Boots

You Have Just Entered The Den Of The:
LIBRAN FIRE DRAGON
Browse At Your Own Risk

"Commitment: I won't give up, shut up, let up, or slow up."
"To array a man's will against his sickness is the supreme art of medicine." -- Henry Ward Beecher
"Excellence is an art won by training and habituation. We do not act rightly because we have virtue or excellence, but we rather have those because we have acted rightly. We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit."~Aristotle
"If we shadows have offended, think but this and all is mended - That you have but slumber'd here while these visions did appear." ~Shakespeare
"The master in the art of living makes little distinction between his work and his play, his labor and his leisure, his mind and his body, his information and his recreation, his love and his religion. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence at whatever he does, leaving others to decide whether he is working or playing. To him he's always doing both."
"Doctors don't pay attention ... because there is more money to be made in treating disease than in preventing it." -- Dr. John McDougall, M.D.
"It's not about "discovering" a cure. It's about uncovering the TRUTH. --Me
"YOU WANT THE TRUTH?! YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH!!" -- Jack Nicholson
Are you ready for this?
CHEMOTHERAPY AGENTS ARE THE SAME AS DOG/ANIMAL DEWORMERS.
STILL WORKING ON FIXING THIS PROFILE. AGAIN. STANDBY.
Understanding The Basics of Nutrition
The Patient with Job's Tears and the Wisdom of Solomon's Song: Monday, May 22, 2006This section is under construction.JOB'S TEARS:Inhibits the growth of and kills cancer cells. The seeds strengthen the spleen and are used for edema, diarrhea, rheumatoid arthritis and difficult urination. This herb is added to medicinal formulas to regulate fluid retention and counteract inflammation. It is very good for all conditions and diseases associated with edema and inflammation, including phlegm, rheumatic and arthritic conditions or abscesses of either the lungs or the intestines.A tea from the boiled seeds is consumed as part of a treatment to cure warts. It is also used in the treatment of lobar pneumonia, appendicitis, rheumatoid arthritis, beriberi, and difficult urination. The roots have been used in the treatment of menstrual disorders. The FDA has approved testing for it's use in new cancer therapies.Currently going through testing, the Kanglaite Injection is a new effective diphasic anti-cancer medicine prepared by extracting with modern technology the active anti-cancer component from the Coix Seed, to form an advanced dosage form for intravenous and intra- arterial perfusion.It has been proven experimentally and clinically that the Kanglaite Injection has a broad spectrum of anti-tumor and anti-metastasis action in hepatic cancer and pulmonary cancer, along with the action of enhancing host immunity.The Kanglaite Injection can reduce the toxicity of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, relieve cancerous pain, improve cachexia, and raise the quality of life in advanced cancer victims. As a fat emulsion, the Kanglaite Injection can provide patients with high-energy nutrients with little toxicity.Some of the latest research also shows that Job's tears is immunostimulating, induces interferon, bronchodialates, lowers blood sugar; reduces muscle spasms and is an anti-convulsant. Job's Tears Stimulates respiration in small doses and inhibits it in higher doses; reduces arterial plaque. Also called: Adlay, Chinese Pearl Barley, Coix lacryma-jobi.Loaded with B vitamins, calcium, Iron, zinc, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, plus MANY other vitamins, minerals and constituents.Note: Whenever the FDA approves a food for study in the creation of new drugs, you can bet the cost of the extract taken from a whole food will become astronomical. Buy the chinese pearl barley. Eat it for breakfast in the morning.WORMWOOD:Expels roundworms, aids in weak digestion, tonic, anthelmintic (vermifuge, antiparasitic), nervine, counteracts the effects of poisonous plants, anti-inflammatory, anti-bilious, a source of the malaria drug artemisinin (also called artemesin). Wormwood is used for all problems within the digestive system, as well as liver and bladder ailments. The dried leaves are placed in the sleeping pillows of cats and dogs to repel fleas and ticks. Wormwood can be habit-forming. It is not recommended for long term use.It promotes menstruation and will help with menstrual cramps. Other traditional uses include treating liver problems, joint pain, digestive discomfort, loss of appetite, insomnia, epilepsy. The leaves and flowers, and the essential oil extracted from them are the parts used medicinally.Also used in the treatment of dyspepsia, esophageal reflux and irritable bowel syndrome.Other: Called Absinthe, Absinthium, and Madderwort, Artemisia Annua, Artemisia Absinthium, Silver King Artemisia, Ajenjo, Old Woman, Sweet Annie, et cetera.BLACK WALNUT:Rids the body of internal parasites, good for ringworm, herpes and impetigo, anthelmintic, destroys worms and parasites, alterative, anti-fungal, helps in killing warts, burns up excessive toxins and fatty material while it helps balance sugar levels, treats valley fever and candida albicans (yeast infections), used