Dr. Andrew Weil says that depression affects about 340 million people around the world. There are many treatments for this common mental condition, including therapy, prescription medications and over-the-counter (OTC) vitamins and supplements. Some people prefer to avoid prescription drugs because of the expense or potential side effects. These people have many other options among readily available OTC products.
DHEA
A study by Peter Schmidt of the Behavioral Endocrinology Branch at the National Institute of Mental Health showed that the supplement DHEA can treat certain types of depression. DHEA, which is an over-the-counter hormonal product, relieved minor and major depression in study participants who develop depression during the mid-life period. They performed better on scales designed to measure their depression and also had improvements in sexual functioning.
St. John's Wort
According to Dr. Andrew Weil, the herbal supplement St. John's Wort is widely used in Europe as a depression treatment. Studies have shown that it is as effective as certain prescription medications, such as Prozac and other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, in fighting depression. It is available over the counter in the United States at pharmacies and natural supplement stores.
Fish Oil
Dr. Weil says that some studies have identified fish oil as an effective treatment for mild depression. This may be because it contains docosahexaenoic acid. This essential fatty acid is naturally found in brain and nerve tissue. Fish oil supplements can be readily purchased over the counter.
B Vitamins
B vitamins, which can be taken on their own or as part of a multivitamin supplement, may be able to relieve mild depression. Dr. Weil says that vitamin B6 and folic acid are especially helpful. B vitamins can be taken on their own or with prescription antidepressants. According to Dr. Weil, they may enhance the beneficial effects of prescription medication.
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Many people, especially those that live in northern regions with longer winters, suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It is a condition that literally makes individuals sad and depressed due to lack of natural sunlight and Vitamin D. Fortunately, simple light therapy has proven very effective in the treatment of this condition.
However, most commercially manufactured light boxes that are used for SAD therapy are very expensive. The instructions here will allow you to make your own light box for significantly cheaper. The most important factor is making sure you use the correct and that you are getting at least 10,000 lumens (the actual light output of the bulbs).
Instructions
1. Screw the four 18-inch 2-by-6s together at the ends to form a square.
2. Attach the 18-inch-by-18-inch piece of plywood or MDF to one side of the square, screwing it into all four corners. This will create an open box.
3. Drill six evenly spaced holes into the 18-inch-by-18-inch plywood that are large enough to hold your light sockets without falling out.
4. Insert one light socket into each of the six holes, with the bulb part inside the box and the cord outside. Stabilize them if necessary.
5. Place one of the full-spectrum compact fluorescent light bulbs into each of the sockets.
6. Plug the light bulb cords into the power strip. Then plug the power strip into an outlet to ensure that all of the lights are functioning properly.
7. Once you have ensured that the electrical parts are working, unplug the box from the wall.
8. Drill small holes into each corner of the 18-inch-by-18-inch sheet of frosted plexiglas.
9. Screw the plexiglas sheet to the four corners of the front of the light box.
10. This particular light box will emit 10,500 lumens. Use the light box according to your physician's recommendations.
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Healthy and fuller hair is everyone's dream, but it seems to be a difficult task for most people. The hair is very sensitive to the changes in your body. If you go on a diet or have been stressed, your hair reacts to these changes. The result is dull and dry hair. There are some vitamins and herbs that help you to maintain shiny and fuller hair.
Hair supplements
Healthy hair is the result of sufficient absorption of vitamins and minerals by the body. Although you eat food rich in vitamins and minerals, you do not get the adequate amounts of these vital nutrients. The hair supplements are rich in biotin, a vitamin that produces keratin, which promotes healthy and thicker hair. The supplement also contains vitamins C, B6 and B12 to loss. These supplements are available in the form of pills, shampoos, conditioners and lotions.
Protein supplements like protein shakes and pills like Lysine and Viviscal supply the hair follicles with protein and the essential amino acids to produce hair fibers. If the amino acids are lacking, the hair follicles will be not be able to produce hair fibers and become dormant.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek is one of the most used herbs for hair treatments. This herb is rich in lecithin that strengthens the hair roots and moisturizes the hair. Fenugreek is also rich in protein, a key factor for healthy hair. You can get fenugreek at your local herb store. It is available in capsules, powder and seeds. Boil the fenugreek seeds in water and then soak them in extra virgin coconut oil and then apply the oil and massage your scalp for 15 minutes at least three times a week. You can also make a hair pack by mixing equal parts of fenugreek powder and yogurt and apply on your scalp.
