Iodine

Iodine is a natural mineral that is found within all of the cells of the body.  Studies have shown that there are approximately 2 billion people in the world that suffer from iodine deficiency.  Iodine deficiency can lead to thyroid problems, mental retardation, depression, weight gain and various cancers.  Natural sources of iodine can be found in kelp, iodized salt, and certain kinds of seafood.  Iodine can be toxic if ingested in high amounts.  The daily Dietary Reference Intake recommended by the United States Institute of Medicine is between 110 and 130 µg for infants up to 12 months, 90 µg for children up to eight years, 130 µg for children up to 13 years, 150 µg for adults, 220 µg for pregnant women and 290 µg for lactating mothers.1 The Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for adults is 1,100 μg/day (1.1 mg/day).2 1. http://iom.edu/en/Global/News%20Announcements/~/media/Files/Activity%20Files/Nutrition/DRIs/DRISummaryListing2.ashx 2. United States National Research Council (2000). Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. National Academies Press. pp. 258–259.

Turmeric

Turmeric is a spice that is part of the ginger family and is commonly used in curry.    When dried, it takes on a yellowish-orange color and a slightly bitter, slightly hot peppery flavor and a mustardy smell.  Research has shown that the active ingredient in Turmeric, which is known as Curcumin, has excellent antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral and anti-cancer properties.  In addition, Curcumin may slow the progression of Alzheimer's by removing amyloyd plaque buildup in the brain.  This spice can be taken in powder form as a condiment to foods or in pill form. 

Magnesium and the Heart

If any of you suffer from heart arrhythmias like I do, then you know how annoying and anxiety causing they can truly be at times.  The skipped beats, pounding sensations and rapid beats are absolutely mind-numbing.  However, a simple mineral may be the solution to this physical dilemma......magnesium!  Research has found that most Americans are deficient in this all important mineral and a lack of magnesium can lead to various heart arrhythmias.  All of the organs in the body need magnesium but especially the heart and muscles.  A lack of this mineral can cause a whole slew of physical problems such as high blood pressure, kidney stones, osteoporosis  and depression among others.  But the heart is the most directly affected.  Magnesium supplementation is very safe and effective.  For those of us who suffer from arrhythmias, a daily does of magnesium as high as 3000 mg can quiet the heart and put it back into a normal rhythm. You'll need to adjust the amount of magnesium that will be right for your body and of course you should consult your healthcare practitioner for advice.  But what I've found as a rule of thumb for my body is that once my stools become loose is the point where I've used too much magnesium.   For many of us palpitations sufferers, this relatively cheap and effective mineral has been a life saver!



Macronutrients

There are three primary chemical macronutrients that humans consume for energy and growth.  These are proteins, fats and carbohydrates.  Proteins are made up of 20 amino acids and participate in almost every process within the cells.  Seafood, chicken and beans are excellent sources of protein.  Fats can be classified as saturated, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, trans fats and essential fatty acids.  Not all fats are created equal.  Sat fats and trans fats in the form of butter and candy bars, are considered to be "bad" while the rest are "good" such as found in nuts and tofu.  Finally are the carbohydrates.  Carbohydrates are made up of starches and sugars.  Fruits and vegetables are considered to be the best sources of carbohydrates.

Vitamin C

People who live in the United States are constantly subjected to a myriad of unhealthful conditions that can effect the overall wellness of the individual.  Fast food, stress and smog are just a few of the many factors that can leach important nutrients from our bodies on a daily basis.  In order to maintain optimal nutrition it becomes vitally important to increase one's intake of vitamins and minerals.  In particular, vitamin C may be the most important of these nutrients as it represents one of the strongest of all antioxidants.  The work done by the Noble Prize winner Linus Pauling showed that a high intake of vitamin C (2grams or more) a day can help protect the body's cells from the damage done by free radicals in the environment.  The good thing about vitamin C is that it is water-soluble and whatever the body doesn't need is excreted through the urinary system.