This article, by the great Dr. Kenneth Seaton, has disappeared from the site where I found it several years ago. I am republishing it for general education about this VITAL topic. Sorry, I don't have the chart referred to in #46.
IS ALBUMIN THE LIFE FACTOR?
Major studiesaround the world clearly show that the level of serum albumin is the most important factor in determining mortality and morbidity from ALL causes. What is the secret of maintaining optimal levels throughout life?
What is Albumin?
Al-bu-min is the most abundant, dominant, versatile and complex protein in the blood and tissue fluids. The average person has between 300 to 500 grams of total albumin in their body. Sixty percent of the serum proteins, on average, are albumin, with the mean albumin in the USA of around 42g/L. Optimal serum albumin levels are between 48 and 60 grams per liter (48-60g/L). Albumin levels are the best scientific measure of homeostasis. High levels have long been regarded as the “Bellwether” of health because albumin has so many roles; some of which I list below:
1. Healthy Cells.
Cells are not healthy when surrounded by low levels of albumin as observed in alcoholics, hypoalbuminemic patients, severe malnutrition, and clearly demonstrated in cell cultures.
2. Osmotic Pressure
Albumin’s shape, high net charge, abundance and molecular weight, controls fluid equilibrium between blood and tissues(Clin Lab Med, ed. McClatchey, 1994, p 239, William Watkins Baltimore), also helping to prevent drying of the connective tissue, a major factor in aging.
3. Beauty and Strength
Firm, elastic and springy flesh of the youth, and perfect shape are deeply associated with high levels of albumin, which controls the balance of fluid between the cells, connective tissue and blood, and stops the flesh from becoming soft and saggy.
Albumin has a remarkable ability to collect impurities and metabolic waste products(Peters T. Adv Clin Chem, 1970;13:37). Examples are in refining and manufacturing, where it is used to remove impurities from liquids (World Book Ency 1991, v 1, p 332). Obviously it performs the same role in the body.
5. Nutrient Transport
It transports nutrients including magnesium, copper, zinc, and vitamins, many normally not soluble in the plasma(Physiol / Biochem of Domestic Fowl, v 2, ed Bell & Freeman, 1971, p 936, Academic Press, NY.). In addition, its dominant level stabilizes the concentration of the other carrier proteins. Most nutrients must be transported to prevent their accumulation in artery walls and tissues, and to ensure they get to their right destination. Many nutrient molecules also move with albumin because of its surface charge.
6. Negative Charge
The high charge of -19 of albumin forces the negatively charged nutrients out of the blood towards the appropriate cells through capillary walls yet holds the positive charged particles within the capillaries. This aids in the appropriate flow of nutrients and wastes.
7. Red Blood Cell Stability
It transports insoluble bilirubin, the toxic waste product of broken down blood cells, to the liver for removal, thus, stabilizing the life span of red blood cells, and preventing Jaundice (Rothschild, Oratz, Schreiber, Hepatology, 1988;8:385).
8. Uric Acid
It aids in the transporting & neutralizing of uric acid, which may help prevent Gout, arthritis, heart disease and mental problems(1) (Seaton 1996).
It transports, directly and indirectly, calcium, creating a long term reservoir and ensuring calcium homeostasis. (Clin Lab Med, ed McClatchy, 1994, p 325).
10. Thyroid Hormone
Along with prealbumin, it transports approximately 25% of thyroid hormone, also stabilizing the level of thyroid binding globulin, protecting against thyroid storm, and helping to maintain the overall metabolic rate and homeostasis(Patterson, Essentials of Human Biochemistry, 1993, p 30, Pittman Books, London).
11. Blood Viscosity
It plays a key role in maintaining the correct blood viscosity, its unique solubility and streamlined shape makes the blood only half as viscous as the same level of antibodies, and 1/12th that of fibrinogen(Samson Wright’s Applied Physiology, Keele, Mail, Joel, 13th ed, 1982, p 555, Oxford University Press, NY.). Optimal levels of albumin, >48g/L with an A/G ratio of at least 2.0, ensure correct blood pressure and reduce ESR.
