Studies done at the Osteoporosis Research Center at Creighton University have found that calcium plays a major role in a multitude of the body’s functions. And unfortunately, estimates from federal health statistics show that only 20% of Americans are getting the levels of calcium required for proper body function, especially those involving the heart and the circulatory system.

Research shows that calcium can also aid in the prevention of weight gain, as well as the maintenance of healthy weight levels.
When the body does not receive enough calcium, it enters emergency starvation mode, and begins to leach calcium into the bloodstream. The hormones involved in stimulating this response (parathyroid hormone and calcitriol) are also responsible for stimulating and storing our fat cells.

Adequate amounts of calcium also ensures healthy hair, nails and teeth. Without enough dietary calcium, the body will begin to extract it from the bones in the body. Good levels of calcium in the body is also very important for growing children and teenagers, and studies show that it may reduce the risks of osteoporosis in the later stages of life.

Learn More About IntraCal Supplementation

Supplementing With Calcium

Calcium orotate is the single most effective form of calcium supplement. Extensive research done by Hans A. Nieper, M.D. has shown that orotates penetrate cell membranes, enabling the effective delivery of the calcium ion to the inner-most layers of the cellular mitochondria and nucleus.

Other forms of calcium supplements, such as calcium carbonates, citrates, gluconates, lactates, malates and phosphates, do not have the ability to penetrate deep into the membranes.

Dr. Nieper found calcium orotate could help with:

Calcium Orotate & Bone Strength

It has been well established in the medical community that calcium supplements can work as preventative measures for bone loss and osteoporosis. And while many forms of calcium supplement may aid in the prevention of this loss, Hans A. Nieper’s studies showed that calcium orotate gave the bones more usable calcium per milligram consumed.

Calcium Orotate & Weight Control

Calcium orotate was also shown to reduce food cravings and lower the inflammation response. Nieper’s studies found that by supplementing the diets of chronic over eaters with calcium orotate, cravings were reduced significantly.

Mood Enhancement

Calcium orotate has been linked to mood-enhancement, as well as overall beneficial cognitive enhancement.

Inflammatory Diseases

Many inflammatory diseases were studied by Nieper with calcium orotate. It is thought that the mineral may act as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Heart Protection

Calcium aids our cardiac muscles in doing their work. It also assists the nervous system in keeping optimal pressure levels in the arteries.

Aids in Premenstrual Symptoms

Adequate amounts of calcium stop the release of hormones related to premenstrual mood-related disorder, including anxiety, depression and irritability.

Prevents the Risks of Colon Caner

Research shows that supplementing calcium intake can reduce the risks of colon cancer. It is theorized that unabsorbed calcium passed through the colon, connects to cancer prompters and is expelled through elimination. It may also reduce the overall risk of colon cancer, preventing the growth of colon polyps, a condition linked to future cancer development.

Difference Between Calcium Orotate & Citrate

In this video below, you will hear me explain the difference between calcium orotate and calcium citrate.

Check out more of my videos on the Global Healing Center YouTube Page.

~Dr. G

Related Articles:

• 7 Common Types of Zinc Explained
• The Health Benefits of Oregano Oil
• Iodine Supplements: The Four Best Kinds to Use
• Betaine Hydrochloride: How it Helps with Digestion

Learn More About Lithium Orotate

Lithium orotate offers superior bio-utilization for the human body, allowing the mineral to penetrate the mitochondria, glia and lysosomes that exist within the intracellular structures of our cells. The mineral stabilizes these lysosomal membranes, slowing the enzymatic reaction that leads to many of the negative side effects of other forms of lithium salts.

Most people are unaware that lithium is not a drug, but is a naturally occurring mineral from the earth. Just like calcium and potassium, lithium is something that every human body requires for mental and physical health.

Many people are familiar with the pharmaceutical forms of lithium (lithium carbonate and lithium citrate), these aforementioned chemical extracts used to treat mania and depression.

Lithium orotate is very different than the other forms of the mineral. Whereas pharmaceutical drug forms of lithium require high doses to penetrate our cells, lithium orotate is only needed in extremely small doses, considering the fact that a massive amount of the mineral penetrates the cell (approximately 97%). The other great news is that unlike its pharmaceutical counterparts, lithium orotate is non-toxic, safe, has little to no side effects, and works on 70% to 80% of people who use it.

Health Benefits of Lithium Orotate

Brain Protection:
Studies show that the mineral lithium can actually rejuvenate and build the grey matter nerve cells in the brain by up to three percent.

