Put RLS to sleep

We all have restless nights; those long nights where you cannot sleep and you just end up staring at the ceiling for hours. Fortunately for most of us, this is a rare occurrence, but there are others out there who suffer from this type of thing daily, or more precisely nightly.

Many people suffer from something called Restless Leg Syndrome, this is where a sufferer’s legs twitch and jerk when they attempt to sleep, which leads to repeated sleepless nights and related mental problems, depression and stress for example.

For those affected, RLS (Restless Leg Syndrome) is horrible to live with, as few medical fixes exist, however many natural remedies can be used to minimize the effects of RLS.

• Walking more may not sound like a remedy, but regularly going for long walks will stretch out your leg muscles and relieve excess tension. This method, in addition to reducing the likelihood of attacks from RLS, the walks will help reduce the stress caused by the lack of sleep.

• Quinine, when mixed with tonic water is a great muscle relaxant; however it should be considered a final measure if no other methods work for you as Quinine can produce several severe side effects. If though, you find that no other medication or natural remedy works for you then Quinine acts as a potent relaxant, when taken just before bed.

• Hot and cold compresses will help to relieve tensity in the leg muscles if done before sleeping, allowing for a lower chance of an RLS attack in the night.

• Caffeine in large amounts increases the excess energy levels in the body, when this energy goes unused the body will attempt to expel it at a later time. This can cause regular RLS attacks during the night as your body “cooks” off this excess energy, so an easy way to reduce the chances of RLS attacks is to either cut down on the amount of caffeine you take in or even cut it out completely.

• Many herbal tea also act as natural muscle relaxants, chamomile tea being the most well known of them. There are many others though, Kava, Valerian and Mucuna being a few examples, these teas will naturally calm your nerves and relax your leg muscles.

• Soaking in a bath with Epsom salts before bed will help to increase the amount of magnesium available to the body, which is important in the creation of healthy and unflawed muscle tissue. It is theorised that RLS is caused by flawed muscle tissue agitating the nerve cells nearby. So by increasing the flow of magnesium in the body you can improve the health and quality of some muscle tissues, reducing the chances of RLS attacks.

• Frequent leg massages will soften tenser leg muscles and when combined with muscle relaxants can cause a complete and deep sleep free from RLS attacks.

By using a few of these methods each night before going to sleep you be able to minimize the frequency of which you suffer RLS attacks and increase the amount of sleep your getting. Enjoy the rest!

Stopping Shingles

Assuming you have already had chicken pox in your life, would it surprise you to know that you still have it? Even after the initial illness appears to fade, it hides away in your nerve cells for years. Occasionally later in life the virus reappears, due to this aggressive reactivation the virus is renamed the Zoster virus, or shingles.

It is not fully understood what causes the sudden reactivation of the virus, some experts have suggested it is due to the immune system of the sufferer failing or becoming weaker. The development of shingles begins with a series of tingling pains across the skin, which is soon followed by a series of red rashes and blisters. These blisters can last from anything between five days to several months before crusting over and fading.

This however, is only the onset of Shingles, from that point it develops into post-herpetic neuralgia, which takes the form of sharp shooting pains in the same area the blisters developed and faded. This pain can last for years and is difficult to reduce, making it an incredibly dehabilitating illness to try and live with.

If you are suffering from shingles or are looking for a way to minimize the pain a friend or loved one is receiving from the illness, you’ll find a few ways to do just that using naught but natural means.

Capsaicin is a naturally produced pain killer, produced in an ointment form as a product called Zostrix. This ointment, when applied to an area of rash reduces the pain levels by blocking off pain signals from nerves just under the skin.

Cat’s-claw is renowned for its anti-inflammatory and antiviral actions, both highly desirable to anyone suffering Shingles; it is most advised to take 1000 milligrams three times a day to keep the pain levels reduced and minimize the chances of the rash spreading.

Lemon Balm or Melissa, is rich in anti-herpes producing compounds known as polyphenols, since Shingles are a form of herpes, this is a great way to treat the pain from shingles. Use topical applications of lemon-balm tea, which you can make by steeping 2 to 4 teaspoons of herb per cup of boiling water. Apply the tea to the blisters with a cotton ball four times a day. This home remedy will also reduce redness, as a small addition.

Turmeric when mixed into a paste can help to relieve pain and accelerate the healing process to any area the paste is applied to.

