Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Electrolytes for Good Health


If others are like me they know nothing about electrolytes, so how did I learn about them? In my last blog I wrote about my experience with low potassium and mentioned that my equilibrium is still off. Well this past Sunday I was feeling so good and full of energy I decided to get the leaf blower and clear off some of the leaves in the driveway. I didn't think this would take a lot of energy, but come Monday I had no energy, and did nothing the whole day.

Photo credit
Still not feeling up to par Tuesday I made a call again to my health care professional who spouted out " Your electrolytes are low!" He quickly informed me that electrolytes are our bodies energy. Wow, I thought I'm just a mess, and all I do to stay healthy!!! However it is important to note that anytime we put out energy we are depleting our electrolytes. It turns out that this is also what is contained in sports drinks.

My health care professional stated that there are 12 electrolytes our bodies need, and that a product called Vitamineral Green put out by a company called Health Force  is the only natural source for all 12. Vitamineral Green is jammed packed with natural ingredients and detoxifiers, it comes in a powder form (which I prefer.) It is gluetin free, 100% vegan, raw, and yeast free, this is a food not a supplement. My health care pro told me he has given people free samples, and they come back saying they have never had so much energy. I will be making a purchase next week, but until than I am drinking hibiscus tea which is also high in electrolytes.



As I researched electrolytes I found most sites only listed As I about 7-8 while one listed only 4-5. No matter what all the research I did shows that electrolytes are very important to our bodies everyone should be replenishing them on a daily basis.

Why Do We Need Electrolytes? 

Electrolytes are minerals in your blood and other body fluids that carry an electric charge. They affect the amount of water in your body, and the acidity of your blood (pH) from medline plu. Electrolytes give the body the electrical charge that keeps the heart, muscles and nervous system working properly from health to heart.

Important note: PH levels need to be stable or nothing will help. I was able to take a PH test at the local health store, and I'm good to go, yeah something is right.

Photo credit


How Do We Get Electrolytes? 

Normally we would be able to get electrolytes from our food and drinks, but once again due to the manipulation of our food, water, and other drinks we are not getting the amount of electrolytes our bodies need to function. So, using one of the products mentioned above is crucial at this point and time of our society. Examples of some electrolytes are sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus.

Who Needs to Get More Electrolytes?

In this day and age, all of us!!!! However I can be more specific as far as this goes so here it goes. Various medications alter the electrolyte levels in the body such as diuretics, antihistamines, vasoconstrictors, beta blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, and phenothiazines (tranquilizers.) Also those who suffer from the following are more at risk to loss of electrolytes. Those who suffer from stress related disorders, heat related illness, sweat excessively or  not enough, high or low blood pressure, consume medications which effect blood pressure, poor eating/drinking habits, susceptible to infections/colds, exercise regularly, have an existing illness/disease.

How Do We Loss Electrolytes?

As  mentioned above one way is through various medications, but it is amazing to know that we also lose them through basic every day tasks such as walking, gardening, driving, playing, mowing, or running. So, as you can see just doing every day normal activities cause us to lose electrolytes. Electrolytes are also lost through sweating, urination, or diarrhea

What Will Not Help Replenish Electrolytes?

I had read about some individuals who were tested for their electrolyte levels, and where told they were low in either sodium, potassium, or both. Sadly for these individuals they were not getting better why? Because they were told to increase fluids, and salts, this is not a fix when we are dealing with many electrolytes.  I was reading how one individual's heart actually stopped beating for a time and her vision became blurry. Another individual stated that while she was increasing her fluid intake as told, and feeling better the lack of energy was still present.  

 Hopefully now I can back to my regular exercise schedule which has suffered greatly due to this, but I will be making a change, drink hibiscus tea both before, during, and after working out. As I prayed today asking God to guide me to a solution for this issue, and give me knowledge, He gave me a revelation, I have gained knowledge, and hopefully others will learn from me. While this may be a hard way to go about learning, I am still thankful for what I have learned.

