The immune system is the key to fighting every kind of insult to the body, from that little shaving nick to the myriad of viruses that seem to abound these days. Even the aging process may be more closely related to the functioning of the immune system than to the passage of time.
Modern conventional medicine battles disease directly by means of drugs, surgery, radiation, and other therapies, but true health can be attained only by maintaining a healthy, properly functioning immune system.
It is the immune system that fights off disease causing microorganisms and that engineers the healing process.
Weakening of the immune system results in increased susceptibility to virtually every type of illness. Some common signs of impaired immune function include:
- Fatigue
- Listlessness
- Repeated infections
- Inflammation
- Allergic reactions
- Slow wound healing
- Chronic diarrhea
- Infections that represent an overgrowth of some normally present organism, such as oral thrush, systemic candidiasis, or vaginal yeast infections.
In its simplest terms, the task of the immune system is to identify those things that are “self” (that naturally belong in the body) and those that are “nonself” (foreign or otherwise harmful material), and then to neutralize or destroy that which is nonself.
The immune system is unlike other bodily systems in that it is not a group of physical structures but a system of complex interactions involving many different organs, structures, and substances, among them:
- White blood cells
- Bone marrow
- The lymphatic vessels and organs
- Specialized cells found in various body tissues,
- Specialized substances, called serum factors, that are present in the blood
The human immune system is functional at birth, but it does not yet function well. In large part this is because immunity is something that develops as the system matures and the body learns to defend itself against different foreign invaders, termed antigens.
The immune system has the ability to learn to identify, and then to remember, specific antigens that have been encountered. It does this through two basic means, known as cell mediated immunity and humoral immunity
Another important component of immunity is the lymphatic system. This is a system of organs including the:
- Spleen
- Thymus
- Tonsils
- lymph nodes
It is through the lymphatic system that fluid from the spaces between cells is drained, taking with it waste products, toxins, and other debris from the tissues. The lymph flows through the lymph nodes, where the macrophages filter out the undesirables, and from it there returns to the venous circulation.
Marvelous as it is, the immune system can work as it should only if it is cared for properly. This means getting all the right nutrients and providing the right environment, plus avoiding those things that tend to depress immunity.
Many elements of the environment we live in today compromise out immune systems’ defensive abilities.
- The chemicals in the household cleaners we use
- The overuse of antibiotics and other drugs
- The antibiotics
- Pesticides
- Additives present in the foods we eat
- Exposure to environmental pollutants
all place a strain on the immune system.
Another factor that adversely affects the immune system is stress. Stress results in a sequence of biochemical events that ultimately suppresses the normal activity of white blood cells and places undue demands on the endocrine system, as well as depleting the body of needed nutrients. The result is impaired healing ability and lowered defense against infection.
Proper immune function is an intricate balancing act. While inadequate immunity predisposes one to infectious illness of every type, it is also possible to become ill as a result of an immune response that is too strong or directed at an inappropriate target.
Many different disorders, including:
- Allergies
- Lupus
- Pernicious anemia
- Rheumatic heart disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Possibly diabetes
have been linked to inappropriate immune system activity. Consequently, they are known as autoimmune, or “self-attacking-self,” disorders.
There has been an increase in people trying to find natural immune system support. Herbal and homeopathic remedies have been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years to strengthen immune system functioning, acting as natural immunity tonics to encourage normal and efficient defense against pathogens and routine recovery.
In more recent times, research has confirmed this traditional wisdom. There are now many published clinical studies demonstrating the ability of a range of herbs to strengthen natural immunity as well as support the normal and healthy functioning of the immune system to shorten recovery time.
Anything that causes a deficiency in the formation or production of red blood cells, or that leads to the too-rapid destruction of red blood cells, can result in anemia.
Some things that can lead to anemia:
- Drug use
- Hormonal disorders
- Chronic inflammation in the body
- Surgery
- Infections
- Peptic ulcers
- Hemorrhoids
- Diverticular disease
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Repeated pregnancies
- Liver damage
- Thyroid disorders
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Bone marrow disease
- Dietary deficiencies (especially deficiencies of iron, folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12)
There are also a number of hereditary disorders, such as sickle cell disease and thalassemia, that cause anemia.