to treat dysentery, plus MUCH MUCH MORE.Other: Folic acid, Magnesium, Potassium, Chromium, Iron, Protein, Vitamin C,Also called: Juglans nigraPUMPKIN SEEDS:Very efficient in expelling both tape and round worms, rich source of zinc and magnesium. HYSSOP:Anthelmintic, effective in riding the body of worms, strengthens the immune system, tonic, spoken about in the bible and my start to the study of medicinal herbs.POMEGRANATE:Parts used are the rind, bark and root, specific remedy for tape worm infestation.BLUE VERVAIN:Will often expel worms when nothing else works, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic.SENNA LEAF:A mild and effective laxative, excellent for expelling worms, works best when combined with other anthelmintic herbs, effectively cleanses the elimination system, vermifuge.CHAPARRAL:Blood cleanser, cleanse the lower bowel, tones peristaltic muscles, tones up the system and rebuilds the tissue, works fast for difficult conditions, strong antioxidant and pain-killer.BAYBERRY BARK:Stimulant, tonic, astringent, tones up digestion, loosens phlegm and helps dispel it from the body, helps stop internal hemorrhage, loosens obstructions in the intestinal tract.BROCCOLI:Among other things, broccoli has relatively high concentrations of sulforaphane, a compound that turns on detoxifying enzymes in the body (SN: 3/21/92, p. 183). Indeed, over the past few years researchers at the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions in Baltimore have demonstrated that in animals exposed to chemical carcinogens, diets rich in sulforaphane dramatically cut cancer development.TANSY:Used for expelling worms, tonic, stimulant. Treats dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation). When used with lobelia, treats tetanus in absence of medical help. Tansy is a powerful herb that should be avoided or used only under strict medical supervision.GARLIC:Whole books have been written about garlic, an herb affectionately called "the stinking rose" in light of its numerous therapeutic benefits. A member of the lily or Allium family, which also includes onions, garlic is rich in a variety of powerful sulfur-containing compounds including thiosulfinates (of which the best known compound is allicin), sulfoxides (among which the best known compound is alliin), and dithiins (in which the most researched compound is ajoene). While these compounds are responsible for garlic's characteristically pungent odor, they are also the source of many of its health-promoting effects. In addition, garlic is an excellent source of vitamin B6, and a very good source of vitamin C and the trace minerals, selenium and manganese.CAT'S CLAW (Uncaria Tomentosa):Old bile and undigested fats can line the intestine and block absorption of vital nutrients. Cat's Claw helps scrub the old material away, disrupting Candida and parasites, supporting healthy microflora and facilitating complete assimilation of nutrients and a more thorough disposal of toxins. Gradually, this helps promote digestion and reduces gas. Cat's Claw is wildcrafted from the Peruvian rainforests in a way which preserves the root stock and continued growth of the plant. The use of this slow-growing vine dates back to the ancient Inca. Medical studies in Austria, Italy, Germany, Hungary, England and Peru have explored it's unique phytonutrient values for promoting overall health, especially support of the immune system in its fight of cancer and viruses. It provides unique, previously unknown phytonutrients and synergistic combinations which support T-Lymphocytes and macrophages for a "pronounced enhancement of phagocytosis", the immune system's dissolving of invaders. It also exhibits support for antileukemic effects .. walls. The immune system seems better able to specifically target cellular mutations and inhibit their development. Studies of Cat's Claw are also yielding favorable reviews in regard to longevity, grey hair returning to original color, arthritis, sinus and ear infections, diabetes, Crohn's, leaky bowel syndrome, canker sores, allergies and asthma, cirrhosis, prostatitis, hemorrhoids, inflammations, ulcers, herpes and other viral infections. Cat's Claw delivers strong antioxidant protection from radiation and toxins.GRAVIOLA:In an 1976 plant screening program by the National Cancer Institute, graviola leaves and stem showed active toxicity against cancer cells and researchers have been following up on these findings since. Thus far, specific acetogenins in graviola and/or extracts of graviola have been reported to be selectively toxic in vitro to these types of tumor cells: lung carcinoma cell lines; human breast solid tumor lines; prostate adenocarcinoma; pancreatic carcinoma cell lines; colon adenocarcinoma cell lines; liver cancer cell lines; human lymphoma cell lines; and multi-drug resistant human breast adenocarcinoma. Researchers in Taiwan reported in 2003 that the main graviola acetogenin, annonacin, was highly toxic to ovarian, cervical, breast, bladder and skin cancer cell lines at very low dosages saying; "... annonacin is a promising anti-cancer agent and worthy of further animal studies and, we would hope, clinical trials."SPIRULINA:Phytonutrients for endurance, stamina and mental power. Chlorophyll for cleansing. A full spectrum of trace minerals from the