Author: Andrew Stakem

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a very often disrespected and under appreciated nutrient to human health. In fact, if I had to guess based on my own readings, research, and experiences I would say nearly 80-90% of Americans are deficient to some extent. Basically, most people are walking around in a chronically inflamed state of being, which is in the direction of stasis, often known as death. OK, so let's try to prevent that, because life on the other hand is more exciting. What is Vitamin D you ask? It is quite often referred to as the "Sunshine" vitamin due to the rays of the sun providing light and energy to the body. However, it must be clarified that only the UVB rays are what allows the body to properly absorb the vitamin D. It works in 2 ways in the body. First, which is how most people know it, the skin absorbs the sun's UVB rays via a cholesterol enzyme and then converts the energy once in the liver and once in the kidneys to a bioactive form known as Vitamin D3, or cholecalciferol, so the body can utilize it. Once in the bloodstream it helps with many reactions in the body. One of which is the absorption of calcium and phosphorous and we all know how important both calcium and phosphorous are. In fact, one Doctor that I like to research and read about, Dr. Weston Price, a dentist, would just about swear on it. A Naturopathic Doctor, whom I'm very intrigued by, Dr. Bernard Jensen, would 100% agree with Price but probably wouldn't put quite as much emphasis on the importance of Calcium as a dentist would. The second way is through the eyes. A very poorly known issue is that Vitamin D only works when it is in correct proportion to Vitamin A. Deficiency of one creates toxicity of the other. Hence why the eyes are so extremely important to the strongest of bodies. It activates the pineal gland, which in turn sends a signal to the pituitary gland, known as "The Master Gland", which controls the majority of the endocrine system and most of the hormones. Uh oh, I said "hormone" but stay calm. If correct measures are taken, hormones won't get wacky. Now that makes me want to get more sun! Don't get me wrong though, you can get too much sun and get burnt. Depending on skin type, it usually will take between 20-45 min of good sunlight 2-3 days a week to obtain more than enough Vitamin D due to it fat solubility. Keep in mind, something often overlooked is your geographic location. It is nearly impossible to obtain enough Vitamin D for those residing in the northern latitudes of the Earth. Supplementation may suffice, but I don't recommend supplements unless speaking with your Natural health care provider or a local Naturopathic clinic. Humans fortunately have the ability to store extra Vitamin D in fat cells. The sun is really the best way to get this vital nutrient, but some foods such as shallow water fish and oysters and clams can be high in the nutrient. Also, unpasteurized or raw goat's milk and goat's cheese is a good source of the Vitamin. My best advice to you: Get some sun and get to know your local organic farmer!  

Potassium

Among the 16 major chemical elements that are contained in the make up of man, Potassium is so vital to the overall health that without it a human heart would not survive but for a very short period of time! Potassium is the element that increases the alkalinity of the entire muscular system. Anything that is considered alkaline in nature will help fight off the detrimental toxins, germs, and acids produced in the world as well as the human body. Potassium, like many other organic elements, has its life partner, Sodium. These two work very closely together, almost to the point where they are inseparable. Hand-in-hand so to speak. Both, Potassium and Sodium, are considered electrolytes and must stay in balance with each other in order to keep proper, effective, and efficient communication between our cells. When they get out of balance, disease processes begin. When in proper ratio they put the perfect osmotic pressure on cells to permit the exchange of many other vitamins, minerals, and amino acids in and out of the cells, especially muscle tissues - potassium inside, sodium outside. In conjunction with Calcium, these three elements are why our muscles contract and without Potassium or a lack of it will produce muscle cramps. Potassium can help in the protection of the heart as well, so it is a must in our diets! Eat a serving of Morgan's banana ice cream and you're well on your way to a stronger heart. Other good sources are kiwis, citrus fruits, potato and sweet potato skins, and most dark green leafy vegetables. Potassium is the leading element in the elimination of carbonic acid and lactic acid from our muscles - and a day after a good workout you're sure to feel the effects of these acids in the form of sore, tight muscles! Always remember the 1st rule in health - to achieve great health, you must get your foods in their natural, whole state directly from the Earth.