Alfalfa has a root that can grow over 100feet into the earth.  Its deep roots allow it to concentrate many different types of vitamins and minerals from the soil.  It is used medicinally as general tonic or, supporter of the body, due to its reputation as a good balanced source of vitamins and minerals.  It has been shown to be of help for arthritis sufferers.  Ground alfalfa has been studied for its effect on cholesterol. 
 

It has been shown to decrease cholesterol by inhibiting intestinal resorption and to reduce atherosclerotic build-up in arteries.  Alfalfa contains a significant amount of vitamin K and other chemicals that thin the blood.    The isoflavones in alfalfa are similar to those that are found in soy and red clover.  These substances have proven useful in the treatment of menopause and menstrual discomforts.  The chlorophyll, green pigment, in alfalfa aids the healing of intestinal ulcers, hemorrhoids, bleeding gums, burns and infections.  Chlorophyll induces detoxification of the body and decreases halitosis and body odour.   

Alfalfa can be used as a raw sprouts, seeds, dried herb or liquid extract.  The raw herb can be found as a powder or compressed into tablets.  Fresh alfalfa should be well washed and checked for molds before being consumed.  The liquid extract contains a significant amount of chlorophyll.   

The use of alfalfa is contraindicated for those with lupus.  There are possible interactions between alfalfa and blood thinners, hormone replacement therapy and oral contraceptives.  Alfalfa tea has been historically used as a nutritious tonic in pregnancy but one should exercise caution because of the hormonal properties of alfalfa. 
 

The history of apple cider vinegar dates to Hippocrates.  He used apple cider vinegar as an elixir to treat his patients.  During the Black plague health practitioners took apple cider vinegar because of its disinfectant properties.  Today apple cider vinegar is touted as a cure-all with reported effects ranging from the curing the common cold to helping in cancer therapy.  How does it work?  Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, a digestive aid that helps to increase acidity by increasing the length of time that gastric acid stays in the stomach. 
 

Food gets broken down more efficiently, more nutrients are available to the body and a variety of health concerns (caused by poor digestion), are alleviated.  Apple cider vinegar also improves regularity by increasing intestinal contractions.  Signs of low stomach acid are bloating after meals, flatulence and nausea because undigested food stays in the digestive system where it ferments and produces gas.   Signs that nutrients are not being absorbed include tiredness, poor wound healing, irritability and recurring infections.  You are probably thinking that we all complain of these symptoms at one time or another.  This is true because as we age our production of stomach acid naturally declines and many people suffer from poor digestion due to stress and other lifestyle factors.  Apple cider vinegar is recommended for any condition that is caused by poor digestion including fatigue, obesity, arthritis, frequent colds and flus, recovery from illness and constipation.  

Apple cider vinegar is available as a liquid or soft gel capsules.  If you purchase liquid vinegar it should be raw, unfiltered (cloudy looking with sediment on the bottom) and organic.  Apple cider vinegar may be found in formulas for weight loss.  

In high doses, apple cider vinegar can cause stomach irritation.  Individuals with hyperacidity, stomach ulcers or those who use antacid medication should not use apple cider vinegar.  
 

Brewer’s yeast got its name because it is grown on hops, the primary ingredient in many types of beer.  It is also referred to as nutritional yeast because contains 52% protein plus a variety of other nutrients including the B complex vitamins and minerals.  Brewer’s yeast’s high protein level  helps to stabilize blood sugar if it is taken between meals.  The protein, vitamins and minerals make yeast a source of easy to use nutrients.  It may be recommended for individuals who have compromised digestion, perhaps from cancer therapy or due to  stress.  The nutrients also improve the condition of the skin, cardiovascular system and nervous system.  Natural health practitioners, for a variety of conditions including convalescence, hypoglycemia, diabetes, cancer, eczema, malabsorption, heart disease, stress and fatigue recommend brewer’s yeast.   

As a supplement brewer’s yeast is found in tablets and powder.  Brewer’s yeast contains dead yeast cells, as opposed to baker’s yeast, which contains live cells and is not a supplement.  The powder can be mixed in juice or water.  Brewer’s yeast is often de-bittered to improve its flavour.  Taken between meals brewer’s yeast can provide an energy boost.

Do not use live baker’s yeast as a supplement.  Do not use yeast if you are sensitive to fermented products, have a  candida infection or suffer from osteoporosis.  Due to the phosphorus content of yeast, it is advisable to take supplemental calcium if you use yeast.
 