11a. Resonance & Zeta Potential
Albumin’s shape, abundance and charge contribute to the correct blood elasticity and resonant qualities in tune with the squeezing of the blood by the heart. The negative charge of albumin ensures the erythrocytes remain apart so they can pass one by one through the capillaries. The importance of albumin in stabilizing the physical environment of the blood has long been recognized(Howe, 1925, J Biol Chem; 49:109).
12. Fat Transport
It transports fatty acids, helping to control the level of fats in the tissues and blood vessels(Adv Clin Chem, 1970;13:83). It is regarded as a very high density lipoprotein (VHDL). Albumin and fatty acid levels appear to play an important role in controlling the livers’ manufacturing of cholesterol. Albumin levels are inversely related to cholesterol levels (Int Med, 4th ed, Stein, p 2612, Mosby 1994.)
13. HDL/LDL Levels
Albumin levels help stabilize HDL/LDL ratios. Low levels of albumin result in fat deposits and lipid mayhem(Adv Clin Chem, 1970;13:83).
Albumin can completely prevent LDL alteration and oxidation, thereby preventing Atherosclerosis(Dobrian et al, Biochemica & Biophysica Acta, 1993;1169:12).
15. Blood Vessel Damage
High albumin levels prevent activation of blood enzymes that can damage blood vessels, and also stabilizes acute phase reactants.
16. Growth Hormone
Optimal albumin levels may help stabilize production and use of growth hormone. Hypoalbuminemia is deeply associated with wasting and poor growth.
High albumin mops up and transports the stress hormone cortisol, following stressful events, when the CBG is overloaded, preventing free dangerous hormones from reaching non-target tissues(Guyton Txtbk Med Physiology, 8th ed, 1991, p 843, WB Saunders). Free cortisol is the “Aging Hormone” (Seaton, 1995).
18. Sex Hormones
Albumin binds and transports most excess sex hormones, thereby ensuring and preventing free active hormones from stimulating cancer cells into growth(Essentials of Human Biochemistry, 1983, p 30) (Seaton 1994).
19. Electrolyte Balance
Albumin transports the powerful hormone aldosterone, thereby ensuring homeostasis, preventing its elimination and creating a long term reservoir(Harper’s Biochemistry 1985, p 499).
20. pH Control
Albumin levels help buffer the pH of the blood and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) around a constant 7.4, which is essential for life(Txtbk Geriatric Med & Gerontol, 3rd ed, Brocklehurst, 1995, p 201-229).
21. Cell Growth
High albumin profoundly enhances cell growth. Cells grow longer and stronger in the presence of optimal albumin, last up to ten times longer, and none converted to cancer lines(Todaro & Green, Proc Soc Exp Bio Med 1964;16:68).
22. Wasting (Sarcopenia)
Low albumin is linked to wasting, observed in many diseases. Both cancer and AIDS patients have low albumin in association with wasting(Cancer, 1950, p 56) (Seaton, 1991) (Am J Clin Nutr, 1996;64:552).
Smokers leak more albumin through their capillary walls, most probably contributing to their shorter life span and ill health(Lancet 1985;1:781).
High albumin is the best natural protection against radiation damage. Some researchers believe that normal background radiation plays a major role in aging. Perhaps, this explains why the skin is the major reservoir of albumin(Peters T, 1996).
25. Trauma / Operations
Low albumin is associated with much higher mortality from operations, accidents, and length of hospital stay(Ellis, Heart & Lung, 1993;22:166).
26. Blood Volume
Albumin infusion is a major factor in saving lives during war. Albumin is vital in preventing mortality from trauma such as gun shot wounds. However, infusion is futile in attempts to restore optimal albumin in the normal population.
27. Connective Tissue
Sixty percent of albumin is actually within the connective tissue spaces, protecting cells and neutralizing their wastes(Harrison’s Prin Intl Med, 11th ed, 1987, p 447). Optimal serum albumin and A/G ratios control optimal levels of albumin and globulins within the extravascular spaces. The higher the serum albumin, the higher the levels appear in the extravascular spaces, thereby maintaining homeostasis. All this helps to ensure that the loss of water from the ground substance is delayed in aging.
