Muscles are largely made up of protein and essential fatty acids; however, almost every nutrient is involved in their contraction, relaxation and repair.  For example, potassium, very low in diets of high fats and refined foods, is necessary for the contraction of every muscle in the body.  Besides a poor diet, a potassium deficiency can be brought on by stress, diarrhea, kidney damage, diuretics, or cortisone therapy.  The results of insufficient amounts of the mineral are fatigue, gas distention, spasms or twisting of the bowel, constipation, and possibly inability to pass urine.

Vitamin E is essential for the formation of the muscles of muscle cells and of enzymes that are needed for muscular contractions.  A deficiency of the vitamin increases the need for oxygen in the muscles, interferes with the metabolism of certain amino acids, and causes the loss of phosphorus in the urine and the B vitamins by rancidity.  In addition, too much calcium is left to settle in muscle tissue.  Pregnant women often have difficult deliveries because of the lack of enzymes needed for muscle contraction.  A deficiency can also be suspected if a child cannot sit up well at three months old.

Nutrients that may be beneficial in the treatment of muscle weakness:  Vitamin E, Manganese, Potassium, Zinc, Unsaturated fatty acids, Protein and all essential nutrients.

Information obtained from the Nutrition Almanac, Third Edition, Lavon J. Dunne

For nutritional support, visit Natural Health Products

Tics, tremors and twitches are often caused by an imbalance of minerals, an excess of lead in the body, an allergic reaction to food or chemicals, or by drugs and medication.  The most common cause is a deficiency of potassium and/or magnesium.  These minerals are essential for the conduction of nerve impulses that pass to a muscle and control its movement.  Sometimes the B complex vitamins, necessary for the health of the nervous system, are found to be deficient, and when B complex is taken, symptoms disappear.  If an excess of lead is found, calcium or zinc can effective leach the toxic metal out of the body.

Information obtained from the Nutrition Almanac, Third Edition, Lavon J. Dunne

For nutritional support, visit Natural Health Products

Conditions in the inner ear that my cause the disease are hemorrhage, fluid imbalance, or a spasm of a blood vessel subsequently leading to vasodilation and an increased flow of blood.  Allergies, eye or mental strain, stress, alcohol, tobacco, or an inadequate diet especially a deficiency of the B vitamins can precipitate Meniere attacks.  Meniere patients have been found to be chronically deficient of the B vitamins, possibly due to defective utilization of the vitamin.  Gallbladder disease occurs in these patients at twice the rate of the general population.

Nicotinic acid, or niacin, because of its vasodilator action, has been shown to be effective in controlling Meniere’s syndrome that is caused by vasodilation.

Because attacks often follow an illness in which antibiotics are given, adequate intake of all nutrients is recommended; acidophilus acids in the restoration of beneficial intestinal bacteria and also in the manufacture of the B vitamins.  Reducing dietary salt may be helpful

For nutritional support, visit Natural Health Products.

Information obtained from Nutrition Almanac, Third Edition, Lavon J. Dunne

Parkinson’s disease, also called shaking palsy or paralysis agitans, is a slowly progressive disease of the nervous system in which an essential type of nerve cell is destroyed.  The cause of the disease is unknown, buy symptoms begin when there is an imbalance of two chemicals in the brain, dopamine and acetylcholine.  These substances transfer messages between nerve cells that control muscle function.  In parkinsonism, the amount of dopamine is diminished, the imbalance is created, and nerve signals become confused.  Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include muscular rigidity and cramping, involuntary tremors that include a characteristic pill-rolling movement of the thumb and forefinger as they rub against each other, impaired speech, a staring facial expression, drooling, and a short, shuffling gait.  Despite these symptoms, sensation and mental activity are not impaired.  There is often a loss of appetite and some weight loss, giving rise to the possibility of malnutrition developing.  Chronic constipation may complicate the condition.

There is not cure for the disease, although drugs may be used to alleviate the symptoms.  L-Dopa, a drug most often used to reestablish balance with acetylcholine, has many side effects.  Vitamin C may help to alleviate these reactions.  The B vitamins, especially, B6 tend to diminish the effectiveness of L-Dopa.  However, Adelle Davis, in her book, Let’s Get Well, reported that vitamin B6 given along with the other B vitamins and magnesium, has resulted in progressive improvement.  Patients begin to feel stronger, walk with a steadier gait, have better bladder control, a greater sense of well-being, better mental alertness and a decrease in muscular cramps, trembling, and rigidity.  Zinc may also be needed to make sure the B6 does not interfere with the effect of the drug L-Dopa.  Sometimes improvement is not noticed in persons who have had a sever case of the disease for several years.

