Informative Vitamin News | Doc1Vitamins

Vitamins for Healthy Hair

admin — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 20:56:47 -0500

Good nutrition is vital to healthy hair growth, just as it’s essential to overall good health. Although your body needs a variety of vitamins and minerals to maintain proper body functions, there are several that are specific to hair growth and health. When starting a new vitamin regime, it usually takes from 2 to 3 months to see results in your hair’s condition. That means that patience and consistency is very important. It’s also important to check with your doctor before starting a vitamin program, especially if you have health concerns.

Healthy Hair Vitamins

Vitamin A - Antioxidant that helps produce healthy sebum in the scalp. Food sources: Fish liver oil, meat, milk, cheese, eggs, spinach, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, apricots and peaches. Daily Dose: 5,000 IU. Warnings: More than 25,000 IU daily is toxic and can cause hair loss and other serious health problems.
Vitamin C - Antioxidant that helps maintain skin & hair health. Food sources: Citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, cantaloupe, pineapple, tomatoes, green peppers, potatoes and dark green vegetables. Daily Dose: 60 mg.
Vitamin E - Antioxidant that enhances scalp circulation. Food sources: Cold-pressed vegetable oils, wheat germ oil, soybeans, raw seeds and nuts, dried beans, and leafy green vegetables. Daily dose: Up to 400 IU. Warnings: Can raise blood pressure and reduce blood clotting. People taking high blood pressure medication or anticoagulants should check with their doctors before taking Vitamin E supplements.
Biotin - Helps produce keratin, may prevent graying and hair loss. Food sources: Brewer’s yeast, whole grains, egg yolks, liver, rice and milk. Daily dose: 150-300 mcg.
Inositol - Keeps hair follicles healthy at the cellular level. Food sources: Whole grains, brewer’s yeast, liver and citrus fruits. Daily Dose: Up to 600 mg.
Niacin (Vitamin B3) - Promotes scalp circulation. Food sources: Brewer’s yeast, wheat germ, fish, chicken, turkey and meat. Daily dose: 15 mg. Warnings: Taking more than 25 mg a day can result in “niacin flush” - a temporary heat sensation due to blood cell dialiation.
Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) - Prevents graying and hair loss. Food sources: Whole grain cereals, brewer’s yeast, organ meats and egg yolks. Daily dose: 4-7 mg.
Vitamin B6 - Prevents hair loss, helps create melanin, which gives hair its color. Food sources: Brewer’s yeast, liver, whole grain cereals, vegetables, organ meats and egg yolk. Daily dose: 1.6 mg. Warnings: High doses can cause numbness in hands and feet.
Vitamin B12 - Prevents hair loss. Food sources: Chicken, fish, eggs and milk. Daily dose: 2 mg.

It is important to supplement your body with a quality vitamin supplement that is fortified the right quality and quantity of vitamins to help nourish your hair follicles.

Source: About.com

Should Children Take Vitamins?

admin — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:56:10 -0600

Children, Diets and Taking Vitamins

The best way to assure your children get plenty of vitamins and minerals is to emphasize the importance of eating a variety of healthy foods. Offer foods from the different food groups to your kids each day and prepare meals with nutrients that complement each other. That means eating fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats, fish, whole grains, nuts, legumes, milk, and cheese.

A healthy diet like that sounds great to many kids, but not to all. Children don’t always eat the way we would like them to eat, and a picky eater might not get all the vitamins, minerals and other important nutrients he or she needs. Some kids don’t eat healthy diets all the time, and a few children rarely eat anything healthy at all. Processed foods and junk foods may not contain much nutritional value, just unhealthy fats, sugar and calories.

A healthy diet is just as important for for children as it is for adults. When a child doesn’t eat enough healthy foods, his or her ability to learn may suffer. Imagine sitting in school all day when your brain and body is starving for good nutrition.

Kids who don’t get all the nutrition they need from their diets can take children’s vitamins as a good way to ensure that they get enough vitamins and minerals. Remember that taking vitamins isn’t a cure-all for an unhealthy diet, so be sure to continue offering healthy food choices to your kids. Even picky eaters will eat some healthy foods.

Which Dietary Supplements Should Kids Take?

One common deficiency in children’s diets are the omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs). EFAs are essential for proper nervous system and brain function, which is very important during those long school days. This essential fatty acid can be found in pumpkin seeds, cold oily ocean fish like tuna, canola oil and flax oil. It can also be taken as a dietary supplement if kids don’t like the strong taste of oily fish or the other foods.
Kids who snub fruits and vegetables may not be getting enough vitamin C, which is important for our immune system and for the connective tissue under our skin. Vitamin C protects us from damaging free radicals and is crucial for brain function.
The B complex vitamins have several functions, some of which are involved with carbohydrate metabolism. A child who has a high refined sugar and starch diet may deplete those important B vitamins.
Some experts believe that minerals are depleted in our soil, and therefore much of our produce may be deficient of minerals as well. For example:
- Calcium and magnesium are important for healthy bones, nerves, and muscles.
- Zinc is important for our immune system.
- Chromium aids carbohydrate metabolism.

A children’s multi-mineral/vitamin dietary supplement, plus a omega 3 essential fatty acids make a good basic dietary supplement program for most children. Some kids with health problems may need more complex dietary supplementation, which should be determined by a doctor, nutritionist or dietitian.