Henna
Henna is the most traditional and popular herb used to promote healthy and lustrous hair growth. Henna is a natural conditioner that gives a deep rich red color to the hair. It can be mixed with gooseberry extract and lemon juice to prevent hair loss and give the hair the shine and life. It is available in herb stores at a reasonable price. However, there are a few things to note while using henna. The paste is smooth and slippery .It will get a little messy when you apply and you may have to wash your hair a couple of times to get rid of the henna, but it is well worth its results. Henna also stains your skin and clothes. Make sure to wear a shower cap to prevent it from dripping on your clothes or on your face.
Vitamins are available from many different brands in an array of forms.
Vitamins, or dietary supplements, can help ensure that you meet your nutritional requirements. There are many different brands on the market, so consumers will need to decide which is best for them.
Advertisements
Don't rely on information from advertising or emails for vitamin brands. According to the Federal Trade Commission, vitamin advertisers must back up the claims made in advertisements with available research studies. The Food and Drug Administration warns that reputable vitamin brands won't send you emails with claims that sound too good to be true.
Quality Research
A good vitamin brand will refer to quality research studies including clinical trials; look for these. Quality research studies will be published in peer reviewed medical journals and can be found in the International Bibliographic Information on Dietary Supplements (IBIDS) Database.
Ingredients
Check the vitamin and mineral levels on the label against those recommended for you by the Institute of Medicine's dietary reference intakes. The best vitamin brand for you will meet your dietary supplement needs.
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Your Chihuahua needs specific vitamins to maintain healthy bones, vision and metabolism. Although vitamins are necessary for your Chihuahua's health, some supplements and excess vitamins may harm him. Learn to recognize vitamin deficiencies in your Chihuahua and work with your veterinarian to correct them, in order to keep your Chihuahua healthy and active. Although commercial dog foods claim to provide full nutrition, they often do not supply all the necessary vitamins for Chihuahuas.
Multi Vitamins
As dogs age, they often lose the ability to absorb all the nutrients available in their food. Many companies offer supplements for senior dogs and your veterinarian may recommend starting these at about age 7. The right combination can increase your Chihuahua's energy.
Vitamin A
Find vitamin A in leafy green vegetables, fish oils, carrots and dairy products. This vitamin for your Chihuahua promotes healthy skin and hair. A deficiency can cause vision problems or slow growth. Too much may produce bone deformities and bleeding disorders. Overdose may also cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and hair loss. According to Vetinfo.com, vitamin A is fat-soluble and should only be given if your Chihuahua develops symptoms of deficiency. Your veterinarian should make that decision.
Vitamin B Complex
Provide your Chihuahua B vitamins from whole grain cereals, liver and Brewer's Yeast. Deficiency causes fatigue, lethargy, skin problems, hair loss and nervousness. Although severe overdose can cause nerve damage, usually excess vitamin B is excreted in the urine.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C may improve your Chihuahua's immune system and energy levels. Found in fruits, broccoli, cabbage and leafy green vegetables, a deficiency may trigger swollen joints, poor teeth or slow healing. Too much vitamin C sometimes causes diarrhea, although the dog usually expels excess in the urine. According to the University of Florida, Dogs produce vitamin C in their bodies. However, they may need more when under stress.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D promotes strong teeth and bones. Found in dairy products and fish liver oil, a deficiency causes poorly developed bones and vision problems. Vitamin D is also fat-soluble and excess is dangerous. Too much may produce nausea, vomiting and calcification of muscles including the heart.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant. It helps your Chihuahua age well, boosts his immune system and makes his coat shiny. Found in vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, green vegetables and meats, a deficiency causes bleeding disorders and reproductive failure. Too much vitamin E usually does no harm. According to Vetinfo.com, vitamin E may slow down aging and prevent cataracts.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K prevents blood clotting. Found in fish liver oil, yogurt and egg yolk, a deficiency causes and miscarriages. Usually too much does no harm.
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Almost everyone knows the importance of a healthy digestive system. When our insides function at their best, it shows in our skin, our hair and even our happy smiles. Keeping your digestive system healthy involves getting rid of unhealthy toxins and trapped food particles. Three of the best ways to naturally cleanse cost relatively little and are readily available.
The Problem
Many individuals worry about colon health only after experiencing unpleasant digestive issues. Unfortunately, Martin Zucker argues, American eating habits "eventually [turn] the colon into a waste dump for toxins." All-natural foods or unrefined foods usually take about 30 hours to digest, while unhealthy foods, such as those high in fat and low in fiber, may take more than two days to digest. Our digestive system constantly breaks the food down to smaller and smaller bits, some of which remain trapped in the colon along with millions of harmful bacteria. According to an article in the February 1999 issue of "Natural History," the average colon contains as many as 100,000,000,000,000 microorganisms, some of which are harmful bacteria.
