Nutrition and Herbs for Anemia

Nutrition and Herbs for Anemia

In this post I am focusing on iron deficiency anemia because it is the most common form of anemia and the most easily remedied through diet and herbal treatment.

Iron Deficiency Anemia

Foods that bind with iron or contribute to iron deficiency:

In 1990, the Journal of Pediatrics (Vol. 116) reported:

"Cow's milk can cause blood loss from the intestinal tract,

which over time, reduces the body's iron stores. Blood loss

may be a reaction to cow's milk proteins."

Dairy products

"Calcium in dairy products such as milk and cheese can reduce the absorption of iron from food and supplements. This probably isn't a problem for people who have enough iron stored in their bodies. "

For those who suffer from iron deficiency anemia it is important to decrease dairy consumption to help the body absorb adequate levels of iron.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/912.html

"Caseins from milk and certain forms of calcium inhibit iron absorption. In addition, infants who are allergic to cow's milk may be particularly susceptible to intestinal blood losses due to the irritating effect of dairy products.  Iron status measured as serum ferritin is inversely associated with greater consumption of dairy products in toddlers, particularly when they displace foods that contain iron or that facilitate iron absorption. Eggs (especially yolks) also appear to inhibit iron absorption.^"

http://www.nutritionmd.org/health_care_providers/hematology/ironanemia_nutrition.html

 Hallberg L, Hulthen L. Prediction of dietary iron absorption: an algorithm for calculating absorption and bioavailability of dietary iron. Am J Clin Nutr. 2000;71:1147–1160.
 Stekel A, Amar M, Calvo E, Chadud P, Hertrampf E, Llaguno S, et al. Nutritional significance of interactions between iron and food components. Arch Latinoam Nutr. 1983;33:33–41.

Eggs

"Eggs contain a compound that impairs absorption of iron.  Phosphoprotein called phosvitin is a protein with a iron binding capacity that may be responsible for the low bioavailability of iron from eggs. This  iron inhibiting characteristic of eggs is called the “egg factor”. The egg factor has been observed in several separate studies. One boiled egg can reduce absorption of iron in a meal by as much as 28%."

http://www.irondisorders.org/diet/

Eggs and spinach are sometimes touted as good sources of iron. But experiments and laboratory analyses suggest that the iron in these foods is poorly absorbed (Gordon and Chow 1984; Insel et al 2004; Ishikawa et al 2007).

***It is important to note that cooked or sauteed spinach is a better source of iron, some of the oxalates are destroyed in the cooking process allowing better absorption of iron. 

http://garden.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Elephant_Ear

Potential Causes:

Heavy menstruation:  Heavy menstrual flow can cause low iron and subsequent anemia.  It is more important to balance hormones and reduce menstrual flow as well as correct the iron deficiency.  [See the post on hormonal balance]

Peptic ulcer disease and gastritis: These digestive disorders can lead to blood loss, which can deplete iron stores. Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can act as a contributing factor.

Cancer: Esophageal, gastric, and other gastrointestinal cancers often cause occult bleeding in the digestive system that can deplete iron stores.

Excessive exercise: Rarely, blood losses may occur due to intense exercise. Iron losses also result from increased sweating. In particular, such losses may predispose adolescent female athletes to anemia.

Celiac Disease- Damage to the vili in the intestinal tract due to celiac can decrease absorption of vital nutrients and can be a contributing factor in some cases of iron deficiency anemia.

Crohn's disease and Ulcerative colitis- Similar to celiac, damage in the intestinal tract along with any bleeding as a result can lead to iron deficiency.

Herbs For Anemia

Red raspberry leaf- One beneficial effect of red raspberry leaf for anemia is its balancing action on female hormones, which may help bring the menstrual cycle into balance preventing excessive blood loss.

It is also high in vitamin C which enhances the absorption of iron contained in the diet.

Nettles- stinging nettles are high in iron and vitamin C, they enhance absorption of iron and provide a good source of iron for iron deficiency anemia.  Prepare a potent decoction of nettles and drink 3-4 glasses of tea per day.  1-2 Tb. herb to 8 oz. water.

Dandelion root- Dandelion contains iron and other minerals in conjunction with vitamin C to enhance iron absorption.  It is another herb used in combinations for anemia.  It can be added to your nettle tea to increase iron consumption.