Make sure you purchase high quality children’s dietary supplements for children from a nutrition store or a health food store. Children’s dietary supplements can be in the form of capsules, tablets, liquids, or chewable vitamins. There are even brands that taste like gummy bears or lollipops.

Source: About.com - By: Shereen Jegtvig

How Calcium Benefits the Body

admin — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 20:04:47 -0600

What is Calcium?

Calcium is a chemical element, which is necessary for living organisms. It is the most abundant mineral found in the body. Almost all of this calcium content exists within our teeth and bones. Bones are generally composed of twice as much calcium compared to phosphorous. Aside from being the building blocks for bones, calcium helps muscle contraction, regulates signal transmission of neurons, helps blood clot formation, and prevents development of osteoporosis. Currently, there is certain research that has abstractly linked to reducing risk of specific cancer and kidney stones.

How Can We Obtain Calcium?

Calcium is commonly found in various low-fat dairy products such as milk, yogurt, cheese, etc. For those who are lactose-intolerant or do not enjoy consuming dairy products there are alternative substitutes found. Calcium can also be found green leafy vegetables, tofu, beans, and certain calcium fortified juices. Many elderly people opt to supplement their diet with a calcium supplment to aid their diet. Supplements are a great addition by regulate the right quality and quantity of calcium.

The vitamin world is one of the biggest brands in the supplements product lines. A much better form of vitamin D is vitamin d3 that is more effective and stays longer in your system. Daily intake of vitamin a should be 900 micrograms for men and 700 micrograms for women. Its sources are egg, papaya, mango, and spinach.

Vitamins, Cancer, and Hope

admin — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 18:20:51 -0600

Chemotherapy and radiation are standard but even with them, one-third of cancer patients die in five years. Can we improve these therapies? Dr. Abram Hoffer, MD, PhD, (1) a physician who had earned his PhD in vitamins and is the author of Vitamin C and Cancer, chose diet and vitamins to combat the weakening caused by the usual therapies. One of Hoffer’s early patients had failed pancreatic surgery although a bypass was installed. Her doctor offered no hope. But she had hope. She knew that Norman Cousins (Anatomy of an Illness) had recovered after his doctors had given up. Cousins had used 15,000 mg/day of vitamin C. Hoffer gave her vitamin C at 35,000 mg/day plus other supplements. Seven months later a CT scan showed no sign of cancer. Five years later, she decreased her daily dose of vitamin C. Twenty years after her terrible prognosis, she was age 79. Even pancreatic cancer has been controlled. The American Cancer Society reports that 96% of pancreatic cancer patients die within five years.

Multivitamins

Beginning in 1978, Hoffer (2) started a 15-year test on 134 advanced cancer patients. His approach was to combat the weakening caused by cancer, surgery, radiation and chemotherapy by strengthening the body and the immune system. He offered vitamins (Table 1) and diet (low meat, low sugar, high fruits and vegetables). In his test group with patients having many types of advanced cancers, those who refused vitamins lived a median of 2.6 months. Those who accepted vitamins lived 45 months or 17 times longer.

Hoffer (4) has improved his regimen by adding vitamin D3 at 4,000 to 6,000 IU, Coenzyme Q10 at 300 mg and a combination of curcumin 3,000 mg with bioperin 15 mg. As a major change, he recommends that patients receive 100,000 mg of sodium ascorbate by IV daily. He says “In many cases this kind of very safe chemotherapy … I think would bring most cancers under control pretty quickly.”

To all of his cancer patients, Hoffer offered the vitamin regimen, diet and hope based on the results of earlier patients. Those who accepted vitamins thus had three advantages versus those who rejected vitamins. Self-selection is typical of real life but not ideal for statistical purposes. His vitamin therapy “has given them more energy, has improved depression and anxiety, has created a sense of well being, has eased pain and has often eliminated pain entirely.” (1)

Vitamin C

Dr. Ewan Cameron, MB, ChB (5) Senior Consultant Surgeon in Scotland, worked with 500 people with cancer and deemed “untreatable.” Instead of a handful of common vitamins, he started his patients on vitamin C only. He administered vitamin C in the form of sodium ascorbate and mostly 10,000 mg/day intravenously for two weeks along with oral vitamin C continuously. His vitamin-taking patients lived four times longer than those without vitamins. Cameron joined with Dr. Linus Pauling, PhD a double Nobel Laureate, to publish the results in Cancer and Vitamin C, 1993.

Many other doctors have also used vitamin C as cancer therapy and published their results. Irwin Stone, D.Sc. (6) and author of The Healing Factor: Vitamin C against Disease; Robert Cathcart, MD a physician in Los Altos, California; Fukumi Morishige, MD in Fukuoka, Japan and Hugh Riordan, MD (7) in Wichita, Kansas, successfully used vitamin C in the form of intravenous sodium ascorbate. Hoffer successfully used vitamin C in the form of oral ascorbic acid by including vitamin E and other vitamins. Edward Creagan, MD (8) and Charles Moertel, MD, (9) physicians at Mayo Clinic, used ascorbic acid at 10,000 mg/day without success. However, they did not administer IV sodium ascorbate or other vitamins. Dr. Mary L. Lesperance (10) followed most of Hoffer’s Average Regimen but omitted vitamin E and E succinate. She also chose control patients who were less sick than the test patients. Her test patients did not live longer than the controls.

