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STRESS IS IT A KILLER
Anxiety, worry, tension, stress all have a damaging effect on health.” What happens in the mind of man is always reflected in the disease of his body” by Rene Dubos. We are a stressed society, we try to do too much, and we never know when we’ve enough done. You might think you know how stress feels, but you probably don’t know how astoundingly, destructive, chronic stress is to your health, it is sometimes accurately described as being in 5th gear all the time. According to studies at the National Institute of Health: 90% approximately of all illnesses both mental and physical are caused or aggravated by stress.
Stress tends to be more pervasive, persistent and insidious because it is primarily from psychological rather than physical threats, like stuck in traffic, difficult customers, co-workers, family, financial problems are triggers which may occur a couple of times a day. Unfortunately our bodies respond as if we are being attacked and Cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine, otherwise know as stress hormones are pumped into the body for the flight or fight action. It takes twenty minutes of meditation or complete relaxation to bring down these levels of Cortisol.
The heart rate and blood pressure increases to increase the blood flow, blood sugars rises to create more fuel, clotting occurs more quickly to prevent blood loss and most of the blood supply is directed to the core organs as it believes it is under attack. So being in 5th gear and not getting down to first very often is potentially damaging and deadly. Most of us are in a state of Cortisol excess and it is no wonder we are tired, our blood pressure is high and we are irritable and as we get older it is harder for us to turn off the response to stress. It is not hard to see how this can contribute to hypertension, strokes, heart attacks, diabetes, ulcers, neck and back pain, psoriasis, insomnia, premature ageing and it is even one of the reasons the waistline increasing. It is also reported that raised Cortisol level are correlated with the increase in cancer particular breast. Other facts that increase Cortisol levels are coffee, smoking, alcohol, lack of exercise and insufficient sleep. Did you know that two cups of coffee raises you level of Cortisol above normal and does not return to normal for two days, and also that coffee drinking increases body fat?
How to de-stress
Nutrition, balanced diet goes out the window when we are stressed, it is important to take Vitamin C and B complex to help sooth the nerves and the Adrenals, use herbal teas avoid coffee and alcohol take a digestive enzyme. Basil is a great herb for stress it can be taken as a tea or used as oil. Guarana is known as a quick enlivener, Ginseng helps the body to adapt to stress and Echinacea helps the immune system to work more efficiently.
Other alternatives such as Homeopathy, gets a complete impression of all the mental and physical symptoms, then a remedy is selected to match these symptoms.
Bach flower are excellent especially Elm helps if you are feeling overwhelmed, and Rescue is widely know for de-stressor.
Reflexology, Reiki, Massage, Craino Sacral therapy, Aromatherapy are just some of the therapies available to help you de - stress.
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Back, neck and joint pain
When a red light comes on your car you know that this is a warning that something is not right and needs to be fixed, so you take it to the garage and the mechanic removes the light bulb, you get back in the car thinking all is well………
This is a lot like what happens when you get a pain, it too is a warning sign alerting you to a health problem and when we take a painkiller we are doing no different than mechanic who removed the bulb. We need to find the source of the problem and treat it, treating the symptoms is not a long term solution.
It is estimated that one in three of us put up with pain all the time but many of us don’t realise how much we can do to alleviate it. Arthritis Action Group have found that people with muscle or joint pain wait years before seeking help. The first point of call is to get a diagnosis from your GP. Once you have this there are many options open to you to relieve pain.
Because of the emotional element that accompanies pain such as fear and anxiety, reaching for the painkiller is the obvious solution when we are suffering this is not always the best solution. Remember every painkiller has a side effect. There is more we can do to help ourselves. We can use complementary natural solutions including herbal and homeopathic remedies with physical manipulation and relaxation. The sooner the pain is dealt with the better.
In some cases Physiotherapy can aggravate the situation and sometimes one has to wait for the inflammation to reduce before the person can be treated with physio. This may require the use of anti-inflammatory drugs.
Personally I get great results when I use the combination of Craino Sacral Therapy and Homoeopathy. If the condition is recent one treatment is usually enough, however if the condition is chronic then a few treatments may be required. It is painless and can be carried out immediately after the back, neck or limb injury occurs. In many cases after a sport injury or “pulling” a back at work, if the person is treated within 12 hours it is possible that that person could be back at work the following day.
