Herbal Vitamins For Bladder Problems

Bladder infections and problems with bladder control can be helped by herbs and vitamin supplementation. Preventive measures can be taken by those who experience chronic bladder infections to reduce their occurrence or eliminate them completely. Herbal treatments for kidney, bladder and urinary problems are simple, inexpensive measures that can be used in the home to treat these conditions.

Bladder Infection

Cranberry is an herb commonly used for bladder infections. Cranberries work on the infection by preventing bacteria from growing in the bladder.

Garlic is another supplement that can be used to treat bladder infection because of its antibiotic properties. It also has a great effect on the immune system, which helps fight off infection in the body.

Those suffer from chronic bladder or urinary tract infections can add herbal supplements to their diet to prevent a reoccurrence of these uncomfortable infections. Forskolin has become a bladder infection herbal supplement that is often combined with antibiotics for those who frequently suffer from the condition. This supplement has also been used as a weight loss aid and to treat allergies.

Incontinence

Incontinence is another bladder problem that can be resolved with herbal supplements. Cleavers is an herb that has a diuretic effect on the urinary system and contains antiseptic properties. Horsetail is a diuretic and can heal damaged tissues in the urinary system. Marshmallow root is used as a softening and soothing herb for urinary and bladder problems that can lead to incontinence.

Overactive bladder is often the cause of incontinence. Buchu is an herb that has been used since the 12th century. Herbalists prescribe buchu to patients as an antiseptic to cure bladder problems that are at the root of incontinence and urinary infections. It is also a mild diuretic that will allow the bladder to empty completely, which may be the cause of incontinence or a frequent need to urinate.

Frequent Urination

Frequent urination is sometimes referred to as irritable bladder. This condition can create an urgent need to urinate at all hours of the day and night. There are a number of causes for irritable bladder in both men and women. Women who suffer from irritable bladder may have problems with ovarian function. Herbs chamomile, St. John's wort and lemon balm are used to soothe irritable bladder that is caused by poor function of the ovaries.

Men who are suffering from frequent urination because of an enlarged prostate gland can use saw palmetto to reduce the difficulty of an irritable bladder by producing hormonal activities in the reproductive system.

Seek Medical Help

Herbal supplements are best used with the knowledge and advice of a trained herbalist or your doctor. A urinary tract infection or bladder infection can become dangerous if it spreads to other parts of the body. Discuss the herbal medications and supplements that you plan to use with your doctor. Some herbs can interact negatively with other prescription medications or cause them to be ineffective. It is vital that you let your doctor know about any herbal remedy that you are using.

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Why Does Hair Turn Gray With Age

Gray hair is typically associated with the aging process, but many people turn prematurely gray. The graying process is best understood when you take a look at what causes hair to go gray and some of the underlying factors.

The Graying Process

Hair follicles contain special cells called melanocytes that are responsible for causing pigment (melanin) production in the hair, nails and skin. As long as the melanocytes are working, hair maintains its youthful hue. However, melanocytes are encoded with a predetermined lifespan. After melanocytes die, pigment is no longer produced, and hair grows out transparent in varying shades of white, silver and gray.

Genetics

While gray hair is closely associated with the aging process, according to Dr. Leo M. Cooney, Yale University's chief of geriatrics, gray hair is determined mostly by genetics. When can you expect to go gray? It depends on your genes. However, Caucasians typically go gray first, often as early as their mid-30s, followed by Asians and Africans. Around half of people aged 50 have at least 50 percent of gray in their hair. People with premature gray won't die any sooner than their peers--they simply got the bad luck of the draw from the family gene pool.

Other Causes

There are other causes of premature gray, including health disorders such as thyroid disease, vitiligo, vitamin B deficiency, and anemia. It's also posed that stress and smoking can cause hair to go gray sooner than it normally would. However, the most determining factor is still found embedded in each individual's genetics.

Can Gray Hair Be Reversed?

Currently, there are no medical treatments that can reverse gray hair. Holistic and nutritional treatments include Fo-Ti, a Chinese herb, PABA (vitamin B10) and folic acid (vitamin B9). These purport to reverse gray hair, but there is no scientific evidence to support these claims. There are a number of old wives' remedies that purport to reverse gray hair. Some of these include ingesting molasses and apple cider vinegar or rubbing your fingernails together.

Treatments for Gray Hair

The only way to "reverse" gray hair is to do so cosmetically by using a progressive colorant or a hair dye. Gray hair is very porous, so often a permanent hair dye that seeps into the hair's cuticle is the best way to go about camouflaging gray hair.

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Herbal Treatment For Dry Eyes

The definition of dry eyes is a lack of tears. Tears lubricate the eyes and wash out dust and particles. Dry eyes burn, sting or feel scratchy. The main causes of dry eyes are aging, a dry environment and sun exposure. Cold or allergy medications can also make the eyes dry, as can smoke or an eye injury. Eyes that are dry for long periods of time can get very small abrasions on the surface. Herbal treatments can help soothe dry eyes.

Ayurvedic Solution

One of the best herbal remedies for dry eyes comes from ayurveda, the traditional medicine from India. Vishnu Dass, ayurvedic practitioner and director of Blue Lotus Ayurveda in Asheville, North Carolina, says that triphala is a herbal formula for all constitutional types. It is made from dried fruit from the haritaki, amalaki and bibhitaki plants. It detoxifies and calms eye stress.

Mix 1/2 tsp. of triphala powder with1/2 cup of hot water and let it steep for 5 to 15 minutes. Strain it through a coffee filter, fill an eyecup with the liquid and bathe your eyes.

Diet

Your diet can affect your eyes and contribute to dry eyes. Wheat, corn, dairy and nightshade vegetables are all allergenic foods that contribute to dry eyes. Caffeine should be avoided in cocoa, coffee, tea and cola drinks. Also avoid fats that have a toxic effect on your blood, including red meat and fried foods. Finally, too much sugar, whether in coffee or in processed food, should be drastically cut down. Sugar is one of the worst offenders for dry eyes.

When you have cut out the above, eat daily flaxseed or fish oil, black currant or primrose oils as well as 300 to 500 mg of vitamins A and C; 50 mg. of vitamins E, D3 and B6; and magnesium. Turmeric also helps dry eyes. Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water a day, and try to stay in a humid environment.

Chinese Medicine

"Traditional Chinese Medicine (TMC) takes a holistic view of the body to locate imbalances that may be triggering the eye problems," says Andy Rosenfarb, LAc, author of "Healing Your Eyes with Chinese Medicine" (2007). TCM uses moxibustion, which is the burning of the mugwort herb over certain acupuncture points. It is aged and ground and practitioners burn it indirectly, with acupuncture needles or right on the skin.

Home Remedies

Ten to 15 percent of the population of the U.S. has dry eye problems, according to Kenneth Goins, M.D., associate professor of ophthalmology and visual sciences in the University of Iowa. How it is treated depends on the cause. Hot, dry rooms in the winter and cold, dry, air conditioned rooms in the summer are both major causes. The most common remedy is artificial tears. Some of Goins's patients say that flax seed oil tablets can reduce dry eye symptoms, but he does not know of any research to support that claim.

