I’ve seen a lot of pamphlets on how to perform canine CPR that are so complicated and text heavy. This is the basics on getting your small or large dog breathing again. Once your pet is breathing on his or her own contact your Veterinarian.
Trupanion Medical Insurance for your pet
February 19th, 2012 by Cayce Sands No comments »If you are looking for a viable, trustworthy, and full coverage pet health insurance plan for a very reasonable monthy cost, I am recommending Trupanion Medical Insurance. Please make sure you do your own reasearch and check out all the independent reviews on this insurance company (founded in 2008).
In the meantime may your pet stay in the best of health!
Combating Fleas Without Using Chemicals
August 7th, 2011 by Cayce Sands No comments »‘Sorry readers, this is Not Possible once you are infested’
My experiences and findings in the battle are logged here.
D-Day: The cats have Fleas! As if it was the most profound middle-of-the-night ‘ah-ha’ moment ever had. I finally allow myself to acknowledge and accept these clear signs (that I was passing off to this or that), and relinquish to, Fleas! I was seeing copious amounts of flea dirt, mad cat itching/scratching, but no fleas… that is until I part some kitty fur. With all good intentions and this being my ‘virgin’ experience with fleas (after 24 years of pets!), I research any and all ways to treat ‘naturally’, make a shopping list, and order some Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth from an online distributor. I set out as a one women army and I barrack aid myself and my two sweet indoor felines to our domicile, only to emerge to retrieve more ‘Natural’ or ‘Herbal’ products. (Ha! My naiveté makes me chuckle now.)
Day One: I begin with a natural flea powder containing peppermint, rosemary, cedar oil, and rosemary oil. I lovingly powdered my cats and waited for the ‘fall-out’ and complete annihilation of this flea population.
Day two: After 24 hours I saw ‘jack-squat’ happening! Nada! Except now, there is more itching in my long-haired female (Grace) and (Sam) my aged males’ head is twitching like crazy. (Before it occurred to me that they/we had fleas, I had an appointment to take Sam to the vet for a likely neurological issue. At nearly 22 years old, I thought it made sense). Two weeks prior to today, I made an appointment to have Grace shaved for her summer cut and went forward with that, informing the groomer that I knew she had fleas but to what extent I wasn’t sure, that she could do as she saw appropriate in order to admit her for grooming. When I retrieved Grace, the groomer said she was ‘infested!’ and consequently was flea bathed. I also picked-up a natural spot treatment containing peppermint oil, clove oil, lemon grass oil, canola oil, vanillin and citric acid to. Once home both cats got the ‘natural’ spot treatments and I waited for the fall-out.
Day Three: I wait, wash bedding, etc. and vacuum.
Day Four: Nothing is working! It is occurring to me that Grace was, in fact, not treated for fleas or at least not for the extent she had. I am vacuuming around the clock (4x per day, 12pm and 6pm, 12am and 6am), washing every piece of fabric in the house, all the sheets on my bed (even though the cats are now not allowed on my bed), sheets that cover the furniture, my slippers-since they spend time on the floor, clothing 2x to 3x per day… I was fastidious! All pillows and throws not in use, get washed and bagged until this is over. And whether it was exposed to fleas or not, as long as it resided in my house, I considered it evil with fleas! 7pm, I bath my sweet 21 y.o. male in a Dawn bath, flea comb and dry him. I feel optimistic; I am finally capturing a lot of fleas, dead, dying, and some very much alive from Sam’s skinny little body. This Was Warfare! 10 pm, he is still suffering, his head twitching and raw from scratching-which by now he has given up on… I see fleas. I bath him again, comb, pick and dry. He seems much better by midnight. I am grateful and determined!
