Calcium Health Quotes

Elsewhere the paper notes that vegetarians and vegans (including athletes) 'meet and exceed requirements' for protein. And, to render the whole we-should-worry-about-getting-enough-protein-and-therefore-eat-meat idea even more useless, other data suggests that excess animal protein intake is linked with osteoporosis, kidney disease, calcium stones in the urinary tract, and some cancers. Despite some persistent confusion, it is clear that vegetarians and vegans tend to have more optimal protein consumption than omnivores.

I used to jog but it's bad for the knees. Too much beta carotene turns you orange, too much calcium gives you kidney stones. Health kills.

I used to jog but it’s bad for the knees. Too much beta carotene turns you orange, too much calcium gives you kidney stones. Health kills.

Dehydration contributes to mineral deficiency  by causing the kidneys to excrete calcium.

In one study of ten countries,14 a higher consumption of calcium was associated with a higher—not lower—risk of bone fracture (Chart 10.3

In terms of nutritional content, a tablespoon of chia is like a smoothie made from salmon, spinach, and human growth hormone. As tiny as those seeds are, they’re superpacked with Omega-3s, protein, calcium, iron, zinc, fiber and antioxidants.

Over the past fifteen years, the iconoclastic mathematician Irakli Loladze has isolated a dramatic effect of carbon dioxide on human nutrition unanticipated by plant physiologists: it can make plants bigger, but those bigger plants are less nutritious. “Every leaf and every grass blade on earth makes more and more sugars as CO2 levels keep rising,” Loladze told Politico, in a story about his work headlined “The Great Nutrient Collapse.” “We are witnessing the greatest injection of carbohydrates into the biosphere in human history—[an] injection that dilutes other nutrients in our food supply.” Since 1950, much of the good stuff in the plants we grow—protein, calcium, iron, vitamin C, to name just four—has declined by as much as one-third, a landmark 2004 study showed. Everything is becoming more like junk food. Even the protein content of bee pollen has dropped by a third. The problem has gotten worse as carbon concentrations have gotten worse. Recently, researchers estimated that by 2050 as many as 150 million people in the developing world will be at risk of protein deficiency as the result of nutrient collapse, since so many of the world’s poor depend on crops, rather than animal meat, for protein; 138 million could suffer from a deficiency of zinc, essential to healthy pregnancies; and 1.4 billion could face a dramatic decline in dietary iron—pointing to a possible epidemic of anemia. In 2018, a team led by Chunwu Zhu looked at the protein content of eighteen different strains of rice, the staple crop for more than 2 billion people, and found that more carbon dioxide in the air produced nutritional declines across the board—drops in protein content, as well as in iron, zinc, and vitamins B1, B2, B5, and B9. Really everything but vitamin E. Overall, the researchers found that, acting just through that single crop, rice, carbon emissions could imperil the health of 600 million people. In previous centuries, empires were built on that crop. Climate change promises another, an empire of hunger, erected among the world’s poor.

Insulin binds to receptors on the kidneys, activates them, and signals to the kidney to release calcium in the urine, in turn, increasing calcium loss.234 Interestingly, a diet high in carbohydrates and similar to that advocated by mainstream medicine and the food pyramid leads to massive surges of insulin and increased calcium loss in the kidneys.235

The ADA takes a conservative stand, leaving out many well-documented health benefits attributable to reducing the consumption of animal products. Here are the three key sentences from the summary of their summary of the relevant scientific literature. One: Well-planned vegetarian diets are appropriate for all individuals during all stages of the life cycle, including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, and adolescence, and for athletes. TWO: Vegetarian diets tend to be lower in saturated fat and cholesterol, and have higher levels of dietary fiber, magnesium and potassium, vitamins C and E, folate, carotenoids, flavonoids, and other phytochemicals. Elsewhere the paper notes that vegetarians and vegans (including athletes) “meet and exceed requirements” for protein. And, to render the whole we-should-worry-about-getting-enough-protein-and-therefore-eat-meat idea even more useless, other data suggests that excess animal protein intake is linked with osteoporosis, kidney disease, calcium stones in the urinary tract, and some cancers.

It has been found to possess antibiotic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, expectorant, antifungal, immune-stimulating, antiallergenic, laxative, antianemic, and tonic properties. Because honey increases calcium absorption in the body, it is also recommended for women in menopause to help prevent osteoporosis. In clinical trials, honey has been found to be especially effective in treating stomach ulceration (especially if caused by Helicobacter pylori bacteria), infected wounds, severe skin ulceration, and respiratory illnesses.

A diet rich in readily available nutrients allows the bones to mineralize properly, particularly during gestation and early development, and gives the teeth immunity to decay throughout the stresses of life. Not surprisingly, he found that the native diets that conferred such good health on healthy, so-called primitive groups were rich in minerals, particularly calcium and phosphorus, necessary for healthy bones and teeth. What is surprising about the work of Weston Price is his discovery that these healthy diets always contained a good source of what he called "fat-soluble activators," nutrients like vitamin A and vitamin D, and another vitamin he discovered called Activator X or the Price Factor. These nutrients are found only in certain animal fats. Foods that provided these nutrients were considered sacred by the healthy groups he studied. These foods included liver and other organ meats from grazing animals; fish eggs; fish liver oils; fish and shellfish; and butter from cows eating rapidly growing green grass from well-mineralized pastures. Price concluded that without a rich supply of these fat-soluble nutrients, the body cannot properly use the minerals in food. These fat-soluble nutrients also nourish the glands and organs to give healthy indigenous peoples plenty of immunity during times of stress.