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Products To Stop Hair Loss

There are many different products available to someone who is suffering from hair loss. Vitamins, supplements, shampoos and treatments are all noninvasive hair-loss treatments that you may choose to consider.

Hair-Loss Causes

Hair loss can be caused by many factors. Hereditary, health, hormones and the environment may all play roles in causing hair loss. According to www.familydoctor.org, if androgens and estrogens (the male and female hormones) are out of balance, this can be a cause of hair loss. Health issues may also cause hair loss. Certain infections, diseases or unhealthy behaviors may lead to excessive loss of hair.

Vitamins

Many vitamins and supplements are designed to help with hair loss. Vitamins such as B12 and essential fatty acids can help with certain hair-loss causes. Nioxin Intensive Therapy Recharging Complex is one type of vitamin supplement designed for the healthy growth of hair, skin and nails. Shen Min is another brand that can aid in hair-growth stimulation.

Shampoos & Conditioners

Product brands such as Nioxin and Tricomin offer shampoos, conditioners and styling products that have special hair- growth ingredients that normal shampoos do not. The Nioxin brand has a special three-step system including a cleanser (shampoo), scalp therapy (conditioner) and scalp treatment (styling product with hair-growth formulation). Tricomin products are formulated with their own Triamino copper Nutritional Complex, which is for improving hair growth.

Treatment Products

Treatment products such as Aromatase 7 and Nioxin Intensive Therapy Follicle Booster are designed to really help aid in the regrowth of hair. Aromatase-7 uses ingredients such as 5 percent Minoxidil to help regrow hair. Nioxin uses ingredients such as phospholipids to regrow hair. Phospholipids have been shown to have an intensive effect on hair growth.

Other Hair-Loss Options

If you feel that you are beyond the help of hair-care-product aids or if you have previously tried hair-care products without any results, there are a few medical procedures for hair restoration. Hair-transplant procedures are very popular and are widely available. Hair-transplant procedures use your own hair to regrow hair in areas that are sparse or have no hair at all.

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Zinc Deficiency And Fast Hair Growth

Your hair is a big indicator of your overall health. This is why people who have poor nutrition often have brittle, damaged or thining hair. A major contributing factor to hair loss is vitamin deficiency. Missing important vitamins or minerals, such as zinc, can cause hair loss in men and women.

Significance

Hair has been likened to the trunk of a tree, because it is layered like a tree's structure and also because the nutrients present in the body as the hair grows are often stored in the hair's shaft. Because of this, any nutrients that you are or aren't consuming can have an effect on hair. One of the most important nutrients that your body needs for healthy hair is zinc.

Function

Zinc helps the body to sustain healthy hair growth in multiple ways. First, zinc helps the body to utilize protein. Since the hair is made up of keratin---dead cells that are made from protein---zinc contributes to the speedy growth of hair on the head. Additionally, zinc helps to support immune function. Illnesses are another means through which the body loses hair rapidly.

Vitamins

Zinc helps the body to synthesize other vitamins and minerals, such as the B vitamins and vitamin E. These vitamins have also been shown to promote hair growth. Lack of zinc can reduce the effectiveness of other vitamins in the body.

Deficiency

According to the website Mothernature.com, zinc is only required in small amounts for the body. For this reason, zinc is known as a trace mineral. The primary source for zinc in humans is in the soil. All zinc comes from the soil, which is then absorbed by plants. From there it is consumed by animals. Humans would ideally get their zinc from an omnivorous diet; however, in parts of the United States there is not enough food in the soil to contribute enough zinc.

Imbalance

Some studies show that zinc deficiency can be caused by a hormonal imbalance, specifically when estrogen hormones are out of balance. Zinc and estrogen are natural antagonists. And while too little estrogen can allow androgens such as testosterone to lead to hair loss, too much estrogen can also cause hair loss by inhibiting zinc. By balancing estrogen hormones, you can help prevent hair loss.

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Natural Vegetarian Sources Of Vitamin D

The vast majority of vitamin D sources are not strictly vegetarian. Fatty fish is a prime source of vitamin D, as are eggs and many dairy products. Getting the right amount of vitamin D into your diet is something of a balancing act. Too little can result in low back pain, high blood pressure, arthritis or other conditions, but too much can also prove dangerous. Headaches, weight loss, nausea and other ailments have been attributed to an overabundance of vitamin D. Finding the right amount, especially from nonanimal sources, can be tricky, but it is entirely possible.

The Sun

The sun is the primary source of vitamin D for vegetarians and meat eaters alike. The human body instinctively manufactures vitamin D the moment our skin touches sunlight, which is why it has long been called the sunshine vitamin. The American Dietetics Association claims that adults need five to 15 minutes in the sun each day to meet their daily requirements for vitamin D.

Soy Milk, Rice Milk and Other Alternative Milks

It is very easy nowadays to walk into most supermarkets and find a good selection of soy milk, rice milk and other alternative types of milk (such as oat milk or almond milk). Nearly all the alternative milks in production today are fortified with vitamin D, which makes it easy to get your daily allowance of the sunshine vitamin. Check the labels to see how much vitamin D each serving contains. Also, you may want to try a variety of alternative milks to find the one best suited to your taste: not all alternative milks are created equal.

Natural Breakfast Cereals

If you check out the health food section of your neighborhood grocery store or pop in to the local health food shop, you will no doubt come across a wall of natural breakfast cereals. While you won't find Fruit Loops or Cocoa Pebbles here, you will come across a variety of much healthier options--and many of them are fortified with vitamin D. Again, read the labels carefully to find out how much vitamin D is in each serving.

Margarine

Margarine is a butter substitute traditionally made with vegetable oils. Some companies add animal fat, while others do not. Many manufacturers, however, fortify their margarines with vitamin D. In fact, in the United Kingdom and Canada, it is required by law that margarine be fortified with vitamin D.

Wild Mushrooms

A naturally occurring source of vitamin D can be found in many varieties of wild mushrooms. Just as we flourish in the sun, so too do mushrooms. The major obstacle to enjoying wild mushrooms is that one must be well-versed in the edibleness of this type of fungi. If you are a connoisseur of wild mushrooms and know which are safe to consume and which are not, you will find a wellspring of vitamin D in these pungent toadstools. If you know little or nothing about wild mushrooms, this is an option to avoid at all costs; some varieties of wild mushrooms can kill you.

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Homemade Vitamin E Oil Lotion

Homemade lotion is simple, and cost effective

Commercially-made lotions and creams can be very expensive, full of chemicals and not as good as the ones you can make at home with a few simple ingredients. The secret to making lotions at home is based on the same principle as making homemade mayonnaise: you beat an oil base with a non-oil base which reacts to form a creamy liquid---one we put on our sandwiches, the other on our skin. Making a vitamin E oil lotion is a simple first-time lotion making project, especially as vitamin E oil is great for the skin and is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.

Instructions

1. Place the almond oil, steric acid and beeswax into a double boiler pot over medium heat until the wax is melted and the ingredients are fully combined.