Anti-Aging Effects:
Small amounts of lithium orotate have been shown to offer anti-aging effects to the brain.

Neuroprotection From Environmental Toxins:
Lithium has been shown to protect the system from numerous toxins, particularly in the grey matter of the brain.

Lithium Orotate May Also Aid:

• Lyme Disease
• Low white blood cell counts
• Juvenile convulsive disease
• Alcoholism and liver disorders
• Pain associated with migraine and cluster headaches
• Hyperthyroidism and other thyroid diseases: Studies show that lithium may aid in the even distribution of iodine.
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), as well as a general stress reducer.
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and aggression: Studies show that individuals taking Lithium experienced lowered levels of rage and anger, as well as improved memory.
• Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
• In the reduction of myopia (nearsightedness) and glaucoma: Dr. Hans Nieper found that glaucoma patients could benefit from the dehydrating effect of lithium on the eye, offering patients vision improvement and a lowering of intraocular pressure.
• Bipolar disorder: Orotates may lessen effects of manic or depressive episodes. Lithium has been shown to serve as an effective mood balancer in 70-80 percent of bipolar patients.
• Depression: the therapeutic dosage of lithium orotate is 150 mg/day. This is compared to 900-1800 mg of the prescription forms. In this dosage range of lithium orotate, there are no adverse side effects and no need for monitoring blood serum measurements.

Lithium Precautions

Do not attempt to self-medicate a mental imbalance with lithium orotate. Speak with your health care provider for more information. Pregnant and nursing women should not take any type of lithium supplement.

Also, lithium should not be taken in the case of renal or cardiovascular diseases, severe dehydration or exhaustion, sodium depletion, or in individuals using any form of diuretics or ACE inhibitors.

~Dr. G

Related Articles:

• 7 Common Types of Zinc Explained
• The Health Benefits of Oregano Oil
• Iodine Supplements: The Four Best Kinds to Use
• Betaine Hydrochloride: How it Helps with Digestion

  

We are very proud to announce Global Healing Center’s farm, Earth Harmony Organics is now a member of the Organic Trade Association (OTA) and certified by the California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF), plus certified as USDA Organic (United States Department of Agriculture).

For more information about these organizations and certification processes, please see the links below.

• Organic Trade Association
• California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF)
• USDA National Organic Program

Photos from the Farm:

Here are a few of my favorite photos from the farm. Click here to see the full gallery.

There are many forms of potassium, but the potassium salt form of iodine is called potassium iodide (KI). This vital mineral is an excellent source of iodine. Iodine is needed for the healthy function of the thyroid gland.

If you are lacking in this mineral, or if you have too much potassium iodide in the the gland, major health concerns can ensue. Potassium iodide has several clear health benefits, and many are related to the functioning of the thyroid.

The following section will outline some of the major health benefits of the mineral.

Potassium Iodide provides the following health benefits:

Contributes to overall healthy thyroid function:
Potassium iodide is known as the thyroid mineral. It helps in keeping iodine levels in the thyroid in proper balance. When iodine levels are not optimal, it can lead to both hyper or hypothyroidism, two conditions whereby the thyroid gland produces too much or too little iodine. For this reason, potassium iodide acts as a powerful treatment and preventative mechanism for both forms of thyroid disorder through a mechanism of counteracting any less-than-optimal iodine levels due to dietary deficiencies. Pottasium iodide also boosts colloid accumulation in the thyroid follicles, contributing to more healthy functioning in the important gland.^[1]

Surgical preparation:
This mineral is also used prior to thyroid surgery as a preparatory mineral for the gland by reducing thyroid vascularity. ^[1]

Arthritis prevention:
Iodine deficiency may be related to arthritis, and potassium iodide may help prevent this. ^[2]

Hormone balance:
Iodine deficiency has also been related to emotional disorders and malfunctioning glandular systems, and weight gain associated with hormonal imbalance. Dr. David Brownstein also believes that iodine deficiency may be linked to breast, ovarian, uterus and prostrate cancers and cysts.^[3]

Acts as an overall expectorant:
This form of potassium stimulates the salivary glands, creating a moisturizing expectorant for treating coughs. It acts as a treatment for most respiratory tract conditions like asthma, bronchitis and emphysema, through a mechanism of reducing mucus viscosity and through augmenting respiratory tract secretions.^[4]