However, there are plenty of other ways to combat the symptoms of shingles starting with the simplicity of altering your diet to acupuncture.

The Anti-Shingles Diet:
By incorporating foods that are rich in lysine (such as; sardines, eggs, cheese and meats) you can prevent further attacks from herpes and minimize the chances of the onset of shingles in the first place. The addition of foods rich in Vitamin B12 and Vitamin E will help to build up resistance to the virus, which will help slow, or even stop the spreading of the virus.
Zinc sources such as red meats, oysters, legumes, beans, chicken and whole grains are great for fighting off infections, this makes it great for fighting the onset of shingles as well as many other infections. Zinc rich foods are an integral part of any diet regardless of whether or not you are fighting off the Shingles virus.

Acupuncture:
This treatment method originated in China and is attributed as the most effective method to combat Shingles in the same country. Although no true scientific study has proven the effectiveness of acupuncture, many who have used this method to combat the symptoms of shingles have claimed the effectiveness the treatment.
If you choose to try acupuncture I do not recommend using it in place of medical treatment as it has not been proven to have truly positive effects.

Burrows Solution:
This solution is great for cleaning shingles sores as well as reducing the pain from the sores. By soaking an area of skin infected with shingles with this solution you will find that the skin becomes soothed and less painful. In addition it will wash away the scabs and blisters created by the virus, as well as clearing up the oozing residue these scabs create.

Neem Leaves:
A simple way to soothe the pain from Shingles is to bathe in a warm bath with Neem leaves mixed into it. The natural properties of Neem leaves soothe the blisters and clean any open wounds that may have been caused by shingles.

So there you have a few methods to combat the symptoms of shingles, but these methods should be used in conjunction with proper medical treatment, not in place of it. So be sure to take your doctors advice as with the correct treatment you alleviate the symptoms of Shingles quickly and easily. 

ADHD in adults, more common than you’d think

There is a common misconception that ADHD only affects children, and that even children with ADHD grow out of it. This is of course, wrong, ADHD affects adults as often as it does children and many who were affected by ADHD in their youth will not outgrow it, being affected by it long into their adult life.

The problem is that few adults who have ADHD are completely unaware of it, so they continue on in life unaware of it and cannot appropriately alter their lives to make up for this illness. There are however obvious signs of ADHD that can be observed that can lead to the realization that one could have ADHD.

Risky driving:

An atypical problem associated with ADHD is a difficulty focusing on a singular task, unfortunately this applies to driving. Studies show that teens and adults who suffer from ADHD are far more likely to be involved in dangerous accidents or included in acts of dangerous driving and lose their licenses.

Running Late:
(This makes me believe I have ADHD) It has become a bit of a joke in my family how I am never on time, this is of course true, and fairly common in those who suffer from ADHD. In recorded studies it’s shown that those affected by this lateness are fully aware that they will be late and yet always end up being late through unconscious decisions or distractions.

Outbursts:
Many adults who suffer from ADHD have problems controlling themselves, both in anger management and impulse control. It is not uncommon for adults who suffer ADHD to be members of Anger Management groups or accused of violent crime. ADHD sufferers are known for poor impulse control, often acting before thinking and lashing out at others verbally.

Hyperfocus:

As a strange contrast to their normal behavior, sufferers of ADHD have demonstrated the ability to “Hyperfocus” on an activity they find interesting ignoring all outside influences, putting their full potential into the completion of a single task. However there perquisite to this is that the sufferer of ADHD must find the subject interesting, and therefore placing any activity they find “Dull” below the activity they can “Hyperfocus” on a scale of importance, making it more difficult for them to complete “Dull” day to  day tasks,

Distraction:
The most obvious sign of ADHD is the ease of which an individual becomes distracted, or how long they can remain on task before straying off topic. Many sufferers of ADHD have trouble concentrating on a single task for elongated periods of time, a fact that can put strain on relationships (as the suffer of ADHD finds it difficult to remember specific dates or commitments relevant to the relationship.) careers (the sufferer cannot focus on their work for long periods of time) and ambitions (even the suffer’s ideals become difficult to hold in mind).

What causes ADHD?
In short, we don’t know what causes ADHD. We know what effects ADHD have on our minds and personalities but we are unaware of the true cause of ADHD, although theories have been made. One such theory suggests that prenatal exposure to cigarette smoke and alcohol, but further study is required to solidify this theory.

