Calcium Intake and Calcification: Latest Findings vs the SVA Perspective Contrary to what scientists predicted, the media is reporting an increasing number of bone related diseases including: bone loss, osteoporosis, and osteopenia – all conditions characterized by low bone mineral density. Over the past few weeks, many of you wrote to us, asking us for the SVA perspective on calcification and general bone health. There is rising confusion and even fear about calcification. Vaidya Mishra responds to your questions and fears by clarifying the protocols for calcium absorption; in addition, he discusses the importance of the source and intelligence of calcium, setting the cap at 1000mg max/day; additional tips discussed for the proper absorption of calcium relate to the intake of Vit K2, Magnesium and Vit D3; finally, Vaidya discusses a wondrous ayurvedic plant known as “Bone herb” or “Hardjor,” and the role Kulthi can play in decalcification. We conclude the article with delicious SVA recipes. So you open your laptop and type in the words to find out more. A typical web search will yield the following findings: Osteopenia is defined as the stage of low bone density that precedes osteoporosis . At this stage, bone density is below average but not as low as occurs with osteoporosis. The World Health Organization formed a committee in 1994 to define osteoporosis, and four categories were defined: normal, osteopenia, osteoporosis, and established osteoporosis. All of these categories are measured by bone density and the prevalence of fractures. In osteopenia, bone density falls between one standard deviation and 2.5 standard deviations below average. Risk factors include age, race, and ethnicity, and the use of hormones . Although treatment for osteopenia is largely affected by age and the presence of fractures, women between the ages of fifty and seventy can prevent it by taking estrogen with calcium and exercising regularly. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, approximately 10 million women and 2 million men in the United States have osteoporosis. Men have bones that are much larger and stronger than women's bones, which is why women suffer from the condition more often than men. However, both men and women share similar risk factors for osteoporosis (e.g., prolonged exposure to certain medications, chronic diseases that affect vital organs, undiagnosed low levels of testosterone , lifestyle habits, age, heredity, race), so methods of intervention are similar.
The prescription is clear: calcium intake. The past few years have seen heavy doses of calcium prescribed in the form of oral supplements. Often as high as 1,000 – 1,500 mg to ward off bone-‐related diseases. However, nowadays, scientists contend that calcium supplements may increase the calcification process in the body potentially leading to cardiovascular disease. The editorial piece in the recent Life Extension magazine discusses the potential dangers of calcium supplements – (http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2012/aug2012_Potential-Danger-Of-Calcium-Supplements_01.htm to read the article) amongst other things: Adishakti, LLC -‐ 9620 Topanga Canyon Place, Suite F, Chatsworth, CA, 91311, USA TOLL-‐FREE: 888-‐324-‐2634 – PHONE: 818 709-‐1006/1007 – FAX: 818-‐709-‐1008 -‐ www.vaidyamishra.com -‐ www.chandika.com These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and are not intended to be used to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. All of the information above is intended to be used for educational purposes only and may not be used to replace or compliment medical advice.
“A study published in May 2012 showed that calcium supplements may increase risk of cardiovascular disease. This study tracked almost 24,000 Europeans and suggested (in a subgroup analysis) that people taking only calcium supplements were about twice as likely to have a heart attack.”
According to Ayurveda, Calcium is an important dietary supplement, and there are ways of ingesting and using it without suffering the side-‐effects of calcification that are now being discovered. The absorption of calcium depends on how well you entire physiology is functioning in terms of the seven tissues. No amount of supplement will heal or avert any disease unless the body is able to absorb and digest and transform it. For that, the health of your tissues’ metabolic fire needs to be in a good state, and second, your gut needs to be populated by thriving friendly bacteria. Then you can also include helpful vitamins and minerals in your diet and routine that can break down the absorption of calcium, such as Magnesium, Vit K2, or Vit D.