Day Five: I buy Advantage, (a topical spot treatment for cats with flea annihilating chemicals!) one tube for a 9 plus pound cat, and for my little guy, Advantage for kittens and cats under 9 pounds. After all, this is the old guy I have been trying to spare from chemicals and now the fleas seem to be attempting to be the death of him. However, I need to wait to treat them one more day. The cats’ natural body oils need to be in-action again; this is typically a wait of 24-48 hours after bathing. I also ordered flea bombs. All the pet stores, big and small, in my area are out. When living in beach areas or tropical climates, summer months will bring on the unequaled breeding cycle of the flea. I have to assume that my recently purchased home has come infested with these monsters just lying in wait for the right conditions; hot and humid weather, activity in the house (vibration), and hosts! (In December, I did an industrial rug cleaning-this does not help for the cocoon and larvae stages residing deep in the carpet).
Day Six: At last, I can (effectively) spot treat the cats!
Day Seven: Vacuum rugs, wash fabrics, vacuum, wash… The Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth arrives and I carefully apply it to the perimeter of the rooms of the inside of the house as well as outside (bears repeating, FOOD GRADE, DE). This is not going to be the cure-all but I am desperate at the moment to kill the buggers at the flea stage. Side Bar: I have a Dyson vacuum, a bagless vacuum where I keep a ‘large dog’ flea collar in the ‘wind tunnel’ chamber. For each vacuuming session I empty the chamber contents outside into a small bag and dispose of the small bag into the trash can outside. I return the dog flea collar to the chamber and the chamber back to the vacuum. If you have a vacuum that uses bags you will need to change the bag every time you vacuum.
Day Eight: As a result of the spot treatments, I see fleas falling off the cats slowly, but surely. The Flea bombs arrive and I pick them up and prepare the house for the deployment of flea-napalm. Now as soon as I set one of the bombs off the photo sensor on the smoke detector picks up on the fog/mist of the bomb and starts blaring. I can’t go back in, so I deploy the second bomb upstairs and make my escape. The cats have been in their respective carriers for about ten minutes sitting patiently in the open ‘cargo-hold’ of my CRV observing all the early morning sights of our little village, but now from the parking area and not the luxury of a window. We go for a three hour tour, a three hour tour. Upon my return, I air the house for an hour then come back in and clean surfaces. Once satisfied I return the kitties to their sanctuary. Only it really hasn’t been much of a safe haven because they haven’t slept for days nor walked on the floors! But the house ‘seems quiet’ and I feel relieved.
Day Nine: I will need to wait to vacuum another 24 hours as it is best to let the chemicals do there magic. At 6pm I am in denial over the fact that my bare feet are being ravaged. Fleas are literally jumping from the carpet onto my feet and legs and to and from my cats. I put out shallow glass pie plates of water with Dawn and place a votive candle in each plate and place about the floors. Some folks online give out this advice for killing fleas, but now I only used it as a marker for continued flea activity. I vacuum. I take solace in knowing that today the cats can finally sleep because the spot treatments are severely/adversely affecting the flea population on their bodies.
Day Ten: I wake to see that my glass bowls are populated with a small battalion of dead fleas. I make a call I should have made on Day One!
Day Eleven or Twelve or Thirteen (war fatigue has set in, I lose track of the days): The exterminator cometh! Now I am fully committed to the deployment of chemicals. I welcome the ‘Terminator’. Three hours later I return and enter to air the house (again, I am struck by the feeling of absolute ‘quiet’). I clean surfaces, bring in and release the cats, and wait. But now, I have a guarantee. If there is any ‘activity’ the ‘Navy Seal’ of pest elimination will return. The cats slowly emerge from their 4-5-6 days straight of slumber.
