How to Avoid the Swine Flu Naturally
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Step 1
Step 1: Take Elderberry: Compounds in elderberry bind with viruses before they can penetrate the walls of cells. This inhibits their ability to spread. Elderberry is nontoxic when cooked, even for children. It is available syrup, tincture or capsules in any health food store. Look here for more in depth information on Elderberry visit: http://stason.org/articles/wellbeing/health/How-To-Prevent-Colds-Flu-with-Elderberry.html
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Step 2
Step 2: Take a homeopathic flu remedy: Homeopathy has an excellent record for preventing flu. Since this current swine-avian-human virus that is going around has the same symptoms as other types of flu, you will be able to use the same remedy as you would a normal flu with great success. This is because homeopathy works on the "Law of Similars". This means you look at the set of symptoms someone has to determine what remedy to take. Since this flu has the same symptoms as other flu's, the same remedies will be effective.
Oscillococcinum is one remedy that has been used with great success for prevention and treatment of the flu. The recommended dosage is to take it once a week for prevention. It has also shown to be helpful to take a dose at the first signs of the flu. Simply follow the directions on the container.
Influenzinum is a remedy that homeopathic manufacturers create every year for that years expected virus. Since the symptoms are the same for this swine-avian-human virus as the regular flu, this remedy should also be effective for this. The suggested dosage for this remedy is once a month.
These remedies are available in some pharmacies as well as health food stores.
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Step 3
Nutrition: Too much sugar (and white flour) in the diet, is the biggest nutritional mistake people make. I include white flour because of its ability to change to glucose (sugar) rapidly. 1 tsp of sugar will depress the natural killer cell activity of the white blood cells by 50% for 2 days. (“Lick the Sugar Habit” by Nancy Appleton). There are also other immune factors that sugar inhibits so this is VERY IMPORTANT!
It is important to read labels on all your food. You MUST read the fine print to look for added sugar. Many foods and drinks have naturally occurring sugar that is included in the Nutrition Facts box on labels. This sugar is not harmful.
If a product has high fructose corn syrup, it is especially bad for your immune system.
Limiting sugar intake can be difficult for some people. The Standard American Diet (SAD) is very high in sugar. This means that having a lot of sugar seems normal to most people. You may not even realize how much sugar you are eating. I would suggest keeping a diary for one day to see what you are really eating.
Many health care professionals feel this is a contributing factor to chronic diseases as well as acute illnesses such as the flu. It is OK to have a little sugar in the diet but if you are ill, or going somewhere you are likely to be in contact with people that are ill, it is best to eat a healthy diet.
A simple healthy diet is one with lots of vegetables, whole fruits, whole grains, a protein with every meal, and only a few boxed, processed foods.
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Step 4
Soap and water: Friction is the most important part of good hand washing. This makes soap and water a much better choice then antibacterial cleansers or towels. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds getting in between the fingers and fingernails with regular soap and water.
Try to keep your hands away from your face during a day of handling money or shaking hands with people. You can pick up a virus from many surfaces but you will only get the virus if it gets into your system by breathing it in or directly through your nose, mouth, or eyes.
If you are in an area where people are wearing a mask for prevention, it must fit tightly over the noise and mouth. You will see some people wearing a mask under the nose. This will offer no protection from airborne viruses.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Friday, August 14, 2009
Swine Flu & Homeopathy
Swine Flu / Swine Influenza
What is Swine Flu / H1N1 Influenza?
Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza in pigs. Swine flu viruses cause high levels of illness and low death rates in pigs. Swine influenza viruses may circulate among swine throughout the year, but most outbreaks occur during the late fall and winter months similar to outbreaks in humans.
The 2009 flu outbreak in humans is due to a new strain of influenza A virus subtype H1N1 that derives in part from human influenza, avian influenza, and two separate strains of swine influenza. The origins of this new strain are unknown. It passes with apparent ease from human to human, an ability attributed to an as-yet unidentified mutation. The strain in most cases causes only mild symptoms and the infected person makes a full recovery without requiring medical attention and without the use of antiviral medicines.
Why is there so much panic about Swine Flu? After all it's just a flu!
The most significant flu pandemic occurred in 1918/1919. The global mortality rate from the 1918/1919 pandemic is not known, but is estimated at 2.5 to 5% of those who were infected died. With 20% or more of the world population suffering from the disease to some extent, a case-fatality ratio this high would mean that about 0.5-1% or 50 million to 100 million people worldwide were killed. In 1957, an Asian flu pandemic infected some 45 million Americans and killed 70,000. Eleven years later, lasting from 1968 to 1969, the Hong Kong flu pandemic afflicted 50 million Americans and caused 33,000 deaths, costing approximately $3.9 billion. In 1976, about 500 soldiers became infected with swine flu over a period of a few weeks.
The scare and panic about the bird flu and swine flu have occurred because people now know what a simple flu can lead to and are afraid of the consequences - not just to the human capital but also to the global financial health.
Swine Flu / H1N1 Influenza Symptoms
The symptoms of swine flu in people are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Symptoms of Swine flu may include all or some of the following:
* Fever
* Muscle aches
* Lethargy
* Coughing
* Headache
* Sore throat
* Runny nose
* Nausea
* Vomiting
* Diarrhea
* Lack of appetite
Complications Of Swine Influenza
Those at higher risk of catching influenza in general include those with the following:
* Age of 65 years or older
* Chronic health problems (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease)
* Pregnant women
* Young children
But the past epidemics and pandemics of flu have shown that during pandemics most people who succumb are healthy young adults.
Complications of Swine Flu can include:
* Pneumonia
* Bronchitis
* Sinus infections
* Ear infections
* Death
Transmission of Swine Flu (How does Swine Flu spread?)
As with other flu like illnesses, Swine influenza is spread as follows:
* Coughing
* Sneezing
* Kissing
* Touching infected objects
* Touching nose, mouth and/or eyes with infected hands
* Swine flu does not spread by eating pork.
Treatment of Swine Flu / H1N1 Influenza
Swine Flu Vaccination / Swine Flu Shot
The protective ability of influenza vaccines depends primarily on the closeness of the match between the vaccine virus and the epidemic virus, so the presence of non reactive H3N2 SIV variants suggests that current commercial vaccines might not effectively protect pigs from infection with a majority of H3N2 viruses. The current vaccine against the seasonal influenza strain H1N1 is thought unlikely to provide protection. The director of CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases said that the United States' cases were found to be made up of genetic elements from four different flu viruses—North American swine influenza, North American avian influenza, human influenza A virus subtype H1N1, and swine influenza virus typically found in Asia and Europe.
What You Can Do to Prevent H1N1 Influenza / Swine Flu?
There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.
* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
* Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
* Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
* Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
* If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Above all. Don't get stressed by the fear of getting the swine flu. Stress can undermine your immune system. The flu doesn't kill everyone and in most cases may prove benign. Mild exercise, meditation or yoga and healthy nutritious diet can help keep your immune system in good condition and able to ward of any infections. Not every 'infection' becomes a full blown 'disease'. Most infections are taken care of by your body even before you know that you were infected. Most infections affect gravely those people who are vitally deranged. So instead of panicking about the flu, stay calm and focus on becoming a healthy 'you'.
Natural Remedy
Homeopathy Remedies for Swine Flu / H1N1 Influenza
Why Homeopathy?