Vitamin C is Safe

Many people have taken 30,000 mg/day for years. Several doctors have given 200,000 mg/day by IV. Some claim that vitamin C “might” cause kidney stones although doctors who give large doses of vitamin C rarely if ever see stones in these patients.

Excessive vitamin C can cause diarrhea. People with cancer can frequently take 30,000 mg/day while well people have a typical limit of 3,000 to 10,000 mg/day. If people on therapeutic doses of vitamin C develop diarrhea, the dose should be reduced. Humans cannot make the vitamin C they need although animals can. A 160-pound goat can make 13,000 mg/day–a reasonable dose for people with cancer. Hoffer advised his patients to continue the high doses indefinitely. Table 2 includes some of the precautions, side effects and alternatives listed by Riordan. (7) Cameron and Hoffer did not report that they followed the precautions in step 5.

What Types Of Cancer?

Hoffer has treated over 30 types of cancers with impressive results (Table 3). Most of his patients had advanced cancers that could not be helped by surgery, radiation or chemotherapy. For example, all 32 of the breast cancer patients had surgery, radiation and/or chemotherapy. The median life of these patients who chose to take vitamins was 70 months while those without vitamins had a median life of only 3.7 months.

Why Vitamins Work

When vitamin C of any type acts as an antioxidant and neutralizes free radicals, it produces dehydroascorbate, DHA. DHA may be the key to vitamin therapy. Normal cells need vitamin C and take this in mostly as DHA. Inside the cell the DHA is converted back to ascorbate, the active part of ascorbic acid or sodium ascorbate. Normal cells can control the intake of both DHA and ascorbate. Dr. Benade (11) et al. at the National Cancer Institute found that in-vitro vitamin C selectively destroyed cancer cells by generating intracellular H2O2. Cancer cells are less able than normal cells to neutralize H202 because they are deficient in catalase. Dr. David Agus (12) et al. reported that cancer cells have extra glucose channels that rapidly bring in glucose and excess DHA. Cancer cells also convert the DHA into ascorbate that apparently builds up in excess and this generates cancer-killing hydrogen peroxide, H202. Thus vitamin C is safe in large doses for normal cells but toxic to cancer cells. The good clinical results of Cameron and Hoffer support the National Cancer Institute in-vitro tests. High-dose vitamin C appears to act as an antioxidant in most of the body but as an oxidant within cancer cells.

Hoffer’s regime included multiple vitamins. He recommended vitamin C as ascorbic acid pills, (13) as ascorbic acid powder or as sodium ascorbate powder. The latter two were often combined into water or fruit juice to give a tasty drink. Many took some or all of the vitamin E in the form of d-alpha tocopherol succinate, commonly called vitamin E succinate or dry vitamin E, available in health food stores. The vitamin E succinate may be significant since it limits cancer growth by regulating several genes. Vitamin E and E succinate have shown only minor cancer killing power by themselves but may be of great help with vitamin C. As reported by Hoffer, Pauling said “The cancer death rate could be reduced by 25% of its present valueOif a reasonable multivitamin regimen were to be followed regularly by every person.”

Why Haven’t You Heard of Vitamins as a cancer therapy?

In 1973 Cameron reported the successful use of vitamin C for cancer therapy. Oncologists are trained in the use of mainline therapies. They are frequently not allowed to recommend unapproved or experimental therapies such as vitamin C. They are probably not allowed to recommend doctors or patients who know about vitamins as therapy. Most doctors knowledgeable about vitamins are not allowed to treat cancer but they can strengthen people with cancer. This fine line is important. We need oncologists and their extensive knowledge. However those who want to use vitamins to augment regular therapies must work with a second doctor who is knowledgeable about vitamins.

Antioxidants With Radiation

Many doctors object to people taking antioxidants simultaneously with radiation or chemotherapy because they believe that the vitamin C, acting as an antioxidant, “might” protect the cancer cells. However Davis W. Lamson, (14) MS, ND, summarized 36 clinical tests where antioxidants were used with radiation or chemotherapy. The antioxidants were helpful in 31 cases, neutral or possibly helpful in five and adverse in none. Judith O. Stoute (15) reviewed 44 articles regarding the use of vitamin C with chemotherapy. She found 36 positive studies or reviews, one neutral study, 2 negative reviews and 4 responses to the negative reviews. Because vitamin C, radiation and some chemotherapies appear to kill cancer by a similar mechanism, vitamin C can generally be used with radiation and chemotherapy.

Still, many oncologists object to antioxidants during regular therapies. The patient may wish to include a doctor knowledgeable about vitamins as a team member with the oncologist. Doctors who can assist cancer patients with nutrition and vitamins may be located at The American College for Advancement of Medicine (www.acam.org).

Vitamin Acceptance

Current “good science” requires that new therapies pass large, randomized and double blind tests. These tests may be useful to determine small improvements between similar therapies. However, surgery, radiation and chemotherapy were each accepted in desperation and in comparison with therapies then existing. They were accepted without randomized tests. Radiation and chemotherapy have not and cannot be given randomized, double blind tests because of the obvious side effects of nausea, weakness, skin burns, neuropathy and hair loss. Vitamins are safer and have mostly minor side effects. Cameron and Hoffer felt that randomized tests with vitamins are unethical because they believed that vitamins help patients and a doctor should do his best for his patients. To require vitamins to pass tests that radiation and chemotherapies have not and cannot, pass raises questionable logic. Without randomized tests, vitamin therapy remains experimental. Eventually vitamin therapy may be accepted by comparison with existing therapies.