Days Fourteen through Twenty one: I vacuum and wash daily. But now it’s one load of laundry a day and one thorough vac. And by thorough I mean that by Day Three I had put my furniture on casters and move it as I vacuum every square inch of the house. By this time, the cats assume their normal activities. Fleas are still falling from them, I see this in their bedding, small amounts per day but present nonetheless. And smaller amounts yet of flea dirt. As for the fleas that I still see on the cats, I can only presume that they are hatching from the larvae that still resided on them from the onslaught. But 99% of them fall dead or dying. I did have one very active jumper (mind you these are the times that I am looking at them on their bedding or what remains on their bedding). I will take full advantage of my two week return visit from the exterminator and will spot treat with Advantage (or swap to Frontline) when we come up on our 21 to30-day mark, or treat orally with Capstan 20 days after the initial (chemical) spot treatment, as suggested by my veterinarian. I have been traumatized. I will take every thoroughly researched step to ensure the non-return and the non existence of fleas in my house and on my cats, that includes the removal of fairly new Berber carpet that lays wall-to-wall in my tiny home. Rugs are the place where the Pupae Stage of the flea can survive up to 174 days.
Thoughts and advice:Fleas are not affected by Natural or Organic products, as they do not ‘knock-out’ any of their life support systems nor do they offend any ’sense of smell’. Don’t compromise the health of you or your pet by not being assertively pro-active. Fleas carry disease and reproduce quickly! They are difficult to control and can cause flea allergy dermatitis (which can lead to ring worm) or anemia in pets. Fleas can also transmit parasites and other dangerous diseases to both animals and humans. My male (compromised by advanced years) was just diagnosed and is being treated by our veterinarian for a dermatological problem as a result of the fleas or flea treatment, and as we move forward I will update the post to reflect the confirmed diagnosis and treatment outcome. In addition to the dis-ease mentioned above, fleas transmit tapeworm, a parasite that can cause anemia, diarrhea and other compromising health problems in you and your pet. Medications to kill these intestinal parasites are far more toxic that the toxins used on your pets to kill fleas.
The most deadly flea-borne disease is the bubonic plague. Plague cases in humans have become rare, but obviously still extremely serious. Other flea-borne diseases include bartonella henselae (cat scratch fever), other bartonella strains including bartonella grahamii, bartonella taylorii and bartonella Quintana, and several flea-borne typhus.
Conclusion: My thoughts and advice is by no means here to instill panic, but merely to alert you to some knowledge that several weeks ago I wish I could have easily found in my round-the-clock exhaustive Internet searches. Believe me, I value the whole, organic, and natural experience… It’s the crux of my blog for The Love of dog! This is a matter of health, common sense and timeliness. When you do employ chemicals do so with an abundance of facts, not only about fleas and the flea life cycle, but treatments and concerns thereof, the current health of your pet and extreme care needed when utilizing toxic chemicals, in addition to the Flea Infestation Iceberg.
But once armed, act quickly with pets, home, and yard! If you are as infested as I had become, this will be your part-time job for three months, although your work load will lessen after the average adult flea life cycle of 21 days.
- Flea Life Cycle
Allergies -finding what works for you-
April 18th, 2010 by Cayce Sands 2 comments »
An allergic reaction occurs when your immune system attacks a particle that is usually harmless such as pollen, dust, pet dander. The immune system goes into a defensive mode, releasing histamine and a bevy of other powerful biochemicals attacking what it perceives as a threat to your health.
Seasonal allergies occur during the bulk of the year, though their patterns depend primarily on geographic location. As we move through the calendar year, pollen activity looks something like this:
In areas with cold winters and warm summers, tree pollens are prevalent March-May, with grass pollen activity May-July, weed pollens start their active period in July, and the dreaded ragweed pollen appears in August and stays airborne until the first frost.
In regions where the climate is typically warm year-round, allergy sufferers are bombarded constantly.
Non-seasonal allergies sufferers have reactions to environmental substances like pet dander, dust and mold, may also suffer all year long.
Most of us may recognize that the number of people who suffer from allergies has increased significantly from that of twenty plus years ago. (just a side note, I think worth the mention)
In New England this year (2010) the experts claim allergens will be relentless causing great discomfort to those who suffer from seasonal allergies and may even effect those who never experienced allergies before due to the heavy rainfall in the month of March creating a lot of mold spores. The rain fall was immediately followed by the summer-like weather creating a drastic rise in pollen levels.