sea. Carotenes, enzymatic pigments, essential fatty acids and sulfur-based phytonutrients support body's guarding against viruses and cancer. Balancing and energizing - for endurance & stamina. Considered a longevity food.Spirulina has twice the B-12 content of liver, it has 25 times more carotene than carrots, it is aquatically cultivated and organically grown, it is 2 to 6 times higher in iron than beef liver, it contains more antioxidants than regular whole food, it has the highest protein content of any natural food (average 65%), it is easily digestible with all essential amino acids. A full range of Amino Acids, Enzymatic Pigments, Chlorophyll (green), Phycocyanin (blue) & Carotenes (yellow, orange, brown), Sulfur-based Phytonutrients, numerous other Phytonutrients, Vitamins, Minerals & Trace Elements, Essential Fatty Acids including GLA & Omega-3, plus the long-energizing carbohydrate Rhamnose.It contains a rich spectrum of available proteins and is the richest source of beta-carotene and mixed carotenoids in the world.It is rich in GLA, important B complexes and natural vitamin E, along with Calcium, Iron and other essential chelated minerals and trace elements.Spirulina is natures richest whole-food source of the entire anti-oxidant spectrum including: beta-carotene, vit. E, selenium, methionine, cysteine, super oxide dismutase, glutathionine Peroxides, copper, manganese, zinc, B-1, B-2, B-3, B-5, and B-6. It is the only source of phycocyanin, an immune stimulant.Spirulina is nature's richest whole food source of biochelated organic iron. It's 58 times richer than raw spinach and 28 times richer than raw beef liver.Spirulina is nature's richest source of vitamin E. It's 3 times higher than raw wheat germ, and its action in the body is 49% greater than that of synthetic vitamin E.Spirulina is nature's richest source of beta-carotene (pro-vitamin A) it's 25 times higher than raw carrots!Beta-carotene in Spirulina is completely non-toxic, even in mega doses.Spirulina is nature's richest source of gamma linolenic acid (GLA). It's 3 times richer than evening primrose! The polyunsaturated oils in spirulina contain 21% GLA (GLA is the active ingredient in evening primrose oil - evening primrose oil contains up to 10% GLA.)Spirulina is a rich whole food source of chlorophyll - equal to that of alfalfa or wheat-grass.Spirulina is nature's richest whole-food source of complete protein.CHLORELLA:Japanese studies have shown chlorella's triple-layer cell wall to be absorbent of the toxic metals (mercury, cadmium and lead), facilitating their removal from the body. Other studies of chlorella show it helps build blood, boosts the immune system, has anticancer factors, and promotes stamina and healing. Promotes oxygenation and circulation in the extremities. Considered a gem of longevity foods due to CGF (chlorella growth factor) a unique facilitator of life at the core of the cell.Chlorophyll, carotenes, enzymatic pigments, vitamins, minerals, EFAs, fiber, complete amino acids and germanium.ORANGES:Oranges CURE many kinds of cancer. Yet, the way their reason has it, if you state something CURES cancer, that substance automatically becomes a drug. Therefore, others are allowed to call it a "prevention". First, let's get real for a moment. Second, what's the reason? -- And why, food or drug fuckstration???PAU D'ARCO:"Lapacho (also known as Pau D'Arco, Ipe Roxa, and Taheebo) is used in the alternative treatment of cancer, AIDS, and Candida Albicans overgrowth and fungal problems as well as other diseases of the immune system. Moreover, lapacho is highly valued for it's ability to detoxify the body, particularly, the liver, kidneys, and the intestinal tract. It also helps babies cope with food allergies, and intestinal cramps. Research on lapacho in South America claims that it helps reduce counter-reactions to antibiotics, allowing other medicines to work effectively in reducing the danger of toxic effects upon the liver. In other words, it can be used with other medicines and minimize their side effects."ELECAMPAGNE:Kings' describes it thus: "Elecampane is an aromatic stimulant and tonic and is said to be expectorant, emmenagogue, diuretic, and diaphoretic. It is much used in chronic pulmonary affections, weakness of the digestive organs, hepatic torpor, atonic dyspepsia, with flatus, and internally and externally in tetter, itch, and other cutaneous diseases. The alcoholic extract, combined with powdered extract of Liquorice, Benzoic acid, Sanguinaria and morphine, forms a lozenge or pill very valuable in chronic catarrhal, bronchial, and all pulmonary irritations. One drop of the oil of Stillingia may be added to eachlozenge for bronchial and laryngeal affections. Night-sweats are relieved by Inula, as are some cases of humid asthma, and by its tonic properties, it tends to sustain the strength of the patient in chronic disorders of the respiratory tract. Helenin is accredited with a fatal action upon the tubercle bacillus. Inula is somewhat slow in action, and should be used for quite a time to get its full action. That it is an important remedy in irritation of the trachea and bronchiae is now well established. It is adapted to cases with free and abundant expectoration, teasing cough and pain beneath the sternum, conditions frequent in la grippe and the