Steven G. Pratt, M.D. and Kathy Matthews
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 The antioxidants that have been the most studied and have received the most attention include vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and minerals such as selenium. You can see the antioxidant activity of vitamin C in your own kitchen: a slice of apple will begin to turn brown shortly after being cut, but if it's rubbed with lemon juice (high in vitamin C) it will be preserved. The vitamin C slows down the oxidation process. The list of antioxidant nutrients grows almost daily. Here's a brief synopsis of how antioxidants help preserve our health. |
Elson M. Haas, M.D.
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 With a more liquid diet, Minimize your intake of supplements and add more vitamin C, some minerals, and an antioxidant formula, along with herbs and chlorophyll or algae products.
Herbal therapies can also be helpful. Goldenseal root powder is probably the most important herb as it not only stimulates the liver to better perform its detox function but also helps clear toxicity with its alkaloids. Take one large or two small capsules twice daily before meals for one or two weeks. |
| They contain higher amounts of the minerals phosphorus, sulfur, chlorine, and iodine, while the more alkaline-generating foods contain higher levels of calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium. These include most high-water-content fruits and vegetables, as well as some grains and almonds.
Over time, the consumption of an animal product-based diet creates an acidic state of the tissues, with chronic toxicity shown through congestions, irritation, inflammation, and degeneration. The results of this process are the many painful and terminal diseases people experience as they age. |
| We take in excessive amounts of potentially toxic nutrients, such as fats, sugars, and chemicals, and inadequate amounts of many essential vitamins and minerals. The resulting congestive diseases are characterized by excess mucus and sluggish elimination; deficiency problems result from either poor nourishment or ineffective digestion/assimilation. Juice fasting supplies nutrients while still allowing for the elimination of toxins. |
| All of these risks are minimized with juice fasts of no more than two weeks duration or when basic minerals (potassium, calcium, and magnesium) are supplemented during water fasts. Having our progress monitored through physical exams, blood tests, and even electrocardiograms is another way to protect ourselves from fasting's potential hazards.
Another "side effect" (really a "side benefit") of fasting is the way it affects and changes our personal lives. |
| Fruits and vegetables contain easily absorbed vitamins and minerals, calories for immediate energy production, and vital phytonutrients. These naturally occurring plant nutrients protect us from disease, help heal imbalances, and accelerate the healing process.
To make fresh juices, which are superior to bottled juices, you will need a juicer. The centrifugal force juicers are easy to clean and extract juice well from the pulp of the plants. If you have an orange juice squeezer, you can make fresh citrus juice. |
| Nutritional yeast contains high amounts of B vitamins and some trace minerals as well. It's a cheesy-tasting dried product that comes in flakes or powder. It tastes great on popcorn, on corn tortillas with a little butter, and in macaroni and cheese. |
Michael Castleman
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 Few people understand that vitamins and minerals work synergisti-cally," explains clinical nutritionist Shari Lieberman, Ph.D. "Nature packages nutrients together in foods. They should be taken the same way in supplements. I always advise people to start with an insurance formula and to take additional supplements as necessary to prevent or treat specific conditions."
Check for selenium and chromium. Not all multivitamin/mineral supplements contain selenium and chromium. Make sure that yours does. Both minerals may play important roles in disease prevention. |
| Chelation combines minerals with other substances, often amino acids. Proponents claim that chelation promotes absorption, but ordinary minerals get absorbed just fine.
Also, don't pay extra for vitamins that claim to be sugar- or starch-free. Unless you're seriously allergic, a little sugar or starch won't hurt you.
Timing Is Everything
When and how you take your supplements can definitely influence their effectiveness. A once-a-day insurance formula, or multivitamin, is better than nothing. But Somer recommends choosing a multi that you can take in small doses several times a day. |
Earl L. Mindell, RPh, PhD with Virginia Hopkins, MA
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| Beans are an excellent and nutritious source of protein and contain many important vitamins and minerals.
Coffee, Alcohol, and Cigarette Smoking
Here's yet another good reason to either give up coffee and alcohol or use them in moderation. And do you need to be told how important it is to stop smoking now? (It's never too late to reap the benefits of quitting smoking.) Each of these substances creates a negative calcium balance in the body. Substances called phytates and oxylates bind with calcium in the large intestine and form insoluble salts, rendering the calcium useless. |
| Along with the water, you lose minerals, most notably calcium, magnesium, and potassium. They are commonly used in conventional medicine to treat high blood pressure, swelling of the lower legs, and congestive heart disease. People who use diuretics have a higher risk of fracture. If you need to use a diuretic, try a gentle herbal one such as dandelion root in a tincture, capsule, or tea.
