Health Conditions and Mineral Solutions

Definition: An abcess is a localized collection of pus in any part of the body, caused by an infection.

Abscesses occur when an area of tissue becomes infected and the body is able to "wall off" the infection to keep it from spreading. White blood cells, the body's defense against some types of infection, migrate through the walls of the blood vessels into the area of the infection and collect within the damaged tissue. During this process "pus" forms, which is an accumulation of fluid, living and dead white blood cells, dead tissue, and bacteria or other foreign invaders or materials. Abscesses can form in almost every part of the body and may be caused by infectious organisms, parasites, and foreign materials. Abscesses in the skin are readily visible and are red, raised, and painful. Abscesses in other areas of the body may not be obvious, but if they involve vital organs they may cause significant damage.

Suggested Mineral: Immune Support

Definition: Indigestion is a vague feeling of abdominal discomfort -- possibly including a feeling of fullness, belching, bloating, and nausea. Indigestion is rarely a serious health problem, unless it is accompanied by other symptoms. Indigestion is a common problem. It may be triggered by eating particular foods or drinking wine or carbonated drinks. It may also be caused by eating too fast or overeating. Some people may find that spicy foods, high-fiber foods, fatty foods, or too much caffeine can all aggravate this problem. Symptoms may be worsened by anxiety and depression.

Suggested Mineral: Silica

Definition: Acne is a skin condition characterized by whiteheads, blackheads, and inflamed red pimples or "zits." The condition occurs when tiny holes on the surface of the skin, called pores, become clogged. Each pore is an opening to a canal called a follicle, which contains a hair and an oil gland. Normally, the oil glands help keep the skin lubricated and help remove old skin cells. When glands produce too much oil, the pores can become blocked, accumulating dirt, debris, and bacteria. The blockage is called a plug or comedone. The top of the plug may be white (whitehead) or dark (blackhead). If it ruptures, the material inside, including oil and bacteria, can spread to the surrounding area and cause an inflammatory reaction. If the inflammation is deep in your skin, the pimples may enlarge to form firm, painful cysts. Acne commonly appears on the face and shoulders, but may also occur on the trunk, arms, legs, and buttocks. Acne is most common in teenagers, but it can happen at an age, even as an infant. Three out of four teenagers have acne to some extent, probably caused by hormonal changes that stimulate oil production. It may persist into a person's 30's and 40's.

Suggested Minerals: Chromium, Selenium, Silica, Sulfur and Zinc

Definition: Adrenal glands are triangular-shaped glands located on top of the kidneys. They produce hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, steroids, cortisol, and cortisone, and chemicals such as adrenalin (epinephrine), norepinephrine, and dopamine. When the glands produce more or less hormones than required by the body, disease conditions may occur.

Suggested Mineral: Magnesium and Adrenal Glandular

Definition: Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by refusal to maintain a minimally accepted body weight, intense fear of weight gain, and distorted body image. Inadequate calorie intake or excessive energy expenditure results in severe weight loss (see also bulimia and intentional weight loss).Causes, incidence, and risk factors. The exact cause of anorexia nervosa is not known, but social attitudes towards body appearance and family factors are believed to play a role in its development. The condition usually occurs in adolescence or young adulthood. It is more common in women, affecting 1-2% of the female population and only 0.1-0.2% of males.

Suggested Mineral: Zinc

Definition: An arrhythmia is any disorder of heart rate or rhythm.Causes, incidence, and risk factors. Arrhythmias are caused by a disruption of the normal electrical conduction system of the heart. Normally, the 4 chambers of the heart (2 atria and 2 ventricles) contract in a very specific, coordinated manner. When the heart beats faster than normal, it is called tachycardia. Bradycardia is a slower-than-normal rhythm. The incidence of tachycardia and bradycardia varies greatly, depending on the condition of the heart itself, the history of prior heart attack, blood chemistry imbalance, or endocrine abnormalities. Arrhythmias may also be caused by some substances or drugs. These include beta blockers, psychotropics, sympathomimetics, caffeine, amphetamines, and cocaine. Sometimes antiarrhythmic medications -- prescribed to treat one type of arrhythmia -- can actually cause another type of arrhythmia.

