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“Throw your weaknesses before God, and the Lord will become your strength”
~St. Moses the Strong
I pray everyone had a blessed and joyous Pascha with family and friends! What a blessed time of year. Glory be to God! I wanted to share a few things with these little notes.
Beginning on Sunday, May 22nd, I’ll start having a blood pressure clinic once a month during coffee hour.
Moreover, I have also talked to other parish members about a proposed family history project. The project would be about creating a history of our families, as so many have incredible experiences of coming to America. I think regardless of where your family is from, it’s an incredible and often harrowing experience that is important to share and remember. This will help share our ancestors’ experiences for generations to come. Hopefully at some point, we can publish it!
In the past, we have referred to vitamins and minerals as essential. The food we eat can positively influence our health in a multitude of ways. Food is packed with vitamins and minerals that our bodies use for fuel and protection against pathogens. As many as 77% of the American public take some form of dietary supplements in terms of vitamins and minerals. Please check with your medical provider when considering taking supplements, as many have questionable ingredients.
Here are some common sources of vitamins and minerals:
Vitamin A – is a fat soluble vitamin that can be found in sweet potatoes, kale and fish and plays a vital role in regulating and promoting cellular responses to unwarranted infectious agents.
Vitamin C – is a water soluble vitamin that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It plays a vital role in the immune system in addition to tissue healing. It’s in oranges as well as bell peppers, guava, kiwi, strawberries and papaya.
Vitamin D – is a fat soluble vitamin that acts as a hormone it’s been shown to modulate innate and adequate immune responses. It is synthesized through exposure to sunlight; you can also increase your intake of fish, eggs, and mushrooms.
Biotin – helps metabolize proteins and carbohydrates also promoting healthy bones and hair which are found in legumes, organ meats, avocado and nuts.
Vitamin E – is an antioxidant that helps the body form red cells, which can be found in spinach, broccoli, almonds and sunflower seeds.
Vitamin K – activates proteins and calcium connected to blood clotting. It can also help to prevent fractures and is found in cabbage, parsley, liver and chicken.
Essential minerals to include in our diets are calcium, iron, copper, iodine, magnesium, zinc and other beneficial nutrients found in garlic and whole foods rich in antioxidants and polyphenols such as red wine and dark grapes.
This is just a brief overview, so please consult your healthcare provider with questions regarding diet or supplements and especially if you have any questions or changes in your health or well-being.
Elizabeth Ashton, RN
Ref Medline plus and Dr Noelle Cardarelli naturopathic doctor