Yellow dock-  Rich in iron and vitamin C.

Whole food supplements:

Floradix- contains B vitamins, vitamin C and a non-constipating plant based source of iron.  This source of iron is not toxic, will not lead to overdose and is an excellent blood building tonic.

Mega Food Blood Builder: provides 100% whole food iron with synergistic nutrients and organic beet root to maintain healthy levels of iron.

Chlorophyll-  1 Tb. at breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Iron Rich Foods

Vitamin C aids in the absorption of iron, foods that contain iron and vitamin C are excellent in building the blood and restoring iron levels.  All nutrient content was determined using the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference Release 22

 All values are percentage of RDA

1 c. cooked spinach             36%  [cooking breaks down oxalates to                                                          improve iron absorption]

1 c. cooked chard                       22%

1 c. garbanzo beans            26%

1 c. black beans                  30%

1 c. lentils                          37%

1 c. tempeh                        25%

1 c. lima beans                   24%

1 large baked potato            18%

1 1/2 Tb. hemp protein        18%

1 c. quinoa                         15%

1 c. oats                            21%

1 c. buckwheat                   21%

1 c. edamame                    20%

1 oz. pumpkin seeds            14%

1 c. black eyed peas            13%

1 c. green peas                   12%

2 Tb. molasses                    10%

1 oz. pinenuts                     10%

1/4 c. sunflower seeds        10%

1 c. brussels sprouts            10%

Tofu 1/4 of package            8%

1 c. cooked kale                 7%

Meat not necessarily high in iron

1 c. cooked chicken             9%

1 ground beef patty             11%

1 NLEA serving sliced ham    3%   

1 c. milk                            0%

1 large egg                         5%

1 3oz. filet of halibut            5%

Heme iron consumption is associated with a higher risk of gallstones.

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 85, No. 2, 518-522, February 2007

Improve digestion and absorption of nutrients

You can eat all the iron containing foods and supplements in the world, but if you have poor absorption due to poor digestion your iron levels will not improve no matter what you do.

It is important to recognize that adequate iron consumption is important, but more often than the problem is not merely lack of sufficient iron in the diet and herbs and supplements often are not enough.

If you have had persistently low iron levels or anemia that has not resolved with supplements or food you may need to improve your overall health and work on your digestion.

In our sterile modern world with chlorinated water, antibiotics, antibacterial soaps, pesticides and all manner of chemicals to destroy bacteria our intestinal health suffers.  We NEED friendly flora in our intestinal tract to provide protection, enhance digestion and absorption of nutrients.

The best thing you can do for your digestion is to take fresh fermented foods [not dairy products] as they inhibit proper absorption of iron.

Rejuvelac-  A fermented grain beverage that an be made from wheat, buckwheat, quinoa or millet.  8 oz. of this per day will help recolonate the intestinal tract.

Rejuvenative foods zing salad or raw sauerkraut.  1-2 Tb. per day.

Coconut kefir- kefir made from coconut water

Heme Iron is not the best source of iron
     
Heme iron simply means blood, you are consuming the blood of the animal in the animal tissue and therefore Heme iron.  There are drawbacks to Heme iron, for one, the body cannot regulate the uptake of heme iron as easily and so excessive consumption can lead to higher levels that cause higher oxidation and free radical damage in the body.

Iron is necessary, however, excessive amounts can damage DNA and encourage the production of damaging free radicals.  A study of 14,000 participants found high iron intake and high iron body stores associated with higher incidence of colon polyps and colon cancer.  They found lower stored iron in cancer patients indicating that cancer can cause a depletion of the body's iron stores. 

 Nelson, Davis, Suffer, Sobin, Kikeenddl, Bowen. Body iron stores and risk of colonic neoplasia. J Natl Canc Inst 1994; 86:455-60

A study from Harvard University  School of Public Health involved over 50,000 participants and continued for 4 years, this study found that total iron intake was not necessarily associated with heart disease risk, however, the source of iron WAS important. 

