INTRODUCTION
Natural food supplements include a wide variety of products. Almost all health food stores carry them, and a number of enlightened drug stores and supermarkets stock them on their shelves as well. In general, natural food supplements are composed of, derived from, or by-products of foods that provide a multitude of health benefits.

In some cases, health benefit claims made by manufacturers are based upon a supplement's use in traditional healing; in other cases, they are based on modern research and development.

Food supplements can be high in certain nutrients, contain active ingredients that aid digestive or metabolic processes, or provide a combination of nutrients and active ingredients. It is important to point out that some unscrupulous manufacturers make false promises. It is therefore vital to be an informed consumer. It is also necessary to be aware that many conservative "watchdog" organizations point to these few unsubstantiated products and label the whole industry as unreliable.

This occurs in spite of the fact that many natural food supplements have been known to work for years; these products are only medically endorsed when they are "discovered" by researchers deemed acceptable by these groups. Such recent discoveries include garlic, aloe vera, fibre, fish oils, and bran—substances that have been used for centuries in many parts of the world.

WHAT'S ON THE SHELVES
Food supplements come in every shape and form—tablets, capsules, powders, liquids, jellies, creams, biscuits, wafers, granules, and more. Product packaging depends entirely on the nature of the food supplement's composition. The potency of these products varies. Because they are made up of perishable foods, food derivatives, or food by-products, their potency may be affected by the length of time they sit on a shelf, or the temperature at which they are kept.

If you don't understand how a product is to be used, ask questions or read the available literature on the particular supplement.

If you have never used a natural food supplement, you may be uncomfortable about buying and using one for the first time. This is normal. Keep in mind that once you become familiar with its use and benefits, you won't give the idea of using it a second thought.

Acidophilus
See Lactobacillus Acidophilus in this section.

Alfalfa


One of the most mineral-rich foods known, alfalfa has roots that grow as much as 130 feet into the earth. Alfalfa is available in liquid extract form and is good to use while fasting because of its chlorophyll and nutrient content. It contains calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, plus all known vitamins. The minerals are in a balanced form, which promotes absorption.

These minerals are alkaline, but have a neutralizing effect on the intestinal tract. If you need a mineral supplement, alfalfa is a good choice. It has helped many arthritis sufferers. Alfalfa, wheatgrass, barley, and spirulina, all of which contain chlorophyll, have been found to aid in the healing of intestinal ulcers, gastritis, liver disorders, eczema, haemorrhoids, asthma, high blood pressure, anemia, constipation, body and breath odour, bleeding gums, infections, burns, athlete's foot, and cancer.

Aloe Vera


This plant is known for its healing effect and is used in many cosmetic and hair products. There are over 200 different species of aloe that grow around the world in dry regions.
Aloe vera is commonly known as a skin healer, moisturizer, and softener. It is dramatically effective on burns of all types, and is also good for cuts, insect stings, bruises, acne and blemishes, poison ivy, welts, skin ulcers, and eczema. Taken internally, 98- or 99-percent pure aloe vera is known to aid in the healing of stomach disorders, ulcers, constipation, haemorrhoids, rectal itching, colitis, and all colon problems. It can also be helpful against infections, varicose veins, skin cancer, and arthritis, and is used in the treatment of AIDS.

We have had excellent results using colon cleansers containing psyllium husks in combination with aloe vera juice. George's Aloe Vera Juice from Warren Laboratories is good, as it needs no refrigeration and tastes like plain water. We have found this combination to be good for food allergy and colon disorder sufferers. Psyllium keeps the folds and pockets in the colon free of toxic material that gathers there. The aloe vera not only has a healing effect, but if constipation or diarrhoea is present, it will return the stools to normal.

It takes a few weeks to cleanse the colon, but regular, periodic use will keep the colon clean. As with any substance, it is possible to develop intolerance to aloe vera juice and/or psyllium husks, so this treatment should not be used on an ongoing basis.