Seven Tissues and Seven Metabolic Fires Ayurveda offers an integral vision about nutrition, metabolism, absorption, and the total use of nutrients by our body. It also teaches us about the necessity for the complete elimination of un-‐used matter, partially digested or partially metabolized nutrients, or toxins through our urine, sweat, and feces. There are distinct definitions of health in Ayurveda, each one addressing a particular aspect of health maintenance, but an important one targets our seven physical tissues, plasma, blood, muscle, fat, bone, bone marrow, and reproductive fluids. The definition explains that when these seven tissues are found in proper quantity and quality, we are in perfect health. This definition is a very important one, if you think of the adage “you are what you eat!” We have often heard this ancient saying, but rarely understand how it really applies; however, when you look at it from the point of view of the seven dhatus or tissues, it becomes easier to grasp. How? Food is ingested through the mouth, broken down in the stomach and digested and absorbed in the gut. All the broken down and transformed food molecules go into making the first plasma or “rasa” tissue, and then get slowly transformed, from one tissue to the other, by the Agni or metabolic fire that resides in the ‘gaps’ or “sandhi”s that are found between each tissue. So for example, the first tissue is called “rasa” – this is understood to be the plasma liquid tissue immediately resulting from ingested food that gets transformed into the next tissue, or Rakta, the blood. After becoming blood, the food ingested gets further cooked in the gap or “sandhi” between the blood tissue and muscle or “mamsa” tissue to further nourish the muscle tissue. And so forth, the transformation continues from muscle to fat, to bone, to
Adishakti, LLC -‐ 9620 Topanga Canyon Place, Suite F, Chatsworth, CA, 91311, USA TOLL-‐FREE: 888-‐324-‐2634 – PHONE: 818 709-‐1006/1007 – FAX: 818-‐709-‐1008 -‐ www.vaidyamishra.com -‐ www.chandika.com These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and are not intended to be used to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. All of the information above is intended to be used for educational purposes only and may not be used to replace or compliment medical advice.
bone marrow, and reproductive tissue. Between our tissues exist gaps where all transformation of our tissues occurs through the help of our tissue fires (dhatu agni). So it becomes a little clearer now why the quality of food that we ingest is of paramount importance, and how it is that we are what we eat! If we eat bad fat, that fat gets broken down and transformed to make up our fat tissue, it if is of poor quality, then it will build a week fat tissue that will not nourish the bone and the brain and many essential bodily activities that depend on good fat in our activities. Each tissue supports and nourishes the other tissues, so if a problem exists in one tissue, the subsequent tissues may suffer as well since they will not be supported in their transformation. The full cycle of tissues progresses in the following order: plasma (rasa) to blood (rakta) to muscle (mamsa) to fat (meda) to bone (asthi) to bone marrow (majja) and finally to reproductive tissue (shukra). We can improve and enhance the intelligence of these transformational gaps through proper diet. For example: a diet rich in calcium supports the development and functioning of our bone tissue, and proper functioning bone tissue results in healthy bone marrow, which is closely linked to our central nervous system and overall immunity. Ayurveda also teaches us that in order for us to form healthy bone tissue, proper fat metabolism is required. Therefore, we should make sure to include intelligent fats such as Ayurvedic ghee, or olive oil in our daily diets. The raw material for our fat tissue is the muscle tissue; therefore, we should support this transformation by eating intelligent protein. Healthy, balanced, and intelligent foods support the entire tissue transformation process, as well as keep the tissue fires or “dhatu agni” ignited to form and support healthy blood, muscle, fat, bone, and bone marrow thus supporting our entire physical structure.