Some people use chiropractors or osteopathy and find it beneficial in the short term. However this is like putting the horse in the stable and not closing the door, as it is very necessary that deep tissue massage is carried out to help hold the back in place.
Reflexology has been around along time and has been subjected to many clinical trials on back, neck and sciatic problems, it has always shown itself to be a very successfully treatment.
Other simple Solutions
1. Rest allows the body to self heal, deep heat to the area can give rapid relief, in some cases of swelling and inflammation the response is better when an icepack is used.
2. A support belt for the back can be of great benefit if worn in bed or during strenuous work.
3. Massage Castor oil into the painful area where necessary. Apply heat on area as well.
4. Bath in a bath of Epsom Salt. Put about a mug full in a full bath of warm water.
5. Green lipped mussel extract, which is known worldwide for it’s anti-inflammatory properties; clinical trials have shown positive results. Fish oils are very important.
6. Glucosamine improves the quality of the synovial fluid.
7. Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid, which is naturally produced by the body supplementation of this amino acid has decreased joint pain and lifts the mood.
8. Remember wheat can sometimes mimic pain similar to arthritis in some people.
9. A trial study on people suffering from osteoarthritis found MSM (methylsulphonylmethane) reduced inflammation.
10. Menthol and rosemary oils are good for pain relief.
A Healthier approach to health
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Are you ever tired & bloated after eating or do you suffer from itchy skin, eczema, psoriasis, asthma, migraine? Is your child hyperactive not performing in school? Check it out have a food intolerance test? .
Would you put dirty petrol in you car? Why eat foods that rob you of energy.
How healthy is your gut? Find out about your nutritional state, do your need supplements? too many leads to very expensive urine.
As you read this email is your back, neck and shoulders aching take a break go for a walk around drink some water.
Have you or do you know a baby with colic or a child with behavioural problems such as ADD, ADHD and Aspersers syndrome.
Maybe it’s time you had a Cranio Sacral session, your car gets a service why not you?
Have you heard of Body Balancing this involves finding and releasing energy blocks, viruses and parasites, checking for food intolerance, joint mobility and all the musculetal system, as well as the endocrine system, this it’s the NCT,
End of a busy week try some relaxation, treat yourself to a de-stress head, shoulder, hand and feet massage, reflexology, Reiki, Indian head massage or crystal therapy. You deserve to chill out and make the most of your weekend but most of all make the most of your health.
Why take medicines that have harmful side effects when Homoeopathy will relief the same symptom without the side effects of conventional medicines. The Homoeopathy approach to disease is like treats like, as in coffee can help keeps you awake, Homoeopathy use a coffee remedy to help you sleep.
Live a long happy healthy, find time to relax, changing your attitude, change your diet and laugh a lot.
Workshops check website for details on the following
Homeopathy for the family
Reflexology for the family
Crystals
Cutting the ties that bind
Diet and Nutrition
Infertility & Pregnancy
Infertility and assisted deliveries have increased in recent years, one in six couples are having difficulties in getting pregnant, the reason being is possibly that women are older trying to conceive. Increased intake of alcohol both in females and males, change in diet: more processed food and vital minerals are missing in our diet, workload and stressful pace of life today.
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Common causes in men
The use of D.E.S, an oestrogen hormone used in the sixties to prevent miscarriage has since been shown to cause reproductive tract problems for offspring.
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Common causes in women
Failure to ovulate, inability to form eggs, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, hostile cervical mucus, and fibroidous growths in the uterus.
What is needed to conceive
To conceive a baby the man must be healthy, the male needs motile sperm in large quantities, the female needs the right pH in the cervical mucus, healthy eggs, fallopian tubes free of blockages, proper secretion of hormones hospitable uterus.
Natural Aids.
Reflexology has been known for years to be of immense benefit to couples trying to conceive. It has two major roles, it relaxes the person therefore reducing the stress levels, it corrects any imbalance within the body and removes any blockages. Homoeopathy is known to be very successful in infertility there are a number of excellent remedies which influence hormones and the reproductive organs.