The effects of ADHD on the Brain are as such; normally the neurotransmitters in the attention control section are as active as every other transmitter in the brain; however in a brain affected by ADHD the neurotransmitter’s are far less active, meaning the sufferers attention-span decreases rapidly.

It’s difficult to “Diagnose” ADHD in adults, as few adults are aware they may have it, normally seeing a Psychiatrist for a different mental condition they believe themselves to have which leads to the discovery of ADHD. As it is unknown for an individual to develop ADHD (as the illness needs to manifest in child) so when a subject is believed to be ADHD positive an amount of background checks need to be undertaken to see if the patient has been either been previously diagnosed with ADHD or demonstrated symptoms of the illness before hand.

Complications:

There are many complications that are inherent to adult ADHD; other mental disorders occasionally develop in those diagnosed with ADHD, commonly depression and anxiety. In addition a large amount of ADHD sufferers take solace in drug use and smoking, often with smoking or the taking of recreational drugs becoming the point of the suffers Hyperfocus.

Natural ways to treat ADHD:

There are many ways to supplement your lifestyle with the aim of minimizing the symptoms of ADHD, with the majority of them being based off of nutritional supplements:

• Zinc: Certain studies show that sufferers of ADHD have lower levels of Zinc, which led to a series of tests wherein studies demonstrated that those who took the supplement demonstrated a lowering of hyperactivity and impulsivity.
• Fish Oil: Fish oil’s contain omega-3 fatty acids, of which some studies suggest that can improve concentration and mental skills.
• St. John’s Wort: As a common supplement for treating depression, anxiety and sleep disorders and whilst it has been said to have no effects on ADHD, St. Johns Wort has demonstrated uses for the more common side effects of ADHD (Depression etc).
• Ginkgo: A few studies have demonstrated that Ginkgo leaves have beneficial effects on ADHD symptoms, but more study is needed to confirm this.
• Melatonin: Some research shows that the hormone melatonin improves the symptoms of sleep problems in many sufferers of ADHD

Diet:

By keeping a diet that is low in sugar and high in vitamins and minerals, the natural symptoms of ADHD will become less prevalent. However be aware to avoid foods high in artificial sweeteners and preservatives. Try and keep to a diets consisting mainly of organic foods, as close to raw as possible (bar the food).

Alternative:

There are a few alternative methods for treating ADHD that are linked more psychological methods of treatment;

1.       By creating a routine and schedule for yourself (or the affected) you are more likely to keep to previously set goals.

2.       Take time out from electronic devices as well as other distractions, allowing for time to wind down and relax.

3.       Take up a hobby that involves relaxation, taking a walk or painting.

With the information I have provide, you should be able to spot signs of ADHD with a lot more ease, as well as find ways to naturally treat the symptoms. However, one thing is definitely known, if you have reached the end of this article, it’s safe to say, you don’t have ADHD.

Epilepsy, what can we do?

Across the entirety of England, 600,000 people are diagnosed epileptics, with an estimated 7000 more undiagnosed sufferers. 

So, what causes an epileptic fit? There is no simple answer to this question as there are dozens of forms of Epilepsy, each with their own individual triggers, a few examples are:

• Photosensitive: Possibly the most well known form of epilepsy, known triggers are rapid flashing light, rapid movement and moving intricate patterns.
• Temporal Lobe: The most common of all forms of epilepsy, linked to the temporal lobe in the brain and triggered by sleep depravation, moments of stress or recently after the ingestion of drugs or alcohol.
• Absence Epilepsy: Most common in children, absence fits differ from most forms of epilepsy as they are represented via the sufferer staring blankly and becoming unresponsive, as if they weren’t there. The only known trigger for Absence fits is a lack of sleep.
• Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy: Representing 5-10% of all forms of epilepsy, this is most common around the teenage years and is usually triggered by extended periods of sleep deprivation.

 It is difficult to tie all epilepsies down to a single root cause, as different epilepsy forms often originate from different areas of the brain and some even show no causal signs, leaving medical experts baffled to what started the development of epilepsy.

This is not to say that there are no known causes, to the contrary in fact, scientists have discovered many causes of epilepsy, such as;

1.       Prenatal or Neonatal injuries.

2.       Injury to the brain.

3.       Developmental problems or congenital problems.

4.       Disorders: Commonly a stroke or TLA.

5.       Metabolic abnormalities: E.g. Diabetes, Kidney failure, electrolyte imbalance, Phentlketoneuria, Nutritional deficiency.