NOTE: Some types of arrythmias may be life-threatening if not promptly and adequately treated.

Suggested MineralS: Potassium and Magneseum

Definition: Hardening of the arteries; Plaque buildup - arteries

Atherosclerosis (Arteriosclerosis) is a condition in which fatty material is deposited along the walls of arteries. This fatty material thickens, hardens, and may eventually block the arteries. Atherosclerosis is just one of several types of "arterio"-sclerosis, which is characterized by thickening and hardening of artery walls, but the two terms are often used to mean the same thing. Atherosclerosis is a common disorder of the arteries. Fat, cholesterol, and other substances accumulate in the walls of arteries and form "atheromas" or plaques. Eventually, this fatty tissue can erode the wall of the artery, diminish its elasticity (stretchiness) and interfere with blood flow. Plaques can also rupture, causing debris to migrate downstream within an artery. This is a common cause of heart attack and stroke. Risk factors include smoking, diabetes, obesity, high blood cholesterol, a diet high in fats, and having a personal or family history of heart disease. Cerebrovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, high blood pressure, and kidney disease involving dialysis are also disorders that may be associated with atherosclerosis.

Suggested Minerals: Potassium and Magneseum

Definition: Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease causing deterioration of the joint cartilage (the softer parts of bones, which cushion their connections to each other) and the formation of new bone (bone spurs) at the margins of the joints. For most people, the cause of osteoarthritis is unknown, but metabolic, genetic, chemical, and mechanical factors play a role in its development. It is associated with the aging process and is the most common form of arthritis. It may first appear without symptoms between 30 and 40 years of age and is present in almost everyone by the age of 70. Symptoms generally appear in middle age. Before the age of 55 it occurs equally in both sexes. However, after 55 it is more common in women. The cartilage of the affected joint is roughened and becomes worn down. As the disease progresses, the cartilage becomes completely worn down and the bone rubs on bone. Bony spurs usually develop around the joint. Systemic symptoms, sometimes associated with other arthritic conditions, are not associated with osteoarthritis. The joints of the hands and fingers, hips, knees, big toe, and cervical and lumbar spine are commonly affected.

Suggested Minerals: Joint Support, Multiple Minerals, Silica

Definition: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic (long-term) inflammatory disease that primarily affects the joints and surrounding tissues, but can also affect other organ systems. The cause of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is unknown. However, RA involves an attack on the body by its own immune cells (auto-immune disease). Different cases may have different causes. Infectious, genetic, and hormonal factors may play a role. The disease can occur at any age, but it begins most often between the ages of 25 and 55. The disease is more common in older people. Women are affected more often than men. Approximately 1-2% of the total population is affected. The course and the severity of the illness can vary considerably. The disease usually begins gradually, with fatigue, morning stiffness (lasting more than one hour), diffuse muscle aches, loss of appetite, and weakness. Eventually, joint pain appears, with warmth, swelling, tenderness, and stiffness of the joint after inactivity. RA usually affects joints on both sides of the body equally. Joint destruction may begin, often within 1-2 years after the appearance of the disease.

Suggested Minerals: Joint Support, Multiple Minerals, Silica

See also (PDF file): The Arthritis, Osteoporosis and Silica Link
Studies document that arthritis afflicts more than 10% of the American population, with more than 50% of seniors, age 65 and older, suffering from joint pain.

Alternative names: Bronchial asthma; Exercise induced asthma - bronchial

Definition: Asthma is an inflammatory disorder of the airways, characterized by periodic attacks of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing.

Asthma is a disease in which inflammation of the airways causes airflow into and out of the lungs to be restricted. When an asthma attack occurs, the muscles of the bronchial tree become tight and the lining of the air passages swells, reducing airflow and producing the characteristic wheezing sound. Mucus production is increased. Most people with asthma have periodic wheezing attacks separated by symptom-free periods.

In sensitive individuals, asthma symptoms can be triggered by inhaled allergens (allergy triggers), such as pet dander, dust mites, cockroach allergens, molds, or pollens. Asthma symptoms can also be triggered by respiratory infections, exercise, cold air, tobacco smoke and other pollutants, stress, food, or drug allergies. Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) provoke asthma in some patients.

