We tend to think when we hear the word” bacteria” that it is always dangerous or bad, when in actuality our intestinal tracts contain a complex and diverse culture of disease causing (bad) and “friendly”or good bacteria. We must have the “friendly” bacteria to survive.
Our goal for a Healthy Immune System is to have many more of the Friendly bacteria than the disease causing bacteria. Also known as probiotics.
The most predominant organism in the intestinal flora of a healthy intestinal tract is Bifidobacterium Bifidum. This lovely little creature is essential to our well being.
Breast feeding of babies encourages the growth of this “friendly” bacteria known as Bifidobacterium. It protect the baby from gastrointestinal infections so severe that it requires hospitalization or even death.
Mother’s milk contains sugars (galacto-oligosaccharides) which Bifidobacterium feed and flourish on in the intestinal track. Studies show by the fourth day of life Bifidobacterium represent 48% of the bacteria in the breast fed babies, compared to15% in the bottle fed babies.
As our food travels down to our large intestines, the partially digested remnants become the foods for our friendly or not so friendly bacteria. Each kind or species of bacteria survives best on a particular kind of nutrient. The “friendly” bacteria thrives on plant foods and the pathogens or (bad for us bacteria) thrives on meat or junk food or low plant diets.
So , what we choose to eat determines the predominance of the species of bacteria in our “gut”. We need to have a diet of predominantly whole plant foods, limiting meats and highly processed foods if we want to encourage a healthy immune system.
Friendly bacteria dines on the parts of the plant foods that our bodies can not use. The undigestible complex carbohydrates, also known as dietary fiber , and other smaller undigestible sugars (oligosaccharides), provide the bulk of the food for our bowel bacteria. Only plants have these complex and simple carbohydrates. Purified wood cellulose, which have been added to some breads, calling it “high-fiber breads” is not broken down by the flora in our intestines.
There are several other reasons why the health, or balance of the bacteria or flora in the intestinal tract can be upset. Antibiotic use, illnesses, temperatures, and other drug treatments. These can lead to the overgrowth of Clostridium difficile a pathogenic bacteria.
There are many benefits of having a healthy gut flora, here are but a few:
- Relieves constipation
- increases the resistance to bacteria, yeast and viruses
- Reduces cholesterol and triglycerides
- Improves our digestion
- Speed healing of diarrheal diseases and colitis
- lessen symptoms of inflammatory arthritis
When our diets are not exactly what they should be, help also come in supplements.
These are excellent products
This group of eight water soluble vitamins work together to boost metabolism, keep the skin and muscles healthy, enhance the immune system along with the nervous system. They encourage cell growth and division.
Some of the functions and deficiency signs of these wonderful little troopers are:
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)
Function
Energy metabolism (carbohydrate metabolism), neurological activity, brain and heart function
Deficiency Signs
Beriberi, this condition characterized by fatigue, anorexia, weight loss, gastrointestinal disorders, weakness, heart abnormalities, fluid retention, stunted growth, poor memory convulsions.
- Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
Function
Energy production, fatty acid and amino acid synthesis.
Deficiency Signs
Corners of the mouth cracking, tongue inflammation, reddening of the eyes, vision problems, dermatitis, nerve damage, malformations and retarded growth in children and infants, decreased neurotransmitter production.
- Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Function
Energy production, red blood cell formation, formation of steroid compounds, cognitive function and mood.
Deficiency Signs
Pellagra, a condition characterized by dermatitis, dementia, diarrhea, depression, weakness, schizophrenia, anorexia, and lassitude.
- Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
Function
Metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats for energy production: production of adrenal hormones and red blood cells.
Deficiency Signs
Numbness and shooting pains in the feet; fatigue
- Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
Function
Formation of body proteins, neurotransmitters, red blood cells; immunity
Deficiency Signs
Mood abnormalities, sleep problems, anemia, impairment of nerve function, eczema, cracking of the lips and the tongue, premenstrual syndrome, depression.
- Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)
Function
Prevents neural tube defects ( must be taken by the mother in early pregnancy. The risk is reduced by 60 percent if 600 mcg of folic acid supplement is taken daily by the mother one month prior to conception and through the first trimester. Also reduces the risk of limb and urinary defects.) Cardiovascular health. Red blood cell production. Skin and nail health.
Deficiency Signs
Macrocytic anemia, fatigue, irritability, weakness, weight loss, anorexia, dyspnea, sore tongue, palpitations, forgetfulness, digestive upset, diarrhea.
- Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
Function
Synthesis of DNA, red blood cells, nerve development
Deficiency Signs
Macrocytic anemia, glossitis, spinal cord degeneration, digestive upset, fatigue, mental abnormalities, including irritability, and depression
- Vitamin B7 ( Biotin)
Function
Metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, nail and hair growth
Deficiency Signs
Seborrheic dermatitis (cradle cap) and hair loss in infants, brittle nails and hair .
But stress in our lives drain our bodies of these very important vitamins. And we live in a stressful world. Stress in our lives can cause anxiety, It you suffer from anxiety, chances are that you’re short on B vitamins. B vitamins help combat the effects of stress and will balance your brain chemicals.
Brewer’s yeast is one of the best sources of the B vitamins.
