Non Pharmaceutical Health Care and Unique Water [web.archive.org] [web.archive.org]
Non Pharmaceutical Health Care is an academic research group based in Australia. Non Pharmaceutical Health Care embraces an approach to health care that emphasises the importance of the maintenance of health in the prevention of disease and in the prolongation of a healthy life. Central to this approach is the recognition that the maintenance of health requires the maintenance of optimal thermodynamic conditions in the body so that body cells maintain their life processes.

It is our hypothesis that there is overwhelming scientific, medical and empirical evidence that it is possible to slow the ageing process, to assist the prevention of the onset of degenerative diseases, and to extend your lifespan if you avoid the damaging effects of excess acid and carbon dioxide in your body.

April 11, 2000. U.S. Patent 6,048,553 Russell Beckett [patft.uspto.gov]
Aqueous metal bicarbonate solution useful in treating inflammatory, degenerative and viral diseases

Dec. 11, 2001. U.S. Patent 6,328,997 Russell Beckett [patft.uspto.gov]
Aqueous Metal Bicarbonate Solution and Method of Use

April 8, 2002 The Star
Water that Adds Years to Cattle Life and Cures Ailments [www.rexresearch.com]
A Sydney soft drinks producer has been inundated with demand for his latest product, a mineral-rich water which doubles the life of cattle and is claimed to cure ailments like arthritis and osteoporosis. Developed by former vet Russell Beckett, who has a doctorate in biochemical pathology, "Unique Water" has just gone on sale after testing by 100 Australians.

Sydney Morning Herald articles on Unique Water
April 8, '02 The Original Story: Paul Sheehan on the effect of the water [www.smh.com.au]
Struck down by an incurable disease, journalist Paul Sheehan could get no relief from his chronic pain until he started drinking a local "wonder water". He's not the only one who swears by it - 100 other Australians (and their pets) are also swigging the stuff. So, is it the latest in snake oil, a miracle cure, or just a thirst-quenching placebo? Read on.

April 9, '02 Day one and It sells out [www.smh.com.au]
The spring of eternal youth and the source of miracles and magic stopped flowing yesterday after sating the seemingly endless thirst of hundreds of pilgrims. Berts Soft Drinks at Taren Point, in southern Sydney, sold more than 25,000 bottles, its entire stock, of "unique water" to queues of people converted by a report, in the Good Weekend, that just two bottles a day can make people live longer and heal various ills and tempers.

April 9, '02 Peter Bowers on the clues that led to the water [www.smh.com.au]
The wizardry of nature as applied to human longevity has stolen half the life of Dr Russell Beckett... He prefers that his name stand alone, uncluttered by academic glitter that marks the impressive span of his qualifications: Bachelor of Veterinary Science with Honours, Master of Science, a PhD in Pathology, representing in all, 15 years’ grind at Sydney University.

April 10, '02 Bottling plant swamped by orders [www.smh.com.au]
Sydney's new "wonder water" not only helps the sick it seems, it creates jobs. The sole bottler of Dr Russell Beckett's patented "Unique Water" - Bert's Soft Drinks at Taren Point - has sold out two days straight since launching the mineral-rich drink on Monday. Today, for the first time, the small plant in south Sydney said they would be able to meet demand after putting on staff to run a 5am shift. They've been selling the water at their maximum capacity - 40,000 litres a day - since its launch.

April 15, '02 Lead them to water and they'll drink [www.smh.com.au]
When Denis Shelley got to work last Monday morning, about 60 people were already lined up at his family-owned Bert's Soft Drinks factory in Taren Point. It was 7.15 am. They wanted to buy cases of the Unique Water profiled in the previous Saturday's Good Weekend. As people were served cases of water, others turned up. By mid afternoon, several hundred more people had come and gone and they had run out of water. Inside, the three phones were in meltdown.

That night, 'A Current Affair' and 'Today Tonight' both led with the "magic water" story, and 'Today' did it all again the next morning. That opened the floodgates. More than a thousand people turned up on Tuesday. Both Nine and Seven went big on the water story again on Tuesday night. On Wednesday, the lines were even longer and they counted 1,400 sales. They limited the water to three cases per person, but still ran out. The phones continued to be in meltdown.

Magnesium 125 mg/l
Bicarbonate 650 mg/l
pH 8.3 to 8.6
[www.uniquewater.com.au]

================

Sometime in 2002 a person in Australia - a dentist named Rod in Tasmania if I recall correctly - told the forum about recently marketed Unique Water and listed the ingredients from the label. Having earlier been rescued from AF, principally by magnesium, I became curious, found and studied Dr. Becket's patents and other information, and wondered how aqueous magnesium-bicarbonate might be made. Using the web I 'chanced' upon a Stanford.edu paper showing how to inexpensively make alkaline magnesium bicarbonate water for archival paper preservation using MoM and carbonated water. Called The Club Soda Formula, It then seemed possible to make the equivalent of Unique Water on the kitchen counter: [cool.conservation-us.org]

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Making magnesium-bicarbonate drinking water called WW using magnesium hydroxide in Milk of Magnesia and carbon dioxide in carbonated water
The chemical conversion in water is: Mg(OH)2 + (CO2)2 --> Mg++ and (HCO3-)2

Step 1. Chill to refrigerator temperature a 1 (or 2) liter bottle of carbonated water consisting of water and carbon dioxide (CO2) sometimes called Seltzer.

Step 2. Shake well a bottle of plain Milk of Magnesia (MoM), then measure out 3 tbsp* (6 tbsp for 2 liters). The plastic measuring cup that comes with the MoM is accurate and ideal for the purpose. Use only plain MoM without flavorings, sweeteners, mineral oil, or other additives. The "active ingredient" should be only magnesium hydroxide, 400 mg per teaspoon (5 ml), and the "inactive ingredient" should be only water (check the label). (3 tablespoons (45 ml) of MoM has 1,500 mg of Mg from 3,600 mg Mg hydroxide*)

*Alternatively use 3,600 mg Mg hydroxide powder (pharmaceutical grade) a bit less than 1 tsp (1 tsp = ~4,100 mg).

Step 3. Making concentrated magnesium bicarbonate water: Remove the cap of the chilled bottle of carbonated water slowly to minimize loss of CO2. Pour out a few inches into a glass and save it. Pour in the pre-measured MoM and replace as much as possible of the saved carbonated water. Replace the cap tightly. and shake the bottle vigorously making the liquid cloudy. After 1/2 hour or so the liquid will have cleared, and un-dissolved Mg hydroxide will have settled to the bottom. Again shake the bottle vigorously making the liquid cloudy again. After several hours (up to 24?) all of the Mg hydroxide in the MoM will have reacted with the CO2 to become dissolved ionized magnesium (Mg++) and bicarbonate (HCO3-). If a small amount of un-dissolved Mg hydroxide remains as a sediment ignore it. One liter of this concentrated magnesium bicarbonate water will have ~1,500 mg of magnesium and ~9,000 mg of bicarbonate. Diluting this concentrate 11 to 1 makes it essentially identical to Unique Water..

Step 4. Making WW essentially identical to Unique Water: Dilute the concentrate 11 to 1 with plain water.
-- Example: 1 oz. concentrate + 11 oz. water = 12 oz. WW, which is a bit more than 1/3 liter or 1/3 quart.
-- Example: 3 oz. concentrate + 33 oz. water = 36 oz. WW, which is a bit more than 1 liter (34 oz) or 1 quart (32 oz.).
-- Example: 11 oz. concentrate + 121 oz. water = 132 oz. WW, which is close to 4 liters (135 oz) or 1 gallon (128 oz).

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WW analysis:
Magnesium 125 mg/L (calculated)
Bicarbonate 751 mg/L (Evergreen Analytical Labs, Wheatridge, Colorado, Dec 5, '02)
pH 8.63 (Evergreen Analytical Labs, Dec 5, '02)

WW cost per liter / quart: about 7 cents.

===================

Ideal consumption: 1 1/2 to 2 liters (quarts) per day providing 125 mg magnesium and 751 mg bicarbonate.per liter
See: How best to consume Unique Water? [web.archive.org]
"If you are not in the habit of drinking water, you should commence by consuming small amounts of water daily until your body adapts. Take at least a month to reach the water consumption of 1 1/2 to 2 litres per day recommended by health experts. Unique Water is best consumed at regular intervals throughout the day."

General information and recommended reading

-- The term ‘magnesium bicarbonate’ is used universally to describe the mixture of magnesium cations and bicarbonate anions in certain spring waters and mineral waters.

-- WW is an inexpensive, easily made magnesium bicarbonate water equivalent to Australia's Unique Water.

-- WW is equivalent to the naturally occurring Adobe Springs water in California: [www.mgwater.com]
(Noah’s Caifornia Spring Water is bottled Adobe Springs water) [www.noahs7up.com]
Magnesium 110 mg/l
Bicarbonate 529 mg/l
pH 8.7

-- WW's flavor is typical of naturally occurring magnesium-bicarbonate spring waters, such as from Adobe Springs.

