Monday, February 24, 2014

Guide to Vitamins, Part 3


VITAMIN PRIMARY FOOD  DEFICIENCY
FUNCTION SOURCES   SYMPTOMS
C
(Ascorbic Acid) Forms collagen to hold  brussels sprouts, weakness, fatigue,
body cells together. strawberries, loss of appetite,
Helps maintain bones oranges, broccoli, weight loss, irrita-
& teeth, heal wounds, green peppers, bility, slow growth,
absorb iron and aids  grapefruit, collard increased risk of
resistance to infection. greens, cauliflower infection, swollen,
Prevents destruction  cantaloupe,  inflamed & bleeding
on B vitamins through tangerines,  gums, swollen &
oxidation. tomatoes,  aching joints, easy
asparagus, cabbage bruising, nosebleeds,
delayed wound
healing
D Increases absorption  fortified mlk, egg poor bone & tooth
of calcium and yolks, organ meats,  formation, bowed
phosphorus. Assists fortified breakfast legs, stunted 
in several phases of cereals. Sunlight growth, muscle
calcium & phosphorus weakness, softening
metabolism, aiding in of bones, pain in
bone & tooth develop- pelvis, back, legs; 
ment.  easily broken bones,
muscle twitching &
spasms
E Protects essential fatty plant oils (used in red blood cell 
acids & vitamin A from margarine & salad breakage & muscle
oxidation. Protects cell dressings), wheat weakness.
membranes. Protects germ, green leafy
red blood cells. Helps vegetables, nuts,
cells use oxygen to whole grains, liver,
yield energy egg yolks, legumes,
fruits, other 
vegetables
K Aids in formation of  green leafy  tendency to 
blood clotting proteins. vegetables, hemmorhage, 
Aids in regulation of cabbage-family delayed blood
blood calcium vegetables, liver, clotting

egg yolks, milk



Used with permission from A Year of Health Hints by Don R Powell, PHD and the American Institute for Preventive Medicine, copyright 2010. www.healthylife.com


Monday, February 17, 2014

Guide to Vitamins, Part 2


VITAMIN PRIMARY FOOD  DEFICIENCY
FUNCTIONS SOURCES   SYMPTOMS
B6 Aids in metabolism of  nuts, legumes, whole dermatitis, cracks at
(Pyridoxine) protein and carbohydrates. grains, fish, poultry,  corners of mouth, 
Assists in formation of red  corn, bananas, lean  smooth tongue, irri-
blood cells and antibodies. meat, liver tability, depression,
Involved in sodium convulsions, anemia,
potassium balance. dizziness
B12 Aids in formation of red  dairy products, fish,  anemia, numbness
(Cyano- blood cells. Maintains shellfish, egg yolks, and tingling in fingers,
cobalamin) healthy nervous system. lean meats degeneration of 
Aids metabolism of protein peripheral nerves,
fat, and carbohydrates. brain, and spinal cord,
Essential for normal growth fatigue, poor growth
and development.
Foilc Acid Aids in formation of dark, green leafy anemia, red, swollen
(Folacin, hemoglobin in red blood vegetables, lima smooth tongue;
Folate) cells. Assists in formation beans, asparagus diarrhea; poor
of enzymes and other while grains, nuts, growth
body cells. legumes, liver
Pantothenic Helps in the metabolism all plant and animal fatigue, tingling in
Acid of protein, fat, and  foods but best are hands and feet, 
carbohydrates.  Involved  whole grains, fresh severe abdominal
In formation of hormones vegetables, egg  cramps, nausea,
and nerve-regulating  yolks difficulty sleeping.
substances.

Used with permission from A Year of Health Hints by Don R Powell, PHD and the American Institute for Preventive Medicine, copyright 2010. www.healthylife.com

Monday, February 10, 2014

Guide to Vitamins, Part 1


In this week’s topic and the next few ones, we will enumerate different vitamins needed by our bodies, functions, sources, and deficiency symptoms.

VITAMIN PRIMARY FOOD  DEFICIENCY
FUNCTION SOURCES   SYMPTOMS
A for healthy skin, hair  dark green vegetables, night blindness
and mucous membrane, deep yellow fruits such dry, rough skin;
normal vision, proper as apricots, peaches,  susceptibility to 
tooth and bone  cantaloupe, carrots,   infection; dry
development and  sweet potatoes, pumpkin   eyes; stunted 
resistance to infection squash, liver, eggs, dairy bone growth;
poor tooth enamel
B1 release of energy from  green peas, legumes  loss of appetite
(Thiamine) food, appetite regulation,  collard greens, oranges fatigue, mental
growth & muscle tone,  asparagus, whole grains, confusion, 
proper function of heart lean meat, oysters  moodiness,
& nervous system irritability,
forgetfulness,
muscle weakness, 
leg cramps,
enlarged heart 
B2 helps cells use oxygen, milk & dairy products skin disorders, esp.
(Riboflavin) important in metabolism  dark green vegetables cracks at corners
of protein, fat, &  whole grains, legumes of mouth; dermatitis
carbohydrates, helps  sardines, eggs, tuna hypersentivity to
keep skin, & mucous oysters, lean meat,  light, reddening of
membranes healthy chicken  cornea; digestive
disturbances
B3 participates in metabolism nuts, legumes, dark green skin disorders, esp.
(Niacin) of protein, fat and  vegetables, whole grains,  on parts exposed to 
carbohydrates; helps cells  lean meat, fish, poultry sun; red, swollen 
use oxygen; promotes  tongue; indigestion,
healthy skin, nerves, and  diarrhea, mental
digestive tract disorders, depression
anxiety, confusion



Used with permission from A Year of Health Hints by Don R Powell, PHD and the American Institute for Preventive Medicine, copyright 2010. www.healthylife.com


Monday, February 3, 2014

Parkinson's Disease


Parkinson's disease, also known as the shaking palsy, is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system.  This disease results from the death of the dopamine-generating cells of the mid-brain.

Symptoms include:

  • slow or stiff movement
  • stooped posture
  • shuffling or dragging the feet
  • monotone voice
  • blinking less frequently than normal
  • lack of spontaneity in facial expression
  • difficulty in adjusting positions
  • dementia (in advanced stages)

Medications to increase the dopamine level are usually prescribed by doctors.  Other treatments include warm bath and massages. Here are some other helpful hints:

  • Take care to maintain a safe home environment. 
  • Simplify tasks.
  • Include high-fiber foods in the diet (to add bulk) and drink lots of fluids, to prevent constipation.
  • Get expert physical therapy.
  • Remain as active as possible.
  • Get professional help to relieve depression, if necessary.

Used with permission from A Year of Health Hints by Don R Powell, PHD and the American Institute for Preventive Medicine, copyright 2010. www.healthylife.com