High levels of heme iron increased the risk of heart disease by twofold!  Higher intake of iron from plant based foods was not associated with any heart disease risk factors.  Non-heme iron is actually a better source because there are 'safety' mechanisms in place that prevent excessive absorption and subsequent health risks.  Heme iron is an oxidant, it reacts with LDL cholesterol causing oxidation and formation of foam cells and arterial plaque in the arteries.

Ascherio, Willett, Rimm, Giovannucci, Stampger. Dietary iron intake and risk of coronary disease among men. Circulation 1994; 89:969-74

It isn't just about how much you can absorb, enough iron is a good thing, too much is NOT a good thing, more is not better and higher absorption is not necessarily better either.    When iron is low, the body will increase absorption of plant based non-heme iron, it can also decrease absorption when there is sufficient iron.  
     

Herbs for ADD, Natural treatment for ADD and ADHD

Herbs and Natural Treatment for ADD/ADHD



"Despite intensive research, the exact origins of ADD and ADHD have yet to be determined."     http://www.thehealthcenter.info/adult-add-adhd/cause-of-add-adhd.htm

There are many 'theories' but there is no diagnosis available, by diagnosis I mean brain scan, blood tests, urine tests etc..... because it is not a disease.

I am not suggesting that individuals do not experience difficulty with attention span or hyperactivity, I am merely suggesting that there is no source of 'organic' disease in ADD or ADHD. 

ADD/ADHD both do have a cause, but because there is no financial incentive to expose the real cause of ADD, researchers continue to look at genetic markers and brain function to try to justify the use of very potent drugs to 'treat' the condition.

ADD/ADHD personality- These individuals are active by their very nature, they love hands on work, they like to take things apart, see how things work, they enjoy working with their hands and become wrestles when they must sit still for long periods of time.

Is this really a disease?  certainly not!

However, a child who learns by active learning does not fit in our public school system, and therefore they are considered a problem.  This learning style is not acceptable and so these children are drugged into submission.

This personality type does not function well working at a desk job, studying textbooks or sitting still for  very long.  There is nothing wrong with this, it is not a disease.  These individuals need to work in an active profession and enjoy the benefits of their traits rather than see it as a disease.

Dietary and Environmental hyperactivity

Doctors are eager to 'prove' that diet has nothing to do with ADD because it would be a significant financial blow to the system.  It is difficult to pinpoint just one dietary factor because there are many chemicals in our food supply that affect the brain and health of children.  It is critical to remove ALL unnatural food additives or highly allergenic foods:

Dairy products

Sugar

MSG

FD&C colorings

yeast

preservatives

artificial sweeteners

wheat gluten

nitrates in processed meats

eggs- are a common food allergen as well.

Many children with severe problems actually have food allergies, nutritional deficiencies and sensitivity to chemicals in food.

Dr. Hafer has found a link between phosphate consumption and ADD symptoms:  http://phosadd.com/diet/diet.htm

The key is not merely removal of sugar or any other single food, but ALL processed foods!

The key is a whole food diet!

• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Whole grains  [quinoa, millet, oats, buckwheat, brown rice etc...}
• Legumes
• Nuts & Seeds [unsalted, unflavored]

These children should be consuming whole foods, without sugars or any food additives.

Food allergies should be identified so that all those foods can be removed from the child's diet as well.

Children should not be consuming any processed food:  white flour, soda pop, candy, sugar, white rice, cereals, cheetos, donuts, chips, or any other processed food.

High protein diets are not appropriate or healthy for children

Some websites promote high protein diets, and while some benefit may be derived from the lack of refined carbohydrates and sugar they are not appropriate for children, or adults.  High protein diets for ADD have had mixed success, however these diets are NOT appropriate for children.

The high amount of nitrogenous waste is injurious to the kidney and liver

Ketosis produces a lot of metabolic waste and ketones that are also injurious to the body.

The brain needs carbohydrates for fuel, it is the body's number one source of fuel!

The symptoms of ketosis include:

•  general tiredness
•  abrupt or gradually increasing weakness
•  dizziness
•  headaches
• confusion
•  abdominal pain
•  irritability
• nausea and vomiting
•  sleep problems and bad breath.