-- This slightly alkaline magnesium-bicarbonate water should be consumed throughout the day.

-- A person not used to drinking much water should begin by consuming small daily amounts of WW, gradually increasing to the ideal consumption of 1 1/2 to 2 liters / quarts per day. See recommendations for ‘Unique Water’ at [web.archive.org]

-- Magnesium dissolved in water (ionized), as in WW, is considerably more ‘bio-assimilable’ than the magnesium in most solid tablets or capsules.

-- Recommended reading: Information and recommendations pertaining to "Unique Water" are the same for WW. The consumer of WW is encouraged to read the literature at "Non Pharmaceutical Health Care and Unique Water" [web.archive.org]

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Finally, a formal medical trial of Unique Water:

June 11, 2009 [www.waterclinicaltrials.info]
A Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study of the Effects of Alkaline Magnesium Bicarbonate Solutions on Acid/Base Balance, Bone Metabolism and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Postmenopausal Women
R.O. Day1, W.Liauw2, L.M.R Tozer3§, P McElduff3, R.J. Beckett4, K.M.Williams1
1 St Vincent’s Clinical Trials Centre, Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology and University of NSW, Sydney,
2 Cancer Care Centre, St George Hospital, Gray St Kogarah NSW
3 Datapharm Australia Pty Ltd, Drummoyne NSW
4 Unique Global Possibilities Medical Pty Ltd, Sydney

September 14, 2011 Unique Water clinical trial video [www.youtube.com]

====================

March 15, 2012. U.S. Patent application 20120064179 Russell Beckett [www.freepatentsonline.com]
Bicarbonate Solution for Bioavailable Magnesium and Uses Thereof
The invention relates to a method of prevention or treatment of a condition such as magnesium deficiency or deficit or abnormality, creatine or creatine phosphate (phosphocreatine) deficiency or abnormality, parathyroid hormone (PTH) excess or abnormality, sodium deficiency or abnormality, potassium deficiency or abnormality, antidiuretic hormone excess or abnormality or a condition characterised by abnormal levels of parathyroid hormone related protein (PTHrP). In the method, a therapeutic quantity of a neutral to mildly alkaline solution of a magnesium salt comprising bicarbonate ions is administered to the patient.



Edited 14 time(s). Last edit at 07/20/2012 06:11PM by Erling.

Dr. Beckett's patents are exceedingly repetitious and tedious to study. Excerpted here are notable experiments reported in patent 6,328,997:
==========

The advantages of the aqueous neutral to mildly alkaline metal bicarbonate solution of the invention are that the magnesium cations function as bicarbonate transporters into body cells. Magnesium bicarbonate enters body cells and the bicarbonate anions function to displace from equilibrium the dissociation reaction of intracellular carbonic acid. Magnesium bicarbonate enters body cells and the bicarbonate anions function as an intracellular proton sink (or proton scavenger). Magnesium bicarbonate enters body cells and the bicarbonate anions function to displace from equilibrium the hydration reaction of carbon dioxide which is catalysed by the enzyme carbonic anhydrase.

EXAMPLE 1
An Experiment to Decrease Intracellular Proton Concentrations and to Increase Intracellular Bicarbonate Concentrations in Mammalian Cells in Vitro

Aqueous bicarbonate anions act as proton sinks in the presence of excess proton concentrations in solution.
In the presence of sufficient concentrations of bicarbonate anions, the reaction is essentially complete and proton concentrations decrease. The pH value of the solution increases. When plasma bicarbonate anions are present outside mammalian body cells in sufficient concentrations, they are translocated into the cytoplasm of the cells across the cell plasma membranes. Indeed, bicarbonate anions equilibrate rapidly across mammalian cell membranes. Bicarbonate translocation into cells takes place via several processes. These processes include a chloride-bicarbonate anion exchange and a sodium dependent chloride-bicarbonate anion exchange and potassium co-transport and magnesium co-transport.

An experiment was conducted to decrease intracellular proton concentrations and to increase intracellular bicarbonate concentrations in mammalian body cells in vitro. Throughout the experiment, extracellular pH determinations were made using a pH electrode and intracellular pH determinations were made using a trapped fluorescein derivative. An increase in intracellular proton concentrations (intracellular acidification) was achieved by applying 10 mmol ammonium chloride (NH4 Cl) solution to a suspension of cells and then removing the NH4 Cl. An increase in intracellular bicarbonate concentrations was achieved by applying an aqueous metal bicarbonate solution to a suspension of cells. The aqueous metal bicarbonate solution contained approximately Mg++ 120 mg per litre, Na+ 135 mg per litre and HCO3- 950 mg per litre at pH 8.3. This aqueous metal bicarbonate solution was equivalent to 15 mmol bicarbonate approximately. Blood was collected in sodium heparin from a range of mammals and the leucocytes removed. The leucocytes were washed and re-suspended in isotonic saline. Intracellular pH determinations were made by loading leucocytes for 15 minutes with (10 micromol in saline) 2,7-bis(carboxyethyl)-5,6-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF). Cells were illuminated at 440 nm and 490 nm and fluorescence was measured at 530 nm.

The experiment utilising sheep leucocytes is given stepwise below:

Step 1. Increase in intracellular proton concentrations (cytoplasmic acidification)

A. Leucocytes suspended in normal saline after pretreatment with fluorescein.
Extracellular pH 7.2
Intracellular pH 7.1

B. 10 mmol ammonium chloride (NH4 Cl) solution pH 7.5 applied to suspension of leucocytes for 10 minutes.

C. Leucocytes washed and re-suspended in normal saline.
Extracellular pH 7.3
Intracellular pH 6.1

Result: Cells have increased intracellular proton concentrations. Cytoplasm is acidified.

Step 2. Decrease in intracellular proton concentrations

A. Acidified leucocytes (from Step 1.) divided into two groups; Control group and Treatment group.

B. Treatment group of leucocytes exposed to aqueous metal bicarbonate solution.

After 3 minutes:
Extracellular pH 7.5
Intracellular pH 7.0

C. Control group of leucocytes not exposed to aqueous metal bicarbonate solution.

After 5 minutes:
Extracellular pH 7.2
Intracellular pH 6.6

Result: Cells treated with aqueous metal bicarbonate solution rapidly decrease intracellular proton concentrations. Cytoplasm shows rapid recovery from acidification relative to non-treated cells.

Step 3. Increase in intracellular bicarbonate concentrations

A. Leucocytes suspended in normal saline after pretreatment with fluorescein.
Extracellular pH 7.2
Intracellular pH 7.1

B. Aqueous metal bicarbonate solution applied to suspension of leucocytes for 20 minutes.
Extracellular pH 7.9
Intracellular pH 7.4

Result: Cells treated with aqueous metal bicarbonate solution have increased intracellular bicarbonate concentrations which are manifested by an increase in pH value of cytoplasm.

The experiment was repeated with leucocytes from mice, rats, guinea pigs, cattle, horses, dogs, cats and humans. In all cases, acidified cells treated with aqueous metal bicarbonate solution had decreased intracellular proton concentrations. In all cases, cells treated with aqueous metal bicarbonate solution had increased intracellular bicarbonate concentrations which were manifested by increased pH values of cytoplasm.

The experiment was repeated with aqueous metal bicarbonate solutions that contained a range of concentrations of Mg++, Na+, HCO3- and K+ and Ca++ ions. Significant results were obtained for the following range of concentrations:

Range of concentrations to achieve significant results: Mg++ 20 to 120 mg/litre. Na+ 50 to 500 mg/litre. K+ 50 to 500 mg/litre. Ca++ 20 to 150 mg/litre. HCO3- 250 to 2,100 mg/litre (HCO3- 4 mmol to 35 mmol)

Significant results were obtained for pH range pH 7.5 to 9.5. (pH 9.5 was achieved by the addition of NaOH).

Aqueous metal bicarbonate solutions, containing a range of cation and bicarbonate anion concentrations, decrease intracellular proton concentrations and increase intracellular bicarbonate concentrations in mammalian cells in vitro.

EXAMPLE 2.
An Experiment to Demonstrate Bicarbonate Anion Translocation from Aqueous Metal Bicarbonate Solution into the Mammalian Body Against a Bicarbonate Anion Concentration Gradient

Mammalian plasma contains bicarbonate anions at a concentration about 25 mmol (HCO3- 1,500 mg per litre). When ingested, aqueous metal bicarbonate solution produces biochemical, physiological and medical effects at bicarbonate anion concentrations about 16 mmol (HCO3- 950 mg per litre). Aqueous metal bicarbonate solution, at bicarbonate anion concentration about 16 mmol, contains two-thirds the bicarbonate anion concentration of plasma, so bicarbonate anions must be translocated into the mammalian body against a bicarbonate anion concentration gradient.

