When people are young and healthy, almost any reasonable diet will do. But, as people begin to age (> 40), or if someone is unhealthy, or for genetic reasons, the body can lose its ability to process certain foods. The foods presented in this gardening study are the easiest for the body to process without having to spend much effort trying to compensate. They also are the most nutrient rich.

Garden greens receive much focus in this garden study, mainly because they are high in both calcium and magnesium. Magnesium is critical, because it draws the calcium into the bones. Without magnesium, calcium can accumulate in the soft tissues in the form of kidney and gall stones. Greens can provide the foundation of a raw living food diet. Greens are some of the best sources of calcium and magnesium, for those who experience dairy intolerance and are looking for alternative calcium / magnesium sources. The best greens are collards, turnips, kale, okra, and chicory as described in Crops in the City. They also provide a very good source for a raw living diet which is high in B complex. This includes folates(B9), which have been associated with proper fetal development, boosting the immune system, and preventing carpal tunnel syndrome. They are also a rich source of vitamin K which strengthens the digestive system, prevents ulcers, and is essential for the body to be able to manufacture osteocalcin, a substance used to make strong bones.

Spinach, beet greens, chard, rhubarb, lambs quarters, purslane, parsley, sorrel, endive, amaranth, cactus, sesame, coffee, tea, and chocolate were excluded because they are high in potentially harmful oxalates which can bind calcium and exacerbate osteoporosis.

Dairy was excluded because it is high in proteins and sugars which can be a problem because of dairy intolerance. Even goat's milk has problematic proteins. Dairy is one of the primary sources of riboflavin (B2) and calcium for modern man, so if you cannot tolerate dairy, be sure to find other sources. Greens, desi chickpeas, and white beans are very good alternative calcium sources. The small semi-soft bones of small animals are also an excellent source of calcium / magnesium; e.g. chicken, pheasant, rabbit, guinea pig, fish, dove, pigeon, etc. Bones are a regular part of the diet for many cultures throughout the world. Red meat is a very good source of B2. If there are inadequate sources of calcium available, a supplement may be advisable: Chelated calcium / magnesium supplement

Meat consumption may need to be reduced if there are symptoms of gout. Eggs are recommended above all other meat sources, since they have no purines. If you are susceptible to gout and must reduce meat intake, be sure to increase consumption of foods high in B12, B6, B2, and biotin such as eggs and greens. Complete elimination of purine foods may not be possible. Drink plenty of water instead.

Many grains were excluded because they are high in enzyme inhibitors, phytates, gluten, or toxins which cannot be easily digested. Gluten is a very difficult protein to digest completely and can cause many health problems. Gluten is so chemically strong that it is used as an herbicide. Quinoa was excluded because it is high in saponins. Amaranth was excluded because it is high in oxalates.

Many legumes were not included, even though they are high in calcium, magnesium, potassium, and complex carbohydrates, because they are also high in anti-nutrients. Specific beans excluded were soy, pinto, and chocolate. Peanuts are not included because they harbor a fungus which produces aflatoxin.

Another emphasis is placed on soaking and low heat cooking of grains and legumes. Depending on the variety, this can greatly reduce anti-nutrients like enzyme inhibitors and phytates. Rice, peas, lentils, and desi chickpeas are the grains and legumes which are the easiest to remove these anti-nutrients from. But some people are too sensitive even for dried peas, lentils, or chickpeas. Only the most sensitive cannot tolerate green peas.

Fermentation and partial sprouting are the last alternatives for improving these more difficult to digest grains and legumes.

Safe Sprouting Technique

Tomato, tomatillo, pepper, potato, and eggplant were excluded because they are high in potentially harmful alkaloids (Solanine, solanidine, etc.) which can aggravate arthritis.

NaturalPedia
Health Knot
Natural News
Suite 101
Ezine Articles
WHFoods
Nightshade Family

Almost any compound from foods which the body cannot fully digest can be deposited into the joints or soft tissues. They can be a major contributing factor to arthritis and auto-immune diseases. The body can attempt to excrete them through the skin and increase the risk for acne, rosacea, etc.