28. Lymph system
Drainage of the connective tissue via the lymph canal system depends, to a large extent, on albumin in removing waste products from cells and purifying both the extravascular and lymph fluids(Peters T. Adv Clin Chem, 1970;13:37-111).
Albumin is low in all types of cancer, usually before the onset, and lower through the various stages(Midar, Alling, Morton, Cancer, Jan 1950, p 56). Albumin can profoundly prevent the growth of cancer cells. Restoring optimal albumin levels in cancer patients is often associated with complete remission (Cancer, 1985;55:389). Cells grown in the presence of high levels of albumin did not mutate to cancer lines (Proc Soc Exp Biol Med, 1964;116:688).
30. Liver Disease
Albumin is produced by the liver at approximately 14 grams per day (millions of molecules per second). The high concentration of albumin may explain why the liver is rarely the site of primary cancer, despite the fact that all the powerful carcinogens end up there.
31. Immortal Cells
Cells grown in the presence of high albumin lasted up to 10 times longer, grew stronger and none converted to cancer lines(Proc Soc Exp Biol Med, 1964;116:688).
Albumin, because of its abundance, ease of replacement and ability to collect free electrons, may be the most important and powerful antioxidant. Added to this, its ability to bind metals, like copper ions, which act as catalysts, enhances dramatically its antioxidant role(Halliwell, Biochem Pharmacol, 1988;37:569).
Free sulfhydrl groups associated with albumin bind heavy metals, including mercury, protecting against oxidation and poisoning(Shock, Baltimore Longitudinal study of Aging, NIH Pub # 84-2450, Nov.1984, p 111).
Optimal albumin levels prevent loss of bone minerals and calcium mayhem such as osteoporosis,(Mundy, Resnar, Intern Med, J. Stein, 4th ed, 1994, p 1254).
Optimal albumin (>48g/L, A/G ratio 2.0) helps to stabilize transferring at levels around 2g/L, and ensures efficient iron transport and homeostasis, making it unavailable to microbes that may gain entry to the blood(Clin Lab Med, p 239). Iron is also bound to albumin.
Albumin’s remarkable hydrophilic properties allow it to dissolve perfectly in serum, giving it the right viscosity and elasticity. Combined with this, its ability to bind a range of nutrients and wastes that are NOT soluble in serum, is essential in the flow of nutrients and wastes to and from the trillions of cells(Adv Clin Chem, 1970;13:37).
37. Super Food & Protein Synthesis
Albumin transports amino acids such as, Tryptophan. Circulating high levels of albumin is also an important reservoir of essential amino acids. Albumin contains liberal amounts of the 11 amino acids essential for proper growth in children, and the 6 amino acids to maintain good health in adults(Great Soviet Encyl v 16, p 311). In terms of biological properties albumin milk is more valuable than casein milk. In further support, ovalbumin, 50% of the white of egg, is regarded as a perfect protein food (Compton’s Ency. 1992, v 1, p 272). Albumin dominates protein synthesis, and muscle mass is deeply associated with the level of albumin (Am J Clin Nutr, 1996;64:552).
38. Life Factor
Albumin is found in seeds, eggs, amniotic fluid, and milk. At commencement of lactation, human milk contains about 5% albumin, falling to around 1%. It is essential for optimal growth.
39. Drug Over-dose
Albumin binds drugs, including penicillin and salicylates. This prevents overdose toxicity. In the aged, and ill, the amount of albumin available, in reserve, for binding drugs, is frequently too low, allowing free active compounds to circulate causing overdose toxicity and side effects(Ebersole & Hess, Towards Healthy Aging, 2nd ed, 1985, p 279, Mosby, Princeton). Drug addicts, because of poor hygiene techniques, high infection, often have low albumin and an increased potential for drug side effects.