Pernicious anemia is a severe form of anemia that is due to vitamin B12 deficiency. Persons with this disorder cannot absorb any form of vitamin B12 from the gastrointestinal tract.
Millions of Americans suffer from anemia, a reduction in either the number of red blood cells or the amount of hemoglobin in the blood. The results in a decrease in the amount of oxygen that the blood is able to carry.
Anemia reduces the amount of oxygen available to the cells of the body. As a result, they have less energy available to perform their normal functions.
Important processes, such as muscular activity and cell building and repair, slow down and become less efficient. When the brain lacks oxygen, dizziness may result, and mental faculties are less sharp.
The most common cause of anemia is iron deficiency. Iron is an important factor in anemia because this mineral is used to make hemoglobin, the component of red blood cells that attaches to oxygen and transports it.
Red blood cells exist only to oxygenate the body, and have a life span of about 120 days. If a person lacks sufficient iron, the formation of red blood cells is impaired.
Iron-deficiency anemia can be caused by insufficient iron intake and/or absorption, or by significant blood loss. The latter is commonly seen in women who suffer from menorrhagia (heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding), which in turn may be caused by a hormonal imbalance, fibroid tumors, or uterine cancer.
Women who use intrauterine devices for contraception are also at a higher risk of blood loss, as are those who overuse anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen, which can cause blood loss through irritation of the digestive tract. Excessive aspirin usage, particularly by elderly people, may cause internal bleeding.
Of those suffering from anemia, 20 percent are women and 50 percent are children. It is often a hidden disease, because the symptoms can easily go unrecognized. The first signs of developing anemia may be:
- Loss of appetite
- Constipation
- Headaches
- Irritability, and/or difficulty in concentrating
Established anemia can produce such symptoms as:
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Coldness of extremities
- Depression
- Dizziness
- Overall pallor
- Most noticeable in pale and brittle nails
- Pale lips and eye lids
- Soreness in the mouth
- In women, cessation of menstruation
Herbs that are good for anemia:
- Alfalfa
- Bilberry
- Cherry
- Dandelion
- Goldenseal
- Grape skins
- Hawthorn berry
- Mullein
- Nettle
- Oregon grape root
- Pau d’arco
- Red raspberry
- Shepherd’s purse
- Yellow dock
Include the following in your diet:
- Apples
- Apricots
- Asparagus
- Bananas
- Broccoli
- Egg yolks
- Kelp
- Leafy greens
- Okra
- Parsley
- Peas
- Plums
- Prunes
- Purple grapes
- Raisins
- Rice bran
- Squash
- Turnip greens
- Whole grains
- Yams
Also eat foods high in vitamin C to enhance iron absorption.
Blackstrap molasses is a good source of iron and essential B vitamins. Consume at least 1 tablespoon of blackstrap molasses twice daily (for a child, use 1 teaspoon in a glass of milk or formula twice daily).
Avoid beer, candy bars, dairy products, ice cream, and soft drinks. Additives in these foods interfere with iron absorption. For the same reason, avoid coffee (which contains polyphenols) and tea (which contains tannins).
AnemiCare is a safe, non-addictive, FDA-registered natural remedy containing 100% homeopathic ingredients selected to temporarily increase iron absorption and hemoglobin levels needed for normal iron levels in the body.
High levels of cholesterol in the blood is one of the many risk factors for serious future health problems.
Cholesterol isn’t all bad, your body requires it in moderation for the proper function of cells, nerves, and hormones. It is an essential component of every cell in your body, and life without it would be impossible.
Too much cholesterol can increase the chances of developing heart disease and stroke. By inhibiting circulation, too much of this substance can also cause gallstone, impotence, high blood pressure, and loss of mental acuity.
To distribute cholesterol throughout the body, substances called lipoproteins transport it in the blood. One class of lipoproteins, called low-density lipoproteins, or LDLs for short, carries cholesterol from the liver, where it is produced, to the cells that need it. The another kind of lipoprotein, called high-density lipoproteins, or HDLs, picks up the excess cholesterol from the cells and takes it back to the liver, where it is broken down and excreted from the body or reprocessed. A great checks and balance system.
