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Folic
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Darlene Booth
R.N.H |
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.... When most people think of strength it is often in the form of the outer muscular shell we wear but I tend to think of strength as coming from a deeper internal source. Building and maintaining healthy cells is one of the basic foundations of sound physical and mental well being. If we are not healthy |
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acid may also be linked to higher homocysteine levels. Homocysteine is an amino acid in the blood and when levels are too high, it may increase the risk of heart disease and dementia. The B vitamins, folic acid, B-12 and B-6 help break down homocysteine in the body. |
tellular level, we are in fact more open and at risk to developing a wide variety of health issues. We become weak and more vulnerable to the effects of living in our less than pristine environments.
....Healthy cells depend on a number of factors but essentially, healthy DNA replication is crucial. DNA is responsible for determining the function of each and every cell in our bodies. To simplify the picture you can think of DNA like a central control but it does not work alone. It needs the assistance of RNA to do the building and maintenance. It is important to keep the communication of this team at its optimal best.
One of the main nutrients to keep RNA/DNA happy is Folic Acid, also known as folate or |
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Although folic acid is plentiful in green leafy vegetables, carrots, nutritional yeast, egg yolks, avocados, meat, beans, whole grains and salmon, it is easily destroyed by storage, processing and cooking. Typically the standard North American diet is very dependant on the food manufacturing industry to feed us. This often means much of our diet is cooked and processed and missing many vital nutrients. Additionally, as we age our ability to digest and assimilate our food can become quite weak and compromised. As much as 80% of degenerative disease and aging issues can be linked to our digestive systems. We are a nation of well fed beings that actually are quite undernourished.
If you cherish your health and want to make |
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mportant member of the B-complex vitamin family is an essential nutrient that is needed for energy production, protein metabolism, cell division and the formation of red blood cells.
....Folic Acid deficiency is not uncommon in our world and has been linked to anemia, dementia, birth defects, heart disease, certain cancers and depression. Folic acid is important in the development of a baby’s spine, brain and skull. Much of this development occurs before a mother even knows she is pregnant. It is recommended that all prospective mothers take a prenatal folic acid supplement at least a few months before conceiving to minimize the risk of neural tube defect in their baby. As with all vitamin supplements, it is not a case of more is better. Remember that another key to good health is everything in balance and moderation. The recommended daily allowance for folic acid is .04mg. and slightly higher for pregnant women. Talk to your health care practitioner to determine your personal needs. Folic acid works best when combined with other B vitamins such as B12 and B6.
Studies are also suggesting that a deficiency of folic |
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sure your folic acid and other nutrients are optimal, enlist the help of a natural health practitioner to get you working with your body instead of against it. Green up your diet! Listen to your grandmother and eat your vegetables. Strive to eat a percentage of locally grown lightly cooked or raw food in our diet. You can’t beat produce from your own back yard for nutritional value. Even if you don’t have a garden you may want to explore your neighbourhood for local vendors or forage your own springtime greens like nettles, dandelion leaves and chickweed. These local greens are nutritional powerhouses but be sure to harvest away from roadsides and in areas where you are sure to be chemical free.
I am a big fan of all of the B vitamin family and believe them best when working together. As all of the B Vitamins are water soluble and easily depleted in the body when under stress, a daily B-complex vitamin supplement is good health insurance for the whole nervous system. If you find yourself feeling downright tired and blue much of the time, try adding a B-complex supplement to your daily regime. I guarantee you will soon come to refer to it as your happy pill!
....Good health to you! |
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