Experimental vitamins might be tested in a terminal, hospice situation. There the oncologist realizes that surgery, radiation and chemotherapy have helped as much as they can and doctors knowledgeable about vitamins are available. Terminal patients are frequently willing to try experimental therapies. Clinical trials are also experimental. In these tests half of the patients often get a placebo and thus are not helped. Vitamins are probably safer and offer more hope to terminal patients–hope based on clinical trials of over a thousand people.

Discussion

Regular cancer therapies are only moderately successful. Tested but unproven are Cameron’s vitamin C therapy and Hoffer’s multivitamin therapy. Vitamin C is very safe and its side effects are apparently temporary. A therapy based on work at the National Cancer Institute may explain why vitamin C, an antioxidant, can act as an oxidant within cancer cells. The mechanism applies to all types of cancer that take in excess glucose. This explains why Hoffer obtained good results with 30 types of cancer.

The therapies of Cameron and Hoffer have not been given randomized tests and probably won’t–for lack of money. Most oncologists do not study vitamins as cancer therapy and are not trained or allowed to prescribe vitamins as cancer therapy. Doctors knowledgeable about vitamins but not certified as oncologists can prescribe vitamins to strengthen cancer patients but not as cancer therapy. Thus two types of doctors may be needed for a patient’s care and safety. Places to try experimental cancer therapies are with hospice palliation or instead of clinical trials. If these are successful, vitamins may eventually be accepted without randomized tests.

Conclusion

Although Cameron’s and Hoffer’s vitamin therapies are demonstrated effective, they are considered experimental. Radiation and chemotherapies were accepted by comparison with existing therapies. Vitamin therapies, being very safe, might eventually be accepted by comparison. After regular cancer therapies have been used where curative, current cancer patients may consider vitamin therapy as an addition to hospice palliation or instead of experimental cancer trials. Patients choosing vitamin therapy should work with both an oncologist and a doctor knowledgeable about vitamins for their own safety.

Source: Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients
July 2005, by Reagen Houston

Exercise Helps Reduce Stress Levels

admin — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 10:16:38 -0600

Now a days, it seem as though there are many stressors causing our negative mood or emotion, such as the traffic, a bossy employer, never ending deadlines, family commitments, etc. Sometimes, it feel as though our mind is never tranquil or at peace. We, even face stress when a event changes the direction of our life path. Our body feel stress as an innate reaction to a certain stimulus, causing us to take immediate action to dissipate it. It also helps us overcome the difficulties associated with environmental or life change.

Unfortunately, stress is only “beneficial” for us to a certain level. Beyond that point, it can cause various physiological problems and catalyst more serious health ailments such as cardiovascular disease, anxiety, depression, etc. Since stress occurs on a ongoing basis, it is important to learn to deal with and reduce the effects of stress on your body and mind. Similar to calories we burn, through proper exercise with can dissipate our level of stress affecting our body and mind. Our mind needs the relaxation for free and clear thinking.

According to various research institutions, doctors can confirmed and observed the true benefits of exercise. Those with particular health ailments should consult with their physician before starting a new exercise regiment to minimize physical toll on the body. Overall, it can be observed that people who keep active and exercise on a regular basis tend to be less afflicted by stress-related health ailments. They also strengthen and tone their muscles, which can be quite beneficial in the long run to prevent bone degradation. Bone degradation is critical for those that are elderly, as they are more prone to brittling bones. Also, it has been observed that the metabolic effect of exercise helps maintain lower body mass index, regulated sleep patterns, and a healthy appetite. It seems as those there appetite is more regulated as their intake for body coincide for their level of exercise. Exercise has been observed to benefit those with ongoing depression (possibly due to excessive stress) or in combination with other medical treatments.

From a physiological standpoint, it has been observed that people that seem to be more stressed as more prone to certain infections and infections. They are more prone to developing a common cold and flu, when under stress. Thus, if you supplement your life with increased exercise, as well as meditation, you can help the immunity of your body and break the cycle of illness. It has been observed that cardiovascular-related exercise, such as running, jogging, cycling, ecliptics, etc, at least 30 minutes 3 times a week, helps to significantly reduces stress levels. Our body release various neurotransmitters during exercise that help the body to rebuild itself from stress-related damage. Cardiovascular exercise (“cardio”) is also excellent for strengthening the heart and increase oxygenated blood to all organs of the heart.

In conclusion, you should look to improve your health by incorporating more exercise into your regiment. Exercise will help reduce the ongoing stress incurred in life and minimize its physiological damage. Our body, will directly and indirectly feel the effects of exercise as our muscles, organs, and bones as strengthened and as it reduces our stress levels, which lead to a reduce likely of health ailments. Also, the increase blood flow to your brain will help provide increase mental clarity. When deciding on an appropriate exercise, please consult with your physician about a proper program for you. We, recommend, to those it moderate shape to exercise 30 mins, 3 day a week to reduce stress levels significantly.

