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DIGESTIVE:

Enhanced Digestion: What You Need to Know

Information so you can Understand Digestion, Assimilation And Enzyme Nutrition, and a Nutritional Supplement designed to support Proper Digestion and Digestive Upset Conditions.

Understanding Digestion, Assimilation And Enzyme Nutrition

What Causes Most Nutritional Disorders?

In my opinion, many health care practitioners, traditional and non-traditional, have overlooked the main underlying cause of many or most nutritional disorders- faulty digestion. Rather than continuously treating the symptoms of poor digestion (gas, heartburn, nausea, burping, bloating, upset stomach, acid indigestion, diarrhea), the logical remedy for actually correcting this problem is to improve the person’s ability to digest and assimilate the nutrients from their food.

What Is Digestion And Assimilation?

The digestion and assimilation of food is accomplished by taking large pieces of foods and breaking them down into very small molecules. These food molecules can then be absorbed into the blood and used by the body as nutrients. Many people could benefit greatly by simply chewing their food more thoroughly. This is the most energy-efficient mechanical action the body can take to break down food. After chewing, the body must expend a lot of energy producing acid and alkaline digestive juices, digestive enzymes, and muscle contractions to break down the food. I teach all of my patients that at least 50% of digestion should take place in the mouth- by chewing your food thoroughly. How many times have you seen people “inhale” their food almost before the plate hits the table?

What Are Key Points To Good Digestion, Assimilation And Elimination?

There are four main criteria for optimum digestion and elimination:
1. The correct type and amount of digestive enzymes.
2. Adequate acidophilus and other ‘friendly’ intestinal bacteria.
3. The correct pH (acid/base balance) in each area of the digestive tract (acidic in the stomach, alkaline in the small intestine, neutral in the large intestine).
4. Having an adequate amount of fiber in the diet.

How Does Poor Digestion Cause Disease In The Body?

1. Nutritional Deficiencies.

Most significantly, a person who is not digesting their food well cannot obtain the optimum amount of nutrients from their food that help rebuild, repair, and regenerate the body.

2. Fermentation/Decomposition.

Poor digestion also causes slower transit time of the food through the digestive tract. This prolonged transit time often causes the food to ferment causing gas formation. After this, the fermenting foods begin to decompose or rot (causing toxic chemical formation).

3. Self-Toxification/Colon Problems.

Another factor is a deficiency of fiber in the diet. A lack of fiber in the stools causes the feces to become sticky. This combination of sticky, fermenting, and putrefied food produces toxins and ‘free-radicals’, which are absorbed into the bloodstream and can create a lining of toxic residues and mucus which coats the lower intestinal tract. This toxic, mucus plaque can contribute to numerous health conditions, such as diverticulitis, colitis, and other colon problems. The symptoms associated with this ‘self-toxification’ can include allergies, body aches, confusion, forgetfulness, headaches, and decreased energy.

4. Leaky-Gut Syndrome/Food Allergies.

A serious condition associated with poor digestion is “leaky-gut” syndrome. Leaky Gut Syndrome occurs when foods are not digested completely. Large, poorly digested protein molecules force their way through the gut wall into the bloodstream. In the blood, instead of being delivered where needed as nutrients, these large proteins are recognized incorrectly by the immune system as an invader from outside the body. The immune system then mounts an antigen-antibody reaction, creating immune cells to attack the antigen. This is also known as having a food allergy attack. I believe that a large majority of ‘food allergies’ are simply due to poor digestion and this antigen-antibody reaction to proteins in the bloodstream.

5. Liver/Kidney Stress & Skin Conditions.

By constantly allowing these toxins to enter the bloodstream, it also places stress on the liver (major organ of detoxification) and kidneys (cleaners of the blood). If these organs become overworked, the skin will become an organ of elimination and you will begin to see skin conditions appearing. Many skin conditions are caused or contributed to by poor digestion and the resulting toxic environment of the intestinal tract.