Albumin has complex binding sites and it is commonly stated that it can bind the pharmacopoeia(Peters T. 1970). This remarkable property constantly refines the body and protects it against a wide range of potential poisons. In our modern polluted society, optimal levels of albumin are more important than ever.
It also plays an important role in binding the powerful toxins and waste products from germs, plus immunological debris. Albumin is the amyloid degrading enzyme. Albumin also helps to neutralize snake and spider venoms.
Albumin has always been regarded as the best measure of evolution. Its quantity and quality rises with the ascending brain development. It is very low in plants, in reptiles and fish around 15-18g/L, around 30g/L in most animals such as cats and dogs, and reaches as high as 50g/L in dolphins and humans(Seaton, 1991).
43. Liver Function
Sixty percent of the liver’s function is to manufacture albumin. It will make about half a ton of it during our lifetime, at the rate of several million molecules per second. Each molecule of albumin is astonishingly complex, with a molecular weight around 69,000. Perhaps it is far too complex for humans to make.
44. Health Care Costs
Albumin is one of the most expensive and important items in a hospital budget. It costs more than $1,500 per cupful. A large percentage of the national health care costs are associated with extracting and storing albumin from blood(Annals of Pharmacotherapy, 1989;23:214).
45. Infusion Futile
Attempts to achieve optimal albumin profiles by intravenous infusion of albumin are futile. The reason is that it raises the osmotic pressure and causes the liver to begin to destroy albumin, so that within a few days, the level is reduced to lower than before. The body appears to reject all albumin not made by it(Peters, 1996). Infusion of albumin is only beneficial in cases of emergency such as gunshot wounds, accidents, and loss of blood.
45a. Exogenous Albumin Questionable:
The albumin used in hospitals has to be heated for 10 hours at 60°C in attempts to kill any attached microbes, such as hepatitis. Results of this heating, separation and storage gives rise to albumin of poor quality in binding the array of waste products and hormones, etc. Perhaps, these treatments damage the “Life Factor” associated with albumin. In summary, the only way to achieve optimal albumin levels and A/G ratios is by addressing the cause of the levels of acute phase proteins and antibodies, reducing them to their perfect levels, which in turn, allows the liver to naturally adjust optimal levels of albumin.
During pregnancy, because of the increase in fluid volume by about 25%, albumin levels decline to a range of between 25g/L and 38g/L(Oxford Txtbk Med 1984, p 27.3). Higher levels of around 40g/L are maintained in the fetus, especially in the third trimester, and essential for optimal cell growth (John Hopkins Hsptl Handbook, 13th ed, K. Johnson, 1993, p 95, Mosby, Baltimore ). Maintaining constant and optimal albumin levels of around 38g/L right up to term, may be the most important factor in achieving optimal fetal development. Maintaining high levels of albumin of close to 50g/L, from conception and throughout each stage of pregnancy, can profoundly influence optimal cell growth. This has the potential to change human development (see attached chart).
47. Tooth Decay
Albumin is found in the saliva, binding potential poisons such as mercury, and perhaps helping to protect against tooth decay, by neutralizing the acids that eat through the enamel. Albumin also appears to be the major enamelin protein(Stawich & Glimcher, Eur J Biochem 1990:47). Perhaps high levels during childhood development may contribute to strong and healthy teeth throughout life.
Secretions from the nasal passageway and lungs also contain albumin, which is important in protecting against pollution and lung damage. It also may protect against free radical oxidation in the lungs and respiratory tract.
Sexual secretions also contain albumin which helps to keep the sperm and egg alive, and protect against chemical damage(Great Soviet Ency 1970, v 3, p 1-2).
AIDS patients have low T cell counts, yet very high gammaglobulin and acute phase protein levels, resulting in low albumin(Farthing, Brown, Staughton, Colored Atlas of AIDS, 2nd ed, 1988. p 8, Year Book Med Chicago). Albumin can often drop as low as 16g/L before death. The wasting seen in AIDS may be deeply associated with low albumin levels, thus, maintaining optimal albumin levels in HIV / AIDS patients, may profoundly increase life span and reduce secondary infections. The few HIV positive patients, who have survived for many years without developing AIDS, may have accomplished this by maintaining higher albumin levels. This opens a new dimension in treatment.
