VITAMINS - Find out what Vitamins do and if you have increased requirements for]

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Chapter 3-2 of Healing Foods by Walter Last

*Find out what Vitamins do and if you have increased requirements for

any of them *

*VITAMINS*

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Vitamins may be water-soluble or fat-soluble. Water-soluble vitamins are

vitamin C and the B-group vitamins. Except for vitamin B12, they are

easily absorbed, and deficiency is due a deficient diet or to increased

requirements. Due to genetic factors or diseases some individuals may

require up to hundred times the usual amounts to function normally. One

common problem is a thickened or hardened membrane, preventing nutrients

entering some organs, especially the eyes. An increased vitamin

concentration in the blood ensures an increased supply to the organ.

Being water-soluble, a surplus of these vitamins is easily expelled

through the kidneys, and any problem from overdosing is rare.

The fat-soluble vitamins, A, D, E and K, are more difficult to absorb.

Deficiencies can easily arise even with an adequate diet. Many

individuals, in particular those who have a dry skin and difficulty in

gaining weight, have fat-malabsorption. A common cause is a sensitivity

of the intestinal lining to gluten that resulted in the gradual erosion

of the absorption villi. With this condition fat-soluble vitamins and

other nutrients, such as beta-carotene, are not well absorbed and

deficiencies result. These cannot normally be corrected by just taking

fat-soluble supplements, such as halibut oil capsules for vitamins A and

D. Instead, try to obtain and use water-soluble forms of these

nutrients, such as vitamin A emulsions and vitamin E in tablet form.

In addition, you may frequently rub vitamin A or E oil from opened

capsules onto your skin, and keep a halibut liver oil capsule under the

tongue at bedtime for absorption overnight. Formerly it was common

practice to give cod liver oil rubs to babies who did not thrive. This

is also excellent for adults. In addition, expose your skin frequently

to mild sunlight for increased vitamin D production.

Generally, it is best to obtain all necessary vitamins from natural

foods and your intestinal bacteria. Under present conditions, however,

it is rarely possible to achieve and maintain good health without using

special vitamin-rich foods as well as vitamin supplements.

In the case of poor health, absorption of vitamins and minerals is

impaired, while your internal requirements are simultaneously raised.

This phenomenon underlies the widespread vitamin and mineral

deficiencies in our society, which result in a multitude of disease

symptoms.

The bacteria of our intestinal flora supply a considerable part of our B

vitamins. Antibiotic therapy destroys these essential bacteria and may

cause vitamin deficiencies. For this reason use fermented foods or

cultures containing acidophilus and bifido bacteria as well as B-vitamin

supplements whenever antibiotics are taken. Other widespread conditions

causing persistent vitamin deficiencies and dependencies are

deprivations during fetal development and in later life, acute and

chronic infections, parasites and inefficient metabolism.

Humans cannot synthesize vitamin C, so they must obtain it from their

food. Most animals produce their own vitamin C at a daily rate,

equivalent, in terms of body weight, to 2-5 g (2000-5000 mg) for an

adult human; under stress; up to 15-20 g are produced. This compares

with 60 mg recommended for adults by government health agencies. Vitamin

and mineral supplements may not be required for the maintenance of

health or even the cure of most degenerative diseases, provided the diet

is predominantly fresh and raw, based on sprouted seeds, grass and

vegetable juice as well as high-quality nutrients such as pollen,

spirulina and kelp.

*Bowel-tolerance Vitamin C*

This can be a successful treatment for infectious diseases, including

viral infections, which do not respond to antibiotics. The dose of

vitamin C is increased until the patient develops diarrhea. Then the

rate is cut back slightly until the bowel just tolerates the high

vitamin-C intake. During serious infections, the bowel tolerance is much

greater than that of healthy people. In normal health, for example, the

bowel tolerance is about 4-15 g per day. With a light cold it might be

20-30 g, and with a serious cold 60-100 g. Mononucleosis or viral

hepatitis requires 40-60 g, gastroenteritis 60-150 g, and viral

pneumonia more than 150 g. *Less than the bowel-tolerance dose may not

be effective. *While this treatment is most effective for viral

infections, it can also help with bacterial infections.

When you are taking these massive amounts, it is important to select the

correct form of vitamin-C. If mainly ascorbic acid is used, the body

becomes too acid or mineral deficient, while sodium ascorbate introduces

too much sodium and calcium ascorbate too much calcium. If your blood

pressure is approximately normal, you may take a mixture of ascorbic

acid, sodium ascorbate and calcium ascorbate.