6. Parasites/Yeast Infections.

Other conditions related to poor digestion and leaky-gut syndrome are parasite infections, which are more common that one would expect, and Candida albicans (yeast) infection of the intestinal tract.

All of these conditions increase the toxic load on the body and have a negative effect on the immune system. My patients are usually amazed by how many problems can be traced back to the underlying problems of poor digestion and a toxic colon. It is even more amazing to see what happens when a person who was once toxic from the previously described conditions chooses to use natural methods to detoxify, rebuild, and regenerate their body. Many have described the process as getting “a second chance” or “having a new lease on life”. It is truly a joy to be at home in the body when it is functioning as intended.

What Are Biochemical Enzymes And Digestive Enzymes?

Enzymes are present in all living plant and animal cells. There are hundreds of kinds of biochemical enzymes in the body, constantly keeping our body functioning properly. Enzymes are like the battery in a car. Without the spark from the battery, even a brand new car won’t work. All life would cease to exist without enzymes, for they a vital source of life energy. Enzymes are the primary motivators (catalyst) for all natural biochemical (life) processes. Even though proteins, carbohydrates, fat and fiber are the building blocks of our bodies, they do not possess the energy (capacity to do work) that enzymes possess, necessary for digesting foods, liberating nutrients and assisting biochemical reactions.

Digestive enzymes, made by the pancreas, assist in digesting food we eat, making it small enough to pass through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream. Despite obvious evidence of their importance, little thought is given (in modern medicine) to the role digestive enzymes play in completing the digestion and assimilation of nutrients. Plant-based enzymes (like those found in Healthy Alternatives Plus products) work in the entire digestive tract, in a wide range of acid and alkaline environments. They allow your body to replenish and rebuild the pancreatic enzyme reserve, which takes a tremendous stress load off of the body. Taken with food they greatly assist the body in the digestion and assimilation of food nutrients. Taken away from food, digestive enzymes enter the bloodstream and act almost like a ‘second immune system’, digesting excess proteins in the blood, scavenging debris, decreasing inflammation, removing mucous, and cellular waste.

How Do Digestive Enzymes Work?

When a person eats proteins, carbohydrates, and fat, the pancreas responds by secreting the proper amounts and concentrations of protease, amylase, and lipase enzymes to digest the foods and transport their nutrients into the bloodstream. Organic raw foods contain the proper types and concentrations of enzymes in their cells to digest themselves (enzymes are responsible for aged fruit to rot or self-digest. Cooking or heating food kills the enzymes found in live foods. Nature intended for the enzymes within rot foods to assist the body in digestion). Eating organic produce adds little or no stress to the pancreas. Our bodies do not make the enzyme cellulose, which breaks down plant fiber, however, a plant-source cellulose enzyme supplement is appropriate therapy for certain conditions, such as green leafy vegetables intact in stools.

Do Organic Foods Contain More Enzymes?

Unfortunately, many commercially grown ‘live’ foods have been genetically altered to make them contain fewer enzymes. This allows these fruits and vegetables a longer shelf life. Haven’t you wondered how fruit and vegetables at commercial grocery stores stay on the shelves so long without spoiling? This is the reason health food stores usually have smaller produce stocks- they must sell and replace existing stock before the inherent enzymes begin the self-digestive process.

How Does The Body Become Depleted Of Enzymes?

The body’s ability to make pancreatic enzymes can be exhausted by eating a diet devoid of naturally occurring enzymes. This includes eating all types of cooked foods (enzymes are killed at 118 degrees), highly processed foods, and commercially grown produce. Each of us is born with a pancreatic enzyme “reserve”, a reserve that may be built up or depleted, but should not become depleted or overdrawn. Every time a person consumes cooked or processed food (devoid of enzymes) and the pancreas can not keep up with the enzyme demand placed on it, the digestive system recruits the enzyme supply from white blood cells (immune cells) to assist in completing digestion. These are the same enzymes the white blood cells used to ‘kill’ invading viruses and bacteria. Mobilizing the body’s immune system every time enzyme deficient food is eaten is known as “digestive leukocytosis”. This constant abuse can fatigue immune defense capabilities and lay the groundwork for degenerative conditions in the body.