Fiber
Cleanse your digestive system naturally by changing your eating habits. Foods high in fiber---the portion of the plant the digestive enzymes in the human body cannot break down---make for natural cleansers. In the colon, fiber absorbs water and swells, making it easy for the muscles in the intestinal wall to grab on and push it through. On its way, the fiber acts as a broom for small particles. High-fiber foods good for digestion include whole grains, vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans and fruits.
An article in the October 2, 2003 issue of "The New York Amsterdam News" touts the benefits of brown rice, a bulky food high in fiber, as an all-natural colon cleaner. By cleaning the colon, brown rice helps reduce the risk of developing serious conditions including colon cancer, colitis and diverticulosis. Eating plenty of brown rice will help you lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL), which in turn lowers your risk for developing heart disease. It may also inhibit your intestines' ability to absorb estrogen, which lowers your risk for breast cancer.
Water
Drink plenty of water. Water helps move food and wastes through the digestive system. It creates a sense of fullness and helps wash the food on its way. Water also stimulates the hormone that causes muscular movement in the intestines, helping push the food and waste along rather than becoming trapped as toxic waste. It also helps separate sticky waste from the lining of the colon. Drink half of your body weight in ounces of water each day (i.e., if you weigh 150 lbs., drink 75 oz. of water a day) to keep your body clean and in good working condition.
Herbal Solutions
Natural supplements detoxify the digestive system without causing the pain harsher medication cleansers cause. One solution, triphala, comprises three Indian fruits. A mild supplement available in both capsule and powder form, triphala rids the colon of toxins that can lead to diseases and chronic health conditions. Other herbs that promote cleansing and healthy digestive functioning include cumin, cardamom, fennel seeds, ginger and rhubarb root.
The human body needs vitamins in order to function. Vitamins are essential to cellular strength, which in turn works to keep the organs healthy and functioning properly. Certain vitamins work in certain ways. For instance, vitamin A helps protect against night blindness and aids in fighting infection among other things, while one of the things vitamin E does is help with brain function.
The body gets its vitamins from food, but sometimes people may also take vitamin supplements for certain things such as skin health and may use one or more of the vitamins listed below.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E has long been known for its positive effects on the skin. It can be taken internally or applied directly to the skin. It reduces the effects of sun damage, makes wrinkles less noticeable and may eliminate very fine wrinkles.
Recent studies have also shown that when Vitamin E is combined with Vitamin A, the possibilities of contracting basal cell carcinoma, a common form of skin cancer, are reduced.
Vitamin E can increase bleeding risks and may slow clotting. People who are taking Vitamin K to help control free bleeding should be aware of this and should use caution in taking Vitamin E.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C also helps rejuvenate the skin after sun exposure. In addition, it reduces free radicals, which break down and destroy collagen and elastin, the two things that keep skin smooth and tight.
Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits and some vegetables. People who feel they need additional Vitamin C can take an extra 500 to 1,000 mg per day.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A works to repair and maintain skin tissues. A lack of Vitamin A can cause dry, flaky skin. These signs can occur so quickly when there is a Vitamin A deficiency that they often bring the deficiency to a person's awareness sooner.
When Vitamin A is being used to help with skin repair, it usually works best when applied directly to the skin, so that maximum absorption can occur. It can be taken orally.
Vitamin K
Under-eye circles are caused by the presence of in the small capillaries located in the skin under the eye. Vitamin K works well on reducing under-eye circles because it allows the body to absorb the excess blood.
Vitamin B complex
Vitamin B complex comes in many forms, but the one that works most effectively on the skin is biotin. Biotin helps the skin retain moisture and prevents dermatitis, a skin reaction characterized by itching and scaling. Biotin also has anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce inflammation that may cause dry, flaky skin.
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All vitamin A is not created equal. Preformed vitamin A, or retinol, is found in animal sources and is easily absorbed by the body. Don't confuse this with provitamin A, or carotenoids, which come from plant sources and which the body has to convert into retinol. Since A is fat-soluble, unlike its vegetable counterpart, it's easier to consume too much. Make sure you monitor your intake, especially if you're taking supplements, as getting too little or too much of the vitamin can result in serious health problems.
Fish Liver Oil
The best concentrated source of preformed vitamin A is the oil taken from fish liver. It usually comes in a capsule, so you don't have to worry about the taste. Fish themselves aren't great sources of vitamin A, but their livers collect and store the vitamin when they eat retinol-rich foods such as algae.