For those with a lifelong reactions to allergens the object is to build a ~complete lifestyle plan~ that will improve your overall health—and with it, your allergies will subside.
To Start
- Keep yourself hydrated
- Local honey: Start eating about 1-2 teaspoons of locally grown natural honey before the allergy season starts. Bees are known to collect pollen from local plants. Therefore, honey will have a low level of pollen, and taking it before the season helps your body to acclimate to a minute level of pollen in advance.
- Invest in a vacuum with a certified HEPA filter system and vacuum weekly
- Shower prior to getting into bed (your partner should too)
- Find indoor activities on days where pollen counts are high
- Use a Nettie pot: Twice daily rinse of all the pollen residing in your nasal passages. This will also drain out some bad bacteria too.
- Turn on your air purifier
- Look into taking a yoga class! New studies have showed that several types of yoga can help, here’s how;
Yoga and postural exercises exert a relaxation response thus curbing the negative effects of psychological stress on appropriate immune function. Yoga may ease allergies in three ways: pranayama yoga increases oxygen intake and improves breathing, Asanas yoga helps build a stronger and more agile body, and together, can bolster ability to fight off environmental assaults. Practicing yoga also decreases your stress level so the body can focus efforts on immune support.
Next, no mucus causing foods in your diet!
The body secretes mucous to protect delicate tissues from unnatural harmful substances. In a healthy person, mucous secretions are light, clear and odorless. Remove:
- egg yolks
- red meat
- gluten
- flour, white & wheat
- processed foods
- mayonnaise
- alcohol
- margarine/dairy products
- corn/corn syrup
- sugar*
- dairy products*
*Dairy
Dairy products aggravate asthma because of its casein content. When the protein of another animal is introduced into the human body, the immune system responds with an allergic reaction. Casein is a milk protein. Eating casein causes your body to produce histamines, which result in excess mucus production.
*Sugar
Americans are eating an average of 153 pounds of sugar a year. Refined white sugar makes it more difficult for your body to absorb vitamins and minerals, a major contributor to the cause of autoimmunity. Sugar also suppresses immune function, leaving us open to infection. (Just one 12-ounce can of soda, can reduce the ability of your immune system to kill germs by up to 40%).
And like salt, sugar is dehydrating to the body. Dehydration increases histamine, which can worsen asthma and any other autoimmune disease (histamine increases inflammation).
Now, eat natural anti-histamine foods
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids contain eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which is a natural anti-inflammatory. Good sources of Omega-3 fatty acids include flaxseed, salmon, and walnuts
Fruit Juices
Real fruit juices are rich sources of antioxidants that help reduce inflammation. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables to get more antioxidants in your diet. Berries have especially high levels of antioxidants.
High Fiber
A high-fiber diet makes for a healthy colon. A low-fiber diet produces a lazy colon that’s more susceptible to disease. High-fiber foods like whole grains, nuts, and seeds stimulate movement in the colon and encourage the growth of “good” bacteria. In an unhealthy colon, “bad” bacteria and fungal organisms like Candida may take over, which could lead to leaky gut syndrome. Leaky gut syndrome often leads to food allergies and chemical sensitivities.
Yogurt & Kefir
Another way to increase the number of good bacteria in your gut is to eat them directly. Yogurt and kefir contain live bacterial cultures. In one University of California study, allergic symptoms declined by 90 percent when patients were fed 18 to 24 ounces of yogurt a day. However,dairy products are mucus causing and allergy sufferers are advised to stay away from them, so opt for a Probiotic supplement.
Spices
Turmeric and ginger are known and proven anti-inflammatory agents.
Magnesium
Some studies have shown that people who have asthma are deficient in magnesium. Foods rich in magnesium include leafy greens, salmon, halibut, artichokes, black beans, navy beans, seeds, soy beans, and molasses.
