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PREMENSTRUAL
SYNDROME
PMS (Premenstrual
Syndrome) is very complex, which partially explains why it has been
such a controversial subject since it was first acknowledged in the
medical literature in 1931. Over 150 different symptoms occurring
in the 7 to 14 days prior to menstruation have been documented. Attempts
to develop a single medication to relieve all symptoms for all women
have been unsuccessful.
Studies
have indicated that PMS may be caused by imbalances in prostaglandins
(potent hormone-like compounds, composed of essential fatty acids,
that stimulate the muscles of the uterus); vitamin/mineral imbalances;
and/or hormone imbalances.
A
natural approach often works well in solving PMS discomfort because
it corrects the the causative imbalances rather than just masking
the symptoms of the disorder. Many PMS sufferers have found relief
by implementing changes in diet (especially to control blood sugar
levels), by exercising more and following a carefully designed regimen
of nutritional supplements.
Your
analysis will test women for signs of premenstrual syndrome,
and for symptoms of 53 other nutritional
imbalances.
SELENIUM
The selenium
content of our food depends entirely upon the selenium content of
the soil where the food was grown. However, nearly a third of the
United States and three Canadian Provinces have soil that is seriously
selenium deficient. This is unfortunate because selenium is a powerful
antioxidant (a substance that prevents tissue damage from oxidization)
and therefore is one of the best cancer-blocking agents. Selenium
offers important protection against heart disease, as well. In fact,
there is evidence that selenium can actually heal already damaged
cells.
Additionally,
selenium plays an important role in cleansing your body of heavy
metal poisoning, such as may occur from exposure to mercury (as
in dental fillings) or lead (as in old paint). It does this by speeding
up the rate of heavy metal excretion in the urine and feces. Selenium
also enhances your immune system in a powerful way and has been
found to be very beneficial to chronic allergy patients.
Selenium
is not only an effective tool against cancer and heart disease,
but is effective in preventing the onset of other chronic degenerative
diseases such as premature aging, multiple sclerosis, diabetes and
arthritis.
Geographic
locations in North America where the soil is low in selenium are
Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Western New York,
Massachusetts, Maine, Washington, Rhode Island, Oregon, New Jersey,
Vermont, the Carolinas, Florida, West Virginia and Connecticut.
The Canadian provinces of Quebec, Ontario and Manitoba are also
selenium deficient.
Your
analysis will test you for signs of selenium deficiency, and
for symptoms of 53 other nutritional
imbalances.
OVERACTIVE
ADRENALS
The adrenal
glands are located just above the kidneys, and consist of two parts,
the inner medulla and the cortex (outer covering). When your nervous
system senses danger (physical or psychological) the adrenal glands
release adrenalin and noradrenaline, the "fight or flight", stress-response
hormones, into your bloodstream -- which immediately constrict your
blood vessels and raise your blood pressure. Blood vessels in your
gut are simultaneously constricted, which causes stomach muscle stress
and contraction and quickly slows or stops all digestive processes.
This partly explains why food is difficult to digest if you try to
eat while under stress.
Today,
for many people these stress-response hormones are triggered on
a low-grade level all day long. Driving in heavy traffic, dealing
with stressful situations at work or at home, always feeling rushed
- even watching television news -all contribute to a constant state
of alertness and overstimulation. But our bodies weren't designed
for constant stress; our adrenals need a period of rest after the
release of stress hormones..
When
our adrenals are overactive it can lead to chronic high blood pressure,
anxiety, mood swings, depression, destructive personality changes
and other mental instabilities. When the adrenals continue in an
overactive state for an extended period, they are likely to become
underactive -- worn down and unable to respond at all. This state
of weakened adrenals may result in fatigue, insomnia, allergies
and hypoglycemia.
Changes
in diet and lifestyle, plus a carefully designed program of nutritional
supplements can help restore the balance and health of the adrenal
glands.
Your
analysis will test the nutritional health of your adrenal
system, and for symptoms of 53
other nutritional imbalances.
UNDERACTIVE
ADRENALS
The adrenal
glands are located just above the kidneys, and consist of two parts,
the inner medulla and the cortex (outer covering). When your nervous
system senses danger (physical or psychological) the adrenal glands
release adrenalin and noradrenaline, the "fight or flight", stress-response
hormones, into your bloodstream -- which immediately constrict your
blood vessels and raise your blood pressure. Blood vessels in your
gut are simultaneously constricted, which causes stomach muscle stress
and contraction and quickly slows or stops all digestive processes.
This partly explains why food is difficult to digest if you try to
eat while under stress.
Today,
for many people these stress-response hormones are triggered on
a low-grade level all day long. Driving in heavy traffic, dealing
with stressful situations at work or at home, always feeling rushed
- even watching television news -all contribute to a constant state
of alertness and overstimulation. But our bodies weren't designed
for constant stress; our adrenals need a period of rest after the
release of stress hormones.