How Do I Know If I Am Enzyme Deficient?

General fatigue and chronic, degenerative conditions (every day aches and pains) are the only outward evidence of enzyme deficiencies. Because the body donates enzymes from other areas of the body to meet existing needs (such as the immune system), deficiencies do not become apparent until these reserves can no longer meet the demand. It is extremely important then, to ensure that the body receives an adequate supply of enzymes, either through the consumption of raw food or concentrated plant enzyme supplementation.

What Is Acidophilus, Why Is It Important?

Lactobacillus acidophilus, and other ‘friendly’ intestinal bacteria, are called ‘probiotics’, which literally means “in support of life”. Lactobacillus acidophilus is very important for improving digestion and for the forming of certain vitamins, including vitamin B3, B6, biotin, and folic acid. Probiotics also produce natural antibiotic (antibacterial) substances which can kill or deactivate disease-causing bacteria and will ‘defend their territory’ against other microorganisms such as yeast or fungus. When the ‘good’ intestinal bacteria are depleted there are multiple negative effects in the body.

Does Antibiotic Drug Therapy Kill Acidophilus?

Antibiotic drug therapy is one of the main causes of the depletion of acidophilus in the body. Antibiotic drugs do not discriminate between the ‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria when they are consumed. Prolonged antibiotic drug use can kill all of the ‘friendly’ probiotics, leaving the body defenseless. It is very important, if you choose to undergo antibiotic therapy, to re-introduce acidophilus and other probiotic bacteria while you are taking the antibiotics and especially after you finish the course of treatment. The antibiotics will kill most of the acidophilus you take while you are still taking the antibiotics. The goal is to not completely wipe out the colonies of ‘good’ bacteria while on the antibiotics, and to fully re-colonize the acidophilus after the completion of the therapy.

What Causes Gastritis And Ulcers?

In dealing with gastritis (stomach inflammation) and ulcerative conditions in the gastrointestinal tract, I have found that poor digestion and mental/emotional stress factors are often contributing factors. When food is not broken down (digested) well it ferments, putrefies (becomes rotten) and creates an acidic environment. This acidity irritates the lining of the digestive tract. Many over-the-counter and pharmaceutical drugs irritate the lining of the digestive tract and can contribute to ulcers forming. In dealing with ulcerative conditions you must rule out a Helicobacter bacterial infection, an abnormal microorganism or parasitic infection.

Why Can’t Antacids Prevent Or Cure Acid Indigestion?

I have seen many patients with conditions of excessive acid stomach or acid indigestion, and often the person is taking large amounts of antacids. A basic review of how the stomach works and an understanding how antacids help create the problem are all most people need, along with some digestive enzymes, to stop the problem. The problem is the body producing too much acid in the stomach. The stomach makes acid to break down proteins. If there is poor digestion, or if a person eats large meals or excessive proteins, the body can often make too much acid. To counteract the acid, people take antacids. This makes the stomach very alkaline. In order to create an acid environment again in the stomach the body has to make more- you guessed it- acid, which was the problem in the first place. This cycle of poor chewing (50% of digestion should take place in the mouth), poor digestion, and the acid/alkaline roller coaster can be reduced or avoided by chewing food well, and taking digestive enzymes with your meal. Many people think antacids are a good source of calcium. Unfortunately, this is not true. In order for calcium to be fully absorbed into the body, it must be assimilated in an acidic environment. Antacids, like their name says, provide a very alkaline environment, which would prevent the proper uptake of calcium.

When a state of balance is maintained by optimum digestion, the body is better able to prevent chronic health problems such as hypo or hyperglycemia; fatigue; headaches; candida; constipation/diarrhea; arthritis; allergies; infections or other conditions caused by a compromised immune system.

Remember: You are not what you eat. You are what you eat, digest and assimilate.

