mineral deficiency Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Acid Reflux Medication Interferes with Vitamin and Mineral Absorption

The AHA! Team — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 05:15:21 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or acid reflux as it is often known, is one of the most common health complaints among adults. So much so that medications to treat the symptoms make up the third highest-selling class of drugs in the United States. It is estimated that a staggering 20% of the the U.S. population suffer with symptoms of acid reflux. While proton-pump inhibiting (PPI) drugs, such as Prilosec, Prevacid, and Nexium, bring welcomed relief from the symptoms of acid reflux, habitual use of these pharmaceuticals over time can be a health risk, increasing the likelihood of nutritional deficiencies, bone fractures, and heart disease. Understanding the cause of acid reflux Acid reflux is caused by the incomplete closure of the sphincter valve – located between the stomach and the esophagus. When this occurs, harsh stomach contents can splash back up across the delicate lining of the esophagus and the throat, nose, and other vulnerable tissues. Most commonly, acid reflux can cause pain in the center of the chest and, at times, an acidic taste in the mouth. While uncomfortable, the true concern is that – left untreated – symptoms of acid reflux will lead to esophageal cancer and other related changes down the road. But one thing should be made perfectly clear: toxic medications will never cure this problem. The dangers of PPI drugs and acid reflux What many acid reflux sufferers don’t realize is that medications to treat their heartburn and other symptoms come at a hefty price. There are Prilosec side effects, for example, that may go unnoticed for months or even years. Using PPIs to gain some control over symptoms may seem helpful, but these medications don’t stop the physical reflux of digestive enzymes, bile, and corrosive food/drinks flowing into the delicate esophageal lining. Continued exposure to the acids and protein-digesting enzymes in stomach fluid can bring about precancerous changes, such as the development of the condition known as Barrett’s esophagus. Reducing stomach acid is also likely to interfere with your body’s ability to extract vitamin B12 from foods. Research shows that most oral acid-suppressing medications, including PPIs, decrease the absorption of vitamin B12 from foods. In one study, 75 percent of PPI users were deficient in vitamin B12, compared with just 11 percent among non-users. Gut problems can be life-threatening Regular use of PPIs may also lead to low blood magnesium levels. Symptoms include fatigue, unsteadiness, numbness/tingling, seizures, and heart rhythm disturbances. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary. However, magnesium levels can return to normal when PPI medications are halted. PPI use can also lead to poor calcium absorption, increasing the risk of bone fractures. These medications are also associated with elevated risk for cardiovascular disease and even risk of death due to heart attack. PPIs inhibit the normal production of nitric oxide, a signaling molecule vital for normal blood vessel function. Lower your risk of disease with natural solutions Avoiding the use of PPIs in favor of natural solutions to acid reflux and heartburn results in fewer unwanted impacts on your health. Often, dietary and lifestyle changes hold the key to diminishing occurrence. Avoid processed and “rich” foods, particularly desserts. Do not overeat, and chew your food – very well. In terms of a plant remedy, check out this article about how slippery elm can help you. If you are a smoker, acid reflux is yet another reason to quit. If you still have acid reflux symptoms, consult a trusted holistic physician with experience in natural remedies – including essential oils and herbs – to help guide you toward a full recovery. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov Lifeextension.com To read the original article click here.

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Combat Cognitive Decline and Grow New Brain Cells with an Intriguing Mineral