2. Heat the distilled water on the stove in the other pot until boiling.

3. Place the water into the bowl if using hand beaters, or into the food processor. Slowly add the almond oil mixture to the water while beating continually.

4. Keep blending the mixture until it cools somewhat, then cut the vitamin E oil capsules and add the oil, discarding the gel capsule shell. Blend all the while.

5. Pour the lotion into the clean and dry jar once it has reached a thick enough consistency.

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Vitamin Supplement Side Effects

Vitamins are necessary for the body to function properly. Not getting enough of each of the 13 vitamins can cause health problems. However, side-effects may occur when you take vitamin supplements. Another consideration of taking vitamin supplements is that they may interact in an undesirable manner with other medications.

Vitamin C

A deficiency of Vitamin C can cause scurvy. While an overdose is unlikely, its side effects include kidney stones or diarrhea.

Vitamin B3

In the form of niacin, can cause itching and flushing of the skin. Additionally, this vitamin interacts with aspirin and alcohol.

Folic Acid

While this vitamin is considered non-toxic for most people, those who suffer from epilepsy may experience more seizures. This is due partially to an interaction with epilepsy medications.

Vitamin K

This vitamin can cause anemia when taken in high doses. Additionally, people on oral blood thinners should limit, if not eliminate, Vitamin K from their diet, as this vitamin interferes with the blood thinners and can cause circulatory complications.

Vitamin A

Nausea, vomiting, bone pain and dry skin are some of the side effects of Vitamin A.

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Health Risks Of Gummy Bears

You can give sweets, like gummy bears, to children as an occasional treat

Gummy bears and other gelatin-based sweets can be eaten without concern, if they are treated as an occasional treat, i.e. once a week. However, they are made mostly from glucose syrup, sugar and gelatin, all of which can be extremely harmful to different parts of the body if eaten often. Try to ensure you or your child see these sweets as a treat and not as part of a daily diet.

Sugar Content Health Risks

Gummy bears have a high sugar content, including highly refined sugars such as sucrose, dextrose and high-fructose corn syrup. Consuming a lot of refined sugar can raise insulin levels and inhibit the release of growth hormones. This, in turn, may stop the immune system from operating properly. Increased insulin levels can, over time, lead to diabetes.

Health Risk to Teeth

Eating too many gummy bears or other high-sugar foods can lead to problems with your teeth. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, and brush them after eating sugary snacks such as gummy bears.

Health Risks and Weight Gain

Ten average gummy bears contain approximately 69 calories, 1.2 grams of protein, 18 grams of carbohydrates and no fat. Because of the low fat content, sometimes individuals think that gummy bears will not make them gain weight. If sugar enters the body and the calories are not burned off, however, the extra calories will be converted to fat. Consider the calories you get from gummy bears as part of your recommended daily calorie intake.

Choking Health Risks

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, gummy bears and other small sweets are a potential choking hazard. Supervise children who are eating these types of sweets carefully. You may want to tell them to suck the sweets rather than chew them, and make them sit still while eating gummy bears instead of allowing them to run around to lessen the chance of choking.

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Use Cranberry To Treat Diarrhea

Use Cranberry to Treat Diarrhea

Diarrhea can be caused by eating tainted food, viral infection, flu, medications, stress and fatigue. The type of treatment for diarrhea will depend on the cause. For many types of diarrhea, cranberry juice reportedly has a calming effect on the intestinal tract.

Instructions

How Cranberry Works

1. Reduce the effects of the stomach virus that causes diarrhea when you treat with cranberry juice. Studies are ongoing that indicate a component of cranberry juice prevents the virus from attaching to the cells in the intestine and causing diarrhea.

2. Eat cranberries or drink cranberry juice for the malic acid, which may provide some protection against diarrhea.

3. Use cranberry juice to treat chronic diarrhea. Vital nutrients are lost during episodes of diarrhea and must be replaced to maintain normal cellular activity. Cranberry juice has many essential nutrients, such as vitamin A, thiamine, vitamin C, niacin and carotene.

4. Control diarrhea that is a result of ulcers. Studies show that cranberry is effective in prohibiting the Helicobacter pylori bacteria from attaching to the lining of the stomach and intestinal tract. The H. pylori bacteria can lead to diarrhea.

5. Use cranberry to treat diarrhea for the proanthocyanidins present in the cranberry. The astringent and antibacterial properties are thought to be effective in the treatment of diarrhea.

6. Give cranberry juice to children with antibiotic-related diarrhea. Follow your physician's directive if the child is to remain on the antibiotic until it is finished. Cranberry juice can be effective in reducing the severity of diarrhea associated with antibiotics.

Soothe Diarrhea Discomfort

7. Place 1 banana, 1 cup of frozen raspberry low-fat yogurt, 2/3 cup cranberry juice and 1/2 cup each of frozen blueberries and frozen raspberries in a blender or smoothie maker.

8. Blend until the mixture is thoroughly combined.

9. Pour into a glass and enjoy the fruit taste while the cranberry juice goes to work on the intestinal tract to reduce the irritants causing the diarrhea.

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Nicotinamide Deficiency

Nicotinamide is a water-soluble form of the vitamin B3 (known also as niacin), and is essential for healthy skin and a healthy nervous system. Sources of the vitamin include cereals, meat, beans, potatoes, yeast and fish, and deficiency occurs when too little is absorbed by the body.

Causes

Nicotinamide deficiency occurs when too little of the vitamin is ingested via an inadequate diet, or if a secondary condition causes malabsorption of the vitamin (such as anorexia or bulimia). Because it is water-soluble, it is not stored by the body, so a continuous supply must be ingested to avoid symptoms of deficiency.

In the developed world, deficiency is very rare, though one common cause is alcoholism. Because alcoholics tend to eat less-healthy diets comprised primarily of simple carbohydrates, and because vitamin B3 is used in alcohol metabolism, vitamin deficiency is often a result.

Symptoms

Mild nicotinamide deficiency can cause such symptoms as indigestion, canker sores, fatigue, vomiting and depression. As deficiency goes from mild to moderate, symptoms intensify and include oral inflammation, headaches, diarrhea and anxiety.

In severe cases of deficiency, a condition known as pellagra can develop. Pellagra starts as stomach discomfort, including diarrhea, which leads to dementia and the most common identifying feature: scaly, cracked, thickened, rough and dried skin that is sensitive to light. If left untreated, sufferers of B3 deficiency will inevitably die.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of B3 deficiency can be done several ways. In a simple blood test, low serum levels of B3 in the blood may indicate a B3 deficiency. A doctor may choose to administer B3 and see if symptoms abate after administration. In addition, B3 is actively excreted in the urine when not used. As such, low or absent levels of B3 in the urine as determined by a urinalysis can lead to a diagnosis of B3 deficiency.

Treatment

Treatment for B3 deficiency generally follows one of the above methods of diagnosis. Because B3 deficiency is a symptom of malnourishment, it is oftentimes accompanied by other vitamin deficiencies, so a special protein-rich diet may be prescribed to introduce proper levels of vitamins into the body. This is often accompanied by a B-complex vitamin supplement. If the patient has developed pellagra, avoiding direct sunlight is advisable to prevent aggravation of the condition, along with bed rest to allow proper time to heal. In addition to a healthy diet, nicotinamide may be administered in larger doses to counter the deficiency and give the body the required levels of B3 immediately.