Daily Multiple Vitamin:

Why Take a Daily-Multi Nutritional Supplement?]

Physician's Rx Daily Multiple Support - Comprehensive "Foundation Formula"

Physician's Rx- Daily Multiple Support is a comprehensive, synergistic combination of vitamins, antioxidant nutrients, minerals and electrolytes, enzymes, pre & probiotics, and "immu*boost" herbal extracts known to support the function of specific tissues, organs, glands and systems related to the expression of health and vitality and to support optimum structure and function in the body. Iron and phosphorus free.

This formula supports the body's natural processes directly related to:
· Protecting and maintaining healthy body structure and function
· Increasing overall fitness and well-being
· Heart health, maintains healthy homocysteine levels
· Immune system health
· Energy production
· Protecting against premature aging

How does the body use nutrition? Primarily in three ways:

1. To replace used up "building-block" nutrients (for body structure),
2. To provide essential nutrients that the body cannot make itself (essential nutrients for daily function). As nutrients are used daily in the body, they must be replaced daily, and
3. To address various stress factors, environments and health conditions that increase nutritional requirements.

Nutritional deficiencies and resulting chemistry imbalances are the underlying cause of the vast majority of dis-ease and degenerative states in the human body. Most people's nutritional reserves have become depleted due to a poor diet, stress factors, poor lifestyle, habits and addictions, limited exercise and activity levels, and exposure to chemicals and toxins.

If you do not provide the essential nutrients to the body you will impair its normal functions. You may not be sick enough to be in bed, but remember that the 'normal' aches, pains, and tiredness that a majority of American's are experiencing are most likely linked to nutritional deficiencies as a root or contributing cause. By supplying the body with the nutrients it requires to express optimum health, you address the actual underlying cause of the problem, not just the symptom.

STRESS & FATIGUE:

In this article : Information so you can Understand Stress & Fatigue, and Nutritional Supplements designed to support the body's natural processes in relation to Stress And Fatigue.

Understanding Stress and Fatigue

Are you feeling stressed these days? Who isn't? Life in America was already stressful before the tragedies in New York and Washington, D.C. Now, with a prolonged war, relentless media coverage, and threat of terrorist's reprisals, everyone is on edge. Many are turning to prescription or recreational drugs or alcohol to help cope with their stress. This may help alleviate the problem temporarily; however, drugs and alcohol often cause side effects, dependency, and actually add more stress to the body. This information will offer you methods for approaching stress and fatigue from a healthy, natural perspective. By learning how your diet and lifestyle affect your body and how to support the organs and glands your body uses to deal with stress using "targeted" nutrition, you can arm your body with a natural "stress defense system" that will protect you through difficult times without side effects or dependency.

WHAT IS STRESS?

Stress is the reaction of the body to any stimulus or interference that disturbs mental or physical health or normal functioning. Stress is caused by illness, pain, emotional upset, or by external circumstances such as losing a job, or the death of a spouse or family member. In today's society, stress affects everyone. The body cannot differentiate between positive and negative stress. Even happy events, such as a wedding or awards presentation, can be very stressful to the body. The body does not seem to differentiate between whether a stress is emotional, financial, nutritional, biochemical or environmental. All stresses take their toll.
One of the greatest general stresses you can place on the body is nutritional deficiency. This forces the body into a balancing act where it must constantly redirect energy. This leaves the "human machine" running in a limited capacity-waiting for a breakdown.

WHICH PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS AND CONDITIONS ARE CAUSED BY STRESS?

A certain amount of stress in our lives is considered normal; however, prolonged bouts of stress can lead to fatigue, exhaustion, minor illness, immune suppression, and finally chronic degenerative conditions in the body. Chronic stress negatively affects the immune system. I have found that a very high percentage of my patients who have allergies also have adrenal gland stress and/or exhaustion. Many people attribute their stress-related symptoms to "nerves." In fact, stress affects the parts of the body that are related to stress: the nervous system (especially through the digestive and intestinal systems) and the adrenal and thyroid glands (hormone-producing glands). 1.

