3 Essential Minerals and What Happens If You Don’t Get Them

There are three essential minerals that you need to make sure to get into your diet if you want to increase your health. Those minerals are calcium, iron and iodine. Failure to get these three minerals can result in serious consequences such as anemia or problems with your bone development. Luckily, these minerals are easyto find in foods that you are probably already consuming. In fact, these minerals are each found in different foods so the most important thing will be that you are eating a well rounded diet.


Let’s take a closer look at these three important minerals and what happens to your body when you don’t get enough of them:

1. Calcium

Most people know that it is very important to eat enough calcium. This mineralis what makes your bones strong. If you don’t get enough calcium during your developing years then you can have problems with bone growth and you may even develop a serious condition called rickets. If you don’t get enough calcium inyour adult years then you can experience bone loss and will be more prone tobroken bones as you age. Women who have already gone through menopause areparticularly susceptible to this problem. Calcium is an important mineral for other reasons as well. Calcium helps to control muscle contractions, initiate DNA synthesis, signal biochemical processes atthe cellular level, improve your metabolism and even properly clot the blood. Failure to get enough calcium into your diet can affect all of these differentthings going on in the body and can have significant effects on your long-term health.

2. Iron.

Another very important mineral that we need to get enough of is iron. Many people know that a lack of iron can result in anemia which is a blood problem. This is due to the fact that iron serves the purpose of helping to produce blood cells inthe human body. Iron helps to carry oxygen throughout the body and also aids in digestion. If you don’t get enough iron then you can suffer from a number of different health problems, the most common of which is chronic fatigue. You may simply feel too tired to do anything. Additionally, you may find that your food doesn’t digest properly, your immune system is weakened and therefore you get sick more often and your memory or brain function is slowed down a bit. You can also get a condition called glossitis with is an uncomfortable swelling of the tongue. At its most severe, this condition can actually block your airway and make it difficult for you to breathe.

3. Iodine.

Most people are aware of the fact that they need calcium and iron but they may not be aware of the fact that they need a third important mineral in their diet: iodine. Iodine works in the thyroid which affects your hormone levels.This can alter everything from your mood to your metabolic rate. Failure to get enough iodine in your diet can result in a feeling of fatigue or lethargy. It can also cause weight gain, dry skin and the growth of a goiter in the neck. Children who don’t get enough iodine in their bodies may have problems with mental development although this is rare in developed nations.

How to Get These 3 Important Minerals

It is clear that calcium, iron and iodine are important minerals for your total health and wellbeing. Failure to get enough of these minerals can result in problems ranging from feeling tired to developing uncomfortable abnormalities like a goiter or swelled tongue. It can also lead to serious problems with childhood development or with issues related to aging. So you need to get this minerals in proper doses.

How should you do that?

The best way to get the right minerals into your body is to consume them as a part of your natural diet. These three minerals all come from different sources so a well-rounded, balanced diet is your best choice forgetting all three minerals. Here are some of the sources for these individual minerals:

1. Sources of calcium.

The best way to get calcium into your body is to consume milk and diary products. Low-fat milk, low-fat cottage cheese and yogurt are all really great, healthy sources of calcium. However, it is possible to get calcium from other sources as well. Spinach, oranges, baked beans and almonds all have calcium in them.

2. Sources of iron.

Many people believe that you need to eat meat to get enough iron into your body. It’s true that meat is a great source of iron (with lean cutsof beef and poultry being the best choices). However, iron is found in many

different foods. Non-meat sources ofiron include dried fruit (apricots, raisin and prunes), dried beans,iron-fortified cereals, whole grains and green vegetables (spinach, kale,broccoli).

3. Sources of iodine.

Iodine is a mineral that is found in interesting places. It is added to table salt so any food that contains salt is going to add to your iodine intake. It is alsofound in sea vegetables. Additionally, some dairy products including milk andeggs have iodine and them. Interestingly, so do strawberries.

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The Amazing Amla Berry

Of all the Rasayanas, Ayurvedic formulations revered for their positive influence on the overall physiology, Amalaki is considered one of the most potent and nourishing. The Charaka Samhita says, "Amalaki is the best among rejuvenative herbs."

The Amalaki is a moderate-size deciduous tree (Emblic Myrobalan) with gray bark and reddish wood that grows in the tropical subcontinent of India. All parts of the plant are used in various Ayurvedic herbal preparations, including the fruit, seed, leaves, root, bark and flowers. While the fresh Amalaki fruit is used to make chutneys and relishes in India, the Amla-Berry tablets from Maharishi Ayurveda are a convenient way to enjoy the healing benefits of this remarkable fruit no matter where you live. The tablets contain only Amalaki.

Wide Range of Benefits

There are many benefits that Amalaki imparts that are mentioned in Ayurvedic texts. Let me list some of them:

1.Excellent source of Vitamin C. Amalaki is the most concentrated form of Vitamin C found in the plant kingdom, and when the whole fruit is used rather than an active ingredient, the Vitamin C is easily assimilated by the human body. The Vitamin C in the Amalaki fruit is bonded with tannins that protect it from being destroyed by heat or light.

2.Enhances food absorption. The regular use of Amla-Berry tablets can strengthen digestion, absorption and assimilation of food. People taking it notice that they enjoy the taste of food better. It enhances all thirteen digestive fires (Agni). But it works more slowly and gently than ginger or other digestion-enhancing herbs, so it can be taken by people with a lot of Pitta without fear of creating excess stomach acid. In addition, it improves assimilation of iron for healthy blood.