Homeopathy was very successful in dealing with the 1918-19 flu pandemic. Here is a quote from the famous historian Julian Winston:
Perhaps the most recent use of homeopathy in a major epidemic was during the Influenza Pandemic of 1918. The Journal of the American Institute for Homeopathy, May, 1921, had a long article about the use of homeopathy in the flu epidemic. Dr. T A McCann, from Dayton, Ohio, reported that 24,000 cases of flu treated allopathically had a mortality rate of 28.2% while 26,000 cases of flu treated homeopathically had a mortality rate of 1.05%. This last figure was supported by Dean W.A. Pearson of Philadelphia (Hahnemann College) who collected 26,795 cases of flu treated with homeopathy with the above result.
The most common remedy used was Gelsemium, with occasional cases needing Bryonia and Eupatorium reported. Dr. Herbert A. Roberts from Derby, CT, said that 30 physicians in Connecticut responded to his request for data. They reported 6,602 cases with 55 deaths, which is less than 1%. Dr. Roberts was working as a physician on a troop ship during WWI. He had 81 cases of flu on the way over to Europe. He reported, "All recovered and were landed. Every man received homeopathic treatment. One ship lost 31 on the way."
http://www.hpathy.com/papersnew/winston-homeopathy-epidemics.asp
Homeopathic Remedies
Considering that the Swine Flu virus produces symptoms similar to the human influenza virus, the following homeopathy medicines may prove useful in cases of swine influenza:
#Gelsemium. [Gels]
This remedy corresponds to the commencement of the trouble, when the patient is weak, tired and aches throughout the body. It removes speedily the intense aching and muscular soreness. There is constant chilliness and the patient hugs the fire; the fever is less acute than that of Aconite, and the cough is hard and painful. There are paroxysms of sneezing with excoriating discharge, and great torpor and apathy. Extensive experience with this remedy in the great Epidemic of 1918 proved its usefulness. Simple cases were speedily cured. Aconite will sometimes prove the better remedy for children, but the drug will never be a prominent one in influenza. Still it may be prescribed when indicated; it will, perhaps, soothe and moderate the subsequent attack, but its action is not quick here as in simple fevers, as we have to deal with a blood affection.
#Baptisia.
Influenza with marked gastro-intestinal symptoms may need this remedy, especially when there are putrid diarrhoea stools. Clarke considers this remedy the nearest specific for the disease; he prefers the 30th potency. Hughes also praises it, but uses it in the 1x and 2x dilutions, which seem to have more extensive testimony as to their efficacy.
#Eupatorium perfoliatum.
This remedy has much soreness and aching of the entire body; hoarseness and cough, with great soreness of the larynx and upper respiratory tract. Coryza with thirst. Drinking causes vomiting. The cough is a very shattering one, hurts the head and chest, and as in Drosera, the patient holds the chest with the hands. The breakbone pains are characteristic of the remedy. Add to these symptoms acute bilious derangements, and it is all the more indicated. Many physicians rely on this remedy in influenza / flu almost exclusively in the early stages.
#Sabadilla. [Sabad]
Sneezing is the great keynote of this remedy. Sneezing and lachrymation on going into the open air. The throat is swollen and the pain is worse on empty swallowing; the sneezing is excessive, shaking the whole body. Shudderings, with gooseflesh chills creeping upwards, are also prominent symptoms. Frontal headache, dryness of mouth, without thirst and cough, worse on lying down, are additional symptoms. It suits well many cases of the catarrhal form of flu; other remedies having sneezing are Cyclamen and Euphorbia.
#Arsenicum. [Ars]
This remedy covers more phases of flu than perhaps any other remedy. Hughes believes that it will cut short an attack, especially when there is a copious flow, prostration and paroxysmal coryza. Its periodicity makes it suitable to epidemics, and it suits the early symptoms when the affection is in the upper portion of the respiratory tract. The burning dryness and copious watery excoriating secretion and the involvement of the conjunctiva are unmistakable indications. Langour and prostration are prominent symptoms.
#Arsenicum iodide.
Chills, flushes of heat and severe fluent coryza, discharge irritating and corrosive, sneezing and prostration. It corresponds to true influenza and is highly recommended by Hale. Sanguinaria nitrate is especially valuable when the trachea and larynx are affected. Phytolacca is specific when the throat is inflamed and spotty, with great hardness and tenderness of the glands.
#Dulcamara. [Dulc]
This is one of our best remedies in the acute form; the eyes are suffused, the throat is sore and the cough hurts because of the muscular soreness. If brought on by damp, cold changes in the weather, so much the surer is Dulcamara indicated.
#Bryonia.
The trouble here is largely bronchial and going downward. When a person is very grumpy and feels miserable with the flu, wanting only to lie still and be left alone, this remedy is likely to be useful. Headache, muscle aches, and cough or stomach pain may be the major symptoms. Everything feels worse from even the slightest motion. The person’s mouth usually is dry, with a thirst for large cold drinks.
#Phosphorus may be indicated, especially when the trouble moves towards the chest. It is a very useful remedy for the debility following la grippe, as it is usually of the pure nervous type. It is the great post-influenza "tonic."
#Rhus toxicodendron. [Rhus-t]
Influenza, with severe aching in all the bones, sneezing and coughing. The cough is worse evenings and is caused by a tickling behind the upper part of the sternum. Especially is it useful in cases brought on by exposure to dampness. There is much prostration and depression, and the patient may have some symptoms which are suspicious as pointing towards typhoid fever, such as burning tongue, stupor and delirium. Aching pains and nightly restlessness are keynotes symptoms. Causticum, like both Rhus and Eupatorium, has a tired, sore, bruised sensation all over the body and soreness in the chest when coughing, but it has in addition involuntary urination when coughing.
#Allium cepa. [All-c]
Profuse catarrhal coryza; the nose runs freely, there is sneezing, irritability cough, the face is swollen and looks inflamed. Camphora. This remedy is often sufficient at the outset to cut short an attack, or at least modify the severity.
#Sticta. [Stict]
Nasal catarrh; headache, thirst, nightly expectoration, great watering of eyes, running at nose, hoarseness of voice, frontal headache and depression of whole system. Tuberculous subjects attacked by influenza. "There is no better remedy," says Dr. Fornias,"for the incessant wearing, racking cough of this class of patients." Tuberculinum is an excellent prevention of recurring attacks of influenza / flu in those who have annual attacks.
#Ipecac
Adapted to cases where the gastric symptoms predominate; tongue clean or slightly coated. Nausea: with profuse saliva; vomiting of white, glairy mucus in large quantities, without relief; sleepy afterwards; worse from stooping. Low thirst. Cough: dry spasmodic, constricted, asthmatic. Difficult breathing from least exercise; violent dyspnoea, with wheezing and anxiety about the stomach. Cough, with rattling of mucus in bronchi when inspiring; threatened suffocation from mucus. Pains as if bones were all torn to pieces.
#Veratrum album
Adapted to diseases with rapid sinking of the vital forces; complete prostration; collapse. Cold perspiration on the forehead (over entire body, Tab. ) with nearly all complaints. Thirst: intense, unquenchable, for large quantities of very cold water and acid drinks; wants everything cold. Diarrhoea: frequent, greenish, watery, gushing: mixed with flakes: cutting colic, with cramps commencing in hands and feet and spreading all over; prostrating, after fright; < least movement; with vomiting, cold sweat on forehead during and prostration after. Vomiting: excessive with nausea and great prostration: < by drinking ( Ars. ); by least motion ( Tab. ); great weakness after.