Suggested Minerals: Immune Support

Definition: Body odor is characterized by pungent odiforous perspiration and may result from a zinc deficiency. Because of different body chemistries, some people who eat large quantities of meat or who are vegetarians have a very distinctive body odor which can be quite offensive. Some individuals cannot metabolize foods containing large amounts of choline, such as eggs, fish, liver and legumes. The result is a "fishy" smell. If you are one of these people, cut out these products and see if this is the cause of your odor. Certain foods and drinks, such as onions, garlic, curry, certain spicy foods, coffee and alcohol, are also prime causes. Fried and baked goods may contain rancid fats and oils that lead to body odor.

Suggested Mineral: Zinc

Alternative names: Infection - hair follicle; Hair follicle infection; Boils

Definition: A furuncle is an infection of a hair follicle. A furuncle (boil) is a skin infection involving an entire hair follicle and the adjacent subcutaneous tissue. Furuncles are very common. They are caused by staphylococcus bacteria, which are normally found on the skin surface. Damage to the hair follicle allows these bacteria to enter deeper into the tissues of the follicle and the subcutaneous tissue. Furuncles may occur in the hair follicles anywhere on the body, but they are most common on the face, neck, armpit, buttocks, and thighs. Furuncles are generally caused by Staphylococcus aureus, but they may be caused by other bacteria or fungi. They may begin as a tender, red, subcutaneous nodule but ultimately become fluctuant (feel like a water-filled balloon). A furuncle may drain spontaneously, producing pus. More often the patient or someone else opens the furuncle. Furuncles can be single or multiple. Some people have recurrent bouts with abscesses and little success at preventing them.

Suggested Mineral: Silica

Alternative names: Bone - broken; Fracture; Stress fracture

Definition: If more pressure is put on a bone than it can stand, it will split or break. A break of any size is called a fracture. If the broken bone punctures the skin, it is called an open fracture (compound fracture). A stress fracture is a hairline crack in the bone that develops because of repeated or prolonged forces against the bone. It is hard to tell a dislocated bone from a broken bone. However, both are emergency situations.

Symptoms

• A visibly out-of-place or misshapen limb or joint
• Swelling, bruising, or bleeding
• Intense pain
• Numbness and tingling
• Broken skin with bone protruding
• Limited mobility or inability to move a limb.

Suggested Minerals: Silica, Bone Support

Alternative names: Osteophytes

Definition: In spite of their name, bone spurs are smooth, bony growths that form over a long period of time. They are a growth of normal bone that tends to occur as we age. The spurs themselves are not painful. Their effect on nearby structures such as nerves and the spinal cord can be. Bone spurs are often associated with osteoarthritis. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage of an affected joint is worn down and eventually you may have bone rubbing on bone, resulting in pain and inflammation. Your body may try to repair this damage by growing new bone (bone spurs) along the existing bone. This produces prominent lumps, usually on the hands, feet or spine.

Suggested Minerals: Silica, Bone Support

Definition: Bursitis is inflammation of the fluid-filled sac (bursa) that lies between a tendon and skin, or between a tendon and bone. The condition may be acute or chronic. Bursae are fluid-filled cavities near joints where tendons or muscles pass over bony projections. They assist movement and reduce friction between moving parts. Bursitis can be caused by chronic overuse, trauma, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or infection. Sometimes the cause cannot be determined. Bursitis commonly occurs in the shoulder, knee (washmaid's knee), elbow, and hip. Other areas that may be affected include the Achilles tendon and the foot. Chronic inflammation can occur with repeated injuries or attacks of bursitis.

Symptoms

• Joint pain and tenderness
• Swelling
• Warmth over the affected joint.

Suggested Minerals: Joint Support

Definition: Bronchitis is an inflammation of the main air passages to the lungs. Bronchitis may be sudden (acute) and short-lived, or chronic, meaning that it lasts a long time and often recurs. To be classified as chronic, you must have a cough with mucus most days of the month for three months out of the year.