Friendly Bacteria, Spices, and Vitamins However, the absorption of minerals and calcium is another important factor. For that, a healthy colon is imperative. A healthy colon means one that is populated by lots of friendly bacteria that aid us in absorbing minerals efficiently. In addition to friendly bacteria, spices play a major role in processing and absorbing nutrients and minerals. Adishakti, LLC -‐ 9620 Topanga Canyon Place, Suite F, Chatsworth, CA, 91311, USA TOLL-‐FREE: 888-‐324-‐2634 – PHONE: 818 709-‐1006/1007 – FAX: 818-‐709-‐1008 -‐ www.vaidyamishra.com -‐ www.chandika.com These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and are not intended to be used to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. All of the information above is intended to be used for educational purposes only and may not be used to replace or compliment medical advice.
Accroding to the ayurvedic texts, spices such as fenugreek and turmeric enhance and support fat metabolism; coriander helps kidney function; fruits like the amla berry and lime support protein synthesis; etc. Look for the calcium rich recipes at the end of this article, we specially recommend the patties! But there are many more calcium rich foods that you can readily eat! Nature has provided us with a beautiful array of calcium-‐rich absorbable foods for us to enjoy. The USDA: Agricultural Service National Agricultural Library has compiled a list of mineral and nutrient rich data: •
Raw broccoli -‐ http://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/2939?fg=&man=&lfacet=&format=&count=&max=100&of fset=&sort=&qlookup=broccoli
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Raw collards -‐ http://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/2995?fg=&man=&lfacet=&format=&count=&max=100&of fset=&sort=&qlookup=collards
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Sesame seeds -‐ http://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/2995?fg=&man=&lfacet=&format=&count=&max=100&of fset=&sort=&qlookup=sesameseeds
Vitamins help calcium absorption without calcification: K1, Vit D, Magnesium Science confirms that Calcium is so essential that if it is too low in our blood levels we can die from an electrolyte imbalance that causes your heart to lose contractile rhythm needed to circulate blood. Vitamin K plays a large role in our absorption of calcium by essentially delivering calcium to the right places in our body. As Vitamin K 1 travels through our calcium pathways, it transforms into Vitamin K2, which enhances the absorption of calcium and prevents calcification. Modern research shows that Vitamin K2 is a key factor in regulating calcium in the body. A study done in 2003 (Braam, Knapen, Geusens, Brouns, Hamulyak, Gerichhausen, and Vermeer, epub 2003) shows that Vitamin K1 supplementation retards bone loss in postmenopausal women between 50 and 60 years of age. Here is the link to the article by Dr. William Davis MD that discusses the role of Vitamin K in protecting bone and arterial health: http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2008/mar2008_Protecting-Bone-And-Arterial-Health-WithVitamin-K2_01.htm . The problem is that our diet provides little vitamin K2 and the result is that virtually all aged people suffer calcification of their brain, glands, heart valves, and arteries. Published data about the ability of vitamin K2 to protect against cardiovascular disease is compelling. The reason vitamin K maintains bone density while simultaneously protecting against atherosclerosis is Adishakti, LLC -‐ 9620 Topanga Canyon Place, Suite F, Chatsworth, CA, 91311, USA TOLL-‐FREE: 888-‐324-‐2634 – PHONE: 818 709-‐1006/1007 – FAX: 818-‐709-‐1008 -‐ www.vaidyamishra.com -‐ www.chandika.com These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and are not intended to be used to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. All of the information above is intended to be used for educational purposes only and may not be used to replace or compliment medical advice.
that it activates factors in bone to grab and retain calcium while functioning as a lock in the arterial wall to keep calcium out. Modern research also shows us that without magnesium, calcium cannot be fully utilized and calcium mal-‐absorption problems may arise. This article “Magnesium – A Key to Calcium Absorption” (by Nan Kathryn Fuchs, Ph.D.) (http://www.healthsavers.info/KeytoCalcium.html ) offers insights into the studies that are being conducted to support this theory. Vitamin D has also been shown to promote calcium absorption in addition to helping with bone growth. Some studies have focused on Vitamin K1 to K2 transformation. Although many questions on the role of Vitamin K still remain, it is critical to cell survival.
