| Here's how stones form and why diet can intervene: Crystals of minerals, including food supplies of calcium and oxalates, are dissolved in the urine that passes through the kidneys. When the urine becomes supersaturated, the crystals fall out and collect into tiny masses that accumulate into hard stones. What you eat helps determine the crystal content and crystal saturation of your urine. The answer is to eat in a way that keeps high levels of calcium and oxalate out of the urine. About 80 percent of all stones
192 afflicting people in industrialized nations are made of calcium oxalate. |
| The main immediate danger to an infant is losing too much fluid and important minerals and becoming dehydrated. Although infant dehydration is far less common in industrialized nations than in Third World countries, it does happen. Dehydration can occur suddenly, within a few hours in an infant. Thus, the first action is to replace fluids.
By far the most foolproof rehydration answer for infants is scientifically formulated oral rehydration therapy (ORT) solutions such as Rehydralyte, Ricelyte and Pedialyte, sold in drug stores and some grocery stores. |
David Brownstein
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 These whole foods contain vitamins, minerals, enzymes and fiber that aid the body in their digestion. Therefore, the body does not become depleted from the ingestion of unrefined carbohydrates (in contrast to the ingestion of refined carbohydrates).
One must choose carbohydrates that do not excessively raise blood sugar levels. Dr. Barry Sears, the author of The Zone books, states, "All carbohydrates are not created equal."27 Carbohydrates can be rated on a "glycemic index" scale. "Good" carbohydrates will have a low glycemic index rating: they do not excessively raise blood sugar levels. |
Laurie Deutsch Mozian, M.S., R.D.
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 Of course, there is no guarantee that a perfect diet will prevent disease; however, study after study shows that those who eat plant-based diets—low in fat, cholesterol, and sodium and high in vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals—suffer less from chronic, degenerative diseases and live longer, healthier lives.
Of course, if you have or suspect you have a serious medical condition, do not use the information provided in this book to attempt to self-diagnose or self-treat. Your concerns should always be discussed with a health-care practitioner. |
David Brownstein
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| Constantly eating devitalized food will result in deficiencies of vitamins, minerals and other essential products and will inevitably lead to hormonal and immune system abnormalities.
This section was written to provide the reader with a quick reference for assessing and improving the nutritional aspects of their diet. Following these six steps will not only lead to improved health, but will also allow individuals to overcome thyroid illness.
6 Steps to Improving Your Diet
1. Eliminate Refined Sugar
2. Eliminate Trans Fatty Acids
3. Eat Organic Food
4. Drink More Water
5. |
Laurie Deutsch Mozian, M.S., R.D.
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| Phytonutrients
Under the umbrella term "phytochemicals" falls a subset of nutritive plant chemicals, called phytonutrients—biologically active plant substances that have been determined to be necessary to sustain life—in other words, vitamins and minerals found in plants. Ascorbic acid (the plant form of vitamin C) is an example of a phytonutrient. Unlike phytochemicals, phytonutrients have been determined to be necessary to promote life, and Recommended Dietary Allowances have been established for them by the National Academy of Science. |
| In addition to being a significant source of the amino acids that make up protein, they contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Beans also are stocked with protease inhibitors, phytosterols, saponins, and isoflavones, all potent phytochemicals that inhibit a multitude of diseases. Yellow split peas and lima beans are excellent sources of genistein, and pinto beans are a great source of daidzein. A one-half-cup serving of beans daily will deliver a significant amount of all these beneficial phytochemicals.
Beans are available dried or canned. |
| Maple syrup and honey are less processed than refined table sugar and have a minor amount of minerals. Molasses is mineral-rich and has a minimal amount of vitamins as well. These less-processed sugars don't require the body to work as hard at digestion as their more refined cousin, table sugar, does. Therefore, desserts made with less refined sugars are somewhat more desirable than those made with refined sugars.
The three things that food manufacturers can manipulate to make commercially prepared food more appealing are salt, fat, and sugar. |
Dr. Michael Heinrich, Joanne Barnes, Simon Gibbons and Elizabeth M. Williamson
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 However, in some patients, wheat bran (the husk from the grains of Triticum aestivum) is more effective than other swelling agents, and preparations containing it are available for prescribing. These are taken in water.
OSMOTIC LAXATIVES
Another useful approach to constipation is the use of osmotic laxatives such as lactulose or lactose, two dimeric sugars derived from milk. Lactose is split in the Gl tract into glucose and galactose. Adults generally do not resorb galactose well. Consequently, the bacteria of the colon metabolize this sugar. |
David Brownstein
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| Vitamin and Mineral Imbalances
There are many minerals and vitamins that, when deficient, will cause alterations in the thyroid gland. Although individual nutrients will be discussed, the thyroid gland works optimally when all of the nutrients are properly balanced and available for the body to utilize. In addition, one nutrient, Alpha-Lipoic Acid has been shown to inhibit the conversion of T4 to T3. This section will explore the more common vitamin and mineral deficiencies that can result in abnormal thyroid function. |
The Editors of Prevention Magazine Health Books
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 Too much potassium (more than 5,000 milligrams a day) can upset the balance of minerals in your body and cause heart and kidney problems.