Mammalian plasma contains cations at concentrations around Mg++ 24 mg per litre, Na+ 3,300 mg per litre+, K+ 175 mg per litre and Ca++ 100 mg per litre. Aqueous metal bicarbonate solution commonly contains cations at concentrations around Mg++ 120 mg per litre, Na+ 135 mg per litre, K+ 100 mg per litre and Ca++ 20 mg per litre. Aqueous metal bicarbonate solution commonly contains 5 times the magnesium cation concentration of plasma. Other cations are present commonly in aqueous metal bicarbonate solution in concentrations lower than plasma.

The concentrations of cations and anions in plasma can be compared with concentrations of cations and anions in aqueous metal bicarbonate solution by examination of the following table:

Concentrations of cations and anions in Aqueous metal Ion Plasma bicarbonate solution: Cl- 3,600 mg/litre to 0 mg/litre, Na+ 3,300 mg/litre to 135 mg/litre, HCO3- 1,500 mg/litre to 950 mg/litre, K+ 175 mg/litre to 100 mg/litre, Ca++ 100 mg/litre to 20 mg/litre, Mg++ 24 mg/litre to 120 mg/litre

It is suggested that sodium cations and chloride anions leave plasma along their respective concentration gradients and magnesium and bicarbonate ions enter plasma along a magnesium cation concentration gradient. Magnesium functions as a bicarbonate transporter. In addition, it is suggested that bicarbonate anions enter plasma by chloride-bicarbonate exchange processes along a chloride anion concentration gradient (chloride `out`, bicarbonate `in`).

In mammals, any large increases in plasma bicarbonate concentrations can be decreased normally by a number of biochemical and physiological homeostatic control processes. These processes occur in time frames that range from minutes to hours and longer. One of the main control processes that occurs as a result of increased plasma bicarbonate concentration is an alteration in bicarbonate chemistry in the kidneys. This is manifested by a decrease in proton concentration in urine and by a pH value of urine that is less acidic. In the presence of increased plasma bicarbonate, kidney tubule cells decrease their excretion of protons. Kidney control of bicarbonate concentration is not instantaneous and occurs within a time frame of several hours to several days. Unless a mammal has physiological or clinical acidosis, it is difficult to detect small increases in plasma bicarbonate concentration. Any increases in plasma bicarbonate concentration are taken up by body cells. Indeed, plasma bicarbonate equilibrates with intracellular bicarbonate rapidly. In a normal mammal, a measurable increase in plasma bicarbonate concentration occurs only during an artificially induced alkalosis and is detectable either when the consumption of bicarbonate anions (as NaHCO3) greatly exceeds the concentration of bicarbonate in normal plasma or when bicarbonate anions (as NaHCO3) are administered intravenously.

An experiment was conducted to determine if bicarbonate anions in aqueous metal bicarbonate solutions are translocated against a bicarbonate concentration gradient into the body. Bicarbonate translocation against a concentration gradient could occur either via energy (ATP) dependent processes or via anion (chloride-bicarbonate) exchange or via co-transport with cations along cation concentration gradients. There are also complex thermodynamic processes involving intracellular and extracellular concentrations of bicarbonate anions, hydroxide anions, protons and carbon dioxide that may assist in the overall translocation of bicarbonate anions. These processes often involve the production of bicarbonate anions by carbonic anhydrase enzymes. In the experiment, entry of bicarbonate anions into the body was assessed by determinations of proton concentration in urine; that is, the pH value of urine.

Ten people had urine pH value assessed once per week for 3 months. Urine pH values were assessed once per week for a further 3 months after commencement of consumption of aqueous metal bicarbonate solution. The aqueous metal bicarbonate solution contained approximately Mg++ 120 mg per litre, Na+ 135 mg per litre and HCO3- 950 mg per litre. The major component of the solution was magnesium bicarbonate Mg(HCO3)2 720 mg per litre approximately. Results are given below:

Mean pH value of urine (Early Morning Sample)
Prior to consumption of aqueous metal bicarbonate solution: pH 5.9
After commencement of consumption of aqueous metal bicarbonate solution: pH 6.7
The consumption of aqueous metal bicarbonate solution decreases proton excretion by the kidneys. The pH value of urine increases.

These results demonstrate that bicarbonate anions from aqueous metal bicarbonate solution are translocated against a bicarbonate anion concentration gradient into the body. This may occur either via co-transport with cations along a cation concentration gradient or via chloride-bicarbonate exchange processes along a chloride anion concentration gradient (chloride `out`, bicarbonate `in`). In the case of aqueous metal bicarbonate solution, the only cation concentration gradient possible is that involving magnesium cation concentrations.

The consumption of aqueous metal bicarbonate solution leads to an increase in bicarbonate anion concentration in the body which is manifested by a decrease in proton concentration in urine; an increase in pH value of urine.

EXAMPLE 3
An Experiment to Improve the Buffering Capacities of the Extracellular and Intracellular Bicarbonate Buffers and to Decrease Senescence and to Increase Longevity in a Representative Mammal

Mammalian body cells produce continuously concentrations of carbon dioxide. Upon hydration, carbon dioxide increases proton concentrations in the cytoplasm of body cells. The pH values of the cytoplasm of body cells are lowered.

The protons produced in the cytoplasm of body cells by the hydration of carbon dioxide, and other intracellular reactions, are buffered normally by intracellular bicarbonate buffers. The bicarbonate anions in intracellular buffers derive manly from the extracellular bicarbonate of blood plasma. The bicarbonate anions in blood plasma originate from erythrocytes as products of erythrocyte carbonic anhydrase enzyme reactions.

When plasma bicarbonate anions are present outside mammalian body cells in sufficient concentrations, they are translocated into the cytoplasm of the cells across the cell plasma membranes. Indeed, plasma bicarbonate equilibrates with cytoplasmic bicarbonate rapidly. Bicarbonate translocation into cells takes place via several processes. These processes include a chloride-bicarbonate anion exchange and a sodium dependent chloride-bicarbonate anion exchange and potassium co-transport and magnesium co-transport. There are also complex thermodynamic processes involving intracellular and extracellular concentrations of bicarbonate anions, hydroxide ions, protons and carbon dioxide that may assist in the overall translocation of bicarbonate anions. These processes often involve the production of bicarbonate anions by carbonic anhydrase enzymes.

Concentrations of bicarbonate anions that are translocated into mammalian body cells improve the buffering capacity of the cytoplasm of the cells. Concentrations of bicarbonate anions and concentrations of carbon dioxide form a buffer system described by the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation: (Where pK is the pK of hydrated carbon dioxide H2CO3 and has an approximate numerical value of 6.35)

For a classical (closed system) buffer to be effective, the ratio of the conjugate base to the acid (in the above case [HCO3-]/[H2CO3]) must be between 0.1 and 10. This ratio applies also to buffers in biological (open) systems. In mammalian body cells, the continuous and open production of carbon dioxide means that continuous supplies of bicarbonate anions are required to maintain effective and optimal buffering capacities. Under conditions of excess proton concentrations, from carbon dioxide production and ATP hydrolysis and other metabolic processes, the supply of bicarbonate fails and the effective and optimal buffering capacities of mammalian body cells falter.

The vitality of mammalian body cells is linked critically to the buffering capacities of the extracellular fluids and the cytoplasm of the cells. Processes of cellular degeneration occur when buffering capacities falter in the presence of excess proton concentrations. Cellular degenerations are manifested in the mammalian body by degenerative diseases and senescence. Examples of degenerative diseases in mammals that are linked casually to extracellular and intracellular proton concentrations include osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, the diseases associated with chronic inflammation, the diseases associated with lysosomal enzyme activities, the diseases associated with oxidations of cell nucleic acids, cell protein amino acids and cell membrane lipids, and the diseases associated with aberrations of mitochondrial respiration.

An experiment was conducted to improve the buffering capacities of the extracellular and intracellular bicarbonate buffers and to consequently decrease senescence and increase longevity in a representative mammal.

One hundred and ten Merino ewe lambs were divided randomly at weaning into a control group and a treatment group. The groups were of equal size and were maintained under similar conditions except for the pH values and aqueous metal bicarbonate concentrations of drinking water supplies. Sheep were selected as the representative mammal because their life span and body weight are more representative of typical mammals than laboratory rodents, their life span is not excessively long, their body size permits multiple blood and tissue sample collections, they are easy to handle and their husbandry is suited to experimental conditions.

The control group was maintained, for the full life span of the sheep, in small experimental paddocks with slightly acidic (less than pH 6.5) drinking water supplies that contained bicarbonate concentrations less than 30 mg per litre.

The treatment group was maintained, for the full life span of the sheep, in small experimental paddocks with slightly alkaline (pH 7.8 to 9.0) drinking water supplies that contained bicarbonate concentrations between 300 mg per litre and 800 mg per litre. The drinking water supplies for the treatment group were loaded with the appropriate concentrations of bicarbonate anions by the addition of crushed and powdered magnesite MgCO3 to the water. The magnesite frequently contained calcite CaCO3 and dolomite (Ca,Mg)CO3. The magnesite was dissolved in the drinking water either with the assistance of commercial supplies of carbon dioxide gas or carbonic acid or with local supplies of hydrated carbon dioxide. At this pH value, and this bicarbonate concentration, bicarbonate was mostly in the form of magnesium bicarbonate Mg (HCO3)2. In addition, some sediments of carbonate (Ca,Mg)CO3 were present in the drinking water during summer months.