Egg Yolks
Most of the nutrients in an egg are found in the yolk, while the white is mainly protein. Egg yolks are a significant source of vitamin A, as well as other fat-soluble vitamins such as D and E. A whole egg has about 280 IU (international units) of preformed vitamin A.
Liver
Beef and chicken liver are rich in preformed vitamin A, since animals store the vitamin in their liver (as do humans). Eating three ounces of liver will provide you with about 13,000 IU (chicken) or 30,000 IU (beef).
Dairy Products
Whole-fat dairy products are naturally rich in preformed vitamin A, while low-fat or fat-free versions have had the vitamin stripped away in the fat-removal process, though it's often added back. Check products to see if they're "fortified." In fact, fortified foods can have more vitamin A than their whole-fat counterparts: For instance, a cup of fortified skim milk boasts 500 IU; a cup of whole milk has only 305 IU.
Recommended Dose
Adult males over the age of 13 should get 3,000 IU of vitamin A daily. Females of the same age need only 700 IU. However, pregnant women should increase their intake to 770 IU (750 for those younger than 19), and women who breastfeed need as much as 1,300 IU (1,200 for those under 19).
Vitamin A Deficiency
Common signs of vitamin A deficiency include night blindness, a weakened immune system and damaged lung lining. For children, lack of the vitamin slows growth, inhibits bone development and increases the risk of infections.
Hypervitaminosis A
Taking too much vitamin A can result in a condition known as hypervitaminosis A, which occurs when the liver can't store any more of it. This can cause a number of severe symptoms, ranging from blurred vision, dizziness, fatigue and nausea, to vomiting, bone swelling, birth defects, osteoporosis and liver problems.
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Some statistics say approximately 40 percent of men in America experience premature balding before the age of 30. As much as 60 percent of men experience "significant hair loss" by the time they reach 50 years old. While the numbers are significantly lower for women, hundreds of thousands of women in the U.S. alone experience hair loss before the age of 50. Many people are looking for all-natural solutions to their problems. There are several vitamins you can use to maintain and spur hair growth.
Instructions
1. Increase the amount of Vitamin A in your diet to at least 5,000 IU. Vitamin A produces sebum for a healthier scalp. Natural sources for Vitamin A include: meat, milk, cheese, eggs, spinach, fish liver oil, peaches, apricots, cabbage, carrots and broccoli.
2. Improve the to your scalp with Vitamin E. Increased blood flow will increase the delivery of hair growth vitamins and minerals to your hair. Don't take more than 400 IU of Vitamin E supplements per day. You can find Vitamin E in dried beans, raw seeds, raw nuts, wheat germ oil, vegetable oil, soybeans and leafy green vegetables.
3. Consume more B Vitamins, like B-3 (Niacin), B-5 (Pantothenic Acit), B-6 and B-12. You can find B Vitamins in foods such as bran, nuts, eggs, cauliflower, carrots, peas, beans and nutritional yeast. If using supplements, take up to 300 mg per day spread throughout the day. You can take a B-complex supplement to get all of your B Vitamins from one source.
4. Swallow Inositol supplements up to 100 mg, twice a day. Inositol can be found in brown rice, oat flakes, nuts, vegetables, raisins, unrefined molasses, brewers yeast, wheat germ, liver and bananas.
5. Increase your beta-carotene by eating more green and yellow vegetables and fruits. You can also take supplements as long as it is less than 30 mg per day.
Deciding to stop smoking is without question one of the healthiest choices you can make. After all, the damage smoking does to your heart and lungs can be fatal. Your heart and lungs will begin to grow stronger within weeks of your last cigarette. There are also things you can do every day to increase the overall health of your lungs and heart. These simple steps can help to reduce the risk of lung cancer, heart disease and other ailments.
Instructions
1. Exercise on a daily basis. Cardiovascular exercises are necessary for a strong and healthy heart. These exercises also cause you to breathe in more clean air, thus giving your lungs a much-needed workout. Swimming, jogging or even brisk walking for 30 to 60 consecutive minutes each day will help to repair your lungs and heart over time. Because smoking can break down your endurance, you may have difficulty exercising for 30 straight minutes at first. Keep at it and your endurance, much like your heart and lungs, will grow stronger over time.
2. Perform breathing exercises. Just as lifting weights will increase the strength of your arms, breathing exercises can repair and strengthen your lungs after years of smoking. Breathing exercises are easy and can be done anywhere. Breathe in very slowly using either your nose or mouth for 10 seconds. At the end of the 10 seconds, your lungs should be just about completely filled. If they filled before this, you breathed in too quickly. After this 10 seconds, hold your breath for another 10 seconds, then slowly exhale through a straw. It should take at least 10 seconds to fully empty your lungs. Perform this exercise three to five times a day.
