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When I have the privilege to serve as a yoga instructor, I think of how to best facilitate as a students’ guide to make sure they are safe on their journey of self-discovery. I am most mindful of students’ safety because I myself have learned few lessons in my own practice. One of them being, finding the edge and not going over it to the extreme. Same goes for your diet/cleansing practice – nothing extreme please. It’s not about “extreme makeover” only great for TV ratings. It’s about finding our equilibrium and longevity at ease.

The subject of physiological importance of Electrolytes I’d like to share as we head into hot summer season. We will be perspiring more which is great for the complexion as the pores are drained out, giving you a lovely glow.  Just be aware that we can also be draining out important minerals that our body needs. So we’ve got to replace them by hydrating well as perspiration flushes out the good AND the bad in our system.

“In physiology, the primary ions of electrolytes are sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), chloride (Cl−), hydrogen phosphate (HPO42−), and hydrogen carbonate (HCO3−). The electric charge symbols of plus (+) and minus (−) indicate that the substance is ionic in nature and has an imbalanced distribution of electrons, the result of chemical dissociation. Sodium is the main electrolyte found in extracellular fluid and is involved in fluid balance and blood pressure control.
All known higher lifeforms require a subtle and complex electrolyte balance between the intracellular and extracellular environment. In particular, the maintenance of precise osmotic gradients of electrolytes is important. Such gradients affect and regulate the hydration of the body as well as blood pH, and are critical for nerve and muscle function. Various mechanisms exist in living species that keep the concentrations of different electrolytes under tight control.
Both muscle tissue and neurons are considered electric tissues of the body. Muscles and neurons are activated by electrolyte activity between the extracellular fluid or interstitial fluid, and intracellular fluid. Electrolytes may enter or leave the cell membrane through specialized protein structures embedded in the plasma membrane called ion channels. For example, muscle contraction is dependent upon the presence of calcium (Ca2+), sodium (Na+), and potassium (K+). Without sufficient levels of these key electrolytes, muscle weakness or severe muscle contractions may occur.
Electrolyte balance is maintained by oral, or in emergencies, intravenous (IV) intake of electrolyte-containing substances, and is regulated by hormones, generally with the kidneys flushing out excess levels. In humans, electrolyte homeostasis is regulated by hormones such as antidiuretic hormone, aldosterone and parathyroid hormone. Serious electrolyte disturbances, such as dehydration and overhydration, may lead to cardiac and neurological complications and, unless they are rapidly resolved, will result in a medical emergency.”
(Excerpt from Wikipedia)
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Deficiency can lead to hypocalcemia and other complications…
What are 7 symptoms of hypocalcemia?
1. tetany, seizure
2. circumoral numbness
3. paresthesis (pins and needles)
4. carpopedal spasm
5. tetany may result in trousseau sign
6. tetany may result in chvostek sign
7. prolonged QT on EKG

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So I learned the hard way couple of years ago.  Hot yoga studio room is usually heated at 105 ideally BUT the studio was jam packed like a Japanese commute hour train and extremely hot.  Hotter than usual – maybe it was 115 by the end – thanks to the communal heat so stoked.  I had finished my 90 minutes of over the edge practice well.  Yet I gasped for fresh cool air as I came out of the heated room. I really needed more air – first time in my life …hyperventilating(there’s first time to everything but this I would have liked to have avoided).  I practically crawled out of the heated room and  just could not get up. I was fully conscious – my muscles just froze, “help” and it felt as though I could not breathe. The instructor rushed over and in his arms I recall him pouring cold coconut water into my mouth, encouraging me to drink. There was a RN from local hospital who was one of the students on hand – she rushed over and soon had a brown paper bag over my mouth so I stop hyperventilating.  Comments “Good, she’s not unconscious”  then, she might have massaged my hands and feet when I told her they were freezing into stones of immobility –  I heard her say “she’s got tetany”.

What? Fear rushed through my head as I felt the numbness in my peripherals – I thought, no, I am too young to have a stroke! Aren’t I? Why can’t I move my hands and feet? What’s this tingly sensations turning into burning pain? I felt a feeling of panic overtake me as I tried to move but could not. It truly is a scary feeling when your mind/brain is sending out a command to your body, in this case, “move it !”, but the body does not respond:( You truly break out in cold sweat (I had both the hot and cold versions that day!). It was a payback time: all this time, my body was sending out signals but my ego/mind/brain simply ignored those messages. Now the reverse was happening much to my chagrin: the mind was telling the body to move; and the body simply ignored such plea. Yes, my mind-body connection was out of whack – was I really doing yoga then?

