The last column was so hard to digest that I thought something lighter would help relieve the tension. There is more to come, but we don’t want to overdose on the negative.
These tips are from one of the heroes of my earlier years, J. I. Rodale. He took a 63-acre rundown farm in Pennsylvania and made it into a productive prototype for organic living. He used composting and cover cropping in his efforts to restore this farm, and it worked! He went on to make an impact on his generation and taught that “Organics is not a fad,” and “The Future is Organic.” As I had the opportunity, for decades,I’ve tried to follow his principles.
These tidbits are from or based on his book, “The Encyclopedia for Healthful Living." 9th printing in 1971 in which he listed things from A to Y.
Hardening of the arteries is another name for atherosclerosis or arterial sclerosis. Pyridoxine is a vitamin whose other name is Vitamin B 6. J. I. speaks of Dr. Henry A Schroeder, a prominent physician who understood the value of vitamins in our diet. Dr. Schroeder suggested that the condition may be caused by a deficiency of pyridoxine.
This condition may cause high blood pressure because, as arteries narrow, the heart has to work harder to pump the blood through the body. He cited pyridoxine as being involved in the processing of fats in the body.
Although pyridoxine is readily available in fresh fruits and vegetables, cooking them, especially by microwaving, will destroy pyridoxine because it’s heat sensitive. Vegetables cooked in aluminum pans draw the metal into them which, among other things, also has a negative impact on the body’s ability to absorb vitamin B 6 from other sources.
He also spoke of diabetes. The big problem for diabetics is the difficulty in processing carbohydrates (CHO). B vitamins are essential in dealing with their digestion and assimilation. He cited thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B 2), niacin (B3), and B 12 (cyanocobalamin) as being very necessary to address this problem.
From years of research, one thing is certain. People do best when they take all of the B vitamins together. They work synergistically and need to be taken with food since they piggyback to proteins for a better uptake in the body. The whole family has many positive helpful reactions in the body, especially with the nervous system.
My personal opinion is that many people who deal with anxiety, nervous tics, depression and other nervous disorders may possibly be short on their intake of this family.
Dr. Schroeder also thought that diabetics were short on other vitamins, such as A, C, D, and E. Vitamin A helps keep the liver in proper working order. It also improves the ability of the insulin producing cells in the pancreas to function well. (https://www.sciencedaily.com)
Certain B vitamins seem important to diabetics, especially B 12. If a person is on metformin, they’re at risk for a B 12 deficiency so supplementing makes sense.
It’s thought that Vitamin B2 can lower the risk of type 2 diabetes Deficiencies can lead to nerve damage and skin disorders. Deficiencies of B vitamins in general can lead to nerve problems and skin conditions.
Diabetics tend to be low in B1, B6 and biotin, which means they might want to consider taking supplements. If they do I suggest they also take them with food. B1 helps the nervous system by increasing conduction of nerve impulses, thus helping delay onset of diabetes. B6 is vital in the use of glycogen in the liver and muscles. B3 lowers cholesterol and triacylglycerides which is heart protective. Folate, which is another member of the B family, helps those with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar among other benefits. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov › pmc › articles › PMC3552190
Biotin supplements may be helpful in reducing blood sugar levels plus reduce cholesterol and blood fats. Both areas are beneficial to diabetics who may be deficient in this important vitamin. It is also a member of the B family. https://www.webmd.com › diet › health-benefits-biotin
Vitamin C lowers blood sugar. It appears to assist metformin in treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. It also helps prevent periodontal disease and diabetic anxiety. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov › pmc › articles › PMC3254006
Vitamin D deficiency is thought to lead to development of type 2 diabetes. D can also lower inflammation which is often a contributing factor in the formation of the disorder. https://www.verywellhealth.com › vitamin-d-diabetes-
Vitamin E seems to help with circulation problems. It’s an antioxidant vitamin along with A, and C which lower oxidative stress produced by abnormalities in the metabolism of glucose, the simple sugar the body needs in moderation. Although some physicians are hesitant to recommend the use of Vitamin E, it has a long history of benefits.
Dr. Evan Shute of Canada, and his brother, were long time proponents of the use of Vitamin E in heart disorders. He found that it could melt clots, and bring more oxygen to the heart muscle. He coauthored a book called “Alpha Tocopherol (Vitamin E) in Cardiovascular Disease.” It can dilate capillaries which is helpful in preventing angina Pectoris, the severe chest pain some sufferers have. “The Heart and Vitamin E,” by Dr. Evan Shute and Collaborators.
One more tidbit from J. I. Rodale. Vitamin A has long been associated with healthy eyes. It can actually prevent certain visual disorders. B2 can help prevent “bloodshot eyes,” which is one deficiency signal. Others can be itchy, watery, burning eyes. Vitamin C is important to different parts of the eye interior, such as the lens and the inner eye fluid called the aqueous humor. It also can help prevent cataracts, and possibly glaucoma. J. I. uses quotes from “Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease,” edited by Michael G. Wohl, MD and Robert S. Goodhart, MD.
I’m reminded of an old eye exercise I use when my eyes are tired. Some call it palming because it uses the palms of our hands. If you want to try it, rub your palms together. Close your eyes. Cup the hands over the eyes, not touching them. Hold that for a minute or so. When released, my eyes seem to tingle and feel refreshed.
I hope this has been a pause that refreshes. Next column we will dive back into what’s happening to our food. I know some of this is hard to stomach, but after reading the information, you might look at options that can improve your health.
By the way. the information I present is not for diagnostic efforts or treatment. I suggest that you look at subjects online to gain a broader understanding. Put on your thinking caps, friends. We’re in the process of learning to overcome!
Nancy L. Pidutti, PhD, NHH, Nurse, Author, Hospital Chaplain
PostScript i.e. P.S.
I’ve been a long time custome of Swanson's supplement company. The last batch of nutrients contained an unwelcome surprise.
The magnesium capsules, which I rely on to contro fibromyalgia symptoms, had shrunk. It was the next size down & noticable compared to the previous ones.
The biotin had shurnk to one of the tiniest capspules.
When I contacted the company & asked for an explanation, I was kindly told they would refer my question to someone who had understanding.
(Young people may enjoy their jobs, but don’t have technical knowledge.)
After some time went by, I received a 40% off coupon with no explanation of any sort.
I wrote back refusing it & mentioning that i had a PhD in NHH, had been a decades long customer, & had referred many people to them for their nutrient supplies. No more. If they preferred, what looked like a hush bribe with no response, I was finished. I wrote requesting that they remove me from their email listing & stop sending me catalogues.
A nice young man wrote back respectfully & again I reiterated my concern.
No response of any kind. People can make of this what they want.
I’ve also been with Vita Cost for a long time. Guess where I’ll go from now on.