Under normal conditions, the lipoproteins keep cholesterol levels in balance. But this carefully calibrated system can be overtaxed when the body creates more cholesterol than HDL can sweep away. After the cells take what they need, the existing HDLs remove what they can, and the extra cholesterol simply remains in the blood. Then if cholesterol becomes oxidized (not good) (especially LDL cholesterol) and attaches to the artery walls, it sets the stage for inflammation of the arteries. This chronic inflammation contributes to further buildup and deposition of cholesterol and plaque on the interior walls of the arteries. This is called buildup, which narrows the arteries and limits the amount of blood that can pass through them, setting the stage for arteriosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. Arteriosclerosis is the first stage of heart disease: when left untreated, it will lead to a heart attack or stroke.
SYMPTOMS
Often, there are no symptoms of high cholesterol, so it’s important to have your doctor perform a blood analysis regularly. One sign of high cholesterol can be a buildup of cholesterol rings on the skin under the eyes. If cholesterol or heart problems run in your family, or if you experience any of the following make an appointment:
- Dizziness
- Mental confusion or dullness
- Circulatory problems
- Difficulty breathing after minor exertion
ROOT CAUSES
- Poor diet, especially one high in cholesterol, saturated fats, and refined carbohydrates
- Inactivity
- Hereditary tendency to high cholesterol
- Diabetes, insulin resistance
- Hypothyroidism
- Stress
Just as a poor diet is a primary cause of high cholesterol, dietary changes are one of the best ways to treat it. One major key to balancing cholesterol levels is to consume a diet that’s high in fiber. This means increasing the amount of vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and whole grains in the diet. Soluble fiber is a great choice. This type of fiber does not dissolve in water and binds cholesterol as it passes through the digestive tract. Oat bran is a great example of soluble fiber, and more than twenty studies show that it reduces total and LDL cholesterol when consumed on a daily basis. One bowl of oatmeal can lower cholesterol levels between 8 and 23 percent in just three weeks. Pectin, found in the skin of apples, is also effective, as is ground flaxseeds.
Not all fats are forbidden to people with elevated cholesterol. Essential fatty acids actually have a heart-protecting effect, so incorporate these into your diet:
- Cold-water fish like salmon or mackerel
- Flaxseeds
- Olive oil
- Omega 3 supplements
- Garlic and onions
- Nut, such as walnuts
But the hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated fats (which is the process that turns vegetable and seed oils into soft or solid fats) should be avoided. Researchers have discovered that the hydrogenated process produces altered molecules called trans-fatty acids. These substances appear to pack a double whammy:
- Not only do they raise LDL (BAD)
- They lower HDL (GOOD) and cause free radical damage
Not even butter does that kind of damage to your arteries.
Red yeast rice has been shown to reduce cholesterol levels and increase HDL.
Guggul, this herb reduces cholesterol levels and increases HDL.
The prostate is a doughnut-shaped male sex gland. Normal size about that of a walnut. It is positioned beneath the urinary bladder. It encircles the urinary outlet, or utethra. During ejaculation, the muscles in the prostate squeeze fluid from the prostate into the urethral tract. Prostatic fluid makes up the bulk of semen.
Prostatitis, inflammation of the prostate gland, is common in men of all ages. The usual cause is infectious bacteria that invade the prostate from other areas of the body. Hormonal changes associated with aging may also be a cause.
Problems arise when the inflammation result in urine retention. This causes the bladder to become distended, weak, tender, and itself susceptible to infection. Infection in the bladder is easily transmitted up the ureters to the kidneys.
Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) is the gradual enlargement of the prostate. Half of all men over the age of fifty and three fourth of men over 70 are affected by this condition. This is largely attributable to hormonal changes associated with aging.
After the age of around 50, a man’s testosterone and free testosterone levels decrease, while other hormones, such as prolactin and estradiol increase, creating an increase in the amount of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a very potent form of testosterone. All this is happening in the prostate causing a hyperplasia (overproduction) of prostate cells. Ultimatedly resulting in prostate enlargement.
The major symptom of enlargement of the prostate is the need to pass urine frequently. A man may find himself rising several times during the night to urinate. Pain, burning, and difficulty in starting and stopping urination. Blood in the urine is not uncommon.