3.Balances stomach acids. Because it improves digestion but does not heat the body, Amla-Berry is ideal for calming mild to moderate hyperacidity and other Pitta-related digestive problems. It should always be taken with food in this case.

4.Fortifies the liver. Amla-Berry helps purify the Rasa Dhatu (nutrient fluid) and Rakta Dhatu (blood), thus supporting the functions of the liver. It also strengthens the liver, helping it in eliminating toxins from the body. Research shows that Amalaki helps lower cholesterol.

5.Nourishes the brain and mental functioning. Amla-Berry is good for the brain. It is medhya - nurturing for the mind and enhancing coordination among dhi (acquisition), dhriti (retention), and smriti (recall). It helps sharpen the intellect and mental functioning. It supports the nervous system and strengthens the senses.

6.Supports the heart. It is hridya, which means it nurtures the heart, blood and circulation. It supports the cardiovascular system. On the other hand, it sometimes acts as a cardiac stimulant. For this reason, if you have a heart condition, you should check with a medical doctor before using Amla-Berry tablets.

7.Strengthens the lungs. The Amla-Berry tablets help pacify Kapha dosha as well. Therefore, Amla-Berry is a wonderful tonic for strengthening and nourishing the lungs (which are a major seat of Kapha dosha in the body), and the entire respiratory tract. It also pacifies Shleshaka Kapha, which among other things governs moisture balance in the lungs.

8.Regulates elimination. Amla-Berry tablets pacify Apana Vata, thus helping with the downward flow of energy in the body. They keep the function of elimination regular and ease constipation.

9.Enhances fertility. By balancing Apana Vata and by nurturing all the dhatus (body tissues), Amla-Berry also keeps menstruation regular and healthy. Amla-Berry supports the reproductive systems of both men and women and can help overcome difficulty in conceiving. It is a vrishya herb, which means that it enhances all the seven tissues (dhatus), including the reproductive tissue. This herb nurtures the ovaries and sperm, and it has a property called garbhasthapana, which means it enhances fertility and the possibility of conception. It is especially nurturing for women, strengthening the uterus and supporting reproductive health.

10.Helps the urinary system. Because it enhances all the thirteen agnis (digestive fires) and supports Apana Vata, Amla-Berry is especially supportive to the urinary system and can be helpful if you experience a mild burning sensation while urinating. It supports natural diuretic action, but does not force water from the body like diuretic pills. In other words, it helps eliminate waste from the body but does not over-stimulate the urinary system.

11.Good for the skin. Because Amla-Berry strengthens digestion, helps the liver detoxify and is rich in Vitamin C and other minerals, it is very good for the complexion. Amla-Berry moisturizes the skin, cleanses the tissues of toxins, and supports immunity of the skin against bacterial infection. It helps enhance glow and luster.

12.Promotes healthier hair. Amla-Berry boosts absorption of calcium, thus creating healthier bones, teeth, nails and hair. It also helps maintain youthful hair color and retards premature graying, and supports the strength of the hair follicles, so there is less thinning with age.

13.Acts as a body coolant. Although Amla-Berry is good for all doshas and seasons, it is especially effective in the hot season to cool Pitta dosha. It is an especially good rasayana for people with Pitta and Vata body types.

14.Flushes out toxins. Individuals who have been eating "junk" food for a while tend to have accumulated deposits of preservatives and additives in the liver. Amla-Berry helps support the liver in flushing out chemicals and additives from the physiology.

15.Increases vitality. Because it has five tastes and supports all the doshas and many body functions and cleanses the blood and the micro-channels of the body, Amla-Berry increases energy and removes fatigue. It supports regeneration of cells-the process by which tired old cells are replaced by vital, new ones.

16.Strengthens the eyes. Amla-Berry is called chakshushya, which means "strengthening the eyes". (Chakshu means "eye" and ayushya means "rasayana" so it is literally a "rasayana for the eyes"). It supports the health of the eye by enhancing both Ranjaka Pitta (the sub-dosha of Pitta that governs liver function and the blood plasma) and Alochaka Pitta (the sub-dosha of Pitta that governs the eyes and vision). The tridoshic nature of Amalaki also makes it a good tonic for the eyes.

17.Improves muscle tone. Amla-Berry enhances protein synthesis, which is why it is good for strengthening muscles and building lean muscle mass. Its unique Ayurvedic action offers athletes and body-builders a natural way to tone muscles and build lean mass.

18.Acts as an antioxidant. Amla-Berry tablets and other rasayanas that contain Amalaki are effective broad-spectrum antioxidants and free radical scavengers, helping to reduce disease and slow the aging process.
19.Enhances immunity. All of the benefits already mentioned make Amla-Berry a strong immunity booster.

Processing for Potency

Amalaki fruit requires a meticulous 21-step process at low heat to maintain potency of the vitamins and minerals as well as the biological intelligence of this remarkable plant.

The processing method makes the Amla-Berry tablets many times more powerful than the simple fruit or fruit powder. The traditional Ayurvedic processing enhances its potency and increases the natural intelligence of the fruit, without destroying or disturbing any of its delicate qualities.

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Ayurvedic Health Care in Humid Weather

Monsoon! Monsoon!
Please come quick
To water the plants
That looks like sticks

We need the rain
We need the rain
To trickle down
Our dried up drains

This poem caught our eyes while browsing the internet. Monsoon brings joy as plants wear a green look, rivers swell to brim and dry lands become wet. The grim side of this season is increased humidity which troubles humans.

What is Humidity?