Modification of the diet and treatment of the constipation may also be helpful.  Frequent small meals will increase the patients nutrient and caloric levels, thus preventing malnutrition.  A marked increase in fluid intake is also necessary because the normal secretions of the intestines may be lessened by some of the prescribed drugs.  High-residue food will assist in alleviating constipation.

NUTRIENTS THAT MY BE BENEFICIAL IN TREATMENT OF PARKINSON’S DISEASE:

Vitamin B Complex, B2, B6, Niacin, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Calcium, Magnesium, Glutamic acid and Protein.

Information obtained from the Nutrition Almanac, Third Edition, Lavon J. Dunne

For nutritional support visit Natural Health Products

The blood vessel walls of a person with hypo-tension are usually very relaxed and possibly flabby or stretched.  Few nutrients or little oxygen can reach body tissues from vessels in this condition.  The disease is often accompanied by hypoglycemia, hypothyroidism or anemia.  Symptoms of low blood pressure are fatigue, lack of endurance, sensitivity to heat and cold, development of a rapid pulse or exertion, and little interest in sex.  The individual requires more sleep than normal persons and often wakes up tired.

Systolic blood pressure as low as 100 or 890 may be considered healthy as long as that has always been normal for that person.  However, if the systolic pressure has suddenly dropped to that level or if an individual has any of the above symptoms, hypo-tension may be the cause.

Mild deficiencies of calories, protein or vitamins C and B complex (especially pantothenic acid) have produced low blood pressure.  Adrenal exhaustion is commonly associated with the disease.

The diet should be sufficient in all nutrients, with emphasis on complete proteins, and the vitamins B complex, C and E.  Since excessive amounts of salt may be excreted because of an under-supply of pantothenic acid, salty foods should be eaten daily until the pressure has reached normal.

Information obtained from The Nutrition Almanac, Third Edition, Lavon J. Dunne

For nutritional support, visit Natural Health Products

Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary disease affecting certain glands in the body, such as the gallbladder, pancreas, and sweat glands. The disease usually begins during infancy, though symptoms may manifest themselves later in life.

The greatest danger at the onset of the disease is malnutrition due to an underproduction of digestive juices. As a result, all foods, especially fats, are poorly digested and absorbed, and a deficiency in all nutrients, particularly in the fat-soluble vitamins, occurs. In addition, the sweat glands produce an unusually salty perspiration, draining the body of salt and making the patient susceptible to heat exhaustion. The mucous glands in the lungs, which normally aid in moistening the air passages, produce a thick mucus that blocks the passages and promotes the growth of harmful bacteria.

Treatment for the malnutrition that occurs with cystic fibrosis may include medication to compensate for the lack of digestive juices. The recommended diet is 25 percent higher than normal in calories, the majority being in protein, which is easier to digest than fats, and starches, which are nutritionally better than sugars. The intake of fluids and salt should be increased, particularly during hot weather. Because of the poor absorption of nutrients, additional vitamins – A, the B complex, C, D, E and K – should be included in the diet.

A New Zealand physician, Dr. Robert B. Elliot, who based his treatment on the fact that persons afflicted with cystic fibrosis have abnormally low blood levels of linoleic acid, gave periodic infusions of soy oil, which contains a large amount of linoleic acid, to several groups of children.  Oral supplementation was not effective. The results showed at least one of the characteristic biochemical abnormalities of the disease improved in all children tested.

At the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and the Wistar Institute, researches gave 13 children afflicted with cystic fibrosis dietary supplements of corn oil, vitamin E (to prevent oxidation), and pancreatic enzymes. After a year on the diet, all the children gained weight, grew taller, and seemed healthier and happier. In individual cases, the supplements relieved symptoms such as diarrhea, sodium loss, and general problems associated with poor nutrition. Running and walking exercises were also part of the program. Regular exercise helped the patients to keep their lungs clear of mucus and may be a factor in slowing the deterioration of lung function.

Information obtained from Nutrition Almanac, Third Edition

For nutritional support, visit Health & Wellness Haven

Take a good look at this picture. Does it look familiar? It’s very sad to see a child indulging in junk food watching television. Parents are held responsible for this behavior.