SUPPLEMENT DAILY DOSAGE Vitamin A 10,000 IU or 6 mg beta-carotene (choose mixed carotenes if available)     B-complex vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5: 50 mg B6: 50 mg, or 100 mg if nauseated (can be higher: if necessary up to 250 mg to prevent nausea) B12: 400 mcg Choline, Inositol, PABA: 25 mg Biotin: 200 mcg Folic acid: 500 mcg (increase this to 1000 mcg if you have suffered a previous miscarriage, if there is a history of neural tube defects in your family, or if you are over 40 years of age)     Vitamin C 1–2 g (take the higher dose if you are exposed to toxicity or in contact with, or suffering from, infection)     Bioflavonoids 500–1000 mg (helpful for preventing miscarriage and breakthrough bleeding)     Vitamin D 200 IU     Vitamin E 500 IU (increasing to 800 IU during last trimester)     Calcium 800 mg (increasing to 1200 mg during middle trimester when your baby’s bones are forming, or if symptoms such as leg cramps indicate an increased need)     Magnesium 400 mg (half the dose of calcium)     Potassium 15 mg or as cell salt (potassium chloride, 3 tablets)     Iron Supplement only if need is proven; dosage depends on serum ferritin levels (stored iron) If levels < 30 mcg per litre, take 30 mg If levels < 45 mcg per litre, take 20 mg If levels < 60 mcg per litre, take 10 mg This test for ferritin levels should be repeated at the end of each trimester, and we give further details in Chapter 11.     Manganese 10 mg     Zinc 20–60 mg, taken last thing at night on an empty stomach (dose level to depend on results of zinc taste test, which ideally should be performed at two monthly intervals during your pregnancy; see page 172–174 for details)     Chromium 100–200 mcg (upper limit applies to those with sugar cravings or with proven need)     Selenium 100–200 mcg (upper limit for those exposed to high levels of heavy metal or chemical pollution). Selenium is best taken away from vitamin C, but can be taken with zinc.     Iodine 75 mcg (or take 150 mg of kelp instead)     Acidophilus/Bifidus Half to one teaspoonful, one to three times daily (upper limits for those who suffer from thrush)     Evening primrose oil 500–1000 mg two to three times daily     MaxEPA (or deep sea fish oils) 500–1000 mg two to three times daily     Garlic 2000–5000 mg (higher levels for those exposed to toxins)     Silica 20 mg     Copper 1–2 mg (but only if zinc levels are adequate)     Hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes For those with digestive problems. There are numerous proprietary preparations which contain an appropriate combination of active ingredients. Ask your health practitioner, pharmacist or health food shop for guidance, and take as directed on the label.     Co-enzyme Q10 10 mg daily

basic nutritional recommendations for maintaining bone health, 1,200 mg per day of calcium and 800 IU per day of vitamin

Part One—The Lipid Panel. Used to evaluate heart health, this panel comprises of four biological markers representing the four types of fat found in the blood—triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Two additional measures of cardiovascular health, homocysteine and c-reactive protein (CRP), may also be measured as part of a more comprehensive profile. These two labs are discussed in Part Six, “Optional Tests” (see page 8). •  Part Two—The Basic Metabolic Panel. The labs used to evaluate metabolism measure blood sugar regulation, electrolyte and fluid balance, and kidney function. Biomarkers included in this panel are glucose, calcium, sodium, potassium, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine. •  Part Three—The Hepatic Function Panel. This panel determines how well your liver is functioning by measuring levels of different proteins produced and processed by the liver, like albumin and globulin, as well as liver enzymes. •  Part Four—The Complete Blood Count (CBC) Panel. The lab values measured in the complete blood count (CBC) panel include red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and hemoglobin. Maintaining healthy levels of these biomarkers affect your vitality and energy, immune system, and cardiovascular health. •  Part Five—Hormones. Although they are not always included in a routine blood test, hormones should be periodically tested, especially in aging adults. Hormones such as estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, DHEA, and prostate specific antigen (PSA) play an integral role in reproductive wellness and affect other aspects of health. Maintaining balanced levels can slow down the aging process, for instance. Hormones involved in metabolism, like the thyroid hormones and the stress hormone cortisol, are also discussed in this section. •  Part Six—Optional Tests. This final part of the book highlights four tests—homocysteine, c-reactive protein (CRP), vitamin D, and magnesium—that are not typically measured unless requested, or if a standard blood test shows an abnormality that requires a more in-depth analysis. These tests can provide a more complete picture of heart health, immunity, calcium absorption, blood sugar regulation, and a number of other vital processes.

Although the current medical approach to treating osteoporosis is quite often one dimensional—prescribing medication, calcium, and vitamin D supplements—I’ve encouraged you to take the true complexity of bone into account, using an approach that, while it may or may not include medications, always includes proper nutrition; assessment for and resolution of any gastrointestinal dysfunction; hormone balancing if needed; and exercise. I’ve asked you to maintain a healthy skepticism regarding your diagnosis and the recommendations of your doctor( s), doing a good job on your homework before agreeing to any treatment program—and always watching out for treatments (conventional or alternative) that claim to be magic bullets!

Magnesium-rich foods: • Avocados • Broccoli • Dark chocolate • Fish • Kale • Mushrooms, especially white and portobello • Nuts, especially almonds • Seeds, especially pumpkin seeds • Spinach Potassium-rich foods: • Artichokes • Asparagus • Avocados • Broccoli • Brussels sprouts • Fish, especially salmon • Kale/leafy greens • Mushrooms • Tomatoes Calcium-rich foods: • Almonds • Bok choy • Broccoli • Celery • Cheese • Dark leafy greens (spinach, kale, collard greens, and so on)

High Phosphorous-to-Calcium Ratio Grains, like meat, contain a high amount of phosphorus with very little calcium. The ratio of phosphorus to calcium in the body is important in maintaining bone and teeth health.