Humidity is the amount of water vapor in air. It is usually described as 'relative humidity' and expressed in percentage. 100% humidity means the water vapor in the air is at its maximum at that particular temperature.br> When humidity is low (amount of water vapor is less in air), the evaporation from the surrounding areas is rapid. Hence the clothes dry quickly, soil dries up, sweat evaporates from skin etc.

When humidity is high (amount of water vapor is more in air), clothes dry slowly, sweat does not evaporate from skin and we feel sticky and uncomfortable.

We feel comfortable when humidity is 45-50% and temperature 20 to 22 degree Celsius. Any broad variation in these may cause health problems.

Effects of Increased Humidity on Human Body

Human body maintains its temperature by transferring body heat to surrounding air through evaporation of perspiration (sweat). When humidity is high in air the evaporation of sweat decreases and maintenance of body temperature is altered. Along with high humidity if atmosphere temperature is high, the blood circulation increases on surface of skin and decreases in muscles and other organs. Hence we experience fatigue in climate which is high in temperature and humidity.

Molds, mildews, bacteria, virus, dust mites proliferate when humidity increases in surrounding air. They grow on air conditioners, shower heads, damp walls, toilets , wet carpets and on other moist substances. Their spores which are called bio-aerosols, are constantly released into air. Bio-aerosols cause infection and allergies. They trigger asthma attacks and other respiratory diseases.

Researchers have found that osteo-arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis flare up in high humid weather.

According to Ayurvedic texts the humidity increases during rainy season. The Agni (body fire or digestive power) which is reduced during summer decreases still further and gets vitiated by doshas. Doshas get vitiated due to changes in weather like increased humidity, coldness, dampness etc.

How to Reduce Humidity at Home

1. Repair the source which is causing dampness or wetness at home .Leaking roofs, taps and tanks should be repaired to prevent leaking.
2. Keep the rain drain free from clogs and let the water from rain drain flow away from your basement.
3. Switch on exhaust fans or vent fans after bathing and cooking.
4. Do not dry clothes inside. This increases humidity inside home.
5. Use a digital hygrometer to monitor humidity.
6. UUse a dehumidifier to bring down the humidity to 50% or less.

Ayurvedic Tips to Keep Healthy in Humid Conditions

1. One has to undergo detoxification therapies like amana and Virechana.
2. Asthapana basthi (An enema of herbal decoction) has to be administered to keep away humidity related health problems.
3. The digestive system gets weakened due to dehydration in summer. This leads to low digestive power. This is further weakened by vitiation of doshas and dhatus due to increased humidity. Hence following diets which increase power of digestion and strengthen the digestive system would be beneficial.

a. Light foods prepared out of old barley, rice and wheat.
b. Sour and salted soups of vegetables.
c. Drinking boiled and cooled water mixed with little honey.
d. Consuming little quantity of wine prepared out of grapes.
e. Adding ginger and green gram in daily diet.
f. Eating warm food.
g. The taste of food must be preferably sour and salty.

4. Do not walk in bare foot. Always wear dry foot wear to prevent growth of fungus on nails and between toes. Dry your feet and webs with soft dry cloth whenever they are wet.
5. The clothes should be fumigated using fragrant herbs. Drying clothes with fumes of loban and dry neem leaves is recommended in ayurvedic texts.
6. We should not sleep in basement as it will be damp and growth of moulds and fungus will be more.
7. Fumigating the house with smoke of dried neem leaves in evenings for 1-2 minutes is an excellent ayurvedic method to check the growth of microbes,
8. Always keep the surrounding dry and clean. Do not allow water to get accumulated around.

Ayurvedic Home remedies for Humidity Related Diseases

1. Apply castor oil or sesame oil on cracked feet and skin.
2. A freshly prepared paste of turmeric, neem and sesame seeds is recommended in ayurveda for fungal infection between toes.
3. Drink a glass of warm water mixed with a tea spoon of honey in empty stomach. This flushes out accumulated toxins.
4. Freshly prepared radish juice is the best remedy for cold.
5. A pinch each of long pepper powder and rock salt mixed in warm water reduces cough.


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80, Chowringhee Road
Calcutta - 700002
India
http://www.altmedworld.net

Happy Independence Day!

Every year, August 15 is the day every Indian is proud of. Today, its India’s 64th Independence day. Wishing one and all a very Happy Independence Day.

Doctor of Holistic Medicine Course (HMD) Program

Doctor of Holistic Medicine Course (HMD) Program: "Indian Board of Alternative Medicine is a Government registered organization, internationally recognized and the largest institution of Alternative Medicine ..."

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition and Vitamins

Micronutrient Analysis

A

Health Information and Function - Essential for vision, adequate growth, and tissue differentiation. Vitamin A has excellent antioxidant properties, stimulates the production of mucous, and is absorbed by the body 3-5 hours after ingestion.

Common Sources of Nutrient - Barley grass, butter, cabbage, carotenoids (plant origins, converted to A by the body), carrot root, egg yolk, fish, gotu kola, liver, retinol (ready made A, animal origin, alcohol form), retinyl palmitate (ester form of retinol, ester is preponderant in fish liver oils), spirulina, whole milk.

C

Health Information and Function - Essential for healthy teeth, gums & bones; helps heal wounds, scar tissue, & fractures; prevents scurvy; builds resistance to infection; aids in the prevention & treatment of the common cold; gives strength to blood vessels; aids in the absorption of iron. It is required for the synthesis of collagen, the intercellular "cement" which holds tissues together. It is also one of the major antioxidant nutrients. It prevents the conversion of nitrates (from tobacco smoke, smog, bacon, lunch meats, & some vegetables) into cancer-causing substances.