Garlic is a popular herb in the kitchen as well as the medicine cabinet.  Their sulphur compounds, alliin and allicin, have been well studied for their pharmacological activity.  Garlic has many benefits for cardiovascular health.  Garlic intake is shown to decrease levels of LDL cholesterol, the cholesterol responsible for cholesterol plaques and the storage of fat, and triglycerides.  Garlic also increases levels of HDL cholesterol, which is responsible for moving stored fat to the liver for processing and excretion from the body. 

HDL cholesterol protects against plaque formation.   Garlic preparations also lower blood pressure and improve blood circulation.  Thus garlic can be used to prevent stroke and heart attack.  Garlic has beneficial effects on blood sugar.  Insulin is released from the pancreas, in response to sugar intake.  It allows the intake of glucose by the cells as a fuel source.  Without insulin sugar stays in the blood, and cells become starved for energy, as happens in the condition diabetes.  Eventually the pancreas becomes worn out and does not produce as much insulin or the body’s cells become intolerant after years of high insulin levels.  Garlic can increase the release of insulin and help the body’s cells respond to insulin.  Garlic’s sulphur compounds are also antimicrobial against bacteria and fungi.  Therefore garlic may be used to treat colds, yeast infections and help individuals who have low immune functioning.  

Garlic is a medicinal food because the active ingredients are present in the clove in sufficient quantities to have some medicinal effects.  The active sulphur compounds are sensitive to heat, and most are destroyed by the cooking process, so raw garlic is best.  Garlic supplements are found as encapsulated herb, tablets and aged extracts (oils).  If the social aspect of eating garlic is a problem, odourless garlic extracts are available in capsules.  Although, some people say that the garlicky body odour and breath decreases if use garlic regularly.  Garlic products should be standardized as an assurance of the amount of sulphur compounds they contain.  There are many types of garlic supplements, choose the best one for you and consider combination products that target your particular needs.  Garlic can be found in combination products for immune boosting, cholesterol control, blood pressure regulation, heart health, etc.  

Garlic, when used as a food, has very few side effects.  Most side effects and cautions are relevant only when garlic supplements are used.  Garlic contains volatile sulphur components (they give it the characteristic odour) that have blood thinning and blood sugar decreasing properties.  Garlic supplements should be used with caution by diabetics, hypoglycemics, individuals with low blood pressure and individuals on blood thinning medication, including aspirin, or anti-hypertensives.  For the same reason, garlic supplements should be discontinued prior to surgery or dental work.  Garlic can theoretically decrease thyroid functioning by blocking the uptake of iodine in the gastrointestinal tract.   
 

The glandular system is responsible for regulating body functions via messengers called hormones.  The health of the glands can be improved by providing them with the proper raw materials (nutrients) and by stimulating them with concentrated forms of animal glands.  Biochemical research in the 1930’s led researchers to believe that chronic health problems may be attributed to the body mildly attacking the glands, in a similar way as a transplant rejection.  By neutralizing the body’s attack, glandular extracts allow glands to heal and regain their function.  Extracts are available for just about any gland and treats diseases of that organ.  Some of the more commonly used glandulars are adrenal, heart, liver, pancreas, spleen, thymus and thyroid.  Here are examples how glandulars are used:

• Adrenal – fatigue and stress. Dosage 100-600 mg daily. 
   

• Heart – protection against heart disease, maintains integrity of the vessels, reduces cholesterol, inhibits blood clots.  Dosage 200-600 mg daily.
   

• Liver – detoxification, liver disease. Dosage 500-1500mg daily.
   

• Pancreas – digestive aid, food allergies, celiac disease, inflammation, support during cancer therapy. Dosage 1500-3000 mg daily.
   

• Spleen – after removal of the spleen, weak immune functioning.  Dosage 300-900 mg daily.
   

• Thymus –Weak immune functioning. Dosage 750-1500mg daily.
   

• Thyroid – fatigue, weak immune functioning, hypothyroid disease. Dosage 60-180 mg daily.

Ensure that your glandular supplement is high quality because animal sourced products can be produced from older animals that have been exposed to chemicals or hormones.  The best source for glandular extracts is New Zealand where they are free from pesticides, growth hormones, antibiotics and disease.  Most glandular products have any active hormone removed from them.  For example, most thyroid glandular supplements are certified thyroxin- free to eliminate the risk of sending its users into a hyperthyroid state.  Glandulars may be included in formulas that contain vitamins, minerals and herbals that also support a given gland.   
 