Acts as a protector against harmful radiation exposure:
Significant studies show that potassium iodide offers a clear protective mechanism against radiation. It does this through its ability to prevent the thyroid gland from absorbing the harmful radio-active isotopes of iodine that are released through radiation. In the event of a nuclear event, the use of potassium iodide as a deterrent is crucial, as it can reduce the risk of thyroid cancer and other future diseases associated with the thyroid. ^[6]

Reduces chances of developmental problems:
Many developing countries use potassium iodide supplements to reduce the occurrence of growth and development problems, such as goiters, Hashimoto’s Disease, miscarriage, Graves’ Disease, generalized fatigue and impaired immune system function.^[5] In fact, The World Health Organization has stated that iodine deficiency is the biggest cause of mental retardation on a global scale.^[5]

Detoxification properties:
Potassium iodine also aids the body in detoxification, filtering out harmful mercury, fluorides, chlorides, and bromides from our tissues and cells.

Acts as an anti-fungal:
Saturated solutions of potassium iodide have been shown to be effective in treating external forms of cutaneous sporotrichosis, a fungal infection that leads to lesions on the skin.^[4]

Recommended Iodine Supplement

I have been working for years to obtain an effective iodine supplement without the toxic alcohol base that most supplements contain. The best type of iodine supplementation is now available and is called Detoxadine. It is a true Glycerite of Natural USP grade Iodine, derived from a deep sea source, is vegan-friendly, does not contain the inefficient iodide form of iodine and is contained in a vegetable glycerin base – Not Alcohol like other detoxified iodine solutions.

Related Articles:

• The Health Benefits of Oregano Oil
• The Health Benefits of Zinc Orotates
• Iodine Supplements: The Four Best Kinds to Use
• Betaine Hydrochloride: How it Helps with Digestion

Learn More About Zinc Orotates

This innovative German doctor found that this particular form of zinc was more readily absorbed by the human body, and thus was more indicative for the treatment and prevention of disease. Nieper also showed that zinc orotate, when compared to zinc carbonates, chlorides and sulfates, provided increased bioavailability in the body.

Many of us are aware that zinc is an essential element for not only humans, but all living things. But what few of us are aware of is the fact that many forms of zinc supplementation are not absorbed within the cellular membrane.

Research shows that zinc orotate, which is essentially a chelated form of zinc, has the ability to enhance absorption through cellular membranes.

Research from Dr. Nieper has shown that zinc orotate, when compared to other forms of zinc, are more neutrally charged, a process that allows the zinc to pass seamlessly through the cell membrane. This allows the human body to receive the largest doses of zinc.

11 Health Benefits Of Zinc Orotates

1. Strong antioxidant properties
   These antioxidant properties aid in protecting the skin from harmful UV light. Orotates also act as one of the main components in the superoxide dismutase enzyme, one of the body’s antioxidants for neutralizing harmful toxins. ^[1]
2. Reduction in the risk of cancer
   Studies show that zinc orotate, especially in combination with vitamin A, potentiates the development and number of T-lymphocytes in the body. Researchers at the University of Pécs discovered that orotates were present in a passive antitumor defense system that aided the body in cancer defense. ^[2]
3. Increases the ability to heal wounds
4. Reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease
   Zinc orotate improves the state of injured heart tissue, and may even prevent congestive heart failure. It also limits damage done to the heart when confronting interrupted blood flow. Zinc orotate also acts to better HDL/LDL ratios of cholesterol and may even decrease the likelihood of plaque formation in arteries. Orotates have also been shown to slow heart degeneration. ^{[3, 4, 5, 6]}
5. Reduction in many of the harmful side effects of radiation therapy
   Zinc orotate has been shown to reduce anemia and impaired immunity in patients who have received radiation therapy, thus lowering the toxicity of these treatments.^[7]
6. Reduction in harmful effects of alcohol consumption
   Zinc orotate, in lab experiments on mice, was shown to protect the liver from large doses of alcohol. The orotates were able to neutralise free radicals in the liver tissues that had been harmed by the alcohol. ^[8]
7. Prevention and action against the Herpes simplex virus
   Clinical studies show that patients experienced 57% fewer days of herpes while taking 316 mg/day of zinc orotate.^[9]
8. Prevention of diabetic cardiomyopathy
   A Tunisian study found that six months of zinc supplementation can reduce oxidative stress in diabetic patients by 15%. What is more, zinc orotate has the ability to modulate blood glucose levels, and has been shown to lower the need for insulin in diabetics.
9. Prevention of Osteoporosis
   Research from the University of Liverpool found that dietary zinc supplements offered significant benefits to those suffering from with joint disorders. ^[10]   Taking a calcium supplement is another great option for preventing osteoporosis
10. Reduction in chances of developing liver disease
    Studies show that zinc orotate can aid patients suffering from liver disease.
11. Prevention and reduction in progression of macular degeneration
    Large clinical trials found that zinc offered extremely beneficial effects against the progression of macular (retina) degeneration. ^[11]