These are very good products
Our bodies can not manufacture (EFA) essential fatty acids, (good fats), so we must take them in as food. They are vital to life, so much so, we as humans cannot live without them.
There are the omega-3 family and the omega-6 family. There needs to be a balance in our diets between the two families. The problem with most children’s and adult’s diets is that this balance is tipped in favor of the omega-6 fatty acids. This imbalance can lead to a host of problems, including behavioral changes, cardiovascular problems, skin problems, decreased immunity, joint problems, just to name a few medical conditions. Research has shown the western diet has 14-20 times more omega-6 and omega-3’s.
It has been estimated in the last 75 years that our omega-3 fatty acid consumption has decreased by 80 percent. Here are some major reasons why it has occurred.
- Increased hydrogenation of oils
- Increased sugar intake
- Refining of grains
- Digestive problems
- Increased use of pharmaceutical Medications.
- Infant formulas are not balanced with essential fatty acids
- Decreased consumption of foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acid(fish, flaxseeds, whole grains
- Fast foods
Essential fatty acids are needed for cells to carry out their normal functions. Here are some of the roles EFA play
- Brain and retina development
- proper circulation
- Immune Function
- Skin, nail, and hair health
- Balanced mood
- Kidney function
- Regulation of pain and inflammation
- Energy production
- Nerve transmission
- Hormone synthesis
Signs that can result from EFA deficiency or imbalance
Physical signs
- Dry eyes
- Dry skin
- Dandruff
- Poor wound healing
- Irritability
- Excessive thirst
- Soft nails,
- Dry hair
Conditions which may result from EFA deficiency or imbalance
- Arthritis
- Diabetes
- Asthma
- Eczema
- Attention deficit disorder
- Fatigue
- Hair loss
- Cardiovascular disease
- Cancer
- Depression
- Dry skin
- Hypertension
- Lupus
- Memory problems
- Schizophrenia
EFA are very different from the harmful saturated fats. Hydrogenated fats and trans-fatty acids occur when the unsaturated fatty acid molecules from vegetable oils have had hydrogen molecules added. This results in unnatural fats that are semisolid or even solid. Margarine, salad dressings, breads, cookies, and crackers can and usually do have trans-fatty acids in their ingredients. They have no known benefit to the body, and should be avoided. Butter is better for baking and spreading. And olive oil, or even canola oil should be used for frying.
Now it’s important to get good quality supplements.
Here is some suggestions.
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Ribose is a wonderful addition to fibromyalgia patients’ treatments.
Ribose is a component of RNA which is critical to living creatures, critical to metabolism.
Fibromyalgia patients experience a great deal of pain. Symptoms of this syndrome manifest it self by generalized muscle pain, fatigue, tenderness, stiffness in multiple joints, sleep disturbance, alterations in bowel activity.
The unknown cause and varying symptoms present make fibromyalgia a challenge for practitioners.
Cases show patients who take D-Ribose 5 g mixed in water, twice daily, in addition to regular drug therapy, start to notice a decrease in symptoms in 14 days. Improvement in sleep, mental alertness, decrease in joint pain and normal stools. Then after one more month of therapy marked improvement as been shown.
When the therapy was discontinued, within seven days the symptoms returned, with relief returning in 14 days of resuming therapy of Ribose.
The supplement Ribose enabled patients to exercise because they suffered from far less fatigue and improved their overall quality of life.
I recommend this product
Studies have shown that selenium helps fight infections, maintain brain function in the elderly, and prevent some cancers. Selenium also plays a crucial role in the formation of thyroid hormones.
- Brain function Selenium may help keep aging minds sharp. French researchers studies 1,400 older men and women for nine years. They found the greatest cognitive function were when the blood levels of selenium were high. And a decrease in cognitive function when the levels were low in selenium.
- Fighting infections Almost 20 years ago it was reported that selenium supplements were of benefit in the treatment of HIV infections. Recently in a study, patients who consistently took the selenium supplements had immune cell increases, and decreases in viral load, those who took placebos or who didn’t take the selenium consistently had substantial increases in viral concentrations. It’s likely that selenium helps fight other infections as well.
- Cancer protection Studies reported that taking selenium supplements (200mcg daily for 4.5 years) lowered risks for prostate, lung, and colorectal cancers by more than one-third. And it may be very beneficial for women who inherit mutations in the BRCA “cancer gene.” Normally, this gene helps repair damaged genes, but the mutation increases the risk of breast and ovarian cancers. However, after taking selenium supplements for just three months, the rate of mutations decreased to that of women with normal rates.
I recommend these for your health
Brown Rice Syrup is a healthy alternative to white sugar, brown sugar and even honey. There is no strange after taste, the sweetness is mild, even buttery, my family loves it. Brown rice syrup is a polysaccharide (complex sugar) which is different than the (simple sugars) monosaccharides, in that they are broken down more slowly in the digestive system, avoiding rapid spikes in blood glucose, great for diabetics. Slower absorption also allows the body to utilize complex sugars for energy instead of having to store them as fat for later use. Great to use in hot or cold cereals, hot teas, fruit smoothies, muffins, or other desserts. Brown Rice Syrup is made by fermenting brown rice with special enzymes that break down the natural starch of brown rice. I suggest this Brown Rice Syrup.
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