severer forms of colds."ROSEMARY:The wonderful smell of rosemary is often associated with good food and great times. But it could just as easily be associated with good health. Rosemary contains substances that are useful for stimulating the immune system, increasing circulation, and improving digestion. Rosemary also contains anti-inflammatory compounds that may make it useful for reducing the severity of asthma attacks. In addition, rosemary has been shown to increase the blood flow to the head and brain, improving concentration. So, the next time you enhance the flavor of some special dish with rosemary, congratulate yourself for a wise as well as delicious choice.SWEDISH BILBERRY (Huckleberry) Sweden (Vaccinium Myrtillus L.):A source of 15 different anthocyanicides, pycnogenol-like substances. Provides nutritional building blocks for eyesight - especially night vision. Nutrients valuable for strengthening capillaries and protecting against varicose veins. Supports arterial health and optimal circulation. Super-synergist with vitamin C, pycnogenols and other bioflavonoids for synthesis of collagen and mucopolysaccharides, resulting in more firm & youthful connective tissue, producing smoother skin and solid general structural support. Also useful in eye strain, diabetic cataracts, easy bruising and bleeding gums.Wintergreen Leaf (Gaultheria procumbens): Wintergreen is strongly anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and soothing to the digestive system. It is an effective remedy for rheumatic and arthritic problems and, taken as a tea, it relieves flatulence and colic. It reestablishes fundamental flow patterns. It heals chronic mucus discharge. It is diuretic and astringent but increases menses and lactation. The essential oil, in the form of a liniment or ointment, brings relief to inflamed, swollen, or sore muscles, ligaments, and joints, and can also prove valuable in treating neurological conditions such as sciatica and trigeminal neuralgia. The oil is sometimes used to treat cellulitis, a bacterial infection causing skin to become inflamed. The Inuit of Labrador and other native peoples eat the berries raw, and use the leaves to treat headaches, aching muscles and sore throat. The methyl salicylate found in wintergreen leaves is closely related to salicylic acid. Accordingly, the leaf tea is given for the same conditions treated by aspirin, such as colds, flu, fever, muscle pain, arthritis and rheumatism. It has also been used to treat asthma and skin problems. In contrast to aspirin, small amounts relieve stomach indigestion instead of causing it. Native Americans chewed wintergreen leaves to improve their breathing while carrying loads or running and on long treks. In some regions, Early American settlers had their children chew the roots for 6 weeks every spring to reduce tooth decay. They also steeped the berries in brandy for a winter tonic. It is a skin softener that will smooth rough, callused skin. In liniments, it eases muscular, arthritic and rheumatic pains and is readily absorbed into skin. It's a popular flavoring for toothpaste and other dental preparations.Peppermint Leaf:Self-Heal (Prunella vulgaris): All above-ground parts of the plant are useful. It can be used fresh, or dried for later use. Make it into a tincture, an infusion, or an ointment for topical use. Internally, selfheal has been used in Western medicine for hemorrhage and to decrease excessive menstruation. Externally in Western medicine, used for minor injuries, sores, burns, bruises, sore throat, mouth inflammations, and hemorrhoids (whole plant). The juice of a crushed stem or two will soothe nettle stings, minor bouts with poison ivy, insect bites and stings. Because it contains the compound rosmarinic acid, it is used for treatment of Graves Disease as it helps suppress thyroid hormone production. Self-heal contains substances that are diuretic and act against tumors. Lab tests indicate it may also be antibiotic, hypotensive and antimutagenic in action. In making an oil infusion let the plants wilt for a full day to increase the shelf life of the oil. Research: A 1993 Canadian study regarding HIV-1 found that a purified extract of Selfheal was able to significantly inhibit HIV-1 replication with very low toxicity. The extract was able to inhibit HIV-1 in both lymph and blood. Although prunellin was unable to prevent HIV-1 infection when cells were pretreated with the purified herbal extract, the virus’ ability to cause infection was dramatically decreased when it was saturated with prunellin. The purified extract was also able to block cell-to-cell transmission of HIV-1. Moreover, the extract was also able to interfere with the ability of HIV-1 to bind to CD4 cells. The researchers suggest that the purified extract antagonizes HIV-1 infection of susceptible cells by preventing viral attachment to the CD4 receptor.Spearmint leaf(Mentha spicata): Spearmint is a commonly used domestic herbal remedy. A tea made from the leaves has traditionally been used in the treatment of fevers, headaches, digestive disorders and various minor ailments. The leaves should be harvested when the plant is just coming into flower, and can be dried for later use. The stems are macerated and used as a poultice on bruises. Both the essential oil and the stems are used