List of Phytochemicals
List of anti-inflammatory foods
Anti-inflammatory foods

Most herbs and medicinal plants were excluded because many of them are high in potentially harmful lectins, enzyme inhibitors, protein binders, etc. Many of these compounds are natural insecticides and have powerful side-effects. The few exceptions are garlic, parsley, wild celery, lovage, cilantro, horseradish, and mint. Unfortunately, cilantro and horseradish also have alkaloids, so the most sensitive may not even be able to tolerate these.

Recommended Herbs
HerbSafety.html

If the sugar in fruit is a problem, try eating only the peeling. Most of the nutrients are in the peeling anyway. Never eat fruit with other foods.

Since one of the most effective means of preventing disease symptoms is a restrictive diet, as demonstrated in The Alternative Medicine Ratings Guide by Steven Bratman M.D., a restrictive diet can be utilized to prevent many symptoms. The crops recommended can be used to fashion a restrictive detoxification diet with a large portion being living raw food. But you should seek the assistance of a local nutritionist to help you fashion a plan unique to your individual needs. A nutitionist can help you determine which foods you are sensitive to, if any. And, obtaining adequate nutrients on a restricted diet can be very demanding.

Important points to remember: Purdue university studies have shown that organic foods have much higher levels of minerals and vitamins, so it is important to eat organic whenever possible. Limiting the size of meals and thoroughly chewing can improve the ability of the body to digest foods. Use fasting and enteric coated probiotics to encourage beneficial bacteria. Drink adequate water between meals, but not close to meals, as this only dilutes digestive juices and reduces their effectiveness. And finally, calorie reduction is still the most effective method for increasing longevity.

NUTRITION INFORMATION REFERENCES:
WHFOODS.ORG

Excellant nutritional explanations.

Nutritional Data

Nutritional Data search tool.

Nutritional Data

Nutritional Data list of anti-inflammatory foods.

Dr. Elson Haas - The New Detox Diet

Detox Diet.

Paleodiet

Descriptions of Paleolithic diet.

Nutrition Almanac by Lavon J. Dunne
Eat Your Colors by Marcia Zimmerman
Nutrition and Mental Illness by Dr. Carl C. Pfeiffer

WEB SITES:
Weston A. Price Foundation: 
Antinutrients and Irritable Bowl Syndrome Connection

Your source for independent and accurate information on diet and health.

Uchee Pines: Psoriasis Wheat Dairy Connection

Uchee Pines is dedicated to helping those suffering from the lifestyle illnesses of today that are killing millions of people in the western world every year.

Rice Diet Program

Rice Diet program.

Alpha Nutrition Online: Peptide Intolerance Reference

At Alpha Nutrition Online, we are dedicated to helping people find solutions for health problems. We emphasize self-help and apply the best information available from basic science and medical studies.

Nutrition 4 Health: 
Schizophrenia Wheat Connection

For up-to-date information on healthier food choices and preventative health care, and to advance scientific knowledge in the field of nutrition, NOHA presents lectures and a quarterly newsletter.

Schizophrenia.com: Schizophrenia Wheat Connection

A non-profit community providing in-depth information, support and education related to schizophrenia, a disorder of the brain.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists: 
Dairy Mental Health Connection

The Royal College of Psychiatrists' website - the online mental health resource.

www.BeyondVeg.com

Reports from veterans of vegetarian and raw-food diets, veganism, fruitarianism, and instinctive eating, plus new science from paleolithic diet research and clinical nutrition.

GoutCure.com

Discussion of purine avoidance.

Natural Bias

Enzyme inhibitors in chocolate and other legumes.

ADDITIONAL NUTRITION INFORMATION REFERENCES:
Light Medicine of the Future by Dr. Jacob Liberman
7-Day Detox Miracle by Peter Bennet N.D., Sara Faye, 
    and Stephen Barrie N.D.
Beyond Antibiotics 
    BY Michael Schmidt, Lendon Smith, Keith Sehnert
Fats That Heal, Fats That Kill by Udo Erasmus
Fasting and Eating for Health by Joel Fuhrman
Staying Healthy With Nutrition by Elson M. Haas M.D.
Gout Remedies

Disclamer:
This web site is not intended nor should it be taken as medical advice or treatment.

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