The Current Swine Flu Epidemic or Possible Influenza Pandemic
It has been reported that in the current Swine influenza epidemic, the gastrointestinal symptoms (Nausea, Vomiting) are pronounced. Considering this remedies like Baptisia, Arsenic-album or Ipecac may work as Genus epidemicus or as prophylactic treatment for the current Swine influenza epidemic.
How to differentiate in these flu medicines?
If the patient has mild flu like symptoms (runny nose and watery eyes etc) but no other peculiar symptom but is anxious if it might be swine flu - think about Aconite.
If the flu patient is listless, prostrated, indifferent, has offensive diarrhoea and the parts rested upon feel sore and bruised - think about Baptisia.
If the flu patient is restless, anxious or fearful, thirsty but drinks small quantities and often, prostrated, diarrhoea after eating or drinking and nausea on seeing/smelling food, burning pains - think about Arsenicum-album.
If the nausea is more pronounced, the patient is thirstless and has pain felt in bones - think about Ipecac. Also Ipecac should be thought of if a flu patient is developing or has developed broncho-pneumonia.
If the gastrointestinal symptoms are not marked but the patient has deep pains as if bones are aching - think about Eupatorium perf.
If the flu patient is feeling dull, dizzy, drowsy, has low thirst, feels chilly, esp in back - think about Gelsemium.
Lessons from the 1918/1919 Flu Pandemic
Many people believe that the current virus strain closely matches the 1918/1919 flu pandemic, although it is not exactly like it.
In the 1918/1919 flu pandemic, people without symptoms could be stricken suddenly and within hours be too weak to walk; many died the next day. Symptoms included a blue tint to the face and coughing up blood caused by severe obstruction of the lungs. In some cases, the virus caused an uncontrollable hemorrhaging that filled the lungs, and patients drowned in their body fluids (pneumonia). In others, the flu caused frequent loss of bowel control and the victim would die from losing critical intestinal lining and from blood loss.
If such symptoms present themselves in the current pandemic, the remedies that may prove useful would be Arsenic-album, Cantharis, Phosphorus, Cuprum-met, Camphora, Veratrum-album, Ipecac or Carbo-veg.
Ars-alb, Phosphorus, Ipecac and Carbo-veg seem to have a more pronounced action on lungs/respiratory symptoms in the above mentioned symptom group. Cantharis, Phosphorus, and Carbo-veg seem to cover the bloody stools better. Camphor and Verat-alb cover the acute collapse with bluish discoloration better.
Note
Homeopathic remedies need strict individualization and are given as specifically prepared, non-toxic, micro-dose homeopathic potencies. Please consult a qualified homeopath before taking any homeopathic remedy for Swine flu / influenza
Reference for Swine Flu Information
1. Center for Disease Control (CDC), USA
What is Swine Flu / H1N1 Influenza?
Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza in pigs. Swine flu viruses cause high levels of illness and low death rates in pigs. Swine influenza viruses may circulate among swine throughout the year, but most outbreaks occur during the late fall and winter months similar to outbreaks in humans.
The 2009 flu outbreak in humans is due to a new strain of influenza A virus subtype H1N1 that derives in part from human influenza, avian influenza, and two separate strains of swine influenza. The origins of this new strain are unknown. It passes with apparent ease from human to human, an ability attributed to an as-yet unidentified mutation. The strain in most cases causes only mild symptoms and the infected person makes a full recovery without requiring medical attention and without the use of antiviral medicines.
Why is there so much panic about Swine Flu? After all it's just a flu!
The most significant flu pandemic occurred in 1918/1919. The global mortality rate from the 1918/1919 pandemic is not known, but is estimated at 2.5 to 5% of those who were infected died. With 20% or more of the world population suffering from the disease to some extent, a case-fatality ratio this high would mean that about 0.5-1% or 50 million to 100 million people worldwide were killed. In 1957, an Asian flu pandemic infected some 45 million Americans and killed 70,000. Eleven years later, lasting from 1968 to 1969, the Hong Kong flu pandemic afflicted 50 million Americans and caused 33,000 deaths, costing approximately $3.9 billion. In 1976, about 500 soldiers became infected with swine flu over a period of a few weeks.
The scare and panic about the bird flu and swine flu have occurred because people now know what a simple flu can lead to and are afraid of the consequences - not just to the human capital but also to the global financial health.
Swine Flu / H1N1 Influenza Symptoms
The symptoms of swine flu in people are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Symptoms of Swine flu may include all or some of the following:
* Fever
* Muscle aches
* Lethargy
* Coughing
* Headache
* Sore throat
* Runny nose
* Nausea
* Vomiting
* Diarrhea
* Lack of appetite
Complications Of Swine Influenza
Those at higher risk of catching influenza in general include those with the following:
* Age of 65 years or older
* Chronic health problems (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease)
* Pregnant women
* Young children
But the past epidemics and pandemics of flu have shown that during pandemics most people who succumb are healthy young adults.
Complications of Swine Flu can include:
* Pneumonia
* Bronchitis
* Sinus infections
* Ear infections
* Death
Transmission of Swine Flu (How does Swine Flu spread?)
As with other flu like illnesses, Swine influenza is spread as follows:
* Coughing
* Sneezing
* Kissing
* Touching infected objects
* Touching nose, mouth and/or eyes with infected hands
* Swine flu does not spread by eating pork.
Treatment of Swine Flu / H1N1 Influenza
Swine Flu Vaccination / Swine Flu Shot
The protective ability of influenza vaccines depends primarily on the closeness of the match between the vaccine virus and the epidemic virus, so the presence of non reactive H3N2 SIV variants suggests that current commercial vaccines might not effectively protect pigs from infection with a majority of H3N2 viruses. The current vaccine against the seasonal influenza strain H1N1 is thought unlikely to provide protection. The director of CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases said that the United States' cases were found to be made up of genetic elements from four different flu viruses—North American swine influenza, North American avian influenza, human influenza A virus subtype H1N1, and swine influenza virus typically found in Asia and Europe.
What You Can Do to Prevent H1N1 Influenza / Swine Flu?
There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.
* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
* Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
* Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
* Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
* If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Above all. Don't get stressed by the fear of getting the swine flu. Stress can undermine your immune system. The flu doesn't kill everyone and in most cases may prove benign. Mild exercise, meditation or yoga and healthy nutritious diet can help keep your immune system in good condition and able to ward of any infections. Not every 'infection' becomes a full blown 'disease'. Most infections are taken care of by your body even before you know that you were infected. Most infections affect gravely those people who are vitally deranged. So instead of panicking about the flu, stay calm and focus on becoming a healthy 'you'.
Natural Remedy
Homeopathy Remedies for Swine Flu / H1N1 Influenza
Why Homeopathy?
Homeopathy was very successful in dealing with the 1918-19 flu pandemic. Here is a quote from the famous historian Julian Winston:
Perhaps the most recent use of homeopathy in a major epidemic was during the Influenza Pandemic of 1918. The Journal of the American Institute for Homeopathy, May, 1921, had a long article about the use of homeopathy in the flu epidemic. Dr. T A McCann, from Dayton, Ohio, reported that 24,000 cases of flu treated allopathically had a mortality rate of 28.2% while 26,000 cases of flu treated homeopathically had a mortality rate of 1.05%. This last figure was supported by Dean W.A. Pearson of Philadelphia (Hahnemann College) who collected 26,795 cases of flu treated with homeopathy with the above result.