Acidosis can lead to chronic headaches, sleepiness or even insomnia, vertigo, seizures, diarrhoea, shortness of breath, chronic cough, palpitation, indigestion, reflux, heartburn, loss of calcium in the body, weakness in the bones, dry skin and other skin disorders including rashes, acne, body odour, increased risk of formation of kidney and bladder stones, accelerated ageing, degenerative diseases, fatigue and hormonal and glandular disorders. And I have only just scraped the surface here. When

CHART 11.2: NUTRIENT COMPOSITION OF PLANT AND ANIMAL-BASED FOODS (PER 500 CALORIES OF ENERGY) Nutrient Plant-Based Foods* Animal-Based Foods** Cholesterol (mg) — 137 Fat (g) 4 36 Protein (g) 33 34 Beta-carotene (mcg) 29,919 17 Dietary Fiber (g) 31 — Vitamin C (mg) 293 4 Folate (mcg) 1168 19 Vitamin E (mg_ATE) 11 0.5 Iron (mg) 20 2 Magnesium (mg) 548 51 Calcium (mg) 545 252 * Equal parts of tomatoes, spinach, lima beans, peas, potatoes ** Equal parts of beef, pork, chicken, whole milk   As you can see, plant foods have dramatically more antioxidants,

And not only do plants offer plenty of calcium, they offer better calcium: the calcium in plants is absorbed twice as well as the calcium from milk.

Nuts, in moderation, are another good choice for an after-dinner indulgence. Most nuts are full of healthful monounsaturated fats, have little or no carbohydrates, and are also high in fiber, which increases their potential benefit. Macadamia nuts, cashews and walnuts can all be enjoyed. Many studies show an association between increased nut consumption and better health, including reducing heart disease8 and diabetes.9 Pistachio nuts, high in the antioxidant gamma-tocopherol and vitamins such as manganese, calcium, magnesium and selenium, are widely eaten in the Mediterranean diet. A recent Spanish study found that adding 100 pistachios to one’s daily diet improved fasting glucose, insulin and insulin resistance.

(These should be as amino acid chelates; look for the minerals bound to picolinate, citrate-maleate, aspartate, etc.) A typical example might look as follows: Calcium (citrate-maleate) 500 mg

Magnesium is the natural element your body uses to prevent excess calcium from entering these cells and to maintain normal blood pressure. Magnesium is indeed our natural calcium blocker. Dr. Sherry Rogers, a leading proponent of integrative medicine, has written extensively about magnesium’s benefits for disorders caused by abnormal muscle constriction. “In order for a muscle to contract, it needs calcium. In order to relax it needs magnesium.”11 Hypertension is one of the conditions for which Dr. Rogers uses magnesium. Magnesium is also necessary for the health of the endothelium, the tiny cells that form the thin inner lining of the blood vessels. Endothelial cells play an active role in prompting the smooth muscle cells to constrict or relax by producing substances such as prostacycline, thromboxane, and endothelin. Magnesium increases the endothelium’s production of prostacycline, which induces artery relaxation, and it inhibits the production of thromboxane and endothelin, which promotes artery constriction.12 Magnesium also directly influences the ability of cells to use potassium, which also induces artery relaxation. Dr. Mildred Seelig, one of the first pioneers of magnesium research, states, “Low potassium, by itself, can bring on high blood pressure. But even adequate potassium intake cannot normalize high blood pressure if magnesium is too low. Without enough magnesium (and potassium) in our bodies, we cannot expect normal blood pressure.”13 THE PROBLEM WITH THE STANDARD MEDICAL TREATMENT OF HYPERTENSION With the exception of the common cold, hypertension accounts for more visits to doctors in the United States than any other condition. Most often, the treatment recommended is some type of prescription drug. Sometimes these drugs are necessary, and there is no doubt their ability to lower blood pressure can prevent many of the severe complications of hypertension.

Magnesium’s role in bone health is multifaceted. • Adequate levels of magnesium are essential for the absorption and metabolism of calcium. • Magnesium stimulates a particular hormone, calcitonin, that helps to preserve bone structure and draws calcium out of the blood and soft tissues back into the bones, preventing some forms of arthritis and kidney stones. • Magnesium suppresses another bone hormone called parathyroid, preventing it from breaking down bone. • Magnesium converts vitamin D into its active form so that it can help calcium absorption. • Magnesium is required to activate an enzyme that is necessary to form new bone. • Magnesium regulates active calcium transport. With all these roles for magnesium to play, it is no wonder that even a mild deficiency can be a risk factor for osteoporosis. Further, if there is too much calcium in the body, especially from calcium supplementation, as in Muriel’s case, magnesium absorption can be greatly impaired, resulting in worsening osteoporosis and the likelihood of kidney stones, arthritis, and heart disease. A chance meeting in a hotel with a woman whose lymphoma worsened immediately after being prescribed 2,500 mg of calcium, but no magnesium, for her osteoporosis made me consider that excess calcium can also deposit in cancerous tumors. Other factors that are important in the development of osteoporosis include diet, drugs, endocrine imbalance, allergies, vitamin D deficiency, and lack of exercise. A detailed review of the osteoporosis literature shows that chronically low intake of magnesium, vitamin D, boron, and vitamins K, B12, B6, and folic acid leads to osteoporosis.