When
our adrenals are overactive it can lead to chronic high blood pressure,
anxiety, mood swings, depression, destructive personality changes
and other mental instabilities. When the adrenals continue in an
overactive state for an extended period, they are likely to become
underactive -- worn down and unable to respond at all. This state
of weakened adrenals may result in fatigue, insomnia, allergies
and hypoglycemia.
Changes
in diet and lifestyle, plus a carefully designed program of nutritional
supplements can help restore the balance and health of the adrenal
glands.
Your
analysis will test the nutritional health of your adrenal
system, and for symptoms of 53
other nutritional imbalances.
LIVER/GALLBLADDER
The liver
is the largest, and perhaps the most amazing of all the human organs.
It performs an incredible array of tasks critical to our survival,
and is the only human organ capable of regenerating itself -- a whole
lobe of the liver cut away in an operation can renew itself in a few
weeks!
Generally,
the liver has two critical functions -- making new chemicals from
food nutrients for use throughout the body, and neutralizing body
waste byproducts. All your blood (carrying nutrients from your intestines)
passes through your liver. Your liver is key to maintaining your
energy level, and is a storehouse for all the vitamins, minerals
and enzymes in your body, releasing them into your bloodstream as
needed.
The
liver also manufactures bile, which is sent to your gall bladder
(a sac-like organ attached to the liver). When required, the gall
bladder discharges bile into your intestines to help break down
fats into more easily used components.
Your
liver's health can be supported with a nutritionally sound diet
and/or nutritional supplements.
Your
analysis will test the nutritional health of your liver/gall
bladder system, and for symptoms of 53
other nutritional imbalances.
UNDERACTIVE
STOMACH
The symptoms
of an underactive stomach closely match those of an overactive stomach,
and therefore care must be taken to choose the correct treatment.
An
underactive stomach is the result of a shortage of hydrochloric
acid (HCL) in the digestive chamber, which causes food to digest
too slowly and remain in the stomach too long. This causes discomfort
from the fermentation and gas that is created. Making the mistake
of taking an antacid neutralizes and further reduces the already
inadequate amount of stomach acid and causes the contents of the
stomach to be dropped into the small intestine, where it continues
to ferment, generating intestinal gas. Nothing is improved -- stomach
gas has been turned into intestinal gas.
A
better long-term solution for the cure of an underactive stomach
is to strengthen the stomach's natural HCL production capability
as much as possible. This can be achieved by cautiously using supplements
such as vitamins, minerals and digestive enzymes, and learning how
to combine foods for effective digestion and maximum nutritional
benefit.
Your
analysis will test the nutritional health of your stomach,
and for symptoms of 53 other nutritional
imbalances.
OVERACTIVE
STOMACH
The symptoms
of overactive stomach and underactive stomach are very similar, which
makes it important to be sure exactly which problem you have, before
taking any corrective measures. Discomfort from an overactive stomach
usually occurs several hours after eating fatty, high-protein foods,
or after experiencing some stressful situation. The discomfort and
pain comes as a result of the stomach overproducing hydrochloric acid
(HCL), the major digestive juice produced in the stomach.
Antacids
should not be used over a long period of time -- they can eventually
cause even greater problems by upsetting the body's acid/alkaline
balance. As well, some antacids still contain aluminum -- a metal
it is wise to avoid.
Dietary
changes are the best long-term solution for an overactive stomach.
Corrective dietary measures will vary from individual to individual,
but may include eating several small meals containing protein each
day; learning to combine foods properly for optimal digestion; and
minimizing stomach irritants such as alcohol, coffee, tea, colas
and concentrated sugars.
Your
analysis will test the nutritional health of your stomach
and for symptoms of 53 other nutritional
imbalances.
COLON
The colon
is the large intestine, which is connected at its lower end to your
rectum. Frequent bowel movements (one or more per day, depending on
the individual) help keep your colon healthy. When waste material
remains in your colon for too long, toxins in the waste may leach
back into your bloodstream, causing multiple health problems.
Frequent
constipation and/or diarrhea are not diseases of the colon, they
are symptoms. Therefore it is best to correct constipation and diarrhea
with diet changes and exercise, not with medications.
Many
people forget to drink the 8-10 glasses of water a day necessary
for a well-functioning colon. For some people, making that one change
may provide a simple solution to constipation. As well, the addition
of fibre from food sources may alleviate bowel disorders, for your
colon works best when full of fibre and water. Generally, your colon's
health can be maintained with a nutritionally sound diet and a sensible
exercise program -- which will make your whole body more efficient,
especially your colon.
Your
analysis will test the nutritional health of your colon, and
for symptoms of 53 other nutritional
imbalances.
IODINE
Iodine's
primary purpose is the manufacture of thyroxine. Thyroxine is the
thyroid hormone which controls much of the work of the thyroid, a
small gland located at the front and base of your neck. Iodine and
thyroxine are critically important in the prevention of hypothyroidism
(underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).
