Ecofood

Q. What are the signs and symptoms of a Magnesium deficiency and who is at risk of low Magnesium?

Magnesium is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies. Common signs and symptoms relating to the musculoskeletal system include tense muscles, twitches, muscle soreness/weakness, cramps, spasms and tension headaches. Symptoms involving impaired smooth muscle contraction can include constipation and menstrual cramps, and cardiovascular symptoms may involve high blood pressure and palpitations. Anxiety, restless sleep and depression are common signs affecting the nervous system, and other general symptoms include breast tenderness and carbohydrate/sweet cravings, especially for chocolate.

Consuming high levels of caffeine, alcohol, sugar, sodium, or soft drinks increases the risk of Magnesium deficiency. Those suffering from PMS or prolonged stress, and people on certain medications including diuretics, corticosteroids, antibiotics, and oral contraceptives can be low in Magnesium. Pregnancy and lactation increases the need for Magnesium.

Q. Why are vitamins and minerals important? Deficiencies in vitamins and minerals can compromise our health and wellbeing. Vitamins are essential to life and they contribute to good health by regulating metabolism and assist with biochemical processes that release energy from digested food.

Vitamins and minerals are considered to be micronutrients because in general, they are needed only in relatively small amounts compared with other nutrients like water, carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

Q. What are free radicals? Free radicals are molecules or groups of atoms that have lost at least one electron making them highly reactive and unstable. In order to balance this loss, free radicals attempt to capture electrons from other molecules, which cause a chain of events resulting in cell damage. Free radicals produce oxidation in the body, and while this is a normal process, health problems can arise from excessive amounts. Free radicals can also damage special components inside the cells including DNA and the cell membrane, which leads to poor cell function (or cell death) and tissue damage.

Q. I have osteoarthritis and have been taking your product for 4 weeks. How long do I need to keep taking Glucosamine and Chondroitin for?  Cartilage must be constantly replaced and if insufficient Glucosamine and Chondroitin are available to the body, symptoms may return, requiring long-term supplementation.

Q. What is lutein?  Lutein is a yellow carotenoid pigment naturally found in several plants, including some flowers (eg marigold), organge-coloured fruit and vegetables, red peppers, spinach, broccoli and egg yolks. We cannot make lutein in the body, so we depend entirely on dietary sources or supplementation. In the eye, lutein and its naturally occuring lutein esters, help to maintain healthy macular function by blocking out harmful blue light from the sun, a major cause of damage to the macular region of the eye.

Q. Can I take more than one supplement, together, at the same time? Taking a number of products, together, at the same time should not pose a problem in most cases. However, some supplements contain the same ingredients, so make sure you are not taking too much of substances such as Vitamins A and D.

If unsure you're not sure, check with your healthcare professional.

Q. What are probiotics?  The body hosts a vast number of live bacteria, most of which live in complete symbiosis inside the digestive tract. These bacteria are commonly known as probiotics derived from the Greek words ‘pro’ and ‘bio’ meaning ‘for life’. Probiotics are groups of bacteria that play a protective and therapeutic role in the body, especially within the intestinal tract.

Constipation, irritated colon and diarrhoea can occur when there is a lack of ‘healthy’ bacteria in the intestinal tract due to the proliferation of ‘unhealthy’ bacteria.

Q. What is a phyto-oestrogen? Phyto-oestrogens are plant compounds which have effects similar to but very much weaker to those of oestrogen. The best-researched phytoestrogens are isoflavones which occur in soy and red clover. The effects of isoflavones are similar to the effects of soy foods in the diet and have been shown to help manage menopausal symptoms, because of their ability to mimic the effects of oestrogen, without the potential side effects of that hormone when given in a pharmaceutical form.

Q. I take Omega 3 Marine Fish oil and have read that some fish contain high levels of Mercury. How do I know that the fish oil I take has been screened for contaminants?