High-Dose Cortisone
A well-known risk for osteoporosis is long-term treatment with the synthetic cortisones such as prednisone. |
| Also be aware that with all recommendations of herbs, vitamins, minerals, and other types of natural supplements, including those mentioned in this book, what works for one person, or even for most people, might not work for you. If you take something and feel worse, or have some type of negative side effect, stop taking it and/or consult a health care professional. Each of us is unique in our biochemistry and your best guide to what works best for you is attention to how your body responds.
THE PRESSURES OF BEING AN M.D.
If you have a typical M.D. |
| As a general rule, prescription drugs cause imbalances in the body, ranging from depletion of vitamins and minerals, to constipation and lowered immune function. They can also cause more serious problems, including death. Prescription Alternatives gives you a tool for easily and immediately accessing information about how the drugs you are taking affect your body, the steps you can take to counteract these imbalances, and what alternative treatments are available.
There is no possible way we could cover every drug available, or every interaction or problem with every drug. |
Walter Last
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 Here are some clinically significant patterns:
Elevated levels of toxic minerals such as mercury, lead, or cadmium indicate you need to detoxify.
Low sodium, potassium, chromium, and manganese indicate glucose intolerance.
Elevated calcium and magnesium in the correct ratio indicate nutritionally induced hyperparathyroidism (overactive parathyroid glands) due to excess dietary phosphorus (for example, from meat and soft drinks). |
Dr. Michael Heinrich, Joanne Barnes, Simon Gibbons and Elizabeth M. Williamson
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 These include herbal treatments as well as minerals, and there are thousands in use. In addition, yogic breathing and other techniques
Table 11. |
by Michael Murray, N.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D.
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| TABLE 17.2
Nutritional Components of a I -Cup (8-Ounce) Serving of Milk
Protein Fat Carbohydrate Calories (grams) (grams) (grams)
Whole milk
146
8.0
7.9
11.5
2% milk
122
8.0
4.8
11.5
1 % milk
102
8.0
2.4
11.5
Fat-free milk
83
8.0
0.2
11.5
TABLE 17.3
Nutritional Components of a 3 Vi-Ounce (100 gram) Serving of Milk
Protein Fat Carbohydrate Calories (grams) (grams) (grams)
Whole milk
60
3.3
3.25
4.9
2% milk
50
3.3
2.0
4.9 l%milk
42
3.3
1.0
4.9
Fat-free milk
34
3.3
.08
4.9 cent). Milk is also a rich source of many important vitamins. |
| While virtually all fish and shellfish contain some omega-3 fatty acids, some contain much more than others. The following list provides a general grouping of fish and shellfish based upon their omega-3 fatty acid content. fish and shellfish grouped by their omega-3 fatty acid content
Higher-Level Group (more than 1.0 gram per
3-ounce cooked serving)
Fish
Herring Mackerel Salmon Tuna, bluefin Whitefish
Medium-Level Group (between 0.5 and 1. |
| However, dietary fiber at usual levels or supplementation with soluble forms of dietary fiber does not appear to interfere with mineral absorption from other foods.
Lipid Metabolism
The water-soluble gels and mucilagenous fibers, such as oat bran, guar gum, and pectin, are capable of lowering serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels by greatly increasing their fecal excretion as well as preventing their manufacture in the liver as discussed above under hemi-cellulose. The water-insoluble fibers, such as wheat bran, have much less effect in reducing serum lipid levels. |
Leslie Taylor, ND
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 In addition to its rich supply of essential nutrients, maca contains alkaloids, tannins, and saponins.3 See the table on page 340 for a specific nutritional profile of dried maca root.
A chemical analysis conducted in 1981 showed the presence of biologically active aromatic isothiocyanates (a common chemical found in the mustard family of plants and shown to be a wood preservative and insecticide).4 Chemical research shows maca root contains a chemical called p-methoxybenzyl isothio-cyanate, which has reputed aphrodisiac properties. |
H. Winter Griffith, M.D.
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 Don't take with:
Any other prescription or nonprescription drug, vitamins, minerals or herbal products without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.
OVERDOSE
SYMPTOMS: Unknown effects. WHAT TO DO:
If an overdose is suspected, call the doctor or call poison center 1-800-222-1222.
0
SYMPTOMS
WHAT TO DO
Life-threatening:
None expected.
Common:
None expected.
Infrequent:
Dizziness, headache, constipation, confusion.
Continue. Call doctor when convenient.
Rare:
Fatigue, back pain, vomiting, sleepiness, high blood pressure. Other symptoms that occur. |
| Don't take with:
Any other prescription or nonprescription drug, vitamins, minerals or herbal products without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.
0 possible adverse reactions or side effects
SYMPTOMS
WHAT TO DO
Life-threatening:
Rare allergic reaction Breathing difficulty; swelling of hands, feet, face, mouth, neck; skin rash.
Discontinue. Seek emergency treatment.