in remedies for cancer. A poultice prepared from the leaves is said to remedy tumors. Spearmint is still listed in the Hungarian Pharmacopoeia as a medicine.Eucalyptus Oil:Essential oils such as tea tree and eucalyptus oils have recently gained acceptance as safe and effective antiseptics.3 Their potent bactericidal activity has already been proven in in vitro and clinical trials.In an animal study, topical eucalyptus oil enhanced the absorption of topical 5-fluorouracil, a medication used to treat cancer.See: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/print/druginfo/natural/pa tient-eucalyptus.htmlResearch shows eucalyptus oil kills fungus found in humans.Cayenne Pepper:Cayenne pepper is one of nature's most healing and therapeutic foods.Capsaicin is the most active ingredient in cayenne pepper and is used topically to treat everything from osteoarthritis to cancer. Capsaicin contains other important ingredients such as carotenoids, vitamins A and C, and flavonoids.According to the University of Maryland:Native Americans have used cayenne (or red pepper) as both food and medicine for at least 9,000 years. The hot and spicy taste of cayenne pepper is primarily due to an ingredient known as capsaicin. Although it tastes hot, capsaicin actually stimulates a region of the brain that lowers body temperature.Pain Control: Capsaicin in cayenne pepper has very powerful pain-relieving properties when applied to the surface of the skin.One of the many benefits of Cayenne pepper is its ability to naturally kill parasites living in the accumulated waste of a colon.Cumin (Powder):Cumin is perhaps the most endowed of all spices in terms of health benefits.Cumin seeds resemble caraway seeds, being oblong in shape, longitudinally ridged, and yellow-brown in color. This is not surprising as both cumin and caraway, as well as parsley and dill, belong to the same plant family (Umbelliferae).Cumin seeds, whose scientific name is Cuminum cyminum, are a very good source of iron, a mineral that plays many vital roles in the body. Iron is an integral component of hemoglobin, which transports oxygen from the lungs to all body cells, and is also part of key enzyme systems for energy production and metabolism. Additionally, iron is instrumental in keeping your immune system healthy. Iron is particularly important for menstruating women, who lose iron each month during menses. Additionally, growing children and adolescents have increased needs for iron, as do women who are pregnant or lactating.In one study, cumin was shown to protect laboratory animals from developing stomach or liver tumors. This cancer-protective effect may be due to cumin's potent free radical scavenging abilities as well as the ability it has shown to enhance the liver's detoxification enzymes. Yet, since free radical scavenging and detoxification are important considerations for the general maintenance of wellness, cumin's contribution to wellness may be even more farther reaching.See Also: Ensminger AH, Esminger M. K. J. e. al. Food for Health: A Nutrition Encyclopedia. Clovis, California: Pegus Press; 1986, PMID: 15210 Fortin, Francois, Editorial Director. The Visual Foods Encyclopedia. Macmillan, New York 1996 Grieve M. A Modern Herbal. Dover Publications, New York 1971 Martinez-Tome M, Jimenez AM, Ruggieri S, et al. Antioxidant properties of Mediterranean spices compared with common food additives. J Food Prot 2001 Sep;64(9):1412-9, PMID: 12440 Wood, Rebecca. The Whole Foods Encyclopedia. New York, NY: Prentice-Hall Press; 1988, PMID: 15220Cilantro:Parsley:Oregano:Basil:Onion:Grape:GrapeFruit:R osehips:Cabbage:Kelp:Kale:Shiitake:Cascara Sagrada:Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra):Flax:Pysillium:CoQ10:N-Acetyl Cysteine:L-Glutamine:Arginine:Selenium:Brazil nuts:Almonds:Bilberry:Blueberries:Cantaloupe:Pinebark Extract:Forskohli:Myrrh:Milk Thistle:Zinc:Coconut oil:Papaya:Sea Salt:Potassium: (Sodium/Potassium pump)Pineapple:Charcoal: (Remember, polluted environments, pesticides, etc..)NUTRITIONAL Yeast:Extra Virgin Olive Oil:Flax Seed Oil:Hemp Seed Oil:Echinacea:Yogurt:Cold Pressed or Extra Virgin Oils, only!Sage:Spearmint:Thyme:Horsetail:Rosemary:Ginger:EyeBrigh t:Fig:Fig Leaf and related products:Gourds:Mullein:Buckthorn:Burdock root:Magnesium:N-Acetyl-Carnitine:False Unicorn:Blessed Thistle:Sheep Sorrel:Oregon Grape Root:FYI: I'll insert latin names of these plants another time. Don't run out and chop off a horse's tail. These herbs are plants.
Four Basic Nutrients:
1. Water: There is a lot of controversy over what kind of water may be the healthiest. There are many advocates of reverse osmosis, advocates of and those whom oppose distilled, debates over mineral content and it's contribution toward longevity, etc.. I would suggest you research what is available and try your best to find a source that is pH balanced. To remove parasites such as cryptosporidium, the EPA and CDC recommend purchasing a filter that has a National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) rating for parasite reduction and that has an absolute pore size of 1 micron or smaller.
2. Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates provide the body with the energy it needs to function. Found almost exclusively in plant foods, carbohydrates are the main source of blood glucose.
