Hot health issues:-
 
Food For Thought
 

 

 

home

 

what's a healthy diet?

 

recipes

 

disease begins
in the gut

 

specific health problems

 

so what can I do?

 

vitamins, minerals
& toxic metals

 

underlying causes
of ill-health

 

prayers

 

Can't find what you're looking for? Click here for a list of all the web pages on this site

 

 



....................

 

 

 

 

 





 

Vitamins

Vit A
retinol/beta carotene


............. food supplements..................................................back to top
what it does:
 

body tissue repair and maintenance, hormone production, resistance to infection, visual purple production (necessary for night vision), production of red and white blood cells, RNA synthesis, cancer prevention.

 

bodily parts affected:
 

eyes, hair, skin, mucous membranes, blood, bones, teeth.

 

deficiency symptoms:
 

allergies, appetite loss, digestive problems, gastric ulcers, skin blemishes, dry hair, fatigue, dry, itching, or burning eyes, night blindness, poor vision, rough dry skin, sinus trouble, soft tooth enamel, susceptibility to infections, increased risk of congenital defects.

 

antagonists:
 

alcohol, coffee, cortisone, excessive iron, mineral oils such as liquid paraffin, vitamin D deficiency.

 

food sources
 

fish oils, oily fish, eggs, whole milk, butter, yoghurt, cheese, cream, organ meats, dark green, yellow and orange fruits and vegetables.

 

note
 

Zinc is necessary for vitamin A to be released from the liver.

 

   
B complex
  food supplements..................................................back to top

what it does:
 

energy, metabolism (carbohydrate, fat, protein), muscle tone maintenance.



bodily parts affected:
 

eyes, gastrointestinal tract, hair, liver, mouth, nerves, skin.



deficiency symptoms:
 

acne, anaemia, constipation, high cholesterol, digestive disturbances, blood sugar problems, fatigue, hair (dull, dry, falling), insomnia, skin (dry, rough), mental changes.



antagonists:
 

alcohol, birth control pills, coffee, infections, sleeping pills, stress, sugar (excessive), sulpha drugs.



food sources
 

brewer's yeast, wheat germ, whole grains, liver (see also other B vitamins).

 

note
 

It's important that the proportions of the B vitamins should be correct. (download supplement list).



   
Vitamin B1
thiamine
  food supplements..................................................back to top

what it does:
 

appetite, blood building, carbohydrate metabolism, energy production, circulation, digestion (hydrochloric acid production), brain function, skeletal and muscle growth and maintenance.

 

bodily parts affected:
 

brain, ears, eyes, hair, heart, liver, kidney, muscles, nervous system.

 

deficiency symptoms:
 

depression, irritability, nervousness, poor concentration or memory, appetite loss, anorexia, digestive disturbances, muscle weakness, fatigue, apathy, inflammation of the nerves, numbness or tingling of hands and feet, pain and noise sensitivity, abdominal or chest pains, shortness of breath, disturbed sleep.

 

antagonists:
 

alcohol, coffee, tobacco, contraceptive pill, sugar, stress (including the stress of, for example, surgery), diuretics, fever, refined food.

 

food sources
 

molasses, brewer's yeast, wheat germ, whole grains, seeds, fish, meat, nuts, organ meats, poultry, milk, peas, beans, pulses.

 

note
 

Since vitamin B1 is dependent upon magnesium, the deficiency symptoms of vitamin B1 may well be caused, not by a shortage of this vitamin, but by a deficiency of magnesium.

 

   
Vitamin B2 riboflavin
  food supplements..................................................back to top

what it does:
 

antibody and red blood cell formation, cell respiration, metabolism (carbohydrate, fat, protein).

 

bodily parts affected:
 

eyes, nails, hair, skin, soft body tissue.

 

deficiency symptoms:
 

mouth ulcers, cracks and sores at corners of mouth, dermatitis, dry, itching, sore, burning or bloodshot eyes, sensitivity to light, cataracts, dizziness, poor digestion, retarded growth, red sore tongue, burning feet, broken capillaries in the face, dry, wrinkled, peeling lips, increased risk of congenital defects.

 

antagonists:
 

alcohol, coffee, sugar, tobacco, contraceptive pill.

