Supplements

Our food no longer contains the nutrients that it once did because of the ways in which it is cultivated, processed and prepared. Modern foods contain between 10 and 25 percent lower levels of protein, vitamins and minerals than their counterparts did between 25 and 50 years ago. These deficiencies can, and do, lead to serious consequences for athletes and non-athletes in the forms of chronic pain, digestive problems, emotional issues, sleep disorders, concentration difficulties, and cardiovascular infections, among others.

This section is not intended to be a comprehensive guide to supplements, but is intended to provide some information that you may unfamiliar to you. If you find that this information causes you to search for more details, then please do further internet research and/or find a skilled health care practitioner who can guide you in the appropriate selection and use of supplements. You can find much more information at www.mercola.com, and www.wikipedia.org, and a listing of skilled alternative health-care practitioners at www.acam.org.

Key Supplements

Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)
These EFAs are found in fish and flax seeds, although the preferred balance of Omega-3 EFAs is found in fish and krill oils. Omega-3 EFAs stabilize our mood by keeping the dopamine levels in the brain high. Individuals who are clinically depressed generally have low levels of Omega-3s in their diets, and taking fish or krill oil capsules can bring great benefits.
For brain cells to be their healthiest, they must be well insulated with a fatty substance called myelin, which is made preferably from Omega-3 EFAs. When the myelin sheath becomes thinner, or is replaced with inferior Omega-6 EFAs, neurological damage results with potentially serious results.
Low Omega-3 levels are also associated with cardiovascular problems and chronic pain. Omega-3 supplementation has been shown to produce benefits for cardiovascular symptoms and pain management. Perhaps the most intriguing reported benefit of Omega-3 in the treatment of serious diseases is the research of Dr. Johanna Budwig:
http://home.online.no/~dusan/diseases/cancer/cancer_dr_budwig.html
Her work deserves serious consideration when examining the need for Omega-3 EFAs in our diets.

Vitamin D3
Vitamin D, in the form of Vitamin D3, has been the subject of recent extensive research that has shown a wide variety of benefits. Vitamin D has been shown to be involved in the operation of about 2,000 genes, which suggests that it is among the most vital of human nutrients. Among Vitamin D's benefits are those that improve the immune function, cardiovascular health, back pain, muscle pain, liver function, kidney function, vision, bone growth and muscular coordination. Exposing the skin to direct sunlight produces Vitamin D. Ultraviolet B radiation in sunlight converts cholesterol into Vitamin D. During winter months, it is essential to take Vitamin D3 in order to keep the immune system functioning normally.
Here is a summary of Vitamin D's benefits:
http://www.medpagetoday.com/HematologyOncology/SkinCancer/7888

Vitamin C
Vitamin C is required for a wide range of essential metabolic processes in all animals and plants. Unlike plants and most other mammals, humans lack the genes that allow us to make our own Vitamin C by converting glucose. Vitamin C deficiency will cause scurvy, a condition characterized by poorly formed or deficient collagen, the substance that is found in cartilage and blood vessels. Dr. Linus Pauling, recipient of two unshared Nobel Prizes, did extensive research on the relationship of vitamin C and heart disease. His research results may be found in summarized, layman's terms at:
http://store.ourhealthcoop.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=he
Another Researcher, Thomas E. Levy, MD, JD has written two books on the numerous benefits of Vitamin C:
Curing the Incurable - Vitamin C, Infectious Diseases, and Toxins
Stop America's #1 Killer - Reversible Vitamin Deficiency Found to be Origin of All Coronary Heart Disease Vitamin C is involved in the healthy functioning of every organ and its deficiency can result in a wide variety of symptoms.

MSM
MSM, Methyl Sulfonyl Methane, is a naturally occurring substance in food that cooking destroys. For many individuals, MSM is a natural anti-inflammatory that can be as effective as over-the-counter pain relievers. Research has shown that MSM has benefits for relieving osteoarthritis pain, seasonal sinus allergies, and bladder infections. Research has also suggested that MSM increases cell-wall permeability, which allows nutrients to flow in and toxins to flow out more easily, and increases oxygen availability.
Here is a summary of MSM's benefits:
http://www.naturodoc.com/library/medsmats/msm/MSM_benefits.htm

Multi Vitamins and Minerals
It is also important to consume a daily multi-vitamin and mineral combination in addition to the four key supplements described above. The multi combination should contain the following:

	Vitamin A	- Protects brain-cell membranes
	B vitamins	- Promote growth and health of neurons
	Vitamin E	- Can prevent brain deterioration
	Magnesium	- Needed for proper nerve transmission and heart health
	Zinc	- Needed for proper immune-system functioning

Lithium
Lithium appears to be an essential mineral for optimal brain functioning. It protects brain cells from normal deterioration and the effects of toxins. It has also been shown to promote brain-cell regeneration, increase brain-cell mass, and enhance new neural connections. Lithium has been shown to be effective in treating alcoholism, fibromyalgia, cluster headaches, viral infections such as herpes, cold and Epstein-Barr viruses, and gout. You can read a summary of its benefits at:
http://www.tahoma-clinic.com/lithium2.shtml
and
http://www.healthiertalk.com/misunderstood-mineral-anti-aging-brain-secret-094

Niacin
Many alternative, or complimentary, health-care professionals discount the importance of high cholesterol levels as a problem in cardiovascular disease. They cite the statistic that shows that over half of individuals who experience sudden heart attacks have normal- to low-cholesterol levels. Their alternative view is that a high cholesterol level is a symptom of inflammation of the cardiovascular system. The use of natural anti-inflammatory supplements, such as vitamins A, C and E to stop inflammation should therefore be the focus of treatment along with the use of substances to manage cholesterol levels. Niacin, vitamin B3, has been shown to be as effective a treating high cholesterol levels as modern statins - without any detrimental side effects.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/niacin/NS_patient-niacin
You may also consider non-flush niacin if you have had an adverse reaction to niacin.
Another natural substance that reduces high-cholesterol levels is red yeast rice:
mk http://www.raysahelian.com/redyeastrice.html
If you are taking any prescribed medication or natural supplement to manage your cholesterol levels, then you must also take CoQ10 supplements to compensate for the liver's deficient production while on such medications or supplements.

Chelating Agents
We are constantly exposed to toxic substances that we inhale or ingest through our food and water. These toxic substances consist of pesticides, solvents, noxious gases and heavy metals such as mercury, lead, arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, etc. While minute quantities of these substances may be useful to cellular health, excessive amounts have many detrimental effects and have been linked to serious conditions such as cancer and heart disease.
Mercury and iron are two metals that cause serious conditions. Mercury has been long known to cause severe neurological problems, and excessive iron is a strong suspect in causing heart problems. Mercury, in the form of thimerosal, is frequently used as a preservative in flu shots and other vaccines.
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=484902
These toxic substances can be removed by means of chelation, in which an organic chemical, EDTA, is intravenously administered under a physician's supervision. The chelating agent binds with the toxic substances in the patient's tissues and allows the body to safely remove the toxic materials. Certain other chelating agents found in cilantro and others that are made from modified citrus pectin may be taken orally and have been shown to be an effective means of reducing heavy-metal levels.
In addition, iron levels can be maintained within healthy limits by donating blood every six months.

Diet Recommendation
The current standard American diet contains a high proportion of processed foods, which deplete the body of many necessary nutrients. In order to function at an optimal mental and physical level, one must choose to avoid prepared foods where possible. If you are not already following a healthy diet, then please consult with a qualified dietician or health-care professional who can develop a diet plan that suits your needs. You will be rewarded with greater stamina, strength and mental clarity as a result of eating properly.