coupled with the high-stress lifestyle of most North Americans, are good indicators of the widespread need for probiotics.

This is especially true if you are consistently taking antibiotics, or if you have ever been on a course of particularly strong antibiotics, have frequent colds, or exhibit any symptoms of candida related problems. The reason for this is that antibiotics kill bacteria both good and bad. Despite their value, antibiotics have been overused to the point that there are at least two bacteria that have developed complete resistance to antibiotics. Needless to say, these bacteria present a serious problem to our health.

Studies on Probiotics

Studies show that probiotics improve the bio-availability of many important nutrients in the body such as zinc, iron, phosphorus, all of the B vitamins, calcium, copper, and magnesium.

A study on the probiotic strain B. infantis showed powerful abilites to normalize bowel function in patients suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

Clinical trials from the Mayo Clinic on probiotics showed improvements in patients suffering from bloating.

Probiotics have been shown to significantly lower the rate of diarrhea and diaper rash in babies’ consuming infant probiotics.

Active bacteria cultures, such as acidophilus, have been shown to aid in reducing intolerance to lactose found in dairy products.

Several studies on probiotics have indicated that through the process of regulating intestinal transit time of fecal matter, probiotics can dramatically reduce constipation in the elderly.

Other reports indicate that some forms of probiotics, can aid in promoting the growth of healthy bacteria in the colon, significantly lowering the conversion of bile in the colon into carcinogens.

Some studies demonstrate that probiotics enhance overall immunity through a process of regulating lymphocytes and antibodies in the body.

Where Can I Buy High-Quality Probiotics?

Currently, I recommend and use 2 forms of probiotics. LateroFlora which is the B.O.D. Bacillus Laterosporus strain and Dr. Mercolas Bacillus Coagulans strain. I have tested many products and these seem to work the best, especially for taming candida and balancing the bowel bacteria.

Be sure to avoid probiotic supplements that have sugar or glucose in the ingredient list. Both sugar and glucose actually slow the growth of healthy lactobacilli. We can also get moderate levels of probiotics from a healthy diet rich in cultured organic products like yogurt, goat’s cheese, kefir and buttermilk.

Many common leafy greens are also excellent sources of probiotics. The best greens for increasing probiotics include chlorella, wheat grass, and spirulina. The advantage of getting these disease-fighting bacteria from green sources is that these foods are also extremely high in immune system-stimulating vitamins, minerals and nutrients. They also aid in detoxing the body

Only Left-Oriented Amino Acids are Useful to Metabolism

January 28th, 2010

What are left-oriented molecules?

The Art of Maintaining a Healthy Life

Dr. Oscar Vargas-Machuca E., MD

We are going to consider the basic idea that is the basis for the biological action of the compounds Alen and Eveliza, which are important discoveries for medical science. The use of these substances optimizes the cells function and that translates to better health and better life expectancies. The investigation comes from one of the characteristics that our body possesses: only molecular compounds such as amino acids that are in a polarized plane facing left (chirality) are recognized by our enzymes and those that are right-oriented are not and are of no use to our metabolism. This knowledge about asymmetric molecules started in France during the middle of the 19th century when the French chemist Jean Baptiste Biot discovered that quartz crystals had the ability to divert light into a polarized plane. He considered these types of substances to be “optimally active”. Moreover, Biot also verified that solutions made up of these crystals, of the organic type, among them being sugar and tartaric acid, are the compounds derived from living beings. These organic compounds had a surprising nature because they did not present a reticulum, which he considered to be the basis to explain such a strange phenomena. This made him wonder if the deflection had its origin in the structure of the molecules themselves, but in that time the methods to verify such a theory did not exist.