If you want to maximise your chances of getting pregnant either naturally or by IVF it is very important that you and your partner are in the best of health, a good multi vitamin and mineral containing the following. Vitamins: E, C, B complex, B6, B12 and folic acid. Minerals: zinc, selenium, iron and chromium are necessary for both partners the Amino Acids L-tyrosine, L- arginine, L-histidine are necessary for healthy sperm. Vitamin C 100mg per day enhances sperm quality, increases sperm count, improves mobility and reduces the percentage of abnormal sperm.
Gynaecologists are now suggesting some of the above before fertility starting medication and some in conjunction with fertility treatment.
Benefits during Pregnancy
Relax the Mother and Baby while creating time for self,
Morning sickness greatly relieved, Back pain,
Help maintain a fractured symphysis pubis in place during pregnancy,
Delivery is more than often complication-free, with no need for assistance,
The baby is usually content and happy.
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Is it an Allergy or we just sensitive
An allergy is said to be present when the body reacts to a product as if it were a poison this is medically referred to as anaphylactic shock, the person needs adrenaline immediate to counteract the reaction to prevent coma or death. In most cases people find out their allergy by being exposed to it or by having an allergy test. If you ever experience swelling of shellfish, etc. this is a serious symptom and needs to be investigated further either by visiting your doctor or going and having an allergy test.
Where as an intolerance to wheat may cause such symptoms as bloating of the stomach, diarrhoea, and mucus in the chest or pains in the joints. When we look at a dairy intolerance we need to look closely at lactose and casein sensitivity, this can be associated with Asthma symptoms, coughs, and colic in children, constipation and skin problems depending on the sensitivity. Heartburn and excessive flatulence are usually an indication of food intolerance. In all cases of food or chemical intolerance one will be aware of a reduced energy levels a type of sluggishness.
Modern living is inherently unhealthy. The food we buy contains pesticides, flavourings, preservatives and colourings. Continued ingestion of these chemicals undoubtedly leads to major health problems, which results in our bodies becoming toxic creating sensitivities. These sensitivities may present as Behavioural problems in children such as hyperactivity, Migraine, Asthma, Eczema, Psoriasis, Hay fever, Indigestion, Constipation, Diarrhoea, Hair loss, Sinusitis, Tiredness, lack of concentration. Etc.,
Nutritional problems may relate also to imbalance, where an individual diet does not contain sufficient nutrients or vitamins to remain healthy. Eating a balanced nutritious diet means you eat less, are not hungry as often and are far healthier.
Kinesiology techniques can be used to help identify specific nutritional weaknesses and sensitivities to certain foods; chemicals and environmental influences can be detected in the body. We can detox the body using herbs, homeopathy, flower and gem essences, Reflexology, Reiki, etc. Nutrition does not always mean giving something extra, sometimes it means taking something away, for example any food that the person is sensitive to which causes stress to the body rather than nourishment.
Benefits
Enhanced functioning of brain and nervous system
Improved health, digestion, skin and posture
Improved co-ordination Improved Memory
Help with learning disorders, phobias and low self esteem
Reduce or eradicate hyperactivity in children or adults.
Bread and some blur on wheat intolerance.
Bread has been the foundation of a healthy diet and for good reason, bread is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including calcium, iron, and the B vitamins, it is low in fat and high in fibre depending on the type of bread. There are over a 1000 different varieties all over the world.
So many people are suffering from food intolerances these days that wheat based bread can be off limits. There are one in a 100 suffering from Coeliac disease today this involves the inability to digest gluten protein which is found in wheat and other grains such as rye, oats, barley etc. There are even more people suffering from yeast and less severe wheat intolerances these symptoms may appears as indigestion, bloating, bowel changes, joint pains similar to arthritis, skin problems and asthma like symptoms.
Do not loose hope there are some delicious and nutritious breads available, virtually all cereals can be used to make different types of bread. One, which has become very popular, is spelt a highly nutritious grain containing a good source of the B vitamins and manganese and copper. It is of the wheat family but people who are sensitive to wheat seem to be able to tolerate this much better, other breads to try are millet and hemp. Patrick Holford says that quinoea is “just about as close to perfect a food as you can get” it has an excellent amino acid balance.
A word of caution according to the health store magazine the Food Standards Agency in the UK has voted to recommend that bread be fortified with folic acid a type of B vitamin, this would be welcomed here as we have a high percentage of neural tube defects in unborn babies. There are worries however that folic acid could harm some of the elderly by masking a vitamin B12 deficiency.
