Overcoming The Darkness

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Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 NKJV

Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night, frantically searching for the lamp switch- desperate for the light to overcome the darkness and calm your fears? It’s a powerful metaphor for our spiritual lives.

I don’t know who this is for today, but I pray that you will read the following in full. Then take some time to read again, opening the links to each accompanying scripture.

The Darkness

Without light, we cannot see. We are bound by the icy cords of darkness. Without light, a blanket of coldness sits upon our bowed shoulders. Without light, confusion is our despised master, his crushing yoke cripples us (2 Corinthians 4:4 NIV).

Without light, we know not our face. Without light, we cannot see nor know one from another. We are vulnerable and naked to the wicked’s deceit and schemes (John 3:19 CSB).

Without light, we fear, not knowing what lies ahead of us (John 12:35 NASB). Without light, we cannot put a diligent hand to the plow. Without light, we lay close to the ground, scurrying for crumbs that may fall from a table where we are not a guest.

Without light, we can only sleep. We can only die. Darkness is without Christ, separated from Him (1 John 5:12).

Oh, But To Have The Light of Jesus Christ!

In light, we see. We live. The light is Christ, the light of the world (John 8:12 NKJV, John 9:5 NASB).

There is freedom in the light. In light, our Shepherd gives us rest, as His yoke is easy (Matthew 11:30 CSB). In light, there is a warm beating heart (Isaiah 40:11 NIV).

In light, we can see ourselves. In light, we can see one another for who they are and as Christ sees them (Ephesians 5:13-14 CSB).

In light, we can do the work that God set us out to do, sidestepping the dance of foolish passions. In light, there is peace. In light, we stay fed by the Bread of Life, as invited guests at the table of Christ (John 6:35 NIV, Revelation 19:9).

In light, we live. We live because Christ Jesus lives in us, and His light is in us and shines through us, to light a dark world. (2 Corinthians 4:6 CSB)

And if this has resonated in your heart today, you can pray right now:

Lord Jesus, I come to you, asking for your forgiveness for any disobedience, unforgiveness, or resentment I’ve held. I thank you for being a lamp for my feet and a light on my path. I thank you for overcoming the darkness, for overcoming death on the cross, and defeating it for all time. You are my light. I allow it to shine like a city on a hill for all the world to see and know that you live in and through me. It’s in your powerful and almighty name that I pray. Amen.

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Health

Alkaline Water: Hype or Hydration?

Drinking alkaline water has become popular for its high pH levels, which lend to the claims of its health benefits. Let’s see if the claims are true.

What Is Alkaline Water?

Alkaline water is slightly less acidic than regular drinking water, with a pH level of 8 or 9. Non-alkaline water typically has a pH level of 7.

Water can become alkaline naturally where spring water flows over rocks and picks up trace amounts of minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, or iron. It can also be machine-made, which involves regular water being treated in an ionizer.

Debunking The Marketing Claims

Many believe that pH levels in the blood can be boosted through drinking alkaline water. This is not true. Your kidneys and lungs ensure that the levels stay within a strict range of 7.35 to 7.45 for its pH level, which you need for healthy functioning. 

Some companies promoting alkaline water claim it can detoxify the body, prevent cancer, or slow the aging process. None of these claims are backed by science, with scientific evidence being limited or preliminary. But, there are some successful studies that show promise and positive results in a few health areas.

Potential Health Benefits

💧 Acid Reflux Relief: Studies suggest that water with a pH of 8.8 can help neutralize pepsin, the enzyme responsible for acid reflux damage.

💧 Improved Hydration: Some research indicates that alkaline water may reduce blood viscosity (thickness) after intense exercise, potentially leading to better rehydration than standard water.

💧 Bone Health Support: Preliminary research has linked alkaline water consumption to improved bone mineral density, particularly in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.

💧 Digestive Benefits: Limited Japanese studies suggest that alkaline electrolyzed water might slightly improve stool quality and symptoms of diarrhea in people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

💧 Antioxidant Properties: Proponents argue that alkaline water’s negative oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) helps neutralize free radicals, though human clinical evidence is still in early stages. Another study claims the ORP is an inaccurate measure of the hydrogen present in alkaline water. Dissolved molecular hydrogen is reported to be the element behind alkaline water’s health benefits.

May Improve Microbiome

• Probiotic Support: Some research indicates that alkaline water, especially hydrogen-rich varieties, may increase the abundance of beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium.

• Inflammation Reduction: Small human trials have observed that alkalinized filtered water may improve inflammatory profiles and reduce intestinal oxidative stress markers in patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

• Metabolic Health: A 12-week study found that electrolyzed alkaline water modestly reduced serum uric acid levels and was associated with changes in gut microbial composition, such as an increase in Faecalibacterium.

• Overall, while the above is promising with positive results, more human clinical trials are necessary to confirm if alkaline water can definitively improve one’s microbiome.

How To Make Alkaline Water

You can also make your own at home. Adding pH drops or baking soda is another way to make water more alkaline. Ingesting baking soda is generally not recommended to be consumed daily without medical supervision.

To Drink Or Not To Drink?

There is some proven and successful clinical evidence of health benefits, specifically with hydration, acid reflux, gut health, and osteoporosis. However, the science world is not ready to definitively confirm the benefits without more research.

Purified water using a water filter with added trace minerals is still a proven winner. If you’re looking for a home or travel solution, you can check out Epic Water’s filtered water products here.

Important Considerations†*

• Kidney Health: People with kidney disease should avoid high-pH alkaline water (above pH 10), as it can lead to hyperkalemia (dangerously high potassium levels).

• Digestion Interference: Regularly drinking alkaline water around mealtimes may neutralize necessary stomach acid, potentially impairing digestion and nutrient absorption.

• Consultation: Always speak with a healthcare provider before using alkaline water as a therapeutic treatment, especially for chronic conditions. 

• Baking soda can interact with certain medications. It can also cause metabolic alkalosis, an excess intake of alkali compounds, such as baking soda, that can cause muscle weakness, spasms, an irregular heartbeat, and an altered mental status. If left untreated, it can be deadly.

  Baking soda tends to be high in sodium. As such, high intakes of baking soda may cause fluid accumulation or heart failure in some people. People with alcohol use disorder or compromised kidney function should be especially careful. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding may also benefit from avoiding its intake.

   

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_{†All health information in the articles is exclusively gathered from clinical/medical resources that have been industry vetted, with no conflict of interest in the information they present/publish.} 

_{*Holy Nutrition does not diagnose, treat, or give medical advice. Information provided is not medical advice and should not be relied upon for diagnosis or treatment. Consult with a healthcare provider or medical practitioner for any health concerns, questions, or before making any decisions related to your health. Individual health conditions and needs may vary, and therefore, professional medical advice is essential for personalized guidance. Holy Nutrition is not responsible for any harm or damage resulting from the user's reliance on the information contained in the articles.}