How Vitamins Can Improve Energy Levels

admin — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 15:56:59 -0600

Have you ever felt excessively tired in the morning? Has that feeling persisted on and off throughout your life? Do you ever feel that your energy level is fleeting without any clear explanation? Do you feel at times, even with aid of exercise and proper rest that your body continues to feel fatigued. One factor you may want to evaluate is that, your body may be deficient in certain vitamins, which help convert carbohydrates and fatty acids we ingest into raw energy.Commonly known, humans draw energy through a series of metabolic process involving the degradation of food. Each type of food contains a certain unit of energy. After metabolic processing, our cell absorb the nutrients which, it will then use for energy conversion. On an ongoing basis, our body is continually converting its resources into energy to carry out necessary biological processes. Most people need to understand that these metabolic process require vitamins and other nutrients to catalyze such reactions. Next, we will explore the relationship between applicable vitamins and energy.

Vitamins are crucial for our health and vitality. One of the critical functions of vitamins is energy production. It has been observed that some people feel more stamina and energy after consuming the required vitamins on a day to day basis. According to various scientists and physicians, B vitamins are these vitamins that are linked to improved energy levels. Unfortunately, since B-vitamins are not stored in the body they must be constantly replenished to maintain stable energy levels. Unlike, fat-soluble vitamins such as Vitamin A,E, D, K, these vitamins are excreted through the urine on a daily basis.

Energy Boosting B-Vitamins

B-Vitamins play a vital role in cellular energy production. Primarily, Vitamins B2 and B3 provide building blocks for critical components of the Krebs cycle. These components are nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD and NADH) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD and FADH) which are used to produce energy through the Krebs cycle.

NAD and NADH are universal molecules found through the body and are strongly involved in various biochemical reactions. Therefore, NAD and NADH are strongly influenced by the availability of B vitamins. For the continuity of energy utilization, B vitamins are a necessary and required link for energy production.

B vitamins are coenzymes, which bind to protein compound called an apoenzyme to form active enzymes. These enzymes are a key component to a reaction, known as a catalyst. This catalyst causes an energy shift from the substrate (food product) to product (expendable energy) that the body can utilize. The family of B vitamins can be explored in depth by reviewing the vitamin guide. You can learn about how each specific B-vitamin functions and is utilized by the body. Also, helpful hints on certain deficiencies clinical associated with particular B-vitamin deficiencies. Also, for those interested learning about how to obtain a particular vitamin, please review this resource. It will list where each vitamin can be found. The list of the 8 various vitamins are thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid, pyridoxine (B6), folate (folic acid), cyanocobalamin (B12), and biotin. Each of the B vitamins help facilitate various required metabolic processes. This vitamins function and benefit the body as various levels. They are primarily utilize for fat and carbohydrate degradation to provide the body with the necessary energy. As listed in the vitamin guide, they help maintain healthy skin, and hair, maintain stable nervous system, and supports muscle for the gastrointestinal tract. Since vitamins play such a universal role in our body, primarily on energy conversion it is important to altering your diet to include food rich in these vitamins to improve your energy level. A quality nutritional multivitamin taken on a daily basis will help satisfy your body requirements for the needed B-vitamin, as well as other vitamins such as C, D, E, K.

Energy Utility and Expense

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) is the energy unit used by each cell. This energy is used for a number of widespread cellular functions such as motility, growth, reproduction, metabolic activity, atc. Through a series of biochemical pathways, ATP is generated from the raw sources and nutrient found in food. Vitamins help propagate these reactions resulting in the end product, ATP.

Thus, if individuals consume the products they should in theory be able to create more energy to be utilized. Specifically, our body derives energy from fatty acid and glucose. It has been observed that complex carbohydrates found in foods such as bread can supply the body with highest level of glucose. Bread, particular wheat, is also high in dietary fiber, which help regulate bowel movement and flushing the body of food and bacterial toxins through the GI tract. When carbohydrates are consumed, it is coverted from glucose to glycogen, through a biochemical process called Gluconeogenesis. Glycogen, which is stored in the liver and muscle, can be converted by the glucose for energy expenditure through another metabolic process called Glycolysis. When a body demands energy, stored glycogen is converted into glucose, which is can converted energy. Fatty acids, is the other source of energy used by humans. ATP can be generated at a higher rate when utilizing fatty acids compared glucose.

Summary

As illustrated in the previous information, we helped summarize how our body derives energy through raw food products. Yet, the process of conversion is not as simple in nature as described above. One critical component that is required throughout these metabolic process are vitamins, B-vitamins in particular. The best way to obtain these vitamins is through the combinational intake of fruits, vegetables, and nuts. If your diet lacks these items, it highly recommend that you take vitamin supplements.

If chronic fatigue persists, it is recommend that you consult with a health care professional. You should request a full blood workup as some people may be anemic, which has similar symptoms. Also, your doctor can even determine if you are having any absorption relation issues, where vitamins and other nutrients are not being observed by your body.

Prevention of Osteoporosis through Vitamin Supplementation, Diet, and Exercise

admin — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 16:32:27 -0500

Osteoporosis is a medical condition, where the bones become fragile and brittle overtime. Every bone throughout the body can be affected by osteoporosis. However, based on the clinical evidence this condition most likely affects the spine, hip, and wrist. According to some medical institutions, women are four times more likely to develop this condition over the course of their life compared to men. This figure does not indicate that men are not prone to developing osteoporosis, but rather suggests that they are at less risk relative to women.