With low blood pressure use mainly sodium ascorbate with calcium

ascorbate. With high blood pressure potassium and magnesium ascorbate

combined with ascorbic acid is best. You may neutralize some of the

ascorbic acid with potassium bicarbonate and magnesium carbonate or

magnesium oxide. In the end, the solution should taste slightly acid.

You may dissolve the vitamin C in water, herb tea or juices.

Depending on the severity of the condition, take vitamin C at one or

two-hourly intervals. Do not continue self-treatment at bowel-tolerance

level for more than a few weeks, and in serious cases only under

professional guidance or supervision. The high vitamin C intake should

be reduced gradually to a preliminary maintenance dose of 3-10 g. *A

sudden withdrawal of all vitamin C may cause the return of colds,

allergies or fatigue.*

In addition to bowel-tolerance vitamin-C, take other infection-fighting

nutrients, such as L-lysine, zinc, selenium, propolis, vitamin A, and

therapeutic doses of other vitamins and minerals. Two or three liters of

water or diluted drinks need to be taken daily during bowel-tolerance

treatment. The diet should be light, consisting mainly of fruits in

over-alkaline conditions or, in acid conditions, rice, sprouts and salads.

This treatment is not suitable with serious kidney disease or if it

causes water retention/edema. Initially, treatment of life-threatening

diseases or emergencies may be supported with daily or weekly injections

of sodium ascorbate, given intravenously in 3 % solution. Many

degenerative diseases associated with a weak immune system, for example,

autoimmune diseases, cancer and multiple sclerosis, may benefit from

intermittent periods of bowel-tolerance vitamin-C treatment. This method

is also useful for accidental poisoning, and bites of poisonous snakes

and insects.

*SUMMARY OF VITAMINS*

In the following compilation 'RDA' means recommended daily allowance as

determined by the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Research

Council (US). A second RDA value is for women.

'IU' means International Units. Commonly not all of the listed

deficiency symptoms are manifested, symptoms appear first in the weakest

organs. 1 g = 1000 mg, 1 mg = 1000 mcg.

*Oil-soluble Vitamins*

*Vitamin A*

Retinol, carotene. 1 mcg retinol = 6 mcg beta-carotene = 3 IU; RDA

5000/4000 IU; therapeutic 25,000-100,000 IU, especially in cancer

treatment and for eye diseases. One halibut-oil capsule provides 4000 to

5000 IU. It is toxic in very high doses over long periods; destroyed by

light and oxygen. Symptoms of vitamin-A toxicity are similar to those of

vitamin A deficiency. Do not take very high doses without professional

supervision. Long-term oversupply can lead to bone erosion due to a

relative deficiency of vitamin D. Therefore supply vitamins A and D

together, preferably as cod liver oil otherwise halibut liver oil. With

malabsorption tablets or emulsion are easier to absorb.

*DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS *Eyes dry, infected and sensitive to bright light,

night blindness, poor dark adjustment, colour-blindness, glaucoma. Skin

dry, rough, horny, scaly; pimples, acne, psoriasis. Hair dry, falling

out or dull. Nails longitudinal ridges, peeling, brittle. Smell and

taste poor, distorted. Respiratory infections, lung problems, ear

problems, deafness, hearing noises, cancer, thyroid overactive, underweight.

*BEST SOURCES *Fish-liver oils, liver, butter, egg yolk. Yellow-orange

vegetables and green juice are high in beta-carotene, which some

individuals can and others cannot efficiently convert into vitamin A.

*Vitamin D*

Cholecalciferol (D3, preferable) or ergocalciferol (D2, less effective,

synthetic, can be toxic in high doses over long periods). 1 IU = 0.025

mg cholecalciferol. RDA 200 IU; therapeutic up to 4000 IU.

*DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS *Rickets; weak, deformed and porous bones; teeth

and gum problems; muscular weakness; convulsions, cramps, tetany,

nervous instability, underactive thyroid, multiple sclerosis,

depression, overweight, eye problems; symptoms of calcium deficiency.

*BEST SOURCES *Sun exposure, fish-liver oils, egg yolk.