Barley Grass


Barley grass is high in calcium, iron, all the essential amino acids, chlorophyll, flavonoids, vitamin B12, vitamin C, and many minerals, plus enzymes. This food heals stomach, duodenal, and colon disorders as well as pancreatitis, and is an effective anti-inflammatory.

Bee Byproducts
See Bee Pollen, Bee Propolis, Honey, and Royal Jelly, all in this section.

Bee Pollen


Bee pollen, a powder like material that is produced by the anthers of flowering plants and gathered by bees. It is composed of 10 to 15 percent protein and also contains B-complex vitamins, vitamin C, amino acids, essential fatty acids, enzymes, carotene, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, potassium, manganese, sodium, plant sterols, and simple sugars.

Like other bee products, bee pollen has an antimicrobial effect. In addition, it is useful for combating fatigue, depression, cancer, and colon disorders. It is also helpful for people with allergies because it strengthens the immune system.
It is best to obtain bee pollen from a local source, as this increases its antiallergenic properties. Fresh bee pollen should not cling together or form clumps, and it should be sold in a tightly sealed container. Some people (an estimated 0.05 percent of the population) may be allergic to bee pollen.

It is best to try taking a small amount at first and watch for a developing rash, wheezing, discomfort, or any other signs of a reaction. If such symptoms occur, discontinue taking bee pollen.

Bee Propolis


Bee propolis is a resinous substance collected from various plants by bees. Bees use propolis, together with beeswax, in the construction of hives. As a supplement, it is an excellent aid against bacterial infections. Bee propolis is believed to stimulate phagocytosis, the means by which white blood cells destroy bacteria.
Propolis is beneficial used as a salve for abrasions and bruises because of its antibacterial effect.

Good results have been reported on the use of propolis against inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat, dry cough and throat, halitosis, tonsillitis, ulcers, and acne and for the stimulation of the immune system. Be sure that any bee products you use smell and taste fresh. All bee products should be in tightly sealed containers. It is best to purchase these products from a manufacturer who specializes in bee products.

If you are using bee products for allergies, it is best to obtain products that are produced within a ten-mile radius of your home. This way, you get a minute dose of pollen to desensitize you to the local pollen in the area.

Brewer's Yeast


See Yeast in this section.

Bifidus


See Lactobacillus Bifidus in this section.

Bovine Cartilage
Cleaned, dried, and powdered bovine cartilage is a supplement that helps accelerate wound healing and reduce inflammation. Like shark cartilage, it has been shown to be helpful for psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ulcerative colitis. VitaCarte from Phoenix BioLabs contains purbovine cartilage from range-raised, hormone-free cattle.

Cellulose
See under Fibre in this section.

Chlorella


Chlorella is a tiny, single-celled water-grown alga containing a nucleus and an enormous amount of readily available chlorophyll. It also contains protein (approximately 58 percent), carbohydrates, all of the B vitamins, vitamins C and E, amino acids, and rare trace minerals. In fact, it is virtually a complete food. It contains more vitamin B12 than liver does, plus a considerable amount of beta-caro tene. It has a strong cell wall, however, which makes difficult to gain access to its nutrients. Consequently, requires factory processing to be effective. Chlorella is one of the few edible species of water: grown algae. The chlorophyll in chlorella can help speed the cleansing of the bloodstream. Chlorella is very high in RNA and DNA, and has been found to protect against the effects of ultraviolet radiation. Studies show that chlorella is an excellent source of protein, especially for people who cannot or who choose not to eat meat.

Chlorophyll


See Chlorella and "Green Drinks" in this section.

Citrin
Citrin is a trademarked name for a standardized herbal extract from the fruit of the Garcinia cambogia plant, also known as Indian berry. It inhibits the synthesis of fatty acids in the liver, promotes the burning of body fat as fuel, and suppresses the appetite.

Its primary usefulness is in treating obesity, although it may also aid in preventing or slowing atherosclerosis and heart disease. It does not affect the nervous system or cause any known side effects. Citrin is an ingredient in a number of different products sold by various manufacturers.