Iodine
also has a multitude of secondary, but very important, functions
in your body. These include supercharging the white blood cells'
microbe-killing capabilities; ensuring healthy overall body development,
particularly skin and hair; maintaining acute mental function; control
of bodily energy generation; and preventing surplus mucous buildup
in the body (especially important to those suffering from lung diseases).
Your
analysis will test you for iodine deficiency, and for symptoms
of 53 other nutritional imbalances.
OVERACTIVE
THYROID
The thyroid
gland consists of two lobes at the base of the front of your neck.
It secretes hormones that control your metabolism -- that is, all
the processes that result in your growth, energy production and waste
elimination. Note that the thyroid gland controls both physical and
mental growth. The thyroid gland also prevents the buildup of calcium
in your blood. It's a very important gland and must neither be underactive
or overactive -- either condition can result in major problems.
A
thyroid gland that is underactive results in hypothyroidism, a condition
associated with increased risk for hypoglycemia, allergies, cancer
and heart disease. A few of the symptoms of hypothyroidism are cold
hands and feet; weight gain, especially of the upper body; sluggishness;
and unusual difficulty when trying to work under pressure.
A
thyroid gland that is overactive results in hyperthyroidism, a common
form of which is an autoimmune disorder called Graves' disease.
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism are weight loss, diarrhea, erratic heartbeat,
high pulse pressure and tremors.
The
thyroid gland tends to weaken with age. However, a nutritionally
sound diet will help keep your thyroid healthy.
Your
analysis will test the nutritional health of your thyroid
and for symptoms of 53 other nutritional
imbalances.
UNDERACTIVE
THYROID
The thyroid
gland consists of two lobes at the base of the front of your neck.
It secretes hormones that control your metabolism -- that is, all
the processes that result in your growth, energy production and waste
elimination. Note that the thyroid gland controls both physical and
mental growth. The thyroid gland also prevents the buildup of calcium
in your blood. It's a very important gland and must neither be underactive
or overactive -- either condition can result in major problems.
A
thyroid gland that is underactive results in hypothyroidism, a condition
associated with increased risk for hypoglycemia, allergies, cancer
and heart disease. A few of the symptoms of hypothyroidism are cold
hands and feet; weight gain, especially of the upper body; sluggishness;
and unusual difficulty when trying to work under pressure.
A
thyroid gland that is overactive results in hyperthyroidism, a common
form of which is an autoimmune disorder called Graves' disease.
It is most common in middle-aged women. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism
are weight loss, diarrhea, erratic heartbeat, high pulse pressure
and tremors.
The
thyroid gland tends to weaken with age. However, a nutritionally
sound diet will help keep your thyroid healthy.
Your
analysis will test the nutritional health of your thyroid
and for symptoms of 53 other nutritional
imbalances.
VITAMIN
A
One of
the most valuable and useful of all nutrients, Vitamin A is essential
for the healthy growth and maintenance of all body tissue covering
both external and internal surfaces of your body. Vitamin A is also
required for healthy vision, including night vision. Additionally,
vitamin A assists in bone and tooth formation and is essential to
your immune system, the system that defends you from disease.
Our
bodies cannot make vitamin A, so we must get it from our food, or
supplements. Animal products contain vitamin A. Many vegetables
and fruits contain alpha and beta carotenes, which are changed into
vitamin A in our intestines. Carotene is the orange/yellow pigment
in carrots, squash, mango, apricots, sweet potatoes, etc. Dark green
vegetables like brussel sprouts and broccoli also contain carotene,
but the orange color is masked by the darker green pigment in chlorophyll.
Your
analysis will test you for vitamin A deficiency, and for symptoms
of 53 other nutritional imbalances.
FOLIC
ACID
There
would be no life without folic acid, for folic acid controls the growth
of cells and is involved, directly or indirectly, in every one of
your body's chemical processes. Folic acid is one of the B vitamins.
Notably,
folic acid prevents birth defects in the neural tube, and therefore
sufficient folic acid levels are especially important for women
of childbearing age. As well, recent studies indicate that folic
acid, together with vitamin B-12, has been successfully used by
sufferers of osteoarthritis to reduce pain.
It
is thought that folic acid may also play a role in controlling blood
levels of homocysteine, the amino acid which is believed to cause
damage to blood vessels. Taking supplements of folic acid, vitamin
B-6 and vitamin B-12 has been shown to reduce the high level of
homocysteine to normal, and thus it is believed that folic acid
may provide valuable protection against heart disease.
Folic
acid is destroyed by cigarette smoke, alcohol, chewing tobacco,
aspirin, antibiotics, marijuana, hard drugs and stress. Folic acid
in food is destroyed by cooking. As well, prolonged exposure of
food to fluorescent lighting destroys or reduces levels of folic
acid.
Recent
studies indicate that as many as 90% of North American teenagers
are consuming insufficient folic acid for optimum health.
Your
analysis will test you for folic acid deficiency, and for
symptoms of 53 other nutritional
imbalances.
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