Common Sources of Nutrient - Acerola fruit, aloe vera juice, black currant, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, capsicum, cauliflower, citrus fruits, citrus fruits, collards, currants, grapefruit, guava, kale, lemons, mango, oranges, papayas, parsley, potatoes, rose hips, spinach, strawberries, sweet peppers, sweet potatoes, tangerines, tomatoes, watercress. Fermentation of sorbitol.

D

Health Information and Function - Improves absorption and utilization of Calcium and Phosphorus; required for bone and teeth formation; maintains a stable nervous system and normal heart action.

Common Sources of Nutrient - Butter, cod liver oil, eggs, halibut liver oil, herring, mackerel, meat, milk, salmon, sardines. Cholecalciferol can be produced industrially by the action of ultraviolet light on 7-dehydrocholesterol.

E

Health Information and Function - Major anti-oxidant nutrient; retards cellular aging due to oxidation; supplies oxygen to the blood which is then carried to the heart and other organs; thus alleviating fatigue; aids in bringing nourishment to cells; strengthens the capillary walls & prevents the red blood cells from destructive poisons; prevents & dissolves blood clots; has also been used by doctors in helping prevent sterility, muscular dystrophy, calcium deposits in blood walls and heart conditions.

Common Sources of Nutrient - Almonds, apricot oil, corn, corn oil, cottonseed oil, eggs, hazelnuts, leafy green vegetables, margarine, milk, nuts, palm, peanut oil, safflower, seeds, soya, sunflower seeds, walnuts, wheat germ, whole grains. Vitamin E that is produced industrially is derived from natural sources and is obtained by molecular distillation of edible vegetable oil products.

K

Health Information and Function - Vitamin K is essential for the blood clotting mechanism that protects the body from bleeding to death from cuts, wounds, and internal bleeding. It is needed for the synthesis of prothrombin, a protein which converts soluble fibrinogen circulating in the blood into very insoluble protein called fibrin, the major component of a blood clot. Vitamin K plays an essential role in the production of carboxyglutamyl residues from the amino acid, glutamic acid.

Common Sources of Nutrient - Vitamin K1 is found naturally in plants. Vitamin K2 is synthesized by bacteria in the intestinal tract of humans. Vitamin K3 is synthesized for industrial applications which can be converted into vitamin K2 in the intestinal tract of the body. Natural sources of vitamin K1 consists of broccoli, cabbage, spinach, lettuce, turnip greens, green tea, beef liver, egg yolks, whole wheat, oats, soybeans, potatoes, butter, cheese, asparagus, tomatoes. Vitamin K2 sources are the bacterial flora in the ileum and jejunum.

Thiamin (B1)

Health Information and Function - Plays a key role in the body's metabolic cycle for generating energy; aids in the digestion of carbohydrates; essential for the normal functioning of the nervous system, muscles & heart; stabilizes the appetite; promotes growth & good muscle tone.

Common Sources of Nutrient - Asparagus, beef kidney, beef liver, brewer's yeast, brown rice, dried legumes, garbanzo beans, gotu kola, kidney beans, lamb, milk, navy beans, nuts, pork, poultry, rice bran, rye, salmon, soybeans, spirulina, sunflower seeds, wheat germ, whole grain cereals, yeast. Thiamine hydrochloride, thiamine mononitrate.

Riboflavin (B2)

Health Information and Function - Necessary for carbohydrate, fat & protein metabolism; aids in the formation of antibodies and red blood cells; maintains cell respiration; necessary for the maintenance of good vision, skin, nails & hair; alleviates eye fatigue; promotes general health.

Common Sources of Nutrient - Almonds, asparagus, barley grass, brewer's yeast, cheese, chicken, eggs, green leafy vegetables, liver, meat, milk products, organ meats, peppermint leaves, Senna leaves, spirulina, Wheat germ.

Niacin

Health Information and Function - Improves circulation and reduces the cholesterol level in the blood; maintains the nervous system; helps metabolize protein, sugar & fat; reduces high blood pressure; increases energy through proper utilization of food; prevents pellagra; helps maintain a healthy skin, tongue & digestive system.

Common Sources of Nutrient - Beef liver, brewer's yeast, chicken white meat, eyebright, feverfew, fish, green leafy vegetables, halibut, hops flowers, lean meats, legumes, liver, milk, nuts, peanuts, pork, poultry, red raspberry leaves, salmon, sunflower seeds, swordfish, tuna, turkey, veal. Niacinamide, nicotinamide are made from niacin. Niacinamide ascorbate is a complex of niacinamide and ascorbic acid. Niacin is formed in the body from tryptophan.

Biotin

Health Information and Function - Promotes healthy nerves, skin and muscles; coenzyme in glucose metabolism and fat synthesis. Aids in the utilization of protein, folic acid, Pantothenic acid, and Vitamin B-12, promotes healthy hair.

Common Sources of Nutrient - Brewer's yeast, brown rice, bulgur wheat, butter, calves' liver, cashews, cereals, cheese, chicken, egg yolk, eggs, green peas, kidney, lentils, liver, mackerel, meats, milk, nuts, oats, peanuts, soybeans, split peas, sunflower seeds, tuna, walnuts. Synthesized industrially from fumaric acid. Synthesized in the body by intestinal bacteria.

B6

Health Information and Function - Necessary for the synthesis & breakdown of amino acids, the building blocks of protein; aids in fat and carbohydrate metabolism; aids in the formation of antibodies; maintains the central nervous system; aids in the removal of excess fluid of premenstrual women; promotes healthy skin; reduces muscle spasms, leg cramps, hand numbness, nausea & stiffness of hands; helps maintain a proper balance of sodium & phosphorus in the body.