I have been using and taking a zinc orotate supplement for years and I would recommend keeping some in your natural medicine cabinet. Most people are deficient in zinc and have weakened immune systems so it really is vital to supplement your diet with added zinc.

~Dr. G

Related Articles:

• 7 Common Types of Zinc Explained
• The Health Benefits of Oregano Oil
• Iodine Supplements: The Four Best Kinds to Use
• Betaine Hydrochloride: How it Helps with Digestion

Learn More About Iodine Supplements

In fact, estimates show that more than half of the US population may be deficient in iodine. Studies show lower incidences of breast cancer and fibrocystic disease in women who had higher iodine levels. If we look at the amount of iodine typically consumed by the modern American (240 micrograms (µg) of iodine a day) with amounts in Japan (12,000 µg), a country typically associated with lower rates of breast cancer, we may be witnessing a startling lack.

What is more, iodine plays an important role in the function of the thyroid gland, particularly in the creation of the hormones T3 and T4, which are important for the body’s ability to regulate its own metabolism.

More than thyroid help, iodine is also critical for many other basic physical functions, including the body’s detoxification process from the negative effects of environmental and radiation pollution. Lack of iodine can also lead to emotional disorders, malfunctioning glandular systems, and weight gain associated with hormonal imbalance. Dr. David Brownstein also believes that iodine deficiency may be linked to breast, ovarian, uterus and prostrate cancers and cysts.

Below I overview several forms of iodine supplements, citing many advantages and disadvantages to each:

Iodine Supplements: Listed from Best to Worse

1) Transformative Nano-Colloidal Detoxified Iodine:

When purified USP iodine crystals are subjected to a proprietary process they become nano-colloidalized, nascent, and transformed into a molecular non-toxic form of elemental iodine (also referred to as monoatomic iodine), without the addition of iodides. This provides the best non-toxic source of elemental iodine which the body is able to rapidly turn into its own effective mineral iodides for absorption throughout the body.

This unique form has a transformative effect on the pure elemental iodine itself, creating a non-toxic, non-irritating, and more bio-available form due to its iodine matrix. As it travels through the body it is converted into carrier iodides, then back to elemental iodine recombining with specific proteins necessary for creating hormones or immune factors. Any excess is stored in the tissue for future use. It is also the only true vegetable glycerite form of nano-colloidal iodine available as true glycerite colloids are much less toxic in the body. This form contains no alcohol in its solution unlike all other liquid iodine supplements. By far the best type to use in my opinion.

2) Nascent Iodine:

A consumable form of iodine that holds an electromagnetic charge. This “charged” form of iodine offers a bigger energy release when consumed, as compared to other forms of iodine listed below. Nascent Iodine is similar to bio-available forms of iodine produced naturally in the thyroid gland. In this sense, the body can recognize it, and assimilate it, easily. This form of iodine was similar to the type used by championed health expert, Edgar Cayce.

3) Lugol’s Solution Iodine:

Contains 6.3 mg of molecular iodine/iodide per drop. This solution is one-third molecular iodine (5%) and two-thirds potassium iodide (10%). Studies show that the best form of iodine is one that includes molecular iodine (I2). It has been shown that breast tissue prefers this non-toxic mono elemental-based iodine. Lugol’s Solution has been shown to increase respiratory tract secretions and inhibit thyroid hormone secretion. One Malaysian study found that patients taking Lugol’s solution experienced a sharp decline in unwanted hormonal secretions during a period of ten days.

4) Potassium Iodide:

Comes in tablets, with doses ranging from 0.23 to 130 mg. This closely-bound inorganic form of iodine has been shown to only offer 20% assimilation to bodily tissues. Studies show that potassium iodide blocks the uptake of radio-iodine in the thyroid gland, thus lowering the chances of developing thyroid cancer. Moreover, potassium iodide has been used in emergency treatments for hyperthyroidism (PDF).