*Vitamin E*

Tocopherol (mainly used as d-alpha tocopherol, preferably combined with

mixed tocopherols, or vitamin E complex with tocotrienols). RDA 15/12

IU; therapeutic up to 3000 mg (or IU). In research by US scientists

mainly the ineffective synthetic d,l form has been used. Patients with

heart problems or high blood pressure should increase the dose slowly.

Destroyed by oxygen, chlorinated water, inorganic iron supplements,

estrogen drugs.

*DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS* Disorders of the reproductive and circulatory

systems, stroke, heart disease, leg pains, cramps, poor wound healing,

pronounced scar tissue, muscle weakness, chronic fatigue, tender

breasts, arthritis, cancer, eye and ear problems, gangrene, infections,

hot flushes, malabsorption, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis,

phlebitis, skin problems, varicose veins.

*BEST SOURCES *Cold-pressed oils (wheatgerm oil), rice polishings,

sprouted seeds, nuts, egg yolk, green leaves, grass juice.

*Vitamin K*

RDA 80/60 mcg, therapeutic 5 - 15 mg. Destroyed by light, acid and

alkaline conditions.

Essential for normal blood clotting to prevent hemorrhaging. Deficiency

causes frequent, prolonged or severe bleeding, easy bruising and

menstrual clots as well as nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. It is

also needed for bone formation or to prevent osteoporosis, tooth decay,

calcium deposits and hardening of tissues and arteries. Injections of

vitamin K derived from plant sources were as effective as morphine for

pain control.

Obtained from intestinal bacteria, green and especially dark-green

vegetables , liver, egg yolk. Vitamin K1 from plants is more effective

than that from intestinal bacteria, the synthetic form (K3) can have

toxic effects.

*Water-Soluble Vitamins*

These are easily lost in cooking and are not stored in the body (except

B12).

*Vitamin B1*

Thiamine; also known as aneurin. RDA 1.5/1.1 mg; therapeutic 50-3000 mg.

Destroyed by heat, sugar, alcohol, smoking. Deficiency may arise from

lack of gastric acid.

*DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS *Poor circulation with cold hands and feet; edema

(fluid retention); tongue furrowed; underactive thyroid; fatigue,

depression, insomnia, anxiety, over-sensitivity to pain and noise,

nausea, poor memory, apathy, debility, weight loss; muscles weak and

painful, especially the legs, starting with numb, burning feet, later

affecting calves and thighs, may result in paralysis. Severe

gastrointestinal disturbances. Tachycardia (fast pulse) and dyspnoea

(breathlessness) on exertion, brachycardia (slow pulse) at rest,

enlarged and weak heart. Mental illness, multiple sclerosis, diabetes,

hypoglycemia, allergies, addictions - drugs, alcohol. Severe deficiency

known as beriberi.

*BEST SOURCES *Food yeast, rice bran, sunflower and sesame seeds,

peanuts, millet, grains.

*Vitamin B2*

Riboflavin. RDA 1.7/1.3 mg; therapeutic 50-1500 mg. Destroyed by light,

makes urine bright yellow.

*DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS *Eyes sensitive, burning, bloodshot (blood vessels

become visible in the white of the eye), blurred vision, cataracts. Skin

oily and itching; eczema, especially around nose, forehead, ears,

scrotum and vagina; redness of part of face (rosacea), acne, bedsores,

purplish skin parts. Hair dull, oily, dandruff, split nails. Tongue

sore, burning, magenta purplish; cracks on lips and corners of mouth

(cheilosis). Allergies, anemia, arthritis, cancer, diabetes.

*BEST SOURCES *Food yeast, liver, kidney, almonds, sprouted seeds,

grass juice.

*Niacin and Nicotinamide*

Formerly known as vitamin B3 (USA) or B5 (UK). RDA 19/15 mg, therapeutic

up to 30 g in schizophrenia. The acid form - niacin or nicotinic acid -

causes flushing of the face. It is prescribed to dilate blood vessels,

to decrease blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, to increase circulation

to the head in cases of acne or migraine. The non-acid nicotinamide or

niacinamide does not have these effects, though - in contrast to niacin

- high amounts may cause depression. Niacin or nicotinamide improve the

oxidative energy metabolism and may be used to treat the following symptoms.

*DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS *Schizophrenia; hyperthyroidism, protruding eyes,

depression, irritability, overactivity, crying spells, suspicion, loss

of humour, delusions, anxiety, insomnia, confusion. Tongue

strawberry-tipped or bright red, shiny, 'raw beef' appearance. Mouth

displays sores, canker, ulcerated corners. Skin rough, red; brown, often

symmetrical discoloration on cheeks, neck and back of hands. Dermatitis

with ulcerations, aggravated by exposure to sun. Headache, backache,

fatigue, loss of weight and appetite. Lack of gastric acid, anemia.

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. Painful, stiff joints, arthritis, cancer.

Changed sense perceptions; pellagra (cracking of skin).

*

BEST SOURCES *Food yeast, peanuts, rice bran, liver.

*Pantothenic Acid*

Calcium pantothenate, vitamin B5; RDA 4/7 mg; therapeutic 50-1500 mg.

*DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS* Tongue beefy, enlarged, furrowed; fatigue,

depression, insomnia, graying hair, burning feet, arthritis, alcoholism,

asthma, cancer, cataracts, epilepsy, psoriasis, stress, diseases of the

digestive and nervous systems, adrenal weakness.

*BEST SOURCES *Food yeast, rice bran and polishings, liver.

*Vitamin B6*

Pyridoxine; RDA 2.0/1.6 mg; therapeutic 50-3000 mg. It works closely

together with zinc, easily oxidized.

*DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS* Inability to recall dreams, insomnia, depression,

irritability, tremors, convulsions (epilepsy), migraine, schizophrenia.

Skin oily, with eczema and urticaria (nettle rash or hives); edema

(fluid retention), vomiting, halitosis, lack of gastric acid, muscle

weakness, anemia, kidney stones. Pain, stiffness and swellings of

fingers and joints; fingers and toes become white (Raynaud's disease).

Autism, caries (tooth or bone decay), diabetes, Parkinsonism. Diseases

of the digestive and nervous systems.

*BEST SOURCES *Food yeast, molasses, bran, sunflower seeds, rice, liver,

egg yolk, nuts, beans, bananas.

*Biotin*

RDA 0.3 mg. Necessary for protein and fat metabolism as well as for

healthy hair.

*DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS *Digestive, nervous, skin and hair problems;

anemia, fatigue, depression, hallucinations.

*BEST SOURCES *Food yeast, rice bran. Usually from intestinal bacteria,

except after antibiotics.

*Folic Acid*

RDA 0.2/0.18 mg; recommended at least 0.4 mg, 0.8 mg in pregnancy;

therapeutic 5-20 mg. Easily destroyed by light, heat, storage, oxygen,

contraceptive pill.

*DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS *Widespread. Most pregnant women are deficient.

Anemia; corners of mouth crack, red tongue, graying hair, greyish-brown

skin pigmentation. Irritability, depression, fatigue, forgetfulness,

lack of concentration, insomnia, dizziness, depressed reflexes,

headaches. Muscle weakness, pain, numbness in legs, difficulty in

walking, cramps. Digestive problems - constipation, diarrhea. Sexual and

circulation problems, cervical cancer, hypoglycemia, birth defects,

gout, cardiovascular disease, diabetes.

*BEST SOURCES *Grass juice, yeast, sprouts, dark-green leaves, liver.

*Vitamin B12*

Cobalamin. RDA 2 mcg =0.002 mg; therapeutic 1000 mcg by injection,

especially in debility and after stomach operations. Most patients with

lack of energy respond extremely well to vitamin B12 injections, even if

laboratory tests show a normal vitamin B12 blood level. In poor health

B12 is not well absorbed, calcium and hydrochloric acid improve

absorption, commonly tablets are absorbed under the tongue, even better

is absorption through the nasal mucosa -at bedtime rub a drop of vitamin

B12 from an opened ampoule into each nostril.

*DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS* Pernicious anemia, chronic fatigue, debility, poor

circulation, numbness and stiffness; very red, sore tongue; emotional

disturbances, mental illness, cancer, liver and nervous system diseases,

nerve inflammations, paralysis.

*BEST SOURCES* Liver, kidney, fish, egg yolk, (spirulina).

*Vitamin C*

Ascorbic acid; commonly used as a supplement in the form of sodium

ascorbate and calcium ascorbate. RDA 60 mg; recommended 500 - 3000 mg,

therapeutic up to 100 g (neutralized). Easily destroyed by air, storage,

smoking, cooking, stress. Useful to counteract bites or stings of

poisonous snakes, insects, spiders and others.

*DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS* First signs - lassitude, weakness, irritability,

vague muscle and joint pains. Later - scurvy, starting in the limbs most

used; muscle pain (especially during infections), bleeding of gums and

skin, capillary weakness, fatigue, poor wound healing, acute and chronic

infections. Liver and kidney problems; old age, senility, aging skin;

thrombosis (strokes, heart infarcts); crib death, eye problems,

arthritis, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, schizophrenia, anemia,

bedsores, stone formation, cancer, backache, anxiety. Allergies (asthma,

hayfever, bee stings, epilepsy, headaches, rashes).

*BEST SOURCES* Fresh fruits and vegetables, sprouted seeds, rosehips,

grass juice.

*Vitamin-like Substances*

These are necessary biochemical substances which have not yet been

awarded full vitamin status by government agencies, partly because some

can be synthesized within the body, and partly because their usefulness

is still disputed.

*Bioflavonoids *

Bioflavonoids are part of the naturally occurring vitamin-C complex.

Deficiency causes capillary fragility with purplish or blue skin marks,

inflammation, gum bleeding and inner ear pain. Bioflavonoids are

necessary for the proper functioning of vitamin C. Best sources are

flower petals, sprouted seeds and fresh vegetables, fresh fruits and the

residue of juiced citrus fruits. The best known members of this group

are quercetin and rutin, rutin is found in concentrated form in dried

buckwheat leaves and flowers.

*

Choline and Inositol*

Important for the absorption and metabolism of fats and cholesterol, for

the synthesis of lecithin, for liver and gall bladder function and for

the formation and function of brain and nerves (transmission of nerve

impulses, myelin sheaths). They are helpful in the treatment of

arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis, asthma, diabetes (inositol),

glaucoma, hair problems and baldness, high blood pressure, insomnia

(inositol), liver diseases, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy,

neuritis, tardive dyskinesia (choline).

Choline is best supplied by lecithin, while other good sources are egg

yolk, liver, brain and food yeast. Inositol is best supplied by sprouted

seeds (in unsprouted seeds it remains unavailable in the form of phytic

acid). Other good sources are heart, brain, liver, food yeast, cabbage

and citrus fruits.

*PABA (Para-amine-benzoic Acid)*

A growth-promoting factor, deficiency contributes to white skin patches,

eczema, graying hair, fatigue. As a lotion it is excellent for

protecting the skin against ultraviolet radiation. It is obtained from

food yeast, liver, egg yolk, and is also synthesized by intestinal

bacteria. As a supplement, the soluble potassium salt of PABA is

preferable to the almost insoluble acid itself.

*Vitamin B15 (Pangamic Acid)*

Occurs in seeds, grains and nuts; it protects against oxygen

deficiencies (similar to vitamin E). It has been successfully used in

the treatment of alcoholism, allergies, arthritis; autism, breathing

problems such as asthma and emphysema, diabetes and hypoglycemia, heart

problems (cardiovascular diseases), and premature aging. The usual

therapeutic dose is 50-100 mg two or three times daily.

*Vitamin B17 (Amygdalin or Nitrilosides)*

Contains a cyanide ingredient that is harmful to cancer cells. It is

most effective for preventing cancer if taken regularly by eating a few

bitter seeds of stone fruits or pip fruits (for example, apricot, bitter

almond, apple). Other good sources are sprouted seeds, alfalfa, mung

beans, millet, and lentils. Professionally, a purified product, known as

laetrile, is used orally or as injections for cancer treatment (now

illegal in the USA). To be effective, laetrile must be used in

conjunction with cleansing, supplements and correct diet.

*Chapter 3: HEALTH FOODS AND NUTRIENTS*

· * Special Health Foods*

http://users.mrbean.net.au/~wlast/HF3-1.html#Special

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*· Vitamins*

http://users.mrbean.net.au/~wlast/HF3-2.html#vitamins

<http://users.mrbean.net.au/%7Ewlast/HF3-2.html#vitamins>

*· Minerals*

http://users.mrbean.net.au/~wlast/HF3-3.html#minerals

<http://users.mrbean.net.au/%7Ewlast/HF3-3.html#minerals>

*· Amino Acids*

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*· Digestive Enzymes*

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*· Supplements*

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* Herbs*

· http://users.mrbean.net.au/~wlast/HF3-5.html#Herbs

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