Zinc
Other studies have shown that people with asthma are deficient in zinc. Foods rich in zinc include seeds, greens, asparagus, broccoli, peas, yogurt, tofu, meats, and sea greens.
Mediterranean Diet
A recent study showed that children who ate high levels of Mediterranean diet type foods were 66 percent less likely to have runny noses and itchy eyes. A Mediterranean diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, olive oil, and fish, but low in red meat. Grapes in particular seem to protect against allergies and asthma. Red grape skin has high levels of resveratol (which reduces inflammation) as well as antioxidants. Resveratol capsules are available at your local pharmacy and maybe easier to take on a daily basis.
Add Supplements
Supplements should address 3 catagories…
Immune Support, Adrenal Support, and Antihistamine/Decongestant Action
Immune System Support
Vitamin C w/bioflavonoids: This supplement works as a natural antihistamine, and it boosts your immune system while adding adrenal support.
Quercetin: A powerful antioxidant. It is also a natural antihistamine, and anti-inflammatory.
Vitamin B5: boosts adrenal function and also defends against stress. It is a good addition to other supplements that boost immunity and provide antihistamine action.
CoQ10: An great supplement, aids in boosting immunity (and then some) and works as an antihistamine – it also helps with stress.
Vitamin A: When allergies come with coughing and runny nose, it’s a signal that inflammation has crept in. Vitamin A will reduce the inflammation, and boost your immune system.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Combine this supplement with Vitamin A and CoQ10 for a complete allergy relief plan – it works to generally reduce allergic reactions.
Herbal Supplements for Adrenal Support
Licorice Root: In almost all herbal literature that deals with allergies and colds, licorice root is touted as an almost-miracle cure. It works so well because it encourages the adrenal glands to produce hormones that fight illness and allergies, as well as reduces inflammation. Licorice root also increases the level of interferon produced by your body, a natural chemical that fights viruses. Try a licorice root tea, and drink it hot 3 times daily.
Astragalus: Increases your body’s metabolic activity and strengthens your immune system. It also helps build a natural resistance to colds and the flu. Like licorice root, it increases the body’s production of interferon.
Capsicum: High in Vitamin C and quercitin, a natural antihistamine. Studies have shown that it may help your respiratory system fight infections, and it has been proven to increase energy and help with allergies and respiratory problems like bronchitis, asthma, and general colds. An herb better taken in capsule form.
Herbal Supplements for Antihistamine and Decongestant Actions
Goldenseal Root: Do NOT take Goldenseal if you have any kind of an infection is present. Goldenseal is extremely effective in soothing inflammation, and it contains berberine that acts as an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent, providing antibiotic effects. Most commonly available in capsule form and should not be taken for more than 2-weeks at a time.
Eyebright: Both colds and allergies are aided well with this herbal supplement. It eases congestion, coughs, and hay fever.
It is a process finding what works for your body, but a process is well worth the outcome!
Sources: Yoga Journal, Nutrition Almanac John Kirschmann and Inc. Nutrition Search, achooallergy.com, Prevention Magazine, www.achooallergy.com, WHFoods.com
Eggs, boiled is best :)
April 3rd, 2010 by Cayce Sands No comments »
(Chicken) Eggs are rich in bio-ready (easily absorb-able) minerals, proteins, and vitamins making it one of the most nutritional food items in our diet!
Eggs are a good source of essential minerals such as calcium, iron, phosphorus, zinc and iodine.
Calories:a medium sized egg has about 75-76 kcal.
Vitamins: Eggs are rich in vitamin B, especially vitamin b12, vitamin A, vitamin D (very few food items that contain vitamin D), vitamin E and vitamin K.
Protein: An egg is composed of about 11% proteins. It contains all the amino acids necessary for body metabolism. Most of the proteins are concentrated in the Albumin (the egg white).
Egg White and Egg Yolk: The yolk is suspended in the albumin and contains about 80% of the calories and almost all fats present in the egg. It contains vitamin A, D, E and K and minerals such as iron, calcium, and phosphorus. The egg albumen mostly contains water and proteins.