4 tablespoons (2 ounces) olive, grape seed, or sesame oil 12 drops peppermint or lavender essential oil Mix together and put in a dark colored bottle. Magical Magnesium: A Natural Laxative With all the focus on calcium, this amazing mineral has been sadly overlooked. Magnesium helps to increase insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control, maintain a normal heart rhythm and blood pressure, and prevent migraine headaches and is actively involved in the contraction/relaxation of muscles. In addition to all the health benefits

Antioxidant-Rich Breakfast Bars SERVES 6 INGREDIENTS 1 cup cooked or canned black beans, low-sodium or no-salt-added 1 medium ripe banana 1 cup old-fashioned oats 1 cup frozen blueberries, thawed ¼ cup raisins ⅛ cup pomegranate juice 2 tablespoons finely chopped dates 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts 2 tablespoons goji berries 2 tablespoons raw sunflower seeds 2 tablespoons ground flax seeds DIRECTIONS Preheat the oven to 275°F. Puree beans in a food processor or high-powered blender. Mash banana in a large bowl. Add pureed beans and remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly. Lightly wipe an 8-inch square baking pan with a small amount of olive oil. Spread mixture into the pan. Bake for 75 minutes. Cool on a wire rack and cut into bars. Refrigerate any leftover bars. PER SERVING: CALORIES 188; PROTEIN 6g; CARBOHYDRATES 35g; TOTAL FAT 3.9g; SATURATED FAT 0.4g; SODIUM 11mg; FIBER 6g; BETA-CAROTENE 13ug; VITAMIN C 10mg; CALCIUM 24mg; IRON 2.1mg; FOLATE 61ug; MAGNESIUM 83mg; ZINC 1mg; SELENIUM 6.8ug

Beyond physical activity and estrogen, the other major factor that increases the risk of osteoporosis is diet, especially calcium. A body needs abundant calcium to function properly, and one of bone’s many jobs is to serve as a reservoir of this vital mineral. If calcium levels in the blood drop too much because of insufficient calcium from food, hormones stimulate osteoclasts to resorb bone, restoring calcium balance. This response, however, weakens bones if the tissue is not replaced. Consequently, both animals and people whose diets are permanently deficient in calcium develop flimsy bones, and they lose bone more rapidly as they age. Modern grain-based diets, moreover, tend to be woefully deficient in calcium—between two and five times lower than typical hunter-gatherer diets, and only a minority of adult Americans eat sufficient calcium.16 This problem, moreover, is often exacerbated by low levels of vitamin D, which helps the gut absorb calcium, and by low levels of dietary protein, which is also necessary to synthesize bone.

Women at risk for certain conditions may then benefit from additional protective micronutrients, such as vitamin D and calcium for preeclampsia risk.

This is illustrated in the following case. A minister in an industrial section of our city, during the period of severe depression, telephoned me stating that he had just been called to baptize a dying child. The child was not dead although almost constantly in convulsions. He thought the condition was probably nutritional and asked if he could bring the boy to the office immediately. The boy was badly emaciated, had rampant tooth decay, one leg in a cast, a very bad bronchial cough and was in and out of convulsions in rapid succession. His convulsions had been getting worse progressively during the past eight months. His leg had been fractured two or three months previously while walking across the room when he fell in one of his convulsions. No healing had occurred. His diet consisted of white bread and skimmed milk. For mending the fracture the boy needed minerals, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. His convulsions were due to a low calcium content of the blood. All of these were in the skimmed milk for the butter-fat removed in the cream contains no calcium nor phosphorus, except traces. The program provided was a change from the white flour bread to wheat gruel made from freshly ground wheat and the substitution of whole milk for skimmed milk, with the addition of about a teaspoonful of a very high vitamin butter with each feeding. He was given this meal that evening when he returned to his home. He slept all night without a convulsion. He was fed the same food five times the next day and did not have a convulsion. He proceeded rapidly to regain his health without recurrence of his convulsions.

Disease due to calcium deficiency is essentially unknown in humans on natural diets.

The fact that humans have historically subsided on a diet much lower in calcium than is currently recommended is often ignored. Also forgotten, the largest nutrient provided in milk, and especially skim milk, is the sugar lactose.

Studies have shown that supplementing elderly patients and postmenopausal women with protein increases bone density, reduces bone loss on x-ray, and improves clinical symptoms in patients with recent hip fractures.227-229 Increased protein consumption results in several anabolic (growth) processes, including bone formation, and is not just limited to muscle growth. It appears that when vitamin D and K are present with protein, calcium is pulled from the blood to stimulate bone formation. 

The right pH is absolutely critical for optimum health. Innumerable factors, including pollutants, physical and psychological stress, negative emotions, prescription and non-prescription drugs, all push our bodies toward acidity. Our bodies are clever and keep a reserve of “alkaline buffers” on hand, including sodium, calcium, potassium, and magnesium (the minerals best suited to neutralize acids).

periodontal disease? 19.  Do you frequently alternate constipation and diarrhea or feel pain or discomfort in your digestive area? 20.  Have you been told that you have chronic bad breath? 21.  Are you shorter than you used to be? Had any evidence of calcium deposits? 22.  Do you catch every cold and flu that’s going around? This is the first of eight self-assessments this book asks you to do, and it is the one that will give you a general idea of your overall health.

With modern Western diets, the body must work hard to keep the blood from becoming overly acidic from the excess animal protein being eaten. To do this, it uses alkaline bone tissue substances such as bicarbonates and calcium. This can lead to the loss of bone density and helps explain the high rates of osteoporosis in cultures where people eat large quantities of acidifying animal foods. Osteoporosis rates among the Eskimo people, who eat an almost completely flesh-based diet, are among the highest in the world.18 Next are northern Europeans and North Americans, who eat high quantities of flesh, eggs, and dairy products.19 While there are other factors that may affect bone health, such as vitamin and mineral intake, levels of loadbearing exercise, and mental and emotional factors, there is evidence that brittle bones and osteoporosis are correlated with eating the large amounts of animal protein typical of our meals.

