by
Paul
Benhaimcontribute to problems such as acne, insomnia, arthritis,
osteoporosis, low or high Sodium and potassium are nutritional
antagonists. They act synergistically to regulate osmotic pressure
on the walls of the body’s cells. When balanced, these minerals
transport a live electrochemical impulse throughout the body.
When out of balance it creates a feeling of fatigue resulting in
cravings for coffee or chocolate. Many people have too sodium in
their diet today. This needs to be balanced with more potassium –
available from raw fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, ‘living’ food and
drinks.
Early humans consumed an estimated 600mg of sodium,
and 7000mg of potassium daily. Today, due to processed foods
and seasonings, the average American consumes approximately
4000mg of sodium and 3000mg of potassium daily. This sodium is
often received in what is known as ‘free form’; that is sodium not
bound in its natural cellular structure, such as that found in celery.
Diets high in processed food, or that use soy sauce or other salt
added foods too regularly, will cause a rush of free-form sodium
into the body which will increase blood volume and blood
pressure. This will overwork the kidneys and discourage the desire
to eat sufficient quantities of green leafy vegetables – creating a
potential calcium deficit. Because they rush out of the body so
quickly, the free-form sodium foods will then create a craving for
more sodium just a few hours later. A calcium deficit may have
other causes than the free-form sodium. If absorption of calcium
into the system is a problem, it may be aided by adding hemp
seed is able to increase the deposit of calcium in the bones as it
boosts the circulation of prostaglandin, metabolites of EFAs. This
strengthens the bones and reduces the loss of calcium through
the urinary tract.