Fish oil is a source of Omega 3 Marine Fatty Acids, including two special fatty acids, EPA and DHA. Studies show that diets deficient in Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) may increase the risk of some conditions including heart disease, high blood pressure, joint and skin problems.

High quality fish oil supplements, such as Omega 3 Marine Fish Oil provides the naturally-occurring 18:12 ratio levels of EPA to DHA and must be tested to comply with standards set by the World Health Organisation limiting the presence of heavy metals including mercury and other environmental contaminants, such as organochlorine pesticides etc.

Q. Is it true that Omega 3 fish oils are good for brain health? Yes. Fish oil provides 2 special Omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). DHA makes up 25% of the brains gray matter and is essential for maintaining a healthy nervous system and mood balance. It is also very important for the health of the eyes and vision, where it is needed for healthy functioning of the retina.

Q. Why do I need Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)?  Because the human body cannot manufacture sufficient of these two EFAs, they must be supplied in the diet. EFAs function as building blocks for membranes of every cell in the body and are precursors to prostaglandins, which affect cell activity and tissue function.

EFAs support smooth, healthy, vibrant skin and help to speed wound healing. A deficiency of a particular EFA can lead to imbalances in the level of prostaglandins in the body, which can cause skin problems such as itching, red or dry patches of skin, especially on the face, arms and legs. It may also lead to dull hair, dandruff and cracked brittle nails. Because EFAs are needed for the structure of cell membranes, they can also help prevent moisture loss from the skin, helping nutrients enter the cell and attracting oxygen throughout the body.

Q. I have a family history of prostate problems. What can I do to help to ensure I do not develop problems later on in life?  Around 50% of all men over 50 years and about 80% of all men in there eighties will experience prostate problems to some extent. 

A natural approach to prostate health is possible. Simple changes in diet can help improve the health of the prostate. Diets high in carotenoids from red and orange fruits and vegetables are recommended, as are diets high in polyunsaturated oils from fish and flaxseed.

Sunflower and pumpkin seeds should be included in the diet because they provide a source of zinc, an important mineral for prostate health.

Supplements can also help maintain prostate health. Because of a busy lifestyle some men find it hard to obtain the essential nutrients they need. It is important to consult your Doctor first to assess your current health, and if you consider taking a nutritional/herbal supplement, let your Doctor know, and speaka Natural Health Professional.

Q. I have just been diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). I was told that the herb Saw Palmetto may help my condition. Can you explain this condition and how Saw Palmetto might help it?  This is a common condition in men as they age, and involves the progressive enlargement of the prostate gland, as a result of hormonal changes that result in the proliferation of the prostate cells, causing it to increase in size.

The results of this change usually bring increased urgency and frequency of urination. Any change in urinary flow or habits should be checked immediately by your doctor.

Saw Palmetto (Serenoa serrulata) contains special fatty acids and other compounds that reduce the effects of the enzyme responsible for converting the male hormone testosterone into Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a more powerful form which causes the overgrowth of the prostate cells.

There are several other herbs and nutrients that may help, including Zinc, and Golden Rod, Hydrangea, Couch Grass and Horsetail.

Q. I have noticed when I take some B complex or multivitamins my urine changes colour to a bright green or yellow. Is this normal?  This change in the colour of urine is caused by Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), a bright yellow water-soluble vitamin, found in most B complex and multivitamin formulas.

Riboflavin is necessary for red blood cell formation, antibody production, cell respiration, and growth. As it is metabolised, it is excreted in the urine, causing the colour change.

Q. What is cartilage? Cartilage is a natural connective tissue substance that cushions joints and acts as a shock absorber between the bones that make up the joint. It is worn away through use or injury.

Cartilage must be replaced through the availability of Glucosamine, Chondroitin, natural compounds the body uses to help rebuild and replace the cartilage found in every joint.

Q. I have osteoarthritis and have been taking your product for 4 weeks. How long do I need to keep taking Glucosamine and Chondroitin for?  Cartilage must be constantly replaced and if insufficient Glucosamine and Chondroitin are available to the body, symptoms may return, requiring long-term supplementation.