Common Sources of Nutrient - Avocado, banana, bran, bread, brewer's yeast, carrrots, chicken, corn, fish, hazelnuts, halibut, ham, herring, legumes, lentils, liver, peanuts, rice, salmon, shrimp, soybean, sunflower seeds, trout, tuna, walnuts, wheat germ, whole grain cereals. Vitamin B6 from nutritional supplements is pyridoxine hydrochloride.

Folate

Health Information and Function - Necessary for DNA & RNA synthesis, which is essential for the growth and reproduction of all body cells; essential to the formation of red blood cells by its action on the bone marrow; aids in amino acid metabolism.

Common Sources of Nutrient - Barley, beans, beets, brewer's yeast, calves' liver, dark green leafy vegetables, endive, egg yolks, fruits, garbanzo beans, lentils, orange juice, peas, rice, soybeans, split peas, sprouts, wheat germ, whole-wheat bread, yeast.

B12

Health Information and Function - Helps in the formation & regeneration of red blood cells, thus helping prevent anemia; necessary for carbohydrate, fat & protein metabolism; maintains a healthy nervous system; promotes growth in children; increases energy; needed for Calcium absorption.

Common Sources of Nutrient - Beef, blue cheese, brain, clams, dairy products, eggs, fish, flounder, heart, herring, kidney, liver, liverwurst, mackerel, milk, sardines, shellfish, snapper, swiss cheese.

Potassium

Health Information and Function - Potassium is important for chemical reactions within the cells, and regulates the transfer of nutrients to the cells. Potassium helps to regulate water balance in the body, and the distribution of fluids on both sides of the cell walls. It is an electrolyte needed to maintain fluid balance, normal heartbeat, and nerve transmission. Potassium is absorbed through the intestines and is stored in the cells and kidneys. It is necessary for adrenal glands. Potassium is important for proper muscle contractions, normal blood pressure, growth, nerve impulses, healthy skin, cell metabolism, and enzyme reactions. Potassium increases the metabolism. Helpful in stroke prevention. Antidepressant, antihypertensive, antispasmodic.

Common Sources of Nutrient - Almonds, apricots, avocados, bananas, beef, bran, Brazil nuts, brewer's yeast, broccoli, brown rice, cabbage herb, cashews, celery herb, chard, citrus fruit, dairy foods, dates, figs, fish, fruit, garlic, grapefruit juice, green leafy vegetables, guava, legumes, lentils, meat, milk, molasses, nectarine, nuts, oranges, parsley, parsnips, peanuts, peaches, pork, potatoes, poultry, raisins, rice bran, sardines, seaweed, seeds, soybeans, spinach (fresh), squash, sunflower seeds, tomato juice, veal, walnuts, wheat bran, whole grains, yams. Supplements: potassium ascorbate, potassium aspartate, potassium benzoate, potassium carbonate, potassium chloride, potassium gluconate, potassium hydroxide.

Calcium

Health Information and Function - Calcium is needed for so many different functions in the body, from bones, to blood clotting, your muscles, for the formation and maintenance of bones, the development of teeth and healthy gums, for blood clotting, stabilizes many body functions and is thought to assist in bowel cancer. It has a natural calming and tranquilizing effect and is necessary for maintaining a regular heartbeat and the transmission of nerve impulses. It helps with lowering cholesterol, muscular growth, the prevention of muscle cramps and normal blood clotting.

Furthermore it also helps with protein structuring in DNA and RNA. It provides energy, breaks down fats, maintains proper cell membrane permeability, aids in neuromuscular activity and helps to keep the skin healthy. Calcium also stops lead from being absorbed into bone.

Common Sources of Nutrient - Almonds, Brazil nuts, broccoli, buchu leaves, cabbage, carob, caviar, cheese, collards, dairy foods, dandelion leaves, dulse, figs, filberts, green leafy vegetables, kale, kelp, milk, molasses, mustard greens, oats, parsley, pau d'arco bark, prunes, salmon, sardines, seafood, sesame seeds, shrimp, soybeans, tofu, turnip greens, valerian root, white oak bark, yogurt.

Supplements: Bone meal, calcium amino acid chelate, calcium ascorbate, calcium carbonate, calcium caseinate, calcium citrate hydrate, calcium citrate malate (CCM), calcium gluconate, calcium lactate, di-calcium phosphate, hydroxyapatite, oyster shell, tricalcium phosphate. It has been reported that the most bioavailable form of calcium is calcium citrate malate.1 Calcium carbonate is similar in bioavailability to milk.

Magnesium

Health Information and Function - Plays an important role in regulating the neuromuscular activity of the heart; maintains normal heart rhythm; necessary for proper calcium & Vitamin C metabolism; converts blood sugar into energy. Magnesium is vital for many metabolic functions such as the activation of enzymes for proper metabolism of protein and carbohydrates for energy production. It is a constituent of bones and teeth and is important for the metabolism of phosphorus, calcium, potassium, sodium, B-complex vitamins, and vitamins C and E. Magnesium is absorbed in the small intestine and vitamin D is necessary for proper utilization of the mineral. Necessary in the production of testosterone and progesterone. It is essential for normal heart beat, nerve transmission, bone growth, body temperature, and arterial health. Magnesium, in proper balance with calcium, is important for neuromuscular contractions and is vital for DNA and RNA production. Helpful in stroke prevention.