Symptoms
- Frequent urination
- Urination that is hard to start or stop
- Dribbling
- The sensation of an incompletely emptied bladder
- Increased nighttime urination
- Burning pain with urination
- Reoccurring bladder infections
Root Causes
- Hormonal changes
- Nutritional deficiencies
- A diet that’s high in fat and low in fiber
Foods that help
- Tomatoes
- Pumpkin seeds
- Flaxseeds
- Flaxseed oil
- Green tea
- Plenty of clean water to keep fluid moving through the urinary tract.
Saw palmetto and Pygeum are excellent herbs for prostate health.
Saw Palmetto
- Reduces the conversion of testosterone to DHT
- Blocking DHT from binding to prostate cells
- Reducing the effects of estrogen and progesterone on the prostate cells
- Causing smooth muscle relaxation
( allowing the urethra to open more effectively and preventing the back-up of urine)
Pygeum a study involving three urology centers looked at the effects of Pygeum on the symptoms of BPH. Researchers concluded through urine flow measurements that pygeum induced significant improvements, including nighttime urination.
Testing for prostatitis and enlarged prostate usually involves a digital rectal exam plus a blood test that screens for levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA), a protein secreted by the prostate.
These products are are for a healthy prostate!
Garlic contains almost 80 sulphur compounds. Organic sulphur is famous for its healing and infection fighting ability. Garlic also contains an extremely powerful sulfuric compound called Allicin which is released when ever garlic cells are crushed, bruised or damaged. Allicin makes garlic one of the most popular natural alternatives to pharmaceutical antibiotics.
Life penicillin, garlic’s allicin kills:
- Bacteria
- Fungus
- Microbes and protozoa in the digestive tract
- Gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria
making it the world’s most effective and most natural broad spectrum antibiotic. It has been proven in the laboratory to kill every bacteria known, and at the same time, unlike antibiotics, it does not harm your important friendly intestinal flora bacteria.
Reports show during World War I the British soldiers chopped it up and put it on as a battle dressing for infected wounds and today, these records show it was more effective than antibiotics. This is an amazing herb. It also kills viruses, fungi and intestinal parasites.
Garlic is nature’s wonder drug and herbalists have understood its medicinal value for at least 2,000 years.
Garlic is the common name for Allium sativum, which belong to the lily family. Predominantly consumed for its aromatic qualities in food, but medicinal history dating as far back as ancient Egyptian times showed it’s use as both culinary and medicinal. Roman Legions both used garlic for strength and energy and also as a dressing for infected battlefield wounds.
Garlic also kills:
- Intestinal worms
- Parasites
- viruses
that inevitable make their way into the gut and live there for years if not treated. This saps your energy and health. Medical treatments for parasites are hopelessly limited, since each medication is only designed to kill one type of parasite. Since there are at least a hundred types of parasites that make their way into the body from:
- Contaminated food
- Water
- Pets
- Meat
- Sushi
- Everyday eating
No one medication can kill them all, and no medication can be guaranteed to kill parasites safely, (except one) and that’s Garlic. The Allicin in garlic also kills intestinal fungus, known as Candida, which overgrows when the diet is high in sugar and carbohydrates, which is the thing intestinal parasites thrive one. When you do a colon cleanse you need garlic to help heal your colon. After removing old fecal matter, no reason to think you do not have old infection, pus, bacteria that needs to be killed before it can harm you.
Garlic not only reduces “bad cholesterol” while increasing “good cholesterol,” but regular use is also associated with a lower risk of stomach and colon cancer.
Several studies confirm garlic’s ability to lower blood pressure.
Because of it antiviral properties, one can apply one drop of garlic oil to the wart(s) twice daily for 4 weeks to safely remove warts.
A good quality garlic supplement is very important. Also an odorless or coated tablet is important at times. Where the garlic is grown makes a difference in quality.
Here are a few to pick from
Second only to the common cold as the most prevalent infectious ailment in the United States is periodontal disease. It is the major cause of adult tooth loss. As we age the probability increases of developing periodontal disease. Ranging from 15 percent at age 10 to more like 50 percent at age 50.