Aspirin can cause critical deficiencies in vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, and folic acid when used daily and should therefore be taken in conjunction with extra supplements of these nutrients.

We know today the calcium from plants can provide protection from fractures, while calcium derived from dairy products increases fracture risk. This is evident in a June 2016 longitudinal study from the China Health and Nutrition Survey published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research – Long-Term Low Intake of Dietary Calcium and Fracture Risk In Older Adults With Plant-Based Diet (65). Researchers found a high intake of calcium from dairy products may not offer protection from bone fractures, while a lower intake of calcium from plant-derived foods was protective. Calcium intake, and the number of bone fractures were analyzed from 6,210 participants consuming plant-based diets in the China Health and Nutrition Survey. Lower calcium intakes sourced from plants were found to be the most protective, with no added benefits for consuming above that range. The authors conclude, “A plant-based diet may be associated with lower requirements for calcium intake for bone health, compared with Westernized diets.

key, and please be sure to avoid commercial orange juice products with added calcium. The vitamin C-complex in orange juice helps to ensure that the minerals noted below get to the liver to then nourish the adrenals. 1/4 tsp of Cream of Tartar (potassium bitartrate). This is an excellent source of potassium. As an alternative, you can use potassium bicarbonate or potassium chloride. 1/4 tsp of fresh ground Redmond’s Real Salt or sea salt. This is an excellent source of sodium, plus 90+ other trace minerals. (Please know that the original source of this recipe was Susan Blackard, NP, ND, PhD, at the Rejuvenation Health Center in Springfield, MO. The following alternatives have been compiled by UBER MAG-pie and RCP enthusiast, Valerie Engh.) Alternative #1: Replace Cream of Tartar and orange juice with organic coconut water and whole food vitamin C-complex. 8 oz. / 1 cup / 250 mL of coconut water. Be sure to use enough coconut water to ensure you receive 375 mg of potassium. 1/4 tsp of fresh ground Redmond’s Real Salt or sea salt. 60 mg of whole food vitamin C-complex.

Plant proteins are not only free of animal fat and cholesterol; they are also free of two problems caused by animal proteins. First, animal protein is linked to osteoporosis, apparently because it causes the kidneys to lose calcium in the urine. If you were to check urine samples from people following meaty diets—especially high-protein Atkins-style diets—you would find that they lose calcium rapidly.3 Sodium does the same thing, as we’ll see below. Second, animal protein is also linked to gradual loss of kidney function. Harvard researchers studied a group of women who had already lost some kidney function, as many people do, due to high blood pressure, diabetes, urinary infections, or other factors. As the years went by, the researchers found that those women who tended to get their protein from animal products were much more likely to experience continued loss of kidney function.4 Protein from plants did not have this effect. So if you get your protein from beans, grains, vegetables, and other foods from plant sources, your kidneys will breathe a sigh of relief.

What about protein? Egg white is essentially solid animal protein. That is not an advantage; that is part of the problem. As I mentioned above, animal protein—including that from eggs—is hard on the kidneys and encourages calcium loss. Instead of building you up, it is gradually tearing you down. You are much better off getting protein from plant sources.

Cholesterol is the body’s equivalent of duct tape. It’s one of the most versatile nutrients our cells have and they use it for solving all sorts of problems. And it’s more than just a problem-solver; it’s also a building block: • It enables cell division. The rapidly dividing cells in our intestinal tract, skin, and bone marrow need it more than most other kinds of cells in our bodies. • It enables cell transport and communication. Cells need cholesterol to create structures called “lipid rafts” that are essential to responding to hormones and to moving large molecules into the cell, out of the cell, and from place to place within the cell. • It’s the precursor for vitamin D, which forms when ultraviolet light rays strike cholesterol in the skin. Vitamin D helps our bodies absorb calcium. • It provides waterproofing for our skin and other boundary layers within our bodies. • It helps our brains and nerve cells conduct electricity. The brain is 15 percent cholesterol by dry weight, a higher proportion than any other organ in our bodies. • It’s the precursor to numerous hormones, called steroid hormones. These include the well-known sex hormones testosterone, estrogen, and cortisol—which give us energy. And there are dozens more, including the supplements many people buy for health and performance enhancement, such as DHEA and adrenal extracts. Doctors know all this, but the

The coast of Austria-Hungary yielded what people called cappuzzo, a leafy cabbage. It was a two-thousand-year-old grandparent of modern broccoli and cauliflower, that was neither charismatic nor particularly delicious. But something about it called to Fairchild. The people of Austria-Hungary ate it with enthusiasm, and not because it was good, but because it was there. While the villagers called it cappuzzo, the rest of the world would call it kale. And among its greatest attributes would be how simple it is to grow, sprouting in just its second season of life, and with such dense and bulky leaves that in the biggest challenge of farming it seemed to be how to make it stop growing. "The ease with which it is grown and its apparent favor among the common people this plant is worthy a trial in the Southern States," Fairchild jotted. It was prophetic, perhaps, considering his suggestion became reality. Kale's first stint of popularity came around the turn of the century, thanks to its horticultural hack: it drew salt into its body, preventing the mineralization of soil. Its next break came from its ornamental elegance---bunches of white, purple, or pink leaves that would enliven a drab garden. And then for decades, kale kept a low profile, its biggest consumers restaurants and caterers who used the cheap, bushy leaves to decorate their salad bars. Kale's final stroke of luck came sometime in the 1990s when chemists discovered it had more iron than beef, and more calcium, iron, and vitamin K than almost anything else that sprouts from soil. That was enough for it to enter the big leagues of nutrition, which invited public relations campaigns, celebrity endorsements, and morning-show cooking segments. American chefs experimented with the leaves in stews and soups, and when baked, as a substitute for potato chips. Eventually, medical researchers began to use it to counter words like "obesity," "diabetes," and "cancer." One imagines kale, a lifetime spent unnoticed, waking up one day to find itself captain of the football team.