The most common remedy used was Gelsemium, with occasional cases needing Bryonia and Eupatorium reported. Dr. Herbert A. Roberts from Derby, CT, said that 30 physicians in Connecticut responded to his request for data. They reported 6,602 cases with 55 deaths, which is less than 1%. Dr. Roberts was working as a physician on a troop ship during WWI. He had 81 cases of flu on the way over to Europe. He reported, "All recovered and were landed. Every man received homeopathic treatment. One ship lost 31 on the way."
http://www.hpathy.com/papersnew/winston-homeopathy-epidemics.asp
Homeopathic Remedies
Considering that the Swine Flu virus produces symptoms similar to the human influenza virus, the following homeopathy medicines may prove useful in cases of swine influenza:
#Gelsemium. [Gels]
This remedy corresponds to the commencement of the trouble, when the patient is weak, tired and aches throughout the body. It removes speedily the intense aching and muscular soreness. There is constant chilliness and the patient hugs the fire; the fever is less acute than that of Aconite, and the cough is hard and painful. There are paroxysms of sneezing with excoriating discharge, and great torpor and apathy. Extensive experience with this remedy in the great Epidemic of 1918 proved its usefulness. Simple cases were speedily cured. Aconite will sometimes prove the better remedy for children, but the drug will never be a prominent one in influenza. Still it may be prescribed when indicated; it will, perhaps, soothe and moderate the subsequent attack, but its action is not quick here as in simple fevers, as we have to deal with a blood affection.
#Baptisia.
Influenza with marked gastro-intestinal symptoms may need this remedy, especially when there are putrid diarrhoea stools. Clarke considers this remedy the nearest specific for the disease; he prefers the 30th potency. Hughes also praises it, but uses it in the 1x and 2x dilutions, which seem to have more extensive testimony as to their efficacy.
#Eupatorium perfoliatum.
This remedy has much soreness and aching of the entire body; hoarseness and cough, with great soreness of the larynx and upper respiratory tract. Coryza with thirst. Drinking causes vomiting. The cough is a very shattering one, hurts the head and chest, and as in Drosera, the patient holds the chest with the hands. The breakbone pains are characteristic of the remedy. Add to these symptoms acute bilious derangements, and it is all the more indicated. Many physicians rely on this remedy in influenza / flu almost exclusively in the early stages.
#Sabadilla. [Sabad]
Sneezing is the great keynote of this remedy. Sneezing and lachrymation on going into the open air. The throat is swollen and the pain is worse on empty swallowing; the sneezing is excessive, shaking the whole body. Shudderings, with gooseflesh chills creeping upwards, are also prominent symptoms. Frontal headache, dryness of mouth, without thirst and cough, worse on lying down, are additional symptoms. It suits well many cases of the catarrhal form of flu; other remedies having sneezing are Cyclamen and Euphorbia.
#Arsenicum. [Ars]
This remedy covers more phases of flu than perhaps any other remedy. Hughes believes that it will cut short an attack, especially when there is a copious flow, prostration and paroxysmal coryza. Its periodicity makes it suitable to epidemics, and it suits the early symptoms when the affection is in the upper portion of the respiratory tract. The burning dryness and copious watery excoriating secretion and the involvement of the conjunctiva are unmistakable indications. Langour and prostration are prominent symptoms.
#Arsenicum iodide.
Chills, flushes of heat and severe fluent coryza, discharge irritating and corrosive, sneezing and prostration. It corresponds to true influenza and is highly recommended by Hale. Sanguinaria nitrate is especially valuable when the trachea and larynx are affected. Phytolacca is specific when the throat is inflamed and spotty, with great hardness and tenderness of the glands.
#Dulcamara. [Dulc]
This is one of our best remedies in the acute form; the eyes are suffused, the throat is sore and the cough hurts because of the muscular soreness. If brought on by damp, cold changes in the weather, so much the surer is Dulcamara indicated.
#Bryonia.
The trouble here is largely bronchial and going downward. When a person is very grumpy and feels miserable with the flu, wanting only to lie still and be left alone, this remedy is likely to be useful. Headache, muscle aches, and cough or stomach pain may be the major symptoms. Everything feels worse from even the slightest motion. The person’s mouth usually is dry, with a thirst for large cold drinks.
#Phosphorus may be indicated, especially when the trouble moves towards the chest. It is a very useful remedy for the debility following la grippe, as it is usually of the pure nervous type. It is the great post-influenza "tonic."
#Rhus toxicodendron. [Rhus-t]
Influenza, with severe aching in all the bones, sneezing and coughing. The cough is worse evenings and is caused by a tickling behind the upper part of the sternum. Especially is it useful in cases brought on by exposure to dampness. There is much prostration and depression, and the patient may have some symptoms which are suspicious as pointing towards typhoid fever, such as burning tongue, stupor and delirium. Aching pains and nightly restlessness are keynotes symptoms. Causticum, like both Rhus and Eupatorium, has a tired, sore, bruised sensation all over the body and soreness in the chest when coughing, but it has in addition involuntary urination when coughing.
#Allium cepa. [All-c]
Profuse catarrhal coryza; the nose runs freely, there is sneezing, irritability cough, the face is swollen and looks inflamed. Camphora. This remedy is often sufficient at the outset to cut short an attack, or at least modify the severity.
#Sticta. [Stict]
Nasal catarrh; headache, thirst, nightly expectoration, great watering of eyes, running at nose, hoarseness of voice, frontal headache and depression of whole system. Tuberculous subjects attacked by influenza. "There is no better remedy," says Dr. Fornias,"for the incessant wearing, racking cough of this class of patients." Tuberculinum is an excellent prevention of recurring attacks of influenza / flu in those who have annual attacks.
#Ipecac
Adapted to cases where the gastric symptoms predominate; tongue clean or slightly coated. Nausea: with profuse saliva; vomiting of white, glairy mucus in large quantities, without relief; sleepy afterwards; worse from stooping. Low thirst. Cough: dry spasmodic, constricted, asthmatic. Difficult breathing from least exercise; violent dyspnoea, with wheezing and anxiety about the stomach. Cough, with rattling of mucus in bronchi when inspiring; threatened suffocation from mucus. Pains as if bones were all torn to pieces.
#Veratrum album
Adapted to diseases with rapid sinking of the vital forces; complete prostration; collapse. Cold perspiration on the forehead (over entire body, Tab. ) with nearly all complaints. Thirst: intense, unquenchable, for large quantities of very cold water and acid drinks; wants everything cold. Diarrhoea: frequent, greenish, watery, gushing: mixed with flakes: cutting colic, with cramps commencing in hands and feet and spreading all over; prostrating, after fright; < least movement; with vomiting, cold sweat on forehead during and prostration after. Vomiting: excessive with nausea and great prostration: < by drinking ( Ars. ); by least motion ( Tab. ); great weakness after.
The Current Swine Flu Epidemic or Possible Influenza Pandemic
It has been reported that in the current Swine influenza epidemic, the gastrointestinal symptoms (Nausea, Vomiting) are pronounced. Considering this remedies like Baptisia, Arsenic-album or Ipecac may work as Genus epidemicus or as prophylactic treatment for the current Swine influenza epidemic.
How to differentiate in these flu medicines?
If the patient has mild flu like symptoms (runny nose and watery eyes etc) but no other peculiar symptom but is anxious if it might be swine flu - think about Aconite.