I will be updating in the future on how the hibiscus tea has worked (this is my first day) and also how the Vitamineral Green works which I am purchasing next week.

If you are taking meds be sure to talk with your health care provider before starting hibiscus tea or Vitamineral Green. I am not any type of health care professional, I am sharing from personal experience only. Woman who are pregnant or nursing should avoid hibiscus. Woman trying to get pregnant or have issues conceiving should also avoid hibiscus.

Have you had a similar experience or can you relate to this blog? If so please leave a comment, thank you.
 


Monday, November 26, 2012

Low Potassium




 
Well I have been gone for awhile partly due to low potassium, and partly due to the fact my beautiful daughter was here from West Tennessee visiting for a week. Yes, I had low, low, low potassium, why? Because I am a total carnivore. While I keep telling my self I need to juice I am not, enough with that let me you tell you my symptoms and what I did.


                                My Symptoms

So, I woke up one morning, and had this numbing sensation on the right side of my upper body. The sensation started in my fingers and continued to the top of my head, along the top of my back from shoulder to shoulder. I also noticed that my equilibrium was off, but did  not notice the lack of energy until after I ate. I thought maybe I was just hungry, but no something was wrong. I had also ignored the bloating I was experiencing, which I have not seen mentioned in other articles on the topic. My energy was so low I could not walk at a normal pace, instead I shuffled through the house for about a week. It was a Thursday, and I spent the day on the couch thinking I just need to rest, and this will pass. No, woke up the next morning, and all the symptoms where still there. I went to the computer to do some research, and realized I did not know where to begin.
                                                                    What I Did

Then I remember the local herbalist had given me his card, and said if I ever needed anything to call him. So, I gave him a call described my symptoms, and quickly he said my potassium was low and to drink some Emergen_C. I did not trust my self to drive, and called my husband to ask him if he would pick some up. He replied by telling me we already had some, and as I started to drink it I felt the numbing start to fade from my upper back, shoulders, and head. It took a couple of the days for it to reach through my arm, and to my fingers, but finally it was all gone within days.

However, I also started eating more potassium along with taking a supplement, and drinking stinging nettle infusions (contains 297 mg of potassium). It has been I estimate about five weeks, and my equilibrium is still off, and if I do to much I get worn out.

                                                    Symptoms of Low Potassium

While symptoms do vary from person to person the most basic symptoms are muscle weakness, cramps, nausea,(had that too) vomiting, fatigue, constipation, palpitations, increased thirst, and urination. Some of these symptoms are common of other issues, so always check with your health care professional.

                                             What Potassium Does for our Bodies

Our bodies contain many minerals potassium is the third most abundant. As an electrolyte it helps to regulate our blood pressure, muscle activity, water retention, and is important for the proper function of every cell in our bodies. Potassium helps to increase our energy levels, aids our cells in the elimination of toxic waste, along with balancing out our PH levels.

                                         People at Higher Risk for Low Potassium

  • Those taking certain birth control pills, diacritics, as well as other medications.
  • High physical demanding jobs.
  • Athletes, or those who work on a regular basis intensely. 
  • Those who have a health condition which effects their digestive absorption, such as Crohns.   
  • Those with eating disorders.
  • Smokers, alcoholics, drug addicts. 

                                                How Much Potassium do we Need?

                                                               
Category
Adequate Intake (AI)
CHILDREN
0-6 months
400 mg/day
7-12 months
700 mg/day
1-3 years
3,000 mg/day
4-8 years
3,800 mg/day
9-13 years
4,500 mg/day
14 years and up
4,700 mg/day
ADULTS
18 years and up
4,700 mg/day
Pregnant women
4,700 mg/day
Breastfeeding women
5,100 mg/day



                                                         Top 10 Sources for Potassium


#1: White Beans
Potassium in 100g1 cup cooked (179g)
561mg (16% DV)1004mg (29% DV)
Other Beans High in Potassium (%DV per cup): Adzuki (35%), Soy (28%), Lima (28%), Kidney (20%), Great Northern (20%), Pinto (18%) and others at an average of 15% DV per cup cooked.