Personally I feel what is in bread is safe but caution needs to be applied if taking extra folic acid in the elderly without a doctor’s advice.
PREPARATION MATTERS
There are many different methods of preparation such as sprouting and sourdough for those of you like me that don’t know what sour dough is it is made by fermenting flour with water to create natural yeasts and bacteria, and sprouting converts complex starch to natural sugars and increases its vitamin content. Sourdough is great if you want bread to rise from cereals that are low in gluten; because sourdough rises more slowly enzymes break down proteins and starches creating healthier more digestible bread low in GI. Sourdough is excellent for those suffering from yeast intolerances.
.TIP FOR MOTHER OF NEW BORNS
Intervention and Trauma at birth
In a perfect world all mothers would have a trouble free vaginal unassisted delivery just as nature intended. Unfortunately in real life it doesn’t always work out this way and intervention is required by way of vacuum, forceps or even a Caesarean section. The effect of this is that the baby often suffers some form of aggravation from the birth including tenderness, bruising and swelling of the head area. Longer term effects can also be attributed to the birth trauma including disturbed sleeping patterns including when baby is startled in their sleep, crying when being put into their crib, wanting to sleep in your arms and most disturbing of all is the link between birth trauma and colic. However it’s not all bad news. What I have witnessed both as a midwife and as a Cranio-Sacral Therapist (trained in paediatrics) is that the vast majority of babies born in assisted deliveries greatly benefit from Homeopathy and a Cranio- Sacral treatment. Remedies such as Arnica in low doses can reduce the swelling and bruising thus giving great pain relief also. Cranio-Sacral helps to re-align the cranium after the traumatic birth with some schools even advocating the benefits of using this treatment after all births.
Colic
Colic is when a baby is unsettled after or during a feed, in some cases the baby will draw up its legs while crying or in other cases of colic the baby will arch it's body which action is used there is no mistaking but this baby is in great pain. Things to look at the method of winding the baby, some baby like different need firm pressure to help them break wind. The formula, or the mother's diet may be the cause of the entire disturbance, the baby maybe lactose intolerant. Some babies have a very sensitive and underdeveloped digestive system in the first few months after birth. Craino-Sacral therapy can really make a huge difference, resulting in both the baby and the mother enjoying feeding time much more so. This is meant to be a time of pleasure and bonding between the baby and it's parents. There are some homoeopathic remedies, which have been called by some of my client’s miracle drops.
Teething
Teething in some cases can bring it’s own amount of discomforts for the baby and the parents and what I have come across over the past twenty five years, is that some babies have a susceptibility when teething to suffer from either earache, fever, tonsillitis, chestiness or red raw bums. In these cases I have found homoeopathy invaluable it can prevent hospital admission, which is usually the case with repeated ear infections, as they can often be accompanied by a rapid rising fever, thus causing a certain panic. Belladonna when used with supervision can control fever and ease earache, as it is natures anti-inflammatory. There are a number of remedies that can be used to treat the earache without compromising the baby’s immune system. Homeopathy strengthens the baby’s vitality so it is safe to use with newborn babies. The use of repeated antibiotics for chest infection can be tiresome and worrying, homoeopathy again can come to the rescue when the correct remedies is prescribed in the correct potency. The red sore bottom can be healed and prevented from recurring also by homoeopathy. If the mother is breast feeding she can take the remedy and the baby will receive it in the breast milk, or it can be given directly to the baby. Cranio-Sacral therapy is of major benefit also for the earache as it can reduce the fluid and it’s build up.
Food and Formula
A number of newborn babies find lactose difficult to digest in the early days and while in some countries such as Australia, they are given a supplement to help the newborn digest the Lactose, this is not the practice here. Lactose is found in most baby formulas, also in breast milk. The symptoms that present in babies having digestive difficulties are usually colic, as a rash or as eczema, while most babies digestive systems will mature by the three-month stage, unfortunately not all. Do not despair there are some simple solutions, the first approach needed, is to make changes to the diet, the breast feeding Mum can modify her diet while feeding if Lactose is the problem. Two to three session of Cranio–Sacral therapy have proven to be very successful in helping to improve the digestive process and reducing the colic, in most cases eradicating it completely. Homoeopathy is also very popular in aiding the baby to help with the digestion of Lactose and there are a number of remedies that can help with easing the colic without any side effects. Eczema and all skin rashes can also be greatly helped by changing the diet, Homeopathy being beneficial in over 90% of cases.