 

food sources
 

molasses, brewer's yeast, wheat germ, whole grains, nuts, leafy green vegetables, whole milk, butter, cheese, eggs, peas, beans, pulses, organ meats, fish.

 

   
Vitamin B3
nicotinamide,
niacin, niacinamide

  food supplements..................................................back to top
what it does:
 

circulation, cholesterol level reduction, growth, digestion (hydrochloric acid production), enzyme production, metabolism (carbohydrate, fat, protein), sex hormone production.

 

bodily parts affected:
 

brain, liver, sex glands, arteries, nerves, skin, soft tissue.

 

deficiency symptoms:
 

appetite loss, depression, aggression, fatigue, insomnia, nervous disorders, loss of memory, headaches, indigestion, muscular weakness, nausea, diarrhoea, halitosis (bad breath), mouth ulcers, skin complaints (such as redness, scaling, pigmentation), high cholesterol, deficiency of sex hormones.

 

antagonists:
 

alcohol, antibiotics, coffee, excessive sugar and starches, too little protein.

 

food sources
 

molasses, brewer's yeast, wheat germ, whole grains, nuts, seafood, lean meats, whole milk, whole milk products, poultry, liver, eggs.

 

   
Vitamin B5
pantothenic acid,
calcium pantothenate

  food supplements..................................................back to top
what it does:
 

antibody formation, carbohydrate, protein conversion (energy), cholesterol and fatty acid metabolism, growth stimulation, vitamin utilisation.

 

bodily parts affected:
 

adrenal glands, digestive tract, nerves, skin.

 

deficiency symptoms:
 

allergies, fatigue, headaches, weakness, dizziness, restlessness, nerve problems, diarrhoea, duodenal ulcers, eczema, hypoglycaemia, intestinal disorders, kidney trouble, loss of hair, muscle cramps, premature ageing, respiratory infections, low blood pressure, sore feet, nausea, vomiting.

 

antagonists:
 

alcohol, coffee.

 

food sources
 

molasses, brewer's yeast, wheat germ, whole grains, green vegetables, peas, beans, pulses, organ meats, salmon, eggs, chicken.

 

   
Vitamin B6
pyridoxine

  food supplements..................................................back to top

what it does:
 

antibody formation, digestion (hydrochloric acid production), fat and protein utilisation, nerves (maintains sodium/potassium balance), essential fatty acid metabolism, zinc, manganese and magnesium utilisation, growth and synthesis of RNA and DNA.

 

bodily parts affected:
 

blood, muscles, nerves, skin.

 

deficiency symptoms:
 

general weakness, headaches, mental changes, nervousness, depression, irritability, inability to concentrate, insomnia, anaemia, loss of appetite, abdominal pain and cramps, nausea, halitosis, skin complaints, dandruff, hair loss, poor immunity, increased risk of foetal abnormalities.

 

antagonists:
 

magnesium deficiency, coffee, smoking, alcohol, excessive saturated fat, protein or carbohydrate in the diet, birth control pill, penicillin, streptomycin, radiation (exposure).

 

food sources
 

molasses, brewer's yeast, wheat germ, whole grains, organ meats, green leafy vegetables, peas, beans, pulses, fish, milk, eggs, nuts, seeds.

 

   
Vitamin B12
cyanacobalamin

  food supplements..................................................back to top
what it does:
 

appetite, digestion & metabolism (carbohydrate, fat, protein), blood cell formation, cell longevity, prevents nerve damage and helps with nerve impulses, utilization of iron.

 

bodily parts affected:
 

blood, nerves.

 

deficiency symptoms:
 

poor appetite, digestive problems, general weakness, nervousness, pernicious anaemia, numbness and tingling in hands and feet, walking and speaking difficulties, mental depression, confusion.

 

antagonists:
 

alcohol, coffee, laxatives, tobacco, deficiencies of iron, calcium, magnesium and B6.

 

food sources
 

brewer's yeast, organ meats, meat, cheese, fish, milk, milk products, eggs.

 

   
Biotin
(B complex vitamin)

  food supplements..................................................back to top
what it does:
 

aids cell growth, fatty acid production, metabolism (carbohydrate, fat, protein), vitamin B utilisation.