It amazes me how many children are overweight today. Is it because parents are working long hours and some are even working two jobs to try to make ends meet? Absolutely! Our lifestyles today are very complex. The stay at home Mom is not home anymore….she is working and not available to her children like our mothers were when we were growing up.

Our children are suffering today; a parent isn’t always accessible to them when they come home from school. Many children today are “latch key” kids. Which means, I can eat whatever I want and do whatever I want because no one is home to tell me otherwise. This is sad, but true.

Children who are inactive and are overeaters will face many health issues as they grow older. They are at risk for heart disease and diabetes, just to name a few.

As a parent, you need to get involved with your child to make sure they are active. Help them find an activity that they enjoy. Take time out in your day to engage in an activity together; such as cleaning their bedroom, taking the dog for a walk, bowling, start an exercise program together, etc.

Our children are literally starving today! We have let them become picky eaters and pretty much “caved in” to letting them decide what they want to eat – not good!

So what can a parent do to change these bad eating habits? First of all, get rid of all the junk food in your house and replace these items with wholesome, healthy foods; such as, cheese sticks, carrots, celery sticks with peanut butter, apples, grapes, milk, etc.

Instill in your child a desire for wholesome foods; it’s up to you to make taste pleasant. Sliced turkey makes an excellent sandwich on whole grain bread. A protein drink when on the run also fills the bill. If you instill a desire for low-fat foods in your child, when tempted with high-fat foods, such as hot dogs, they will run to the low-fat choice.

Many teenagers never eat a genuine salad. Milk is replaced by the “shake” that comes with fries; the only problem is its lack of calcium and protein from the milk it was supposed to replace. We are mislead often because we assume that the item listed as “shake” is really a milk shake. Unfortunately, it is frequently made with an artificial product and contains no milk. Often even the “shake” is replaced by some nutritionless soda drink.

Also, it might help to make an appointment to see a nutritionist to work out a healthy eating plan for your child.

Additionally, the best way to make sure of complete nutrition is to use the good side of food technology and provide sensible supplementation. It is just about impossible to make sure the children get everything in their diet.

It is vital for your child to consume supplements on a daily basis. I highly recommend a healthy meal replacement shake as a snack along with a multi-vitamin/mineral> and vitamin C as well. Our children need to take vitamins daily to build good health!

There is another most important reason for optimum nutrition; degenerative disease. We now know many of the roles of early nutrition in heart disease, cancer, stroke, diverticular disease, osteoporosis and others. There is a significant influence. Of course, studies continue in these areas because nutrition research is never finished. Currently much research is focused on finding just how much of each of the key nutrients is needed for the protective effect. We cannot wait for the “perfect number.” These nutrients are totally safe used sensibly, and they can help us avoid much distress for the future. There is just no point in taking a chance. Supplementation can’t do any harm, has the potential to do much good.

Begin today to take charge of the health of your child. It can pay off in massive dividends for the child both now and in the future.

Information obtained from A Better Health Series, Optimal Nutrition for Healthy Children, Dr. Bruce B. Miller and comments were made from Health & Wellness Haven.

The Foundation

Every endeavor needs a good foundation on which to build. The foundation for a diabetic supplement program is the multi-vitamin/mineral. We do not always eat as we should fo rone reason or another, so the multi is insurance for those times. You are going to attempt to replace nutrients that may be short or missing in your diet; this is the logical place to begin.

FIBER

Fiber is the number one for the diabetic. There are basically two types of fiber, soluable and insoluable. Each has a different action on the body, and both are valuable to the diabetic.

Soluble fiber helps prevent drastic shifts in blood sugar levels making it an attractive weapon in the war against diabetes. At the University of Kentucky School of Medicine, diabetes expert James W. Anderson, M.D. has been very successful in treating diabetic patients with high fiber diets. Foods high in soluble fiber include fruits, vegetables, oats and dried beans.

Many studies show that increasing soluble fiber in the diet can lower total cholesterol. For most people, soluble fiber targets the “bad” LDL faction and leaves the “good” HDL alone. One study from the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Lexington, Kentucky found that soluble fiber added to the diet lowered total cholesterol by 19 percent and LDL by 23 percent. These fibers bind cholesterol in the intestine and prevent it from being reabsorbed. Cholesterol is simply excreted.

Diabetics have another problem that calls for our other fiber, the insoluble form. People with diabetes suffer more from constipation than the normal population. Insoluble fiber coupled with 8 glasses of water a day can solve this problem for most people.