Q. I am concerned about osteoporosis as my mother was diagnosed with it in her 50’s. I have some dairy in my diet, but I know I should probably have more. What should I look for when choosing a Calcium supplement?  Calcium is a mineral that is crucial for the development of strong, healthy bones and around 1000mg of Calcium is required on a daily basis to help protect our bones from developing Osteoporosis.

Choose a Calcium supplement that provides a form of Calcium that is well-absorbed such as Calcium citrate, which has 20-66% greater absorption and bioavailability than Calcium carbonate, a commonly prescribed form of Calcium.

Hydroxyapatite is another good source of nutrition for healthy bones. It is a complete bone food that supplies Calcium together with other beneficial trace minerals including Magnesium and Phosphate.A good Calcium supplement should also supply a broad-range of nutritional cofactors such as Vitamin D3, Magnesium, Manganese, Boron and Zinc, which are required for optimal utilization of Calcium and assist its retention in the bones.

Q. Why is Ester-C a better form of vitamin C?  Ester-C is a better absorbed form of Vitamin C. It is retained in the body longer and is well tolerated by the body also because it is pH neutral therefore does not affect the more alkaline environment of the lower digestive tract - this means it is gentler on the stomach. 

Q. Why do I need to take a multivitamin?  Studies have shown than many people over the age of 60 may not receive all the micronutrients they need from their diet. This may be due to eating less because energy needs are reduced, or due to aging, which can make absorption and utilization of nutrients more difficult.

A daily multivitamin can help to ensure women who might become pregnant or are pregnant of an increased intake of folic acid - and other important nutrients as well.

Because many premenopausal women do not consume sufficient iron, most basic multivitamin-mineral supplements can help maintain a woman's iron stores at this time.

Vegans, who consume no animal products, may not get enough vitamin B12, zinc, or calcium. While those people on low-calorie diets, and heavy drinkers, are likely to need additional vitamins and minerals.

Those with limited resources tend to have the poorest diets, and would benefit from a multivitamin supplement. Finally, anyone else not following a balanced diet - that includes at least six fruits and vegetables a day, plus whole grains, low-fat dairy, and small servings of lean meat, poultry, or fish can also be expected to benefit from a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement

Q. I need to increase the amount of Calcium in my diet and have been told some foods can impair Calcium absorption. What are they? The absorption of Calcium can be impaired by compounds found in foods called oxalates, phytates, and protein, caffeine and sodium. Foods high in oxalates include spinach, rhubarb, beet greens and almonds. Legumes such as pinto beans, navy beans and peas and wholegrains are high in phytates. 

Q. What is OptiMSM®?  OptiMSM® (Dimethyl Sulfone) provides a bioavailable source of Sulphur, the 4th most abundant trace mineral in the body, after Calcium, Phosphorous and Potassium. Sulphur is found throughout the body in all tissues and fluid and is especially important for joint tissue, where it helps maintain healthy connective tissue found in cartilage, tendons and ligaments. Researchers have noted that joint health is improved when tissue Sulphur levels are restored. Sulphur is also needed to support healthy liver function, digestion and detoxification, where it helps to eliminate toxins and pollutants from the body.

Q. I am an active person and want to look after my joint mobility, what can I do to keep them healthy?  Tips to help you maintain healthy joints, cartilage - and mobility!

Keep moving  Regular, moderate exercise helps to nourish joint cartilage and assist repair of this essential shock absorbing material that protects your joints.

·         Flexing exercises help to protect and lubricate your joints.

·         Avoid high stress exercise and other activities that put extract strain on hips & knees.

Stay slim  Try and reduce your weight by several kilos. Carrying too much weight places extra stress on hips, knees and ankles.

Build muscle  Improving your muscle tone provides strong support for joints, helping to stabilise hips and knees.

Supplement your diet with important joint-building nutrients