The Bale Doneen method allows for a complete genetic and blood serum testing package that will look at markers of inflammation, glucose, insulin, lipo protein, cholesterol particle size paired with genetic propensities. Check for arterial plaque. A coronary calcium scan, is a non-invasive, low-radiation imaging test, identifies calcified plaque buildup in the arteries of the heart. A blood test for C-reactive protein indicates inflammation. A blood test for the hormone NT-proBNP indicates stress on the heart. A blood test for high-sensitivity troponin T indicates damage to heart muscle. Troponin testing is regularly used by hospitals to diagnose heart attacks, but high-sensitivity troponin fine-tunes that measure, pointing to small amounts of damage that can be detected in individuals without any symptoms or warning signs.

Vitamin D is easily overdosed and can promote abnormal calcification throughout the body, since it increases calcium absorption from the gut; the increased calcium absorbed does not necessarily seek out the bones, however.

Nutrient deficiencies have compromised human health for so long, we are no longer in a position to recognize it.

In terms of ESP, Rawls and Davis discovered that the “third eye,” or sixth chakra area of the brain, stimulates inner vision or awareness. Subjects experienced an increase in this ability, as well as peace and calm, by holding a magnet in the left palm or on the back of the right hand. In 1976, Davis and Rawls were nominated for a Nobel Prize in medical physics. In summation, the electrical flow in the body is maintained by certain ions, such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Imbalances in these fundamental materials can cause disease—and can occur because of disease. These imbalances will alter the electrical activity of the body and therefore the actual appearance—shape and form—of the various magnetic or auric fields outside of the body. This might explain the ability of certain “auric readers” to use their psychic skills to perceive deep-seated problems in the body even before medical technology can detect them, as well as the reverse ability to heal the aura and therefore, heal the body. The link between the meridians and the electrical system of the body, as Nordenström proposed, also provides an explanation for healing through the meridians and acupoints. The glial cells act as yet another major player in the body’s microcircuit system, receiving information from the magnetic spectrum inside and outside it, thus adding another dimension to Nordenström’s discoveries. Nordenström used his theories to cure cancer, sending electrical charges into a tumor to shrink it. What did Rawls and Davis discover but one of the primary concepts of healing? There is polarity to every aspect of life. Humans are electrical and magnetic, yin and yang, and health is dependent upon maintaining the appropriate balance of each. Humans are L-fields, acted upon by electricity. And humans are T-fields, acted upon by magnetism. Through the bipolarity that is “L,” or electrical, humans generate life, movement, and activity. Through the bipolarity of our “T,” or magnetic self, we attract what we need and what we can become. Humans are composed of the stuff of thought—and matter. FIGURE 3.6 FORMS OF MAGNETISM In his book A Practical Guide to Vibrational Medicine, Dr. Richard Gerber outlines many forms of magnetism.83 Here is a brief description of each, along with a sample of its effects.

Caffeine not only dehydrates the body, but also leaches calcium and magnesium, and is an antagonist to the neurotransmitter, adenosine. Adenosine is needed for RNA synthesis (function).

Lifelong physical activity, which includes weight-bearing exercise, adequate calcium intake and sufficient vitamin D levels reduce the risk of osteoporosis

Diet soda may contain aspartame, which according to some studies might cause cancer with long-term use. Also, many of these diet drinks contain caffeine, which may curb your appetite temporarily, but may lead to overeating later on in the day. Sodas also contain phosphorus, too much of which can leech calcium from your bones, weakening them. Also, understand that with sodas you may bloat easily since they often cause indigestion.

Osteoporotic bone fracture rates are highest in countries that consume the most dairy, calcium, and animal protein. Most studies of fracture risk provide little or no evidence that milk or other dairy products benefit bone.

Breast-fed babies of macrobiotic mothers may be getting lower levels of vitamin B12, calcium, and magnesium, according to some research, which may result in these babies having delayed physical and cognitive growth.

In daily life, the pH of the body is locked at 7.4, thanks to the elaborate control systems in place. By-products of metabolism, such as lactic acid, are acids. Acids drive pH down, triggering a panic mode response from the body to compensate. The body responds by drawing from any alkaline store available, from bicarbonate in the bloodstream to alkaline calcium salts such as calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate in bones. Because maintaining a normal pH is so crucial, the body will sacrifice bone health to keep pH stable. In the great triage system that is your body, your bones will be turned into mush before pH is allowed to veer off course. When a happy net alkaline balance is struck, bones will be happy, joints will be happy.

Cortisol: All of us experience stress as a normal part of daily life, and when we do our adrenal glands secrete cortisol, which has been dubbed the “stress hormone.” Cortisol, formerly known as hydrocortisone, regulates our body’s fight-or-flight response to stress, enabling us to respond and adapt to life’s daily challenges. It also reduces inflammation in the body and assists with the functioning of the immune system. An excess, long-term exposure to cortisol—brought about by prolonged stress—reduces calcium absorption in the intestines and can inhibit the bone-building cells, osteoblasts. This scenario can result in bone loss.

