SULFUR

Since sulfur deficiency does not cause any “visible” problems, you don’t hear much about this interesting nonmetallic element. But in my cellular nutritional world, this sexy macro-mineral pretty much had me at “for brains and beauty.” Sulfur represents about 0.25% of our total body weight, (kind of like potassium) and in Ayurveda, it’s the pitta element of fire. This beautifying food is a highly detoxing warrior, and in conjunction with phosphorous and manganese, it substantially affects the brain. I’m falling in love with sulfur because it:

✻ Is important to cellular respiration, as it is needed in the oxidation-reduction reactions that help the cell utilize oxygen for brain function and cell activity.
✻ Is the most critical element in the body’s detoxification process. Toxic substances bind to sulfur in order to be transported out of the body.
✻ Is a communicative magnet for thought and action. Aligns and integrates thoughts and emotions with soul expression.
✻ Is necessary for the formation of collagen, the protein found in connective tissue in the body. Also scavenges free radicals and has the ability of escaping oxygen-based damage.
✻ Helps with stress, asthma, arthritis, inflammation, and constipation.
✻ Decreases acidity in the stomach and builds up the immune system.
✻ Is essential for the formation of hair, nails, and skin (sulfur needs vitamin C to activate it).

For some people, eating too much of sulfur foods can cause some gas. You may want to combine sulfur foods with sea veggies or foods high in good fats, like nuts or seeds. This will aid in balancing the sulfur in the system. Potassium and sodium tend to balance sulfur. Signs of sulfur excess may include intense emotions, depression, slowness, irritability, moodiness, cravings of chocolate, sweets, and beer.

According to Dr. Gabriel Cousins, sulfur deficiency emotions include excess pride and sensitivity, weakened will power, a mind that works faster than one can verbalize, as well as an emotional cycle that goes from depression in the morning to happiness in the evening and a tendency for a rage followed by remorse.

Sources: High sulfur foods include legumes, chlorella, spirulina, arugula, cauliflower, horseradish, watercress. Other great sources include onions, garlic, asparagus, artichokes, avocados, bee pollen, black currants, Brazil nuts, broccoli, cucumber, peas, pumpkin seeds, radishes, soybeans, cabbage, spinach, Brussels sprouts, kale, collards, mustard greens, chard, kelp, turnips, raspberries.

NOTE: there is a difference in the sulfur we get from foods and that of sulfur waters or drugs. We only recommend the food version.