If the flu patient is listless, prostrated, indifferent, has offensive diarrhoea and the parts rested upon feel sore and bruised - think about Baptisia.
If the flu patient is restless, anxious or fearful, thirsty but drinks small quantities and often, prostrated, diarrhoea after eating or drinking and nausea on seeing/smelling food, burning pains - think about Arsenicum-album.
If the nausea is more pronounced, the patient is thirstless and has pain felt in bones - think about Ipecac. Also Ipecac should be thought of if a flu patient is developing or has developed broncho-pneumonia.
If the gastrointestinal symptoms are not marked but the patient has deep pains as if bones are aching - think about Eupatorium perf.
If the flu patient is feeling dull, dizzy, drowsy, has low thirst, feels chilly, esp in back - think about Gelsemium.
Lessons from the 1918/1919 Flu Pandemic
Many people believe that the current virus strain closely matches the 1918/1919 flu pandemic, although it is not exactly like it.
In the 1918/1919 flu pandemic, people without symptoms could be stricken suddenly and within hours be too weak to walk; many died the next day. Symptoms included a blue tint to the face and coughing up blood caused by severe obstruction of the lungs. In some cases, the virus caused an uncontrollable hemorrhaging that filled the lungs, and patients drowned in their body fluids (pneumonia). In others, the flu caused frequent loss of bowel control and the victim would die from losing critical intestinal lining and from blood loss.
If such symptoms present themselves in the current pandemic, the remedies that may prove useful would be Arsenic-album, Cantharis, Phosphorus, Cuprum-met, Camphora, Veratrum-album, Ipecac or Carbo-veg.
Ars-alb, Phosphorus, Ipecac and Carbo-veg seem to have a more pronounced action on lungs/respiratory symptoms in the above mentioned symptom group. Cantharis, Phosphorus, and Carbo-veg seem to cover the bloody stools better. Camphor and Verat-alb cover the acute collapse with bluish discoloration better.
Note
Homeopathic remedies need strict individualization and are given as specifically prepared, non-toxic, micro-dose homeopathic potencies. Please consult a qualified homeopath before taking any homeopathic remedy for Swine flu / influenza
Reference for Swine Flu Information
1. Center for Disease Control (CDC), USA
Friday, May 29, 2009
Zinc
Zinc Supplements
Zinc is found in traces in all tissues, except the bones, teeth, and pancreas which have slightly more amount of zinc. A normal adult contains 1.4-2.5 gm of zinc. Zinc level for adults in plasma or serum is 0.1/100 ml, and in whole blood it is 0.7mg/100 ml.
It is a component of vital enzyme carbonic anhydrase, and other enzymes like several dehydrogenises (alcohol, glutamics, and certain pyridine nucleotide) and pancreatic carboxypeptidase’s. It exists in the body mostly in combination with other constituents.
Zinc Supplements
TruNature Saw Palmetto with Zinc
Saw Palmetto with Zinc, Lycopene and Pumpkin Seed Prostate Health Complex - Extra Strength - 200 Softgels
TruNature Prostate Health Complex contains Lycopene, Pumpkin Seed and Saw Palmetto, nutrients that contain phytonutrients and fatty acids that may help maintain a healthy prostate. New Formula! Extra Strength. One Softgel Per Day.
Function of Zinc in Our Body
• It is an integral and essential element of insulin molecule. It easily forms a compound with insulin, and thus prolongs insulin action. As pancreas is rich in zinc, it helps storage of insulin in the pancreas.
• It promotes growth and sexual maturity, improves immune system and hastens healing of wounds.
• It also helps digestion of protein.
• It is an ideal remedy for fatigue.
• It is also needed to transport Vitamin A to the retina.
Natural Sources of Zinc
Sources of zinc are whole wheat, breakfast cereals, nuts, legumes, animal food, like crabs, sardines, oysters, lean meat, eggs, cheese, and fish.
Daily Requirement of Zinc
The RDA (recommended daily requirement) of 3 mg for infants, 10 mg for children, and 10-15 mg for adults is suggested. Most human diet provides these requirements. Growing children, pregnant and lactating women need more.
Zinc Deficiency
• The deficiency of zinc can cause loss of appetite and taste, alopecia, skin lesions, reduced growth, and dysfunction of reproductive system.
• Its deficiency also leads to hypogonadism, anemia, delayed genital maturation and hepatomegaly.
• Acute zinc efficiency results in mental apathy, diarrhoea, moist eczema, and dermatitis especially around the mouth.
Zinc in Excess
• Excess intake of zinc can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and damage to the kidneys.
• Too much of zinc can also cause loss of iron and copper in the body.
Zinc is found in traces in all tissues, except the bones, teeth, and pancreas which have slightly more amount of zinc. A normal adult contains 1.4-2.5 gm of zinc. Zinc level for adults in plasma or serum is 0.1/100 ml, and in whole blood it is 0.7mg/100 ml.
It is a component of vital enzyme carbonic anhydrase, and other enzymes like several dehydrogenises (alcohol, glutamics, and certain pyridine nucleotide) and pancreatic carboxypeptidase’s. It exists in the body mostly in combination with other constituents.
Zinc Supplements
TruNature Saw Palmetto with Zinc
Saw Palmetto with Zinc, Lycopene and Pumpkin Seed Prostate Health Complex - Extra Strength - 200 Softgels
TruNature Prostate Health Complex contains Lycopene, Pumpkin Seed and Saw Palmetto, nutrients that contain phytonutrients and fatty acids that may help maintain a healthy prostate. New Formula! Extra Strength. One Softgel Per Day.
Function of Zinc in Our Body
• It is an integral and essential element of insulin molecule. It easily forms a compound with insulin, and thus prolongs insulin action. As pancreas is rich in zinc, it helps storage of insulin in the pancreas.
• It promotes growth and sexual maturity, improves immune system and hastens healing of wounds.
• It also helps digestion of protein.
• It is an ideal remedy for fatigue.
• It is also needed to transport Vitamin A to the retina.
Natural Sources of Zinc
Sources of zinc are whole wheat, breakfast cereals, nuts, legumes, animal food, like crabs, sardines, oysters, lean meat, eggs, cheese, and fish.
Daily Requirement of Zinc
The RDA (recommended daily requirement) of 3 mg for infants, 10 mg for children, and 10-15 mg for adults is suggested. Most human diet provides these requirements. Growing children, pregnant and lactating women need more.
Zinc Deficiency
• The deficiency of zinc can cause loss of appetite and taste, alopecia, skin lesions, reduced growth, and dysfunction of reproductive system.
• Its deficiency also leads to hypogonadism, anemia, delayed genital maturation and hepatomegaly.
• Acute zinc efficiency results in mental apathy, diarrhoea, moist eczema, and dermatitis especially around the mouth.
Zinc in Excess
• Excess intake of zinc can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and damage to the kidneys.
• Too much of zinc can also cause loss of iron and copper in the body.
Manganese
Manganese Supplements
The human body contains 10-20 mg of manganese, and is widely distributed in body specially in intestinal track, liver and reproductive organs. It is stored in the blood and liver.