Initial symptoms of stress-related disorders may be back pain, headaches, and neck aches. Other health conditions precipitated by stress include cardiovascular conditions, colitis, depression, diarrhea, digestive disorders, dizziness, gastric and intestinal ulcers, hair loss, high blood pressure, impotence or lack of sexual interest, insomnia, irritability, loss of appetite, anxiety and nervous disorders, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, premenstrual syndrome and menstrual disorders, skin conditions, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndromes (jaw pain and clicking), and weight loss or gain (anxiety eating). 2.

STRESS SOLUTIONS: HEALTHY DIET AND LIFESTYLE

People who have healthy lifestyles and diets generally have more energy to cope with stressful situations. A healthy diet involves making time to plan, prepare, and eat healthy meals in an environment that is not stressful, and by eating a diet rich in a variety of foods, including fruits, grains, and vegetables. For optimal health, (for people who do not have a medically restricted diet) fresh fruits and fresh and cooked vegetables should make up 50% to 75% of your diet. 3.

Eating "fast food" on the run is very stressful to the body in many ways. In addition to providing nutritionally deficient meals, eating high-calorie, high-fat, high-salt, high-sugar, and highly processed or overcooked foods often leads to weight gain, which places additional stress on the body. I recommend that you try to avoid or reduce all foods that place stress on the body or require excessive energy from the body to digest and assimilate, such as artificial colors and sweeteners, preservatives, carbonated colas and sodas, fried foods, red meats, white flour foods, and most packaged, processed snack foods. A rule of thumb I offer my patients is to, "Eat more foods that look like they came off a tree, from a plant, or out of the ground, buy organic whenever possible, and try fruits and vegetables that are colorful (green, yellow, red, orange, or purple) as these are the foods naturally high in enzymes, fiber, minerals, and vitamins. The more a food is cooked, packaged, processed and refined, the more it will be lacking in enzymes and nutrients and containing higher levels of chemicals and industrial toxins."

Healthy lifestyles involve taking the time to engage in certain healthy hobbies and activities, such as aerobic exercise, weight training, yoga, dancing, running, swimming, walking, rebounding on a mini-trampoline, and bicycling, while avoiding detrimental habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol or caffeinated beverages. Whenever possible, get outdoors, be around plants and flowers, play with animals, take some deep breaths, and stretch. Getting enough rest and relaxation is crucial to the body for ongoing repair and regeneration of tissues and for the building of an energy reserve needed to cope with future stressors. Being physically fit actually makes you less vulnerable to stress.

It is also important to consume enough purified or filtered water. I recommend that my patients consume eight 8-oz glasses of water per day, if possible.

HOW DO THE ADRENAL GLANDS "HANDLE" STRESS?

The adrenal glands function in the body to help handle stress. They act as our body's "shock-absorbers." When the body encounters stress or has low blood sugar, the adrenal glands release the hormone adrenaline into the blood. This hormone immediately increases blood pressure, stimulates the heart, and relaxes the muscles in the lungs. Adrenaline is ideally supposed to be released in situations where "fight or flight" decisions are being made. In modern society, however, high stress levels cause adrenaline to constantly circulate in the body. This can contribute to nervousness, anxiousness, and insomnia. Exercise, dance, walking, and high-energy work help diminish the levels of adrenaline in the blood. Increased levels of these hormones and their metabolites, and other stress-related chemicals left circulating in the blood awaiting removal, can leave a person feeling anxious, irritable, tense, and nervous. 4.

HOW DO THE ADRENAL GLANDS BECOME FATIGUED?