However, one young chemist, a friend of Biot, by the name of Luis Pasteur was given the task of finding an explanation for such a strange phenomenon. Pasteur knew that tartaric acid came from grapes and other fruits, and when subjected to experimentation, it didn’t turn the plane of polarization. For this he called it “racemic”. This was a curious situation and the question left no hope. How could two equal substances behave with the light in such a strange manner? Using that, Pasteur suspected that there should have been two classes of crystals that form tartaric acid, and they were! He immediately made use of a microscope, separated the crystals using tweezers, placing one crystal in one orientation and another in the opposite. Once that small task was complete he could now make two different solutions and observe them in the polarity meter. Just like that he discovered that one solution deflected the polarization plane to the left and the other to the right. It is easy to comprehend the emotion of the research in those moments and his words were, “I have just completed a great discovery…..I am so happy that I am trembling up and down and I am incapable of looking into the polarity meter once more”. Pasteur’s discovery demonstrated Biot’s assumption about asymmetry of certain organic compounds. Pasteur considered, with intense comptemplation, the discovery he just completed and the implications it represented. He came to a point where he surmised that organic substances that are used by living beings are optically active, not like the inanimate molecules of the world which were always inactive.

Pasteur had the plain conviction of thinking that living beings are the only ones capable of producing asymmetric molecules and because of this it constituted a unique heritage amongst living beings.

In the year 1860 other scientists such as the French man Joseph Achille Le Bel and the young Dutch man Jacobus Henricus van’t Hoff proposed that the carbon atom was shaped in the form of a tetrahedron, and that, the combinations with other atoms in the extremes of the valences they formed some chemical links with other four atoms in each of the vertices of the tetrahedron. But if they were placed in at least two equal sides of the four, the structure would be asymmetric and not able to be superimposed in the mirror.

The theory of spatial disposition has been of enormous importance to biochemistry and today we know that organic molecules possess a structure with basic symmetry that they call “chirality”, a term created by Lord Kelvin.

Pasteur had the idea that symmetry of those two organic compounds was the key to explain the secret of life: “Life, as much as it manifests itself to us,” he wrote, “is a function of the symmetry of the Universe and the consequence of this….I could imagine that all living species are primordially, in their structure and external forms, functions of cosmic symmetry.”

In general, living beings and us in particular, have a certain symmetry whose “magic” is an imprinted seal of cellular chemistry. A world, in which complex transformations, with opposing thermochemical gradients take place creating infinite possibilities of isolated chemical combinations, carried on different metabolic pathways. This constitutes the basic balance between construction and destruction of the various chemical compounds that give rise to the “miracle of life.”

Why do the different atomic combinations exist, is it necessary that the enzymatic molecules recognize with absolute precision the spatial structure of each biochemical compound and chirality is of high value for this assignment? On the contrary, the chemistry of life would be a disaster if so and this would not be able to exist. Here we have a problem of transcendental importance for our life and health: We need intimate contact with nature in order to live because nature holds the prime materials we need to reconstruct our tissues and organs as well as energy to put the biochemical “machinery” of a living being into motion. But this presents a great question, “What molecules do we need to ingest?”

I am sure that no one, not even a single person since the dawn of humanity has had to ask such a simple absurdity; to eat is to EAT, nothing more. But this rational idea is far from the truth since, in order for our body to function; we need proteins that possess a left-oriented chirality and carbohydrates with a right-oriented chirality. If it were the reverse the usefulness of nutrients we ingested would be null and we would die of hunger.

When we are in a restaurant and we ask for filet mignon or a steak we never would ask the waiter what proportion of left-oriented molecules are in the meat, probably because he wouldn’t know how to respond. However the topic is of life and death it is of such importance in view that it pertains to our intake of food and nutrients.

I think that the deterioration of health that we see in people, especially in countries of the first world, is owed to the use of technology in the preparation of foods, making them more flavorful and attractive but less nutritious.

I formulated this question 45 years ago and the give and take of such an idea went into the possible formation of a food compound whose protein molecules were deflected to the left polarized plane. This gave rise to Alen and Eveliza.

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January 28th, 2010

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