3. Eat three servings of both fruits and vegetables every day. It is common knowledge that fruits and vegetables are a big part of a healthy diet. You may not know, however, that these foods can also help to repair your lungs. The Office of Dietary Supplements states that Vitamin A, found in many fruits and vegetables, can reduce the risk of lung cancer (see Resources below).
4. Know which foods and drinks should be eliminated from your diet. Stay away from caffeine as, much like nicotine, it causes your heart to work harder than it should. Eating fattening foods such as fast food, processed food and other items that are high in calories, fat and sugar can lead to heart disease. Substitute your unhealthy snacks (cookies, potato chips, etc.) with apples, oranges, carrots and other fruits and vegetables.
5. Purchase an air purifier for your home. Your home is full of dust, dirt and other particles that are not good for your lungs. An air purifier will allow you to breathe cleaner air into your lungs, something that is important for everybody and especially important for ex-smokers.
Weight loss requires consistent motivation. For those who have lost an average of 20 to 100 pounds, may be visible. Skin elasticity varies by age. Those between the ages of 13 and 25 do not often encounter an issue with loose skin after weight loss. Additional vitamins, exercises and home remedies may be used to reduce the visibility of excess skin.
Instructions
Restoring Skin Elasticity
1. Consume a minimum of 80 ounces of water daily. Water contains several nutrients that are often overlooked. The skin needs a daily serving of these nutrients to properly hydrate.
2. Calculate how many pounds you have lost and the time it took to reach your current weight. Those who lose 20 to 100 pounds quickly often have excess skin more than those who gradually meet their weight goal.
3. Purchase a multivitamin containing omega-3. Be sure to take the vitamin daily with an eight-ounce glass of water. Omega-3 is a vital nutrient that helps the skin repair cell damage.
4. Create a detoxifying herbal-water beverage by mixing two tablespoons of lemon juice and one-half teaspoon of baking soda in an 8-ounce glass of water. Consume two times daily, morning and night.
5. Exercise regularly. A daily 30-minute cardio workout will help tone the skin. Cardio activities can include walking at a rate of 3 miles per hour, jogging and bicycling.
Skin Toner Home Remedy
6. Dice a whole lemon into four sections. Remove the seeds.
7. Measure one-half cup of soju, one-half cup of Sprite and one teaspoon of honey. Pour the soju, Sprite and honey into a bowl.
8. Add the lemon wedges and one-quarter cup of rosemary leaves to the bowl. Cover the mixture and put it in the refrigerator. Leave the mixture undisturbed for one week.
9. Open the container's lid and make sure the alcohol scent from the soju is not strong. If alcohol odor is strong, re-cover the mixture and let it sit in the refrigerator for two more days.
10. Strain the mixture, emptying the rosemary leaves and lemon wedges. Apply the mixture to loose skin twice daily. Keep the toner refrigerated for one week and then discard.
OCD is obsessive-compulsive disorder, a psychological condition that is characterized by distressing experiences of images and thoughts that constantly occur in the mind. These thoughts are heightened by unreal qualities or exaggerations. To deal with these obsessions, people develop, as a defense mechanism to cope, compulsions or acts filled with rules to combat the thoughts.
Although the specific cause of OCD is unknown, natural treatments for OCD are alternatives to conventional antidepressant drugs. These natural treatments work in different ways to decrease the occurrence of OCD incidents. Some natural treatments for OCD are discussed in this article.
Inositol
Inositol, or vitamin B8, increases serotonin sensitivity in the body. It normally exists within all animal tissues, as a part of cell membranes, and it is especially present in the brain and the heart. Inositol improved OCD symptoms in a double blind study. It was found that balanced levels of Inositol have a positive effect on psychological and nerve conditions, such as depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Inositol is considered one of the natural treatments for OCD. Inositol is available in supplement form and is naturally available in high amounts in these foods: cabbage, lima beans, nuts, bananas, oats, peanuts, raisins, molasses, wheat germ and brewer's yeast. It is also available in liver, beef heart and beef brain.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 deficiency has also been found in cases of OCD. Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, is an essential nutrient that is important for many biochemical and physiological processes, including normal nerve cell activity. Increasing the levels of vitamin B12 in your body may help the symptoms of OCD subside. Vitamin B12 is available in supplement form, and it naturally exists in animal products, such as eggs, milk, fish, poultry and meat.
St. John's Wort
St. John's Wort is being studied as a natural treatment for OCD. It acts as an antidepressant that affects serotonin levels in the body. Some studies have shown improvements in OCD after using St. John's Wort; other studies were inconclusive. Nevertheless, St. John's Wort has a positive effect on OCD and is even compared to Prozac in its effectiveness. St. John's Wort is a wildflower and a perennial herb that is available in supplement and tea form.