Health Benefits of Eggs: Immunity support, eye health and cataract treatment, skin care, nervous system support, strong bones, and healthy blood formation. Recent research has also shown that consuming eggs does not lead to increase in serum cholesterol levels. Eggs also play a role in weight management, muscle strength, healthy pregnancy, and healthy brain function.
(Buy organic where and when you can – little steps make a difference!)
Nutrition Facts
Calories (kcal)
70
17
55
Protein (g)
6.29
3.60
2.70
Carbohydrate (g)
0.39
0.21
0.61
Total fat (g)
4.97
0.06
4.51
Polyunsaturated fat (g)
0.682
0
0.715
Monounsaturated fat (g)
1.905
0
1.995
Saturated fat (g)
1.55
0
1.624
Cholesterol (mg)
212
0
210
Choline (mg)
125.5
-
-
Lutein & Zeaxanthin (mcg)
166
0
186
Vitamin A (IU)
244
0
245
Vitamin D (IU)
18
0
18
Vitamin E (mg)
0.48
0
0.44
Vitamin B6 (mg)
0.071
0.002
0.059
Vitamin B12 (mcg)
0.65
0.03
0.33
Folate (mcg)
24
1
25
Thiamin (mg)
0.035
0.001
0.03
Riboflavin (mg)
0.239
0.145
0.09
Calcium (mg)
26
2
22
Sodium (mg)
70
55
8
Potassium (mg)
67
54
19
Phosphorus (mg)
96
5
66
Magnesium (mg)
6
4
1
Iron (mg)
0.92
0.03
0.46
Zinc (mg)
0.56
0.01
0.39
Source/s: www.organicfacts.net, www.incredibleegg.org, USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference
Easter Treats (‘unforgettable’ Forgotten Cookies)
April 3rd, 2010 by Cayce Sands 1 comment »
Forgotten Cookies
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 egg whites
- dash salt
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (or a ¼ tsp. cream of tarter)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 6 ounces mini chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350. Beat egg whites until foamy. Gradually add sugar and lemon juice (or cream of tarter), continue beating until whites hold stiff peaks. Add salt and vanilla. Fold in pecans and chocolate chips. Cover cookie sheet with foil and grease with butter. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto foil. Place in oven, turn the oven off then leave in oven Overnight with door closed.
Egg Whites are a high natural bio available protein, fat free, cholesterol free and low in carbohydrates.
Coffee! (surely, part 1)
March 20th, 2010 by Cayce Sands No comments »
Despite past concerns about Coffee, and other sources of caffeine being detrimental to health, decades of research suggests that regular coffee consumption benefits may reduce the risk of health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and liver cancer—and regular coffee drinkers might even live longer due to the rich content of Antioxidants and Cancer-Fighting Properties!
“In the past, a lot of people have tried to improve their health by cutting down on coffee,” says Rob M. van Dam, assistant professor of nutrition and epidemiology at the Harvard School of Public Health. But that’s probably an unnecessary sacrifice. Coffee is “not only a vehicle for caffeine,” says van Dam, “It has a lot of other components.” It’s likely that those other components—such as antioxidants and fiber—account for some of coffee’s health benefits. We hear about green tea, being a good source of antioxidants, but it’s been reported that coffee may be the largest source of antioxidants among people who drink it.
For the past 22 years, some 19,000 studies have been done examining coffee’s impact on health. And for the most part, the results are as pleasing as a gulp of fresh brewed coffee for the 108 million Americans who routinely enjoy this traditionally morning — and increasingly daylong — ritual. In practical terms, regular coffee drinkers include the majority of U.S. adults and a growing number of children.
“Overall, the research shows that coffee is far more healthful than it is harmful,” says Tomas DePaulis, PhD, research scientist at Vanderbilt University’s Institute for Coffee Studies, which conducts its own medical research and tracks coffee studies from around the world. “For most people, very little bad comes from drinking it, but a lot of good.”