Common Sources of Nutrient - Almonds, barley, blackstrap molasses, bluefish, brewer's yeast, buckwheat, carp, cocoa, cod, cottonseed, figs, flounder, garlic, green leafy vegetables, halibut, herring, Irish moss, kelp, licorice, lima beans, meat, mackerel, millet, molasses, nettle, nuts, oat straw, oats, peaches, peanut butter, peanuts, peas, perch, seafood, sesame seeds, shrimp, snails, soybeans, sunflower seeds, swordfish, tofu, wheat, wheat bran, wheat germ, whole grains.

Supplements: Dolomite, magnesium amino acid chelate, magnesium ascorbate, magnesium gluconate, magnesium oxide.

Phosphorous

Health Information and Function - Phosphorus is important to keep in balance with calcium and magnesium. It plays a role in every metabolic reaction in the body and is important for the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and protein for proper growth and production of energy. Phosphorus is absorbed through the intestines, transported in the bloodstream, and stored in the bones and teeth. 70% of ingested phosphorus is absorbed.

Common Sources of Nutrient - Beef, bran, cabbage herb, cheese, corn, cocoa, cottonseed, dairy products, dog grass, eggs, fish, fruit, garlic, legumes, liver, meat, nuts, peanuts, poultry, pumpkin seeds, rice polish, squash seeds, soda, soybeans, sunflower seeds, wheat bran, wheat germ, whole grains. Supplements: Ammonium phosphate, bone meal, brewer's yeast, dicalcium phosphate dihydrate, dipotassium phosphate, hydroxyapatite, lecithin, monosodium phosphate, tricalcium phosphate.

Iron

Health Information and Function - Iron plays an important role in the production of hemoglobin with protein and copper and oxygenation of red blood cells and lymphocytes. Iron improves the function of enzymes in protein metabolism and enhances the functions of calcium and copper. It is absorbed in the small intestine and stored in the liver, spleen, bone marrow, and blood. Iron is needed to metabolize B vitamins.

Common Sources of Nutrient - Almonds, avocados, beans, beef, beets, blue cohosh, bran, brewer's yeast, broccoli, butchers broom, cashews, caviar, cheddar cheese, chickweed, cocoa, dates, devil's claw, dried fruit, dulse, eggs, egg yolk, garbanzo beans, green leafy vegetables, spinach, heart, kelp, kidneys, legumes, lentils, liver, millet, molasses, mullein, mussles, oysters, parsley, peaches, pears, pennyroyal, pistachios, potatoes, poultry, prunes, pumpkins, raisins, rice, seaweed, sesame seeds, soybeans, sunflower seeds, tongue, walnuts, wheat bran, wheat germ, whole grains. Supplements: Ferric citrate, ferrous fumarate, ferrous gluconate, ferrous salt of gluconic acid, ferrous succinate, ferrous sulfate, iron amino acid chelate.

Zinc

Health Information and Function - Zinc is important for absorption and action of B-complex vitamins. It is required for protein synthesis, collagen formation, healthy immune system, and the ability of the body to heal from wounds. Zinc is absorbed in the small intestine and is stored in the liver, eyes, kidneys, pancreas, bones, muscles, prostate gland, sperm, nails, skin, hair, and white blood cells. Zinc inhibits 5-alpha reductase from converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) a form of testosterone that promotes prostate growth. Zinc increases testosterone, and sperm count. If a zinc deficiency exists sex drive is reduced in order to conserve the zinc (zinc is concentrated in semen). Zinc is involved in protein synthesis, muscle contraction, formation of insulin, maintaining acid-base balance, synthesis of DNA, brain functions. Excessive sweating leads to loss of up to 3 mg per day.

Common Sources of Nutrient - Beans, beef, bilberry fruit, black strap molasses, brewer's yeast, buchu leaves, capsicum fruit, chicken heart, crab, egg yolk, fish, herring, lamb, legumes, liver, maple syrup, meats, milk, oysters, peanuts, pork, poultry, pumpkin seeds, skullcap herb, seafood, sesame seeds, soybeans, sunflower seeds, turkey, wheat bran, wheat germ, whole grains, yeast. Supplements: Zinc aspartate, zinc gluconate, zinc oxide, zinc picolinate, zinc sulfate.

Selenium

Health Information and Function - Selenium is an antioxidant that protects vitamin E from degradation. It helps to build the immune system by destroying free radicals, and aid in the production of antibodies. Selenium is absorbed through the intestines and stored in the liver, kidneys, and muscles. The lower the selenium intake the higher the incidents of cancer. Selenium fortifies heart energy cells, making sure they get enough oxygen. Selenium helps eliminate arsenic. Helpful in stroke prevention. Helps protect against the effects from arsenic, cadmium and mercury. Component of glutathione peroxidase, protecting tissues from the effects of polyunsaturated fatty acid oxidation.

Common Sources of Nutrient - Barley, beer, blackstrap molasses, bran, Brazil nuts, brewer's yeast, broccoli, brown rice, buchu leaves, butter, cabbage, catnip, celery, cereals, chicken, cider vinegar, cinnamon, clams, crab, cucumbers, dairy products, dog grass, eggs, garlic, grains, green leafy vegetables, hibiscus, ho shou wu root, kidneys, lamb, liver, lobster, meats, milk, milk thistle seeds, molasses, mushrooms, nutmeg, nuts, oats, onions, seafood, swiss chard, tuna, turnips, wheat bran, wheat germ, whole grains. Supplements: selenium ascorbate, selenium amino acid chelate.

Below are a great set of questions to ask yourself concerning your diet and nutrition:

1. What micronutrients are missing from your diet? What foods, that you enjoy, could you eat to supply these nutrients?

2. Micronutrient deficiencies can have many negative effects on your health. What long-term effects can you anticipate if your current deficiencies continue?