5-HTP
Another that is compared to Prozac is 5-HTP. 5-hyrdoxytryptophan, an amino acid, acts as the connection between the serotonin in the brain and tryptophan. Poor diets, lack of proper sleep and stress are a few factors that affect the brain's levels of serotonin. Since low levels of serotonin have a connection to OCD, by adding 5-HTP to the diet, these serotonin levels can rise, thereby balancing the symptoms of OCD. 5-HTP is available in supplement form.
rTMS
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, or rTMS, is a non-invasive technique that stimulates the cerebral cortex through the use of magnets to be either excited or inhibited as a brain therapy for neurological disorders. For OCD, it causes decreased incidences of compulsive behavior, and it helps the person's overall mental state. Magnetic therapy has many positive results; however, its effect as a natural treatment for OCD is still under research.
Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini yoga, which is a Sanskrit term for coiling, has had reported effects on OCD. It involves the bridging of communication between the body and the mind through yoga beliefs and techniques. It causes a calming effect upon the mind and body, as well as an awareness of the state of the mind. This type of yoga has been recommended as a natural treatment for OCD. However, prescribed religious prayers and meditation can also have similar calming effects on the symptoms of OCD.
Warning
While natural treatments for OCD may have positive effects, herbs and supplements can interact with each other, as well as with other prescribed drugs for the condition. Discuss with your health care professional, as well as a natural health specialist, the natural treatments for OCD of your choice. They will inform you of which ones are safe and which ones are not safe for your health condition. There have been cases where people self-prescribed a natural treatment, and it not only corrected the deficiency, but it also raised the levels far above normal, which caused a different set of health concerns as a result of the combination.
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An intramuscular injection is used for medicine that needs to be given in the muscle. Intramuscular injections may be necessary due to the amount or type of medicine or because medicine given in these areas are fast-acting. Learn safely give an intramuscular injection by following these steps.
Instructions
1. Prepare the medicine by checking the expiration date, the dosage needed and wiping the top with an alcohol swab. Check the name to make sure you have the correct medication. Some medications need to be warmed to room temperature before given. Follow all directions on the bottle closely.
2. Place a new, clean needle into a new, clean syringe. Pull air into the syringe equivalent to the amount of medicine you need. Insert the needle into the bottle, push the air out, turn the bottle upside down and pull the plunger back to get the correct amount of medication into the syringe. Tap the syringe to get any air bubbles to the top near the needle. Push the air out.
3. Find an area on the body to give the shot. There are four areas on each side of the body that are suitable for intramuscular injections: the thigh, hip, buttocks and upper arm muscle. For the thigh, divide the thigh into three parts between the knee and hip. Use the middle section for an injection site. For the upper arm, find the bone at the top of the arm and the area level with the arm pit. Where these areas meet on the outside of the arm is where to inject the needle. For the buttocks, divide the buttock into four squares. Use the upper outer section of the buttock.
4. Clean your hands with warm water and soap. Swab the alcohol and allow it to dry.
5. Hold the muscle of the injection site firmly between your thumb and fingers. Insert the needle quickly at a 90 degree angle. Pull back slightly on the needle to see if blood is present. If there is blood, remove the needle and start over with a new needle and medication. If there is no blood, inject the medicine slowly.
6. Remove the needle after a few seconds. Press on the injection site with gauze or a bandage to stop any bleeding.
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Antioxidant vitamins neutralize free radicals and may prevent unwanted free radical cellular damage in your body. Free radicals damage other molecules by removing electrons and destroying deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA. Antioxidants are found in many foods, which include fruits and vegetables, nuts, grains, and some meats, poultry and fish. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, eating a diet high in antioxidant-rich vegetables and fruits is associated with a lower risk for many chronic diseases. You can enjoy the health benefits of specific antioxidants by including foods that are rich in antioxidant vitamins in your diet.
Instructions
1. Eat sweet potatoes, carrots, cantaloupe, squash, apricots, pumpkin or mangoes. These orange foods and other vegetables such as collard greens, spinach and kale contain beta-carotene. Your body converts the antioxidant beta-carotene into retinol and retinoic acid. These substances promote health in your vision, bone growth, reproduction, cell function and immune system.
2. Eat green, leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, collard greens and romaine lettuce, as well as egg yolks and red peppers. These foods contain the antioxidant leutin. According to the Leutin Information Bureau's website, leutin provides nutrients to your eyes and may reduce the risk of macular degeneration. Leutin filters blue light wavelengths that may cause oxidative stress and damage the eyes and skin.