Peridontal means “located around a tooth”, so periodontal disease can refer to any disorder of the gums or other supporting structures of the teeth. Gingivitis or inflammation of the gums is the early stage of periodontal disease. Caused by plaque, which is sticky deposits of bacteria, mucus, and food particles that adheres to the teeth. When plaque accumulated it causes the gums to become infected and swollen. As the gums swell, pockets form between the gums and the teeth that act as a trap for still more plaque buildup. Other factors that contribute to the development of gingivitis include:
- Breathing through the mouth
- Badly fitting fillings
- Prostheses that irritate surrounding gum tissue
- Diet of too many soft foods that rob the teeth and gums of much needed “exercise”
All these factors can lead to gums that are red, soft, and shiny, and bleed easily. Usually gingivitis is essentially painless, but there can be some pain.
Left untreated pyorrhea or periodontitis can develop from gingivitis. This advanced stage of periodontal disease in which the bone supporting the teeth begins to erode as a result of the infection. Abscesses are common which are very painful. Pyorrhea causes halitosis (bad breath) with bleeding and often painful gums.
Conditions which make one more likely to develop pyorrhea are:
- Poor nutrition
- Improper brushing
- Wrong foods
- Sugar consumption
- Chronic illness
- Glandular disorders
- Blood disease
- Smoking
- Drugs
- Excessive alcohol consumption
It is often related to a deficiency of:
- Vitamin C
- Bioflavonoids
- Calcium
- Folic acid or niacin
Smokers are more susceptible than nonsmokers to periodontits and tooth loss.
Mouth problems often reflect deficiencies or underlying disorders in the body.
- Bleeding gums may signal a vitamin C deficiency
- Dryness and cracking at the corners of the mouth may indicate a deficiency of vitamin B2 (riboflavin).
- Dry or cracked lips can be the result of an allergic reaction
- Raw red mouth tissue bay be a sign of stress
- A smooth, reddish tongue can indicate anemia or poor diet.
- Sores under the tongue can be an early warning sign of mouth cancer
Regular dental checkups can help detect these conditions early. Floss your teeth daily. Do this faithfully every day. Be sure to brush your gums and tongue as well as your teeth using a very soft natural-bristle toothbrush.
Severe cases of periodontal disease may necessitate surgery to remove the infected tissue from the gum and reshape the bone. This can be very effective if you continue with your home care of your mouth.
Some people appear to be more susceptible than others to the bacteria that cause gum disease. Electric toothbrushes are very helpful in removing plaque.
Deficiencies of coenzyme Q10 have been linked to periodontal disease. The amount of coenzyme Q10 present in the body declines with age, so it should be supplemented in the diet, especially by people who are over the age of fifty. A liquid or oil form is preferable. This vitamin like substance is very helpful to the heart tissue as well because it increases tissue oxygenation all over the body.
Vitamin C and A is needed for healing of gum tissue, especially of bleeding gums.
Bioflavonoids retard plaque growth which is a huge help.
Avoid taking antibiotics. The mouth is the hardest place for them to work, and they destroy the needed friendly bacteria in the colon. Try goldenseal first, it works faster and has no side effects.
These are all great for mouth health
The medical name for this overgrowth is candidiasis, but most people know the condition as either thrush or as a yeast infection.
Normally, candida causes no harm; our bodies are equipped with probiotic (friendly) bacteria and immune cells that keep it under control. These are wonderful help, but some medications, high-sugar diets, allergies, and other factors can all cause the friendly bacteria to die, leaving candida free to grow unchecked in parts or all of the body. This is serious concern.
Thrush is marked by soft white patches in the oral cavity, around the anus, or on the skin.
- White patches on the inside of the mouth
- Inflamed, red patches on the skin
- Bad breath
- Heavily coated tongue
- Dry mouth
It most often appears in babies and in the elderly, but people with seriously compromised immune systems- say those who have AIDS or who are undergoing chemotherapy-are also vulnerable. Lactobacillus acidophilus for children is very helpful for the little ones.
A vaginal yeast infection is by far the most common manifestation of candidiasis.
- Vaginal itching, pain, burning
- Thick yellow discharge
- Burning during urination
Usually the result of antibiotic use, poor diet, hormone imbalance, or a combination of these. Also people with diabetes are frequently plagued by yeast infections.