The mean pH values and the mean magnesium, calcium and bicarbonate concentrations in the drinking water supplies are given below (the concentrations of cations and bicarbonate anions were not stoichiometric in the drinking water -- particularly the drinking water of the control group -- because of the presence of some concentrations of sulphate, chloride and sodium ions):

Means of parameters in drinking water:
Control Group: pH 6.1, Mg++ 13mg/litre, Ca++ 25mg/litre, HCO3- 25 mg/litre.
Treatment Group: pH 8.4, Mg++ 110mg/litre, Ca++ 30mg/litre, HCO3- 660mg/litre.

In the late stages of pregnancy, there is a tendency for pregnant mammals to become hypoglycaemic and hyperketonaemic. Hyperketonaemia subjects the pregnant mammal to an acid load (increase in proton concentrations). This acid load may result in clinical acidosis. In ewes affected clinically with acidosis, bicarbonate concentrations range between 14 to 20 mmol per litre plasma.

Over several years, plasma bicarbonate concentrations were determined for the control group and the treatment group one week prior to lambing. Determination of plasma bicarbonate concentrations prior to lambing is a direct measure of extracellular and intracellular bicarbonate buffering capacity. In ewes with effective extracellular and intracellular bicarbonate buffers, bicarbonate concentrations are maintained in a range between 24 to 27 mmol per litre plasma. Plasma bicarbonate concentrations are given below:

Mean plasma bicarbonate concentrations one week prior to lambing (mmol per litre) Age (years):
Control Group: (4) 24.9, (6) 22.8, (8) 22.2, (10) 21.9
Treatment Group: (4) 26.1, (6) 25.9, (8) 26.4, (10) 25.8
The treatment group had larger plasma bicarbonate concentrations than the control group.

The consumption of aqueous metal bicarbonate solution, principally magnesium bicarbonate solution, improves the buffering capacities of extracellular and intracellular bicarbonate buffers in mammals.

In mammalian demography, there are two measurements utilised commonly in the experiment study of degenerative diseases and senescence. The first measurement is called fifty percent survival. Fifty percent survival describes the chronological age at which half an original population has died. The second measurement is called maximum life span. Maximum life span describes the age of the longest lived survivors of a population. The fifty percent survival measurement is considered to reflect susceptibility to accidents and infectious and degenerative diseases in mammals. The maximum life span measurement is considered to reflect the innate processes of senescence in mammals. The fifty percent survival measurement and the maximum life span measurement for the control group and the treatment group are given below:

Fifty percent survival:
Control group 8 years
Treatment group 11 years

Maximum life span:
Control group 13 years
Treatment group 17 years

The treatment group had a larger fifty percent survival measurement and a larger maximum life span measurement than the control group.

The death of each member of a population of mammals can be plotted graphically. The continuous function representing mortality in a population is known as a survival curve. Survival curves for the control group and treatment group are represented in FIG. 1.

The survival curves show that more mature sheep were alive in the treatment group than the control group at any time. This occurred with the consumption of normal physiological volumes of water (as aqueous metal bicarbonate solution).

The consumption of aqueous metal bicarbonate solution, extends the maximum life span of mammals by at least twenty percent and increases the number of mature mammals alive at any time.

Senescence in mammals is characterised by progressive oxidations of the structural and function molecules that constitute body cells and tissues. These oxidations occur particularly in nucleic acids, protein amino acids and cell membrane lipids.

Because protons often participate in biological redox reactions, oxidations of many structural and functional molecules in body cells and tissues are increased in rate by the presence of excess proton concentrations. Oxidations of structural and functional molecules are increased in rate by acidic conditions.

In general, oxidations of molecules are linked to proton concentrations described by a formulation of the Gibbs energy equation where E.sub.pH is a measure of oxidising power at a particular pH value and E.sub.m is the midpoint potential. In practice, E.sub.pH is decreased by between -30 mV and -60 mV for each decrease in proton concentration by a factor of 10. That is, oxidising power is decreased by between -30 mV and -60 mV for each increase in pH value by 1 pH unit.

Oxidations of nucleic acids and protein amino acids lead to nucleic acid and protein degradation respectively. These degradations lead to senescence in mammals. Nucleic acid degradation is manifested by either cell death or cell transformation to the cancerous state. Protein degradation is manifested by increased urea concentrations in the body which can be detected in the plasma.

Determination of plasma urea concentrations in elderly mammals is a direct measure of amino acid oxidation, protein degradation and overall nitrogen (anabolic/catabolic) balance. Determination of plasma urea concentrations in elderly mammals is a direct measure of cellular degenerations and senescence.

Over several years, plasma urea concentrations were determined for the control group and the treatment group. Plasma urea concentrations are given below:

Mean plasma urea concentrations in elderly sheep (mmol per litre) Age (years):
Control Group: (8) 11. (10) 13. (12) 13.
Treatment Group: (8) 5. (10) 3. (12) 7.
The treatment group had smaller plasma urea concentrations than the control group.

The consumption of aqueous metal bicarbonate solution, principally magnesium bicarbonate solution, decreases amino acid oxidations, decreases protein degradation and improves overall nitrogen (anabolic/catabolic) balance in mammals. The consumption of aqueous metal bicarbonate solution, principally magnesium bicarbonate solution, delays cellular degenerations and senescence in mammals.

Autopsies were performed on sheep, when conditions permitted, within 24 hours of death. Macroscopic signs of significant degenerative diseases and other diseases were recorded. Significant pathology is given below:

Prevalence of pathology at autopsy (%) Macroscopic Significant Pathology (* most significant):
Control Group: (42 autopsies) Lungs 24%. *Heart 29%. Liver 43%. Kidney 24%. Genitourinary 17%. Lymph nodes 40%. Intestinal tract 10%. *Joints 43%. *Bone 24%. Teeth 71%. *Skin-wool 48%. Cancer 12%.
Treatment Group: (38 autopsies) Lungs 21%. *Heart 11%. Liver 21%. Kidney 16%. Genito-urinary 16%. Lymph nodes 37%. Intestinal tract 8%. *Joints 5%. *Bone 3%. Teeth 40%. *Skin-wool 21%. Cancer 3%.
The treatment group had a lower overall prevalence of pathology than the control group. In general, pathology in the treatment group was delayed (sheep were older at autopsy) and progression was less advanced.

Results. The consumption of aqueous metal bicarbonate solution, principally magnesium bicarbonate solution, decreases the prevalence of joint pathology (arthritis) and bone pathology (osteoporosis) and cardiac pathology and skin pathology most significantly, and decreases the overall prevalence of the pathology of most organs.

EXAMPLE 4
An Experiment to Distinguish Between the Consumption of Magnesium Bicarbonate and the Consumption of Magnesium Cations per se in Increasing Longevity in a Mammal

An experiment was conducted to assess if the consumption of magnesium bicarbonate increased longevity in a mammal compared to the consumption of magnesium cations per se. A short-lived mammalian species was chosen. Short-lived mammals possess high levels of proton leak across inner mitochondrial membranes, high levels of carbonic anhydrase enzyme activities (for acid production) and high levels of spontaneous cancer development and spontaneous death. Any increase in longevity in a short-lived species is indicative of an improvement in fundamental cell biochemistry.
Two hundred outbred (Swiss) female mice were divided randomly at weaning into two groups of 100 mice and were maintained under identical management and environmental conditions.

One group of mice was supplied with drinking water that consisted of aqueous metal bicarbonate solution with a pH value between pH 8.1 and pH 8.5. The aqueous metal bicarbonate solution contained approximately Mg++ 120mg per litre, Na+ 135mg per litre, and HCO3- 950 mg per litre. The major component of the solution was magnesium bicarbonate Mg(HCO3)2 720 mg per litre approximately.
The second group of mice was supplied with drinking water that contained magnesium sulphate (Epsom salts) 1 gram per litre with a pH value between pH 6.5 and pH 7.0. This drinking water contained approximately Mg++ 120 mg per litre. Bicarbonate anions were absent.

Both groups of mice were fed commercial laboratory food that contained 1 gram of magnesium per kilogram of food. Both groups of mice were fed on alternate days with no food available on the other days. Group-specific drinking water (as described above) was available at all times. Feeding on alternate days decreased the possible loss of bicarbonate anions by stomach acid and food ingesta.

Results of the experiment are given below:

Fifty Percent Survival Group:
-- consuming magnesium bicarbonate 790 days.
-- consuming magnesium sulphate 736 days.
Maximum Life Span Group:
-- consuming magnesium bicarbonate 1152 days.
-- consuming magnesium sulphate 1040 days.