The AHA! Team — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 08:50:37 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – At its mildest – which may involve occasional “blanking” on names or temporarily misplacing car keys – it causes embarrassment, annoyance, or minor inconvenience. At its worst, it is debilitating, jeopardizing the ability to read, write, and talk and threatening one’s ability to live independently. We are speaking, of course, of cognitive decline. Sometimes called cognitive impairment, this age-related condition is characterized by a decrease in the ability to learn, remember, and concentrate. There is currently no cure for cognitive decline, and ongoing research focuses on therapies and treatments intended to alleviate it or slow its progress. Recent research has illuminated the ability of selenium, an essential trace mineral, to help maintain healthy cognitive function – and potentially combat cognitive impairment. What functions does selenium perform in the body? Selenium is an important constituent of selenoproteins, a group of compounds needed for antioxidant defense, DNA synthesis, and thyroid hormone metabolism. (In fact, glutathione, the body’s “master” antioxidant and neutralizer of toxins, is one of the primary selenoproteins). Because selenium combats oxidative damage and inflammation in the brain, it is believed to play an important role in protecting brain health. And this mineral may even take the protection of cognitive function to the “next level.” In recent studies, it has been found to promote neurogenesis – the formation of new brain cells – in the hippocampus, an area of the brain linked with learning and memory. Warning: Low levels are linked to neurodegenerative conditions Like so many health-sustaining compounds, selenium is normally present in good supply in young people but becomes scarcer with age. Researchers have observed that the risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease rises as selenium levels fall. In a 2023 meta-analysis published in Nutrients, the authors concluded that people with neurodegenerative diseases have lower levels. These shortfalls can have grave consequences. For example, preliminary studies have suggested that selenium deficiency causes brain inflammation. Conversely, animal studies have shown that increasing intake can reduce the accumulation of harmful tau and beta-amyloid proteins linked with Alzheimer’s disease. The “million-dollar question:” Can selenium improve age-related cognitive decline? Research has yielded encouraging results. Preliminary studies have shown that treating cultured brain cells with selenium led to increases in proliferation and signs of neurogenesis. A separate study showed that adding supplementary selenium directly to the drinking water of elderly mice caused significant improvements in learning and memory. Clearly, cell and animal studies offer valuable data on the potential of this micronutrient. But what about human studies? In a study published in 2023 in the Journal of Cardiac Failure involving patients with congestive heart failure, participants with higher levels of selenoproteins (which, in turn, indicate selenium levels) performed better on global cognitive tests than those with lower levels. This seemed to echo the findings of an earlier study published in Epidemiology that showed better cognitive performance among older adults with increased levels of selenium. Another study published in the European Journal of Nutrition showed that supplementing with a single selenium-packed Brazil nut improved verbal fluency and mental function in patients with mild cognitive impairment. However, other research has shown mixed results, and more studies are needed. It’s worth noting that selenium can also promote heart health and discourage atherosclerosis. A review involving over 433,000 participants with coronary heart disease showed that supplementation decreased levels of inflammatory C-reactive protein while increasing levels of glutathione. How much is too much? While serious selenium deficiencies are uncommon in the United States, holistic practitioners note that inadequate intake can occur in vegetarians, vegans, and others who consume little meat and seafood. Consuming food grown in soil with low selenium levels can also cause shortfalls. The Office of Dietary Supplements recommends 55 micrograms of selenium daily for adults. You can increase your intake by eating oysters, poultry, beef, cold-water fatty fish, and eggs. However, the undisputed “heavyweight” of selenium content is the Brazil nut, with a single ounce (six or seven nuts) delivering a whopping 544 micrograms. Incidentally, there is such a thing as “too much selenium.” Symptoms of excessive intake include skin rash, nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, and irritability. Acute selenium toxicity, a more serious condition, can lead to tremors, acute respiratory distress syndrome, organ failure, and even death. The Food and Nutrition Board has established a daily upper limit for selenium (from food and supplements combined) of 400 mcg for adults. (Caution – Brazil nuts could cause toxicity if consumed in excessive amounts. A mere half dozen Brazil nuts, in one sitting, could exceed the tolerable upper limit for the day. Limiting yourself to no more than 3 of these tasty, nutritious nuts a day allows you to rack up healthy levels of this essential trace mineral without risk of toxicity.) Selenium is available as a supplement, with typical amounts ranging from 50 to 400 micrograms a day. However, consult with your holistic doctor before supplementing. Remember: Other steps to protect cognitive function include proper nutrition, staying physically and mentally active, and maintaining a healthy social network. The latest research suggests that selenium may help you retain sharp mental function while safeguarding your priceless memories well into old age. It’s certainly wise to ensure you have adequate amounts of this valuable micronutrient. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov LifeExtension.com NIH.gov OfficeofDietarySupplements.gov NIH.gov NIH.gov Springer.com VeryWellHealth.com To read the original article click here.