How to take Calcium then? Sometimes orally ingesting calcium supplements can stress the organs, and this is why Vaidya Mishra recommends a combination of different methods of administering calcium in the diet through spices, drops, as well as transdermally. A recent clinical study (Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences in Bangalore) evaluated the efficacy of Asthisamharadi churna (“bone herb”) on fractures when taken internally and by external application. The outcome of the study clearly showed that the healing of the bone fracture and relief from symptoms was accelerated in the test group that took the herb both internally and externally. Ayurveda is replete with knowledge on the medicinal qualities of herbs that address specific conditions. One of these is by now the famous “Hadjod” (Skt). Hadjod also known as “bone herb” has characteristic properties that help in the proper healing of bones and the adhesion of bones after fracture. Hadjod can be administered orally as drops or juice, or applied locally in a paste or oil. Vaidya Mishra was already successfully using this herb in his practice when the very first research conducted on “bone herb” came out in 1977 confirming what his father had taught him. Today, there are numerous clinical reports about this bone-‐regenerating herb. You can review a summary of the clinical study by Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences at: http://119.82.96.198:8080/jspui/bitstream/123456789/4682/1/Warang%20Sukesh%20Ashok..pdf . This modern study supports the idea that a combination of healing delivery methods speeds up the bone tissue recovery. Purdue University has also extensively cataloged Hadjod.
Coral Calcium: supplements and Nectar Drops and Massage! Ayurvedic texts refer to more than twenty sources of calcium; however, coral calcium is considered superior. Throughout the SVA lineage, coral calcium has been prepared according to an ancient Ayurvedic recipe: the coral calcium is processed under the moonlight in rose water for eleven nights to Adishakti, LLC -‐ 9620 Topanga Canyon Place, Suite F, Chatsworth, CA, 91311, USA TOLL-‐FREE: 888-‐324-‐2634 – PHONE: 818 709-‐1006/1007 – FAX: 818-‐709-‐1008 -‐ www.vaidyamishra.com -‐ www.chandika.com These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and are not intended to be used to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. All of the information above is intended to be used for educational purposes only and may not be used to replace or compliment medical advice.
balance all five pitta subdoshas (predominantly fire element). Soma-‐Cal and Soma-‐Cal Herbal Memory Nectar are two products developed by Vaidya Mishra that contain coral calcium to deeply nourish bone tissue and subsequent tissues without creating imbalances in tissues or organs. Daily self-‐massage is another excellent way to aid in calcium absorption. The SVA Vata Abhyanga Oil with Magnesium and Vitamin D not only helps calm you, it supports calcium absorption, as well as overall immune system health.
Decalcify In the case where calcification may have occurred, and you may be suffering from kidney stones, gall stones etc, it is recommended to add Kulthi Dhal to your SVA diet. This lentil is a light and channel-‐ opening vegetable protein that helps rid channels of unwanted materials and helps deliver more prana for healing. Watch Vaidya Mishra discuss Kulthi in more detail. Kulthi is not to be confused with Macrotylona Uniflorus, which though belonging to the Kulthi family, is also known as Moth but has an entirely different chemical make-‐up and biological properties. Modern science is slowly confirming the many wonders of Kulthi. Some prominent research findings are summarized below. As a unique plant protein Kulthi is now confirmed to be not only a wonder an easily digestible lentil with light properties that unblock the channels, but research is confirming it to be a chemomodulator. Human trials have not been performed yet. Kulthi’s chemomodulatory effects have been studied so far in mice.
Adishakti, LLC -‐ 9620 Topanga Canyon Place, Suite F, Chatsworth, CA, 91311, USA TOLL-‐FREE: 888-‐324-‐2634 – PHONE: 818 709-‐1006/1007 – FAX: 818-‐709-‐1008 -‐ www.vaidyamishra.com -‐ www.chandika.com These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and are not intended to be used to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. All of the information above is intended to be used for educational purposes only and may not be used to replace or compliment medical advice.