Prognosis

Generally, if the patient avoids the conditions that caused the deficiency in the first place (such as alcoholism, anorexia, bulimia or poor diet), recurrence is not an issue. Alternatively, supplementation can be used to ensure that proper levels of B vitamins are consumed. In cases where pellagra occurs, even after healing, the affected skin can remain disfigured. Overall, if treated properly and prevented in the future through proper diet or supplementation, B3 deficiency is generally not fatal.

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What Are The 2 Classes Of Vitamins

What Are the 2 Classes of Vitamins?

Vitamins are nutrients that must be obtained in some amount in the human diet. The primary function of a vitamin is to initiate or speed chemical reactions in the body. The 13 vitamins are categorized into two major classes; those that can dissolve in water, called water-soluble vitamins, and those that can dissolve in fat or oil, called fat-soluble vitamins.

Types

The eight B complex vitamins and vitamin C make up the water-soluble vitamin class. The water soluble vitamins, found in fruits and vegetables, cannot be stored in the body so they must be obtained regularly in the diet. The fat-soluble vitamins, A, D, E and K, can be stored in body tissues so they do not need to be eaten as frequently as water-soluble vitamins. Fat-soluble vitamins are obtained from vegetable and animal sources.

Function

The function of every vitamin is different, and vitamins in the same class are not related to one another by function. In general, vitamins are not a source of energy, nor are they part of any body tissue. Vitamins are, however, vital to the growth, maintenance and function of the human body. The B vitamins, for example, function as co-enzymes--substances that help initiate or regulate a chemical reaction, while vitamin K contributes to the manufacture of blood-clotting substances.

Significance

Vitamins are needed in the human body for growth, development, repair and daily function. The chemical reactions that process the food we eat in order to make energy and maintain healthy cells are dependent on vitamins. The lack of any of the 13 vitamins in an individual's diet will result in a form of illness called a deficiency disease.

Features

All vitamins have an established daily amount, called the Recommended Dietary Allowance or RDA, that is recommended for preventing deficiency illnesses. The RDA for each vitamin has been determined by a government committee based on a healthy individual's needs. The RDA is different for each vitamin, and in general most fat-soluble vitamins are needed in microgram quantities each day. Water-soluble vitamins are required in higher quantities.

Considerations

If vitamins are not obtained in sufficient quantities in the diet, deficiency diseases will eventually occur. Since water-soluble vitamins are not stored in the body, deficiency diseases such as scurvy (from a lack of vitamin C) and beriberi (from a lack of B1) occur much more quickly than illness from a lack of fat-soluble vitamins. Likewise, too much of any vitamin, particularly the fat-soluble vitamins D and A, can result in illness from toxicity.

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Get Dehydroepiandrosterone

Dehydroepiandrosterone, often referred to with its shortened name DHEA, is a type of steroid hormone secreted by the adrenal glands in both men and women. It has the ability to be converted into either estrogen or testosterone. DHEA levels peak during a person's mid-twenties and then decline as the person ages. Consumers may wish to get DHEA supplements as a way to treat conditions, such as osteoporosis, impotence, menopause and depression. Make an appointment with your doctor to discuss DHEA supplementation.

Instructions

1. Receive a prescription from your doctor in order to get DHEA. It's available through prescription in tablet and capsule form. The dosage recommendations for supplementation range from 25 to 200 mg daily.

2. Inquire about other forms of dehydroepiandrosterone. Your doctor can administer it as an injection or as a topical ointment. You likely will get the DHEA injection in the office, while a cream can be provided through prescription for longer term use.

3. Get an over-the-counter version of DHEA. It's also available as a supplement through nutritional product suppliers like General Nutrition Centers. The store sells GNC brand DHEA in time-released capsule form.

4. Order your supplement online. If you want to save money on DHEA, you may want to buy the product through online vitamin and supplement stores. Lucky Vitamin, for example, sells a bottle with 60 tablets of 50 mg each from Allergy Research Group.

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Prevention Of Inflammation With Food & Vitamins

There are many significant reasons why you would want to prevent inflammation by consuming certain foods and vitamins. From improved cardiovascular health to slowing the natural aging process of your skin, when foods and vitamins with anti-inflammatory properties are eaten daily, most people will notice vast changes in their health with some small changes in their diet.

Low-grade inflammation can even create a dangerous environment in your body for diabetes, Alzheimer's disease or cancer.

Omega 3s: Grass Fed Livestock and Cold Water Fish

Choose to eat beef or animals that have been grass fed instead of livestock that have been fed grain. Cattle and animals that graze on live grass are known to have higher levels of omega 3s in their muscle. Omega 3s are a beneficial fatty acid that helps reduce inflammation in the body. These powerhouse fatty acids are known to reduce the effects of prostaglandins, hormones that can increase inflammation and thrombosis.

You can also eat two servings of wild caught cold-water fish a week to get the required amount of Omega 3s to reduce inflammation. These cold water fish include salmon, tuna and sardines. Some people simply choose to take Omega 3 pill supplementation each day. The drawback to the pills is they are very large and difficult to swallow and many people report a fishy-after taste from the fish oil capsules.

Fruits and Vegetables

Eat five servings daily of fresh fruits and vegetables to receive beneficial anti-inflammation benefits. Make sure to consume as many different colored fruits and vegetables as possible to ensure maximum benefit. Each color in the fruit or vegetable signifies a different vitamin present. Anti-inflammatory antioxidants are naturally present in fresh vegetables like kale, broccoli, garlic, onions, tomatoes, blueberries, blackberries, cherries and more.

Olive Oil

Choose to use cold pressed olive oil as your preferred source of fat for salad dressings or for drizzling on your pasta. Olive oil is a strong source of oleic acid, which is known to be an anti-inflammatory fat. It was found by researchers writing in the Journal of American College of Nutrition that people who consumed increased levels of oleic acid had better insulin function and their blood sugar levels were lower. Inflammation and diabetes have been found to be interrelated.

Vitamin E and Vitamin D

Take 400 IU of Vitamin E daily to prevent inflammation and to protect the cellular membranes in your body. Additionally, supplementation of about 50 micrograms of Vitamin D may not only act as an anti-inflammatory agent, but could help prevent cardiovascular disease. Vitamin D also may help control blood pressure and improve muscular function. Many doctors consider heart disease as an inflammatory disease of the blood vessels so by taking a vitamin known to reduce inflammation in the body, be assured this effect has positive benefits to your heart's health.

Green Tea

Drink green tea to reduce inflammation in your body. Green tea contains anti-inflammatory antioxidants that may also help reduce the risk of cancer or heart disease. It is suggested you drink at least a cup a day.

Foods That Cause Inflammation

Highly processed foods high in sugar and starches increase inflammation. These high-glycemic foods raise your blood sugar levels and cause dangerous inflammation in your body. Although you can take a daily course of aspirin or ibuprofen to reduce inflammation, there are harmful side effects from taking these over-the-counter drugs every day. Many doctors agree that eating a healthy diet can reduce the need for medications to reduce inflammation.