 

bodily parts affected:
 

hair, muscles, skin.

 

deficiency symptoms:
 

depression, panic attacks, fatigue, weakness, muscular pain, dry skin, scaly dermatitis, conjunctivitis, hair loss, insomnia, poor appetite, nausea, weight loss, stunted growth.

 

antagonists:
 

alcohol, coffee, raw egg white, antibiotics (antibiotics destroy the friendly bacteria which produce biotin in the intestines).

 

food sources
 

brewer's yeast, whole grains (particularly rice), organ meats, egg yolk, nuts, milk, peas, beans, pulses.

 

   
Folic acid
(B complex vitamin)

  food supplements..................................................back to top
what it does:
 

appetite, digestion (hydrochloric acid production), protein and carbohydrate metabolism, antibody production, red blood cell formation, zinc metabolism, cell growth and reproduction (important for the normal development of the foetus).

 

bodily parts affected:
 

blood, glands, liver.

 

deficiency symptoms:
 

anaemia, lethargy, tiredness, shortness of breath, digestive disturbances, greying hair, poor immunity, growth problems, depression, insomnia, increased risk of congenital defects.

 

antagonists:
 

alcohol, coffee, stress, tobacco, oral contraceptives, sulpha drugs.

 

food sources
 

brewer's yeast, wheat germ, whole grains, green leafy vegetables, root vegetables, organ meats, milk, eggs, nuts.

 

   
Choline
(B complex vitamin)

  food supplements..................................................back to top
what it does:
 

lecithin formation, liver and gall bladder regulation, metabolism (fats, cholesterol), nerve function.

 

bodily parts affected:
 

hair, kidneys, liver, thymus gland.

 

deficiency symptoms:
 

headaches, dizziness, insomnia, growth problems, heart trouble, high blood pressure, oedema, impaired liver, kidney and adrenal function, intolerance to fats, bleeding stomach ulcers, visual disturbances, haemorrhage in the eye, ear noises.

 

antagonists:
 

alcohol, coffee, sugar (excessive), insecticides.

 

food sources
 

molasses, brewer's yeast, wheat germ, fish, peas, beans, pulses, organ meats, soya beans, egg yolks.

 

   
Inositol
(B complex vitamin)

  food supplements..................................................back to top
what it does:
 

artery hardening retardation, hair growth, lecithin formation, metabolism (fat and cholesterol).

 

bodily parts affected:
 

brain, hair, skin, heart, kidneys, bone marrow, liver, muscles.

 

deficiency symptoms:
 

high cholesterol, constipation, eczema, eye abnormalities, hair loss, digestive problems, irregular heartbeat.

 

antagonists:
 

alcohol, coffee.

 

food sources
 

molasses, brewer's yeast, lecithin, whole grains, meat, milk, eggs, nuts, citrus fruits, vegetables.

 

   
PABA
para-aminobenzoic acid
( B complex vitamin)

  food supplements..................................................back to top
what it does:
 

blood cell formation, skin and hair colouring, intestinal bacteria activity, protein metabolism.

 

bodily parts affected:
 

glands, hair, intestines, skin.

 

deficiency symptoms:
 

constipation, depression, digestive disorders, fatigue, grey hair, headaches, irritability.

 

antagonists:
 

alcohol, coffee, sulpha drugs.

 

food sources
 

molasses, brewer's yeast, wheat germ, whole grains, green leafy vegetables, yoghurt, organ meats.

 

   
Vitamin C
ascorbic acid

  food supplements..................................................back to top
what it does:
 

bone and tooth formation, collagen production and health, cholesterol metabolism, digestion, iodine conservation, healing (burns and wounds), absorption of iron, red blood cell formation, prevention of haemorrhaging, resistance to infection, vitamin protection (oxidation).

 

bodily parts affected:
 

adrenal glands, blood, capillary walls, connective tissue (skin, ligaments, bones), gums, heart, teeth.

 

deficiency symptoms:
 

anaemia, swollen and bleeding gums, capillary wall ruptures, nosebleeds, tendency to bruise easily, depression, dental cavities, low resistance to infection, poor digestion.

 

antagonists:
 

antibiotics, aspirin, contraceptive pill, cortisone, high fever, stress, smoking.