SVA Recipes Recipes Recipes… Here are a few delicious dishes for you to try. Each dish offers balanced nutrition for proper calcium absorption. Some of you are already familiar with the first few recipes, as they are SVA classics, good for regular use. But look for the delicious new patty recipes at the end. Malvika will be taping a demonstration soon in your SVA Kitchen.
Green protein: rich and creamy 80% weight by weight leafy greens 20% weight by weight fresh cheese (paneer) 1/4 cup spring water 1/2 tsp Mum’s Masala 1/2 tsp Mum’s Ghee 1/4 tsp Soma Salt Fresh Thai Chilli (optional) Fresh ginger 2 slices (optional) 1/4 tsp Olive oil • • •
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Add the ghee to your pan, along with the Mum’s Masala (and chili and ginger if you are using these). Add the paneer chunks and sauté for a couple of minutes. Remove the stems (may keep some) from your greens. You can mix Swiss chard, collard greens, purple or dinosaur kale. Add also a few sprigs of flat italian parsely (curly will also do if you can’t find the flat). Chop everything roughly. Add to your paneer pan and add some water. Cover the top and cook for only as long as it takes (depending on how much greens you put) to allow the greens to turn bright green in color). Remove from the stove and put everything into your blender. Add a little water and blend to a perfect smooth texture (you may add more water as needed). Hot water is recommended, but room temperature will also do. When you are ready to serve, squirt some fresh lime on top and mix it in. Enjoy your protein!
• CLICK HERE to watch a demonstration from your SVA Kitchen with Dr. Melina/Malvika preparing the SVA Green Protein.
Adishakti, LLC -‐ 9620 Topanga Canyon Place, Suite F, Chatsworth, CA, 91311, USA TOLL-‐FREE: 888-‐324-‐2634 – PHONE: 818 709-‐1006/1007 – FAX: 818-‐709-‐1008 -‐ www.vaidyamishra.com -‐ www.chandika.com These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and are not intended to be used to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. All of the information above is intended to be used for educational purposes only and may not be used to replace or compliment medical advice.
Lassi or Delicious and light Yoghurt drink 1 part yogurt 3 parts water ¼ tsp toasted and powdered cumin seed or Mum’s Masala 3-‐4 pinches of Soma Salt Ayurvedic ginger 4-‐5 leaves fresh cilantro (to taste). • •
Blend all ingredients on low Enjoy at lunch time
Coconut Probiotic 1 fresh mature coconut (shake your coconut to make sure it contains a lot of water) ½ teaspoon of yogurt starter • • • • • • • • • • • •
Open the fresh coconut (the SVA Kitchen video demonstration can help you with this process ) and pour the coconut water into a dish or bowl. Filter the coconut water to remove all the particles Add spring water to a pot and prepare a double bath for coconut water (the goal is to heat the coconut water without overheating it) Heat to 98 – 102 degrees F – this is the optimum temperature at which you will add the yogurt starter Add the yogurt starter to the coconut water that has been heated Your water will turn into a white foamy mixture Cover your bowl, wrap in a towel and place in somewhere warm Keep overnight – 8-‐12 hours and the next day you can consume it Your mixture will still be watery (i.e. it won’t look like yogurt) – it will taste like coconut with a little sourness Have 1 tablespoon each evening Do not keep mixture past a week Keep the coconut as there are plenty of recipes for using the coconut flesh
CLICK HERE to watch a demonstration of preparing SVA Coconut Probiotic Adishakti, LLC -‐ 9620 Topanga Canyon Place, Suite F, Chatsworth, CA, 91311, USA TOLL-‐FREE: 888-‐324-‐2634 – PHONE: 818 709-‐1006/1007 – FAX: 818-‐709-‐1008 -‐ www.vaidyamishra.com -‐ www.chandika.com These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and are not intended to be used to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. All of the information above is intended to be used for educational purposes only and may not be used to replace or compliment medical advice.