The group of mice consuming aqueous metal bicarbonate solution had longevity increased by ten percent compared to the group of mice consuming magnesium cations per se.

The consumption of aqueous metal bicarbonate solution, principally magnesium bicarbonate solution, extends the maximum life span of mammals by ten percent more than the consumption of magnesium cations per se.

EXAMPLE 5
An Experiment to Decrease the Clinical Signs of Osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is a disease of degeneration. There is degradation and inflammation of the joints of the body. Osteoarthritis is defined as a disease process involving a disturbance of the normal balance of degradation and repair in the articular cartilage and subchondral bone of joints. This disturbance of balance causes areas of morphological damage and results in clinical problems such as pain and disability. Osteoarthritis is manifested as a slowly progressive degeneration of the joints of the hands and large weight-bearing joints (hips and knees). It is common in post menopausal women. Osteoarthritis is characterised by pain, enlargement of joints and limitation of joint movements. The linings of osteoarthritic joints show a moderate to marked degree of inflammation. The principle pathological changes associated with osteoarthritis are destruction of joint cartilage and neoformations of bone at joint margins (osteophytes). In osteoarthritis, destruction of joint cartilage is caused by acid protease enzymes (and other enzymes) derived often from the lysosomes of cartilage cells (chondrocytes), inflammatory cells and other cells.

Acid protease enzymes possess optimal activity in an acidic environment; that is, an environment with high proton concentrations. Proton concentrations involved in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis derive from the hydration of carbon dioxide catalysed by intracellular carbonic anhydrase enzymes.

Protons formed by carbonic anhydrase enzymes are concentrated by intracellular V-type proton pumps and stored in the endosomes and lysosomes of body cells.

Functional endosomes and lysosomes maintain internal concentrations of protons which give them internal pH values between pH 3.0 and pH 6.0. Many degenerative diseases, including osteoarthritis, involve intracellular and extracellular release of lysosomal enzymes. In osteoarthritis, chemical fluxes through the reactions catalysed by lysosomal enzymes result in the breakdown of cartilage and bone.

An experiment was conducted to assess if the clinical signs of osteoarthritis could be decreased by the consumption of aqueous metal bicarbonate solution. The clinical signs of osteoarthritis include pain, swelling, inflammation, skin discoloration, joint deformities and decrease in joint function. An increase in extracellular and intracellular bicarbonate anion concentrations would decrease the production of protons from reactions catalysed by carbonic anhydrase enzymes, decrease the pumping of protons by V-type proton pumps, decrease the activities of acid protease enzymes and decrease other activities of lysosomes. The clinical signs of osteoarthritis would be alleviated. A group of ten people were chosen who had been diagnosed with having osteoarthritis. Each person in the group had been suffering from (clinical) osteoarthritis for between 2 and 5 years. Five of the group were post menopausal women who had clinical signs of osteoarthritis in the joints of their hands. The osteoarthritic joints included the distal and proximal interphalangeal joints of the fingers and the carpometacarpal joint of the thumbs. In all 5 cases, loss of joint function was moderate to severe.

In all 5 cases, the women suffered pain, swelling of the fingers and loss of joint movement. Mucous cysts were associated with distal joint osteoarthritis. Lateral deformities occurred in some proximal joints with severe loss of joint function. Women with affected thumbs had considerable loss of function and considerable pain. Many hands were "claw-like" in appearance (FIG. 2). The remainder of the group had osteoarthritis in the hips and knees. These people suffered pain and moderate loss of joint functions.

The people consumed aqueous metal bicarbonate solution with a pH value between pH 8.1 and 8.5. The aqueous metal bicarbonate solution contained approximately Mg++ 120 mg per litre, Na+ 135 mg per litre and HCO3- 950 mg per litre. The major component of the solution was magnesium bicarbonate Mg(HCO3)2 720 mg per litre approximately.

Consumption of the aqueous metal bicarbonate solution was commenced at half a litre per day and increased by increments over a period of one month to between 2 to 3 litres per day. Consumption occurred on an empty stomach to avoid the loss of bicarbonate by stomach acid (HCl). Consumption occurred in small amounts (300 ml) at set times each day to avoid rapid increases in bicarbonate concentrations of body fluids and to avoid over hydration.

The results of the experiment were unequivocal. Within 3 to 6 months, all participants in the experiment demonstrated substantial decreases in the clinical signs of osteoarthritis.

In all cases, there were remissions in the clinical signs of osteoarthritis which were quantifiable by standard tests of movement, flexibility and strength. The participants showed considerable increases in joint functions and decreases in acute and chronic joint swellings. The "stabbing" pain of osteoarthritis was alleviated. Some participants had remissions of inflammation and arthritis to the stage where many chronic swellings were no longer observable and joint mobilities and functions were restored (FIG. 3).

People in the experiment consumed aqueous metal bicarbonate solution continuously for at least 2 years. During this period, there was evidence of progressive improvement in healing processes. Mucous cysts associated with distal joint osteoarthritis were no longer visible.

Remissions in the clinical signs of osteoarthritis were maintained only with the continual consumption of aqueous metal bicarbonate solution. Once the consumption of aqueous metal bicarbonate solution was halted, clinical signs of pain and swelling began to reappear within 10 days. Clinical signs again went into remission upon continuation of consumption of aqueous metal bicarbonate solution.

The consumption of aqueous metal bicarbonate solution, principally magnesium bicarbonate solution, results in remissions in the clinical signs of osteoarthritis.

EXAMPLE 6
An Experiment to Maintain and Improve Motor Activity in Mammals.
An Experiment to Decrease Fatigue and Lethargy and Improve Motor Activity.
An Experiment to Decrease the Fatigue and Lethargy of Chronic Disease and Improve Motor Activity

Mammals convert food energy into chemical energy that can be used by body cells to maintain essential cell processes and cell functions. The main chemical energy in mammalian body cells is the chemical ATP (adenosine triphosphate). ATP is synthesised mainly in the mitochondria of body cells. Mitochondrial ATP production is linked intimately to the respiration rates of mitochondria. The respiration rates of mitochondria are dependent on many factors including the proton concentrations (pH values) of the cytoplasm of body cells. If the intracellular bicarbonate buffer of mammalian body cells is not maintained, and is not functional, proton concentrations increase in the cytoplasm and the pH value of the cytoplasm decreases. When proton concentrations increase in the cytoplasm sufficiently (pH value decreases sufficiently) the respiration rates of mitochondria are diminished. When the respiration rates of mitochondria are diminished, the production of ATP is diminished. When the production of ATP is diminished, ATP concentrations in the cell decrease and the main chemical energy source for mammalian body cells becomes depleted. Under these conditions, body cells cannot maintain essential cell processes and cell functions. The body becomes fatigued and lethargic.

In addition to the hydration of carbon dioxide per se, one of the sources of increased proton concentrations in the cytoplasm of body cells is the hydrolysis of ATP.

Increased proton concentrations from the hydrolysis of ATP occur particularly in the cytoplasm of muscle cells during muscular (motor) activity. This is referred to often as an increase in `lactic acid` (the lactic acid is, in fact, lactate derived from glycolysis and the `acid` is the protons derived from ATP hydrolysis).

An experiment was conducted to assess if motor activity could be maintained and improved in mammals by improving the buffering capacity of the extracellular and intracellular bicarbonate buffers.

Two hundred inbred (Balb c) female mice were divided randomly at weaning into two groups of 100 mice and maintained under identical conditions for 3 years. Control groups of mice were given drinking water that was deionised and slightly acidic (pH 5.0). Treatment groups of mice were given drinking water that consisted of aqueous metal bicarbonate solution with a pH value between pH 8.1 and 8.5. The aqueous metal bicarbonate solution contained approximately Mg++ 120 mg per litre, Na+ 135 mg per litre, and HCO3 950 mg per litre. The major component of the solution was magnesium bicarbonate Mg(HCO3)2 720 mg per litre approximately.

Motor activity in mice was assessed at regular intervals for a 12 month period between 1 year and 2 years of age. Results of the experiment are given below:

Mean motor activity in mice:

Control Group:
Mean number of mice per hour climbing to lid of cage 26.
Mean number of mice per hour engaged in exploratory activity 48.
Mean time to exhaustion during enforced motor activity 5 minutes.
Treatment Group:
Mean number of mice per hour climbing to lid of cage 95.
Mean number of mice per hour engaged in exploratory activity 82.
Mean time to exhaustion during enforced motor activity 9 minutes.

The treatment group had improved motor activity relative to the control group.

The consumption of aqueous metal bicarbonate solution, principally magnesium bicarbonate solution, maintains and improves motor activity in mammals.

Mitochondria are described as `efficient` if they maintain sufficient production of ATP for maintenance of essential cell processes and cell functions. Efficient mitochondria are the mitochondria of young mammals.

In mammals, there are declines in the efficiencies of mitochondria which are correlated to chronological age. The capacities of cells to maintain their particular energy requirements are diminished progressively with chronological age. Cells that are unable to meet their particular energy requirements undergo senescence, become non-functional and decline progressively towards cell death. This is manifested by body senescence and ageing.