The multiple stresses of modern day life combined with the standard American diet, along with the consumption or use of sugar, caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, and prescription or recreational drugs can over stimulate and place stress on the adrenal glands. When the intensity and frequency of stress overcomes the level at which a person can cope with such stressors, something is bound to break down. At this point, people become more vulnerable and susceptible to colds, flu, and infections. People exhibit adrenal gland stress or exhaustion in a variety of ways, some of which can even seem conflicting. Some people exhibit anxiety, nervousness, hyperactivity, or insomnia, while others experience only fatigue or low energy. Some unfortunate individuals experience both. Other signs include overreacting to noises or sudden stimuli, or a craving for salt. 5. One of the most obvious signs of adrenal fatigue is when a person wakes up tired even after a good night's sleep. Because adrenal fatigue and exhaustion have a negative effect on the immune system, these are often the individuals who catch every cold and flu that goes around or are sick during every flu season.

WHAT ARE ADAPTOGENIC HERBS?

Adaptogens help the body remain vital and healthy by affecting the brain, muscles, liver, kidneys, and nerves, energizing them and allowing them to function properly even in stressful environments or conditions. Adaptogens work by bringing the body into balance regardless of whether a person is nervous and anxious or fatigued and has low levels of energy. Adaptogens have the special ability to bring either or both conditions to a balanced middle ground. 6. They act as a relaxant without causing drowsiness. 7. They impart grounded energy to someone who is fatigued-not nervous "caffeine-type" energy, and help ground people who are nervous and high-strung. 8.

Adaptogens appear to work by stimulating both physical and mental activity; by protecting and improving the function of the endocrine glands and the liver; by sparing the use of glycogen (the glucose stored in the liver and muscles) and increasing the use of fatty acids for energy.
As with all nutrients, there are suggested time and dose ranges for adaptogenic herbs. Regarding ginseng; it is recommended that people take it for two to three weeks, then take one to two weeks off, and do not take ginseng continuously. Consumers with bleeding conditions, schizophrenia, cardiac disorders (especially high or low blood pressure), diabetes, and pregnant or lactating women should consult with a qualified health care professional before taking ginseng products.

In my clinical nutritional practice, many people visit with complaints of stress, fatigue, and exhaustion. To these people I recommend adaptogenic herbs, including Siberian Ginseng root, American Ginseng root, Schizandra berries, and Ashwagandha root.

Siberian and Panax ginseng are adaptogenic herbs, which moderate the stress response, specifically, reducing the activation of the adrenal cortex in response to stress.9. They also work to prevent stress-induced damage to the thymus gland and lymph glands located throughout the body, which are all components of the immune system. Siberian ginseng supplements provide an increased feeling of well being, heightened ability to handle stress, increased mental alertness and work output, and increased physical endurance. 10.
From my clinical experience I have found American Ginseng root to be beneficial, especially when the adrenal glands are exhausted and endocrine functioning is insufficient.
Schizandra helps to bring balance and equilibrium to the body even in the presence of stress or pathology. It also improves overall response and strengthens the central and peripheral nervous systems. 11.

Ashwagandha root is considered rejuvenative and a vitalizer in Ayurvedic (traditional Indian) medicine. It has adaptogenic effects as do members of the ginseng family, thus it is considered to be "Indian Ginseng." 12

Adaptogenic herbs have been used for hundreds of years by people of many cultures. Many are available in whole root or bulk powder form at health food stores or other nutritional product outlets. I have found that it is difficult to maintain dosage with bulk herbs and there is low compliance in people grinding and capsuling their own remedies, or boiling these herbs for teas.

ANTIOXIDANTS AND OTHER VITAMINS

We believe that everyone should take antioxidant nutrients. One of the greatest general stresses placed on the body is oxidative stress.13. Free-radicals caused by oxidative stress are now considered contributing factors to many degenerative health conditions.
Oxidative, free-radical reactions cause cell membrane damage, DNA damage, and interfere with numerous cellular chemistries. Health conditions associated with free radical damage include liver damage, arthritis, cancer, cardiovascular disease, cataracts, diabetic conditions, gastrointestinal disorders, immune system dysfunction, inflammation, neurological degeneration, and red blood cell damage. 14.

