I thought it would be a good idea to have a general blog post where we can all add little notes about how we can improve our health and wellbeing. I will add small titbits here in the general post as and when I come across them and would value opinions and additional information anyone can give.
Firstly, I came across some information that stated that both insomnia and high blood pressure are often caused through insufficient calcium in the diet. A shortage of calcium may occur even if there is plenty in the diet and someone may also be taking calcium tablets as calcium needs magnesium in order for the body to use it effectively. They are 'partnership' minerals (they need to pair off for good health).
An unusual remedy: there are reams of material written about acid reflux, acid indigestion, heartburn and so forth and I must have read most of them and tried the majority of them too! This was a new one to me, apparently people generally suffer from any kind of acidity problem when their salt levels are low. Though good quality salt is said to work better than cheaper versions and the best one, it is alleged, for this purpose is said to be Himalayan Rock Salt, which has ionically charged minerals in it. As we know there is a recommended daily allowance that is claimed to be the maximum amount we should eat per day 6g according to the NHS website: nhs.uk/Livewell/Goodfood/Pa....
I know that I do not eat anywhere near to this as I add salt to vegetables and a stock cube to soups and casseroles but I never sprinkle it onto finished meals. 6g is approximately one teaspoonful.
Modern living and age tends to make most of us short of the mineral copper which may lead to a few health and inconvenience problems. Copper is required to help support our intake of iron and insufficient amounts in our diet often is the cause of anaemia. Copper is also necessary for the body to feel energized, to prevent varicose veins and flabby skin. It is also used by the body to maintain hair colour and when copper levels are improved, hair will often return to its natural colour. So what do we need to eat to make sure that we have enough of this magical mineral? Well here are a few foods to include in the diet: dark chocolate that is 70% or more cocoa mass, all varieties of beans (dry beans are especially useful), peanuts, liver, kidney, heart, crab, almonds, mussles, bananas, grapes, cashew nuts, peanut butter, mushrooms, blackstrap molasses (which may be used to add a type of malt flavouring to dishes and homemade beer), potatoes, tomatoes, dried fruit, black pepper .... Just a little warning here - if taking any form of medication then please consult your doctor before adding any artificial supplementation of copper even if it is in a multi-vitamin and multi-mineral tablet.
** Link to the Electronic Copy of Allergy Today, which may be a useful read especially if experiencing multiple allergies:
Other tests for gluten intolerance/coeliac disease
gluten intolerance and yeast sensitivity?
When to get gluten intolerance/coeliac test?