I was fatigued, sleep deprived and stressed beyond belief but rather than back off a bit and rest, closet Type A, I felt obsessive to stoke a yoga session that day. I had gotten down to my ideal weight and I intended to keep it so this practice, I felt compulsively, is a MUST! I felt the tingly sensations in my fingers right around Standing Bow pose – my favorite pose back then – but ignored the signals and went over the edge throughout the practice, totally absorbed, staring into my reflection in the mirror as I had staked out my favorite mat space directly FRONT of the mirror, FRONT row. The room felt hotter than the usual 105 and was confirmed someone said – oh, 110 at the start – as it was jam packed that Saturday morning with a popular teacher. As Judith and Matsy would say, I was not doing yoga.

So I learned my lesson. Things did not feel quite right and It took me couple of months to recover from that episode. I really had to reach deep within to access my innate ability to heal while seeking out the true teachings of yoga.  I heard later that some never fully recover from a heat stroke – so I am lucky.  I attribute my “real” or true-to-self yoga practice for my recovery since then.  It would have been unimaginable to foresee this trajectory back then when I was gritting my teeth to get my yoga “on” and only “intention” set was to squeeze in a practice during my busy schedule, whatever the cost. Where was the sthira (stability) and where was the sukham (ease) ?

I was not doing yoga then. I did not honor my body. I did not practice compassion.  I kept on cracking the whip and  forced my body into over the edge poses, and shamed my mind for what it could not do.  That was not yoga.

In our practice, we need to be grateful for what our body can do today, and feel inspired by what our body cannot do.  Then believe. Believe in your body.  Believe in your inner wisdom.

I have since then become a seeker and I owe thanks to the great teachers I have met on my journey. I am back on my path and I feel my transformation still unfolding.

I am now doing YOGA.

Symptoms of adrenal fatigue:

Morning fatigue — You don’t really seem to “wake up” until 10 a.m.(& you are not a teenager), even if you’ve been awake since 7 a.m.
Afternoon “low” (feelings of sleepiness or clouded thinking) from 2 to 4 p.m.
Burst of energy at 6 p.m. — You finally feel better from your afternoon lull.
Sleepiness at 9 to 10 p.m. — However, you resist going to sleep.
“Second wind” at 11 p.m. that lasts until about 1 a.m., when you finally go to sleep.
Cravings for foods high in salt and fat
Increased PMS or menopausal symptoms
Mild depression
Lack of energy
Decreased ability to handle stress
Muscular weakness
Increased allergies
Lightheadedness when getting up from a sitting or laying down position
Decreased sex drive
Frequent sighing
Inability to handle foods high in potassium or carbohydrates unless they’re combined with fats and protein.

(The above symptoms also ties in with Ayurvedic philosophy, where the above profiles Pitta Dosha.)
Adrenal glands are small and located on the tops of your kidneys. Proper diet and yoga poses that promote kidney health can save you from this 21st century malaise – Here are top 15 good for your kidneys foods according to yourkidneys.com. Good site to refer to to give TLC to your kidneys. Our kidneys’ health rules our general health:

1. Red bell peppers

Red bell peppers are a good choice for those concerned about kidney health.
Adequate intake of potassium is 4,700 mg per day. One cup of chopped, uncooked, red bell peppers provides 314 mg of potassium. The combination of low sodium and high potassium found in red bell peppers makes them a healthy choice for hypertension. Packed with generous portion of vitamins A, C, B6, folic acid and fiber. They also contain the antioxidant lycopene, which protects against certain types of cancer.

2. Cabbage

Crunchy cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable filled with phytochemicals, chemical compounds found in certain fruits and vegetables. Phytochemicals work to break apart free radicals. Many phytochemicals are believed to combat cancer and support cardiovascular health.

Inexpensive cabbage is a great addition to your eating plan, because it’s also high in vitamins K and C, high in fiber and a good source of vitamin B6 and folic acid, yet it’s low in potassium, so it’s especially kidney-friendly.

3. Cauliflower

Another kidney-friendly super food is cauliflower. This cruciferous vegetable brings lots of vitamin C to your plate, along with folate and fiber. In addition it contains compounds that help your liver neutralize toxic substances.

Cauliflower can be eaten raw with dip or in salads. Steamed or boiled, it can be seasoned and turned into a great side dish. You can even mash cauliflower as a replacement for mashed potatoes.

4. Garlic

Garlic is good for reducing inflammation and lowering cholesterol. It also has antioxidant and anti-clotting properties. (Cooking garlic will not affect its antioxidant properties, but it will reduce its anti-clotting and anti-inflammatory effects.)

Use garlic powder instead of garlic salt to add extra flavor to your meals without adding extra sodium.
5. Onion

Another popular food used for seasoning is the onion. Onion is full of flavonoids, particularly quercetin. Flavonoids are natural chemicals that prevent the deposit of fatty material in blood vessels and add pigmentation (color) to plants. Quercetin is a powerful antioxidant that is believed to help reduce heart disease and protect against many forms of cancer. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Low in potassium, onions are not only kidney-friendly; they also contain chromium, a mineral that assists your body with the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates.