3. Proteins: Protein is essential for growth. It provides the body with energy and is used in the manufacture of hormones, antibodies, enzymes and tissues. It also helps maintain the proper acid/alkali balance in the body.
4. Fats: Rule of Thumb: Coconut oil, butter over margarine and Olive oil. Any questions about this -- Google: "Coconut oil and AIDS"
Micronutrients: Vitamins and Minerals
SEE BLOG
Synergy and Deficiency/Examples of Importance:
Excess Calcium intake can produce a Magnesium deficiency resulting in symptoms almost identical to that of a Calcium deficiency.Excess Zinc accumulation can cause conditions usually associated with Zinc deficiency, such as lowered resistance, fatigue, hair loss, and prostatitis. Keep in mind, a deficiency is a deficiency. Taken alone over long periods of time Iron supplementation can result in anemia.Copper levels are reduced by too much Iron. Copper is needed for the utilization of Iron in red blood cells. Zinc helps to balance copper. Vitamin C deficiency can result from excess amounts of Copper and Iron. Excess amounts of copper and iron lead to other, debilitating diseases. Excessive vitamin C intake can reduce Copper levels resulting in symptoms associated with vitamin C deficiency.Vitamins B1 and B2 are mutually antagonistic. Excess intake of one can lead to a deficiency of the other. Vitamin A deficiency symptoms are; mouth ulcers, eye pains/itching, gum disease, dry skin, acne, eczema, poor hair condition & infections. Symptoms will not respond until Zinc is included in the supplement program because Zinc mobilizes Vitamin A from the liver, where it is stored.BALANCE = SYNERGY. Don't romanticize the terms. Synergistic cooperation not only "sounds" lovely but truly is."BALANCE"The Antioxidants:
From warding off heart disease to slowing degeneration of the brain and eyes, the health benefits of antioxidants are quite extraordinary. Antioxidants work by neutralizing highly reactive, destructive compounds called free radicals. Consuming more antioxidants helps provide the body with tools to neutralize harmful free radicals. It's estimated that there are more than 4,000 compounds in foods that act as antioxidants. The most studied include vitamins C and E, beta-carotene and the mineral selenium.Vitamin C -- Also called ascorbic acid, vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin found in all body fluids, so it may be one of our first lines of defense. This powerful antioxidant cannot be stored by the body, so it's important to get some regularly. This is not a difficult task if you eat fruits and vegetables. Important sources include citrus fruits, green peppers, broccoli, green leafy vegetables, strawberries, raw cabbage and potatoes. Vitamin E -- A fat-soluble vitamin that can be stored with fat in the liver and other tissues, vitamin E is promoted for a range of purposes -- from delaying aging to healing sunburn. While it's not a miracle worker, it's another powerful antioxidant. Important sources include wheat germ, nuts, seeds, whole grains, green leafy vegetables, vegetable oil and fish-liver oil. Beta-carotene -- The most studied of more than 600 different carotenoids that have been discovered, beta-carotene protects dark green, yellow and orange vegetables and fruits from solar radiation damage. It is thought that it plays a similar role in the body. Carrots, squash, broccoli, sweet potato, tomato, kale, collards, cantaloupe, peaches and apricots are particularly rich sources of beta-carotene. Selenium -- This mineral is thought to help fight cell damage by oxygen-derived compounds and thus may help protect against cancer. It is best to get selenium through foods, as large doses of the supplement form can be toxic. Good food sources include fish, shellfish, turkey, grains, eggs, chicken and garlic. Vegetables can also be a good source if grown in selenium-rich soils.Free Radicals:
Free radical production is a normal part of life. It is part of the equation of simply breathing in oxygen. Usually, the body's natural defense systems neutralize free radicals that develop, rendering them harmless. However, environmental assaults on the body, such as UV-radiation, pollutants and alcohol, can overpower the body's ability to neutralize free radicals, allowing them to cause damage to the structure and function of the body's cells. There is good evidence that this damage contributes to aging and leads to a host of illnesses, including cancer and heart disease.Enzymes:
At any given moment, all of the work being done inside any cell is being done by enzymes. If you understand enzymes, you understand cells. A bacterium like E. coli has about 1,000 different types of enzymes floating around in the cytoplasm. Enzymes have extremely interesting properties that make them little chemical-reaction machines. The purpose of an enzyme in a cell is to allow the cell to carry out chemical reactions very quickly. These reactions allow the cell to build things or take things apart, as needed. This is how a cell grows and reproduces. At the most basic level, a cell is a little bag full of chemical reactions that are made possible by enzymes!Enzymes are made from amino acids, also known as proteins. When an enzyme is formed, it is made by stringing together between 100 and 1,000 amino acids in a very specific and unique order. The chain of amino acids then folds into a unique shape. That shape allows the enzyme to carry out specific chemical reactions. An enzyme acts as a very efficient catalyst for a specific chemical reaction. The enzyme speeds that reaction up tremendously.In short, enzymes do all of the work inside a cell.Essential v. Non-Essential:
Essential nutrients are nutrients that your body can't make on its own. How these nutrients are introduced into your body may have a great impact on how well they are utilized. Nutrients do not work alone but in concert (synergistically) with other nutrients. The benefit of deriving nutrients from eating fresh whole foods is that they provide not only an abundance of individual nutrients but also the variety necessary for their optimal function.Non-essential nutrients, then, are nutrients that the body is able to manufacture internally.Acidic/Alkali Imbalance/Understanding pH:
pH (potential of hydrogen) is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. It is measured on a scale of 0 to 14 -- the lower the pH the more acidic the solution, the higher the pH the more alkaline (or base) the solution. When a solution is neither acid nor alkaline it has a pH of 7, which is neutral.Water is the most abundant compound in the human body. The body has an acid-alkaline (or acid-base) ratio called the pH, which is a balance between positively charged ions (acid-forming) and negatively charged ions (alkaline-forming.) The body continually strives to balance pH. When this balance is compromised many problems can occur.It is important to understand that we are not talking about stomach acid or the pH of the stomach. We are talking about the pH of the body's fluids and tissues, which is an entirely different matter. Most people who suffer from unbalanced pH are acidic. This condition forces the body to borrow minerals -- including calcium, sodium, potassium and magnesium -- from vital organs and bones to buffer (neutralize) the acid and safely remove it from the body. Because of this strain, the body can suffer severe and prolonged damage due to high acidity -- a condition that may go undetected for years.Even mild acidosis can cause such problems as:Cardiovascular damage, including the constriction of blood vessels and the reduction of oxygen. Weight gain, obesity and diabetes. Bladder and kidney conditions, including kidney stones. Immune deficiency. Acceleration of free radical damage. Premature aging. Weak, brittle bones, hip fractures and bone spurs. Joint pain, aching muscles and lactic acid buildup. Low energy and chronic fatigue.Depression: Amino Acids, Vitamins and Minerals
Amino Acid Supplements: The nutritional treatment of depression includes dietary modifications, supportive treatment with vitamins and minerals, and supplementation with specific amino acids, which are precursors to neurotransmitters. Dietary modification and vitamin and mineral supplementation in some cases reduce the severity of depression or result in an improvement in general well-being. However, these interventions are usually considered adjunctive, since they are not typically effective by themselves as a treatment for clinical depression. On the other hand, supplementation with the amino acids L-tyrosine and D,L-phenylalanine can in many cases be used as an alternative to antidepressant drugs. Another particularly effective treatment is the amino acid L-tryptophan.L-Tyrosine is the precursor to the biogenic amine norepinephrine and may therefore be valuable to the subset of people who fail to respond to all medications except amphetamines. Such people excrete much less than the usual amounts of 3-methoxy-4- hydroxyphenylglycol, the byproduct of norepinephrine breakdown, suggesting a deficiency of brain norepinephrine.One clinical study detailed two patients with long-standing depression who failed to respond to MAO inhibitor and tricyclic drugs as well as electroconvulsive therapy. One patient required 20 mg/day of dextroamphetamine to remain depression-free, and the other required 15 mg/day of D,L-amphetamine. Within two weeks of starting L-tyrosine, 100 mg/kg once a day before breakfast, the first patient was able to eliminate all dextroamphetamine, and the second was able to reduce the intake of D,L-amphetamine to 5 mg/day. In another case report, a 30-year-old female with a two-year history of depression showed marked improvement after two weeks of treatment with L-tyrosine, 100 mg/kg/day in three divided doses. No side effects were seen.L-Phenylalanine, the naturally occurring form of phenylalanine, is converted in the body to L-tyrosine. D-phenylalanine, which does not normally occur in the body or in food, is metabolized to phenylethylamine (PEA), an amphetaminelike compound that occurs normally in the human brain and has been shown to have mood-elevating effects. Decreased urinary levels of PEA (suggesting a deficiency) have been found in some depressed patients. Although PEA can be synthesized from L-phenylalanine, a large proportion of this amino acid is preferentially converted to L-tyrosine. D-phenylalanine is therefore the preferred substrate for increasing the synthesis of PEA—although L-phenylalanine would also have a mild antidepressant effect because of its conversion to L-tyrosine and its partial conversion to PEA. Because D-phenylalanine is not widely available, the mixture D,L-phenylalanine is often used when an antidepressant effect is desired.Studies of D,L-phenylalanine's efficacy show that it has promise as an antidepressant. Additional research is needed to determine the optimal dosage and which types of patients are most likely to respond to treatment.Vitamin and Mineral Therapy: Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can cause depression. Correcting deficiencies, when present, often relieves depression. However, even if a deficiency cannot be demonstrated, nutritional supplementation may improve symptoms in selected groups of depressed patients.Vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, is the cofactor for enzymes that convert L-tryptophan to serotonin and L-tyrosine