Other potential side effects include muscle weakness, tingling in the hands, feet or tongue and a slow or irregular pulse.
People with diabetes or kidney disease should consult their doctors before taking potassium supplements, as should people on certain medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, potassium-sparing diuretics, ACE inhibitors and heart medicines such as heparin.
Riboflavin
Daily Value: 1. |
Jean Carper
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 University of California at Davis
APPENDIX
Foods with the Most Pharmacological Vitamins, minerals and Oils
FOODS HIGH IN BETA CAROTENE
(milligrams per ZV2 ounces
—100 grams)
Apricots, dried
17.6 (about 28 halves)
Peaches, dried
9.2 (about 7 halves)
Sweet potatoes, cooked
8.8 (about V2 cup mashed)
Carrots
7.9 (about DA medium carrots)
Collard greens
5.4 (about V2 cup)
Kale
4.7 (about 2k cup, chopped)
Spinach, raw
4.1 (about IV2 cups)
Apricot, raw
3.5 (about 3 medium)
Pumpkin
3.1 (about V2 cup mashed or canned)
Cantaloupe
3.0 (about V10 melon)
Beet greens
2. |
Hemp TodayEd Rosenthal
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| It can be seen that hemp is especially high in the most needed minerals: Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Sulfur. It is also
ANALYSIS OF HEMP SEEDS
RESULTS U.S.R.D.A.
Moisture ......................5.7%
Fat...........................30%
Protein (N x6.25)...............22.5%
Ash..........................5.9%
Energy .............503 Calories/100g
Carbohydrates .................35.8%
Carotene (Vit. A) ..........16,800 IU/lb..........5000IU/day
Thiamine (Bl).............0.9mg/100g ...........1.2 mg/day
Riboflavin(B2) ............1.1 mg/lOOg ...........1. |
Christopher Hobbs
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 It contains large quantities of vitamins and minerals in a readily assimilable form, as well as substances (such as polysaccharides) that the body can use to rebuild a weakened immune system. This recipe also provides a great opportunity to try some of the mushrooms mentioned in this book. Try adding shiitake, turkey tail, common poria (such as Oxyporus corticola (Fr.) Ryv.), Cordyceps, or any sweet-tasting polypores, such as Fomitopsis pinicola, available in your local area. |
| In TCM, sweet and warm herbs that provide nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals and immune-stimulating polysaccharides, are generally used to tonify and strengthen body systems and the overall constitution. My experience has led me to the integration of the two for optimum strengthening and sustaining effects. Strengthening the digestion is particularly important for
Fennel, bruised
4.6 g
Saffron
4.6
Gentian, bruised
2-3 g
Cubeb, bruised
2.3
Cumin (zedoary)
2-3 g
Myrrh, crushed
2.3
Rhubarb root, bruised
9.1 g
Agaric, powder
2.3
Angelica fruit, bruised
9. |
| Although there is a wealth of information on the levels of important nutrients such as protein, carbohydrates (soluble and insoluble fiber), amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, it is often difficult to interpret the data. The two main problems are the lack of uniform procedures and techniques among laboratories and the different ways of reporting the data. Even when data between mushroom species is comparable, it is hard to determine the significance in human nutrition. |
| Even beta-carotene, while not common in mushrooms, can be found in some species. The minerals phosphorus, sodium, and potassium are fairly high, while iron and calcium are present but tend to be low, with a few exceptions (Crisan & Sands, 1987). It is also notable that mushrooms may accumulate heavy metals (especially lead and cadmium) in some species, perhaps related to the environment in which they are picked (Breene, 1990).
Nutritional profiles of five common medicinal mushrooms are presented in Table 7. |
| Some heat-labile nutrients such as vitamin C, thiamine, and other B-vitamins are obviously diminished (often up to 50-70%) or destroyed. Most minerals are unaffected and can actually become more available after cooking. Fiber is generally broken down to a degree, and protein is affected, though its value is probably not diminished.
Stir-frying or sauteeing lightly, a traditional way to use choice edible species, will obviously preserve more unstable nutrients than boiling. Medicinal species, especially tough polypore conks, are best well-boiled. |
Kathi Keville
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 These herbs are high in silica and other minerals that are important for hair growth.
Sulfur is also important for producing thick hair. It binds with the protein in the hair, making it stronger and more flexible. You can get sulfur in your diet by incorporating garlic, onions and members of the cabbage family and also by dining on nasturtiums, which you can add to your salad. The French recommend nasturtiums for all sorts of problems that result from having dry hair, and even claim that it prevents premature balding. They also add this flower to hair rinses. |
| Look for vitamins and minerals designed especially for children, and avoid those sweetened with sugar to make them chewable.