6. Apples

An apple a day really does help keep the doctor away! High in fiber and anti-inflammatory properties, apples help reduce cholesterol, prevent constipation, protect against heart disease and decrease your risk of cancer. Renal-friendly apples can be eaten raw or cooked. Best avoid juices and ciders for the high sugar content.

7. Cranberries

Cranberries are great for preventing urinary tract infections, because they make urine more acidic and help keep bacteria from attaching to the inside of the bladder. They’ve also been shown to protect against cancer and heart disease.

Although we think of cranberries as a holiday side dish, cranberry juice can be enjoyed daily for added nutrition. Or toss a handful of dried cranberries into your cereal or salad.

8. Blueberries

These tasty berries get their blue color from antioxidant compounds called anthocyanidins. Blueberries get high marks for nutrition, thanks to natural compounds that reduce inflammation and lots of vitamin C and fiber. They also contain manganese, which contributes to healthy bones.

Use blueberries to top off your morning cereal, whip them up in a fruit smoothie or enjoy them in a baked treat, such as muffins or crisp.

9. Raspberries

Raspberries contain a compound called ellagic acid, which helps neutralize free radicals. The berry’s red color comes from antioxidants called anthocyanins. Raspberries are packed with fiber, vitamin C and manganese. They also have plenty of folate, a B vitamin. Raspberries have properties that help stop cancer cell growth and the formation of tumors.

Sprinkle fresh raspberries on cereal, or whip them up in a kidney-friendly fruit smoothie.

10. Strawberries

Strawberries are rich in two types of antioxidants, plus they contain lots of vitamin C, manganese and fiber. They have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties and also help keep your heart healthy.

Like most berries, they’re wonderful on cereal or in smoothies. Add whipped topping for a quick dessert, or puree them for a fresh addition to pound or angel food cake.

11. Cherries

Cherries are filled with antioxidants and phytochemicals that protect your heart. When eaten daily, they have been shown to reduce inflammation.

Fresh cherries make a delicious snack. Of course, cherry pie is a popular dessert, but there’s also cherry crisp, cherry cheesecake and even cherry coffee cake. Cherry sauce makes a nice accompaniment to lamb or pork.

12. Red grapes

The color in red grapes comes from several flavonoids. These are good for your heart, because they prevent oxidation and reduce the chance of blood clots. One flavonoid in grapes, resveratrol, may boost production of nitric oxide, which increases muscle relaxation in blood vessels for better blood flow. Flavonoids also help protect you from cancer and prevent inflammation.

Choose those with red or purple skin grapes for the highest flavonoid content. Eat grapes as a snack. When frozen, they make a good thirst-quencher for those on a fluid-restricted diet. Add grapes to fruit or chicken salad. Or drink grape juice but again, high sugar content so there’s a trade-off here.

13. Egg whites

Did you know that egg whites are pure protein? They provide the highest quality protein there is, along with all of the essential amino acids. If you’re on the kidney diet, it’s good to note that egg whites have less phosphorus than other protein sources, such as egg yolks or meats.

Use egg whites for omelets or egg white sandwiches. You can also add them to smoothies or shakes. Hard boil eggs and use the whites to use in tuna or green salads.

14. Fish

Another high-quality source of protein is fish. Both the American Diabetes Association and the American Heart Association recommend that you include fish in your meal plan two or three times a week. Besides being a great source of protein, fish contains anti-inflammatory fats called omega-3s. These healthy fats help prevent diseases, such as cancer and heart disease. They also help lower LDL (the bad cholesterol) and raise HDL (the good cholesterol). Salmon is great but explore other kinds of fish

15. Olive oil

Research has shown that people in countries where olive oil is used instead of other types of oils tend to have lower rates of cancer and heart disease. This is believed to be due to olive oil’s many good components: oleic acid, an anti-inflammatory fatty acid which protects against oxidation and polyphenols and antioxidant compounds that prevent inflammation and oxidation.

Use virgin or extra virgin olive oil – they’re higher in antioxidants. Olive oil can be used in cooking or to make salad dressing, as a dip for bread and as a marinade for vegetables.

When buying fruits and vegetables, get the freshest ones you can find (which means local) and be sure to include a variety (rainbow colors), since some are rich in one nutrient and others are rich in another, no supplement can replace “real” complex nutrients in “real” foods. Rich in variety and deep colors were always sought out by my late grandmother. She lived well into her late eighties and enjoyed turning a portion of her Hayama garden into a vegetable garden, taking great pride in the eggplants, bell peppers, cucumbers, green beans and tomatoes she harvested. In spring, she would make Plum wine and plum pickles from the plum tree in the garden. Nothing like vine ripened veggies and fruits to feel the bounty of nature and feel the gratitude growing within us.

Smile:)