Manganese Supplements
Osteo Bi-Flex Advanced Triple Strength Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM
Osteo Bi-Flex Advanced Triple Strength Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM with Joint Shield, Vitamin C and Manganese Plus Boron - 280 Easy to Swallow Tablets
Osteo Bi-Flex promotes joint flexibility, comfort and range of motion by helping to support joint and cartilage health over time. Osteo Bi-Flex® supplies the scientifically researched ingredients, Glucosamine and Chondroitin, at the most popular levels to help maintain and renew cartilage and joints.Plus Osteo Bi Flex contains added nutrients for joint health: Vitamin C, Boron and Manganese.
Function of Manganese in Our Body
• It helps the synthesis of haemoglobin, like copper but on a lesser degree.
• A combination, of iron, copper, and manganese is given to treat hypochronic anaemia.
• It has a role in normal reproductive physiology and producing more milk and nursing mothers.
• Manganese ions activate many enzymes and helps in proper utilization of vitamin B and E.
• It is helpful in diabetes as it increases tolerance.
• Manganese as a component of different enzymes helps metabolise carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
• It helps in combination with Choline, in digestion and utilization of fat.
• Manganese nourishes the brain and nerves which helps in right coordination between brain, nerves and muscles in every part of the body.
Natural Sources of Manganese
Sources of manganese are whole grain bran, seeds, nuts, shell-fish, organ meats and black tea.
Daily requirement of Manganese
The RDA (recommended daily allowance) of 1.5 mg for Children and 2 to 5 mg for adults is recommended. Normal mixed diet contains about 2 mg, which is enough.
Manganese Deficiency
• Its deficiency result is poor growth, digestive disorders, and abnormal bone formation.
• On prolonged deficiency it may also affect fertility, and cause impotence in men.
The human body contains 10-20 mg of manganese, and is widely distributed in body specially in intestinal track, liver and reproductive organs. It is stored in the blood and liver.
Manganese Supplements
Osteo Bi-Flex Advanced Triple Strength Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM
Osteo Bi-Flex Advanced Triple Strength Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM with Joint Shield, Vitamin C and Manganese Plus Boron - 280 Easy to Swallow Tablets
Osteo Bi-Flex promotes joint flexibility, comfort and range of motion by helping to support joint and cartilage health over time. Osteo Bi-Flex® supplies the scientifically researched ingredients, Glucosamine and Chondroitin, at the most popular levels to help maintain and renew cartilage and joints.Plus Osteo Bi Flex contains added nutrients for joint health: Vitamin C, Boron and Manganese.
Function of Manganese in Our Body
• It helps the synthesis of haemoglobin, like copper but on a lesser degree.
• A combination, of iron, copper, and manganese is given to treat hypochronic anaemia.
• It has a role in normal reproductive physiology and producing more milk and nursing mothers.
• Manganese ions activate many enzymes and helps in proper utilization of vitamin B and E.
• It is helpful in diabetes as it increases tolerance.
• Manganese as a component of different enzymes helps metabolise carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
• It helps in combination with Choline, in digestion and utilization of fat.
• Manganese nourishes the brain and nerves which helps in right coordination between brain, nerves and muscles in every part of the body.
Natural Sources of Manganese
Sources of manganese are whole grain bran, seeds, nuts, shell-fish, organ meats and black tea.
Daily requirement of Manganese
The RDA (recommended daily allowance) of 1.5 mg for Children and 2 to 5 mg for adults is recommended. Normal mixed diet contains about 2 mg, which is enough.
Manganese Deficiency
• Its deficiency result is poor growth, digestive disorders, and abnormal bone formation.
• On prolonged deficiency it may also affect fertility, and cause impotence in men.
Iodine
Iodine Supplements
Iodine is am important trace element for healthy thyroid gland, which kills harmful germs, makes up it own hormone (thyroxin) and rebuilds energy. It is required for the synthesis of the thyroxin hormones-thyroxin and triodothyronine. It is present in the secretions of thyroid gland.
The iodine metabolism is controlled by thyroid. Iodine is an essential life. The total quantity in body is 25 mg, and half of it is in the thyroid as thyroglobulin, a complex of protein and iodine. About 30% is removed by the thyroid gland for the synthesis of the thyroid hormone, thyroxin, and the rest is excreted by the kidneys. Its concentration in thyroid gland is very high as compared to that in muscles and blood.
Iodine Supplements
The Breath of Life Lugol's Iodine Solution
The Breath of Life Lugol's Iodine Solution(2 oz.)
Lugol's taken internally in addition to replenishing the thyroid, also brings amazing relief and a calming, soothing, peaceful state to anxiety and a manic stage. It destroys vicious stomach bacteria, (especially salmonella), against gas, bloating, indigestion, heartburn.
Functions of Iodine in Our Body
• It reduces tension, keeps body and mind calm, and keeps skin, hair, teeth, nail etc in healthy condition and form.
• It helps in the chemical synthesis of cholesterol, thus checking its build up in arteries.
• It also burn extra fat in the body.
• It increases the heart rate as well as urinary calcium excretion.
Natural Sources of Iodine
Iodine is available in traces in water, food, common salts. Iodine found in sea-water is 0.2 mg per litre. Sea weeds and spongy shells are very rich in Iodine. The best sources are sea fish, ser salt, green vegetables and leaves like spinach grown on iodine rich soil. The common sources are milk, meat, and cereals. About 90% of the Iodine intake is obtained from the food consumed, and the remainder from the water. Common salt fortified with small quantities of sodium or potassium iodate is now compulsorily made available in the market as Iodised Salt to check goitre.
Daily Requirement of Iodine
The RDA (recommended daily allowance) is 80 mcg for children and 150 mcg for adults. The requirement for growing children, pregnant and lactating women is more.
Iodine Deficiency
• Iodine deficiency leads to enlargement of thyroid gland known as simple goitre, and swelling of feet or toes, enlarged glands, excessive hunger, neuralgic pains in the heart etc.
• Its deficiency may also causes deafness, and poor learning.
• Iodine deficiency or total loss will affect our mental and physical activity, obesity, and hardening of blood vessels.
• A dietary lack of iodine may cause anemia, tiredness, laziness, loss of interest in sex, a slow pulse, low blood pressure, and high blood cholesterol/triglyceride leading to heart disease.
• In children lack of iodine may lead to mental retardation, enlarged thyroid gland, defective speech, and clumsy gait is created. His skin is rough, and hair sparse, with brittle nails, bad teeth, and anaemic.
Iodine is am important trace element for healthy thyroid gland, which kills harmful germs, makes up it own hormone (thyroxin) and rebuilds energy. It is required for the synthesis of the thyroxin hormones-thyroxin and triodothyronine. It is present in the secretions of thyroid gland.
The iodine metabolism is controlled by thyroid. Iodine is an essential life. The total quantity in body is 25 mg, and half of it is in the thyroid as thyroglobulin, a complex of protein and iodine. About 30% is removed by the thyroid gland for the synthesis of the thyroid hormone, thyroxin, and the rest is excreted by the kidneys. Its concentration in thyroid gland is very high as compared to that in muscles and blood.
Iodine Supplements
The Breath of Life Lugol's Iodine Solution
The Breath of Life Lugol's Iodine Solution(2 oz.)
Lugol's taken internally in addition to replenishing the thyroid, also brings amazing relief and a calming, soothing, peaceful state to anxiety and a manic stage. It destroys vicious stomach bacteria, (especially salmonella), against gas, bloating, indigestion, heartburn.
Functions of Iodine in Our Body
• It reduces tension, keeps body and mind calm, and keeps skin, hair, teeth, nail etc in healthy condition and form.