Mitochondria are described as `inefficient` if they cannot maintain the necessary production of ATP for maintenance of essential cell processes and cell functions. Mitochondrial inefficiency arises from oxidative damage to mitochondrial nucleic acids, mitochondrial enzymes and mitochondrial membrane proteins and lipids. Inefficient mitochondria gradually and progressively dominate in body cells through middle age to old age. Middle aged and elderly mammals are fatigued and lethargic relative to the young. Normal body cells attempt to produce buffers that maintain a cytoplasmic pH value of about pH 7.2. In vitro, if mitochondria are placed for a period in a medium either with an improved buffer at pH 7.2 or with a pH value buffered slightly higher than pH 7.2, there occurs an increase in mitochondrial respiration rate and an increase in the production of ATP.

An experiment was conducted to assess if fatigue and lethargy could be decreased and motor activity improved by improving the buffering capacity of the cytoplasmic bicarbonate buffer in a group of middle aged and elderly people.

Improving the buffering capacity of the cytoplasmic bicarbonate buffer would increase mitochondrial respiration rate and increase the production of ATP. Mitochondria would become more ‘efficient’. More chemical energy would be available for maintenance of essential cell processes and cell functions. Fatigue and lethargy would decrease and motor activity would improve.

A group of nineteen people were chosen, with a mean age of 61 years, who had a history of fatigue and lethargy. In the context of this experiment, fatigue and lethargy were determined as subjective feelings of general exhaustion which were manifested by mild to moderate lack of function. The people consumed aqueous metal bicarbonate solution with a pH value between pH 8.1 and 8.5. The aqueous metal bicarbonate solution contained approximately Mg++ 120 mg per litre, Na+ 135 mg per litre, and HCO3- 950 mg per litre. The major component of the solution was magnesium bicarbonate Mg(HCO3)2 720 mg per litre approximately.

Consumption of the aqueous metal bicarbonate solution was commenced at half a litre per day and increased by increments over a period of one month to between 2 to 3 litres per day. Consumption occurred on an empty stomach to avoid the loss of bicarbonate by stomach acid (HCl). Consumption occurred in small amounts (300 ml) at set times each day to avoid rapid increases in bicarbonate concentrations of body fluids and to avoid over hydration.

The results of the experiment were unequivocal. Within 3 months, all participants in the experiment demonstrated substantial decreases in fatigue and lethargy. All participants described a feeling of well-being (mild euphoria). All participants demonstrated an increased capacity for mild physical activity; an improvement in motor activity. Function was restored.

The consumption of aqueous metal bicarbonate solution, principally magnesium bicarbonate solution, decreases fatigue and lethargy and improves motor activity in middle aged and elderly people.

Chronic disease (including degenerative disease) is manifested often by chronic fatigue and lethargy and chronic pain. This is true particularly for chronic inflammatory diseases and autoimmune diseases.

The fatigue, lethargy and pain of chronic disease are correlated often to the high proton concentrations involved in the pathogenesis of chronic disease. In addition to the hydration of carbon dioxide per se, proton concentrations involved in the pathogenesis of chronic disease derive from the hydration of carbon dioxide catalysed by intracellular carbonic anhydrase enzymes

Protons formed by carbonic anhydrase enzymes are concentrated often by V-type proton pumps and stored in endosomes and lysosomes in the cell. The breakdown of endosomes and lysosomes creates concentrations of protons in the cell cytoplasm. This lowers the pH value of the cytoplasm and decreases the production of ATP in mitochondria. Cells become energy deficient. Cells are unable to maintain essential cell processes and cell functions. The body becomes fatigued and lethargic.

Functional endosomes and lysosomes maintain internal concentrations of protons which give them internal pH values between pH 3.0 and pH 6.0. Many of the chronic and degenerative diseases of the body involve intracellular lysosomal activities and intracellular and extracellular release of lysosomal enzymes. Chemical fluxes through the reactions catalysed by lysosomal enzymes result in the breakdown of cells and tissues. Many lysosomal enzymes require low pH values for optimal activity. Some of these enzymes are known as acid protease enzymes.

Lysosomes located in cells known as macrophages, and in some other cells, are involved in antigen processing and antigen presentation. Antigen processing and presentation leads to cell to cell interactions within the immune system which triggers release of a set of chemicals called cytokines. Cytokine concentrations in the body are correlated often to many of the clinical signs of inflammation and disease. These clinical signs include heat, swelling, pain, fatigue and lethargy.

An experiment was conducted to assess if fatigue and lethargy could be decreased and motor activity improved by improving the buffering capacity of the cytoplasmic bicarbonate buffer in a group of people diagnosed and suffering with chronic disease.

Improving the buffering capacity of the cytoplasmic bicarbonic buffer would decrease the hydration of carbon dioxide per se, would decrease the production of protons from reactions catalysed by carbonic anhydrase enzymes, decrease the pumping of protons by V-type proton pumps, decrease the activities of acid protease enzymes, decrease the activities of lysosomes, decrease antigen processing and presentation, and increase the production of ATP. Fatigue and lethargy would decrease and motor activity would improve. Some of the clinical signs of chronic disease would be alleviated.

A group of twenty three people were chosen who had been diagnosed with having chronic disease. Each person had been suffering from chronic disease for between 3 and 8 years.

The diseases consisted of chronic viral diseases, chronic inflammatory diseases and autoimmune diseases and included rheumatoid arthritis and dermatitis. All people had a history of fatigue and lethargy. In the context of this experiment, fatigue and lethargy were determined as subjective feelings of general exhaustion which were manifested by moderate to severe lack of function. The people consumed aqueous metal bicarbonate solution with a pH value between pH 8.1 and 8.5. The aqueous metal bicarbonate solution contained approximately Mg++ 120 mg per litre, Na+ 135 mg per litre, K+ 100 mg per litre, and HCO3- 1,100 mg per litre. The major component of the solution was magnesium bicarbonate Mg(HCO3)2 720 mg per litre approximately. Potassium bicarbonate 250 mg per litre was a component of the aqueous metal bicarbonate solution to improve the co-transport of bicarbonate anions into body cells. Consumption of the aqueous metal bicarbonate solution was commenced at half a litre per day and increased by increments over a period of one month to between 2 to 3 litres per day. Consumption occurred on an empty stomach to avoid the loss of bicarbonate by stomach acid (HCl). Consumption occurred in small amounts (300 ml) at set times each day to avoid rapid increases in bicarbonate concentrations of body fluids and to avoid over hydration.

The results of the experiment were delayed but unequivocal. Within 3 to 9 months, all participants in the experiment demonstrated substantial decreases in fatigue and lethargy. All participants demonstrated an increased capacity for mild physical activity; and improvement in motor activity. Function was improved. Those participants with chronic rheumatoid disease (rheumatoid arthritis) demonstrated some decreases in inflammation and some decreases in pain. Those participants with chronic skin disease (dermatitis) demonstrated decreases in inflammation. Those participants with tissue calcification demonstrated decreases in calcium deposits.

The consumption of aqueous metal bicarbonate solution, principally magnesium bicarbonate solution, decreases fatigue and lethargy and improves motor activity in people suffering with chronic disease.

The consumption of aqueous metal bicarbonate solution, principally magnesium bicarbonate solution, decreases clinical signs of inflammation and pain and calcification in people suffering with chronic disease.

EXAMPLE 7
An Experiment to Prevent and to Treat the Clinical Signs of Diseases Caused by Viruses that Require Proton Concentrations for Infectivity

Many viruses become infective by utilising high intracellular proton concentrations in host cells. Proton concentrations involved in the infectivity of viruses, and the pathogenesis of viral diseases, derive from the hydration of carbon dioxide catalysed by intracellular carbonic anhydrase enzymes. The production of protons by carbonic anhydrase enzymes can be represented by the equation ##STR13##

Protons formed by carbonic anhydrase enzymes are concentrated by intracellular V-type proton pumps and stored in the endosomes and lysosomes of body cells. Functional endosomes and lysosomes maintain internal concentrations of protons which give them internal pH values between pH 3.0 and pH 6.0.

Virus infectivity often requires the activities of acid protease enzymes. Acid protease enzymes are enzymes that function optimally at acidic pH levels. Acid protease enzymes are located in endosomes and lysosomes of body cells.

Influenza viruses require acid protease enzyme activities for their replication and infectivity. The acid proteases of lysosomes and endosomes in body cells act to liberate the nucleic acid (RNA) of the influenza virus from the outer viral membrane.

Many viruses contain their own acid-dependent enzymes which utilise proton concentrations in host cells. For example, the acid proteases of lentiviruses are required for virus protein assembly and viral infectivity.