 

food sources
 

fruit, green vegetables, potatoes, cauliflower, carrots, tomatoes, parsley, sprouted alfalfa seed.

 

   
Vitamin D
calciferol

  food supplements..................................................back to top
what it does:
 

calcium and phosphorus metabolism (bone formation and growth), heart action, nervous system maintenance, normal blood clotting, skin respiration.

 

bodily parts affected:
 

bones, heart, eyes, nerves, skin, teeth, thyroid gland.

 

deficiency symptoms:
 

burning sensation (mouth and throat), hot flushes, night sweats, diarrhoea, insomnia, myopia (short-sightedness), nervousness, poor metabolism, joint pains, osteomalacia (softening bones and teeth), osteoporosis, rickets and poor skeletal development in children.

 

antagonists:
 

mineral oils such as liquid paraffin.

 

food sources
 

oily fish, fish liver oils, milk, butter, eggs, organ meats (also the action of sunlight on skin oils).

 

   
Vitamin E
tocopherol

  food supplements..................................................back to top
what it does:
 

antioxidant, ageing retardation, utilisation of selenium and essential fatty acids, anti-clotting factor, blood cholesterol reduction, blood flow to heart, capillary wall strengthening, wound healing, prevention of scarring, fertility, male potency, lung protection (antipollution), muscle and nerve maintenance.

 

bodily parts affected:
 

blood vessels, heart, lungs, nerves, pituitary and prostate glands, muscles, skin.

 

deficiency symptoms:
 

dry, dull or falling hair, premature ageing, enlarged prostate gland, liver and kidney damage, gastrointestinal disease, muscular wasting, heart disease, stroke, varicose veins, phlebitis, miscarriages, impotency, sterility.

 

antagonists:
 

excessive polyunsaturated oils, birth control pills, chlorine, mineral oils such as liquid paraffin, rancid fat and oil, iron, air pollution.

 

food sources
 

wheat germ, whole wheat, nuts, seeds, unrefined vegetable oils, dark green vegetables, eggs.

 

   
Vitamin F
essential fatty acids
(EFAs)

  food supplements..................................................back to top
what it does:
 

prostaglandin production, enzyme activation, artery hardening prevention, blood coagulation, blood pressure normaliser, cholesterol metabolism, glandular activity, production of sex and adrenal hormones, growth, vital organ respiration, utilisation of nutrients.

 

bodily parts affected:
 

cells, glands (adrenal, sex, thyroid, kidney, liver, pancreas), hair, mucous membranes, brain, nerves, skin.

 

deficiency symptoms:
 

excessive thirst, acne, eczema, allergies, hyperactivity, diarrhoea, dry skin, poor wound healing, membrane permeability, bronchial problems, dry brittle hair or loss of hair, gall stones, loss of muscle tone, nail problems, dry eyes, underweight, varicose veins, impaired growth, reproductive failure (particularly in men), mental disturbances, impaired cholesterol metabolism, heart and circulation abnormalities.

 

antagonists:
 

read up on essential fatty acids.

 

food sources
 

wheatgerm, nuts, seeds (particularly linseed), unrefined vegetable oils, oily fish, fish oils, evening primrose oil.

 

   
Vitamin K
  food supplements..................................................back to top

what it does:
 

blood clotting.

 

bodily parts affected:
 

blood.

 

deficiency symptoms:
 

increased susceptibility to bleeding, particularly in the newborn.

 

antagonists:
 

anti-epileptic drugs.

 

food sources
 

green vegetables, whole grains, liver.

 

   
Vitamin P
bioflavoids

  food supplements..................................................back to top

what it does:
 

blood vessel wall maintenance, bruising minimisation, prevention of infection, strong capillary maintenance.

 

bodily parts affected:
 

blood, capillary walls, connective tissue (skin, gums, ligaments, bones), teeth.

 

deficiency symptoms:
 

anaemia, bleeding gums, capillary wall ruptures, bruise easily, dental cavities, low infection resistance (colds), nosebleeds, poor digestion.

 

antagonists:
 

antibiotics, aspirin, cortisone, high fever, stress, tobacco.

 

food sources
 

fruits (skins and pulp) - apricots, cherries, grapes, grapefruit, lemons, plums, buck wheat.