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Shampoos For Daily Use

Gorgeous locks are within reach!

The right daily-use shampoo cleans and hydrates hair while also getting rid of excess oil, dirt and impurities. However, not all shampoos are created equal. Some shampoos contain harsh detergents that are also found in commercial cleaning products to create lather. The wrong shampoo can clean your hair, but it may also strip your locks of essential oils and moisture. Finding the right balance is key when choosing any daily-use shampoo.

Traditional Shampoo

Traditional shampoo is found at your local grocery store. This type of shampoo is less expensive than products found in the salon. Many traditional shampoos contain detergents and other toxic ingredients. Isopropyl alcohol is a common ingredient found in conventional daily-use shampoo. This ingredient is a drying agent so it can lead to breakage and damage unless you continually condition your hair afterwards. Regular shampoos also contain other drying ingredients such as polyethylene glycol, fragrances, color pigments and sodium lauryl sulfate.

Herbal Shampoo

Herbal shampoo usually contains mostly natural ingredients such as sage, rosemary and oils like olive oil and grapeseed oil. These shampoos work well, but they don't lather like other types of daily-use shampoos because herb based shampoos don't contain drying or lathering ingredients. However, not all products labeled as "natural" are truly natural. Read the ingredient list to find out exactly what is contained in your shampoo. Some herbal mixtures are also infused with vitamins and minerals or other ingredients such as amla powder. Amla comes from the Indian gooseberry fruit. It is used in many natural beauty products because it contains high amounts of vitamin C. "Elle" magazine lists Avalon Organics Peppermint shampoo as one of their top five natural shampoos.

Sulfate-Free Shampoo

Some salon and traditional daily-use shampoos are listed without specific lathering ingredients such as sodium lauryl sulfate. This particular ingredient is known for its ability to create a lot of lather, but it is also known as a drying agent which is why some companies have totally removed this ingredient from their products.

Salon Shampoo

Daily-use salon shampoo has some of the same ingredients as traditional shampoo, but these companies often add more nourishing ingredients such as olive oil or other ingredients to counteract the drying ingredients. Many of the drying ingredients are included in shampoo because these chemicals cause lather. However, the same ingredients are also found in floor cleaners and detergents. Salon shampoos may contain protein, vitamin C and vitamin E. This type of shampoo tends to work better because it is a higher quality product.

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Adding Vitamins To Dog Food

You can offer your dog daily vitamins as if they are a treat.

Vitamins are bio-molecules that are required for cells to maintain their structure, grow and reproduce. Adding vitamins to the diet of your dog can give him additional energy, improve his condition and assist him in recovery from specific ailments. Factors such as breed, age and activity level will affect your dog's vitamin requirements. Puppies and older dogs are more likely to require vitamins than healthy dogs in their prime. Commercial dog food carrying the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) label will be balanced, but your individual dog may still require vitamin supplements, which are best administered in the pet's food.

Instructions

1. Offer the vitamins in syrup, tablet or pill form to your dog, as you would a treat. Many dogs will accept their daily vitamin dose without hesitation, by swallowing the tablet or licking the syrup off a plastic spoon.

2. Disguise the daily vitamin ration in a favorite treat, if the dog will not accept it in its original form. This is still a quick and easy method, and you will know that the full dose has been taken.

3. Disguise the vitamins in your dog's favorite meal, if all else fails. Vitamins, in all of their forms, are easy enough to hide in your dog's typical meal. Tablets may have to be crushed to prevent the dog from detecting them and spitting them out.

4. Add the vitamin B complex to your dog's diet, as these substances are responsible for a number of important functions. B-3 is needed to convert the food your dog eats, into energy, while B-1 or thiamine prevents nerve and heart disease.

5. Add the water soluble B complex vitamins and vitamin C to the food of your dog on a daily basis. These vitamins cannot be stored by the body and must therefore be given on a daily basis. It is not easy to overdose on these vitamins, because they are simply eliminated via the urine.

6. Include fat soluble vitamins, such as vitamin A, D, E and K, in your dog's diet as well, but remember that dogs cannot excrete an excess of these vitamins, as they can in the case of water soluble vitamins.

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Lower My Cholesterol Naturally

In Lower My Cholesterol Naturally, I teach you several easy steps to help you see a drop in your cholesterol. It will take time, committment and determination, but you CAN lower your cholesterol without medication.

Instructions

1. Eat More Fiber:

Seriously, fiber is a huge contributor to a healthier cholesterol, and it's natural. Eat more oatmeal, fruits (with the skins), vegetables (especially the green ones), and beans. Try swapping all your breads and carbs with whole grains. Also, you can find fiber supplements to take (like Metamucil). Fiber actually binds to cholesterol, so when fiber exits the body, it takes cholesterol with it.

2. Reduce and Replace:

Reduce your consumption of bad fats and replace those with healthy fats. Examples of bad fats are those found in dairy products and red meats. Replace with healthy fats like fish and extra virgin olive oil.

3. Supplements:

The number one supplement for helping to reduce cholesterol naturally is Omega 3 Fish Oil. These fish oils are a great way to reap the health benefits of fish without having fish for dinner each day. Other supplements to consider are Vitamin B complex, chromium and garlic.

4. Exercise:

You got it...get moving. Exercise will help get your heart pumping and the blood flowing. Walk, jog, hit the gym...just get moving. This will have an incredible impact on your cholesterol scores.

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Remove Plaque In Arteries

Remove Plaque In Arteries

Removing plaque in arteries is crucial to living a long and healthy life. Arterial plaque buildup contributes greatly to increased risks for artery disease, atherosclerosis, and heart disease among others. Arguably plaque buildup in the arteries even can even lead to other serious conditions. In fact the top diseases that American's face almost universally are effected by elevated artery plaque levels. The following guide should help you identify what steps to take to remove plaque in arteries naturally and regain your long term health.

Instructions

1. Consult your doctor for medicinal ways of removing artery plaque. There are many natural ways to remove plaque in arteries but serious problems may require the assistance of medications that only your doctor can advise on or prescribe.

2. Increase your HDL cholesterol levels by eating more fish and drinking a little wine every day. This combination of food and drink offers well documented affects of increasing good cholesterol levels and resultantly decreasing bad cholesterol levels which contribute to artery plaque build up.

3. Stop eating foods which are high in sodium and cholesterol. Artery plaques form primarily to an overabundance of LDL cholesterol flowing through your blood vessels. When you feed your blood stream less cholesterol plaque buildup on your artery walls is less likely to occur. Similarly decreasing the amount of sodium you consume will help keep your blood pressure lower which also works to keep cholesterol from becoming artery plaques.

4. Start walking in the sun every day. This helps greatly in removing artery plaque buildup because the exercise helps to lower blood pressure and make new artery plaques less likely to form. Additionally the sun exposure will aid in vitamin D production which is well documented in discouraging the formation of plaque in arteries and the complications of heart disease.