• It helps in the chemical synthesis of cholesterol, thus checking its build up in arteries.
• It also burn extra fat in the body.
• It increases the heart rate as well as urinary calcium excretion.
Natural Sources of Iodine
Iodine is available in traces in water, food, common salts. Iodine found in sea-water is 0.2 mg per litre. Sea weeds and spongy shells are very rich in Iodine. The best sources are sea fish, ser salt, green vegetables and leaves like spinach grown on iodine rich soil. The common sources are milk, meat, and cereals. About 90% of the Iodine intake is obtained from the food consumed, and the remainder from the water. Common salt fortified with small quantities of sodium or potassium iodate is now compulsorily made available in the market as Iodised Salt to check goitre.
Daily Requirement of Iodine
The RDA (recommended daily allowance) is 80 mcg for children and 150 mcg for adults. The requirement for growing children, pregnant and lactating women is more.
Iodine Deficiency
• Iodine deficiency leads to enlargement of thyroid gland known as simple goitre, and swelling of feet or toes, enlarged glands, excessive hunger, neuralgic pains in the heart etc.
• Its deficiency may also causes deafness, and poor learning.
• Iodine deficiency or total loss will affect our mental and physical activity, obesity, and hardening of blood vessels.
• A dietary lack of iodine may cause anemia, tiredness, laziness, loss of interest in sex, a slow pulse, low blood pressure, and high blood cholesterol/triglyceride leading to heart disease.
• In children lack of iodine may lead to mental retardation, enlarged thyroid gland, defective speech, and clumsy gait is created. His skin is rough, and hair sparse, with brittle nails, bad teeth, and anaemic.
Calcium
Calcium Supplements
Calcium is the most important and largely required mineral in the Dietary Sources body. It is a white, malleable, metallic element and is found in the body as calcium carbonate, its compounds like calcium sulphate, calcium fluoride, and calcium phosphate.
Its absorption gets retarded with lot of fat, oxalic acid, and phytic acid in the diet. In the absence of Vitamin D there is decreased absorption of calcium from the food and also decreased level of phosphate in blood.
Calcium Supplements
Citracal Calcium Citrate - Calcium with Vitamin D
Citracal Calcium Citrate - Calcium with Vitamin D - 200 Caplets
Citracal - Calcium Citrate with Vitamin D is unique because it is calcium citrate, a highly soluble and absorbable form of calcium that allows the active calcium to be absorbed into your blood. Citracal+D can help protect you from osteoporosis. Its action can limit bone breakdown and protect against developing thin and brittle bones.
Nature Made Calcium Tablets with Vitamin D, 500 mg, 300-Count Bottles (Pack of 2)
Nature Made Calcium Tablets with Vitamin D, 500 mg, 300-Count Bottles (Pack of 2)
Nature Made Calcium Tablets with Vitamin D helps build strong bones and may help prevent Osteoporosis. Vitamin D stimulates the absorption of calcium; contains 50% RDA of Calcium and 50% 0f Vitamin D per tablet serving. Pack of two bottles, each bottle containing 300 bone-strengthening calcium tablets with 500 milligrams of Vitamin D (600 total tablets).
Function of Calcium in Our Body
• It is essential for strong teeth and healthy bones.
• Ionic calcium greatly helps in blood clotting, by acting as a cofactor in the coagulation process.
• Taking calcium reduces the risk of developing polyps which may be a precursor to cancer.
• It helps in blood clotting, maintaining nerve and muscle function.
Natural Sources of Calcium
Diary products like milk, curd, yoghurt and cheese are the best sources of calcium. Other important sources are spinach, fenugreek leaves, mustard leaves, dry figs, almonds, whole meal bread/flour, potatoes, dried apricot, citrus, celery, parsley, certain fish like pomfret, and fruits.
Other calcium rich items are bran cereals, breads, ragi, sea same seeds, pulses, rajmah, soyabean, poppy seed, dry, coconut, vegetables and fruits, and drink enough water (at least eight glasses a day).
Daily requirement of Calcium
The RDA (recommended daily allowance) is 400 to 500 mg of calcium for children and adults. For menopausal women, who do not take estrogen, it will be 1000 to 15000 mg of calcium.
Unfortunately, calcium tablets by themselves are barely absorbed and the calcium is excreted in the urine unutilized. So take the calcium supplement along with the vitamin D which is available in oily fish, fortified cereals, or exposure to sunlight.
The magnesium deficiency reduces the calcium levels. The ideal calcium to magnesium ratio is 2:1 for effective absorption. Natural sources of magnesium are green leafy vegetables, peanuts, soyabean and millets that are its rich sources.
The excess of calcium can cause kidney damage, constipation, nausea, excessive thirst, abdominal pain and general confusion.
Calcium Deficiency
• Calcium deficiency may cause back pain and low back pain.
• Calcium deficient persons become lazy, pale, and more sensitive to cold weather.
• Its deficiency also leads to irritability, fatigue, erratic behavior, emotional upsets flightiness and nervous tensions.
• Its deficiency also causes sweating around the head even during cold weather, porous and fragile bones, tooth decay, heart palpitations, muscle cramps, and insomnia.
• Women suffering from calcium deficiency may have problems like PMS, urinary infection, vaginal dryness and painful intercourse.
• Young girl’s suffering from calcium deficiency may have problems like delayed puberty, irregular menstruation, excessive bleeding with crampy pain, and anemia.
Calcium is the most important and largely required mineral in the Dietary Sources body. It is a white, malleable, metallic element and is found in the body as calcium carbonate, its compounds like calcium sulphate, calcium fluoride, and calcium phosphate.
Its absorption gets retarded with lot of fat, oxalic acid, and phytic acid in the diet. In the absence of Vitamin D there is decreased absorption of calcium from the food and also decreased level of phosphate in blood.
Calcium Supplements
Citracal Calcium Citrate - Calcium with Vitamin D
Citracal Calcium Citrate - Calcium with Vitamin D - 200 Caplets
Citracal - Calcium Citrate with Vitamin D is unique because it is calcium citrate, a highly soluble and absorbable form of calcium that allows the active calcium to be absorbed into your blood. Citracal+D can help protect you from osteoporosis. Its action can limit bone breakdown and protect against developing thin and brittle bones.
Nature Made Calcium Tablets with Vitamin D, 500 mg, 300-Count Bottles (Pack of 2)
Nature Made Calcium Tablets with Vitamin D, 500 mg, 300-Count Bottles (Pack of 2)
Nature Made Calcium Tablets with Vitamin D helps build strong bones and may help prevent Osteoporosis. Vitamin D stimulates the absorption of calcium; contains 50% RDA of Calcium and 50% 0f Vitamin D per tablet serving. Pack of two bottles, each bottle containing 300 bone-strengthening calcium tablets with 500 milligrams of Vitamin D (600 total tablets).
Function of Calcium in Our Body
• It is essential for strong teeth and healthy bones.
• Ionic calcium greatly helps in blood clotting, by acting as a cofactor in the coagulation process.
• Taking calcium reduces the risk of developing polyps which may be a precursor to cancer.
• It helps in blood clotting, maintaining nerve and muscle function.
Natural Sources of Calcium
Diary products like milk, curd, yoghurt and cheese are the best sources of calcium. Other important sources are spinach, fenugreek leaves, mustard leaves, dry figs, almonds, whole meal bread/flour, potatoes, dried apricot, citrus, celery, parsley, certain fish like pomfret, and fruits.