The major storehouse of albumin is the skin(Hepatology, 1988;8:385), the reason for this is probably to protect against chemical and radiation damage. High levels of albumin also contribute to wound repair. Optimal levels prevent wrinkling and aging of the skin.
52. Kidney Function
Proper kidney filtering function depends on optimal albumin levels. Albumin binds hormones and prevents their elimination. It also binds poisonous wastes products that could damage the kidneys. The negative charge of the albumin molecule is repulsed by the negative charge of the kidney filtering system so that it is not eliminated. When albumin is lost in the urine, it is a sign of poor health and the reason why Insurance companies require urine tests, and have refused to insure people if albumin is present in unusual levels. They have learned from statistics that people do not survive for very long if they continue to lose albumin from the kidneys.
Albumin purifies the fluids in the eyeballs, thus ensuring clear vision throughout life. Maintaining optimal albumin may slow the onset of presbyopia, and delay changes in the elasticity of connective tissue. In summary, high albumin may prevent dimming of the vision.
Albumin is the most abundant protein in the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF), comprising up to 80% of CSF proteins, because there are normally very low levels of antibodies. The CSF is “Brain plasma”, vital in cushioning against trauma, supplying nutrients, and above all, purifying and removing waste products. The brain, like any “Super-computer”, can only operate under the cleanest conditions. Only the purest, unbound, and perfect albumin molecules are selected by dialysis through the chloride plexuses, a bunch of complex blood vessels within the brain that produces the CSF using the blood plasma as a basis. It is easy to understand why albumin bound to waste products or even some nutrients can not be allowed into the brain. The brain is separated from the blood by the Blood Brain Barrier (BBB). Optimal albumin levels also create the osmotic pressure which ensures proper drainage of the CSF and maintenance of the BBB. The CSF appears to be completely changed approximately 5 times a day(Samson Wright’s Physiology, 13th ed, 1982, p 367). Thus, albumin is changed constantly. Persons with low albumin have insufficient pure molecules that can be allowed into the CSF to purify it. This explains why patients, who are hypoalbuminemic, often have mental confusion. It also may explain most senile deficiencies, including Alzheimer’s disease (Seaton, AGE, 1995;18:1-2). The higher the albumin levels, the higher the intellect (Seaton, NHF, 1993).
55. Vitamin A
Transporting vitamin A requires retinol binding globulin, backed up by albumin and prealbumin. Vitamin A has profound effects on epithelial cells and the immune system, however, free vitamin is toxic. Maintaining optimal albumin levels throughout life will allow maximum circulating levels of vitamin A which can protect against cancer, infections, dimming of the vision, and aging of the skin(Oxford Txtbk Med, 1994, p 4.74).
55a. Vitamin D
Albumin is also important in the transporting and homeostasis of Vitamin D. This “Starlight” hormone plays an increasingly important role in preventing aging.
There may be a link between albumin and autoimmune diabetes, as evidence links bovine albumin in milk to antibodies that cross-react to the surface of pancreatic beta cells(Harrison’s Princ Intl Med, 13th ed, p 1982). Maintaining high albumin stabilizes diabetes type 1 and 2.
57. Waste & Calorie Restriction
It is widely used in high technology refining of many products, such as wine and sugar. It is also used in photography to remove minute blemishes. Perhaps, this extraordinary ability explains why nature designed an abundance of albumin, particularly in long lived animals, such as humans, elephants, dolphins, whales, and the great apes. Perhaps the most important factor in reaching maximum life span is the removal of waste products efficiently. This is supported by the results with calorie restricted laboratory animals that live up to 50% longer, and maintain higher levels of albumin and A/G ratios(Special Report on Aging, NIA / NIH, 1988, p 11-12).