5. Curb systemic inflammation with a focused diet. Just as high blood pressure can encourage further plaque in arteries so to can inflammation. Foods such as garlic can keep inflammation levels lower while other foods have the ability to raise these levels. If you need to remove plaque in arteries you have to stop all functions that can cause arterial plaque build up and systemic inflammation is one of them.

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Vitamins For Chronic Constipation

Constipation is a condition that causes infrequent bowel movements, hard stools, and strain during bowel movements. Most cases of constipation occur because the colon absorbs too much water or the colon's contractions are too slow. When the stool is hard and dry, it is more difficult to pass.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C can help relieve constipation because it can act as a natural laxative when taken on an empty stomach. Vitamin C powder can be combined with magnesium oxide powder and fresh grapefruit juice, or it can be taken in a buffered powder form that also contains magnesium and potassium salts mixed with ascorbic acid. Caution needs to be taken so that too much vitamin C is not ingested; it can cause diarrhea.

Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)

Vitamin B5 taken in megadoses on an empty stomach can cause bowel evacuation. There are many preparations that combine vitamin B5 with other nutrients that can aid in constipation; these supplements are known as nutritional laxatives.

Folic Acid (Vitamin B9)

Folic acid can be added to the diet for those suffering from constipation. It is available as an individual supplement or in multivitamins or B-Complex vitamins.

Herbs for Constipation

In addition to vitamins, there are many herbs that can help alleviate the symptoms of constipation. Black radish extract is high in fiber, and it can also help the colon secrete mucus, which aids in the passing of stools. Additionally, peppermint naturally relaxes smooth muscle, which can also help with constipation.

Probiotics for Constipation

Probiotics, or beneficial bacteria, can also promote normal bowel movements. The addition of Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus paracasei, and Streptococcus thermophilus can also help eliminate constipation.

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Use Old Coffee Grounds

With everyone jumping aboard the "green" wagon, it is imperative to find ways to recycle just about anything and everything that we use. While recycling aluminum, plastic, and paper is simple, other items may not seem so easy to reuse. That is where a bit of innovation and forward thinking comes into play. Almost anything can be recycled, even your used coffee grounds. Follow the steps below to make the most of your breakfast beverage left-overs.

Instructions

Use Old Coffee Grounds

1. Discard those old coffee grounds into your garden compost or just sprinkle them over your garden on their own. Coffee contains important vitamins and nutrients that are required for plants to grow properly. It works equally well for flowers or fruits and vegetables.There is a side benefit to using coffee grounds in your garden. The grounds help keep slugs and snails at bay.

2. Put used coffee grounds into your worm garden. The little buggers take quite nicely to the caffeine when mixed with other table scraps like apple cores and banana peels. They make a healthy meal for the little critters. In turn, they do their job and propagate to provide you with a virtual unlimited supply of the squirmy little creatures for composting purposes as well as for bait.

3. Use coffee grounds (or used tea leaves) in crafting to antique paper or fabric. They give paper an authentic parchment look while giving white or ivory fabric a decided vintage flair. Just mix about four tablespoons into three cups of boiling water and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes. Pour the mixture into a rectangle casserole dish and add your paper or fabric. Allow it to sit in the mixture until you obtain the color that you want. Remove and lay flat to dry, which will take 24 to 36 hours, depending on the type of fabric or paper used.

4. Rejuvenate dark fabrics in shades of deep chocolate brown or even black with used coffee grounds. Steep about three-quarters of a cup of grounds in a gallon of water. The stronger the resulting liquid mixture, the better. Pour the liquid, grounds and all into the washer before adding your dark brown or black clothing. Set the machine on the gentle cycle. Once finished, what will be left is rejuvenated fabrics.You can repeat this process as many times as you like over months or even years. However, be certain to remember not to mix other colors of clothing with your naturally dyed fabrics since the residue could destroy or drastically change other colors. Remember to thoroughly rinse out your washer before using it again for other fabric colors or whites.

5. Use the grounds as a natural skin exfoliant. Just like sugar and salt, coffee grounds can provide a very natural exfoliant for the skin. However, coffee grounds have another side benefit. The caffeine in coffee helps to stimulate the growth of new skin cells. To use the grounds in this manner, allow them to dry out thoroughly. Then mix them with a favorite body wash and apply to the skin with a net ball or loofah sponge. Light haired individuals should be careful, however, not to let the mixture come in contact with their hair as the coffee's natural dye might change light colors.

6. Use coffee grounds to make a rinse for brunette hair. According to hair stylists a coffee rinse will not only add depth and dimension to dark hair, but will always add shine by removing any excess product build-up. Some claim that coffee acts as a natural dye to infuse brown color back into white or gray hair.Use the same type of mixture recommended in Step 4 above, but allow it to cool before using. Wash the hair normally and condition if you so desire. End the procedure by adding some of the coffee rinse, working it through the hair thoroughly and allowing it to sit between three and five minutes. Rinse thoroughly with water and enjoy your new luscious dark locks.

7. Try an old model's trick, using coffee grounds to disguise the look of cellulite. Mix the grounds with vitamin E oil and massage onto the area where cellulite exists. Repeat the process two or three times each time your bathe or shower. It is believed that the natural diuretic effect of caffeine will help to dehydrate fat cells to reduce the appearance of ugly cellulite. As a side benefit, the coffee grounds also work as a natural exfoliant to freshen the skin wherever it is applied.

8. Use the natural dye properties of coffee to repair scratches on dark furniture or cabinetry. Mix the grounds with just enough olive oil to make a very heavy paste. Using a small paint brush, paint the coffee paste mixture into the scratch, dent, or broken wooden piece. Let sit for between 15 and 30 minutes and then wipe away. The natural dye in the coffee mixture will help make the scratch or dent disappear. While any broken chunks of wood won't be fixed, the darkness of the coffee will help make it appear as though the furniture or cabinet is still intact.

9. Rub coffee grounds on your hands to remove pungent odors left behind after cutting garlic or onions.

10. Rub coffee grounds on your pet before bathing to repel any fleas. The grounds also act as a natural skin exfoliant to help keep your pet's skin smooth and soft.

11. Use coffee grounds as a natural tenderizer for meat. Not only will it make the meat easier to cut and eat, it will add an excellent flavor as well. Mix about one-half cup of grounds with your other favorite seasonings like pepper, garlic powder, Season-All, or anything else that you generally use in your meat marinade. Dump about one-half of the mixture into about cup of olive oil and mix thoroughly. Put the meat into the marinade mixture. Rub the remaining coffee mixture on top of the meat as it sits, coating each side as it marinades for about 15 minutes per side. Remove from the marinade and cook or grill as you please for a wonderful, flavorful, tender meat dish.

12. Get rid of bad odors in refrigerators and freezers by placing some old coffee grounds into the appliances. They will absorb unpleasant odors and keep everything smelling fresh.

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What Is The Difference Between Vitamin D2 & D3

Vitamin D is known as the "sunshine vitamin."

When you talk about Vitamin D, you are actually talking about several different chemicals at the same time. Vitamin D2 and D3 are the two main forms of Vitamin D added to supplements and used to fortify foods. Despite the fact that they are both Vitamin D, they are quite different.