6.       Brain Tumour

7.       Infections: E.g. Brain abscess, encephalitis, neurosyphylis.

8.       Hormonal Changes

9.       Degenerative Disorders

It has also been theorised that a lack of magnesium or zinc can lead to the development of epilepsy. This theory came to fruition when it was shown that increasing the flow of Magnesium or Zinc into the body via supplements that the sufferer will begin to show a decrease in seizure frequency and intensity.

A further known causer of Epilepsy is the sweetener Aspartame, which is rich in asapartic acid. This acid is an excitotoxin a known neurotoxin that is noted as causing nerves to “Over-excite” and burn themselves out, occasionally causing an epileptic fit as it does so.

The final triggers I will go into detail on is microwave and radio-wave radiation, several theorists have claimed that the form of these radiation waves causes the agitation of the brainwaves and the cells that can activate an epileptic fit. However these are only theories and require further investigation.

To combat the effects of epilepsy naturally, there are several available methods to increase your resistance to their onset.
The first few are linked to the most well known activators; Sleep, Stress, Drugs, Alcohol and lack of food. These five instigators are relatively easy to address, firstly make sure you are receiving no less than 8 hours of sleep a night, doing so will keep your mind refreshed and active, decreasing the chances of a misfired synapse (a lesser commonly known activator).
Stress, unlike sleep is more difficult to address, as more often than not, the cause of this stress is often not within your control (monetary issues, problems at the work place or even a problem in the family) and therefore you simply cannot “Turn off” the stress. One of the easiest way to relieve the stress would to be to consult a therapist, however there are many other things you can do to relieve stress, many of which will be subjective to you as an individual, going for a long open air walk for example may work for some, in short do what you love and you should naturally calm. It should be noted however that stress, although a common trigger, is not always relevant, if you find that you are under no stress and are still suffering from fits, then you can discount stress as a cause.

Thirdly, the ingestion of non-prescription drugs and alcohol rapidly increase the chances of having an epileptic fit, so reduce your intake of Alcohol (If not completely stop drinking) and do not make use of any non-prescription drugs. In addition be sure to check with a medical expert that any prescriptions you may be on cannot agitate the chances of an epileptic fit.

Finally, make sure you never skip a meal as it has been demonstrated that by missing meals and causing your blood sugar levels to drop you are more likely to have a fit. It is a nice and simple way of fighting off the symptoms of several forms of epilepsy.

As I mentioned earlier, it is believed that a deficiency of magnesium is core to the development of multiple forms of epilepsy. Therefore an obvious way to combat the development of epilepsy is to increase the magnesium levels in your body, there are of course many ways to do this, they key two being supplements and Epsom Salts.
Epsom salts (or magnesium sulphate) are easily procured and high in magnesium, the idea way to get more magnesium into the body. Epsom salt, whilst easy to buy, must be carefully scrutinized to assure its safety. You see, commercial Epsom salt is rife with impurities which are potentially hazardous to humans if ingested, therefore it is important to make sure you are only buying “Food Grade” Epsom salt. If you choose to utilize Epsom salt, my recommended way of taking it is as follows:

• Measure out half a teaspoon of Epsom salts.
• Measure half a cup of fruit juice (to taste)
• Mix the salts into the juice.
• Drink once a day in the morning.

By doing this each morning you can help to increase the amount of magnesium in your body, which will naturally build your resistance to the onset of epileptic fits.

However, if you choose to not take Epsom salts, there are other methods of building up you magnesium levels, such as the aforementioned supplements, but certain foods, such as Cashews, Almonds and Spinach all contain natural deposits of magnesium, so integrating them in your diet will prove beneficial.

Like magnesium, a low level of Zinc in the body can be attributed to causing and creating symptoms of epilepsy, so by taking regular Zinc supplements or eating foods rich in zinc (Oysters, Lamb, Peanuts, Crab etc) you can build up your natural Zinc levels. Vitamin B1 is also believed to be deficient in the bodies of many suffering from epilepsy, and it has been shown that by increasing the amount of Vitamin B1 in the body lessens the chances of developing epilepsy or the chances of entering a fit.  

With these simple changes and additions to ones lifestyle you should be able to further you bodily defences against the onset of epileptic attacks, but don’t forget one thing, Epilepsy is a serious illness and the advice of your Doctor or medical practitioner should be adhered to for your own safety. 

