Digestive System

Does all fish contain mercury?

I have read that a person shouldn't eat fish more than three times per week, especially pregnant women, due to mercury levels.

My question is - does mercury naturally occur in fish or is it a contaminant due to environmental conditions?

Club Soda versus Water

I love Club Soda, I could drink it all day long, with a fresh lime!

I drink regular water more, but upon looking at the ingredients of Club Soda, it seems pretty harmless - just water with some fizz thrown in. Even the sodium content of a small bottle is very low.

I was watching You Are What You Eat on TV (A British show, teaching over eaters a better way to eat and live) and they said no Club Soda, only regular water.

Why??

How do I know if I have a stomach flu or food poisoning?

Ever since I went out-of-town for the weekend, I've had awful stomach pain, intestinal cramping and diarrhea. I'm able to sleep now (was awake in the bathroom most of the previous nights), and do not have as much pain/cramping. However, I'm still not able to eat much more than some saltine crackers, bread or a banana for the entire day. I'm feeling weak and sleepy, but otherwise, no other symptoms.

Vitamins: which vitamins aid in absorption; which vitamins interfere with absorption when taken together?

Has anyone found an easy explanation (graph or chart form) that illustrates what vitamins can be take with other vitamins, and which vitamins should be taken separately?

For instance: for your body to absorb calcium better, is it best to take with Vitamin D or magnesium...or both?

Are there some vitamins when taken with other vitamins, that may interfere with the others' ability to work in the body and/or be absorbed? Meaning: these vitamins should not be taken together.

Enzymes and Trace Minerals: How Important are they to add to our diet?

I am wondering if any naturopathic doctors and/or nutritionists can discuss the importance (or not) of adding enzymes and trace minerals to our diets.

I am not sure what different types of enzymes there are, but am assuming they are "digestive enzymes". And, the trace minerals I was reading about said specifically "ionic, plant-based trace minerals". What exactly are these, where can they be found? Do we need to spend hundreds of dollars at health food stores, or are they readily available in foods in adequate amounts? What are the pros/cons?

Thanks!