Synthesis

Vitamin D2, ergocalciferol, is synthesized when plants, fungi and some invertebrates are exposed to UVB rays from the sun. One of the few good food sources of Vitamin D2 is button mushrooms; however these mushrooms must be irradiated for the Vitamin D2 levels to be significant. Vitamin D3, cholecalciferol, is synthesized in the skin of vertebrates during exposure to UVB rays and can be found in fish, eggs, meat, dairy and poultry.

Function

Both Vitamin D2 and Vitamin D3 are absorbed by the intestines and converted into active forms of Vitamin D in the body by the liver and kidneys. After this process is complete, active Vitamin D helps to maintain calcium and phosphorus balance in the body.

Research

In a study published by Dr. Michael Holick and colleagues in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism in 2007, research showed that there was no difference in active Vitamin D levels when comparing people who ingested either Vitamin D2 or Vitamin D3.

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Vitamins That Help With Focus & Concentration

Everyone needs a healthy body to have a healthy mind. A lack of vitamins has a dramatic impact on the mind, focus and concentration. It is important to feed not only the body, but also to nourish the mind.

Multivitamin with Iron

Everyone should take a multivitamin daily. Even those who eat a well-balanced diet will benefit from a multivitamin. Make sure your multivitamin contains iron, which helps with energy and alertness.

Vitamins A and B

Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant that helps keep free radicals away from the brain. B vitamins are essential in helping form neurotransmitters, which send out brain signals to every part of the body.

Vitamins C and E

Vitamin C and Vitamin E both also work to protect the body and the brain from damaging free radicals. They also help to guard against premature aging and to help keep the mind sharp and in focus.

Selenium

Selenium is imperative in producing glutathione, an antioxidant that guards the brain from damaging free radicals. Selenium works well with Vitamin E and Vitamin C to keep the mind alert.

Zinc

Zinc is a necessary component in focus and concentration. Zinc also help the mind heal from mental stress.

Omega 3

Omega 3 fatty acids are credited with brain function, improved memory, recall, reasoning and focus. It also has been reported that when pregnant women supplemented their diet with omega 3 their children had higher intelligence.

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Healthy Diet For Rottweilers

Rottweilers are quite large, so they can eat a lot, and need to in order to be active.

Harmful Effects Of Vitamin D

Although vitamin D is an essential fat-soluble vitamin for humans, excessive consumption of it can cause physical and developmental problems. High doses of vitamins do not always yield better health.

Storage

Unlike water-soluble vitamins (C, B6, folate), which are excreted in the kidneys, excess fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) are stored in the liver for future use. So if you did not consume enough fat-soluble vitamins in a day or two, your body uses the reserves to maintain normal bodily functions.

Toxicity Amount

Adults would have to consume 10 times the daily intake (RDA recommendation: 5-10 mcg a day) for six months to a year to experience toxicity, while infants and toddlers would have to consume five times the daily recommendation for the same effect. Such toxicity is caused by excess supplementation, not from sun exposure or milk consumption.

Hypercalcemia

This is a condition in which there is too much calcium in the blood. Symptoms include fatigue, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, pancreatitis and increased urination. Uncommon but severe cases of hypercalcemia (above 15-16 mg/dL) can lead to coma and cardiac arrest.

Calcinosis

Kidney failure is another effect of overconsuming vitamin D. That can cause calcinosis, a condition in which calcium deposits build up in the soft tissues, such as arteries and skin.

Prevention/Solution

Vitamin D toxicity is uncommon, because you would have to take megadoses of the vitamin over for many months before the symptoms show. Avoid megadoses of vitamin D in supplement form.

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Herbal Supplements For Hair Skin And Nails

Herbal supplements are used by countless people for many different purposes. Some are believed to offer many benefits such as longer hair, softer skin and stronger nails. Herbal beauty supplements typically consist of helpful herbs, necessary vitamins and other important nutrients that promote healthy hair, skin and nails. Herbal supplement formulas are often sold in drugstores, health food stores and online as tablets, capsules, liquid extracts, powders and teas, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. You can also buy individual herbal supplements in many different forms.

Important Ingredients in Herbal Supplement Formulas

There are many different brand name herbal supplement formulas for hair, skin and nails sold in stores and online. The brand of supplement you choose to buy isn't as important as the specific ingredients found in the herbal supplements. When purchasing herbal supplements, here are the most important herbs and vitamins that you should check for.

Buy a herbal supplement that contains the herb horsetail. Horsetail is rich in silica (silicon dioxide). Silica is concentrated in healthy hair, skin and nails. Taking horsetail will contribute to your skin's collagen formation. Horsetail can also reduce the appearance of scars, wounds and acne on skin. It may also help fight brittle hair and nails.

Your herbal supplement should also contain biotin. Biotin is an important vitamin found in all hair, skin and nails supplements. Biotin is believed to help hair grow healthier, thicker and longer. It may also strengthen brittle nails, preventing them from splitting and breaking, according to Blackmores The Best of Health. A good herbal supplement will contain at least 1000 mg of biotin.

Make sure your herbal supplement contains the herb kelp. Kelp is rich in nutrients, vitamins and minerals that you need to grow healthy hair, skin and nails. It can strengthen brittle nails so that they can grow longer. Kelp is also a key ingredient in many popular remedies for hair growth.

Individual Herbal Supplements

Using individual herbal supplements that are specifically designed to aid healthy hair, skin and nails is a great alternative to buying herbal supplement formulas. Here are a few herbal supplements that you should try.

Buy the herbal supplements horsetail and kelp (mentioned above). These herbs are available in pill form, as a liquid, or as dried herbs used for herbal infusions (tea) and external compresses for the skin. Horsetail can also be added to your shampoo to strengthen hair and keep it looking shiny, according to Holistic Online. Steep horsetail inside boiling hot water and add the horsetail to your favorite herbal shampoo.

Use burdock root to treat hair loss and promote hair growth. Burdock is a powerful herb that stimulates hair root circulation and helps renew the cells of your skin and hair. Massage your scalp daily with burdock oil to help hair growth. You can also apply burdock oil to your nails after doing a manicure. Look for the herbal supplement burdock inside skin and body lotions. Apply the lotion to your skin daily to treat skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and acne.

Use aloe vera herbal supplements. Aloe vera has many uses for the hair, skin and nails. Use aloe vera to treat fungus on your nails, dandruff in your hair, and rashes, scars, eczema and burns that affect your skin. Apply aloe vera or aloe vera gel externally to treat skin conditions. Apply aloe vera to your scalp to treat dandruff. Aloe vera juice and some alow vera gels may be taken internally to promote skin health.

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What Are The Benefits Of Vitamin D2

Bone health

Vitamin D2, also known as Ergocalciferol, is a vitamin supplement that is administered when typical Vitamin D is not sufficient. Certain disorders resist the effects of Vitamin D1 and Vitamin D2 became the central form of treatment for calcium and phosphate deficiencies. While Vitamin D2 is considered an inferior and, in some cases dangerous, alternative to Vitamin D3, Vitamin D2 retains its benefits and uses.