3. Eat tomatoes and tomato products, watermelon, guava, papaya, apricots, pink grapefruit or blood oranges. These foods contain the antioxidant lycopene. According to the American Dietetic Association website, your body does not produce the antioxidant lycopene, but lycopene-rich foods may reduce the risk of prostate cancer and cardiovascular disease.
4. Eat foods such as liver, sweet potatoes, carrots, milk, egg yolks or mozzarella cheese for a dose of the antioxidant vitamin A. According to the Harvard University School of Public Health online nutrition source, vitamin A antioxidant foods promote healthy endothelial cells, stimulate white blood cell production and activity, help remodel bone, and regulate cell growth and cellular division.
5. Get vitamin C by eating foods like citrus fruits, red and green peppers, tomatoes, broccoli or other green vegetables. According to the Harvard School of Public Health online nutrition source, vitamin C helps produce collagen and promotes healthy bones, teeth, gums and blood vessels.
6. Eat vegetable oils, margarine, nuts, seeds or leafy, green vegetables to supply your body with vitamin E. The National Cancer Institute website lists vitamin E antioxidant foods that include almonds, white germ, safflower, corn soybean oil and broccoli. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine Medline Plus online database, vitamin E supports your immune system and metabolic processes.
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There is a risk of vitamin overdose and of vitamin deficiency, but what we know for sure is the human body needs vitamins. It is helpful to know what parts of the body actually benefits from which type of vitamins and why. What is often debated is whether it is better to meet our nutrition needs through diet or do vitamin supplements really work?
The Immune System
The immune system requires vitamins to work continuously at the highest level it can, to protect you from illness. Vitamin B is used by the immune system to create antibodies against infection and illness as well as vitamin C to help fight off colds and influenza. There are many vitamins that are required and used by the bodies immune system, a few more of them are vitamin A, vitamin E and zinc.
Vitamin 'D' for Depression
Many studies have shown that vitamin D has a very important role to play, towards the emotional and thought process results of the human brain. High numbers of individuals that have severe depression and possible suicidal tendencies have been said to lack or have low levels of vitamin D, within the body. Vitamin D is naturally produced by the human body when the body is directly exposed to the sun. Another source of vitamin D needs to be sought if you are not regularly exposed to sunlight. Be careful of overdosing on vitamin D as this can cause hardening of the arteriole walls, in rare cases.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin and can be stored inside body fat for months, until it is needed by the body. Our eyes are known to benefit from vitamin A, enabling them to adjust visual levels of light and keeping them moist. Vegetarian foods that contain vitamin A are fortified milk, chedder cheese and eggs.
Folic Acid
Folic Acid is a very important vitamin for pregnant women as well as young female development during teenage years. This is because folic acid helps make healthy new cells in the body and can also suppress high hormonal changes and post natal depression as well as prevent possible future cases of Spina Bifida, when taken during early pregnancy. There are natural sources for folic acid through diet. Folic acid can be found in bananas, oranges, beans, leafy vegetables and cereals.
Spirulina
Spirulina is non-chemically cultivated from a naturally formed blue green algae found all around the world. Spirulina contains as well as proteins and other healthy components that not only benefit the body in many ways but also enable the vitamins and nutrients in spirulina to be absorbed by the human body with ease. Spirulina can be found in most health food stores.The algae is dried out and formed into a powder to produce one of the worlds most nutritional foods. The United Nations has used spirulina in studies with under nourished children and found that they became nourished within weeks when given spirulina.
Tags: human body, Folic Acid, immune system, many vitamins, through diet, very important
Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD or AMD) is the leading cause of blindness or vision loss among people 60 and older in the U.S. The disease affects the macula, a portion of the retina responsible for sharp central vision, causing a blind spot in the center of vision. Dry macular degeneration is the most common form. Wet AMD is more serious and often develops from the dry form.
Although at this time there is no known cure for dry macular degeneration, dietary supplements and other methods can help slow deterioration. Various treatments may help slow the progress of the wet form of the disease.
Instructions
1. Try vitamin supplements. Certain nutrients, including zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamins A, C, and E can help lower one's risk for developing AMD and can even slow down the effects of dry macular degeneration. The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) conducted by the National Eye Institute in 2001 indicated that high levels of zinc and antioxidants can help prevent macular degeneration and other serious eye diseases. Antioxidant vitamins include B, C and E and beta carotene.