Snuff out heartburn

Do you suffer from heartburn? If so you are one of the millions people who do, so don’t worry too much, Many people who suffer from heartburn complain that store bought remedies simply are not strong enough to dampen the pain and search out alternate methods of treatment.


Regardless of if you suffer Chronic (2-3 times a week) or intermittent (1-2 a month) pains, these natural remedies and tactics to combat heartburn should prove useful to you.

Chew gum

Multiple tests have determined that any sugar free gum has potential to aid in the neutralization of heartburn. Tests have determined that upon chewing gum, you stimulate the salivary flow rate which will cause the knock on effect of washing away any excess acids and minimizing the amount of damage these excess acids can cause.

It can be believed that chewing a single piece of sugar free gum after each meal can help minimize the chances of developing heartburn.

Eat Liquorice

It was suggested by Susan Blum, MD, that chewing liquorice before a meal can minimize the chances of developing heartburn. She said that the beliefs that taking antacids to avoid the development of heartburn is wrong, seeming as the stomachs contents are meant to be acidic. Her theory is that by eating liquorice before a meal you are more likely to avoid the development as liquorice is a natural stomach healer. However, it goes without saying that this is not an excuse to binge on liquorice before a meal, for two main reasons;

1. You will ruin your appetite.
2. You can develop several dangerous side effects, the same as if you binged on sugar for large amounts of time; these side affects could be anything as minor as weight gain to something more dangerous such as a rapid increase in blood pressure.

Drink Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe Vera’s use as a soothing agent is well known, great for neutralising the pain from severe burns. These effects have also been demonstrated as working within the stomach, which minimises the pain caused by severe heartburn. It does so by neutralizing the inflammation within the stomach and oesophagus, in addition to regulating and soothing the acid flow between the two. It is recommended to drink a half a cup before eating to prepare the body for the inflow of acid that accompanies a meal.
As a warning however, it should be noted that this juice is also a potent laxative if not prepared properly, the easiest thing to do is to purchase Aloe Vera powder and mix that into water instead.

Drink Slippery Elm

Some experts have suggested that mixture of Slippery Elm and water, once drunk can create a protective layer covering the stomach lining. This lining is demonstrated as being extremely potent at negating the pain induced by acid reflux (heartburn). However, there is very little research to back up these theories yet the few tests that have been carried out have all been positive.

Baking Soda

My Nan would always try and treat her stomach pains with a cup of baking soda and water, and whilst it is true that there are some benefits to taking Baking soda, I do not recommend it. Remember how it was said earlier that antacids are not exactly good for you? Baking soda and water is an Antacid so whilst it will neutralize some amounts of pain from heartburn, it will also reduce the acid in your stomach, causing problems further down the line. Baking soda has also been attributed to causing some of the following side effects:

• Swelling
• Nausea
• Increase in blood pressure
• Slow breathing
• Weakness

Now armed with the above knowledge, you should be able to find the way that works for you. However, if the above methods do not work, keep in mind these methods are only the tip of the iceberg and many more ways exist! Good luck!

The Mineral Medic: Part 2

Last week I described to you all the uses of Boron and Calcium in your lifestyle, how a healthy intake of both minerals can help build towards a healthier body. As a continuation of this topic, in this post I will be explaining the uses of both Copper and Chromium in the human body. 

Copper;

Copper is an essential mineral. Without it, all of humanity would become incredibly unhealthy, our lifespans roughly half what they currently are. You see Copper is required to activate the metabolic reactions that process Vitamins and Amino Acids. If deficient in copper, the body will slow and possibly develop any number of potential illnesses, such as:

• Anemia
• Low body temperature
• Brittle bones
• Osteoporosis
• Dilated Veins
• Low white blood cell count
• Uneven heartbeat
• Elevated Cholesterol levels
• Low Resistance to infections
• Birth Defects
• Low Skin Pigmentation
• Thyroid disorders

Copper is important for more than just managing metabolism; it also benefits growth, utilization of iron, enzymatic reactions, connective tissues, hair, eyes, ageing and energy production. Many of us will have seen copper jewellery in the past, small items like copper bracelets that claim to help cure arthritis. Whereas the idea of these items actually working does make me chuckle, I understand where this idea originated. Copper is well known for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, shown to have greatly beneficial effects in reducing the symptoms of arthritis.