Corn Germ


Corn germ is made by a process that isolates the embryo of the corn plant, which contains the most usable nutrients. Corn germ has a longer shelf life than wheat germ and is higher in some nutrients, especially zinc. Corn germ contains ten times the amount of zinc found in wheat germ. You can use corn germ to bread chicken or fish. It is also good when added to cereals and used as a topping.

Desiccated Liver
Desiccated liver is concentrated dried liver that is put into powdered or tablet form. This form of liver contains vitamins A, D, and C; the B-complex vitamins; and the minerals calcium, copper, phosphorus, and iron. Desiccated liver is good for anemia and aids in building healthy red blood cells. It is known to increase energy, aid in liver disorders, and help relieve stress in the body. Use only a product made from liver derived from beef that is raised organically.

Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO)
Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) is a by-product of wood processing for papermaking. It is a somewhat oily liquid that looks like mineral oil and has a slightly garlicky odour. Because it is an excellent solvent, it is widely used as a degreaser, paint thinner, and antifreeze. However, it also has remarkable therapeutic properties, especially for the healing of injuries. Applying DMSO on sprained ankles, pulled muscles, dislocated joints, and even at the site of simple fractures can virtually eliminate the pain. It also promotes immune system activity.

DMSO is absorbed through the skin and enters the bloodstream by osmosis through capillary walls. It is then distributed through the circulatory system, and ultimately is excreted through the urine. It has been used successfully in the treatment of brain and spinal cord damage; arthritis, Down syndrome, sciatica and other back problems, keloids, acne, burns, musculoskeletal problems, sports injuries, cancer, sinusitis, headaches, skin ulcers, herpes, and cataracts.

Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)


Fatty acids are the basic building blocks of which fats and oils are composed. Contrary to popular myth, the body does need fat. It must be the right kind, however.
The fatty acids that are necessary for health and that cannot be made by the body are called essential fatty acids (EFAs). They are occasionally also referred to as vitamin F or polyunsaturates. EFAs must be supplied through the diet.

Essential fatty acids have desirable effects on many disorders. They improve the skin and hair, reduce blood pressure, aid in the prevention of arthritis, lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and reduce the risk of blood clot formation. They are beneficial for candidiasis, cardiovascular disease, eczema, and psoriasis. Found in high concentrations in the brain, EFAs aid in the transmission of nerve impulses and are needed for the normal development and functioning of the brain. A deficiency of essential fatty acids can lead to an impaired ability to learn and recall information. Every living cell in the body needs essential fatty acids. They are essential for rebuilding and producing new cells. Essential fatty acids are also used by the body for the production of prostaglandins, hormone like substances that act as chemical messengers and regulators of various body processes.

There are two basic categories of essential fatty acids, designated omega-3 and omega-6. Omega-6 EFAs, which include linoleic and gamma-linolenic acids, are found primarily in raw nuts, seeds, and legumes, and in unsaturated vegetable oils, such as borage oil, grape seed oil, primrose oil, sesame oil, and soybean oil. Omega-3 EFAs, including alpha-linolenic and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), are found in fresh deepwater fish, fish oil, and certain vegetable oils, among them canola oil, flaxseed oil, and walnut oil. In order to supply essential fatty acids, these oils must be consumed in pure liquid or supplement form and must not be subjected to heat, either in processing or cooking. Heat destroys essential fatty acids. Worse, it results in the creation of dangerous free radicals. If oils are hydrogenated (processed to make the oil more solid, as is commonly done in the production of margarine), the linoleic acid is converted into trans-fatty acids, which are not beneficial to the body.

The daily requirement for essential fatty acids is satisfied by an amount equivalent to 10 to 20 percent of total caloric intake. The most essential of the essential fatty acids is linoleic acid.

A number of sources of essential fatty acids are recommended in this book, among them fish oils, flaxseeds and flaxseed oil, grape seed oil, and primrose oil.