Sources of free-radicals (oxidizing agents) include cigarette smoke, cooked or rancid fats and oils, heavy exercise, heavy metal poisoning (including aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, nickel), human-made chemical poisons (herbicides, pesticides), natural toxins (Candida albicans), radiation (of any form), stress (of any form), and sunlight. 15.

Antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, and E, the minerals selenium and zinc, the nutrients alpha-lipoic acid, coenzyme Q10, and herbs such as gingko biloba, green tea, bilberry, pine bark and grape seed extracts all can assist the body in the defense against free-radical oxidative damage to the body's cells and tissues. The " Physician's Rx- Daily Multiple Support System" which contains many of these antioxidant nutrients, is a comprehensive, synergistic combination of vitamins, antioxidant nutrients, minerals and electrolytes, enzymes, pre & probiotics, and "immu*boost" herbal extracts known to support the function of specific tissues, organs, glands and systems related to the expression of health and vitality and to support optimum structure and function in the body.

I often recommend Coenzyme Q10 and L-Carnitine in combination for people who are fatigued and exhausted, as these two nutrients are essential for proper cellular energy production. 16 & 17

Vitamins that I recommend for conditions of stress and fatigue include B vitamins, folic acid, and biotin. The family of B Vitamins (B1, or Thiamine; B2, or Riboflavin; B3, or Niacin; B5 or Pantothenic Acid; B6, or Pyridoxine; and B12, or Cyanocobalamin) are crucial for helping the body cope with stress and essential for numerous functions including food metabolism and energy production, the formation of red blood cells, protecting cells against free-radicals, blood sugar regulation, supporting the adrenal glands in production of hormones (B5 is known as the anti-stress vitamin) helping to regulate electrolyte mineral balance, and maintaining the health of the nervous system. Folic Acid is essential for red and white blood cell formation. Biotin participates in metabolism of food and release of energy. It also assists in the making of amino acids, nucleic acids, fatty acids, and use of the other B vitamins. 18, 19

To people dealing with stress and fatigue I often recommend the "Concentrated Liquid Ionic Mineral Support " formula. In addition to acting as "building blocks" for our bones, teeth, muscles nerves, connective tissues and body fluids, minerals and trace elements serve as co-factors to enzymes and activators of vitamins, which perform the biochemical and electro-chemical reactions that are required for our bodies to function optimally. I recommend this specific form of "liquid ionic" minerals because they are easy to take, are very easily absorbed by the body and are effective in supporting optimum trace mineral/electrolyte levels in the body.

The "Concentrated Liquid Ionic Mineral Support" formula supports the body's natural processes directly related to:

· Every biochemical activity of the body
· Proper cellular metabolism
· Activation and utilization of amino acids, carbohydrates, enzymes, fats, oils, phytochemicals, proteins, sugars, vitamins.
· Delivery of nutrients into, and removal of wastes from every cell, tissue, fluid, gland and organ.
· Protection against Toxic Heavy Metals



CONCLUSION

I recommend that you make your health a top priority. Take the time and make the effort to gradually change your diet, lifestyle, relaxation, and exercise programs. Let these changes become an increasing part of your "new, healthier life." Develop these habits and know that the benefits are cumulative and will continually improve the quality of your life. Health is wealth.

FACTORS THAT INCREASE NUTRITIONAL NEEDS AND CONTRIBUTE TO STRESS AND DIS-EASE

· lack of exercise, clean air, and pure water
· lack of sleep or relaxation
· depletion of minerals (caused by consuming sugar and commercial foods)
· exposure to pesticides, herbicides, and other human-made chemicals
· use of antibiotics, corticosteroids, and immune suppressing prescription drugs
· use of other prescription or recreational drugs, alcohol, or tobacco
· consumption of junk foods, excessive in sugar, oils, fats, and heavy proteins
· lack of enzymes (caused by consuming mainly cooked, refined, processed food)
· poor digestion and/or assimilation of nutrients
· increased emotional and environmental stresses
· individual and unique biochemical needs.