One study found that all those subjected to carb-free diets complained of fatigue after just two days. "[T]his complaint was characterized by a feeling of physical lack of energy... The subjects all felt that they did not have sufficient energy to continue normal activity after the third day. This fatigue promptly disappeared after the addition of carbohydrates to the diet."

http://www.atkinsexposed.org/atkins/27/More_to_Lose_Than_Weight.htm

ADD/ADHD not a ritalin deficiency, but a parental involvement deficiency

This may be a controversial subject and may upset parents who deep down really do love their children, but truth is truth.

Many children who appear to exhibit hyperactive and destructive behavior feel unloved and lack enough attention from their parents.

I realize that parents may be busy and may not understand the various needs of their children.  Children need active involvement from their parents, time when they  have their parents undivided attention. 

Young boys need the care and attention from their fathers, and more often than not in our busy world, Dad's do not have time, or make time to spend one on one with their sons.

Before you become defensive and offended, try and spend 1 hour per day of quality time with your ADD or ADHD child and see if their behavior begins to improve over the coming months.

Give the child a creative outlet 

 We buy our son broken radios, CD players etc... from a second hand store and let him take them apart and try to 'fix' them. 

·         Art classes

·          dance class

·          gymnastics

·         yoga is AMAZING for ADD children, my son really enjoyed it and it teaches them to quiet their mind while being active.

·         wood working community education classes

·         photography classes

·         Find anything your child is interested in and encourage them to pursue it.

Ritalin

Warning from the Physicians Desk Reference:

"In children, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, weight loss during prolonged therapy, insomnia, and tachycardia [rapid heart rate] may occur more frequently; however, any of the other adverse reactions listed above may also occur. "

• Toxic psychosis has been reported

• There have been rare reports of Tourette's syndrome

"Other reactions include:

•  hypersensitivity (including skin rash, urticaria [hives]
•  fever
•  arthralgia [intense burning or stabbing pain caused by irritation of or damage to a nerve]
•  exfoliative dermatitis [peeling skin]
•  erythema multiforme [red blotches or blisters all over the skin] with histopathological [microscopic]
• findings of necrotizing vasculitis [death of blood vessels]
•  thrombocytopenic purpura [purplish spots or patches])
•  anorexia [loss of appetite]
•  nausea
•  dizziness
•  palpitations [irregular, hard or rapid heartbeat]
•  headache
•  dyskinesia [muscle spasms]
•  drowsiness
•  blood pressure and pulse changes, both up and down
•  tachycardia [rapid heart rate]
•  angina [caused by an insufficient supply of blood to the heart muscle]
• cardiac arrhythmia [irregularity of the heartbeat]
•  abdominal pain
•  weight loss during prolonged therapy."

"Did you know that schools receive additional money from state and federal government for every child labeled and drugged? This clearly demonstrates a possible "financial incentive" for schools to label and drug children. It also backs up the alarming rise/increase in the labeling and drugging that has taken place in the last decade within our schools."

http://www.ritalindeath.com/

Herbs for ADD

Chamomile Tea-  Serve a child 4 oz. of chamomile tea morning and evening.

Chamomile has a relaxing effect, it relaxes muscle spasms, relaxes the nervous system, and improves liver function.

Dr.  Christophers Kid-e-trac

The formula is known for the following properties:
• It improves cerebral and peripheral circulation
• Helps to strengthen the cardiovascular system
• Reduces the permeability of the vascular wall and improves blood vessel elasticity
• Helps to reduce the risk of blood clots in the veins and arteries
• Improves memory and the ability to concentrate
• Stimulates mental activity
• Helps to improve the function of vision
• Is a powerful antioxidant

For Adults use Dr. Christophers Mind Trac

Functional Foods for ADD

Providing optimal nutrition is extremely critical for ADD.

Green Smoothie

This green smoothie provides an excellent source of calcium, 20% daily value of protein, omega 3's, vitamin A, antioxidants and many other important nutrients.

8 oz. water

1 banana

1 tsp. flaxseed

1 tsp. chia seed

1 c. frozen mango

2 c. spinach

1 Tb. sesame seeds

3 dates

Flax and Chia seeds

Excellent sources of omega 3 fatty acids for children.

Berries

Excellent sources of vitamin C and other antioxidants

Rejuvenative foods raw sauerkraut- Poor digestion is another aspect of ADD children.  Due to our overly sterlized environments with chlorinated water, antibiotics, antibacterial hand soaps the friendly flora in the intestinal tract is destroyed.