If the fungus spreads throughout the entire body, a condition known as systemic candidiasis, it can produce any of a wide variety of symptoms and is often at the root of a persistent, even mysterious illness. For people with dramatically weakened immune systems, systemic candidiasis is a grave threat, as the fungus can actually poison the blood.
Depending on the person, several steps or complementary treatments, are often required for success in treating candida overgrowth. One of the obvious steps is to eliminate or cut down on simple sugars, alcohol, etc., which feed yeast. Also, direct therapy that destroys candida which will help the body in getting candida levels down to a controllable level. Oregano oil and garlic is great for this therapy. A study compared the anti-candida effect of oregano oil to that of caprylic acid and found that oregano oil is over one hundred times more potent than caprylic acid against candida.
Also the health of the digestive and elimination tract much be addressed. It is important to promote the growth of the friendly flora that inhabit the digestive tract and many other areas of the body. These good bacteria are an essential component of the immune system’s presence that keeps yeast levels in check. Lactobacillus acidophilus, bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillus bulgaricus are all very important supplements to the person that is suffering from yeast infections. Many mass produced yogurt products just don’t have enough of the bacteria you need, and they are many times full of sugar which is a no-no.
Also garlic is a wonderful herb for many uses, it fights fungal infections and also boosts immune strength.
Grapefruit seed extract has been relied on for its anticandida properties.
Maintain normal levels of systemic candida & balanced probiotic flora in the body
ADHD can be very upsetting for parents, children, teachers and caretakers alike. Because there is no laboratory or physical test that diagnoses ADHD, its diagnosis is based on a clinical history of symptoms and behavior. Which brings up controversy as to whether the behavior is actually normal in many cases, especially for younger boys.
SYMPTOMS
- Inability to sit still
- Mood swings
- Restlessness
- Short attention span
- Inability to concentrate
- Frequent tantrums
- Speech or learning disorders
- Impaired memory
- Failure to complete age-appropriate tasks
- Impulsiveness
ROOT CAUSES
- A diet that’s high in sugar and additives
- Food allergies/sensitivities
- Hypoglycemia
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Poor digestion and absorption
- Emotional stresses
There are three subtypes of ADHD, one of which mainly involves an attention problem and not a hyperactivity issue. Between 30 and 40 percent of children with ADHD have learning disabilities, although in many cases these children are quite bright. ADHD often goes undiagnosed, if not caught at an early age, and it affects many adults who may not be aware of their condition.
Many parents instinctively believe that the problem is connected to their children’s diet. They know that children can respond negatively to sugar or other foods, and they wonder if their child is simply suffering from an extreme version of this reaction. In the last few decades, sugars, preservatives, and colorings have been added to our food at an increasing rate.
Do not underestimate the role of emotional stress and its relationship to ADHD. The breakdown of the family unit in our culture places abnormal stresses on a child, which can result in attention and behavior changes.
Many children consume nothing but convenience foods, like hot dogs, fried chicken fingers, highly sweetened fruit drinks and sodas. Since small bodies are especially vulnerable to additives in these foods, it is not surprising that many of them have a toxic response. For some, the response takes the form of traditional allergies-say, a runny nose or hives. Others, however, the poisons surface as extreme behavior problems.
Unfortunately, Western doctors have been trained to discount the importance of diet in hyperactive children. Instead of nutritional therapy, they will often suggest medication to suppress the symptoms of ADHD: it is estimated that more than two million children take drugs like Ritalin on a daily basis. While medications may be necessary in a few cases, parents should cultivate a healthy wariness of giving them to their children. The long-term effects of ADHD medications are not yet well known, and there are signs that the drugs can retard growth and lead to substance abuse or emotional problems later in life. Teens who take Ritalin may be tempted to mix it with alcohol, marijuana, or other recreational drugs, creating a dangerous brew with unknown consequences. Also with many conventional prescription drugs, the most compelling argument against ADHD drugs is that they fail to address the cause of the problem. Without the underlying cause being treated, children may have to take Ritalin well into their twenties.