Osteoporosis is age-related disease that affects most people in later stages of the life. Classic signs and symptoms of osteoporosis are weakening of the strength and rigidity of particular axial and appendicular bones. Many doctors are concerned about the increased risk of fracture for their patients that suffered from this condition. Since osteoporosis weakens the strength and rigidity of bones, many doctors are concerned about increased risk of fracture for their patients. According the National Institute of Health, as many as half of all women and a quarter of men older than 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a silent disease, which is usually overlooked until a bone is broken due to osteoporosis’ degradation and weakening effect. The troubling aspect of this disease, is that symptoms are only felt in the later stages of its development, which include loss of height due to weakening spine, bone tenderness and pain, leg cramping particularly at night, neck pain and discomfort.

People who are affected by this condition have reduced bone mineral density (BMD), which measures the amount of minerals (such as calcium) found in your bones, through special X-rays or other radiological images. Through the normal aging process, our bones lose calcium and other minerals causing the bones to become more porous and weaker. The common bone condition is called osteopenia. People that generally have thicker bones and less degradation will minimize their risk for developing osteoporosis, through this correlation is not definitive. Early detection is very important to involved the long term consequences of this silent disease.

Risk factors for Developing Osteoporosis

Small and thin body frame
Family history of osteoporosis
Being a Asian or white elderly female
Having osteopenia, which is low bone mass
Early menopause
Smoking
Alcohol consumption
High Caffeine Intake
Low Calcium consumption
Hyperthyroidism

Prevention of Osteoporosis
According to various experts osteoporosis is a preventable disease is a certain regiment lifestyle is followed. This lifestyle should consist of proper vitamin supplementation, diet, and exercise. Each of these factors affect and minimize the development of osteoporosis. For those that suffering with condition for an extended period of time, it has been observed that osteoporosis can be treated with bisphosphonates and various other medical treatments. For those that would like to preventative and reduce their risk of developing osteoporosis, they look into altering the above mentioned factors. Since osteoporosis is a genetically linked disease, caused by the alteration of 30 genes causing physiological deficiencies, these lifestyle changes will not definitely cure those with condition. It is highly advised that you consult with a reputable orthopedic surgeon or family practitioner to evaluate possible options.

Suggestions on how to prevent osteoporosis

Nutrition

As previously mentioned, our bones overtime lose minerals especially calcium. People in general, particularly elderly women should include 1200 to 1500 mg of calcium through vitamin supplementation or dietary take. A good source of calcium is low-fat milk, which contains approximately 300 mg of calcium for an 8 oz glass of milk. Also, 1200 mg is ideal to prevent about condition called brittle bone disease. Currently, some nutritionists believe that milk and other daily products cause acidification, which draws calcium away from the system, minimizing its utility of the rebuilding of bone. It has been suggested the nuts and vegetables are a better source of calcium. Also, it believe that excess caffeine consumption can lead to the stripping of calcium from particular bones.

Vitamin D

One of the biggest components of calcium beneficial aid, is an accompanying dose of Vitamin D. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in calcium absorption, which allow calcium to be deposited into weakening bones. Most people are unaware but Vitamin D is a unique vitamin, is that our body uses UV rays to convert precursor compounds in Vitamin D3. To learn more about sources of Vitamin D, please review my exclusive vitamin guide. Calcium and Vitamin D work together, in a synergistic manner to promote strong, rigid bones. One thing to keep in mind is that, if calcium intake is limited or if there is malabsorption of calcium, bone tissue will generally weaken.

According the National Osteoporosis Foundation, it is recommended that minimum doses of 1200 mg of calcium, and 800 IU of Vitamin D for the best therapeutic effect. Based on these results, it was observed that this theurapeutic combination significantly decrease the fracture of risk of elderly patients who received this treatment versus placebo recipients.

It has been observed that Vitamin D, helps the reduce fracture rate by 25%, according to recent studies. Vitamin D supplementation also helps minimize bone fracture by improving muscle function and stability. It is observed that Vitamin D deficiency can strongly contribute to muscle weakness, which leave elderly patient more prone to severe falls or bone injuries. There are many various studies that have indicated that excessive protein intake can increase urinary calcium loss, which ultimately minimize the available calcium to be absorbed. Overtime, this long term deficiency can increase the risk of fracture from affected individuals.

I can across a great questionnaire from the National Osteoporosis Foundation, to help determined you level of risk for this condition: http://www.nof.org/osteoporosis/Risk_Factor_Questionnaire.pdf

Exercise

Exercise is a strong component that doctors’ urge their patients to follow. Exercise done in moderation, helps strengthen and rebuild the bones throughout the body. It increase calcium regeneration rates so that bones are rebuilt on a regular basis. Here are some very helpful exercise regiments presented by the National Osteoporosis Foundation. If you follow this link, you will learn some very helpful exercise moves and explaination to reduce and minimize risk of osteoporosis. Even possibly, reverse the signs and symptoms of this disease.

http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Bone/Bone_Health/Exercise/default.asp

Conclusion:

Osteoporosis is a widespread disease that affects millions of people per year. Unfortunately, it is hard to detect until the later stages due to minimal symptoms experienced. Most people, should therefore by proactive and follow certain health regiments. Eat healthy, supplement your body with quality vitamins, and strengthen your muscles and bones for the longevity of your health. Sometimes, we can not avoid developing a certain condition, but we can definitely try and overcome it through active effort.