Sesame and Protein Patties (savory version) 2 oz. fresh paneer 2 oz. toasted sesame seeds 1 oz. toasted chickpea flour (not garbanzo* but black chickpea also known as “kala chana”) Mum’s Ghee ¼ teaspoon Soma salt ¼ teaspoon Mum’s Masala ¼ teaspoon toasted Cumin seeds ¼ teaspoon toasted Coriander seeds 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro leaves ½ teaspoon olive oil • • •
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Dry toast the sesame seeds and chickpea flour Prepare a fresh paneer (click here for a demonstration) Mix volume by volume the toasted sesame seeds, fresh paneer, toasted chick pea flour, soma salt, chopped cilantro leaves, mum’s masala, toasted cumin seeds, toasted coriander seeds, olive oil, mix all together and make a thick paste If paneer is freshly made then you don’t have to add water Heat skillet and add a little bit of ghee Prepare the flour, cheese and spice paste into 2 inch round patties (press by hand) Slowly heat the patties in the skillet and saute on both sides until dark brown (not burned) Cool off slightly and enjoy!
These can easily be carried around for a day or two -‐ for lunch or a snack. Eat them with the delicious Tamarind Wild Amla Preserve
Adishakti, LLC -‐ 9620 Topanga Canyon Place, Suite F, Chatsworth, CA, 91311, USA TOLL-‐FREE: 888-‐324-‐2634 – PHONE: 818 709-‐1006/1007 – FAX: 818-‐709-‐1008 -‐ www.vaidyamishra.com -‐ www.chandika.com These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and are not intended to be used to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. All of the information above is intended to be used for educational purposes only and may not be used to replace or compliment medical advice.
Cardamom Protein Patties (sweet version) 2 oz. fresh paneer 2 oz. toasted sesame seeds 1 oz. toasted chickpea flour (not garbanzo*) 1 teaspoon Mum’s Ghee 1/8 teaspoon Kid’s Masala or Madhur Masala Green cardomon pods 1 tablespoon raw sugar • • • • •
Toast the chickpea flour and sesame seeds with crushed cardomon pod and ghee Mix Kids Masala (for vanilla flavor) or Madhur Masala (for nutmeg and cinnamon flavor) with the toasted chickpea flour mixture Mix the fresh paneer and chickpea flour mixture with raw sugar and form into patties Heat a teaspoon of ghee and sauté over low heat Cool off and enjoy this delicious transportable desert!
*Why not Garbanzo flour? According to the SVA diet, garbanzo is too heavy to digest. Considering our modern lifestyles tend to be sedentary rather than physically active (driving around in the car, sitting at the office desk, or at the home computer, or better yet, in front of the TV!). SVA recommends Kala Chana instead, which is made from black chickpeas. Kala chana is as rich in protein but contains more “agni,” so that it does not result as toxic build-‐up in our bodies. Often, garbanzo flour is labeled as Kala Chana flour , but you should beware as it may not be so. You can taste the difference! Kala Chana is more flavorful and extremely nutritious. If you cannot find it at your grocery store, you may want to buy the whole dry black kala chana beans and grind them yourself. Or, you can get them from us, to make it easier for all to keep a healthy diet, we now offer freshly ground vaccum packed Kala Chana at www.chandika.com. Our Kala Chana has gone through a SVA proprietary process to help preserve the natural pranic energy, helping to keep the food intelligent.
Adishakti, LLC -‐ 9620 Topanga Canyon Place, Suite F, Chatsworth, CA, 91311, USA TOLL-‐FREE: 888-‐324-‐2634 – PHONE: 818 709-‐1006/1007 – FAX: 818-‐709-‐1008 -‐ www.vaidyamishra.com -‐ www.chandika.com These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and are not intended to be used to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. All of the information above is intended to be used for educational purposes only and may not be used to replace or compliment medical advice.