There are many factors working against all of us in our culture of diets of processed foods. The best way to ensure that your child eats an additive-free diet is to buy only fresh foods and prepare them yourself. You don’t need to prepare special meals for your child: instead, feed your entire family a whole-foods diet. Younger children will usually eat what everyone else is eating, especially if you can reserve a small portion for them before you season the meal for the adults.
Regularly serve brain-healthy foods that are rich in essential fatty acids. Examples include fish (trout, salmon, halibut), nuts (walnuts, almonds), and ground flaxseeds.
If your child suffers from ADHD, it is likely that he or she is allergic to at least one food product.You may already suspect that a certain food is a trigger for your child, and you should target that product right away. Also you should closely examine your child’s consumption of the following, all of which are common allergens:
- Wheat
- Corn
- Chocolate
- Peanuts
- Citrus
- Dairy
- Soy
- Food coloring
- Preservatives
A study involving youths ages 4-19 with ADHD found that daily supplementation of phosphatidylserine (a naturally occurring substance found in high concentrations in brain cells, it helps brain cells function properly) at dosages between 200-300 mg daily for 4 months benefited greater than 90 percent of cases. Attention and learning were the symptoms most improved.
Calcium and magnesium complex: the combination of these 2 minerals, at a dosage of 500 mg of calcium and 250 mg of magnesium twice daily was reported to relax the nervous system.
Take a probiotic to maintain good bacteria in the digestive tract.
Iron deficiency is linked to short attention spans and memory problems. A daily tablespoon of unsulfured blackstrap molasses is a naturally sweet way to give your child an adequate amount of this mineral.
B vitamins are healing to stressed-out nerves. Good sources include brown rice, brewer’s yeast (which you can add to smoothies and yogurt), and leafy green vegetables.
Many children with ADHD suffer from an excess of copper or lead. Food that’s high in vitamin C will encourage the release of these toxins from the body, so feed your child citrus fruits for dessert.
Encourage your child to play or exercise outside in the fresh air. Limit exposure to sedentary, passive activities, like watching television or playing video games.
Work with a counselor to help your child with behavior modification and learning styles. Every child is different and requires an individualized approach. Emotional counseling may be necessary for healing, especially in cases of broken families or abuse.
These are wonderful alternatives
Kidney stones have become an increasingly common medical problem in our Western society, mainly due to poor dietary habits. Kidney stones are most likely to affect white men over the age of thirty. People of any age, race or sex who live in the southern United States have a higher risk than the other regions.
Although many kidney stones are so small that they pass unnoticed, they can be as big or bigger than a marble. They are very sharp and jagged, and can produce great and often excruciating-pain.
If you have been diagnosed with or suspect that you have kidney stones, then you should be under the care of a professional. Your doctor will rule out other conditions or underlying causes and will check for infection.
Complementary therapies offer effective, natural pain relief for more minor cases, but on the whole, it is far easier to prevent kidney stones in the first place.
History holds a clue to their prevention: Back in the early 1900’s when Americans ate natural, wholesome foods, kidney stones were largely unheard of, but as the century wore on, and as diets became lower in fiber and higher in fat, sugar, dairy, and junk, the disorder became much more common. Today, a man living in America has a 10 percent chance of passing a kidney stone at least once in his life.
There are different types of kidney stones, with 80 percent being composed of calcium salts, especially the oxalate type, so let’s talk about how to prevent calcium-oxalate stones.
SYMPTOMS
- Pain on one side of the lower back, in the belly, or down into the groin
- A frequent urge to urinate
- Blood and sediment in the urine
- Nausea and vomiting
- Chills and fever, if the stones causes a blockage and an infection
ROOT CAUSES
- A poor diet
- Dehydration
- Urinary pH balance
- Allergies and food sensitivities
- Infections that disturb the flow of fluids
- Obesity
- Inactivity
- A magnesium and potassium deficiency
Many people with kidney stones suffer from dehydration. A lack of fluids increases the mineral concentration in the kidneys and, with it, the chance that stones will crystallize. While you have a kidney stone, drink 2 1/2 to 3 quarts of clean water every day. Once the stone has passed, resume a normal daily dose of 1 glass every 2 waking hours. Hydration is the single most important tactic in the treatment and the prevention of kidney stones.
Consume oat and wheat bran daily, as they reduce the risk of kidney stones being formed.