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Concerned With Brittle Bones? Discover 4 Natural Ways to Support Bone Health

AHA Publisher — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 06:59:44 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – Osteoporosis, characterized by porous, brittle bones, and low bone mass currently affects 54 million Americans – with potentially debilitating consequences. Because this age-related condition often shows no symptoms, many people do not realize they have it until a sudden bone fracture occurs. According to the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation, a shocking one out of every two women aged 50 and older (and one in four men in that age group) will suffer an osteoporosis-related fracture at some point in their lives. In fact, people with osteoporosis can experience broken bones from such seemingly innocuous activities as walking, standing, or sneezing. To reduce your odds of a devastating fracture, experts advise consuming a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D. In addition, four nutrients, in particular, are believed to help strengthen bones. To discover these important nutrients – and what each “brings to the table” – read on. Curcumin From Turmeric for Bone Health and Protect Against Fracture For over 4,000 years, turmeric has been prized by natural healers for its ability to reduce inflammation and fight infections. Botanically known as Curcuma longa, turmeric owes much of its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties to its active constituent, curcumin. In addition to its other health benefits, curcumin is believed to help improve low bone density. While clinical studies are lacking, promising early research conducted by investigators at the University of Arizona found that a turmeric extract helped to prevent the development of osteoclasts – specialized cells that facilitate the breakdown of bone – while protecting trabecular bone, the type of spine, and hip bone most susceptible to fracture in postmenopausal women. Turmeric is available in powdered, tincture, liquid, and capsule forms. Look for a turmeric formulation standardized to contain at least 94 percent curcuminoids, which was found to be more effective than lower concentrations. Before supplementing with turmeric, however, consult your integrative doctor. Thyme Helps to Manage Calcium Levels, Supporting Bone Health While many know this piquant herb only as a seasoning, thyme has been used by natural healers for centuries to treat a variety of ills. Botanically known as Thymus vulgaris, thyme contains micronutrients that promote bone health – including calcium, vitamin K, magnesium, zinc, and manganese. In addition, thyme’s active constituent, thymol, is believed to inhibit the formation of osteoclasts. One compelling study published in the International Journal of PharmTech Research suggested that 1,000 mg of thyme a day for six months improved bone mineral density in postmenopausal women more effectively than a calcium/vitamin D supplement. The researchers noted that thyme helped to regulate calcium homeostasis, allowing it to have a protective effect on bone. By the way, studies have shown that thyme is even more effective in supporting bone mineral density when it is used with its close “cousins” sage and rosemary. In other words, the classic folk ballad “Scarborough Fair,” with its reference to “parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme,” contains a recipe for better bone health … who knew?! Thyme can be used fresh or dried – and is also available in liquid extract and capsule form. While amounts found in food are generally recognized as safe, check with your integrative doctor before supplementing. Don’t Despise the Dandelion! Greens Provide a Jackpot of Bone-Strengthening Nutrition While homeowners and landscapers dread it for its ability to invade lawns, the humble dandelion – botanically known as Taraxacum officinale – is an overlooked and underrated source of both nutrition and health benefits. Nutritionists at the famed Cleveland Clinic praise dandelion leaves as “probably the most nutritionally dense green you can eat, superior to even spinach and kale.” (And that’s saying a lot!) While dandelion greens are rich in bone-building vitamin K, calcium, and potassium, their real “superpower” is their high content of silicon, which has been found to improve bone matrix quality and facilitate bone mineralization. You can use tangy-tasting dandelion greens in mixed salads and sandwiches. For a milder taste, soak them in cold, salted water for ten minutes, then boil until tender (about five minutes) and season with olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Dandelion supplements are also available, but get the “go-ahead” from your doctor before taking them. Over Half of All Americans Fail to Get Enough Magnesium, Which Supports Bone Health Multiple studies suggest that this essential mineral contributes to increased bone density and helps prevent the development of osteoporosis. But unfortunately, most Americans don’t get enough of it in their diets. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, only 48 percent of Americans ingest enough magnesium from food to meet the estimated average requirement. You can increase your dietary intake of magnesium with green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Pumpkin seeds are the “high-ringers” in the seed world, with one ounce of roasted seeds contributing 156 mg. And chia seeds, beans, potatoes, and fresh (raw) yogurt are also good sources. The recommended daily dietary amount for magnesium for adults is 420 mg for men and 320 mg for women. Magnesium supplements are also available – but check first with your integrative doctor. Other common-sense techniques for supporting bone health include: stopping smoking, getting a bone mineral density scan to assess osteoporosis risk, and performing weight-bearing exercises such as walking, stair climbing, calisthenics, or weight training. Ask your integrative physician or health coach for help in designing an exercise routine that is right for you. Remember: Osteoporosis strikes one out of every five women (and one out of every 20 men) over age 50. Appropriate amounts of “bone-friendly” nutrients and herbs may help you improve your odds and “stand strong” as you age. Sources for this article include: VeryWellHealth.com Healthline.com ClevelandClinic.org Sphinxsai.com HerbaZest.com Arizona.edu To read the original article click here.