Little do most coffee drinkers know: Many studies over the past few years indicate that people who drink coffee on a regular basis are up to 80% less likely to develop Parkinson’s, with several studies showing the more they drink, the lower the risk. In fact, Parkinson’s drugs are now being developed that contain a derivative of caffeine based on this evidence. Other research shows that compared to not drinking coffee, at least two cups daily can translate to a 25% reduced risk of colon cancer, an 80% drop in liver cirrhosis risk, and nearly half the risk of gallstones. Also included in a variety of recent studies is the lowered risk of Alzheimer’s disease in 2-cup-a-day coffee drinkers.
There’s also evidence that coffee may help manage asthma and even control attacks when medication is unavailable, stop a headache, boost mood, increase cognitive ability, reduce risk of gout in those with unhealthy thyroid function, stimulate bowel function and even prevent cavities.
How does coffee affect growing minds and bodies? Very nicely, it seems, says DePaulis. Coffee, as you probably know, makes you more alert, which can boost concentration. Coffee-drinking kids may do better on school tests because they’re more awake, but most task-to-task lab studies suggest that coffee doesn’t really improve mental performance, says DePaulis. But it helps kids’ minds in another way. “There recently was a study from Brazil finding that children who drink coffee with milk each day are less likely to have depression than other children,” he tells WebMD. “In fact, no studies show that coffee in reasonable amounts is in any way harmful to children.”
And for those of us who are possibly the healthiest of all, caffeine has been a proven component in enhancing athletic endurance and performance in those athletes that consume coffee, says physiologist and longtime coffee researcher Terry Graham, PhD, of the University of Guelph in Canada.
On the flip side, it’s clear that coffee isn’t for everyone. Its legendary jolt in excess doses can increase nervousness, hand trembling, and cause rapid heartbeat and is not recommended for pregnant women, patients with heart disease and those who suffer from ulcers.
Sources: USNews, WebMD, EzineArticles.com, Buzzle.com, cuppers.ca
Inositol
March 18th, 2010 by Cayce Sands 4 comments »Inositol (sometimes referred to as Vitamin B8) is part of the vitamin B complex family. Inositol combines with choline to produce lecithin, a type of lipid that is needed to form healthy membranes for every living cell in the body and contributes to healthy nerve and muscle function, the promotion of healthy hair, and the prevention of eczema. Lecithin helps keep the brain, heart, liver healthy, and aids in the absorption of thiamin (vitamin B1) and vitamin A. As a component of lecithin, Inositol helps to prevent high cholesterol and the hardening of the arteries caused by cholesterol buildup. Inositol, while working closely with choline, moves fats out of the heart and liver. It has also been said to have a calming effect on the nervous system, and is being studied as a possible treatment for depression, panic attacks, and even Alzheimer’s disease.
The body does manufacture its own supply of Inositol by way of the healthy bacteria that resides in the gut. This is a process that converts phytic acid found in plant fibers into Inositol.
Food Sources (Inositol is not considered a nutrient, it is accessed via foods containing myo-inositol, these foods are as follows):
- cantaloupe
- citrus fruits (other than lemons)
- nuts
- oats
- rice
- beans
- chickpeas
- liver
- pork
- veal
- whole grains
- lecithin granules
- wheat germ
According to some sources, taking supplemental Inositol can increase the effectiveness of both choline and Vitamin E. Inositol is available both as a separate supplement containing myo-inositol and choline, and as a component of lecithin supplements.
Contradictions
Large amounts of caffeine may deplete levels.
Dietary Reference Intake
Inositol supplements do not seem to pose a risk for toxicity. There is no Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for Inositol, but most people get about 1,000 milligrams a day from their food and doses as high as 50 grams have no reported side effects.