Vitamins that Affect Macular Degeneration

admin — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 00:39:38 -0500

View with Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is a condition involving the macula and retina of the eye. The macula is a very small area located near the center of the retina. The retina, one of the main components of an eyes, helps to convert light and images to electrical impulses. The impulses travel to the brain for processing and intrepretation. Since the macula of a component of the retina, if a person suffers from macular degeneration, they may experience vision loss. The degree of loss is based on how fast the degeneration is occuring. As is, commonly observed, this condition usually affect both eyes but not definitively. One eye may not be affected by this condition.

Presently, macular degeration occurs in two forms, dry and wet. Dry macular degeration occurs when the light-sensitive cells slowly break down causing gradual blurring near the central area of the eye. Over time, a person suffering with dry ARMD may experience serious central vision bluriness. Wet ARDM occurs when abnormal blood vessel are generated underneath the macula, which tend to be fragile and very weak. Due the weakness of the vessels they may leak blood, causing the macula to rise and shift from its origin. This shift usually damages the macula, which is very problematic for clear vision. Many people that suffer with this condition notice an immediate change in vision. To them, many straight objects appear wavy in nature. According to most eye care professional, they find wet ARDM a more serious condition, due to its fast and strong effect upon the eyes.

Diagram of the eye

The reason why macular degeneration occurs specifically occurs in unknown. It is linked to the aging process. Many suspect that there are genetic contributory factors that make certain people pre-disposed to the condition. Some experts believe that smoking and diets rich in saturated fat can further progress the disease. Certain studies have presented statistic data demonstrating that those that smoke are 3x more likely to develop ARDM. In another study, those that had high saturated fat diets were 70% more likely to develop this condition, compared to those with low-saturated diets.

Recent research and evidence have helped eye professional with knowledge on how to help those that suffer with ARDM. If you feel, based on this information you are experience ARDM related symptoms it is strongly advised to see your local opthalmalogist or optmetrist. They can help you clearly define, if and what type of ARDM you are suffering from. Currently, ARDM is irreversible based on the clinical data stated in modern medicine. One of the most important things a person with this condition, should do is stop or minimize its progression. Medically, there are a few options to curtail the progression of ARDM through laser and radiation therapy. Currently, there are a number of success stories with both options as each technique has certain advantages.

I would like to digress from the benefits of medicine or surgery and focus on alternative medical treatments. It has been commonly found that combinational therapy with both techniques is pretty effective. According to some experts, it has been observed that antioxidants are very helpful additive for those with ARDM. Vitamin A and Beta-Carotene are most common antioxidants that help those with this condition. Research has illustrated that nutritional supplementation can prevent ARMD or minimized its progression. Many physicians, suggest to look for vitamins that are specifically made for this condition. Research has illustrated that nutritional therapy can prevent ARMD or slow its progression once established.

According to our clinical data, we find that Nutricon is a superior quality product designed for those that suffer from this condition. This nutritional eye aid contains key ingredients that have been proven to slow the progression of macular degeneration in patients with moderate or severe disease. This vitamin supplement is particularly helpful in the prevention of cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and other eye diseases. Nutricon contains vitamin A, which has been clinical proven to prevent night-blindness.

Source: HealthAtoZ.com
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Understanding the Benefits of Vitamin C

admin — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 21:52:10 -0500

Vitamin C is currently one of the most popular supplemental vitamins used. It’s true discovery occured in 1747, by a Scottish surgeon James Lind. Dr. Lind found this special nutrient in citrus fruit, which he soon learned prevented scurvy. To find out the true effect of Vitamin C, he gave lemon juice, to sailors that were affected by this disease. After multiple treatments, his patients were healed on this condition. He later documented these findings in the widely popular book, The Treatise of Scurvy. In 1932, Vitamin C was finally isolated by a team of Hungarian scientists. In 1971, Vitamin C received a great deal of attention due to the efforts of another Nobel Prize winner Linus Pauling. Dr. Pauling believed in vitamin C had many beneficial attributes on the body, which he published several best selling books. One of his most well-known books, Vitamin C and the Common Cold, illustrates the immune-enhancing effects of ascorbic acid on the body.

Our knowledge and understanding of the benefits of Vitamin C has increased substantially over the past several decades. Many people commonly take Vitamin C, as a way of avoiding a potential cold. Some argue that Vitamin C does not have realistic effect upon the suppression of colds. But, according to various clinic studies, many researchers that Vitamin C acts as a natural antihistamine, which helps reduce the severity of cold symptoms. This vitamin has been observed to shorten the duration of time that a cold occurs for. The appropriate amount of Vitamin C should be taken into consideration. Even though, Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin it is strongly advised that minimize taking large quantities.

Aside certain temporary ailments such a cold, Vitamin C is one of the important components to collagen production, which helps the rebuilding and healing process of our body. Many doctors advise that Vitamin C is benefical in the minor reconstructive process of cuts, hairline fractures, surgical wounds, and broken bones. This does not mean that a physician advise and treatment is not necessary. It means that to help the body rebuild during these events, this vitamin is very beneficial. Aside from the oral intake of Vitamin C, it can help your skin externally. As an antioxidant, like Vitamin E, it can help the skin against the harmful free radical damage of UV rays.