The same can be said for Cholesterol levels. A healthy level of copper encourages the body to create beneficial cholesterol at an increased rate, whilst simultaneously decreasing the levels of negative cholesterol; it does so by managing the processing of certain cholesterol heavy cells, altering the way these cells are utilized in the body.

Copper is also renowned as a “Brain Food” or a natural brain stimulant. When a healthy level of copper is held within the body, copper cells are introduced to the cranial cavity. As copper cells are metallic they become additional synapse points in the brain for electrical impulses to travel, this allows for faster transfer of information. The common misconception of “Brain foods” is that they make you smarter; this is not necessarily true, rather than making you smarter they simply speed up the information processing, allowing for quicker thinking. Although, it is important to remember the old saying “To much of a good thing…” an overabundance of copper can cause severe headaches and pain.

As I mentioned earlier, the human body requires copper for healthy growth, as it aids in the metabolizing of important amino acids and vitamins that are invaluable to human growth, whilst at the same time protecting the skeletal, cardiovascular and nervous systems.

As well as the above effects, copper is also on record as having the following benefits to the human body:

• Pigment in hair and eyes: Copper is a natural part of one of the darker pigments in the human body, large deposits of copper continue the creation of this pigment into old age, fighting the greying process of hair.
• Enzyme reactions: Copper is a known part of or effector of 50 separate enzymes, demonstrating its importance to the running of the human body.
• A Powerful Antioxidant: Copper is an amazing stalling agent and useful for fighting off many viruses.
• Increased energy production: Copper is essential for the synthesis of many internal energy producers in the body.

Chromium:

Chromium is best known for its control of how Insulin is utilized as well as increasing levels within the body. For this reason it has been adopted into medical practices with the aim of curing or maintaining diabetes, with promising results so far. It has been shown in recent studies that 90% of Americans are suffering a deficiency of Chromium.

Such a deficiency can lead to several problems such as; an increase in blood sugar (as less insulin is being produced) and cholesterol, as well as an increased chance of developing heart disease or Diabetes.

By increasing the amount of Chromium in the body (either through supplements or a change in diet) scientists have theorized that Chromium holds minor weight loss properties and provides muscle building nutrients, however this theory requires more study before it becomes fact.

The most well known use for Chromium is in relation to Diabetes; as previously mentioned Chromium is a great supplier and controller of Insulin, which is integral to the control of blood sugar levels. By keeping healthy levels of Chromium in the body, it has been demonstrated in several tests that blood sugar levels are lowered, as are the levels of externally produced Insulin needed to run the body. There are minor levels of controversy linked to the use of Chromium against diabetes though, as some have claimed that the level of change that Chromium instigates in the blood is so minor that it is not worth the potential risks of imbuing the body with large amounts of minerals.

Many foods are ready suppliers of Chromium, many of which the average person eats daily, however the amount of Chromium in some of these foods is relatively minor, linked to the cause of deficiency in the Americas:

• Lean meats: Turkey breast, Chicken Breast, Venison, Bison Sirloin etc…
• Cheeses
• Pork kidneys
• Whole Grain breads and cereals
• Oatmeal
• Prunes
• Mushrooms
• Nuts

The recommended amount of Chromium to imbue per day is as follows:

Pediatric

• For infants birth - 6 months: 0.2 mcg (micrograms) daily
• For infants 7 - 12 months: 5.5 mcg daily
• For children 1 - 3 years: 11 mcg daily
• For children 4 - 8 years: 15 mcg daily
• For boys 9 - 13 years: 25 mcg daily
• For girls 9 - 13 years: 21 mcg daily
• For boys 14 - 18 years: 35 mcg daily
• For girls 14 - 18 years: 24 mcg daily
• For pregnant women 14 - 18 years: 29 mcg daily
• For breastfeeding women 14 - 18 years: 44 mcg daily
  

Adult

• For adult men 19 - 50 years: 35 mcg daily
• For adult men 51 years and older: 30 mcg daily
• For adult women 19 - 50 years: 25 mcg daily
• For adult females 50 years and older: 20 mcg daily
• For pregnant females 19 years and older: 30 mcg daily
• For breastfeeding females 19 years and older: 30 mcg daily
  
  

 

And with all that said and done, next week I will move onto Cobalt and Fluorine.

Beating Diabetes, One step at a time.

Diabetes is rife in England, one in ten people are affected by it and yet, barring insulin, there is no real variety of ways to combat it. So here are 7 different vitamins and suppliments you can use to help your fight against Diabetes.