Sources: vitamin-insight.com, www.vitaminstuff.com
Choline
March 4th, 2010 by Cayce Sands No comments »Choline is a member of the Vitamin B complex family and classified as a lipotropic, or fat emulsifier, a compound that the body can manufacture from lecithin* (intake). Choline works closely with other B vitamins, to process fat from the liver, keeps heart, brain and gallbladder healthy and is useful in the treatment of cholesterol buildup. Choline is a precursor to acetylcholine, which is an important neurotransmitter needed for brain and memory function. Scientists are now researching the benefits of choline in treating and even preventing diseases that affect the brain and central nervous system, such as Parkinson’s disease, memory loss and Alzheimer’s (people with Alzheimer’s usually have low levels of acetylcholine in their brains).
You get choline in your diet from foods that contain lecithin.
Some foods that contain lecithin*
- egg yolk
- rice
- red meat
- liver
- cabbage
- cauliflower
- soybeans
- lentils
- green beans
- split peas
- breast milk
- beef liver
- garbanzo beans
- kale
- oatmeal
- soybeans
- wheat germ
Lecithin is also a common food additive used in ice cream, margarine, mayonnaise and chocolate bars to help bind the fat in these foods with water.
There is no Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for choline; most people get anywhere from 300 to 1,000 milligrams each day from their diet. However, the following can be used as a reference;
Dietary Reference Intake
Men: 550 mg
Women: 425 mg
Deficiency Symptoms
A deficiency of choline may contribute to liver degeneration and hardening of the arteries.
Toxicity Symptoms
Nausea, vomiting, excess saliva, fishy body odor, and dizziness may result if consumed in toxic amounts.
Other names for Choline include: CDP-choline, Citicoline, Phosphatidylcholine, Polyenylphosphatidylcholine (PPC), and Tetra-methylglycine.
www.pdrhealth.com, vitamin-insight.com, www.vitaminstuff.com
Biotin / Vitamin H / B7
February 27th, 2010 by Cayce Sands No comments »
Biotin, otherwise known as Vitamin B7 or Vitamin H, now assigned to the B-complex vitamin family. It is found in trace amounts in all living tissue, both animal and plant. A normal, healthy body will manufacture Biotin in the intestine by way of friendly bacteria (this is one of the few vitamins that does not necessarily need to be consumed). Biotin is involved in the metabolism of fatty acids and works with other B vitamins to make healthy cells and convert carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into energy. Biotin also promotes healthy; hair, skin, nails, sweat glands, nerve tissue, bone marrow, male sex glands and may help prevent depression.
Food Sources of Biotin
- cheese
- banana
- brewer’s yeast
- brown rice
- bulgur wheat
- cauliflower
- liver
- cooked egg yolks
- salmon
- dairy products nuts
- green peas
- lentils
- soybeans
- sunflower seeds
- corn
- fortified cereals
- meat
- poultry
- saltwater fish
- soybeans
- whole grains
Biotin is destroyed by certain food-processing techniques such as canning and heat curing.
Recommended Dietary Allowance of Biotin
Because the body manufactures biotin, no official Dietary Reference Intake or Recommended Dietary Allowance has been set for this vitamin. However, as a guideline, adults need about 30 mcg of biotin daily. Biotin supplements are both safe and available; large doses have no known toxic effects.
Deficiency Symptoms
Symptoms include anemia, skin problems, hair loss, muscle pain, fatigue, insomnia, nausea and or loss of appetite, high cholesterol, depression, hair loss, brittle hair, high blood sugar, inflammation or pallor of the skin and mucous membranes, muscular pain, and soreness of the tongue.
Contradictions
Antibiotics, anticonvulsantants, insulin, raw egg whites, eating disorders, sulfa drugs, consumption of large amounts of saccharin, Type II (non-insulin-dependent): one study found that people taking 9,000 micrograms each day for a month had blood sugar levels fall to nearly half of their original levels.
Sources: www.lifeclinic.com, www.vitamin-insight.com, www.vitaminstuff.com
