Take your vitamins ?

Some of you have written to me in anticipation of learning what supplements and vitamins I take. The answer is... Nothing! and the reasons are several. First, because I participated in a long-term mega-vitamin study 35 years ago at UCLA and learned very well both the positive and negative aspects of supplements. Most of the supplements are simply pissed away; what remains can form solid deposits, which are difficult to remove. Second, because I can see no reason to rely on a manufacturer, using unknown standards, to provide nutrients to me, when I can do a better job for myself. Third, I do not eat nutrient deficient factory food. And, fourth, I am not as lazy as most of you, who have not 'had the time' to do the suggested kriyas every day. (For the few, who are doing the kriyas, I will be presenting more, soon.)

So, for the fat, lazy and indolent, who would rather take a pill than take care, I present below a vitamin supplement program, which you can add to the previously described pharmaceuticals. You can trust this advice, because I, obviously, am not selling vitamin supplements. :>)

B - vitamins

The four B vitamins, which are absolutely essential for neuronal growth and brain vitality are B12, B6 B1 and folic acid.

B12 - Almost 25% of all people aged 60 to 69 are deficient in B12. Over that age, the deficiency rate is 40%, because the stomach's 'hydrochloric acid, which assits in the assimilation of B12 from dietary sources, declines as you age. A B12 shortage mimics age associated cognitive decline: poor memory, a reduction in reasoning skills, and mood disorders. You can supplement B12 with little pink sub-lingual pills, or by injection. The injection method will provide you with a quick "boost" in energy levels. Or, you can go buy some litmus paper to check on the ph of your saliva. If alkaline, your digestive system is out of balance and you probably have a bad body odor. You can correct this situation by eating more green leafies (for the chlorophyl) and less meat. Or, you can take a shot glass of apple cider vinegar first thing every morning, which will also start peristalsis, for you. Don't make the mistake of increasing citrus intake, for the acid; citrus is assimilated as an alkaline.

B6 - This vitamin helps convert stored sugar into glucose, the brain's only fuel. Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin that exists in three major chemical forms: pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine. It performs a wide variety of functions in your body and is essential for your good health. For example, vitamin B6 is needed for more than 100 enzymes involved in protein metabolism. It is also essential for red blood cell metabolism. The nervous and immune systems need vitamin B6 to function efficiently,and it is also needed for the conversion of tryptophan (an amino acid) to niacin (a vitamin).

If you are over fifty, you need 1.5mg to 1.7mg per day. This amount is easily provided in a serving of whole grains, or can be accumulated by simply eating 1 banana and 1 baked potato. Mega-dose B6 pills usually contain 50mg, most will be passed in the urine. The pills can't hurt you, unless you take 1000mg per day.

B1 - Thiamin, B1, is involved in many metabolic processes in the brain and peripheral nervous system. It is also a powerful anti-oxidant and helps B6 and vitamin E destroy free radicals. Alchohol consumption destroys B1. If you binge on alcohol, take B1 supplements - 50 to 100mg should help prevent alchohol related neuron destruction.

Thiamine deficiency is rare, but tends to occur in people who get most of their calories from sugar or alcohol. Individuals with thiamine deficiency have difficulty digesting carbohydrates. As a result, a substance called pyruvic acid builds up in the bloodstream, causing a loss of mental alertness, difficulty breathing, and heart damage. In general, thiamine supplements are primarily used to treat the deficiencies known as beriberi and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.

Thiamine can be found in most foods, but large amounts of this vitamin can be found in pork and organ meats. Other good dietary sources of thiamine include whole-grain cereals and rice, wheat germ, bran, brewer's yeast, and blackstrap molasses. You need about 1.5mg daily. Do not take B1 supplements if you are taking tetracycline, tricyclic anti-depressants, such as desimpramine and imipramine, undergoing chemotherapy, digoxin or diuretics. In other words, consult your physician, who probably knows nothing about vitamins.

I'll continue with the B vitamins, tomorrow and hope to be clear of the vitamin alphabet soup, on Sunday.

Any questions??