It seems that all Americans, diabetic or not, have a fiber problem. The average American only consumes 13 grams of fiber a day. The recommendation is an astounding 30 grams a day or well over twice what most people now consume. I do recommend increasing fiber in your diet, but for many, to double their intake without supplementation is nearly impossible. We have two other problems: some people just do not like high fiber foods, and others do not have daily access to these foods. Also, food intake keys for a diabetic are number one, consuming the same amount of carbohydrate at each meal everyday, and number two, consuming these meals at the same time each day.

To help with the fiber problem, it is easier to add a good quality fiber supplement. This way only one food is being added to the diet, and it is easier to work in without upsetting the body chemistry too much. It makes it easier to figure because you are adding a known and measured amount to each meal. Along with your supplement slowly add in other dietary fiber sources, but monitor your sugar carefully as you do so.

EICOSAPENTAENOIC ACID (EPA)

A particular group of fatty acids have been shown to have a beneficial effect on the vascular system so far as diabetic problems go. They are called omega-3 fatty acids with the tongue-twister names of eicospentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosapentaenoic acid (DHA). They are found in cold water fish such as mackerel, haddock, sardines, anchovies, and some salmon and tuna. The rule of thumb is the darker the meat, the more beneficial oil contained in the fish. The American Heart Association has urged us to add these fish to our usual diets.

So far as the vascular system goes, diabetics tend to have the following problems:

• They run higher levels of blood lipids such as triglycerides and cholesterol.
• Their blood platelets, which are responsible for beginning a blood clot, tend to be more sticky and bond together easily, thus interfering with blood flow. This is called platelet aggregation.
• Their red blood cells can become somewhat inflexible making it hard for these cells to enter very small capillaries. This reduces the oxygen supply to the tissues.
• Due to structural changes, small blood vessels become constricted.
• They also tend to have higher blood pressures.

As research progresses, we will hear more and more about the necessity of an adequate intake of omega-3 fatty acids. The positive impact is just too important to ignore.

Since EPA has an effect on the blood clotting and blood flow similar to that of aspirin, it should be of help in early background retinopathy. The increased flow, and slowing of platelet clumping should allow more oxygen to get to the eye.

The only caution is if you have a retinopathy that has advanced to the stage of leaking capillaries, you should avoid aspirin and high levels of EPA. Consult with your ophthalmologist and ask if you have any of this sort of bleeding.

LECITHIN

This is another nutrient I would add. Lecithin contains choline, inositol, and essential fatty acids. The mechanism is poorly understood, but inositol has been reported to help some forms of neuropathy symptoms. If I had neuropathy problems I would give lecithin a 30 day trial. If it is going to work for you, you will know in 30 days.

Deficiencies is essential fatty acids are associated with dry skin problems. Diabetics are more prone to these skin problems than the general population. Lecithin should be helpful. Once again, try if for 30 days.

Lecithin has also been shown to have an effect on lowering cholesterol through an enzyme system called lecithin cholesterol acetyl transferase or LCAT for short. The effect is not dramatic, but in diabetes every little bit helps.

VITAMIN E

To better understand vitamin E, let’s get into the mechanics of the artery clogging process. Don’t forget, diabetics have two to four times the cardiovascular problems of the rest of the population.

We know cholesterol, specifically LDL cholesterol is the culprit. Here is how it all works. Certain cells in the body are garbage disposals. They line blood vessels and when something that does not belong in the blood vessel floats by, they grab it and eat it. These cells are called macrophages. “Macro” means big and “phage” means eater. These cells consume LDL and become stuffed. Once full of fat, these “chubby” cells migrate into the lining of the blood vessels, causing the artery to bulge out into the lumen. This protrusion attracts other cell debris, and we have the beginning of a fibrous bulging “plaque” that can cut of the flow of blood.

Nutrition Today reported a study for three years two groups of monkeys were fed a heart disease-producing diet. One group was also given a vitamin E supplement. At the end of three years, the monkeys without the protection of vitamin E had 70 percent more artery blockage that the monkeys protected by vitamin E. Also one group of monkeys was started on supplementation after the disease had been established. Before supplementation they had 30 percent artery blockage. After two years of vitamin E treatment, this blockage regressed to 15 percent. They cleared their arteries a phenomenal 20 percent by just adding the simple nutrient, vitamin E!

VITAMIN C

Vitamin C may have a very important role in the prevention of heart disease by preventing the oxidation of LDL cholesterol into an even more deadly form. This remarkable vitamin protects and preserves vitamin E. As you have now learned, E is one of the most valuable of the vitamins for a diabetic.