3. List, and explain, five specific ways consuming the right amounts of micronutrients can positively affect your long-term health and aging.


Many of the micronutrients, like vitamin c and zinc, help boost the immune system. By having a strong immune system, the body will be more capable of fighting off disease and reducing the duration of an illness when a person is sick.

Several of the micronutrients, like iron and phosphorous, also help a person’s metabolism function at its best. These micronutrients help the body with the absorption of fats, carbohydrates, and protein for efficient energy consumption.

Selenium fortifies heart energy cells, making sure they get enough oxygen.

Vitamin B12 helps in the formation & regeneration of red blood cells, thus helping prevent anemia.

Calcium is used for the formation and maintenance of bones, and women who have a healthy amount of calcium are less likely to develop osteoporosis.

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India
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Homeopathic Hayfever Remedy

Homeopathic Hayfever Remedy

Of all the conditions that can make a persons life a misery, hayfever has got to be one of the worst. Year after year the pollen count rises and the eyes start to water, and unfortunately sometimes the conventional remedies don't work out too well.

Forunately the are some amazing Homeopathic Hayfever Remedies which can help you through those pollen filled months. Using homeothapy hayfever remedies throughout the year can drastically reduce hayfever symptoms, and even sometimes remove them completely.

Homeopathic Mixed Pollen Homeopathic Herbal Remedies

One of the most common types of homeopathic hayfever remedy is a mixed pollen concoction. This goes well with other homeopathy hayfever remedies, and can often relieve many of the most common hayfever symptoms by attuning your body to the differing types of pollen.

Homeopathic hayfever remedies which use the mixed pollen can give you a good base coverage of protection against some of the most common types of pollen which cause allergies and hayfever.

Homeopathic Hayfever Remedy Allium Cepa

To treat severe sneezing, streaming watery eyes, and a runny nose, allium cepa is a great homeopathic hayfever remedy. Allium cepa is particularly useful for those who have most of their hayfever symptoms in the morning, although it is still effective throughout the day as well.

Homeopathy Hayfever Remedies with Arsenicum

A strong tickling sensation in the nose, combined with heavy sneezing mixed with a burning liquid can easily be treated with Arsenicum, otherwise known as Arsen Alb. This particular form of Hayfever can cause depression and irritability

Treating this style of hayfever with homeopathic remedies can help sooth the physical symptoms, and brighten up the day for the mental symptoms.

Homeopathic Hayfever Remedies with Euphrasia

If the hayfever sufferer suffers from burning eyes, which itch and water constantly, then Euphrasia can be a great homeopathic hayfever treatment. Euphrasia can also treat the sore throat, dry cough, and blocked nose at night.

Homeopathic hayfever remedies with euphrasia can help sooth all of these symptoms, and make life just a little bit more livable again.

Homeopathic Remedy Gelsemium

When hayfever becomes strong enough to make your entire body feel lethargic, your eyes heavy, a burning throat, violent sneezing, and an insistent tickle in the nose, mixed with a constant depression, Gelsemium homeopathic remedies can help.

Homeopathic hayfever remedies including Gelsemium are incredibly affective at treating these debilitating hayfever symptoms.

Nux Vomica Herbal Remedies

Nux Vomica, sometimes Nux Vom, is best used for hayfever which has symptoms of extreme irritation all over the face, mixed with a stuffed nose and constant sneezing fits.

Homeopathy Nux Vomica remedies provide relief for these symptoms allowing you to get on with your day, without worrying about hayfever. Nux Vomica is a good all around homeopathic hayfever remedy.

Homeopathy Pulsatilla Hayfever Remedy

Pulsatilla homeopathic hayfever remedies are perfect for relieving hayfever symptoms which include large amounts of thick catarrh, and sneezing which is often relieved in open air. Pulsatilla also helps relieve the irritable, depressed, and tearful symptoms which also come with this kind of hayfever.

Homeopathic pulsatilla hayfever remedies are good at relieving both the mental and physical affects of hayfever.

Homeopathic Sabadilla Hayfever Remedy

Homeopathic sabadilla hayfever remedies provide relief from spasmodic sneezing fits, constantly streaming nose, which gets worse with flowers, and a tickling of the nose and mouth. Sabadilla will also help deal with some of the mental affects of hayfever including depression and nervousness.

Homeopathy hayfever remedies with sabadilla provide great relief for hayfever symptoms, even in the height of pollen season.

Homeopathy Silica Hayfever Remedy

Silica homeopathy remedies can help deal with a stuffed up blocked nose, but on top of that it also helps deal with some of the more unpleasent feelings that hayfever can bring. This includes irritability, nervousness, slugishness, and a low tollerence to pain and loud noise.

Hompeopathic silica hayfever remedies can be incredibly useful in treating mild hayfever with these symptoms!

Homeopathic Hayfever Remedy

Using one, or a combination, of these top Homeopathic Hayfever Remedy can help relieve even the worst of hayfever symptoms without the side effects of conventional medicine. Using a homeopathic hayfever remedy will allow you to enjoy the spring and summer months, when the weather is the nicest but the weather is the worst!

Indian Board of Alternative Medicine
80, Chowringhee Road
Calcutta - 700002
India
http://www.altmedworld.net

Homeopathic Remedies for Headaches

Homeopathic Headache Treatment

Many people suffer from chronic headaches and migraines, which can easily ruin a persons life on a day to day basis. Fortunately homeopathic remedies for headaches can help relieve the symptoms of headaches, whether they are a chronic problem, or the result of injury.