Sleeplessness
The vast majority of babies wake once or twice for the first three to four months after this the baby will sleep seven to twelve hours depending on the nature of the baby. Here are some things to look at if the baby is not settling at night. Is it colic? if so look at the diet. Is the baby too warm or too cold, some babies hate too many clothes on them as they are naturally warm, some babies like to be wrapped up (swaddling is a particular way of wrapping up the baby in his/ her blanket, or you can buy a magic blanket), so now the baby no longer can wave their arms around and wake themselves, they feel cocooned in the blanket like in the womb. Move the cot around in the room, some times shadows form, energy in particular area in the house may not be conducive to sleep. Don’t forget, as the baby gets bigger they need to go into their own room. Last but not least they may be teething and suffering from earache, this is easy to detect the baby will usually wake up crying on the hour every hour as the fluid builds up in the ear. When picked up the baby gets relief but as soon as they are put down again the fluid builds up, usually an hour or so, he / she needs to be picked up again to get relief. Some parents will tell you the baby sleeps ok in their bed, this is because they are on the parents pillow and this elevates them enough to give them relief. Cranio - sacral therapy was promoted on the RTE show Baby on Board, to help with sleep in babies, Homoeopathy can also help depending on the cause.
Bowels
Bowel movements in a breast feed baby are completely different to that of formula fed babies. In breast fed babies the stool is loose and frequent whereas formula fed babies usually have only one to two movements a day which are much more solid. When stools are gushing or explosive as some Mother’s describe, this is usually a very clear sign that the babies is having digestive problems more than likely, with the formula he / she is having. Constipation is another sign of distress in the digestive system as a baby needs to have a motion each day. Homoeopathy is excellent in creating balance within the system. Don’t forget your baby needs cooled boiled water as well as formula.
Post-Natal Mothers
All Mothers benefit from having their body re-aligned after birth, while creating balance and harmony in the body, physically, emotionally and hormonally one is also preventing complications in future births. Cranio Sacral has proved to be one of the most effective therapies to achieve this. Homoeopathy has shown it’s amazing benefits in the post-natal period especially in conditions such as depression or those baby blue days that can descend on the third day, the adjusting to the hormonal changes in the body at this time can be overwhelming for some mothers.
Cranio-Sacral Therapy is seen as an excellent form of therapy for the treatment of Behavioural problem including Hyperactivity, ADD, ADHD, and Autism. When used in combination with Homoeopathy and a change of diet the results can be seen almost instantly.
Herbal Remedies
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Feverfew
The feverfew plant has a daisy like flower is most often used to fight against migraines. A substance called parthenolide found in its leaves is thought to help stop the release of serotonin in the brain circulation, which in turn can help to stop the sudden widening or constricting of blood vessels that can occur at the onset of migraine.
Valerian
Is know as nature’s tranquilliser, and is widely used for insomnia and anxiety. Valerian’s benefits are as a result of the chemicals such as valerenic acid thought to have a depressant effect on the nervous system. It can be taken as a tea at bedtime.
Milk Thistle
Is a great liver support Silymarin is the active compound which is thought to help to protect the liver cells by altering their outer cell membranes in a way that blocks the entry of toxins. Milk thistle is also beneficial as part of a general detox programme.
Garlic
This is a power antioxidant, antiviral and antiseptic properties, it also helps to maintain a healthy circulation and is thought to help protect against prostate cancer. Because of it’s many uses it is very popular, it can be taken raw in food or as an odourless supplement, and fresh parsley or fennel seeds will help mask the garlic breath.
St John’s wort
Know as hypericum and was traditionally know to help with depression, it is also know to help with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) as well as premenstrual syndrome and mood swings that can occur around the time of menopause. This herbal remedy is no longer available over the counter but you can get it on prescription.
Avena Sativa
It’s ability to relax the mind and induce a contemplative sate which reduces tension and anxiety, is a useful alternative to St. John’s wort. As a result of its ability to relax the nervous system it is know to lower blood pressure, it is excellent with sleep problems and also has a history of helping during menopause when hormone levels can make women prone to anxiety.