B COMPLEX

The B complex is another important set of vitamins for the diabetic. The whole complex is intimately involved in sugar metabolism and energy release.

Some member of the B complex have been reported to increase glucose utilization in diabetics. This would be especially helpful in type 2 diabetics. The complex has also helped those with leg ulcers. They help cure the ulcer and also help prevent its recurrence. Certain forms of diabetes seem to be related to deficiencies of B6. In fact, diabetics may have a much higher requirement for B6 than the normal population. This vitamin is necessary for the normal metabolism of an amino acid called tryptophan. Abnormal metabolism of this amino acid has caused a form of diabetes. When B6 is supplemented, diabetes in some cases improves significantly.  Also B6 supplementation may reverse some forms of diabetes that are associated with pregnancy.

I mentioned a single “B” above, but always be sure to take the whole complex.  Each B vitamin depends upon the other for best action.  Taking large amounts of a single B vitamin can cause you to be deficient in some of the other B vitamins.  Alway take the whole complex unless under the supervision of a health care professional.

ZINC

Zinc is a most valuable mineral to diabetics.  Insulin contains an amazing amount of zinc.  Diabetics tend to have higher zinc requirements.  There seem to be several reasons for this.  One, because so much is lost in the urine, diabetics need more replacement.  Second, a diabetic pancreas contains only about half the amount of stored zinc of a normal pancreas.  This means a diabetic has a lower storage capacity than is usual.

The skin contains about 20 percent of the body’s total zinc.  It is there for a good reason.  Zinc aids in the process of healing woods.  A number of studies have shown zinc to aid in healing ulcers and surgical incisions.  Diabetics tend to be plagued with skin ulcers, and optimal zinc is essential for their healing and prevention of recurrence.

CALCIUM/MAGNESIUM

Cutting down on fatty dairy products tends to reduce our calcium intake.  The average American only consumes about 450 mg. a day, the the daily value is 1000 mg.  Because of our epidemic of osteoporosis some are recommending 1200 mg. a day.

The diabetic condition itself may cause a reduction in magnesium levels.  Also, elevated sugar levels cause an increase in urination which can wash out magnesium.  Whatever the multifaceted reasons, the diabetic condition predisposes the patient to a magnesium deficiency.

Magnesium is involved in too many areas of vital interest to the diabetic for its intake to be left to chance.  Use a calcium/magnesium supplement.

GARLIC

This amazing herb can dramatically lower the blood levels of both cholesterol and triglylcerides.  It has a tendency to think the blood and is an immune system enhancer.

Garlic is a natural non-toxic antibiotic.  This is good news for the diabetics, because they are more prone to bacterial invasions than the general population.

Ideally, garlic should be taken daily to help prevent bacterial problems. 

SUMMARY

To some degree, diabetes eventually affects all the organs and systems of the body.  Many of the medical problems of diabetics are not different from those other people have, but they occur more often, earlier, and seem to progress more rapidly.  Some seem to simply accelerate the natural aging process, especially in the large blood vessels.  But others are quite specific to diabetes, particularly those in the smaller blood vessels and the nervous system.

Information obtained from Dr. Bruce B. Miller, A Better Health Series, Diabetes – Nutrition Help

From puberty until your forties or fifties, thousands of follicles in your ovaries have matured into eggs or degenerated and disappeared.  The biological clock clicks in, and the ovaries begin to cease their major function.  This results in a dwindling of estrogen and progesterone production.

The good news is that if you have suffered for years with premenstrual syndrome, menopause will finally bring relief.  The bad news is that menopause often brings its own set of symptoms such as hot flashes, sweating, vaginal dryness, mood swings and headaches.  It also puts you at the same risk for heart disease as a man and the extreme danger of osteoporosis.

Vitamin E and lecithin are most often recommended as being of value for reducing hot flashesand sweats.  About 400 IU of vitamin E a day may minimize hot flashes.  Some women report needing more vitamin E.  It may take two to six weeks to notice improvement.  Other nutrients in extra amounts are zinc, EPA, vitamin C, calcium and B-Complex.

Some women do require medication to get through menopause symptoms.  When on medication, it is recommended to take nutritional supplementation as well.  Optimal nutrition will help medication to work better.  Be patient, the major symptoms usually subside in two years.

Information obtained from Special Nutritional Needs for Women by Dr. Bruce B. Miller