Acute bronchitis generally follows a viral respiratory infection. Initially, it affects your nose, sinuses, and throat and then spreads to the large bronchial airway passages. Sometimes, you may get what is called a secondary bacterial infection. This means that bacteria infect the airways, in addition to the virus. The already inflamed area is one in which bacteria like to grow.

People at risk for acute bronchitis include:

• Elderly, infants, and young children
• Smokers
• People with heart or lung disease Chronic bronchitis is a long-term condition of excessive mucus with a productive cough.

Chronic bronchitis, like emphysema, is also known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. As these lung conditions progress over time, you become increasingly short of breath, have difficulty walking or exerting yourself physically, and may need oxygen on a regular basis.

Suggested Minerals: Immune Support

Definition: Bulimia is an illness defined by food binges, or recurrent episodes of significant overeating, that are accompanied by a sense of loss of control. The affected person then uses various methods -- such as vomiting or laxative abuse -- to prevent weight gain. Many, but not all, people with bulimia may also suffer from anorexia nervosa, an eating disorder involving severe, chronic weight loss that proceeds to starvation.

Suggested Mineral: Zinc

Definition: Cardiomyopathy is a weakening of the heart muscle or a change in heart muscle structure. It is often associated with inadequate heart pumping or other heart function abnormalities. Cardiomyopathy can be caused by viral infections; heart attacks; alcoholism; long-term, severe high blood pressure; or for other reasons not yet known.

Symptoms:

• shortness of breath
• decreasing ability to tolerate physical exertion
• chest pain - also known as "angina," consists of a feeling of sharp, unrelenting pressure the middle of the chest (more common in ischemic cardiomyopathy)
• fainting - especially after activity; temporary and brief loss of consciousness
• light-headedness - especially after activity
• dizziness
• palpitations - the sensation of feeling the heart beat
• high blood pressure

Additional symptoms that may occur.

Suggested Minerals: Potassium and Magnesium

Definition: Carpal tunnel syndrome is compression of the median nerve at the wrist, which may result in numbness, tingling, weakness, or muscle atrophy in the hand and fingers. Causes, incidence, and risk factors.Carpal tunnel syndrome is common in people who perform repetitive motions of the hand and wrist, such as typing. When the wrist is poorly positioned, there isn't enough space for the median nerve to travel to the hand.

Suggested Minerals: Sulfur, Silica

Definition: The common cold generally involves a runny nose, nasal congestion, and sneezing. You may also have a sore throat, cough, headache, or other symptoms. Over 200 viruses can cause a cold.

Suggested Minerals: Immune Support, Zinc, Selenium

Definition: Constipation refers to infrequent or hard stools, or difficulty passing stools. Constipation may involve pain during the passage of a bowel movement, inability to pass a bowel movement after straining or pushing for more than 10 minutes, or no bowel movements after more than 3 days. Infants who are still exclusively breastfed may go 7 days without a stool.

Suggested Minerals: Magnesium, Silica

Definition: Dermatitis - contact; Allergic dermatitis; Dermatitis - allergic; Poison ivy; Poison oak; Poison sumac Contact dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin caused by direct contact with an irritating substance.

Suggested Minerals: Immune Support, Selenium, Zinc

Definition: Diabetes is a life-long disease marked by high levels of sugar in the blood. It can be caused by too little insulin (a hormone produced by the pancreas to regulate blood sugar), resistance to insulin, or both. People with diabetes have high blood glucose. This is because their pancreas does not make enough insulin or their muscle, fat, and liver cells do not respond to insulin normally, or both.

Suggested Minerals: Chromium, Copper, Magnesium, Potassium, Selenium, Zinc

Definition: Painful menstruation is when menstrual periods are accompanied by either sharp, intermittent pain or dull, aching pain, usually in the pelvis or lower abdomen. Painful menstruation affects many women. For a small number of women, such discomfort makes it next to impossible to perform normal household, job, or school-related activities for a few days during each menstrual cycle. Although some pain during menstruation is normal, excessive pain is not.

Suggested Mineral: Magnesium

Definition: Atopic dermatitis, commonly referred to as eczema, is a chronic skin disorder categorized by scaly and itching rashes. People with eczema often have a family history of allergic conditions like asthma, hay fever, or eczema. Eczema is most common in infants, and at least half of those cases clear by age 36 months. In adults, it is generally a chronic or recurring condition.