Homeopathic headache remedies are a safe, simple and effective way to treat headaches, their natural properties help to relieve the pain and dizzyness of headaches.

Homeopathic Arnica Headache Remedy

If you are suffering form headaches due to physical head trauma then homeopathic arnica can help relieve both the pain and swelling associated with this.

Homeopathic arnica remedies are one of the best homeopathic headache cures for physical head trauma. And can also help heal any other injuries which you may have received.

Homeopathic Headache Remedy Belladona

Belladonna is a strong homeopathic headache remedy for right sided headaches and migraines. This is especially useful when the migrane sufferer is also suffering from hot skin, with cold hands and feet. The homeopathic belladona headache remedy is one of the best migrane treatments for right side headaches.

Homeopathic Headache Remedy Bryonia Alba

Bryonia alba homeopathic headache remedies are ideal for treating headaches which throb and pulsate above the left eye. When it comes to headaches which tend to arrive early in the morning and cause dry mouth, Bryonia Alba homeopathic remedies can help treat these symptoms effectively.

Bryonia Alba is particularly effective for those headaches which are sensitive to noise and movement.

Homeopathic China Headache Remedy

The china homeopathic headache remedy is an extremely affective homeopathy remedy for headaches caused by dehydration and anemia. These symptoms often need to be treated with more than just homeopathic remedies, if you have suffered from dehydration it is also important to drink a lot of water, and take replenishing salts.

Cimicifuga Homeopathic Remedy for Menstrual Headaches

Cimicifuga is a great homeopathic remedy for menstrual headaches and menstrual migraines. When using homeopathy remedy cimicifuga you can help to relieve headaches and migraines which commonly appear during the menstrual period naturally.

Using homeopaty remedies with cimicifuga will help with the headaches, and help to relieve some of the other menstrual conditions such as gloom and irritability.

Homeopathic Migraine Remedy Cocculus Indicus

Cocculus Indicus is one of the best homeopathic migraine remedy for those wo suffer with headaches, mild dizziness, nausia and mild insomnia. With the homeopathy migraine remedy cocculus indicus you can quickly help relieve these symptoms, although it is best to use them in a preventative way!

Homeopathy Maigraine Remedy Cyclamen

Cyclamen is an effective homeopathic remedy perfect for treating migraines which cause dizziness, blurred vision, and spasming eyes. Cyclamen is also particularly effective if the migraine is causing dry mouth, weakness, sensitivity to temperature change, and emotional fluctuations.

The Cyclamen homeopathic migraine remedy is a particularly effective solution for any migraine.

Homeopathic Headache Remedies Gelsemium

Gelsemium is another great homeopathic remedy for headaches which helps deal with blurred vision. The homeopathic gelsemium headache remedy is a safe treatment for 'tight' headaches.

Gelsemium is one of the most common homeopathy headache remedies, and is well known as one of teh most reliable homeopathic remedies.

Homeopathy Headache Remedy Natrum Muriaticum

Natrum Muriaticum is an excellent homeopathic remedy for headaches, especially headaches which are caused by strees, and pounding, beating, headaches. Using Natrum Muriaticum is an essential part of any homeopathy remedy for headaches which beat with the flow of blood. Homeopathic natrum muriaticum is also great for treating minor depression and greif.

Homeopathic Remedy for Headaches Nux Vomica

Nux Vomica is one of the best available homeopathic headache remedies for tension headaches, it is also one of the few homeopathic remedies for hangovers.. Nux vomica also helps protect against headaches from noxious smells.

Taking nux vomica is a great way to relieve stress related headaches.

Indian Board of Alternative Medicine
80, Chowringhee Road
Calcutta - 700002
India
http://www.altmedworld.net

Yoga and Cancer - Yoga Benefits For People With Cancer

Yoga is a mind-body exercise that originated in India more than 4,000 years ago. A fundamental component of ayurveda (the traditional medicine system of India), yoga combines precise postures, deep breathing, and meditation in order to promote physical and emotional health.

The Health Benefits of Yoga
Research suggests that yoga may help ease symptoms associated with these health conditions:

Yoga has also been found to help promote weight maintenance and reduce heart disease risk.

Yoga For People With Cancer
Studies suggest that yoga may offer many benefits for people coping with cancer. Here's a look at some key findings.

1) Relieving Anxiety

Yoga may help ease anxiety in breast cancer outpatients, according to a 2009 study of 98 outpatients assigned to receive either yoga training or a brief therapy session prior to undergoing surgery. The study also showed that daily yoga sessions helped manage treatment-related side effects.

2) Reducing Stress

Breast cancer outpatients who practice yoga may have lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression than those who don't practice yoga, according to a study published in 2009.

3) Improving Quality of Life

In a pilot study published in 2006, researchers found that a seven-week yoga program significantly improved quality of life for cancer survivors. The researchers also observed a significant improvement in emotional function among the study's 20 yoga-practicing participants.

4) Enhancing Sleep Quality

A 2004 study of 39 lymphoma patients indicates that weekly yoga sessions may help reduce sleep disturbance, improve sleep quality, lengthen sleep duration, and reduce the use of sleep medications.

Is Yoga Safe For People With Cancer?

If you have cancer -- or any other chronic condition -- be sure to talk to your doctor about choosing a yoga program that's right for you. While yoga is generally considered safe, certain postures may be difficult to achieve or may induce muscle and/or joint damage if not executed properly.

It's important to note that practicing yoga is not known to slow or stop the growth of cancer.

Indian Board of Alternative Medicine
80, Chowringhee Road
Calcutta - 700002
India
http://www.altmedworld.net