An experiment was instigated with the aim of preventing and treating the clinical signs of diseases caused by viruses that require proton concentrations for infectivity. Natural infections with influenza viruses and flu-like respiratory viruses were taken as the model infections. Influenza is an acute febrile infectious respiratory disease manifested by inflammation of the bronchial mucosa. It is complicated often by bacterial pneumonia. Clinical signs of influenza include initially fever, malaise, headache and muscle pain followed by coughing, sneezing and respiratory tract effusions. Flu-like respiratory viruses cause respiratory diseases manifested generally by clinical signs of less intensity than influenza.

Twenty people were chosen and divided into two equal groups. The control group did not consume aqueous metal bicarbonate solution. The treatment group consumed aqueous metal bicarbonate solution with a pH value between 8.1 and 8.5. The aqueous metal bicarbonate solution contained approximately Mg.sup.2.sup.+ 120 mg per litre, Na.sup.+ 135 mg per litre and HCO.sub.3.sup.- 950 mg per litre. The major component of the solution was magnesium bicarbonate Mg(HCO.sub.3).sub.2 720 mg per litre approximately. Consumption of the aqueous metal bicarbonate solution was commenced at half a litre per day and increased by increments over a period of one month to between 2 to 3 litres per day. Consumption occurred on an empty stomach to avoid the loss of bicarbonate by stomach acid (HCl). Consumption occurred in small amounts (300 ml) at set times each day to avoid rapid increases in bicarbonate concentrations of body fluids and to avoid over hydration.

Aqueous metal bicarbonate solution was consumed by people in the treatment group for 2 years.

People in both groups worked either in child care centres or in homes for the elderly and were exposed to influenza and other respiratory infections over a 2 year period. Clinical signs of influenza and flu-like virus infections were observed and recorded over the 2 years. Results are given below:

Record of influenza and flu-like virus infections over a 2 year period Control Group / Treatment Group Influenza Number of infections 8 2 Duration of symptoms 5 to 10 days 2 to 3 days Severity of symptoms (0 to 4) 4 1 to 2 Flu-like viruses Number of infections 15 3 Duration of symptoms 3 to 7 days 2 to 3 days Severity of symptoms (0 to 4) 2 to 4 1 to 2

People consuming aqueous metal bicarbonate solution had a lower prevalence of the clinical signs of influenza and flu-like virus infections than people not consuming aqueous metal bicarbonate solution. People consuming aqueous metal bicarbonate solution had less severe symptoms and shorter duration of symptoms than people not consuming aqueous metal bicarbonate solution.

The consumption of aqueous metal bicarbonate solution, principally magnesium bicarbonate solution, decreases the prevalence of the clinical signs of diseases caused by viruses that require proton concentrations for infectivity.

The consumption of aqueous metal bicarbonate solution, principally magnesium bicarbonate solution, decreases the severity and the duration of the clinical signs of diseases caused by viruses that require proton concentrations for infectivity.

EXAMPLE 9

Osteoarthritis is a slowly progressive degeneration of the joints of the hands and large weight-bearing joints (hips and knees). Osteoarthritis is common in post menopausal women. Osteoarthritis is characterised by pain, enlargement of joints and limitation of joint movements. The linings of osteoarthritic joints show a moderate to marked degree of inflammation. The principle pathological changes associated with osteoarthritis are destruction of joint cartilage and neoformations of bone at joint margins (osteophytes). In osteoarthritis, destruction of joint cartilage is caused by acid protease enzymes (and other enzymes) derived often from the lysosomes of cartilage cells (chondrocytes), inflammatory cells and other cells.

For an experimental trial, a group of post menopausal women were chosen who had clinical signs of osteoarthritis in the joints of their hands. The osteoarthritic joints included the distal and proximal interphalangeal joints of the fingers and the carpometacarpal joint of the thumbs. In all cases, loss of joint function was moderate to severe.

In all cases, the women suffered pain, swelling of the fingers and loss of joint movement. Mucous cysts were associated with distal joint osteoarthritis. Lateral deformities occurred in some proximal joints with severe loss of joint function. Women with affected thumbs had considerable loss of function and considerable pain. Many hands were "claw-like" in appearance. Women consumed magnesium bicarbonate solution, with added sodium bicarbonate. The women consumed between 2 to 3 litres of bicarbonate solution per day. In this solution, the magnesium concentration was approximately 120 mg per litre, sodium concentration was approximately 135 mg per litre and bicarbonate concentration was, approximately 950 mg per litre. Consumption was commenced at half a litre per day and increased by increments over a period of one month to 2 to 3 litres per day. Consumption occurred on an empty stomach to avoid the loss of bicarbonate by stomach acid. Consumption occurred in small amounts (300mL) at set times each day to avoid rapid increases in bicarbonate concentrations of body fluids.

In all cases, there were remissions in the clinical signs of osteoarthritis which were quantifiable by standard tests of movement, flexibility and strength. The participants showed considerable increases in joint functions and decreases in acute and chronic joint swellings. The "stabbing" pain of osteoarthritis was alleviated. Some participants had remissions of inflammation and arthritis to the stage where many chronic swellings were no longer observable and joint mobilities and functions were restored. However, these improvements were maintained only with the continued consumption of bicarbonate anions. Once the consumption of bicarbonate anions ceased, clinical signs of inflammation began to reappear often within a week.

The participants commented on an absence of lethargy and the presence of a feeling of well-being. Magnesium bicarbonate alleviated the pain and swelling associated with osteoarthritis.

None of the participants demonstrated any clinical signs of influenza or other respiratory viral infections over the two year period of the trial. This occurred despite several of the participants working in situations where exposure to viral infections was high (nursing homes and child care centres).

EXAMPLE 10

Influenza is an acute febrile infectious respiratory disease manifested by inflammation of the bronchial mucosa. Influenza is complicated often by bacterial pneumonia which may be fatal.

For an experimental trial, a group of men and women were chosen who worked in situations where exposure to the influenza virus was likely to occur (nursing homes and child care centres). Each person in the experimental group consumed magnesium bicarbonate solution, with added sodium bicarbonate. Each person consumed between 2 to 3 litres of bicarbonate solution per day. In this solution, the magnesium concentration was approximately 120 mg per litre, sodium concentration was approximately 135 mg per litre and bicarbonate concentration was approximately 950 mg per litre.

Consumption was commenced at half a litre per day and increased by increments over a period of one month to 2 to 3 litres per day. Consumption occurred on an empty stomach to avoid the loss of bicarbonate by stomach acid. Consumption occurred in small amounts (300 mL) at set times each day to avoid rapid increases in bicarbonate concentrations of body fluids.

Over the two year period of the experimental trial, no person in the experimental group showed any clinical signs of influenza.

EXAMPLE 12

Mitochondria are inefficient if they cannot maintain the necessary production of ATP for maintenance of essential cell processes and cell functions. This inefficiency is due often to functional damage to the mitochondrial inner membrane and other mitochondrial molecules. Inefficient mitochondria are not able to maintain normal carbon, electron and proton fluxes.

However, in middle age, carbon and electron fluxes may be maintained by the synthesis of fatty acids in the cytoplasm of body cells. In body cells of the middle aged, fatty acids can be regarded as carbon and electron sinks necessary for the maintenance of essential fluxes; that is, for the maintenance of essential life processes. The synthesis of fatty acids utilises ATP. However, the fluxes for production of ATP in mitochondria are decreased in middle age. There is a consequent `energy` deficit. The middle aged are flat and lethargic relative to the young, though they can be regarded as fat by necessity; the necessity of staying alive. In addition to utilisation of cell ATP, the synthesis of fatty acids in body cells adds to the carbon dioxide load of the cells and adds to concentrations of intracellular protons. This occurs because the series of chemical reactions that synthesise fatty acids results in a net utilisation of bicarbonate anions and a net production of carbon dioxide and protons. For example, each molecule of the fatty acid palmitate that is synthesised by cells utilises seven molecules of ATP and seven bicarbonate anions and produces seven molecules of carbon dioxide and seven protons. Of course, fatty acids are oxidised continuously from fat stores in the body which produces even more carbon dioxide. When excess calories are consumed at any chronological age (and converted to fatty acids) the overall carbon dioxide load is considerable. Caloric restricted rodents avoid this extra carbon dioxide load and, as a consequence, they live longer lives with delays in the onset of degenerative diseases.

A trial involving people consuming bicarbonate anions in water was conducted. These people were middle aged and overweight and complained of tiredness and lethargy. No control group was maintained for the duration of the trial (people in an initial control group were unable to consume the volumes of soft water required). People involved in the trial were given a series of lectures on the biochemistry of mitochondrial processes. They were requested to decrease their food (calorie) intake considerably and to avoid dietary fats. Excessive aerobic exercise was not recommended due to the consequent increase in hunger it produces, the large increase in carbon dioxide concentrations that occur with increased aerobic muscle activity and the damage excess activity does to inefficient mitochondria. Indeed, active muscle cells contain mitochondria with most nucleic acid damage relative to other body cells.