58. Germfree Models
Germfree animals have very low levels of antibodies, and acute phase proteins, thus, higher levels of albumin(Wostmann, Germfree In Gnotobiotic Animal Models, CRC Press 1996). They tend to live longer and appear to be more resistant to radiation damage (Ency Americana, 1991, v 12, p 700). The problem with germfree animals is their weak immune system, inability to digest and absorb vitamins efficiently, and loss of proteins from the kidneys. The answer must lie in maintaining perfect levels of antibodies and white blood cells, at the same time, a strong immune system, all resulting in perfect albumin serum profiles (albumin 48g/L, A/G >1.9). This depends on scientific hygiene, and NOT sterilization.
59. Multi-Factorial Benefits
Achieving and maintaining optimal albumin levels of between 48g/L-60g/L with an A/G ratio of at least 2.0, is a “Double-edged” sword, because in order to achieve these serum profiles, one must prevent disease, and at the same time, maintain a perfect level of immunologic performance. It means maintaining a highly specific immunological defense, no useless auto-antibodies. It also means maintaining perfect levels of clotting factors and inflammatory proteins (acute phase proteins). It also means maintaining perfect blood viscosity, and perfect red and white blood cell stability and counts. Maintaining optimal albumin levels is the only approach to the multi-factorial failures that occur in aging.
Optimal albumin levels bind most excess hormones, preventing their rapid elimination, thereby creating a long term reservoir, available to the appropriate tissues on demand. This is especially important in emergency and stressful conditions. Albumin buffers the entire biochemistry / physiology.
The final proof is the hundreds of major studies from hospitals, universities, governments, and nursing homes, that all clearly, consistently, and repeatedly, demonstrate that the level of serum albumin is the most important factor in predicting death, re-admission to hospital, length of stay, and general good health(Phillips, Shaper, Whincup, Lancet, 1989;2:1434-1436) (Gillum, Makuc, Am Heart J, 1992;123:507-513) (Kuller et al, Am J Epidemiol, 1991;134:1266-1277) (Ellis P, Heart & Lung, 1993;22:166-170) (Soeters P et al, (Letter) Lancet, 1990;335:348) (Rothschild, Oratz, Schreiber, New Engl J Med, 1972;286:748).
Throughout the world there are about 20 reported cases of this very rare congenital disease. Normally, everyone with very low albumin, dies. These rare cases that remain alive, have between 3 and 10g/L, and the albumin lasts much longer than the normal 20 day half life. Albumin may be so saturated that it is not detected. These rare humans compensate by producing very high levels of other carrier proteins that attempt to perform many of the same roles as albumin. Perhaps, a way of looking at this is; that there is an albumin deviate, however, they still suffer with edema, eczema, fatigueability, seizures, sex hormone mayhem, rheumatoid arthritis, persistent headaches, allergies, asthma, congestive heart failure, hypopituitarism, cancer, and most common of all; Hyperlipidemia, resulting in very high cholesterol deposits, diarrhea, and constant fatigue (Adv Clin Chem, 1970;13:83) (Voxsang, 1990;39:153). Life-span is reduced, most do not survive childhood.
How to Restore & Maintain Super Serum Albumin Profiles Throughout Life
Under the natural laws of biochemistry and physiology, any attempt to achieve super albumin levels, it is necessary to maintain total antibody levels at <10g/L, acute phase proteins at <5g/L, and carrier proteins normally around 10g/L, in order to achieve “Super albumin levels” at between 50-60g/L. Very few people in the world have these super serum profiles. Theoretically and in practice, this perfect combination of serum proteins can only be achieved by removing the “Overload” off the immune system, so that the level of antibodies and acute phase proteins (Inflammatory proteins) can be reduced to no more that a total of <15g/L. The only possible way to achieve this and retain a strong and perfect immune response is to practice scientific, high technology hygiene, specifically designed to maintain the normal microflora, yet address pathogens and their super antigens. Too many antibodies do not improve the immune response, but in fact, they are often associated with autoimmunity and immunological mayhem. Many people have short lives when total antibodies are as high as 24g/L, and the acute phase reactant proteins elevated, and thus, albumin levels only around 40g/L or less (the mean level in the USA is only an estimated 42g/L. The mean level of antibodies is reported to be around 18.5g/L. The literature supports that hypogammaglobulinemia does not occur until levels reach below 5g/L. In summary, Hyperalbuminemia is not seen clinically, thus the potential for “Super albumin levels” is almost unlimited. Life span may well exceed 125 years.