Still, rather than automatically treating the condition with osteoporosis medications, further evaluation is needed to determine whether there is a secondary cause for the bone loss, such as hyperparathyroidism, lack of exercise, or deficiency of a nutrient such as calcium or vitamin D. Alternatively, bone loss in women may result from hormone depletion at menopause or the onset of menopause, for which treatment using bioidentical hormones can be considered. Regardless of the cause of a person’s bone loss, or even if the cause is identifiable, it may be minimized or stopped altogether using more natural means rather than osteoporosis medications.

Getting the 1,000 to 1,200 milligrams you need daily is actually pretty easy. Three servings of plain yogurt (415 milligrams per 8 ounces) can help you get there quickly. One and a half ounces of part-skim mozzarella and 3 ounces of sardines both deliver about 330 milligrams (33 percent of your daily recommendation) of calcium. For those who don’t eat dairy, fortified cereal and greens such as kale are also good sources.

Women ages nineteen to fifty need 1,000 mg of calcium a day, and women fifty-one years and older should get 1,200 mg.

For women who can’t get enough from their diet, a calcium supplement is recommended, and in this situation it is best to take a combined calcium and vitamin D supplement as vitamin D helps the body absorb the calcium.

Remember, the idea of a supplement is to get you to the recommended intake, not to over shoot. Calcium supplements aren’t benign; they increase the risk of kidney stones (all that extra calcium in the urine).

ARE YOU GETTING ENOUGH SUNSHINE?” my doctor asked. He may have noticed my I-work-at-my-desk-all-day pallor. “I work at my desk all day,” I told him. “But I take vitamin D supplements.” He looked at my lab results. “Your calcium is on the low side of normal. Are you eating enough dark greens?” “Not to worry, Doctor. I’ll take a calcium supplement, or two.” This is how the appointment progressed in my mind as I prepared for my annual physical. I was compiling the list of medications and supplements, conscious that I was supplementing much of what the human body can normally get from a healthy diet and ten minutes of fresh air a day. How often do we try to do the same with our spiritual health? We depend on supplements—someone else’s insights, Sunday’s sermon, a brief nugget heard on the radio—as our entire spiritual intake for the week. We lean on supplements rather than a rich diet of daily Bible reading, prayer time, and reflection with Jesus. Jesus no doubt carried on a perpetual internal conversation with His Father, but He still stole away by Himself for extended times of prayer. He said we should “abide” in Him (John 15:7, NKJV), which seems more like a meal than a quick snack, doesn’t it? —CYNTHIA RUCHTI

Soy Even though a wide range of products made from soybeans have been marketed as a health food in recent years, research proves that (unfermented) soy is extremely unhealthy. Most soy products in the United States are not fermented. Unfermented soy is a problem for the following reasons: 1. It contains dangerous quantities of antinutrients, which are substances that block the body from absorbing important nutrients. The most notable are hemagglutinin, goitrogens, and phytic acid. Hemagglutinin promotes unhealthy blood clotting and blocks oxygen. Goitrogens prevent iodine from reaching the thyroid. Without iodine, the thyroid can enlarge and malfunction. Phytic acid blocks the body's absorption of essential minerals like calcium and magnesium. 2. It has lots of phytoestrogens, which do damage by mimicking estrogen inside the body. 3. It contains lysinoalanine, a known toxin, and nitrosamines, which are known carcinogens. 4. It has harmful levels of the mineral manganese and dangerous amounts of aluminum from being processed in aluminum containers. 5. It has a high risk of contamination with mycotoxins. 6. It is almost always genetically modified. As you can see, soy has pretty much everything going against it. Fortunately, it's easy to avoid processed soy in the United States because it must be listed as an ingredient on product labels. Most soy in Asian cuisine is different because it's been fermented. Fermentation greatly decreases the antinutrient and phytic acid levels. Fermented soy products include tempeh, miso, and natto. Most of these products are still highly processed and artificial, though, and soy sauce naturally contains MSG. To avoid GMO soy, make sure that any fermented soy product you eat is organic, or better yet just don't eat it at all. Even in areas of the world like Asia where fermented soy is common, people actually don't eat much of it. A 1998 study found that Japanese men eat only about eight grams of soy per day (a teaspoon or two). The average misguided American consumes far more than this when he drinks a glass of soy milk or eats a soy burger (and these soy products aren't even fermented).

FiberΔ, such as cellulose gel, is added to low-fat milk to enrich the texture. The milk has a thicker consistency and a whiter color due to the addition of natural coloring agents. The milk has fewer calories than fat-free milk and more calcium due to enrichment.

Help for PMS—Low progesterone is often one of the culprits of PMS symptoms. Progesterone cream used during the last week of a woman’s cycle is often helpful. I also recommend a combination of supplements to balance the brain, especially 400–500 mg calcium citrate twice a day, 200–300 mg chelated magnesium twice a day, vitamin A, B complex with 50 mg B6, and 500 mg evening primrose oil twice a day. I also suggest 50–100 mg 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) twice a day to help to boost serotonin and decrease anxiety and worry. If focus is a problem, try green tea or 500 mg L-tyrosine two to three times a day. Chaste-berry, 20–40 mg a day, can also help for PMS symptoms of especially breast pain or tenderness, swelling, constipation, irritability, depressed mood or mood alterations, anger, and headache in some women. Boost exercise in the last week of your cycle, and hold the sugar and alcohol.