The trial consisted of each person consuming between two to three litres per day of a mixture of magnesium bicarbonate and sodium bicarbonate in water. Bicarbonate concentration was established at a maximum of one gram per litre. (This concentration of bicarbonate is well within the concentrations in several water sources utilised for human consumption in Europe. In these waters however, the bicarbonate is in the form of calcium and sodium bicarbonate and pH values often are not very alkaline.) Consumption was commenced at half a litre per day and increased by increments over a period of one month to the maximum consumption. This start-up schedule avoided any gastrointestinal side effects due to the smooth muscle relaxation properties of magnesium. Capillary dilation in the face was apparent in several people (which was interpreted by those affected as rosy, healthy cheeks). The capillary dilation may have been due to magnesium or may have been due to a decrease in activity of renin which is an acid protease enzyme from the kidney that is central to the control of blood pressure. (Renin exerts its effects ultimately by constriction of small blood vessels.)

Each participant in the trial was advised to consume the bicarbonate solution `on an empty stomach`. Consumption in this manner avoided the mixing of bicarbonate anions with stomach acid which would have resulted in the loss of bicarbonate. Advice was given also to consume the solution in small amounts at set times each day. Consumption in this manner avoided a rapid increase in the bicarbonate concentrations of body fluids.

The results were unequivocal. Body weight was lost at about one half of a kilogram per week after the initial start-up period was completed. Other beneficial effects (more important than weight loss to the participants in the trial) included the absence of lethargy, the presence of a feeling of well-being (mild euphoria) and the increased capacity for mild physical activity. The participants all commented that their `energy levels` had improved and that their outlook on life had consequently become more positive.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/10/2012 10:24AM by Erling.

Erling - This is a tremendous amount of research and references...

I got down as far as:

It is our hypothesis that there is overwhelming scientific, medical and empirical evidence THAT it is possible to slow the ageing process, to assist the prevention of the onset of degenerative diseases, and to extend your lifespan if you avoid the damaging effects of excess acid and carbon dioxide in your body.

Magnesium 125 mg/l
Bicarbonate 650 mg/l
pH 8.3 to 8.6


And am so pleased this is published here again... as the alkalizing process is so very important to everyone and especially afibbers... the acidic influence is covered in my upcoming Silent Inflammation report. Almost everyone is way too acidic... and with the WW, it's so easy to adjust.

With my mitochondrial damage from statins... I'm very interested in that aspect so thank you, thank you... for your tremendous effort to put this where we can refer to it and 'take it to heart'....

Jackie

Hi Erling,

I recall looking at a bunch of this stuff, but had to locate it on the "Wayback Machine" site.

Thanks for bringing it out again!

George

Hi George -

Many thanks again for your retrieval of the Non Pharmaceutical Health Care site a few years ago (I've been hanging on to it) [www.afibbers.org]. That important and interesting thread is titled A Hypothesis Concerning Skinny People by Nick Bentley where he begins:

I've been studying the factors that determine tissue pH, after having an dramatic experience taking Waller Water. Basically {pun!}, my many annoying symptoms disappeared about 7 hours after I started drinking Waller Water.

The speed with which the improvement happened, combined with the fact that I had been supplementing religiously with Mg for many months before, led me to suspect that my improvement might not be due to the Mg. In turn, this led me to the hypothesis that it might be the 'basic' nature of the Waller Water that deserves the credit.

You took note of this article linked to on the Non Pharmaceutical site: [web.archive.org]
Potassium Bicarbonate Reduces Urinary Nitrogen Excretion in Postmenopausal Women
Frassetto , R. Curtis Morris, Jr. and A. Sebastian
Department of Medicine and General Clinical Research Center, University of California, San Francisco, California
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism Vol. 82, No. 1 254-259 (1997)

Some time in about '03 the article links in The Non Parmaceutical website were forwarded to Paul Mason (of magnesium-bicarbonate-rich Adobe Springs water fame). He made the articles available on his mgwater.com website under the heading Bicarbonate's Importance to Human Health [www.mgwater.com]

I'm determined to see the nonsense about neutralizing WW's alkalinity done away with, while of course recognizing the importance of avoiding alkalosis as explained by pathologist Patrick Chambers, MD. His actual concern about WW's alkalinity with regard to AF was loss of urinary potassium, which as we know is properly compensated for with dietary / supplemental potassium intake.

Erling



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 04/06/2012 01:01AM by Erling.

Dear '02 Project WW Sr. Lab rat Jackie -

We're looking fwd to your upcoming report on Silent Inflammation as it will add to and reinforce what we've been after with WW for ten years, namely bringing UW's beneficial alkalizing of Australians to bear on heart arrhythmia.

> "... the alkalizing process is so very important to everyone and especially afibbers... the acidic influence is covered in my upcoming Silent Inflammation report. Almost everyone is way too acidic... and with the WW, it's so easy to adjust".

Again, I'm determined to have a stop put to the nonsense about neutralizing WW's alkalinity. There's good reason for Dr. Beckett's patents being about metal bicarbonate, not magnesium bicarbonate per se. It seems magnesium became the preferred cation (Mg++) for it's ability to transport alkaline bicarbonate anions (HCO3-) through the cell membrane into the cytoplasm. I wonder if UW / WW is therefor also an ideal way to get magnesium into cells?.

Erling.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/05/2012 06:17PM by Erling.

Hi Erling, that was certainly some elephant, thanks.

I'm very busy at work just lately so will read at lesuire in the next week or so.

I read the Example 3 and it would appear encouraging to help clear my daughters teenage acne, can only try - nothing else has worked.

I'm now on the Baking Powder route programme and I'm thinking there could be a great deal of health benifits from simply alkalizing the body, even if its only body maintenance for those appearing healthy already.

In one of your recent posts I got the impression that you indicated that we are simply an electrical power source with low and high voltage. If this is so then I guess that voltage would be very sensitive to the balance of the 'chemicals' creating the voltage i.e. acidic state - alkalizing state.

Barry G.

Diet, evolution and aging.
The pathophysiologic effects of the post-agricultural inversion of the potassium-to-sodium and base-to-chloride ratios in the human diet
L. Frassetto, R. C.Morris, Jr., D. E. Sellmeyer, K. Todd, A. Sebastian.
Eur J Nutr 40 : 200–213 (2001) [64.251.27.164]

Excerpt:

Diet and acid-base
In contrast to its excess chloride content, the modern diet lacks bicarbonate and anion precursors that generate bicarbonate ion metabolism. As a consequence, the net acid load of the modern diet is higher than it would otherwise be.

Thanks again, Erling. I have copied and pasted everything to a document with wide margins for easy reading and I'm up to 26 pages. Now I can study and then go back to the links you've provided.

Segment 12 on the mitochondria will add nicely to my 'mito' collection.

I remain totally convinced that alkalizing is the way to restore and maintain health and the magnesium bicarbonate water offers an easy,
inexpensive solution.

Jackie

Hi Barry,

It seemed high time to let the elephant out and explain how it got there in the first place.. Recounting its life history, from birth in 2000 with Dr. Beckett's original patent to the '09 clinical trial, highlights the significance of maintaining an alkaline body state. We got caught up in the '02 enthusiasm in Sydney and turned Unique Water into inexpense WW. Last month the 12 year old beast showed up again with Beckett's new patent application for Bicarbonate Solution for Bioavailable Magnesium and Uses Thereof. The importance of all this is obvious. Be sure to read / watch the '09 journal article on Unique Water's clinical trial and the accompanying Sydney video [www.waterclinicaltrials.info] and [www.youtube.com]

> I'm now on the Baking Powder route programme and I'm thinking there could be a great deal of health benifits from simply alkalizing the body, even if its only body maintenance for those appearing healthy already.

Baking powder is largely sodium nicarbonate. Might it be better to alkalize with potassium bicarbonate? Interesting article and interview:

-- Potassium bicarbonate, but not sodium bicarbonate, reduces urinary calcium excretion and improves calcium balance in healthy men [www.nature.com]
Jacob Lemann, Jr., Richard W. Gy, and Joan A. Pleuss. Kidney International, Vol. 35 (1989), pp. 688—695

-- Potassium Bicarbonate for Reduced Blood Pressure and Increased Muscle Mass [www.life-enhancement.com]

> In one of your recent posts I got the impression that you indicated that we are simply an electrical power source with low and high voltage. If this is so then I guess that voltage would be very sensitive to the balance of the 'chemicals' creating the voltage i.e. acidic state - alkalizing state.

We should figure out how acid / alkaline affects cell voltage. We really are.bio-electrical / electronic. My initial realization came from researcher/ surgeon Robert Becker's book The Body Electric - Electromagnetism and the Foundation of Life, which along with biophysicist/ physician Richard Moore's The High Blood Pressure Solution and quantum cell biologist Bruce Lipton's The Biology of Belief became the understanding for CR 72 [www.afibbers.org] A good way to see this is the film The Living Matrix ~ a film on the science of healing [www.afibbers.org], especially part 6 (6th from the top) [www.disclose.tv]

Erling



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/08/2012 10:09PM by Erling.