~Dr. G

Click here for more information about buying
transformative, nascent, nanocolloidal iodine.

I am proud to announce that on Thursday, January 28th. I will be the featured guest on Talk Hour on NaturalNews from 9-10pm (EST).

We will be discussing my new book ‘Green Body Cleanse‘ as well as the various detoxification techniques that can help improve your overall health.

In case you have never heard of Talk Hour, it was launched by NaturalNews.com in 2009 and allows you to call in and ask the experts your health questions. It is easily my favorite online show and provides great information regarding Natural Health. The show is hosted by Jonathan Landsman, while my friend Mike Adams, and founder of NaturalNews.com, makes an appearance for most shows.

Talk Hour is free to listen to and I would encourage everyone to tune in on Thursday nights, especially on January 28th, when I will be the featured guest!  If you want to call in to ask me a question, you will need to register on NaturalNews.com, and they will then send you instructions for calling in. If you would like to register, just visit NaturalNews.com and you will can register in the “web form” in the top right column.

Come join me and call in! I will be live on the air from 9-10pm (EST), so be sure to register early!

~Dr. G

We all understand the desire to be vibrant, healthy and at our optimal weight. Yet sadly, in attempt to lose extra weight quickly, many people turn to weight-loss drugs or cheap supplements instead of the natural methods of weight loss which take more time, but work more effectively in the long run. There are many over-the-counter weight loss drugs that stimulate the metabolic process and suppress appetite through artificial means.

One of the most popular of these weight loss drugs is called Alli, a prescription-strength version of Xenical. This drug can currently be bought over the counter, despite the fact that it is being investigated by the FDA because of orlistat, the weight-loss ingredient in Alli, that may be causing hepatoxicity (another way of saying liver damage).

Sadly, this is only one of the potential adverse and serious side effects of this and many other weight loss pills. Other effects may include hepatitis, adrenal burnout as well as other health concerns.

According to the preliminary studies of Alli, patients lost a whopping 1 pound per month on average. Is 1 pound a month really worth the risk of damaging your liver.

More Concerns Involving Liver Damage

While the FDA has looked into Alli’s potential link to liver damage at an April 2009 reunion of its Drug Safety Oversight Board (DSB), a major concern involving the FDA is the fact that the organization is not issuing any warnings for those individuals currently taking the over the counter drug.

source

If this drug was an organic herbal supplement, the FDA would be quick to pull it from the shelves while putting the manufacturer under investigation and probably throwing them in jail. But, because this is a big pharmaceutical company designed to slowly make us ill and keep us in the system until we die, they allow this harmful drug to continue to be sold over-the-counter even despite the fact that it is currently under investigation for the role it plays in liver damage. Every pharmaceutical drug causes damage to the body and only addresses the symptoms and never the root cause!

Alli is also being actively marketed as we speak. Moreover, the majority of diet pills sold over the counter in the United States do not need pre-approval by the FDA, as they are not typified as drugs, but are considered food!

Currently, the FDA considers diet pills safe until found otherwise. What is more, it is not up to companies who sell these drugs to look into their safety, but is the job of the FDA. Usually, due to budgetary restraints, the FDA will wait for “adverse results” to appear in those taking the drug, before any disciplinary measures take place. The FDA also has not reported how many liver-damage reports from real human beings taking the drug Alli actually exist.

We should be aware that liver damage is a highly serious condition involving liver inflammation, necrosis (a form of hepatitis), vascular lesions, and even possible liver failure. The drug companies themselves even list liver injury as a possible side effect. But why has the FDA not generated reports on this liver damage?

It may be related to the fact that, last year alone, Alli generated over $130 million dollars in sales during its first year on the diet-pill market. And GlaxoSmithKlineBeecham (the maker of Alli) is a pharmaceutical giant who spends millions lobbying for their drug approvals.

How To *SAFELY* Lose Weight

Losing weight requires a firm commitment to eating healthy, organic food on a daily basis. It also involves important lifestyle changes such as following a frequent exercise routine and reducing the stress in your life, as well as a commitment to these processes over time. This is the only true way towards sustainable weight loss, without any of the risky potential side effects such as those discussed in this article.

The bottom line is that we must take health into our own hands. We should not wait for the FDA to come to conclusions before people should stop taking this drug.

As always, natural supplements that aid weight loss are the best support when they are combined with sustained healthy diet and lifestyle choices. If you are interested in natural ways to lose weight I recommend reading The 10 super Secrets to Weight Loss.

