He who lies down with dogs shall rise up with fleas

Q & A

Q:  What would I use chromium for?  

A: Most of us think of chromium as the shiny metal in the bumpers of cars. Chrome bumpers are long gone, but the metal plays a crucial role in human health, reports the January 2007 issue of Harvard Men’s Health Watch.

Chromium and cholesterol. In rats, chromium deficiency leads to high cholesterol levels. In humans, the results have been contradictory. With such scattered scientific information, it’s too early to recommend chromium supplements for cholesterol. But there may be an exception to that rule when it comes to low HDL (good) cholesterol. The best ways to boost HDL levels are lifestyle changes such as exercise and diet. But if those don’t help, chromium may be worth a try. Some clinical trials have reported a benefit.

Chromium and heart disease. A new study reports a link between chromium levels and heart attack risk: the lower the levels, the higher the risk. The association of low chromium and heart attacks was unrelated to diabetes or diet.

Chromium and diabetes. Since chromium influences insulin action and glucose metabolism, diabetes is a logical candidate for chromium replacement therapy. However, studies have yielded conflicting results. The American Diabetes Association states that “at present, benefit from chromium supplements has not been conclusively demonstrated.” It’s an invitation for more scientific study.

Chromium and weight loss. Despite the popularity of chromium picolinate as a diet aid, scientists agree that chromium supplements are not effective in producing sustained weight loss.  Is chromium right for you? When it comes to dietary chromium, the answer is yes; whole grains, nuts, broccoli, and green beans, which contain the mineral, are all healthful foods.

Muscle Cramps

Muscles cramps are caused by chronic contraction or abnormal toning of the muscles,  of which there are three types: skeletal, smooth, and heart. Symptoms of muscle cramps include tightness in the muscle, pain, and/or tingling and burning in the affected area.

Everyone experiences muscle cramping at some time, but those who are most prone to it tend to live a sedentary lifestyle, do not exercise regularly, lack magnesium-rich foods in their diet (especially green vegetables) and/or eat an excess of foods that reduce calcium, such as animal foods, grains, fizzy drinks, caffeinated beverages, refined sugars, and processed foods high in phosphates.

Muscle cramps can also be due to lack of exercise; low thyroid function; deficiencies in iron, magnesium, calcium, vitamin E, and/or folic acid; dietary imbalances; food allergies; excessive coffee consumption; poor posture; spinal problems; uncomfortable footwear; past injury; stress; poor circulation; heart problems; general fatigue; diabetes; and/or arthritis. If muscle cramping becomes chronic, all of these factors need to be screened for and, if present, addressed.

Note: Diuretic medications can worsen muscle cramps and spasms because of their tendency to deplete the body of essential minerals, particularly potassium, calcium, and magnesium, and may create worse muscle spasms.

Things you can do

Diet: Eat an organic, whole foods diet that is high in calcium-rich and magnesium-rich foods, such as green leafy vegetables, fruits (particularly apricots), organic yogurt, millet, raw nuts and seeds, and raw organic honey. Minimize your intake of citrus fruits, meats, and grains (don’t stop them, just don’t overdo them). Also eliminate coffee and other caffeine drinks and drink plenty of pure distilled water throughout the day.

Nutritional Supplementation: The following nutrients are very helpful for relieving and preventing muscle cramps: calcium with magnesium, potassium, silica, trace minerals, a multi-mineral supplement, vitamin B complex, vitamin B1, vitamin B3 (niacin), folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E, and chlorophyll.

Muscle cramps, particularly in the calf muscles, can also occur because of a lack of sodium in the body. To prevent this, take a half a teaspoon of organic sea salt or Celtic salt in a glass of water once a day.  If you have quite high blood pressure, then rather take an electrolyte mixture.  Rosemary, lavender, marjoram, chamomile, or clary sage essential oil massaged into the affected area can provide rapid relief of most muscle cramping.

Juice Therapy: Carrot, beet, celery, and cucumber juice can provide your body with vital nutrients to minimize your risk of cramping.

Wonderful Topical Treatment: Massage cramping muscles with a mixture of grated ginger juice and equal parts olive or sesame oil. Repeat as needed throughout the day.

"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot  lose" -Jim Elliott, missionary and martyr to the Auca Indians who later killed him in the Amazon Jungle

Most people who started the Nuts & Bolts No Sweat Nutrition Course (see my website) are on their 3rd module this month - well done to you all!  Some of you are already asking for the advanced one - that will only be available, though, around September.  Wishing you all a great month - I leave you with this scripture: "A tree is identified by the kind of fruit it produces...  A good person produces good deeds from a good heart" (Luke 6:44-45, Holy Bible)

Till next month, God bless you all! 

Sally-Ann Creed, Clinical Nutritionist  

 (Dip Clin Nutr)