Let’s talk about Boron ~

Boron is an often overlooked trace element that is found in food and the environment.  It’s a successful treatment option for arthritis. In more than 95% of cases studied, using boron as a treatment for arthritis resulted in significant improvement of effective calcium integration into the cartilage and bone; thereby reducing the chance of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.  Boron supplements are also used as an aid for building muscles and increasing testosterone levels, and for improving thinking skills and muscle coordination.

Boron affects the way the body handles other minerals such as magnesium and phosphorus. It also increases estrogen levels in older (post-menopausal) women and healthy men. Estrogen is thought to be helpful in maintaining healthy bones and mental function.

Sources of Boron: Fruits like apples, oranges, almonds, red grapes, pear, plum, kiwi, sultanas, dates, vegetables, soybeans and nuts are rich sources of Boron. Chickpeas, borlotti beans, hazel nuts, currants; peanut butter, red kidney beans, tomato, lentils, olive, onion, potato wine, beer, etcetera  are also notable sources of Boron.

Effects of Boron

1) Too little Boron: Though the deficiency symptoms of boron are not fully understood, it is known that boron deficiency might cause abnormal metabolism of calcium and magnesium. Some of the other symptoms include Hyperthyroidism, sex hormone imbalances, osteoporosis, arthritis, and brain malfunction.

2) Too much Boron: Symptoms of overdose toxicity would include nausea, vomiting, weakness, loose motion, and dermatitis. In some cases skeletal abnormalities are also noticed. Normally boron is easily absorbed, and excreted through urine. In persons with kidney problems, boron might accumulate in heart, kidneys, brain and tissues. (Do your research!)

In Australia, not only does arthritis affects less than 1% of the population but very few animals get arthritis, either. Some authorities believe it’s because there is more boron in the soil and more boron in the water than in the Western world.

In Israel the soil is rich in boron and there is even less arthritis.

Arthritis and its close relative, osteoporosis, affect about 30% of all people today but usually, if we give the body adequate nutrients and conditions we can help it cure itself.

Now, let’s talk about Sulfur ~

Sulfur is the third most plentiful mineral in our body. Our skin, hair and nails all have a high sulfur content - in fact if you have ever been unfortunate enough to burn your hair or skin the nasty smell that followed is the sulfur content burning.

Sulfur is needed for many processes that the body goes through constantly. It’s present in each and every cell of our body and is an important building block for proteins.

Sulfur is found to be effective in the treatment of various illnesses including osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Sulfur is also a natural anti-histamine and is thus very useful in controlling allergies and inflammation.

Sulfur also helps to keep up your energy levels, reduces tiredness and fatigue and is especially vital for the health of your hair, nails, and skin.

Sources of Sulfur: Most food items contain varying amounts of sulfur. As sulfur is an essential component in many types of proteins, if you have a diet rich in protein foods, you can get the required quantities of sulfur from your food itself. Here is a handy list of some sulfur foods:

• Vegetables: Asparagus, broccoli, watercress, cabbage, bok choy, parsley, garlic, and onion.
• Chicken, eggs, and red meat.
• Coconut, avocado, and most other nuts.
• Milk and cheese
• Legumes and dried beans

Of all the above, onions and garlic are the richest sources.

Effects of Sulfur

1) Too little sulfur: If your body is deficient in sulfur, you could face many health problems such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, asthma, lupus, allergies, and acne.

2) Too much sulfur: Taking too much sulfur is also a problem and can result in diseases such as Crohn's disease, Alzheimer's, Lou Gehrig's disease etc.

Tips For Choosing A Sulfur Supplement

Choose a sulfur supplement that is made by a manufacture that complies with pharmaceutical GMP standards. This is very essential as the dietary supplements industry is not regulated in the United States. Because of this, many supplements do not even contain half the ingredients mentioned on the bottle. Thus, by buying a product as stated above, you can ensure that you get a quality product.

Avoid buying any sulfur supplements that contain additives such as silica, sugar, starch etc as these can be very harmful to your health.

Try and choose a sulfur product that contains the mineral in the form of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) as this form of sulfur is very beneficial to your wellbeing. One of the most popular alternatives today is to use a natural multivitamin that not only contains MSM (sulfur) but also other vital nutrients.

Our nutritionist and Health & Wellness Coach, Jennifer Miklosi would be happy to help you create a menu and or diet plan that will fit your lifestyle.  To make an appointment, call Liv Health Centers at 303 790-1710

WARNING!  WE GUIDE – BUT YOU DECIDE!! When you’re contemplating taking ANY drugs or supplements, always do your homework!  Always research the SIDE EFFECTS and the WARNINGS!  If you’re not 100% sure that it’s right for you, seek the advice of a professional nutritionist, pharmacist or doctor before taking any type of supplements.

Sulfur Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Henri_K._Junttila