Undigested proteins are allowed to cross the intestinal wall into the bloodstream and cause immune reactions.  This is one of the hallmarks of ADD, these children are having immune reactions to foods they are consuming and this affects them more strongly than most other children.

Probiotics- Do not give children yogurt, it only contains one out of DOZENS of probiotic strains and it also contains sugar!  Find a very high quality probiotic and make sure they take this supplement everyday.



Natural Treatment for Acne

Natural Treatments for Acne

I must make a disclaimer, using natural treatment for acne or herbs for acne alone will not improve your condition!  Natural remedies for acne, or any other health condition will not work if you continue to eat an unhealthy diet and lead an unhealthy lifestyle.  Natural treatments for acne are designed to address the underlying causes of acne and the underlying poor health of the individual as a whole.

Natural acne treatments are not bandaid approaches and require time, effort and change on your part in order to be effective.  If you are ready and willing to make the necessary changes to improve your overall health that will lead to resolution of  acne continue on......if not you may want to seek another approach.

Mini's Acne Mask:

3 Tb. Raw honey

1 Tb. lemon juice

2 tsp. white willow bark powder

2 tsp. comfrey

Fresh aloe vera

Mix mask ingredients to make a paste, add a little water if necessary.  Apply mask to face and rest for 10-15  minutes.  Rinse off and moisturize with a fresh oil:

White willow bark- an anti-inflammatory, willow bark lowers the body's levels of prostaglandins, hormone like compounds that can cause inflammation.

Comfrey- cell proliferant and heals the skin

Honey- has strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and it has been used as a treatment for wounds and other skin problems for thousands of years.

Lemon juice- an excellent natural astringent and anti-oxidant for the skin.

Skin Cleanser:

I recommend acnetix  http://www.acnetix.com

It is an all-natural cleanser that does not contain any harsh chemicals that may exacerbate acne.  It contains a wide range of herbs and vitamins that cleanse and nourish the skin.

I have several clients who use acnetix and have had excellent improvements in their skin.

Do not use commercial astringents:

Astringents are very drying to the skin and cause an imbalance of oil, pH and other factors for healthy skin.  Even alcohol free astringents are not appropriate for use on any type of skin.

Natural Astringents

If you feel you need an astringent to tone and tighten the skin use a natural astringent with vitamin C and other natural properties.

Fresh lemon  juice

Fresh strawberries-  mash them into a pulp and spread on skin for 1-2 minutes.

Aloe Vera:

Fresh aloe vera is wonderfully healing to the skin, do not use any commercial perparations of aloe vera as they will not have the same healing properties.

Aloe vera easily penetrates the skin increasing the circulation of the blood to the skin, promotes sloughing off of dead cells and fosters the growth of new ones. It aids in the regeneration of scarred or blemished skin tissue and provides a protective coating on the skin to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.

Moisturizers:

All moisturizers on store shelves contain petrochemcials, and skin clogging ingredients, despite the fact that they are supposed to be designed to be 'good' for your skin.  These companies use cheap ingredients, fillers and chemicals that are not good for your skin or your body.

Save yourself a lot of money and use natural and inexpensive moisturizers.

• Shea butter- Heavier oil for dry skin.
• Cocount oil-  Use good extra virgin oil, it has long been used as a  skin moisturizing oil in the tropics.
• Almond oil- Excellent light oil for oily skin.
• Jojoba oil
• Olive oil- Olive oil has strong anti-inflammatory properties due to its high concentration of polyphenols and a substance known as oleocanthal.

Fruits and Vegetables juices for Acne:

 Carrot & spinach, celery & watercress, grapefruit juices are all useful to combat acne. [NL 3-5]  These juices provide easily digested nutrition to the body, they are extremely cleansing and provide superior nutrition.

I have noticed when I consume fresh juices the reddness of acne scars is significantly reduced.  The water content coupled with the high antioxidant and nutrient content of juices that are easily absorbed contribute to overall health and optimal skin health.

Nutrition:

Diet is absolutely critical for healing of acne, you can use all the lotions and potions you want but if your diet is abysmal you will have very little success in treating acne either naturally or with pharmaceuticals.

