the alkaline (cationic) and acid (anionic) processes in the body. Alkalization
is the key to tissue regeneration, so understanding these processes is
essential for you in the achievement of vibrant health.
Oxidation and ionization are just two of the ways that encourage the
breaking down and the building up, or changing, of matter from one form
into another. Your bones are a great example of this as they are always being
broken down and rebuilt to some degree. “Breakdown” and “buildup” keep
life ever renewing itself, allowing for creation to eternally expand.
Oxidation is the process whereby elements combine with oxygen. In this
combining, electrons get kicked out of the orbit of an atom’s nucleus, and
this increases the positive or proton valence. Oxidation can be either
beneficial to the body, assisting alkalization, or it can create free radicals,
causing destruction to cells. This is most evident in acidosis where
inflammation is present. A Superoxide radical is formed when oxygen
compounds have not been completely broken down or utilized properly
because of the inflammatory (acidosis) condition. This causes further cellular
damage or destruction.
These oxygen compounds are less likely to be broken down properly
when we are low on antioxidants or our immune system is underactive
(hypoactive). When this breakdown and utilization of oxygen compounds is
poorly functioning, free radicals are created, and without proper ionization or
neutralization these free radicals join in creating more tissue damage. This is
why there is so much current interest in antioxidants—like vitamin E, vitamin
C, beta-carotene, pycnogenol, COQ10—and why they are such a hot
commodity in the health market today. Antioxidants are attracted to free
radicals —bond with them and neutralize their damaging effects.
Oxidation leads to ionization, or the transmutation of elements or
compounds into simple ions. Water is one of the greatest catalysts for
oxidation. You see this in action when water combines with metals to create
rust. In our blood serum this oxidation creates electrolytes, which are
conductors of energy.
Ionization creates both positive and negative ions. Ions are your catalysts,
like enzymes, which create action and reaction, or building and destroying.
Positive ions are sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium, which are
called cations. Negative ions include chloride, sulfates, phosphates and
carbonates, and are called anions. It can become confusing, understanding
how calcium, as we discussed earlier, can be alkaline at first, then charged or