Related Articles:

• The Best Way to Lose Weight
• 10 Foods That Detox Your Body
• 7 Berries You Should Add to Your Diet
• Tips for Boosting Your Metabolism Naturally
• New Study: Healthy Lifestyles are on the decline in the US

Colic is a mysterious, frustrating and exhausting condition for both infants and parents. Months or years spent raising a colicky child are fraught with sleepless nights and nearly endless screaming. You may think it will never end, but here are some colic remedies that may help.

The exact causes of colic in infants is controversial and the condition is thought to be aggravated by a variety of things, including:

• Food allergies (especially to dairy and soy formulas)
• Underdeveloped gastrointestinal tract
• Emotional stress
• General fussiness
• Vaccinations

The best way to figure out if your childs discomfort is caused by a food allergy is to use an elimination diet.

If the baby is switching to solid food for the first time this can be rather simple, if you are breastfeeding it may take some more effort. In order to use the elimination diet you have to remove all dairy and wheat products, some vegetables (legumes) and fruits, and all sugars. Once you have removed all of these foods for 30 days you can slowly start adding foods back in to see if the symptoms come back.

Of course if you believe that the colic is being caused by an inability to digest lactose or other particular group, then the obvious solution is to reduce your infant’s intake of foods in that group (or yours, if you are breastfeeding). The elimination diet is inconvenient and can be expensive, if you end up throwing out 90% of your pantry, but it is the most effective way of eliminating discomfort that comes from a food allergy. Luckily, this is only one of many colic remdies you can try for your infant or toddler.

Infants that display symptoms of colic often have difficulties feeding, including painful reflux and lack of “zest” for feeding (PubMed PDF). While the exact cause of colic in any case is likely specific to the child in question, the tried and true ways to calm the symptoms are the same. Comforting your child by bouncing, holding, cuddling and reducing your own stress levels can reduce the symptoms of colic because the baby can sense your tension and will respond to it.

Relieving Colic With Massage & Aromatherapy

source

If your child’s discomfort is followed by a bowel movement, then help your child process the stool when he starts to get uncomfortable. Lay your baby flat on their back on a firm but soft surface and begin to slowly and gently massage the belly in a clockwise circular motion. Before you do this make sure that your hands are warm and soft by rubbing some organic olive oil quickly between your palms.

For extra comfort use a calming aromatherapy oil such as chamomile and lavender (5 drops of chamomile combined with 10 drops of lavender). You can also try acupressure, which targets particular parts of the body to receive pressure. Gently pulling or tugging the earlobes is said to help relieve infant colic, or you can look for professional accupressurists in your area and find out if they treat infants.

Note that this is different from acupuncture, which uses needles to treat conditions. Another great solution is to find a pediatric chiropractor who can gently adjust your baby’s bones.

There are also other natural ways of controlling colic. Calm and comfort your child by adding 1 drop of lavender and chamomile oil to a humidifier in the child’s room.

Relieving colic with gripe water

Another thing to try is gripe water. ColicCalm gripe water is a homeopathic remedy containing herbs that help re-balance baby’s digestive system. ColicCalm is the first homeopathic treatment for infant colic, which is important because it does not introduce chemicals or parasites into your baby’s body like some non-homeopathic gripe water can. This is what I use when my children complain of stomach cramps. The herbs in ColicCalm gripe water are

• Chamomile which calms the baby down and helps ease nervous tension
• Fennel to relieve cramping and intestinal spasms
• Caraway to help treat symptoms like heartburn, reflux and indigestion
• Peppermint to aid in digestion
• Ginger which treats nausea, muscle spasms and encourages smooth digestion
• Aloe to relieve bloating related to gas
• Lemon Balm which soothes, relaxes, encourages sleep and helps relieve gas pains
• Blackthorn to encourage regularity and ease cramps
• Vegetable Charcoal to help eliminate body toxins and absorb gas

Treating Colic with Probiotics

Learn More About Latero-Flora™

Probiotics are also an option for treating colic in infants. The composition of gut flora in babies that exhibit colicky symptoms is different than in normal, non-colicky babies. Probiotics are the opposite of antibiotics, which kill bacteria.

Probiotics actually add beneficial bacteria back into the digestive system and can help return the digestive system to a normal state. I personally use a probiotic supplement called Latero-Flora. As a colic remedy, just empty a small amount into a bowl, mix it with breastmilk and use a dropper to administer it.

