by Deborah Hanyon, MPH, RDN, ACE-CHC | Sep 30, 2019 | Nutrition and Health
10 Facts About Vitamin B12 (Post may contain affiliate links).
Vitamin B12 was first “discovered” in the 1850s.
Thomas Addison, one of the earliest researchers of vitamin B12, discovered a lethal form of anemia he named pernicious anemia. Symptoms of this disease included:
- Glossitis – (inflammation of the tongue)
- Macrocytic – (too large) red blood cells
- Numbness and abnormal gait.
There was no treatment and so patients afflicted would die.
In the 1920s, Georges Richard Minot, a practicing MD at Harvard, came up with the idea that something in food might help patients. Minot teamed up with two other MDs and they did research on dogs 🙁 to discover a treatment.
The research involved bleeding dogs and then feeding them various types of food until they determined that meats, especially raw liver, were the best treatment. Unfortunately, they did not discover what was in the raw liver and meat. They did however, earn a Nobel Prize in Medicine for their efforts in 1934.
It has taken well over 100 years to understand vitamin B12. And research continues to this day.
During the period 1934 and 1948, Intrinsic factor was discovered. This was seen as a substance in the body that was necessary for absorption of this mysterious food element, that became known as “Extrinsic Factor.”
Intrinsic factor in the stomach is necessary for absorption
Intrinsic factor is most effective when the acid level is higher. As a result, older people and persons taking antacids are at an increased risk for vitamin B12 deficiency.
Animal Products are the only Natural Way to obtain vitamin B12
Spirulina has been cited as a source of vitamin B12, and Spirulina has been shown to have numerous health benefits. However, the “B12” in Spirulina is an Analog or “Pseudo-vitamin.”
To make matters worse, this B12 analog in Spirulina also interferes with the absorption of the real vitamin B12.
Thus Spirulina is NOT a source of real vitamin B12.
Non-animal products are often fortified. For example:
- Soy, Rice, and Almond Milk
- Breakfast Cereals
Vitamin B12 is one of the water soluble vitamins.
As a result, it is easily lost when cooked in water.
Deficiency can result in psychosis
as well as spinal cord demyelination, neuropathy, and death.
Vitamin B12 is more readily absorbed when the stomach is acidic. As a result, antacids lower the absorption, and chronic antacid use can result in deficiency, especially in older persons.
B12 and Folate (Folic Acid) work together to prevent Megaloblastic anemia. As a result, it can be hard for healthcare providers to determine whether the cause is folic acid deficiency or B12 deficiency. Thus, it is important that you don't take excessive amounts of either folic acid or vitamin B12.
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US RDA of B12
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.9 micrograms – 1-3 years
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1.2 micrograms – 4-8 years
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1.8 micrograms – 9-13 years
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2.4 micrograms – 14+ years
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2.6 micrograms – Pregnancy
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2.8 micrograms – Lactation
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Seven Surprising Symptoms of Iron Deficiency
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For Further Study
https://www.vegansociety.com/resources/nutrition-and-health/nutrients/vitamin-b12/what-every-vegan-should-know-about-vitamin-b12+
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-proven-benefits-of-spirulina#section1
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by Deborah Hanyon, MPH, RDN, ACE-CHC | Sep 8, 2019 | Education Materials
Biomes of the World
Sara Bean of “Love at Home Education” has created an entire series on the different biomes of the world. These units can be purchased as one entire unit or separately. Each of the six units targets all grade levels, K-12, and there are dozens of activities to choose from in each individual unit. For example, at least one full page of links is included to supplement each of the individual biome units. These links include suggestions for subject specific books, art, as well as poetry.
All Units include:
- Reading List
- Blank Homeschool Reading Logs
- Journal
- Free Photos
- Block Letters that form the words for particular animal/plant studied.
- Mini Units
- Writing Guidelines for K-12
(Post contains affiliate links).
Interesting study of the Vikings, with fascinating supplemental activities. For example, Norse poetry, how to make Viking Bread. Also, awesome projects including making jewelry, and how to make white dye fabric. Another interesting project involves learning about the Vikings' individual style of boats.