ALBUMIN ANSWERS ALL THE THEORIES ON AGING
The waste theory on aging is answered beautifully by albumin; the free radical theory is also answered by optimal albumin; the autoimmune theory of aging is soundly answered by optimal albumin, and perfect A/G ratios of at least 2.0; the cross linking theory of aging is again answered by optimal albumin, because of its role with free radicals, autoimmunity and waste products; the protein synthesis that fails in aging and that is associated with wasting (Sarcopenia), is also answered by albumin which plays a significant role in providing correct balance of amino acids, the ionizing theory of aging is also answered by optimal albumin, which is the best natural defense against radiation.
The remarkable results, of extending life span by up to 50%, achieved with calorie restriction (CR) are also answered by optimal albumin because with CR, there are fewer waste products to overload albumin. CR can also actually increase albumin levels and A/G ratios, such as those seen in Anorexia Nervosa(J Parenteral & Enter Nutr, 1987;11:458). In summary, the multi-factorial evidence in aging is answered by maintaining high albumin levels, because it is involved in so many important areas of the biochemistry / physiology.
“The genius learns from nature.” Nature surrounds all eggs, seeds, fetuses and brains with a generous supply of albumin. At commencement of lactation, milk contains high levels of albumin. Cells cannot be grown securely, with long life span, without ample first grade albumin(Hayflick 1991, [personal communication]). Clearly, any attempt to reach maximum genetic potential in aging, must be accompanied by a breakthrough in maintaining super high levels of albumin (49g/L to 60g/L, with an A/G ratio of >2.0) from birth throughout life. There appears to be no other substance in the body that is involved in so many important roles. Most proteins have but a single role. Every hospital, every nursing home, every university, every institution, and every major government study, clearly confirms that the level of serum albumin stands alone in predicting mortality and morbidity. Nature would not have designed such an abundance of albumin, or its equivalent in lower creatures, distributed in every part of the body, without a sound reason.
Copyright © Kenneth Seaton, National Hygiene Foundation 1994-1996.
For More Information: 1 888 641 2547 www.optimalhygiene.com
NANCY ADAMS COMMENTS
I heard Dr. Seaton speak only one or two times, at health fairs in South Florida in the 1990's. His talk made a profound impression upon me (all geniuses impress me...). He covered the material in this article only sketchily, the main point of his talk being how to practice the high tech hygiene mentioned above, and make us aware of his products. He was justly proud of the products since he took years to formulate them to his satisfaction, especially the soap. It was made to support the acid mantle of the skin and the friendly bacteria while discouraging the bad guys, be gentle to skin, and other virtues. I am lucky to have half a tub of it left. It is most unfortunate that it is no longer available, so we will have to make do. We can still do much to reduce the load on our hard-working albumin, supporting its increase to our benefit.
Since it isn't covered above, I will briefly add the basics of his method.
Number one, most important, is that Dr. Seaton held that "germs do not fly, they hitchhike." They get from place to place primarily on human hands and fingers. We need to become aware of what our hands are doing. Here is an example. You shake hands with someone who has a cold, and don't wash your hands. Then later, maybe your eye itches a little bit and you unthinkingly rub it. Guess what? You just transferred those cold germs into your system. Another example from my own experience. My assistant, Kimberly, comes over twice a week to process orders. She uses my computer. Sometimes her family is ill. More than once I've "caught" it, until I remembered the hitchhiking theory. Now we use a disinfectant wipe on the keyboard before and after she's here working, and both of us are protected.
In the "How to restore..." paragraph above, Dr. Seaton points out that, "Too many antibodies do not improve the immune response, but in fact, they are often associated with autoimmunity and immunological mayhem." So, it seems to follow that anything we can do to reduce the times the body has to make antibodies in response to an invader, is a good thing. And that means reducing the input of pathogens into our system, and THAT means HYGIENE !! Don't fall into the swoon called, "I have a strong immune system and I just make antibodies and stay well." From my reading of this information, that is not a sustainable plan.