The famous American born psychic and holistic health guru Edgar Cayce gave “readings” for people with varying ailments, including 23 for infants with colic. Cayce’s answer was basically that the internal systems were out of sync, which is why probiotics are an effective way of treating colic.

Related Articles:

• Natural Remedies for PMS
• Are Mammogreams Safe?
• Are Vaccine Pushers Putting Pregnant Women At Risk?
• Alcohol & Breast Cancer: The One Million Women Study

Zinc is an essential mineral contributing to our total physical and mental well-being. It is a key player in the optimal functioning of the reproductive organs, and an important element involved in basic cellular function. Zinc also aids to strengthen the human immune system and deter common skin conditions. It acts as a cofactor with more than 300 different enzymes, boosting the functioning of many of the body’s most basic chemical processes.

Types of Zinc

Zinc is not easily absorbed in the body unless first attached to another substance. For this reason, many zinc manufacturers have “chelated” zinc to organic and amino acids. Supplemental zinc is also available in what is called inorganic form, and is provided as a non-chelated type, usually called zinc sulfate or zinc oxide. Research studies on these forms of zinc show mixed results as whether they are beneficial to the human body.

1) Chelated Zinc:

This form of zinc has undergone a process called chelation, whereby the organic molecules have been given an electrical charge that allows them to positively attract the charged mineral (in this case zinc). This creates a temporary increase in the complexity and concentration of the mineral within the molecule.

In other words, each molecule packs more concentrations of zinc via a process of attaching the mineral to something else, such as an amino acid. The belief is that this helps the body better absorb the mineral. There is much debate as to whether the process actually increases absorption. Dr. Gabe Mirkin from the Baylor University School of Medicine feels that chelating minerals has an insignificant effect on absorption when compared to the general conditions in the digestive system.

2) Zinc Orotate (best form):

Zinc that has been chelated to orotic acid. This type of zinc is most readily absorbed by the human body’s cellular membranes. Research from Dr. Hans Nieper has found that orotate forms of zinc were more neutrally charged, as compared to other types of zinc. This allowed them to pass through the membranes of cells easily, and thus offered the highest amounts of accompanying mineral atoms into the cells, leading to higher tissue concentrations of zinc. Zinc orotates contain many antioxidant properties that can help protect your health, while offering your cells the most readily-absorbable form of zinc on the market today.

3) Zinc Picolinate:

A form of zinc that has been chelated to picolinic amino acids.

4) Zinc Gluconate:

One of the most popular forms of dietary zinc, zinc gluconates are created by a process of industrial manufacturing. This process essentially ferments a glucose, offering a supplemental product with an extremely long shelf-life. Unfortunately, gluconate supplements are just a chemical substitute for actual zinc.

Sadly, the body absorbs very little of this processed form, as the bio-availability of these chemicals is virtually none.

5) Zinc Acetate:

Another chemically-altered form of zinc, acetates are considered to be more absorbable than glutconates. This form of zinc, also known as zinc salt dihydrate and zinc diacetate, is created by adding acetic acid to zinc carbonate or zinc metal. I would not recommend this form of zinc although scientific studies do show that this form can aid in reducing the duration of the common cold, as well as offer treatment for Wilson’s disease, a genetic disorder whereby the body stores toxic levels of copper.

6) Zinc Oxide:

This inorganic compound of zinc is most commonly used in topical ointments for treating minor skin conditions such as burns and irritation. It is also a common ingredient in sunscreens. This type is a non-chelated, inorganic form of zinc. Studies show mixed results on the body’s ability to absorb and metabolize this form of inorganic zinc.

7) Zinc Sulfate:

Water-soluble and non-chelated, this is an inorganic form of zinc. Studies show mixed results on the body’s ability to absorb and metabolize this form of zinc.

Taking a Zinc Supplement

As you can see, there are many types of zinc. For supplementation, I would only recommend zinc orotate because it is neutrally charged, and is able to pass through the membranes of cells easily. I personally use this zinc supplement and have recommended it for years with great results. This form will provide the most health benefits to your body and help you fight off a zinc deficiency.

Related Blogposts:

• Is Agave Nectar Safe?
• The Health Benefits of Probiotics
• Star Anise: The Secret Ingredient in Tamiflu
• The Health Risks & Benefits of the Oleander Plant
• The Health Benefits of Organic Coconut Oil