Mini Units
- Arctic Owl
- Poppy
- Arctic Wolf
- Willow
- Lichen
- Woolly Mammoth
Three different types of forest are categorized as Biomes of the World today.
All three biomes are divided into separate units.
These units all contain mini units.
- Cocoa
- Jaquar
- Lemur
- Passion Flower
- Toucan
- Vanilla Orchid
Also included is an Aztec, Mayan, and Inca journal page.
- Azalea
- Chipmunk
- Holly
- Raccoon
- Timber Wolf
- Willow Tree
- Beaver
- Fir Tree
- Lynx
- Pine Tree
- Spruce Tree
- Wolverine
Mini Units:
- Bison
- African Lion
- Racka Sheep
- Milkweed and Monarch Butterfly
- Coneflower
- Lemongrass
Mini Units:
- Cactus
- Gila Monster
- Kangaroo
- Mesquite Tree
- Snap Dragon
- Desert Tortoise
Overall, these Units provide plenty of fun activities and food for thought and can be utilized as part of any K-12 Life Science curriculum.
Keep in mind, however, that the Biomes of the World curriculum assumes the “Continental Drift” theory is a fact. In case you aren't familiar with the idea of the “Continental Drift,” theory and the term “Pangaea.”
The “Continental Drift” theory states that at one time all the continents today existed as one big body of land. The term, “Pangaea,” is in reference to the one big body of land. The “Continental Drift” theory states that the current continents we have today are the result of the one body of land breaking apart into separate continents At a very slow rate. Thus, the “Continental Drift,” theory states that the continents existing today took 3.3 billion years to form.
Unfortunately, the “Continental Drift” theory is stated as fact in every single unit, throughout the entire curriculum.
I do accept as valid that there may have, at one time, been one large continent, or Pangaea. However, I don't adhere to the belief that the Pangaea formed at a slow rate as is stated in each of the Biome units. I believe there are other valid explanations for how the continents separated. I also believe that 3.3 billion years was not necessary to make this happen.
For example, a worldwide flood with its catastrophic conditions easily could have resulted in one big body of land being broken up into several.
In fact, the Bible states in Genesis 7:11-12, 17-20 (King James Version)
11 In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened.
12 And the rain was upon the earth forty days and forty nights.
17 And the flood was forty days upon the earth; and the waters increased, and bare up the ark, and it was lifted up above the earth.
18 And the waters prevailed, and were increased greatly upon the earth; and the ark went upon the face of the waters.
19 And the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth; and all the high hills, that were under the whole heaven, were covered.
20 Fifteen cubits upward did the waters prevail; and the mountains were covered.
Based on these verses, it is clear to me that the flood of the Bible was enough to break up “Pangaea” and that it would not have required 3.3 billion years.
To Find out more about Love at Home Education and the Biomes of the World Unit Studies, click here.
Other Recommended Resources
Paleontologist Kids Activities Unit Study
When Did Dinosaurs Live?
Why My Son Doesn't Believe in Evolution
Not All Fats Are Created Equal
Kids Cookbooks Volume 1
by Deborah Hanyon, MPH, RDN, ACE-CHC | Aug 22, 2019 | Food Allergies and Special Diets
Best Food for Psoriasis: How Diet May Improve Your Psoriasis
(post may contain affiliate links)
In 2017, a team of researchers from the San Francisco School of Medicine’s Department of Dermatology, University of California found that reduced alcohol consumption and a gluten and nightshades free diet improved the symptoms of Psoriasis. Additionally, a diet that contained fish oil, Vitamin D, and vegetables also proved effective in the treatment for this skin condition.
More than 1200 individuals from the National Psoriasis Foundation were surveyed with 61 questions on their food habits and dietary practices. The researchers published the findings in Dermatologic Therapy May 2017 issue. People with psoriasis consumed less sugar, dairy products, and fiber to reduce their symptoms.
Along with it, a reduced quantity of alcohol, members of the nightshade family, such as peppers, tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplant also helped them to curb down the skin shedding process effectively.
Furthermore, the survey also revealed that people with psoriasis alleviated their symptoms by including fish oil, vegetables, and vitamin D in their regular meals. These foods acted like natural cures for psoriasis.
