Conditions that may be helped: PMS and menopausal symptoms. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Reduces allergic response and relieves pain. Fatigue. Helps with low blood sugar. Enhances immunity by increasing the production of leukocytes-the white blood cells that fight germs. Excessive bleeding, builds stronger bones, heals wounds. High blood pressure.

Depleted by: Cigarettes, pollution, stress, antibiotics, aspirin and pain relievers.

Deficiency signs: Bleeding gums, tendency to bruise, nosebleeds, lowered resistance to infections, slow wound healing; if severe-scurvy.

Toxicity signs: No known toxicity. However, high doses may interfere with some laboratory tests, reduce fertility in women, cause temporary diarrhea and stomach cramps and decrease copper absorption.

Food sources: Fresh fruit and vegetables.

Herbal sources: Rose hips, raspberry leaf, parsley, cayenne, paprika, echinacea, skullcap, nettles, dandelion greens, alfalfa, yellow dock roots, hops.

Vitamin D

Promotes calcium absorption and utilization of phosphorous in building and maintaining strong teeth and bones. Induces synthesis of proteins that transport calcium. Maintains blood calcium levels.

Conditions that may be helped: Osteoporosis, adult-onset diabetes, fractures, eye problems, gallstones, arthritis, allergies, canker sores, vaginitis.

Depleted by: Anti-convulsing medications, cortisone, mineral oil, smog.

Deficiency signs: Rickets in children, osteoporosis of long bones, tetany (muscular tingling, spasm and numbness), near-sightedness.

Toxicity signs: Kidney and aorta damage, headaches, nausea, diarrhea.

Food sources: Liver, milk, tuna, butter, fatty fish, organ meats, liver oil, egg yolks; also direct sunlight.

Herbal sources: Not found in plants.

Vitamin E (tocopherol)

This fat-soluble vitamin is a powerful antioxidant essential for immune function. Lecithin or a meal containing fat or protein help Vitamin E absorption. Selenium operates together with Vitamin E. Essential for the function of red blood cells, and protection of essential fatty acids. Vitamin E, along with Vitamins B1 and B6, iodine, and proper thyroid function, prolactin, dopamine, and prostaglandins inhibit oxidation and facilitate reduction processes that benefit estradiol. Hormone normalizing and stabilizing effects. Acts as a mild prostaglandin inhibitor.

Conditions that may be helped: PMS and menopausal symptoms (such as hot flashes), menstrual cramps, cancer prevention, arthritis, wrinkles and other signs of aging. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Fibrocystic breast disease. Nervousness, fatigue, insomnia, dizziness, heart palpitations, shortness of breath.

Depleted by: Excess consumption of polyunsaturated oil, mineral oil, chlorine, heat, freezing, thyroid hormone, sulfates, ERT, milling of grains (removing fiber, bran and germ).

Deficiency signs: Muscular wasting, reduced pituitary and adrenal gland functioning, liver and kidney damage, gastrointestinal disease, anemia, infertility, heart disease. Low levels of Vitamin E result in an increase in FSH and LH levels.

Toxicity signs: No known toxicity. However, high blood pressure patients and those with chronic rheumatic heart disease should avoid Vitamin E except under expert supervision.

Food sources: Vegetable oils, wheat germ, meat, egg yolk, soybeans, green vegetables, whole milk, whole grains, nuts, sunflower seeds, watercress.

Herbal sources: Alfalfa, nettles, seaweed, dong quai, dandelion, rose hips.

Vitamin K (phylloquinone)

There are three forms of Vitamin K; two of these (K1 and K2) are made by bacteria in the gut. K3 is a synthetic version. Needed for the synthesis of blood-clotting factors that helps control bleeding. Also important for liver function.

Depleted by: Radiation, air pollution, frozen foods, antibiotics, aspirin.

Deficiency signs: Hemorrhages, nosebleeds, diarrhea, miscarriages.

Toxicity signs: No known toxicity for natural Vitamin K. Synthetic Vitamin K can produce jaundice, flushing, chest constriction and sweating.

Food sources: Green leafy vegetables, yogurt, egg yolk, molasses.

Herbal sources: Alfalfa, kelp, green tea.

Minerals

Boron

Essential for bones and strength.

Conditions that may be helped: Osteoporosis, menopausal symptoms.

Deficiency signs: Depressed growth.

Toxicity signs: Stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, lethargy; chronic-signs of osteoporosis.

Food sources: Vegetables, fruits and nuts.

Herbal sources: Chickweed, purslane, nettles, dandelion, yellow dock.

Calcium

As the most abundant mineral in your body, calcium is essential for the strength and growth of bones and teeth. It's also involved in the synthesis and regulation of hormones. Calcium activates enzymes that release energy and assists in blood clotting. Along with phosphorous and magnesium, it is vital for heart function.

Conditions that may be helped: PMS and menopausal symptoms including bloating, nervousness and insomnia. Menstrual cramps, osteoporosis, high blood pressure.

Depleted by: Antibiotics, cigarettes, high protein diet, sugar, fat, inactivity, alcohol.

Deficiency signs: Muscle cramps, numbness and tingling in the legs and arms, joint pains, tooth decay, insomnia, irritability; extreme and long-term deficiency causes osteoporosis.

Toxicity signs: Excess calcium can be deposited in the soft tissues and form kidney stones.

Food sources: Sardines, almonds, dairy products, salmon, tofu, broccoli, beans, molasses, sunflower seeds, peas, kale.

Herbal sources: Valerian, kelp, nettles, horsetail, peppermint, oatstraw, parsley, raspberry leaf, borage, dandelion leaf.

Chlorine

This is an electrolyte that helps maintain body fluid and acid/alkaline balance. Stimulates hydrochloric acid production in the stomach. Chlorine helps with hormone distribution, liver function and keeping joints healthy.

Conditions that may be helped: Diarrhea, vomiting.

Deficiency signs: Hair and tooth loss, poor digestion and muscle contraction.

Food sources: Seafood, seaweed, salt.