Lemon juice mixed with a little hot water is another remedy that will help acidify the urine and ease the passage of calcium-oxalate stones. Drink some at breakfast and throughout the day.
Consume 1/4 cup of raw pumpkin seeds daily. Studies show that consuming these seeds reduce the risk factors for kidney stone formation.
A magnesium deficiency has been linked to recurring kidney stones. Boost your levels of this nutrient by eating green leafy vegetables, kelp, soybeans, almonds, and apples.
A study of 55 people with reoccurring kidney stones looked at the effect of supplementing 500mg of magnesium daily for up to 4 years. The average number of recurrences of kidney stones dropped by 90 percent. 85 percent of the people in the study remained stone free, as compared to 41 percent who did not supplement magnesium.
Studies have also shown that the combination of magnesium and vitamin B6 supplementation is very effective in reducing kidney stone formation. One study of 149 people with recurrent kidney stones who supplemented B6 (10 mg) and magnesium (300 mg) had a 92.3 percent improvement in stone formation.
Cranberry extract, studies have shown that cranberry reduces urinary calcium levels in people with a history of kidney stones. It’s also great for helping prevent urinary tract infections.
Also IP-6 (inositol hexaphosphate) Studies show that this supplement reduces calcium-oxalate crystals in the urine.
Finally Uva ursi is a traditional herbal treatment for kidney stones. It relieves pain, cleanses the urinary tract, and fights infection.
Remember it is much easier to put out a small fire instead of a large fire, and it is much easier to prevent kidney stones than pass one of those babies!!
To help prevent, try these!
Diabetes and blood sugar levels can be such a huge challenge to many people with the disease and their families, so when a little extra help is available they need to know about it.
Chromium picolinate is a nutritional supplement that can help control diabetes. As the name suggests, it is a combination of two different substances: chromium and picolinate. Chromium is a mineral that helps to increase the efficiency of insulin. Insulin being the hormone that controls blood glucose or blood sugar levels. Picolinate is an amino acid derivative that allows the body to use chromium much more readily.
Scientists has known for a long time that chromium is a vital nutrient, but not until chromium was combined with picolinate was a truly effective way of providing supplemental chromium developed. In the body, chromium ( a mineral) takes the form of an ion, which is a particle with an electrical charge. This charge is repelled by the body’s cells, making it difficult for the chromium to enter the cells. That’s where the picolinate comes in, it is a chelator, a substance that can bind with an ion and neutralize its charge. The body’s cells then are able to accept the chromium.
Chromium deficiency has been linked to diabetes. Studies have found chromium supplementation to be helpful for people with type 1 and type 11 diabetes, as well as for women with diabetes that occurs during pregnancy (gestational diabetes).
What is also interesting is the shape of individual insulin molecules. It is important to the hormone’s effectiveness. If the molecules maintain their proper shape, the insulin can effectively transport glucose into the cells, where it is needed. Without chromium, insulin molecules become misshapen, which can leave them unable to effectively transport glucose. Without an effective transportation system, glucose builds up in the bloodstream, starting a chain reaction that eventually leads to diabetes.
Research has been conducted on individuals with a number of different health problems, including diabetes and it shows that most people with diabetes experience a decline in blood glucose levels after they start taking daily chromium picolinate supplements. It is believed that chromium picolinate may be able to help many people with diabetes (especially type 11 diabetes) to control their blood sugar levels. This of course would allow them to cut back on their intake of insulin and other drugs, likely resulting in fewer side effects. Since improving the action of insulin also helps the body to use fat as a fuel, chromium picolinate can help reduce obesity. This means that it may, hopefully, enable some people with type 11 diabetes to lose enough weight to stop taking drugs entirely.
Chromium helps with sweet cravings which helps with weight loss and management.
However, it is not recommended that people with diabetes simply go out and buy chromium picolinate supplements and start taking it. Anyone interested in using chromium picolinate supplements should first seek the advice of a qualified health care provider, preferably a nutritionally oriented physician who has experience in this area.
Blood sugar levels must be monitored carefully and the appropriate dosages of insulin or other drugs adjusted as needed in response. A potentially dangerous insulin reaction may occur as a result of too little glucose in the blood.
These may be a great help! I hope so!!
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