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Glyphosate Toxicity Alert: How America’s #1 Weedkiller Tricks Your Body Into Absorbing It

AHA Publisher — Wed, 22 Jul 2020 07:00:32 +0000

Isaac Eliaz, MD, MS, LAc via Dr. Axe – When you’re creating a meal or spraying a stray dandelion in your yard, you probably don’t think about glyphosate toxicity. Still, glyphosate is the most commonly used agricultural in the world — and a go-to weedkiller in lawns and gardens across America. And although you would never purposely add it to your food or drinking water … you’re still probably consuming it every day. (It’s used so heavily, it’s now detected in rain samples, too.) The unfortunate truth is, glyphosate is virtually impossible to avoid, so you and your loved ones are probably at risk from its toxic effects right now — unless you take active steps to defend yourself. The Inside Track on Glyphosate Glyphosate’s primary use involves killing weeds, but it was first patented as a metal chelator (remover) because it binds to minerals (like calcium) to clear them out of pipes. That’s great for pipes, but not for people who need essential minerals to stay strong and healthy. The herbicide also causes a devastating impact on our internal ecosystem. It kills off beneficial bacteria (probiotics) while giving dangerous pathogens a competitive edge. Research indicates that glyphosate creates and speeds up antibiotic resistance in disease-causing bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli. In its central role, glyphosate is the most widely used agricultural pesticide in the world, but it’s often combined with other toxic herbicides including: Atrazine 2,4-D (2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) Dicamba Neonicotinoid insecticides That’s why the vast majority of our conventional food supply is contaminated with glyphosate, almost always along with other toxins. And as we’re finding, these dangerous combinations spell disaster for our personal and planetary health. Glyphosate Toxicity: The Many Dangers Glyphosate poses an enormous health risk because of our constant exposure. And though each instance of contact with glyphosate may seem small, they all add up — especially since this everyday toxin “tricks” your body into storing it, by mimicking other essential nutrients. That puts you at higher risk for many troubling health issues, including: Deficiencies in essential minerals such as manganese and iron that can lead to diabetes, dementia, and anemia symptoms Overgrowth of pathogens in the gut (dysbiosis or “leaky gut”), which disrupts immune function and increases inflammation, putting you at risk for dozens of chronic diseases Disruption of vital biochemical processes (like detox methylation), which can lead to toxin overload, autoimmune disease and cancer Reduced neurotransmitter production, which can cause depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline Since glyphosate contamination is extremely difficult to avoid, you need to defend yourself against it every day. Pesticides Taint Most Foods Most plant foods sold in the U.S. come bathed in pesticides. According to the USDA, more than 225 different pesticides can be found on fruits, vegetables, and grains commonly consumed in the U.S. (See the Dirty Dozen list for more details.) Even organic foods are not always spared, since pesticides like glyphosate and others can find their way into organic farms via wind drift or other means. Glyphosate itself contaminates hundreds of the most common foods. Even though each food may contain only trace amounts of glyphosate, those traces add up to an oversized daily dose. Here’s just a small taste of foods that contain glyphosate in popular brands: Granola bars Bottled orange juice Rolled oats 100% whole grain pasta Hummus While it may seem impossible to avoid glyphosate and other pesticides, there are things you can do to protect yourself and your family from the harm these toxins can cause. Emphasizing organic foods and products is an important first step. Even though organic produce may still contain some pesticide or toxin residues, levels will be far lower than conventionally-grown items. There’s also a new, independent certification that manufacturers can obtain to verify products as glyphosate-free. While still in the early stages, this new certification may be something to keep an eye out for, as awareness about the dangers of glyphosate continues to climb. Protect Yourself from Glyphosate Toxicity There are several things you can do to minimize — and even eliminate — glyphosate contamination, but the most important is to protect your body with natural defenders. That way, as we are chronically exposed to glyphosate, our bodies can safely deal with it before long-term damage is done. The most effective glyphosate defense team includes: Citrus pectin: A soluble fiber known to detoxify heavy metals and clear cholesterol through its superior binding powers Alginates (purified from kelp): Proven to protect against pesticide toxicity and effectively remove heavy metals and toxins Glycine: An amino acid needed to create glutathione — a powerful detoxifier and antioxidant that also protects the liver against toxicity. Interestingly, the body can mistake glyphosate for glycine during protein synthesis, tricking it into storing toxic glyphosate in tissues and organs. By supplementing with extra glycine, we can prevent glyphosate from being stored, enhance glutathione activity, and help support healthy protein production. The top glycine-rich sources include collagen and bone broth, but it’s also found in legumes, meat, dairy, poultry, eggs and fish. Even some fruits and vegetables contain glycine, like spinach, cabbage, kale, bananas and cauliflower. Gingko biloba: An ancient herb found to be a powerful protector against glyphosate toxicity Organic Iceland kelp: A rich source of protective minerals including iodine, which prevents the absorption of radioactive ions and toxic pesticide halogens like fluoride, bromide, and chlorine Probiotics and prebiotics: Needed to restore beneficial gut bacteria killed off by glyphosate In my practice, I recommend a targeted detox formula with these detox binders, to safely remove glyphosate and other agricultural toxins, prevent them from being stored in the body, and support thyroid, GI health, and other areas. Pesticides and environmental toxins represent a daily problem that require daily solutions—especially since our levels of exposure are on the rise. Supporting your body with safe, natural detoxifiers offers the best defense against glyphosate along with other pesticides and toxins, with additional protective benefits for long-term health and wellness. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Axe click here.