 

 

 

Minerals

Calcium
.............

food supplements..................................................back to top



what it does:
 

bone and tooth formation, blood clotting, heart rhythm, nerve tranquillisation, nerve transmission, muscle growth and contraction.



bodily parts affected:
 

blood, bones, heart, skin, muscles, soft tissue, nervous system, teeth. 

 

deficiency symptoms:
 

insomnia, nervousness, irritability, joint pains, muscle cramps, PMT, constipation, arthritis, heart palpitations, tooth decay, osteoporosis, osteomalacia (softening of the bones and teeth), brittle fingernails. 

 

antagonists:
 

lack of exercise, magnesium or vitamin D deficiency, stress, excessive saturated fat. 

 

food sources
 

kelp tablets or powder, brewer's yeast, molasses, milk, cheese, yoghurt, broccoli, peas and beans, pulses, green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds.

 

     
Chromium  

food supplements..................................................back to top

 

what it does:
 

regulates blood sugar level, glucose metabolism (energy), synthesis of fatty acids, cholesterol metabolism.

 

bodily parts affected:
 

blood, eyes, circulatory system, sperm formation.

 

deficiency symptoms:
 

atherosclerosis, insulin irregularities, reduced effectiveness of insulin, opaqueness of cornea, depressed sperm formation.

 

antagonists:
 

refined carbohydrates, iron.

 

food sources
 

molasses, brewer's yeast, wheat germ, whole grains, cheese, black pepper, vegetables.

 

Note:
 

Brewer's yeast contains the most active and easily utilised form of chromium, known as chromium GTF (glucose tolerance factor).

 

     
Copper  

food supplements..................................................back to top

 

what it does:
 

bone formation, hair and skin colour, healing processes of body, haemoglobin and red blood cell formation, production of RNA.

 

bodily parts affected:
 

blood, bones, circulatory system, hair, skin, brain function.

 

deficiency symptoms:
 

general weakness, anaemia, nerve problems, immune deficiency, skin sores, loss of hair, skeletal defects, reproductive problems, demyelination, cardiovascular conditions.

 

antagonists:
 

zinc, vitamin C, calcium (high intakes), mercury, lead.

 

food sources
 

molasses, peas, beans, pulses, green vegetables, nuts (particularly brazil nuts), organ meats, seafood, dried fruit, pulses.


Note:
 

The contraceptive pill and pregnancy increase copper levels, and can produce zinc deficiency, causing depression.

 

Note 2:
 

Excessive copper, particularly combined with zinc and/or manganese deficiency has been associated with mental illness such as schizophrenia.

 

     
Iodine  

food supplements..................................................back to top


what it does:
 

production of thyroid hormones, energy production, metabolism (excess weight), physical and mental development.

 

bodily parts affected:
 

hair, nails, skin, thyroid gland.

 

deficiency symptoms:
 

cold hands and feet, fatigue, lethargy, dry hair, irritability, nervousness, low blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, heart disease, slow pulse, retarded development of sex organs, obesity, loss of interest in sex, goitre, cancer of the thyroid.

 

antagonists:
 

none known.

 

food sources
 

seafood, kelp tablets or powder, salt (iodised), dark green leafy vegetables, onions, eggs, whole grains, milk and milk products, meat.

 

     
Iron  

food supplements..................................................back to top

 

what it does:
 

haemoglobin production, stress and disease resistance, growth in children.

 

bodily parts affected:
 

blood, bones, nails, skin, teeth.

 

deficiency symptoms:
 

breathing difficulties, brittle nails, iron deficiency anaemia (pale skin, fatigue), headache, depression, poor memory, mental confusion, constipation, lack of stomach acid.
In children: lack of appetite, reduced growth, poor immunity, learning and behavioural difficulties.

 

antagonists:
 

coffee, tea, excess phosphorus, zinc (excessive intake), manganese.

 

food sources
 

molasses, brewer's yeast, wheat germ, whole grains, kelp (tablets or powder), eggs, fish, organ meats, peas, beans, pulses, parsley, vegetables, muscle meats, poultry, nuts.

