Originally published February 28 2011
Avoid nutrient thieves
by Keith M. Henry, N.D.
(NaturalNews) Unknown to many people there are particular substances that when taken into the body actually rob the body of crucial nutrients. These popular substances strip the body of nutrients which set the stage for sickness, disease, and finally death.
Nutrient Thieves
Now let's look at some of what can be called nutrient thieves....
Antacids rob the body of B complex, vitamins A and C, calcium and phosphorus.
Antibiotics rob the body of B complex, vitamin K and friendly bacteria.
Antihistamines rob the body of vitamin C, and aspirin robs the body of B complex, vitamins A and C, folic acid, calcium, potassium and iron.
Caffeine robs the body of vitamin B1, biotin, inositol, potassium and zinc.
Fluoride robs the body of vitamin C.
Tobacco robs the body of vitamins A, C, and E.
Oral contraceptives rob the body of B complex and vitamin C, D and E.
So it can be clearly seen that different substances, when placed in the body, can actually make one sick and set them up for chronic diseases by stripping away the very nutrients that the body needs to function properly. For instance let's look briefly at the mineral magnesium.
An Example With Magnesium
Magnesium is very highly concentrated within the cells of the body; the only other mineral that is more highly concentrated within the cells of the body is potassium. Magnesium is essential to many of the functions of the body. It is essential to energy production, protein formation, and cellular replication for example. Moreover magnesium functions or participates in over 300 enzyme reactions in the body! It is an essential heart nutrient and also regulates acid-alkaline balances. Magnesium is also a natural tranquilizer.
Some Causes Of Magnesium Deficiency
Some of the causes of magnesium deficiency include a high calcium intake, surgery, alcohol, diuretics (which are typically given for hypertension or high blood pressure), liver disease, kidney disease, and oral contraceptive use. Now let's consider some of the abnormalities that adequate amounts of magnesium can help.
Deficiency Symptoms Of Magnesium
Some of the deficiency symptoms associated with magnesium deficiency are fatigue, mental confusion, irritability, weakness, muscle cramps, loss of appetite, tendency to stress, nerve problems, etc.
Health Benefits Of Magnesium
Magnesium can help cardiovascular and heart problems, and it can also help high blood pressure. Magnesium is helpful for acute myocardial infarction, asthma, diabetes, fatigue, glaucoma, hearing loss, kidney stones, migraine, osteoporosis, pregnancy toxemia, and several other abnormalities.
So consider what a long-term or chronic deficiency in just this one mineral such as magnesium could potentially do to the body.
Now there are several other nutrient thieves that could have been listed; this is not a complete or exhaustive list. However it provides an overview of how certain substances that are consumed or placed into people's bodies can be the basis of why they may develop sickness or disease. These substances are nutrient thieves to the body.
Finally by avoiding these nutrient thieves as much as possible, by providing the body with a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as nuts and grains, and by following an overall healthy lifestyle, one can, to a great degree, head off sickness, disease and even premature death.
http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/magnesium/
Natural Remedies Encyclopedia, 4th Edition Vance Ferrell, Edgar E Archbold, M.D., Harold M Cherne, M.D.
The Chemistry Of Man 2nd Edition Bernard Jensen PhD, N.D.
About the author
Keith Henry, N.D. is trained as a traditional naturopath and runs a naturopathic practice based out of Orlando, FL. He is the staff naturopath for phase 3 ministries Inc.--visit blog at: phase3ministries.com/wordpress/
, a Christian Ministry with emphasis on Natural Health based in Orlando Fl. He has also recently launched Bluezone Wellness.org designed to be the catalyst to teach, businesses workplace wellness, churches church place wellness, and other organizations wellness for their members.
Keith Henry, N.D. also just recently kicked off his internet radio show at blogtalk radio. Bluezone Wellness With Keith Henry, N.D.
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