So, handwashing is important, but wait. Dr. Seaton told us that it was under the fingernails where millions of germs and bacteria reside, and they were the culprits in most cases. So, he advocated pressing the fingernails into the soap. His wonderful soap came in a tub and was soft enough to do this. He said, "Get your dry hands in the soap, dig in the nails, and then wash. Leaving a little soap under the nails will discourage the germs and keep your hands cleaner." Obviously dry cakes of soap can't be used this way, but if you put it in a plastic travel container, add a few drops of water, and keep it covered, it will get soft enough. Or use a good mild liquid soap, and be sure to get it under all the nails when washing hands. It isn't Seaton's Super Soap, but we have to do something.
Hmm, I just remembered, when I was three, my mother said if I wanted to help with cooking, my hands had to be "Kitchen Clean." She said that meant washing them two times. I still do it, and am amused that washing twice is also part of the Food Handler rules for restaurant workers.
Next, DO NOT TOUCH your eyes, nose, mouth, or "other" parts, or even broken skin, without washing your hands thoroughly BEFORE AND AFTER. Even better, use a tissue. All of those parts are mucous membrane exposures and lead directly into the body.
Dr. Seaton had a couple of facial dips which he advocated alternating, to rid the face of debris and micro-organisms around the eyes, nose, and mouth. I suggest using a fresh washcloth with clean hands to wash the face. Washcloths are cheap. I have a stack of 25 or so beside my bathroom sink. I use them for washing my face, but I also use them as single-use hand towels as well. It makes no sense to me to dry my hands on the same towel 10 times. How clean can that be?
Also, I keep a spray bottle of 3% peroxide next to every faucet in the house, and use it on hands and especially nails at the end of my handwashing. It safely kills pathogens, and breaks down into oxygen and water.
For the nose, you may like to try something called Xlear, which comes in a nifty little spray bottle and is made of saline, xylitol, and grapefruit seed extract. And no drugs. Apparently the xylitol changes the surface tension on the mucous membrane so the bugs can't gain a foothold.
Maybe by now you're muttering, "Oh, for heaven's sake, shades of Howard Hughes!!" Let me smilingly reply that my immune system is the only thing standing between me and contamination of my biological terrain with hitchhiking bugs. Who will take care of it if I don't? Most people don't even know they can improve their immune system for free!! Besides, you got this far on the page for SOME reason..... ??
Now I will add an original comment of my own, based on reading and study of Dr. Seaton's material above. The liver makes albumin. If serum albumin is low, doesn't it make sense that, in addition to improving hygiene, supporting the liver would help it do its job?
1. Quit putting all the junk in your body that overloads it, first of all. You know what that is, and in case you don't, it's mainly refined carbohydrates including sugar, white flour, white rice, and white salt, and refined fats. Anything that is many steps away from its original form, or that has been tampered with in some major way. There is no such thing as a Crisco tree.
2. Then take a look at a terrific book by Sandra Cabot, MD, called The Liver Cleansing Diet.
3. Take some liver supports like the one from Solaray called Liver, Standard Process Labs Hepatrophin and A & F Betafood, and eat beets.
4. Buy a rebounder and use it daily for a few minutes, like 5. Surely you have 5 minutes. Rebounding helps to detoxify the liver!! I have a Cellerciser, and I don't recommend the cheap ones for a number of reasons. Check out the Cellerciser here.
It can't hurt you to try this, and you may be pleasantly surprised. Until you get to the cost of the rebounder, it's practically free. Next time you have a blood test, take a look at your albumin and compare it with your last blood test. That's where the evidence will be.
page made February 4, 2009, with gratitude to Dr. Seaton for his amazing work. Reviewed 5-25-2011.
I invite you to go to my home page to explore this site, and check back often for the latest outrage.
WANT MORE SEATON? HERE IS A 2009 ARTICLE ON INFLUENZA!!
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