#2: Dark Leafy Greens (Spinach)
Potassium 100g (Raw)1 Cup (Raw - 30g)1 Cup (Cooked - 180g)
558mg (16% DV)167mg (5% DV)839mg (24% DV)
Other Greens High in Potassium (%DV per cup cooked): Swiss Chard (27% DV), Kale (8% DV), and Collards (6% DV

#3: Baked Potatoes (With Skin)
Potassium 100gAverage Potato (173g)
535mg (15% DV)926mg (26% DV)
Warning: Potatoes are high in simple carbohydrates and not recommended for people with diabetes. Sweet potatoes are actually better for regulation blood sugar, an average baked sweet potato with skin (114g) provides 542mg (15% DV) of potassium.

#4: Dried Apricots
Potassium 100g1/2 cup (65g)
1162mg (33% DV)755mg (22% DV)
Warning: Dried Apricots are high in sugar.

#5: Baked Acorn Squash
Potassium 100g1 cup cubed (205g)
437mg (12% DV)899mg (26% DV)
Other Squash High in Potassium (%DV per cup baked): Hubbard (21%), Butternut (17% DV), Zucchini (14% DV), Average Winter Squash (10% DV).

#6: Yogurt (Plain, Skim/Non-Fat)
Potassium 100g1 cup (245g)
255mg (7% DV)625mg (18% DV)
Other Yogurt High in Potassium (%DV per cup): Whole-Fat (11% DV), Chocolate Yogurt (24% DV).

#7: Fish (Salmon)
Potassium 100g1 3oz fillet (85g)
628mg (18% DV)534mg (15% DV)
Other Fish High in Potassium (%DV per 3oz fillet (85g)): Pompano (15% DV), Lingcod (14% DV), Halibut (13% DV), Yellowfin Tuna (13% DV), Anchovies (12% DV), Mackerel (10% DV), Herring (10% DV) and most other fish at an average of 10% DV.

#8: Avocados
Potassium 100gAverage Avocado (201g)1/2 Cup Pureed (115)
485mg (14% DV)975mg (28% DV)558mg (16% DV)
An average avocado provides 322 calories, half a cup purred contains 184 calories.

#9: Mushrooms (White)
Potassium 100g1 cup sliced (108g)
396mg (11% DV)428mg (12% DV)
1 cup cooked sliced white mushrooms contain 28 calories.
Other mushrooms high in potassium (%DV per cup sliced): Portabella (9% DV), Brown or Crimini (9% DV), Enoki (7% DV), Shiitake (5% DV), Maitake (4% DV).
#10: Bananas
Potassium 100gAverage Banana(118g)1 Cup Mashed (225)
358mg (10% DV)422mg (12% DV)806mg (23% DV)
An average banana provides 105 calories, 1 cup mashed contains 200 calories.
I believe I have had low potassium for years, but ignored the symptoms. I have always has cramps in my toes, and sometimes in my calf muscle as well. While I knew it was due to a lack of something my body needed I never knew what, do now. I also had started to get a tingling in my right arm on and off, and blew that off as well. Don't ignore any of the symptoms I have mentioned here, but if you do start taking in more potassium, and the symptoms persist it is time to consult a health care professional. 
 
Also be aware if you are like me and work out hard on a regular basis you lose potassium through sweat. It is important to replenish lost potassium from a hard work out.    
You can Google any food product for the potassium content, as I searched I noticed there are conflicting numbers out there look for consistencies. 

This is how dealt with low potassium, I am not recommending anyone else does what I did. As a matter of fact my husband said numerous times I should consider seeing a doctor.





