NUTRITIONAL FUNCTIONS
Vitamin B-1 acts as a coenzyme participating in the complex process of glucose conversion into energy. Vitamin B-1 helps changes glucose into energy or fat while at the same time metabolizing other fats, carbohydrates and proteins into additional energy. Vitamin B-1 stabilizes the appetite, digestion and gastrointestinal tonus. It is involved in the form of the coenzyme thiamine pyrophosphate with at least 24 different enzymes in the synthesis of ribose for DNA and RNA, and in many synthesis or combustion reactions.
Vitamin B-1 is essential for maintaining nerves for the digestive system, hair, skin, eyes, mouth and liver, as well as good muscle tone. It is necessary for the improvement of muscle tone in the stomach, the intestines, and the heart. Thiamine is essential for stabilizing the appetitie by improving food assimilation and digestion, particularly that of starches, sugars and alcohol.
A deficiency of thiamine not only makes it difficult for a person to digest carbohydrates but also leaves too much pyruvic acid in the blood. This causes loss of mental alertness, labored breathing, and cardiac damage. A mild deficiency of thiamine is difficult to diagnose and is easily attributed to other problems. First signs include easy fatigue, loss of appetite, irritability, and emotional instability. If the deficiency is not arrested, confusion and loss of memory appear, followed closely by gastric distress, abdominal pains, and constipation. Without thiamine, the function of the central nervous system, which depends upon glucose for energy, is impaired.
Brain tissue helps with regulating and coordinating body activities via sensory impulses received through afferent nerves to form perception. It has also been helpful in repairing circulation and enhancing nerve impulses.
Oatstraw (Avena Sativa) is used as a nervine tonic and exerts a beneficial effect on the musculature of the heart. It is a uterine tonic and antispasmodic herb. Homeopaths use a tincture from the flowering plant as a remedy for arthritic conditions.
Passiflora is a mild sedative and supportive herb.
Chamomile is used for melancholy, inflammations of the bowel, ague, colic, jaundice, dropsy, swellings, migraine headaches, pains, aches and cramps. |