Diindolylmethane (DIM)—This is a phytochemical found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower. It shifts estrogen metabolism to favor the friendly or harmless estrogen metabolites. DIM can significantly increase the urinary excretion of the “bad” estrogens in as little as four weeks. The typical dose of DIM is 75–300 mg per day. Omega-3 Fatty Acids (fish oils)—These contain eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which has been reported in laboratory studies to help control estrogen metabolism and decrease the risk of breast cancer. Eating grass-fed organic beef also supplies these fats. I typically recommend 2,000 mg a day. Calcium d-glucarate—This natural compound is found in fruits and vegetables like apples, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cabbage. Calcium d-glucarate inhibits the enzyme that contributes to breast, prostate, and colon cancers. It also reduces reabsorbed estrogen from the digestive tract.

Calcification is the hardening of body tissues by calcium salts or deposits. Although calcification itself is not considered a disease, it has been shown to be a significant contributing factor in nearly every known illness and aging condition, including heart disease, kidney stones, gallstones, chronic inflammation, arthritis, cancers, cataracts, eczema, psoriasis, and even wrinkles.

specific foods such as yogurt, as well as calcium-rich foods, omega-3 fats in fish, and whole grains truly do trim your belly fat, thanks to their effect on hormones and metabolism.

Because the media are beholden to their largest advertisers—the pharmaceutical, chemical, petroleum, and fast-food industries—we don’t easily learn that meat, dairy products, and eggs are not a helpful source of protein, calcium, and other nutrients. We are not informed that animal-sourced foods are linked with diabetes, osteoporosis, liver disease, kidney disease, obesity, heart disease, strokes, and dementia, as well as breast, prostate, and colon cancer and other debilitating diseases.

Another bacterial genus largely lost from most modern people is Oxalobacter, bacterial species that can dwell in the colon and that enthusiastically consume oxalate, a common naturally occurring compound in foods such as nuts, spinach, beets, and chocolate. In contrast, the majority of indigenous people such as the Hadza and Yanomami carry plenty of Oxalobacter species. As more modern people lose these species, they develop painful calcium oxalate kidney stones, especially following exposure to antibiotics. Most concerning, there has been a major increase in calcium oxalate kidney stones in children, especially after taking a course of antibiotics.

autophagy pathways that recycle or destroy damaged cell components (with the help of calcium and zinc), pathways that bolster your immune system and make you more resilient to stress, and pathways that promote neuroplasticity, your brain’s ability to grow new cells and wire them together in new patterns.

Creating these new circuits, which is how we learn and remember new things, requires vitamin A, vitamin D, calcium, and zinc.

Foods Rich in Phytoestrogens: Strengthening Women’s Health Women’s health is significantly influenced by diet, and one of the most important yet often overlooked nutrients is phytoestrogens. These plant-based compounds mimic estrogen in the body, helping to balance hormones, support bone health, and enhance overall well-being. What Are Phytoestrogens? Phytoestrogens are natural compounds found in plants that function similarly to estrogen. They are particularly beneficial for women experiencing hormonal imbalances, menopause symptoms, or those looking to strengthen their bone and reproductive health. There are three main types of phytoestrogens: Isoflavones: Found in soybeans, chickpeas, and lentils. Lignans: Present in flaxseeds, sesame seeds, and whole grains. Coumestans: Found in alfalfa sprouts and certain legumes. Top Foods Rich in Phytoestrogens Including these phytoestrogen-rich foods in your diet can promote hormonal balance and overall health: 1. Soy Products Soybeans, tofu, tempeh, and soy milk contain isoflavones, which support menopausal health, bone density, and heart health. Regular consumption of soy-based foods can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis and alleviate menopausal symptoms like hot flashes. 2. Flaxseeds Flaxseeds are a top source of lignans, which provide hormonal support, heart benefits, and improved digestion. These tiny seeds are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation and support brain function. 3. Sesame Seeds Packed with lignans, sesame seeds help maintain estrogen levels, strengthen bones, and support skin health. They are also a great source of calcium and zinc, essential for bone strength and immune function. 4. Chickpeas & Lentils Rich in isoflavones, these legumes help regulate hormonal fluctuations while offering a great source of plant-based protein. They are especially beneficial for women seeking to maintain steady energy levels and muscle mass. 5. Nuts (Almonds, Walnuts) Nuts contain phytoestrogens that contribute to hormonal stability and support heart and brain health. Walnuts, in particular, are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which promote cognitive function and reduce inflammation. 6. Berries Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are packed with antioxidants and phytoestrogens, reducing inflammation and boosting immunity. Their high vitamin C content also aids in collagen production, supporting skin elasticity and wound healing. 7. Whole Grains Oats, barley, and wheat contain lignans that support hormonal balance, digestion, and metabolic health. They also provide fiber, which helps in maintaining a healthy weight and stabilizing blood sugar levels. 8. Alfalfa Sprouts These sprouts are rich in coumestans, a type of phytoestrogen that supports bone health and helps manage menopausal symptoms. They are also packed with vitamins and minerals essential for overall well-being. Health Benefits of Phytoestrogen-Rich Foods Balances Hormones: Reduces symptoms of PMS, menopause, and hormonal fluctuations. Supports Bone Health: Strengthens bones and reduces the risk of osteoporosis. Promotes Heart Health: Helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels and improves circulation. Enhances Skin & Hair Health: Boosts collagen production, promoting youthful skin and strong hair. Aids Weight Management: Supports metabolism regulation and helps control cravings. Boosts Brain Function: Improves cognitive health and memory, reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. How to Include Phytoestrogens in Your Diet? Add flaxseeds to smoothies, yogurt, or oatmeal. Enjoy a soy-based meal like tofu stir-fry or soy milk. Snack on nuts and berries for a healthy boost. Use whole grains in your daily meals. Sprinkle sesame seeds on salads and dishes. Incorporate alfalfa sprouts into sandwiches and salads.