"As pointed out by Dr. Jerome Fisher, 'About 80 percent of cows that are giving milk are pregnant and are throwing off hormones continuously.' Progesterone breaks down into androgens, which have been implicated as a factor in the development of acne...Dr. Fisher observed that his teenage acne patients improved as soon as the milk drinking stopped."

"Hormones found in cow's milk include: Estradiol, Estriol, Progesterone, Testosterone, 17-Ketosteroids, Corticosterone, Vitamin D, insulin-like growth factor, growth hormone, prolactin, oxytocin..."

Journal of Endocrine Reviews, 14(6) 1992

These hormones can cause significant disruption in our natural hormonal balance and can lead to poly-cystic ovarian syndrome, infertility, acne,  early puberty among a host of other health problems.

"Acne is an end-organ hyper-response to androgens...These data show that sebaceous glands are stimulated by androgens to varying degrees and support the theory of an end-organ response in acne."

British Journal of Dermatology, 1998 Jul, 139:1

Dairy contains a powerful binding protein, casein, which is strongly linked with constipation.  Excess estrogen is excreted through the bowel, if an individual is suffering from constipation that estrogen will be reabsorbed causing elevated levels of estrogen.  This cycle of constipation and reabsorption of estrogens can cause hormonal imbalances that can affect health in a myriad of ways including contributing to acne.

Studies have shown that women who consume a high fiber diet have lower levels of circulating estrogens, lower cholesterol levels and lower androgen levels.  All of these hormones and precursors have a direct affect on hormonal health and acne.

It is critically important to consume a very high fiber diet!

Dietary Recommendations

4 servings of vegetables daily

4 servings of fruit

1-2 c. of legumes

1-2 c. of whole grains

1-2 oz. nuts and seeds

Eliminate dairy products

Limit consumption of eggs and meat to 12% of calories or less

 Water

Normally I recommend that clients drink water when they are thirsty.  The blanket recommendation that everyone drink 8 glasses of water a day is not accurate for every persons needs.   Some need less, some may need more.

However, most individuals mistake thirst for hunger and have completely ignored their thirst signals for so long they don't know what it feels  like, so in the case of severe acne I recommend that you drink 6-8 glasses of water per day. 

Avoid Processed Food

This is something that everyone should be doing, but you cannot heal or balance the body without providing the nutrients necessary to maintain health and proper balance in the body.  If you continue to eat potato chips, white bread and hydrogenated oils the likelihood that anything will truly heal your acne is very slim.

The basic premise of garbage in, garbage out applies here.  You cannot put garbage into your body and expect to maintain optimal health.  If you want healthy, glowing skin you have to provide the building blocks for optimal health. 

Junk foods to avoid

White bread, crackers, cereals, cookies or boxed processed foods

Hydrogenated oils

High fructose corn syrup

All refined sugar

All oils

FD& C colorings

BHT

MSG

aspartame

white rice

Probiotics

You need to restore a healthy flora balance in the body in order to prevent constipation and to optimize digestion and absorption of nutrients.

Probiotic pills are okay but are not potent enough when you are just beginning to replenish your gut flora.

 Rejuvenative Foods

Rejuvenative foods is the absolute BEST food for replenishing friendly flora.

Rejuvenative foods zing salad

Rejuvenative foods raw sauerkraut

2 Tb. daily

http://www.rejuvenativefoods.com/

Acne is a very complex issue that involves digestion, hormonal balance, balance of friendly flora, proper nutrition and hydration.  Natural treatment for acne must include a multi-faceted approach.  Modern medicine does nothing to address the underlying aspects of acne, they simply destroy your friendly flora by prescribing powerful anti-biotics or very strong facial peels.

A healthy, well nourished body will not suffer from acne.  It is important to deal with the root cause of acne rather than use powerful, health damaging medications that do nothing to heal or cure the condition.

There are a myriad of herbs for acne, however these herbs for acne will not cure the condition if you continue to eat a very unhealthy diet and live an unhealthy lifestyle.  Natural treatments involve lifestyle changes, not merely bandaid approaches to health.  It is extremely important that you make the necessary changes to improve your health and healthy skin will be a natural result of those changes.