Every time we turn around something reminds us about the importance of fiber.  Advertising touts products new and improved when they are considered high fiber or have added whole grain.  So what’s all the fuss about?  The standard North American diet is largely deficient in fiber because of the refining process.  It strips the fibrous coat off of grains and removes the skins of fruits and vegetables. 
 

Thus the food becomes easier to process but deficient in fiber and nutrients.  Colon cancer, diabetes and high cholesterol are just a few of the conditions that afflict millions of people and can be helped by proper fiber intake.  There are several different types of fiber each with their own health benefits.

Bran, gums and mucilages are fibers that regulate blood sugar and lower cholesterol.  They also bind to toxins and waste products in the intestines, ensuring that these harmful agents pass through the digestive tract without being reabsorbed by the body.  By eating oatmeal, oat bran, sesame seeds and dried beans you take in substantial amounts of these fibers.  Some medicinal types of this fiber are glucomannan and psyllium seed.  Glucomannan binds to fat in the intestines, normalizes blood sugar and decreases appetite (by expanding in the stomach).  It benefits those who are obese, diabetic or hypoglycemic.  Psyllium seed is an intestinal cleanser and stool softener.  It is the major component of the commercial preparation called Metamucil.  But Metamucil contains colourings and flavourings that are not found in psyllium preparations.

Cellulose is an indigestible fiber that is found in fruit and vegetable skins.  Because it is not absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract it bulks the stool and acts as an intestinal cleanser. It helps to prevent and treat hemorrhoids, varicose veins, constipation and colitis.  It also binds to toxins so that they are not absorbed into the body.

Hemicellulose is also an indigestible fiber that is found in fruit and vegetables.  It regulates the water content of the stool.  It is used as a treatment for weight loss, constipation, detoxification and the prevention of colon cancer

Lignin is a fiber that has an affinity for fats and bile acids.  It binds to these substances in the intestines and prevents their absorption or resorption into the body.  Lignin is used to lower cholesterol, prevent gallstones and treat diabetes and colon cancer. 

Pectin slows the absorption of food after meals thereby decreasing the rate at which blood sugar enters the body.  This is especially beneficial for people with diabetes whose bodies cannot properly take sugar into cells.  Pectin, especially apple pectin, also binds to fats and bile acids.  Thus it is used to prevent gallstones, and lower cholesterol.  Citrus pectin has been studied for its ability to remove toxins from the body, reduce side effects from radiation therapy and limit tumour metastasis. 

Fiber can be added to the diet by increasing your intake of whole grains, fresh fruit and vegetables (with skin!) and beans.  If it is still needed, many commercial fiber preparations, each with a unique mix of fibers in tablets, capsules or powder form, are available.  Read fiber supplements carefully because some may contain laxatives, making those preparations unsuitable for long-term use.  

Start fiber supplementation with small doses, and lots of water, until your stool is the proper consistency.  Fiber can compromise the absorption of other nutrients and medications if they are taken at the same time.  Zinc, iron and calcium absorption are significantly impaired by fiber supplements.
 

Kelp is an edible seaweed that is rich in nutrients.  It contains all of the B vitamins, plus macro minerals and trace minerals.  Kelp contains iodine, a component of thyroid hormone, the hormone responsible for settling the body’s metabolic rate.  Some cases of hypothyroidism can be attributed to lack of iodine, and causes a swollen thyroid (goiter). 

Hypothyroid individuals experience many symptoms due to a lack of thyroid hormone including fatigue, weight gain and frequent colds and flus.  Kelp’s mineral content also supports the brain, nerves, vessels, hair, skin and nails.  It can protect the body from damage due to radiation for example from the sun or due to cancer therapy.  Natural health practitioners, for a variety of conditions including hypothyroidism, hair loss, obesity, ulcers, constipation, radiation sickness and poor mineral status, recommend kelp.   

Kelp can be eaten raw but it is usually found dried or powdered for use as a salt substitute.  A liquid form can be added to drinking water.  As a supplement kelp is found in tablets.  Some commercial “green food” smoothies and “energy” drinks may contain kelp.  Green food supplements are combinations of medicinal foods and herbs, and may contain kelp.

Kelp contains iodine and should be used with caution by individuals with hyperthyroidism or thyroid tumours.
 

Most lecithin is derived from soybeans.  New research is finding greater value from supplements made from fresh egg yolk.  Lecithin can be purchased in capsules or as granules.  The granules should be refrigerated for freshness because the essential fatty acid component can go rancid.

Oral contraceptives, estrogen, sulfa drugs, food processing, coffee and alcohol deplete lecithin.