Undoubtedly calcium has become a hot topic of controversy. We are bombarded with advertising telling us exactly what will give our body more calcium. Between “Got Milk?” slogans on one end and Coral Calcium “cure-all” TV spots on opposite end it is time that truth be exposed. Let’s look at why we need calcium and then some signs of calcium deficiency.

How Body Uses Calcium:

Strong bones, teeth and gums Maintaining a regular heartbeat The lowering of cholesterol Helps prevent cardiovascular disease Needed for muscular growth and contraction Prevents muscle cramps Essential in blood clotting Helps prevent cancer May lower blood pressure May prevent bone loss associated with osteoporosis Helps to activate enzymes which breaks down fats Maintains proper cell membrane permeability Helps keep skin healthy Protects against preeclampsia during pregnancy Can help reduce high blood pressure in pregnancy Protects bones and teeth from lead by inhibiting absorption of this metal

Calcium DeficiencySymptoms:

Aching joints Brittle nails Eczema Elevated blood cholesterol Heart palpitations High blood pressure Muscle Cramps Insomnia Nervousness Numbness in arms or legs Rheumatoid arthritis Tooth decay Depression Hyperactivity Hives Psoriasis

“Got Milk?”…Are You Really Getting Calcium?

No way! The damage that this one slogan is doing to health of Americans, especially children, is tremendous. Consider following written by Robert Cohen (www.notmilk.com):

A publication in February, 2003 issue of American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (Vol. 77, No. 2, 504-511) clearly demonstrates that eighteen years of milk consumption did not prevent hip fractures for post-menopausal women.

How many subjects participated in study?

A mere 72,337. As part of Walter Willett's Harvard Nurses Study, investigator Diane Feskanich performed statistical tests of significance for 18 years of data including dietary intake of calcium (dairy and supplements) to determine her findings.

The conclusion reached from this observational analyses, is that dietary calcium plays little or no role in preventing bone loss. Drinking milk does not prevent osteoporosis. A total of 603 hip fractures were analyzed. Scientists determined that milk consumption was in no way associated with hip fracture risk. The same conclusion was reached for total calcium consumption.

The Harvard Nurses study previously determined that there is no positive association between teenaged milk consumption and risk of adult fractures. (American Journal of Public Health 1997;87). As a matter of fact, just opposite was found to be true. Women consuming greater amounts of calcium from dairy foods suffered significantly increased risks of hip fractures.

In light of these findings, dairy industry milk mustache campaign has been proven to be one enormous deception. Bones break because women eating wrong foods create an acid condition in their own bloodstreams, which must be neutralized by available calcium. The body achieves balance by taking calcium out of its own bones. Ergo, people eating greatest amount of total animal protein are ones experiencing accelerated rates of bone loss. The same Journal of Clinical Nutrition, (1995; 61, 4) confirmed this truth:

"Dietary protein increases production of acid in blood which can be neutralized by calcium mobilized from skeleton."

Eighteen years earlier, as Harvard Nurses study was just beginning, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (1979;32,4) reported:

"Even when eating 1,400 mg of calcium daily, one can lose up to 4% of his or her bone mass each year while consuming a high-protein diet."

Why do you imagine that today's most recent study will not be publicized on tonight's 6 PM news, or headlined in your local newspaper? Because it lacks one critical ingredient. Cash. For a story to be released, it must be accompanied by paid dairy industry advertising. In this deceptively dangerous manner, most of us get our biased health information.

Milk? It does not do body good.

Coral Calcium

How these people have been in business so long just amazes me! I used to get spammed at least ten times per day with advertisements suggesting that Coral Calcium cures just about everything!! I have often wondered just where FDA police was during all of this hype.

Yarrow is an ancient herb steeped in mythology. A sacred herb in many cultures, Yarrow stalks are used for I Ching instead of coin.

Legend has it that yarrow (Achillea millefolium) was named after Achilles, Greek mythical figure who used it to stop bleeding wounds of his soldiers. Popular in European folk medicine, yarrow has traditionally been used to treat wounds, menstrual ailments, and bleeding hemorrhoids. Its traditional uses also include treatment of fevers and colds, and relief of stomach and intestinal upset. Yarrow has been valued since ancient times for its ability to stop bleeding, hence its folk name "nosebleed." Today, yarrow is valued for its ability to fight off colds and flu. It is also an ingredient in many herbal cosmetics. Dried and cut flowers are used in arrangements.

This plant is so hardy that you can chop it and mow it down and it will come back up while you are doing chopping. The wild yarrow is white, other yarrows were bred for color and smell. Found in Europe and Americas, forty species belong in yarrow genus.

Harvest in flower and gather whole flowering heads. You will not hurt plants you harvest, they will grow right back. You can also harvest whole above ground parts including leaf, stems and flowers. This adds a bitter quality to finished product. No special harvesting equipment needed.

Use flowers, leaves and stems.

A piece of plant held against a wound will staunch bleeding.

An infusion can help to break a fever.

A tea made from yarrow with peppermint and elderflower can be used to fight colds and flu.

Yarrow can be of benefit in mild cystitis.

Promotes digestion.

Improves circulation by acting as a vasodilator.

Lowers blood pressure.

Do not use yarrow during pregnancy, for undiagnosed bleeding, or for more than two weeks. Infusion causes contractions; should NOT be given to PREGNANT women. Prolonged use may cause rash and sun-sensitivity in skin.