Does Food Trigger Psoriasis Symptoms?
Nutrition is one of the biggest players in fighting against several health problems, including Psoriasis. Although food is not the only trigger that boosts the symptoms of Psoriasis (stress and bad weather can also be one of them), certain foods do flare up the condition.
While medical treatments often reduce the rapid skin cell production in order to curb the symptoms down, psoriasis is a lifelong condition and has no cure. Therefore, lifestyle changes and shifts in dietary habits are the only home remedies of psoriasis that you can include without worrying about the side effects of modern medications.
Choosing anti-inflammatory foods, eliminating gluten, and choosing low-calorie ingredients showed signs of improvement in the surveyed members.
High anti-oxidant foods, along with weight loss and remedies to reduce inflammation can also help relieve the symptoms effectively.
TCM or Traditional Chinese Medicines are herb-based treatments that can help you reduce inflammation naturally. Chinese herbs like Indica Naturalis and Aloe Vera are widely used in China to treat various skin conditions, including psoriasis.
Foods to Avoid for Psoriasis
You must avoid foods that trigger inflammation and weaken the immune system, such as:
Processed Foods
Processed foods are high in calories, trans fat and saturated fats. Consuming processed foods can lead to weight gain, low metabolism, metabolic syndrome, and other health conditions, including inflammation. Foods you must avoid to processed food intake include pre-packaged foods, canned foods, processed meats, packaged bakery products, and foods high in salt, sugar, and fat.
Nightshades
Nightshade plants and veggies are rich in solanine. Solanine is a compound that causes indigestion and promotes inflammation in persons with psoriasis. The National Psoriasis Foundation states that Nightshades can trigger the symptoms of psoriasis. Examples of foods classified as nightshades are tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, and eggplant.
Gluten Rich Food
People with psoriasis could also become gluten sensitive. There are certain health conditions that are characterized by autoimmunity to gluten. So, you must avoid all foods that have gluten, such as wheat, rye, barley, and malt-based foods. You should also avoid foods that contain wheat, barley, and malts, such as pasta, vermicelli, semolina, baked goods, and noodles, sauces and condiments, and malt beverage like beer. These foods all contain gluten.
Alcohol
Psoriasis is an auto-immune health condition, which means it is directly linked to the immune system. Alcohol has the potential to disrupt your immune system and therefore, you must restrict alcohol every day.
Foods that People with Psoriasis Can Consume Every day
A diet high in anti-inflammatory foods can act as a natural cure for psoriasis, and such foods include:
Fruits and Vegetables
Most fruits and veggies are rich in antioxidants and are anti-inflammatory. Both are essential compounds to decrease stress and inflammation. anti-inflammatory, omega 3 fatty acids. contain a high amount of anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidants include broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, cherries, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, grapes, and other dark fruits, and leafy greens, such as spinach, kale, and arugula.
Fish
Among all meat-based products fish is the best for health. You must have those fishes that provide your body the necessary anti-inflammatory, omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids promote good health and reduce both internal and external inflammation. You can have salmon, sardines, trout, and codfishes to treat your psoriasis naturally.
Healthy Oils
Certain vegetable oils also contain anti-inflammatory, omega 3 fatty acids, for example. Try including olive oil, coconut, flax seed, and safflower oils in your diet. However, do not have oils that contain a high amount of omega 6 fatty acids.
Dr. Pragno Diet
Dr. Pragno, in his book, Healing Psoriasis: The Natural Alternative describes how a healthy lifestyle and a good diet can improve the symptoms of psoriasis. His approach includes consuming fruits and vegetables in high quantities, having grains, meats, seafood, eggs, and dairy in moderate quantity, and avoiding red meat, nightshades, and processed foods completely.
Vegan and Mediterranean diets also seem to help in treating the skin problem.
Reach out to your nutritionist for more clarity on how you can control your condition through food habits.
Author Bio:
Emylee Modest is a wellness lifestyle writer. She loves sharing her thoughts and personal experiences related to natural remedies, yoga and fitness through her writing. Emylee currently writes for How To Cure. She can connect with others experiencing health concerns and help them through their recovery journeys through natural remedies.
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