Muscle weakness, cramps, constipation, palpitations, fatigue, and increased thirst and urination are common, along with nausea and vomiting.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/237532-what-are-symptoms-of-low-potassium-levels/#ixzz2DLx7AZfW
Muscle weakness, cramps, constipation, palpitations, fatigue, and increased thirst and urination are common, along with nausea and vomiting.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/237532-what-are-symptoms-of-low-potassium-levels/#ixzz2DLx7AZfW

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

The Trouble With Our Food

Photo Credit
It is not enough that our food is being contaminated with GMOs, high fructose corn syrup, and aspartame, but now manufactures are incorporating wood pulp into our foods.

Monsanto has contaminated our foods with GMOs, and has messed with soy, and corn so much it is no longer the same. High fructose corn syrup has been questioned since it made the scene. While most controversy concerning HFCS has been how our bodies process it, we should be more concerned about the mercury contents. You can read more about the process, and how the mercury gets into our food here.

Aspartame is included in all foods labeled no sugar added, I actually wrote a blog which can be read here. 

So, now I find out this morning there is wood pulp in our food.

It is due to these types of ingredients that our society is so unhealthy. Have you ever noticed after you get done eating what you feel was enough food you are still hungry? It is due to the fact that our food no longer contains the vitamins and nutrients our bodies need. This leaves our bodies screaming out for what we believe is more food, we than eat some more, gain weight, and worst of all become sick, and unhealthy.

So, what can we do about, first off stop buying processed foods which are now so unhealthy for us. Grow your own vegetables, I love Mary's Heirloom Seeds, and currently have carrots, and peppers growing. With corn being so contaminated I ordered some corn seeds also, and can't wait to get those growing. Why Mary's Heirloom Seeds? Because while they are pricier than those sold in local stores they are GMO free.

My family teases me about the pollution in the air, and water, and what difference does it make. Personally I think it does, at least I can get and give my self, and family vegetables which have the vitamins, and nutrients our bodies need. It will also help to build our immune systems enabling our bodies to better fight off the garbage in our air, and water.

This is only one thing we are doing to be healthier in our unhealthy world.



Thursday, November 8, 2012

Guest Blogger Composting Advantages



Hello It’s Your Life readers! I am so excited to be here and share a bit of “back to the basics” knowledge with you.  My name is Mary and I blog over at Back to the Basics and Mary’s Kitchen.  I also own and operate an heirloom seed company called Mary’s Heirloom Seeds.

Most people don’t think about gardening in November.  I do! In south Florida we are on a very different planting schedule than most of the US.  No matter where you live, there is plenty to do to prepare your garden for your next planting season.

Photo credit: Simply up cycle dot com
 Do you Compost?

Compost is a natural soil amendment and garden fertilizer. It can be made FREE using kitchen scraps. Apple cores, banana peels, celery or carrots parts, rinds and peels from fruits and veggies...throw it all in there! But don't stop there- also use grass clipping, dead leaves and other yard waste.

Not only does composting save money on expensive fertilizers and soil amendments, it keeps all of this "trash" out of your garbage bin and out of landfills.

Using compost improves soil structure, texture, and aeration and increases the soil’s water-holding capacity.  Do you need to buy a fancy (expensive) composter? No way!  I use a large plastic bin with a lid.

Nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus are produced naturally by the feeding of microorganisms and decomposing waste. These three ingredients are essential for a thriving veggie garden.

Warning: Everything I read about compost says not to use meat, diary or pet waste in your compost.

Have you tried Companion Planting?

According to companionplanting.net :
 Companion planting is based around the idea that certain plants can benefit others when planted next to, or close to one another.

Companion planting exists to benefit certain plants by giving them pest control, naturally without the need to use chemicals, and in some cases they can give a higher crop yield.

I would like to encourage you to think about starting your own heirloom garden.  It is a great way to save money and eat delicious produce. 

 If you decide to use Mary’s Heirloom Seeds for your gardening needs I will include 1 FREE seed pack in every order and 2 FREE seed packs on all orders which qualify for Priority mail upgrades.

Happy Planting!!!! 
Mary

Also take a look at the holiday gift packs Mary has put together along with packaging options.

Shared this blog on Friendship Friday .