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Zinc Deficiency May Be Considered as a Risk Factor for Infectious Diseases

AHA Publisher — Wed, 15 Jul 2020 07:00:43 +0000

Sechenov University via EurekAlert – Researchers from Sechenov University in collaboration with colleagues from Germany, Greece and Russia reviewed scientific articles on the role of zinc in the prevention and treatment of viral infections and pneumonia, with projections on those caused by SARS-CoV-2. The results were published in the International Journal of Molecular Medicine. Zinc is necessary for normal metabolism and functioning of the reproductive, cardiovascular and nervous systems, but it is also important for the immune system, in particular for the proliferation and maturation of white blood cells (some of them are able to capture and digest microorganisms, and others – to produce antibodies). In addition, zinc is involved in the regulation of inflammation. Thus, normal levels of zinc support human resistance to inflammatory and infectious diseases. ‘According to the current estimates, the risk of zinc deficiency is observed in more than 1.5 billion people in the world. In Russia, deficiency of this element occurs in 20-40% of the population; in some regions it reaches 60%. Given the crucial role of zinc in regulation of immunity, one can propose that its insufficiency may be considered as a risk factor for infectious diseases,’ said the research leader, head of the Laboratory of Molecular Dietetics at Sechenov University, Professor Anatoly Skalny. The scientists reviewed the results of studies on the use of zinc-containing drugs for increasing immunity and preventing viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2 that caused COVID-19 outbreak this year. Previous studies showed that zinc and its binding substances can slow down the work of RNA polymerase (an enzyme that synthesises viral RNA molecules) of coronaviruses and suppress their spread in the body. One of the substances that stimulate the cellular zinc uptake, chloroquine, has already been tested on patients with SARS-CoV-2, but its strong side effects make it necessary to look for other compounds with a similar effect or use zinc separately. However, both options have not been sufficiently studied or tested yet. Observations of the development of other viruses, such as rhinoviruses (this family includes pathogens of acute respiratory diseases), show that an increase in the level of zinc in cells suppresses replication (reproduction) of the virus and stimulates production of interferon alpha, which has an antiviral activity. In addition, zinc deficiency is considered as one of the risk factors for the development of pneumonia: it increases the susceptibility to infectious agents and the disease duration. Several studies show the effectiveness of zinc-containing drugs in decreasing severity and duration of symptoms and reducing the prevalence of pneumonia. However, in general, data on the use of zinc as a therapy, rather than prevention, are contradictory. Another possible application of zinc is modulation of inflammation. Existing data show that zinc ions have an anti-inflammatory effect, reducing damage to lung tissue in pneumonia. Zinc also helps the body resist bacteria, and bacterial pneumonia frequently occurs in patients with secondary viral infections. ‘A recent study conducted by scientists from the USA confirmed our assumptions, demonstrating the effect of zinc intake on the risk of a severe course and the need for artificial ventilation in patients with COVID-19,’ said Alexey Tinkov, coauthor of the article, a leading researcher at the Laboratory of Molecular Dietetics at Sechenov University. Therefore, according to current research, adequate zinc status can bring down the likelihood of infectious respiratory diseases, pneumonia and its complications. There are also indirect indications that zinc intake may be effective in the fight against coronavirus disease (COVID-19), but there is still insufficient data for recommendations. To read the original article click here.

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