Calcium and Phosphate Supplement

Vitamin D2 can be used to boost calcium absorption in the stomach and phosphate levels in the blood. Calcium maintains bone density and phosphates are used to repair bones and teeth.

Treatment of Hypoparathyroidism

Hypoparathyroidism is the weakening of the parathyroid gland, which regulates calcium in the bones, kidneys and intestines and phosphates in the blood.

Treatment of Rickets

Rickets is a bone disorder caused by a deficiency of Vitamin D. Some forms of rickets are resistant to Vitamin D1, so Vitamin D2 is used as a substitute.

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How Is Potassium Depleted

How Is Potassium Depleted?

What is Potassium?

Potassium is an important mineral nutrient found in the human body. It is one the body's primary electrolytes and plays a part in its overall daily function. It functions in conjunction with sodium to regulate a fluid balance within the cell and between the cells of the body. Those with chronically low potassium levels tend to experience high blood pressure and vascular headaches as the body's sodium levels rise unchecked.

How is Potassium Depleted?

Potassium is used naturally for simple motor functions. It is used as part of the electrochemical impulse which causes the heart to beat. It is used in the digestive process, ensuring gastrointestinal motility. It is also used by the skeletal structure to increase bone density and rigidity. However, the body does a good job of balancing potassium levels during daily life, so the only way it could actually become depleted is through serious illness. Any sort of illness or disease which would cause the kidneys and liver to function excessively, thereby causing excessive urination, would deplete the body's potassium levels. Anything which would cause excessive fluid loss such as diarrhea and vomiting has the greatest potential to deplete the body's potassium levels.

How Can Potassium be Regained?

Potassium depletion is not typically an issue because the vast majority of the foods we eat contain it. Bananas as well as most other fruits are the highest in potassium, but it can also be found in meat and grain products as well. People who are prescribed diuretics or laxatives for frequent use tend to have reduced gastric absorption, meaning they may be eating well, but the body is less capable of absorbing the nutrients they need. In these cases doctors prescribe specialized high-potassium vitamin supplements to compensate. People with acute potassium depletion, typically those suffering from extreme dehydration, will be administered an intravenous solution containing a potassium electrolyte to help stabilize them.

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Flush Out Fat Cells

Apples help flush fat from the body.

If you feel your body is holding onto fat cells, you can take steps to flush your system. While it may not be possible to remove fat cells, you can help force them to release any built-up toxins and make your body more efficient. This will make it easier to lose weight. Additionally, most fat-flushing techniques double as helpful weight-loss techniques. Remember that weight loss always requires a calorie deficit, so make sure to watch your portion sizes.

Instructions

1. Drink at least eight glasses of water a day. This will help keep all of your cells hydrated, which makes it easier for them to perform necessary functions.

2. Drink green tea. ECGC, a naturally occurring compound found in green tea offers a number of benefits including stimulating metabolism, promoting cell health and reduction of free radicals. Green tea contains about 30 mg of caffeine per cup, so try to replace black tea, coffee and soda with green tea. Most health experts suggest consuming less than 300 mg of caffeine per day.

3. Make the bulk of your meals be fruits and vegetables. Consume as many raw fruits and vegetables as possible. When you consume cooked vegetables, choose those with the least processing and additions. For example, choose steamed vegetables with light seasonings over vegetables sauteed in oil.

4. Cut out all junk food. This includes anything fried, fatty or full of sugar and refined carbohydrates. Skip the fast food, potato chips and candy bars. Instead, consume whole grains, such as brown rice, and lean protein choices, such as beans and legumes.

5. Get exercise every day. Chose high-intensity cardiovascular exercise for the greatest benefits. Try running, swimming, biking, kickboxing or stair climbing. Exercise for 30 minutes to 60 minutes every day of your flushing cleanse. Exercise also helps to reduce stress, which lowers the hormone cortisol. High cortisol levels can cause your body to store fat.

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What Is Intravenous Therapy

When it comes to needing medication, we often think of pills, injections and patches. However, the rate at which the medications are absorbed by us from these methods is slow when compared to intravenous (IV) therapy. Although IV therapy is one of the quickest ways to get medication to where it's needed in the body, it also offers other benefits to the patient--and some can be lifesaving.

IV Basics

As the name implies, IV therapy is a procedure in which medication and fluids are introduced into a vein so they travel to the lungs and then travel in arteries throughout the body. In order to do this, the skin, after cleansing, is punctured and a channel established for medication and fluids. In most cases, this is accomplished by a hollow needle and plastic catheter combination, sometimes referred to as an IV stick. A tourniquet is placed above a possible site to encourage veins to slightly bulge, a suitable vein is selected, the site cleansed, and the patient's skin is pierced with an IV stick. If the stick is successfully placed, the catheter is advanced into the vein and the hollow needle is withdrawn, leaving the catheter within the vein. The tourniquet is removed. The tubing, which is attached to the IV bag or bottle of solution, has already been attached to the end of the catheter's base by a health care professional. The bag or bottle of solution is kept above the patient to ensure flow.

Controls

The tubing of an IV has a plastic control or is placed through an electronic device to regulate the flow of fluid. At the base of the bag or bottle is a drip chamber that functions in part as a visual verification of the flow of fluid.

Medication

The selection of the base fluid depends upon the condition of the patient. Some of the substances the base fluid might be include D5W (a solution of 5 percent dextrose), lactated Ringer's, or normal saline. At the bottom of the solution container are ports by which medication may be injected into the solution and then mixed, or by which another bag containing medicine may be attached. There's at least one additional port for injection of medication along the tubing. This spares the patient from multiple painful needle sticks.

Lifesaving Action

Though the usual purpose of the base fluid is to establish a flow for any IV medication, there are times when the fluid functions as a lifesaving mechanism. For example, when blood has been lost and no blood is available to be transfused, lactated Ringer's serves to replace up to two-thirds of blood volume until a blood transfusion is available.

A Lifeline

Although medication might not be initially injected, the establishment of an IV is a means to ensure that a person can get medication for possible recovery from clinical death (the cessation of heart and lung function). The patient has no blood pressure when clinical death occurs, so it's best to establish an IV line ahead of time. In emergency care, most jurisdictions have an established medical protocol that dictates an IV be set up when emergency personnel ascertain that the patient might be suffering from a fatal condition.

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What Does Retinol Do For The Face

There are many facial products formulated with retinol, including anti-aging skin creams, acne prevention solutions and wrinkle repair. RetinolSkinCare.org describes retinol as an active form of Vitamin A designed to rejuvenate skin as well as improve complexion. If you're looking to keep your skin looking young, get rid of or prevent acne or smooth out wrinkles, a retinol product might be the route to take.

Retinol Benefits for the Face

Mayo Clinic doctors pose that retinol might improve wrinkles and the look of aging skin as people get older; they also cite Vitamin A as a treatment for acne, although it should be used in small quantities and never in pregnant or nursing women. In general, retinol works to unclog pores, thicken tissues, and increase the nutrition of blood cells, which has the effect of improving the overall complexion of facial skin.

Retinol Anti-Aging Creams