Suggested Minerals: Silica, Calcium, Potassium, Selenium,Sulfur

Definition: Abnormal buildup of fluid in the ankles, feet, and legs is called peripheral edema. Painless swelling of the feet and ankles is a common problem, particularly in older people. It may affect both legs and may include the calves or even the thighs. Because of the effect of gravity, swelling is particularly noticeable in these locations.

NOTE: Swollen legs MAY be a sign of heart failure, kidney failure, or liver failure.

Suggested Minerals: Silica, Potassium, Mangesium

Definition: Fibromyalgia is a common condition characterized by widespread pain in joints, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues. Some other problems commonly linked to fibromyalgia include fatigue, morning stiffness, sleep problems, headaches, numbness in hands and feet, depression, and anxiety. Fibromyalgia can develop on its own, or secondary to other musculoskeletal conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, or systemic lupus.

Suggested Minerals: Silica, Mangesium

Definition: Gallstones are formed within the gallbladder, an organ that stores bile excreted from the liver. Bile is a solution of water, salts, lecithin, cholesterol, and other substances. If the concentration of these components changes, they may precipitate from solution and form gallstones. Gallstones may be as small as a grain of sand, or they may become as large as an inch in diameter, depending on how much time has elapsed from their initial formation Gallstones often have no symptoms and are usually discovered incidentally by a routine x-ray.

Suggested Minerals: Silica

Definition: Gastritis is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach and can occur suddenly (acute gastritis) or gradually (chronic gastritis). There are many causes of gastritis. The most common are:

• Medications (such as aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs)
• Alcohol
• Smoking
• Infection of the stomach with Helicobacter pylori bacteria
• Erosion (loss) of the protective layer of the stomach lining

Less common causes are:

• Eating or drinking caustic or corrosive substances (such as poisons)
• Backflow of bile into the stomach (bile reflux)
• Autoimmune disorders (such as pernicious anemia)
• Excess gastric acid secretion (such as from stress)
• Viral infection, especially in people with a weak immune system

Suggested Minerals: Silica

Definition: Gout is a form of arthritis where excess uric acid is present(in the form of monosodium urate)in the blood, tissue and urine, causing accumulation of uric acid around joints. Gout is reguarded as a form of rheumatism. Symptoms are pain, swelling and redness especially around the big toe joint. MSM/Sulfur is recommended but may take several weeks for results.

Suggested Minerals: MSM/Sulfur

Definition: Gingivitis is a disorder involving inflammation of the gums (gingiva). Gingivitis is a form of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is when inflammation and infection destroy the tissues that support the teeth, including the gingiva (gums), the periodontal ligaments, and the tooth sockets (alveolar bone). Gingivitis is caused by the long-term effects of plaque deposits.

Suggested Minerals: Silica, Zinc

Definition: Allergic rhinitis is a collection of symptoms, predominantly in the nose and eyes, caused by airborne particles of dust, dander, or plant pollens in people who are allergic to these substances. When these symptoms are caused by pollen, the allergic rhinitis is commonly known as "hay fever." Allergies are caused by an oversensitive immune system, leading to a misdirected immune response.

Suggested Minerals: Immune support

Definition: Triangular splits of skin around the fingernailsthat are nothing more than dead skin. The skin in that area, which does not contain a good supply of oil to begin with, simply dries out. Anyone who comes in contact with a lot paper, or who has their hands in water a lot will be prone to hangnails.

Suggested Minerals: Silica

Definition: Hypertension means high blood pressure. This generally means:

• Systolic blood pressure is consistently over 140 (systolic is the "top" number of your blood pressure measurement, which represents the pressure generated when the heart beats)
• Diastolic blood pressure is consistently over 90 (diastolic is the "bottom" number of your blood pressure measurement, which represents the pressure in the vessels when the heart is at rest) Either or both of these numbers may be too high.

Suggested Minerals: Potasium, Magnesium

Definition: A burning discomfort that is generally felt in the chest just behind the breastbone. The burning sensation results when harsh stomach juices come in contact with and irritate the delicate lining of the esophagus. (Also known as acid indigestion or pyrosis.)