Saw Palmetto
Is a dark red fruit containing an oil that is one of its main ingredients, there has been clinical trials to be effective in treating some of the prostate symptoms.
Agnus Castus
This herb can help treat hot flushes, mood changes and irritability around the menopause. It is also helpful for heavy periods and painful breasts during PMS. It works by stimulating the pituitary gland helping to lower levels of FSH and has a balancing effect on the hormones thus regulating periods.
Sage Leaf
One of the oldest herbs around it has a reputation for its ability to treat sore throats, coughs, gum disease, night seats and hot flushes it can be taken as a tea if desired.
Wild Yam
Is a useful tool for warding off menopausal symptoms such as the dreaded hot flushes. It contains compounds called steroidal sapinins, which encourage your body to produce more oestrogen; it is a natural alternative to HRT.
Due to its antispasmodic properties it is said to help beat IBS tummy cramps also its antioxidant properties can boost levels of good high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in older people.
Fenugreek
Helps lower blood sugar and sooth the gut, reduces gas and bloating. The mucilage swells to form a thick, slippery gel when mixed with water. This has a useful bulking and lubricating effect in treatment of constipation and heal inflammation in the gut. It is known in eastern medicine to increase breast milk production in nursing mothers as a tonic to increase stamina and general vitality. There is some evidence to help prevent kidney stones, help protect the liver against alcohol damage.
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Some important Vitamins
Vitamins fall into two types water soluble and fat soluble, vitamin A, D, E, are fat soluble they dissolve in fat and can be stored in the body. Vitamin B and C are water soluble they dissolve in water and cannot be stored in the body so you need to take regularly. They should be taken immediately after food with water.
Vitamin C
Ascorbic Acid, which is another name for vitamin C, can be found in a wide variety of fruit and vegetables. It is important for infertility especially for healthy sperm, it boosts the production of collagen, which keeps skin healthy and youthful. It is well know as an antioxidant for its ability to fight free radicals and protects us from bad cholesterol. Good sources of vitamin C include Kiwi fruit, peppers, potatoes, oranges, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.
Vitamin A
Beta Carotene is converted by the body into vitamin A it helps to protect cell membrane and can boost eye health, helping to prevent cataracts. It is found in vegetables and fruit there colour red, yellow, and green helping to protect them from sun damage, it is thought to do the same for our skin. Good sources include spinach, avocados, carrots, melons, and apricots.
Vitamin B5
Pantothenic acid is vital for energy protection, and for boosting the body’s response to stress. This water-soluble is needed to produce co-enzyme A which helps to generate energy from the food we eat, and is essential for our nervous system, hormones and cholesterol. It is also required for the production of steroid hormones, which helps us deal with stress and lower inflammation. Vitamin B5 also helps to suppress histamine, the irritant chemicals responsible for many allergic symptoms. It can be found in whole grains, nuts, eggs, beans, and yeast extracts.
Vitamin B6
It is known to be a multi-tasker, it metabolises proteins and realeses energy from food, the active form of B6 pyridoxal 5 phosphate (PLP) allows more than 100 biological processes to take place. It keeps the immune system strong and healthy, it is essential for a healthy nervous system by helping to make serotonin and dopamine both necessary for cell communication. Is has been used to treat heart disease, depression, confusion, chronic pain, seizures, and low blood sugar . If your intake is too low your homocysteine may increase which can lead to strokes or heart disease.
Vitamin D
Helps to keep Bone strong, helps blood calcium levels for nerves and muscle to function normally. It has been linked to reducing breast, ovarian, and colon cancer. Lack of Vit d can trigger mental disorders such as schizophrenia and depression. Food sources grilled herring = 16mcg, sardines 8mcg, canned tuna .5mcg, boiled eggs = 1mcg.
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Folic Acid
Is a B vitamin water-soluble which is required in cell multiplication? It is especially important at conception and during the first three months of pregnancy for the correct formation of the neural tube thus preventing spina bifida and cleft palate. It is also thought that folic acid helps to regulate the body’s production of a substance called homocysteine, high levels of which may damage the lining of the blood vessels, making them more susceptible to plaque build up. Good sources are green vegetables, beans, whole grains and orange juice.
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