Chromium

Chromium is a trace mineral located in the human body that regulates carbohydrate and fat metabolism. However it also helps in the acceptance and processing of insulin introduced to the system from outside sources (like injections). It has been observed by scientists that people with low levels of Chromium have a higher chance of developing Type-2 Diabetes.  Several studies have shown that Chromium treatments can help in the control of Diabetes, however whereas these studies have been highly informative they have not be wholly conclusive meaning that further study must be undertaken to understand the complete benefits Chromium may have when treating Diabetes.  In studies, Chromium supplements have been shown o increase the amount of insulin processed by significant amounts. It is clear that the addition of Chromium to one Diabetic routine can help the development of a far healthier system.

Ginseng
There are dozens of forms of Ginseng; however the most effective form is North American, or Panax quinquefilious. This form of Ginseng has demonstrated powerful blood sugar control properties, in addition to producing Glycosylated hemogobin (a form of hemoglobin in the blood used to monitor blood glucose levels over time).
A great way to get a regular amount of Ginseng in your system is to brew Ginseng tea, to do so, follow these instructions.

1. Slice a whole Ginseng root into coarse pieces.
2. Measure out 1 tsp of Root and add to a cup of cold water.
3. Cover and bring the water to boil.
4. Once the water begins to boil, lower the temperature to the lowest setting you have available and leave it for 15 minutes.
5. Let the mixture steep for 6 hours.
6. Drink at will.

Cinammon
Cinnamon is without a shadow of a doubt, one of the best spices out there for controlling diabetes. There are properties in cinnamon that increase the amounts of blood sugar your muscles absorb, keeping the levels of excess blood glucose to lower levels. Studies using Cinnamon pills have demonstrated that by taking three supplements of Cinnamon a day you can cause the levels of blood glucose to drop at a steady rate. It is simple enough to add cinnamon into a diet and heavily recommended

Many diabetes experts claim the usefulness of the Cinnamon, in the video below shows Shane Owen describing one of the ways that Cinnamon can be used to curb Diabetes.  In addition to helping with Diabetes, Cinnamon also has powerful cholesterol lowering effects, it was demonstrated in a test which involved three groups of people taking varying doses of Cinnamon, forty days after the test every group demonstrated significantly lowered cholesterol levels.

Zinc
It has been shown that many people suffering form Diabetes have suboptimal Zinc levels in their body. This is due to their bodies producing low levels of Zinc and excreting it a highly accelerated rate. It is advised that anyone suffering from Diabetes in any form try to supplement the amount of zinc they intake. Several foods are naturally rich in zinc; find a list of some of these foods: Fresh oysters, ginger root, lamb, pecans, split peas, egg yolk, rye, beef liver, lima beans, almonds, walnuts, sardines, chicken and buckwheat.

Magnesium

Magnesium is needed for over 300 different bodily functions, including the regulation of blood sugar, muscle and nerve functions. It has been proven that a daily supplement of Magnesium can help drop blood glucose levels by aiding the body process blood sugar far more efficiently.
With this mineral however, I am attaching a warning; High levels of Magnesium can prove to be dangerous to the human body, causing heavy, difficult breathing as well as heart problems and low blood pressure. So whilst Magnesium is great for combating the effects of Diabetes it can be counted as somewhat of a double edged sword, so please be careful and consult a professional.

Aloe Vera Gel

Whilst Aloe Vera Gel is better known as a soothing agent for burns and the like, Japanese Scientists have recently discovered additional uses for the substance. Within Aloe Vera there are a number of active phytosterol compounds that reduce blood glucose levels. It also reduces glycosylated hemoglobin, which is a fairly uncommon property to be found in plant matter.

Vanadium
Vanadium is naturally found in soil and most foods, Petroleum burning also produces Vanadium. This substance has demonstrated to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the levels of blood sugar. In many ways it mimics the effects of insulin, which makes it invaluable in the fight against diabetes. 

However there are inherent dangers to Vanadium as the dose needed to effectively lower the levels of blood glucose can prove to be toxic to the human body. If you wish to integrate additional supplements of Vanadium into your lifestyle, I would advise you to contact a trained professional.

Sock Gum Disease in the mouth.

Gum disease ruining that perfect smile? Worry not, there is a way to beat it and if you read on, I will tell you a few different ways you fight off the advance of the viral build up that sees fit to try and ruin your day.