For children with asthma, 200 milligrams of vitamin C (for a 50-pound child) is recommended as an antihistamine. To support their adrenal glands, children with asthma can also take pantothenic acid 1 Vi hours before exercising. Other vitamins recommended for children with asthma include magnesium and the B-complex vitamins, particularly B6, which have been shown in various studies to reduce the severity of asthma attacks. |
| The Encyclopedia oj Natural Medicine, these are not gallstones at all, but rather balls formed when a chemical reaction causes oil and lemon to combine with minerals in the intestine.
British physicians suggest the over-the-counter drug Rowachol, which contains a mixture of compounds from numerous herbs, including peppermint. Several studies proving this drug's effectiveness in dissolving gallstones have been done in England. This product is not readily available in North America, but capsules of peppermint essential oil are. |
| They also control your blood pressure and the balance of electrolytes—important minerals such as potassium and sodium—in your body. Your kidneys are also responsible for telling the body when more red blood cells need to be produced.
Because the kidneys have so many jobs to do, many seemingly unrelated disorders and symptoms can be traced back to these organs. These include water retention, poor circulation, anemia, electrolyte imbalance and high blood pressure. Even a puffy face, dark circles under the eyes, a pale complexion, dizziness or tension can indicate kidney problems. |
| In addition to oat's other properties, it contains the muscle-relaxing minerals calcium and magnesium.
Simply relaxing can also cause menstrual cramps to subside. I know that this is often easier said than done, but do try to take some time out for yourself each month. If your schedule does not allow for this, you can at least take time for a relaxing massage or bath with an oil made with chamomile, lavender, marjoram, ginger and/or clary sage. Also try an herb tea or tincture. |
| This is when your levels of progesterone, along with the minerals calcium and magnesium, begin to fall. At the same time, the hormonal substance prostaglandin 2 (PG2) increases. Women who experience PMS often also have too much of the hormone prolactin.
As if this is not enough to deal with, your immunity is also low just before menstruation. This makes you more susceptible to colds, flus, allergies, outbreaks of herpes and even flare-ups of rheumatoid arthritis. |
Sharol Tilgner, N.D.
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 Nettle, Urtica dioica, is an alterative, alkalinizing diuretic, urinary tract tonic and rich in the minerals potassium, calcium and silicic acid. It is a wonderful herb to support normal urinary tract function.
Plantain, Plantago spp., is soothing and healing to the urinary tract. It assists in restoration and maintenance of normal epithelial tissue lining of the bladder.
Dandelion leaf, Taraxacum officinalis, is a nutritious diuretic that is high in potassium. |
| Bladderwrack improves nutrition by supplying minerals and trace elements such as iodine, which is in the form of inorganic salts and iodine bound to proteins and lipids. It is therefore indicated in hypothyroidism due to lack of iodine. The total iodine is not less than 0.05% and the protein-bound iodine is not less than 0.02%. Seaweed can fulfill the iodine needs of the body. In nuclear accidents such as Chernobyl, iodine-131 fallout can be very destructive. Sufficient body iodine is protective against absorbing iodine-131. |
Margarita Artschwager Kay
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 Juan Nentuig ([1764] 1977) reports, "Divine providence has enriched this province, destitute of doctors, surgeons or apothecaries, with such excellent medicinal products in herbs, shrubs, roots, gums, fruits, minerals and animals that you will never find such a collection in any botanical garden in Europe."25 After listing the plants already known to medicine that were found in Sonora, Nentuig then went on to describe thirty-three new plants.
After the Jesuits were expelled by papal decree in 1767, Sonora passed to secular control. Natural histories, however, continued. |
David Brownstein
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| This type of diet can contribute to poorly functioning hormonal and immune systems and can eventually lead to chronic illness. A poor diet also sets the stage for hormonal imbalances, particularly thyroid imbalances.
Food is intended as fuel for our bodies. It should provide adequate vitamins and minerals that the body can use to make energy and perform its vital functions. When we eat food that is devitalized (i.e., refined products), our body must attempt to use its own store of nutrients to break down the food. |
The Editors of Prevention Magazine Health Books
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| VITAMINS AND minerals FOR HEALTH
Using Niacin Safely
It's virtually impossible to get too much niacin in your diet. But when you take niacin supplements in the doses needed to improve your cholesterol levels, you are likely to experience side effects ranging from flushing, itching and excessive nervousness to headaches, intestinal cramps, nausea and diarrhea. And high doses of niacin, especially the slow-release form, can cause liver damage. That's why this kind of therapy needs to be taken under medical supervision. |
| Finally, pay attention to the Daily Values of any vitamins and minerals you're taking. Daily Values are a relatively new system from the Food and Drug Administration designed to help you keep track of your body's nutritional requirements.
Many researchers and doctors feel that the Daily Values for certain nutrients—vitamin C, for example—should be set much higher. They've also found that the body's need for nutrients goes way, way up when it's fighting disease. That's why you'll find the recommendations in this book often go way beyond the Daily Values for many nutrients. |
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