 

     
Magnesium  

food supplements..................................................back to top

 

what it does:
 

acid /alkaline balance, blood sugar metabolism, energy production, muscle contraction, nerve function, enzyme production, protein structuring (RNA/DNA), lecithin production.

 

bodily parts affected:
 

arteries, bones, heart, kidneys, liver, muscles, nerves, pancreas, teeth.

 

deficiency symptoms:
 

fatigue, apathy, insomnia, inability to cope, poor memory, impaired learning ability, clouded or irrational thinking, confusion, disorientation, depression, nervousness, apprehension, irritability, easily aroused anger, personality changes, hyperactivity, convulsions, epilepsy.

Weakness, tingling, trembling, tremors, twitches, jerkiness, cramps, shaking hands, quivering lip, eye tic, bladder weakness, abnormal cardiac rhythms.

Loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhoea or constipation, hair loss, premenstrual symptoms, hypoglycaemia, pancreatic insufficiency, osteoporosis, osteomalacia (softening of the bones and teeth), bedwetting, low birthweight babies.

 

antagonists:
 

excessive calcium, vitamin D, protein, sugar, saturated fat or fluid intake, bran, alcohol, oral contraceptives, diuretics, antibiotics, fluoride, stress.

 

food sources
 

molasses, kelp (tablets or powder), wheat germ, whole grains, dark leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, bran, eggs, seafood, spinach, tuna fish.

 

Note:  

Since vitamins B1 and B6 are dependent upon magnesium, some of the symptoms may actually be those of vitamin B1 or B6 deficiency, due to a lack of available magnesium.

 

     
Manganese
 

food supplements..................................................back to top

 

what it does:
 

enzyme activation, reproduction and growth, sex hormone production, nerve function, tissue respiration, vitamins B1 and E utilisation, metabolism of fat and sugar.

 

bodily parts affected:
 

bones, tissues, brain, pituitary gland, liver, kidneys, mammary glands, muscles, nerves.

 

deficiency symptoms:
 

ataxia (muscle co-ordination failure), dizziness, middle ear imbalances, loss of hearing, disc and cartilage problems, glucose intolerance, growth retardation, lack of fertility, reduced brain function.

 

antagonists:
 

excessive calcium, phosphorus or iron, choline deficiency, insecticides.

 

food sources
 

brewer's yeast, seeds, whole grains, green leafy vegetables, parsley, bananas, pineapple, egg yolks, peas, beans, pulses, liver, nuts.

 

     
Phosphorus
 

food supplements..................................................back to top

 

what it does:
 

bone and tooth formation, cell growth and repair, digestion, energy production, heart muscle contraction, kidney function, metabolism of fats, protein, carbohydrates, nerve and muscle activity, vitamin utilisation.

 

bodily parts affected:
 

bones, brain, nerves, teeth.

 

deficiency symptoms:
 

appetite loss, fatigue, irregular breathing, nervous disorders, overweight, weight loss.

 

antagonists:
 

aluminium, iron, magnesium (excessive intake), white sugar (excessive).

 

food sources
  brewer's yeast, whole grains, seeds, nuts, eggs, fish, meat, poultry, cheese, milk, yoghurt.

Note:  

Phosphorus is usually plentiful in the average diet.

 

     
Potassium
 

food supplements..................................................back to top

 

what it does:
 

heartbeat, muscle contraction, growth, nerve tranquillisation, utilisation of enzymes, maintenance of normal blood glucose levels.

 

bodily parts affected:
 

blood, heart, kidneys, muscles, nerves, skin.

 

deficiency symptoms:
 

headaches, acne, continuous thirst, poor appetite, dry skin, constipation, general weakness, fatigue, apathy, depression, insomnia, muscle cramps, joint pain, weak peristalsis, nervousness, irritability, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, oedema (tissue swelling).

 

antagonists:
 

alcohol, coffee, cortisone, diuretics, laxatives, excessive salt or sugar, stress.

 

food sources
 

molasses, brewer's yeast, wheat germ, whole grains, fruit, vegetables, nuts.

 

Note:   magnesium deficiency can cause potassium to leach from the cells.
     
Selenium
 

food supplements..................................................back to top

 

what it does:
 

protects cells against oxidative damage, preserves tissue elasticity, pancreatic function.