Suggested Minerals: Silica, Calcium, Zinc

Definition: An inflammatory disease of the skin or mucous membrane marked by eruption of a cluster of vesicles. There are dietary supplements that play a key role in controlling herpes as they support immune function. They include: Vitamins A, E, C, B-6, B-12, and the minerals selenium and zinc.

Suggested Minerals: Selenium, Zinc, Immune Support

Definition: A kidney stone is a solid mass that consists of a collection of tiny crystals. There can be one or more stones present at the same time in the kidney or in the ureter.

Kidney stones may form when your urine becomes too concentrated with certain substances. These substances may create small crystals that become stones. The kidney stones may not produce symptoms until they begin to move down the ureter, causing pain. The pain is usually severe and often starts in the flank region, then moves down to the groin. Kidney stones are common.

Suggested Minerals: Potasium, Magnesium, Silica

Definition: Lupus is an autoimmune disorder (the body is attacking itself) of the connective tissues that affects eight times more women (between the ages of 20 and 40) than men. Among ethnic backgrounds, those of African, Native American, and Asian descent develop the condition more frequently than those of European ancestry. Lupus can be mild such as discoid lupus (DLE), affecting exposed areas of the skin, and sometimes the joints, to life-threatening (systemic lupus erythematosis), affecting more organs of the body.

Suggested Minerals: Silica, Immune Support

Definition: Lupus is an autoimmune disorder (the body is attacking itself) of the connective tissues that affects eight times more women (between the ages of 20 and 40) than men. Among ethnic backgrounds, those of African, Native American, and Asian descent develop the condition more frequently than those of European ancestry. Lupus can be mild such as discoid lupus (DLE), affecting exposed areas of the skin, and sometimes the joints, to life-threatening (systemic lupus erythematosis), affecting more organs of the body.

Symptoms vary according to the severity of the illness and which organs are affected. Initial signs include arthritis, a red "butterfly" rash across the bridge of the nose and on the cheeks (in SLE), or more of a red, circular, thickened areas that leave scars (in DLE). Lupus is the Latin word for "wolf," and erythema means "redness"; the typical red skin sores are said to resemble a wolf's bite.

Other symptoms include weakness, prolonged and extreme fatigue, and weight loss. SLE may occur very abruptly with a fever and mimic an acute infection or it may occur very slowly over months and years with only several episodes of fever and fatigue. SLE may be classified as mild if the symptoms are mainly fever, joint pain, rash, headaches, pleurisy, and pericarditis, but is often chronic with periods of improvement and relapse. There can also be years of remission in between periods of symptoms.

Suggested Minerals: Silica, Immune Support

Definition: The time in a woman's life when monthly cycles of menstruation cease and the level of hormones produced by the ovaries decreases. Menopause usually occurs in the late 40s or early 50s, but it can also be caused by surgical removal of both ovaries (oophorectomy), or by some chemotherapies that destroy ovarian function.

Suggested Minerals: Potasium, Boron, Calcium, Magnesium, Bone Support, Silica

Definition: Muscle cramps are involuntary and often painful contractions of the muscles which produce a hard, bulging muscle. Muscle twitching (fasciculation) is the result of spontaneous local muscle contractions that are involuntary. This twitching does not cause pain. Ordinary muscle cramps are common and may be stopped by stretching the affected muscle. Muscle spasms can cause cramps and are usually brought on by the following:

• Muscle fatigue
• Heavy exercise
• Dehydration
• Pregnancy
• Hypothyroidism
• Depleted magnesium or calcium stores or other metabolic abnormalities
• Alcoholism
• Kidney failure leading to uremia
• Medications

Suggested Minerals: Magnesium, Zinc, Potasium, Silica, Calcium, Iodine, Selenium

Definition: Osteoporosis is the thinning of bone tissue and loss of bone density over time and is most common type of bone disease. There are currently an estimated 10 million Americans suffering from osteoporosis, as well as another 18 million who have low bone mass, or osteopenia.

Suggested Minerals: Bone Support, Silica