Common:
Chills, fever, muscle aches, headache, nausea.
Injection site problems (pain, redness, swelling).
Discontinue Call doctor right away.
Continue. Call doctor when convenient. |
| Anticonvulsants*
Increased loss of bone minerals.
Antidiabetics,
May need dosage oral* adjustment.
Antiglaucoma, carbonic
Increased effect anhydrase inhibitors of both drugs. Avoid.
Ciprofloxacin
May cause kidney dysfunction.
Digitalis
Possible digitalis preparations* toxicity.
Diuretics*
Increased potassium loss.
Lithium
Decreased lithium effect.
Mecamylamine
Increased mecamylamine effect.
Memantine
Increased effect of memantine.
Methenamine
Decreased methenamine effect.
Mexiletine
May slow elimination of mexiletine and cause need to adjust dosage. |
Earth RightH. Patricia Hynes
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| Distillation
Removes minerals such as nitrate and sodium, heavy metals including lead, as well as many organic chemicals. Kills bacteria.
Bland-tasting water. Cleaning necessary.
Chlorination
Kills or reduces bacteria and viruses to safe levels.
Does not remove nitrates or other chemicals. May result in excess chlorine or chlorinated compounds.
Water softener
Replaces water hardness minerals (calcium, magnesium) with sodium. Improves cleaning action of soaps. Prevents scales in water pipes and equipment.
Sodium content in water increased. |
Dr. John Yiamouyiannis
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 In order to receive a proper amount and balance of minerals, one must rely on a diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and other natural products. These foods are the result of plants which have preselected those minerals which are necessary for the maintenance of life to the point where the plant has been able to produce the vegetation and(or) fruit which we eat.
When purchasing foods, care must be taken to avoid beverages such as soft drinks, beers and wines, juice drinks and fruit juices from concentrate, etc. that have been bottled in fluoridated areas. |
Dr. Michael Heinrich, Joanne Barnes, Simon Gibbons and Elizabeth M. Williamson
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| There are further problems associated with some imported medicines: in addition to containing non-herbal ingredients such as animal parts and/or minerals, some manufactured ('patent') TCHM products have been found to contain conventional drugs which may have POM status in the UK (e.g. dexamethasone and glibenclamide). Non-herbal active ingredients of any type cannot legally be included in unlicensed herbal remedies, and inclusion of drugs with POM status represents an additional infringement of European and US legislation. |
| Anthroposophic medicines are derived mainly from plants and minerals, such as calcium, iron and copper. Many products are combinations of herbal ingredients, and some products contain both herbal and mineral ingredients. Herbal and mineral ingredients are usually described by their Latin binomial name together with the plant part for herbs. For example:
Aconitum napellus, planta tota (=aconite, whole plant).
Natrium carbonicum (=sodium carbonate). |
Steven G. Pratt, M.D. and Kathy Matthews
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| The three parts include:
¦ The bran: a health-promoting, fiber-rich outer layer that contains B vitamins, minerals, protein, and other phytochemicals.
¦ The endosperm: the middle layer that contains carbohydrates, proteins, and a small amount of B vitamins.
The germ: the nutrient-packed inner layer that contains B vitamins, vitamin E, and other phytochemicals.
It's the synergy of these three components that makes whole grains life sustaining. The refined carbs described earlier have been stripped of their health-promoting parts. |
Dr. Michael Heinrich, Joanne Barnes, Simon Gibbons and Elizabeth M. Williamson
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| CW Daniels, Saffron Walden
2
Pharmacognosy and its history: people, plants and natural products
The history of pharmacy was for centuries identical with the history of pharmacognosy, or the study of materia medica, which were obtained from natural sources -mostly plants, but also minerals, animals and fungi. While European traditions are particularly well known and have had a strong influence on modern pharmacognosy in the West, almost all societies have well-established customs, some of which have hardly been studied at all. |
Peter Pringle
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 Despite big improvements in global food supplies since the '60s, more than two billion people, especially women and children, lacked sufficient vitamins and minerals in their diets, particularly vitamin A and iron. In 1990 heads of state at the World Food Summit for Children set a goal of eliminating vitamin A deficiency by the year 2000. Several aid programs were launched to distribute vitamin A capsules, to add iron to wheat flour, and to educate poor people about their diet. But distribution was uneven and often impossible in remote areas. |
Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
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 Just like an automobile or any other internal combustion engine, we need the right mixture of fuel and oxygen (food, water, and air), generous lubrication (dietary fats), and electrical energy (vitamins and minerals). Without proper maintenance, our health will eventually fail, leaving us the option to rejuvenate, rehabilitate, or set our affairs in order.
Part Two gives you the best methods to use nutrition to keep your body "tuned up" for maximum efficiency, vitality, and healing. It reveals proven powerhouse techniques available to achieve optimum health. |
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