Other calcium rich items are bran cereals, breads, ragi, sea same seeds, pulses, rajmah, soyabean, poppy seed, dry, coconut, vegetables and fruits, and drink enough water (at least eight glasses a day).
Daily requirement of Calcium
The RDA (recommended daily allowance) is 400 to 500 mg of calcium for children and adults. For menopausal women, who do not take estrogen, it will be 1000 to 15000 mg of calcium.
Unfortunately, calcium tablets by themselves are barely absorbed and the calcium is excreted in the urine unutilized. So take the calcium supplement along with the vitamin D which is available in oily fish, fortified cereals, or exposure to sunlight.
The magnesium deficiency reduces the calcium levels. The ideal calcium to magnesium ratio is 2:1 for effective absorption. Natural sources of magnesium are green leafy vegetables, peanuts, soyabean and millets that are its rich sources.
The excess of calcium can cause kidney damage, constipation, nausea, excessive thirst, abdominal pain and general confusion.
Calcium Deficiency
• Calcium deficiency may cause back pain and low back pain.
• Calcium deficient persons become lazy, pale, and more sensitive to cold weather.
• Its deficiency also leads to irritability, fatigue, erratic behavior, emotional upsets flightiness and nervous tensions.
• Its deficiency also causes sweating around the head even during cold weather, porous and fragile bones, tooth decay, heart palpitations, muscle cramps, and insomnia.
• Women suffering from calcium deficiency may have problems like PMS, urinary infection, vaginal dryness and painful intercourse.
• Young girl’s suffering from calcium deficiency may have problems like delayed puberty, irregular menstruation, excessive bleeding with crampy pain, and anemia.
Magnesium
Magnesium Supplements
Magnesium is an essential element necessary for the oxidative phosphorylation enzymes. It is essential for the normal metabolism of calcium and potassium. It is a constituent of bones in combination with phosphate and carbonate, and is present in all body cells.
Magnesium Supplements
Cardiovascular Research Magnesium Taurate
Cardiovascular Research Magnesium Taurate, 180 capsules
Magnesium Taurate is a scientifically-designed amino acid-mineral complex which insures maximal bioavailability of the essential macromineral, magnesium. Magnesium Taurate is a fully reacted complex and not simply a blend of the two materials. Unlike some other magnesium preparations, magnesium taurate does not cause gastrointestinal upset.
Twinlab Magnesium Caps
Twinlab Magnesium Caps, 400 mg, 200 Capsules (Pack of 3)
Dietary supplement. Natural. High potency. Twinlab Magnesium Caps are easier to swallow and assimilate. Well tolerated by most highly allergic individuals. No tablet binders, coatings or colorings. Free of the most common allergens such as corn, soy, yeast, rice, barley, wheat, lactose (milk sugar), and all milk, citrus, fish and egg products.
Functions of Magnesium in Our Body
Various functions of magnesium in our body are:
• Magnesium ions activate the enzyme phosphatase, which accelerates the action of bone phosphatase.
• Magnesium activates muscles phosphatase, and as a member of a complex coenzyme system takes part in the chemical changes underlying muscular contraction.
• Magnesium helps formations of bone and teeth.
• The distribution and function of magnesium ion is generally antagonistic to that of calcium ion.
• Helps in utilization of Vitamin B and E, and functions with minerals calcium, sodium, and potassium to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance.
• Helps in production of lecithin, which checks cholesterol and atherosclerosis.
• Helps in preventing calcium deposits in kidneys and gallstones.
• Magnesium is necessary for normal neuromuscular contractions.
• Magnesium along with vitamin B-6 or pyridoxine is effective in prevention and treatment of kidney stones.
Natural Sources of Magnesium
Soyabean, leafy vegetables, and nuts are good sources of magnesium. Hard water has high magnesium content in it whereas milk is a poor source.
Daily Requirement of Magnesium
The RDA (recommended daily allowance) for infants is 40 mg during first 6 months, 60 mg in the second 6 months, and later at the rate of 3.0-4.5 mg/kg weight or 350 mg for adult men and 300 mg for women. Its presence in normal diet is generally enough to meat its requirement in the body.
Magnesium Deficiency
• Prolonged deficiency of magnesium can cause loss of calcium and potassium in body, and consequent their deficiencies.
• The deficiency of magnesium can cause magnesium-tetany, wherein blood magnesium falls, blood cholesterol rises, and the calcium content become very high in the soft tissues, especially in the muscles and the kidneys. It causes vascular disturbances, severe excitability, and lack of energy, increased or decreased reflexes, convulsions and untimely death.
Magnesium is an essential element necessary for the oxidative phosphorylation enzymes. It is essential for the normal metabolism of calcium and potassium. It is a constituent of bones in combination with phosphate and carbonate, and is present in all body cells.
Magnesium Supplements
Cardiovascular Research Magnesium Taurate
Cardiovascular Research Magnesium Taurate, 180 capsules
Magnesium Taurate is a scientifically-designed amino acid-mineral complex which insures maximal bioavailability of the essential macromineral, magnesium. Magnesium Taurate is a fully reacted complex and not simply a blend of the two materials. Unlike some other magnesium preparations, magnesium taurate does not cause gastrointestinal upset.
Twinlab Magnesium Caps
Twinlab Magnesium Caps, 400 mg, 200 Capsules (Pack of 3)
Dietary supplement. Natural. High potency. Twinlab Magnesium Caps are easier to swallow and assimilate. Well tolerated by most highly allergic individuals. No tablet binders, coatings or colorings. Free of the most common allergens such as corn, soy, yeast, rice, barley, wheat, lactose (milk sugar), and all milk, citrus, fish and egg products.
Functions of Magnesium in Our Body
Various functions of magnesium in our body are:
• Magnesium ions activate the enzyme phosphatase, which accelerates the action of bone phosphatase.
• Magnesium activates muscles phosphatase, and as a member of a complex coenzyme system takes part in the chemical changes underlying muscular contraction.
• Magnesium helps formations of bone and teeth.
• The distribution and function of magnesium ion is generally antagonistic to that of calcium ion.
• Helps in utilization of Vitamin B and E, and functions with minerals calcium, sodium, and potassium to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance.
• Helps in production of lecithin, which checks cholesterol and atherosclerosis.
• Helps in preventing calcium deposits in kidneys and gallstones.
• Magnesium is necessary for normal neuromuscular contractions.
• Magnesium along with vitamin B-6 or pyridoxine is effective in prevention and treatment of kidney stones.
Natural Sources of Magnesium
Soyabean, leafy vegetables, and nuts are good sources of magnesium. Hard water has high magnesium content in it whereas milk is a poor source.
Daily Requirement of Magnesium
The RDA (recommended daily allowance) for infants is 40 mg during first 6 months, 60 mg in the second 6 months, and later at the rate of 3.0-4.5 mg/kg weight or 350 mg for adult men and 300 mg for women. Its presence in normal diet is generally enough to meat its requirement in the body.
Magnesium Deficiency
• Prolonged deficiency of magnesium can cause loss of calcium and potassium in body, and consequent their deficiencies.
• The deficiency of magnesium can cause magnesium-tetany, wherein blood magnesium falls, blood cholesterol rises, and the calcium content become very high in the soft tissues, especially in the muscles and the kidneys. It causes vascular disturbances, severe excitability, and lack of energy, increased or decreased reflexes, convulsions and untimely death.
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