 

bodily parts affected:
 

cells, blood, muscles, glands, pancreas.

 

deficiency symptoms:
 

hair loss, premature ageing, ageing pigment, loss of sensation in hands and feet, ‘pins and needles’, poor appetite, gastrointestinal disturbances, weight loss, increased risk of cancer and birth defects.

 

antagonists:
 

lack of vitamin E, cadmium, sulphates.

 

food sources
 
brewer's yeast, wheat germ, whole grains, fish, eggs, nuts (particularly brazil nuts), liver, garlic.
     
Sodium
 

food supplements..................................................back to top

 

what it does:
 

normal cellular fluid level, proper muscle contraction.

 

bodily parts affected:
 

blood, lymph system, muscles, nerves.

 

deficiency symptoms:
 

appetite loss, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, intestinal gas, muscle cramps, exhaustion, apathy, low blood pressure.

 

antagonists:
 

excessive sweating.

 

food sources
 

salt, milk, cheese, seafood.

 

Note:  

sodium is normally plentiful in the average diet, and excessive sodium can increase blood pressure.

 

     
Zinc
 

food supplements..................................................back to top

 

what it does:
 

burn and wound healing, enzyme function, brain development and function, carbohydrate digestion, bone growth, prostate gland function, maintenance of hormone levels, growth and maturity of sex organs, vitamin B1, phosphorus, protein and essential fatty acid metabolism, mobilisation of vitamin A from the liver.

 

bodily parts affected:
 

blood, muscles, arteries, heart, lung, liver, kidneys, pancreas, thyroid, pituitary and adrenal glands, spleen, intestinal lining, prostate gland, testes.

 

deficiency symptoms:
 

lethargy, apathy, poor concentration, depression, irritability, aggression, unwillingness to learn, dyslexia, behavioural problems.

loss of sense of taste, loss of sense of smell, night blindness, painful joints, cold extremities, immune deficiency (allergy, infections)

prolonged wound healing, sores on mucous membranes of mouth and throat, white flecks on nails, stretch marks on the skin, acne, dermatitis, psoriasis, boils, poor hair health, dandruff, loss of hair, hardening of the arteries, high cholesterol

delayed sexual developments, immaturity of sexual organs, retarded onset of menustration, infertility, prostate problems, low sperm count, lack of sperm motility, impotence, increased risk of miscarriage or congenital malformations.

 

antagonists:
 

alcohol, tea, coffee, bran, stress, pancreatic insufficiency, malabsorption, contraceptive pill, diuretics, steroids, penicillamine, excessive calcium, iron, or copper, lead, cadmium, lack of phosphorus.

 

food sources
 

muscle and organ meats, poultry, egg yolk, seafood, wheat germ, brewer's yeast, sunflower seeds, nuts, whole grains, pulses, fruit, vegetables.

 

Note:   zinc is much better absorbed from meat than vegetable sources; breast milk is high in easily absorbable zinc.
     

 

 

Toxic Metals

Aluminium ............. . .......... back to top
   
Sources in environment:
 

aluminium cooking utensils, antacids, aluminium foil, anti-perspirants, aluminium-containing baking powders, processed food containing aluminium, soft water.

 

Interferes with bodily functions:

 

 

irritating to the gut, affects bone formation, brain convulses (high concentrations).
Bodily parts affected:
 

stomach, bones, brain.

 

Toxicity symptoms:
 

gastrointestinal irritation, colic, rickets, convulsions.

 

Protective nutrients:
 

none known.

 

Nutritional treatment:
  garlic, eggs, vitamin C, high sulphur amino acid supplements. (download supplements list - see: Amino-Plex)
     
Arsenic   . .......... back to top
Sources in environment:  

coal burning, pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, defoliants, metal smelting, manufacture of glass.

 

Interferes with bodily functions:
 

metabolic inhibitor (reduces efficiency of energy production), cellular and enzyme poison.

Bodily parts affected:
 

cells (cellular metabolism).

 

Toxicity symptoms:
 

fatigue, low vitality, listlessness, loss of pain sensation, loss of body hair, skin colour changes (dark spots), gastroenteritis.

 

Protective nutrients:
 

iodine, selenium, calcium, zinc, vitamin C, sulphur