Gum disease plagues about half of the Adult population in the UK, with this number showing no sign of dropping we should ask “Is there anyway to increase my resistance to Gum Disease?” well, by reading on you will learn a few methods to do just that!

But what about those already affected by Gum disease, what about those who don’t know if they have Gum disease? The symptoms are not hard to spot, yet it’s not uncommon for people to live with undiagnosed Gum disease, so to try and avoid this eventuality, here is a list of the most common symptoms:

Initial symptoms
1. Red Irritated and Swollen Gums.
2. Bleeding of the Gums after brushing/flossing.

Secondary symptoms
1. A foul taste in the mouth.
2. Loss of teeth.
3. Pus developing under the teeth.

Advanced symptoms
1. Bleeding, painful Gums.
2. Painful ulcers.
3. Receding Gums between teeth.
4. Bad breath
5. A metallic taste developing in the mouth.
6. Excess saliva.
7. Difficulty swallowing or talking.

If you are showing two or more of these symptoms, chances are you are (or have) developing Gum disease, but fear not, there are ways to beat this!

Turmeric
When Gum disease sets in, the most commonly noted symptom is inflammation of the Gums. It is in this inflamed tissue that the bacterium that causes Gum disease grows; this is where Turmeric comes in. Turmeric is a renowned anti-inflammatory spice that has few betters when treating Gum disease, demonstrating its benefits most when used to brush ones teeth. Turmeric acts by inhibiting the growth and effectiveness of a gene that creates the gum inflaming chemicals, therefore disabling the growth of the cells and allowing your body to fight off the excess inflammation naturally.

By adding turmeric to your daily tooth brushing routine (read on for more on that) you should become far more resistant to the possible growth of Gum disease, or if you already have it, you should notice the swelling drop and the growth cease.

To add Turmeric into your daily brushing regime, simply pour a small amount of Turmeric into a small bowl besides your sink, then wet your toothbrush and dip it into the Turmeric and brush the your gums lightly. Be sure to get an even layer of turmeric over the gums, rinsing with warm water after applying to the entirety of the mouth. Be careful to only brush lightly or you may cause damage to the gums, and trust me when I say although Turmeric is good for you, it is incredibly painful when taken into an open wound.

Cranberries
Whilst I am not a fan of the taste of cranberries, I cannot deny their uses in combating the growth of Gum disease. The juice produced by cranberries has the curious effect of making it far more difficult for the bacterial agents that cause the spread of Gum disease to cling to the teeth, which rapidly slows the spread of the Gum disease.

Vitamin C
Have you heard of scurvy? The disease that was rampant in the 18^th century? Scurvy (as well as several other things) caused the gums of the sufferer to bleed, much like the gum disease that is far more common in the current day and age. The commonly known cure and prevention method was to increase your intake of fruits high in Vitamin C, such as limes. In that time period it was not exactly known why these fruits helped to cause the prevention of Scurvy, however we do know.
Vitamin C is used in the body to repair connective tissue and accelerate bone growth, which means that the damaged tissue (caused by the inflammation of the gums) will be able to repair itself at an accelerated rate, which has been shown to counteract the degrading effects of gum disease.

The simplest way to increase your Vitamin C levels is to eat foods rich in Vitamin C, these include:

• Limes.
• Oranges.
• Mango.
• Strawberries.
• Red Pepper.
• Broccoli.
• Grapefruit.

Honey
Honey has several antibacterial and antiseptic properties, each of them useful in combating the symptoms of Gum Disease. A simple way to use honey is to add small amounts of honey to areas of the mouth afflicted with inflammation, do this after brushing and rinsing your teeth for the best results.

Apple Cider Vinegar
When mixed with water, Apple cider vinegar has powerful healing effect. You see the “Mother” has powerful Anti-bacterial and Anti-microbial properties. A great way to use Apple cider vinegar is to integrate it into your tooth brushing regime, to do this simply add 2 tablespoons of Apple cider vinegar (with mother) to 2 tablespoons of water and mix them together. Then after brushing your teeth, gargle and rinse with the mixture. This anti-bacterial agents contained in the Apple cider vinegar will cause the inflammation to lessen, killing off any aggressive bacteria.

There you have a few, no muss no fuss ways of fighting off gum disease, with very little change to your life you can assure yourself a brighter smile, a healthier mouth and lifestyle. I hope this article will help you with any problems you may have, and even if you garner no benefit from this, pass the information I have provided on, maybe you’ll be able to help someone else out!