As a heavily research antioxidant, Vitamin C like other vitamins, is seen having certain anti-cancer properties. Since this information is not solidified is not 100% conclusive. But, according to some sources this vitamin helps minimize DNA mutation, which is commonly the catalyst of cancer cell development. Vitamin C helps support our immune system from cancer cells. It does not fight these mutant cells directly but rather provides our immune system with the correct artillery to attack cancer cells.

Vitamin C is quite benefits for certain eye conditions. It has been studied to benefit elderly citizens suffering from cataracts. Cataracts is a fairly common eye condition, where the lens of the eye become cloudy or hazy. This progress can lead to blurred vision, eventually causing blindness. The way Vitamin C benefits the eye, is similar to the skin. It prevents the free radical damage created by the UV rays of sunlight. This vitamin when supplement will stagnant in the eye preventing further damage and reduce current lens damage. Another organ that is helps benefit in the heart. The lifeline of our body and brain is affected by this vitamin due its arterial maintainance. Similar in nature to other antioxidants, prevent the free radical damage to the arterial walls of the heart. With time, these damaged walls can damage plaque, which can occult the diameter of the vessel creating a blockage. Over time, multiple major blockages or clots can restrict blood flow to and/or from the heart. This is a common reason for heart attacks and strokes. Also, it helps the reduce the oxidization rate of LDL cholesteral, which you should monitor on an ongoing basis. As, posted previous the LDL cholestrol helps patch up this free radical damage created causing plaque to form and build. If untreated, you run the risk of blocking the arterial or dislodging the clot into your heart or brain. That is very serious, if not deadly!

For those suffer from pulmonary conditions, there may be some hope in learning from how Vitamin C can help. Due to its potent antioxidant benefits, it has been commonly observed that appropriate doses of can help those who suffer with asthma. It is believed that Vitamin C helps relax the lungs and minimize histamine release, which has been linked to an increase in pulmonary inflammation.

Based on my readings, those are some of the most benefits aspect of taking Vitamin C. It is always under the strong advise of a physician to look into this vitamin. In my opinion and in others, it is a great vitamin to supplement your body with. It is a beneficial way of providing all of your physiological systems with a certain nutrient that has crucial antioxidant properties. You should look for a quality multivitamin to supplement your diet with. It will definetly help you in the long run.

Do Antioxidants Fight Heart Disease?

admin — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 23:13:22 -0500

Antioxidants are natural compounds that found in vitamins, minerals, and various other substances. The essential role of antioxidants, are to help the body to fight against the harmful effects of free radicals. In a natural setting, free radicals are metabolic by-products that occurs when we breath normally or if we smoke. Antioxidants aid our body, by preventing an accumulation of free radicals, which would then eventually attack our cells.

One part of the body is sensitive to the affects of this cellular damage is the cardiovascular system particularly the heart. According the Cleveland Clinic, this cellular damage by free radicals causes oxidation of cholesterol. During the oxidation of cholesterol, oxygen is adding to low density lipoproteins (LDL), commonly referred to as bad cholesterol. During this process, the cholesterol becomes a plaque that lines the arteries, which can restrict blood flow to the heart. Another factor, that doctors want people, who smoke to be aware of, is that the chemicals found in cigarettes raise the likelihood of developing a clot. The process of clot, is where there is a minute tear in the artery and various clotting factors “patch” up the area. The stagnant at the site of the tear and as more damage occurs through various factors the clot will eventually restrict blood flow causing a myocardial infarction (”heart attack”). When a person smokes they are more likely to develop their tears throughout their cardiovascular system.

Overall the past decade, researchers have become more interested in developing a more concrete relationship between the potency of antioxidants and heart disease, primarily focus of LDL oxidation. During the trial phases of this research, many researchers had varying opinions. Some were adamant that taking Vitamin E, which is popular antioxidant, helped those who suffered with heart disease. Other researchers felt that factual data did not validate this statement.

In order to reduce public confusion, Cleveland Clinic decided to aggregate all of the data pooled from various studies and analyze the data from a broader perspective. The advantage of this meta-analysis methodology is that you minimize the outlier results and look at the results from a purely statistically point of view. Each one of the individuals studies had flaws so its very hard to create a solid opinion when you research data is very limited. Thus, Cleveland Clinic is a novel one that who provide the general public with details of the issue of whether antioxidants were beneficial.

Findings

According to the Cleveland Clinic, they did not see any significant correlation between Vitamin E and heart disease. Based on their data, Vitamin E did not reduce morality or probability of cardiovascular death
Researchers, still felt that Vitamin E does play an antioxidant role for other parts of the body
They felt the central value of preventing the development of heart disease was eating nutritional foods, quit smoking, exercising, and natural weight loss. These preventative measurements are central to a healthy heart and body.
One of the things that Cleveland Clinic focused on was eating antioxidant foods or taking antioxidants

Antioxidant Foods Recommended: Nuts, Beans, Whole grains, Brown Rice, Soybean, Wheat

Ultimately, our body requires antioxidants from our skin to our heart. According to researchers are Cleveland Clinic, we do not require taking Vitamin E as means of reducing our cardiovascular risk. You should, under the consultation of the physician, develop a feasible regiment to make you more heart healthy. Also, even though Vitamin E may not significant affect the heart, there are various antioxidants such as lycopene, commonly found in tomatoes and flavinoids. It is to your advantage to learn more about how various types of antioxidants can benefit the cardiovascular system.

Source: Cleveland Clinic - Heart and Vascular Institute

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