to norepinephrine. Consequently, vitamin B6 deficiency might result in depression. One person volunteered to eat a pyridoxine-free diet for 55 days. The resultant depression was alleviated soon after supplementation with pyridoxine was begun.While severe vitamin B6 deficiency is rare, marginal vitamin B6 status may be relatively common. A study using a sensitive enzymatic assay suggested the presence of subtle vitamin B6 deficiency among a group of 21 healthy individuals. Vitamin B6 deficiency may also be common in depressed patients. In one study, 21 percent of 101 depressed outpatients had low plasma levels of the vitamin. In another study, four of seven depressed patients had subnormal plasma concentrations of pyridoxal phosphate, the biologically active form of vitamin B6. Although low vitamin B6 levels could be a result of dietary changes associated with depression, vitamin B6 deficiency could also be a contributing factor to the depression.Depression is also a relatively common side effect of oral contraceptives. The symptoms of contraceptive-induced depression differ from those found in endogenous and reactive depression. Pessimism, dissatisfaction, crying and tension predominate, whereas sleep disturbance and appetite disorders are uncommon. Of 22 women with depression associated with oral contraceptive use, 11 showed biochemical evidence of vitamin B6 deficiency. In a double-blind, crossover trial, women with vitamin B6 deficiency improved after treatment with pyridoxine, 2 mg twice a day for two months. Women who were not deficient in the vitamin did not respond to supplementation.These studies indicate vitamin B6 supplementation is valuable for a subset of depressed patients. Because of its role in monoamine metabolism, this vitamin should be investigated as possible adjunctive treatment for other patients with depression. A typical vitamin B6 dose is 50 mg/day.Folic acid deficiency may result from dietary deficiency, physical or psychological stress, excessive alcohol consumption, malabsorption or chronic diarrhea. Deficiency may also occur during pregnancy or with the use of oral contraceptives, other estrogen preparations or anticonvulsants. Psychiatric symptoms of folate deficiency include depression, insomnia, anorexia, forgetfulness, hyperirritability, apathy, fatigue and anxiety.Serum folate levels were measured in 48 hospitalized patients: 16 with depression, 13 psychiatric patients who were not depressed and 19 medical patients. Depressed patients had significantly lower serum folate concentrations than did patients in the other two groups. Depressed patients with low serum folate levels had higher depression ratings on the Hamilton Depression Scale than did depressed patients with normal folate levels.These findings suggest that folic acid deficiency may be a contributing factor in some cases of depression. Serum folate levels should be determined in all depressed patients who are at risk for folic acid deficiency. The usual dose of folic acid is 0.4 to 1 mg/day. It should be noted that folic acid supplementation can mask the diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency when the complete blood count is used as the sole screening test. Patients in whom vitamin B12 deficiency is suspected and who are taking folic acid should have their serum vitamin B12 measured.Vitamin B12 deficiency can also manifest as depression. In depressed patients with documented vitamin B12 deficiency, parenteral (intravenous) administration of the vitamin has resulted in dramatic improvement. Vitamin B12, 1 mg/day for two days (route of administration not specified), also produced rapid resolution of postpartum psychosis in eight women.Vitamin C, as the cofactor for tryptophan-5-hydroxylase, catalyzes the hydroxylation of tryptophan to serotonin. Vitamin C may therefore be valuable for patients with depression associated with low levels of serotonin. In one study, 40 chronic psychiatric inpatients received 1 g/day of ascorbic acid or placebo for three weeks, in double-blind fashion. In the vitamin C group, significant improvements were seen in depressive, manic and paranoid symptom complexes, as well as in overall functioning.Magnesium deficiency can cause numerous psychological changes, including depression. The symptoms of magnesium deficiency are nonspecific and include poor attention, memory loss, fear, restlessness, insomnia, tics, cramps and dizziness. Plasma magnesium levels have been found to be significantly lower in depressed patients than in controls. These levels increased significantly after recovery. In a study of more than 200 patients with depression and/or chronic pain, 75 percent had white blood cell magnesium levels below normal. In many of these patients, intravenous magnesium administration led to rapid resolution of symptoms. Muscle pain responded most frequently, but depression also improved.Magnesium has also been used to treat premenstrual mood changes. In a double-blind trial, 32 women with premenstrual syndrome were randomly assigned to receive 360 mg/day of magnesium or placebo for two months. The treatments were given daily from day 15 of the menstrual cycle until the onset of menstruation. Magnesium was significantly more effective than placebo in relieving premenstrual symptoms related to mood changes.These studies suggest that magnesium deficiency may be a factor in some cases of depression. Dietary surveys have shown that many Americans fail to achieve the Recommended Dietary Allowance for magnesium. As a result, subtle magnesium deficiency may be common in the United States. A nutritional supplement that contains 200­-400 mg/day of magnesium may therefore improve mood in some patients with depression.