2. Ask your doctor if it is advisable to take one of the commercial AREDS formulations, available in pharmacies and supermarkets such as Bausch & Lomb Ocuvite PreserVision or Alcon I-Caps. The AREDS formula includes 500 mg of Vitamin C, 400 IU s of Vitamin E, 15 mg of beta-carotene, 80 mg of zinc and 2 mg of copper. Eye health supplements also may include lutein, zeaxathin and omega-3 fatty acids.
3. Slow the progress of AMD: Eat plenty of fish or take an omega-3 fish oil supplement. Stop smoking. Eat green, leafy vegetables several times and week and eat fruit and nuts daily. Reduce refined carbohydrates in your diet. Exercise regularly and keep your weight, blood pressure and cholesterol level under control. Wear sunglasses outdoors that protect against ultraviolet and HEV (blue) light.
4. Consult your doctor about Anti-VEGF medicines that can be used to treat wet ARMD. These medicines are injected directly into the eye. The medicines block a protein called vascular endothelial growth factor that causes the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the eye. Two of these drugs are Macugen and Lucentis.
Other wet AMD treatments include photodymanic therapy, which uses a light sensitive dye to produce blood clots that stop abnormal blood vessels from growing. The effectiveness of PDT is still under study.
Another possible treatment for wet AMD is laser therapy to remove deposits in the eye called drusen, but laser therapy can cause permanent loss of .
Tags: macular degeneration, abnormal blood, abnormal blood vessels, blood vessels, central vision, help slow, laser therapy
Taking care of a newborn immediately following her birth includes ensuring that the newborn can breathe and maintaining her temperature, as well as starting the process of breastfeeding. There are also some items that need to be administered to the newborn to prevent disease and eye infection. Taking care of an immediate newborn can be done with a little knowledge and patience to ensure that she starts off life healthy and happy.
Instructions
1. Maintain the baby's body temperature. Immediately after birth, you will want to dry the baby with warm cloths or towels. You should also place the baby directly on the mother's chest or abdomen. The direct skin contact not only helps with bonding but helps the baby to maintain her body temperature, as well as exposing the baby to the mother's bacteria. Take the baby's temperature to ensure that she is maintaining an appropriate one.
2. Clear the baby's airway. It is very important to the baby is breathing properly and that there is nothing blocking his airway. Using a suction pump, suction out the baby's nose and mouth. Make sure that you get the sides of the mouth well.
3. Clamp the baby's umbilical cord. Use instruments that are sterile, otherwise infection can occur.
4. Apply a few drops of silver nitrate to baby's eyes. This is important to prevent infection from anything that the baby had contact with as she traveled through the birth canal, such as STDs or bacterial infections.
5. Administer a shot of Vitamin K to the newborn. While rare, there is a disease that affects 1 in 10000 babies that causes hemorrhaging. Vitamin K will prevent that from happening in most cases.
Tags: ensure that, body temperature, Taking care, temperature well, that baby
Retinol is a pure form of vitamin A used in many acne and anti-aging skin care products. Many over-the-counter anti-wrinkle and rejuvenation products that contain retinol tout the benefits of this ingredient. It may improve skin appearance by increasing cell regeneration and collagen, which can reduce fine lines, hyperpigmentation and wrinkles. Since retinol can increase skin exfoliation, it may also help people with acne problems. Although these products may smooth and refine skin texture, it is important to learn to use retinol correctly.
Instructions
1. Buy a retinol product in cream, lotion or serum form from a pharmacy or drugstore. While retinol products may be sold over-the-counter, other retinoids like Retin-A require a doctor's prescription, as they are pharmaceuticals.
2. Use your retinol product at night. Using retinol during the day may increase photosensitivity (sun sensitivity) or skin irritation in people.
3. Cleanse your face and apply a pea-sized quantity of the retinol product to it. Using too much retinol can irritate the skin.
4. Check your skin for signs of irritation or flaking. During the initial period of retinol use, there may be flaking of the skin. To remedy this, apply the retinol product every other night until the skin adjusts to the product, then resume using the product every night.
5. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher during the day when using retinol, to reduce the chance of photosensitivity. To counteract the overly drying effects of retinol in some skin types, it may also be beneficial to use a moisturizer during the day.
6. Continue using retinol until you see visible results, which can depend on varying factors, such as the type and extent of skin damage. In most cases, there can be some , like smoother skin, in about two weeks. It may take eight to 12 weeks to see a reduction in and wrinkles.
Tags: retinol product, fine lines, product every, using retinol, visible results
Urinary tract infections are also known as UTIs, cystitis and bladder
infections. They are most common in women, but men and children can also
get them, and almost all of them are caused by E. coli bacteria.
Instructions
1. Drink plenty of fluids. Begin as soon as you feel the first signs and symptoms. Drink up to several gallons in the first 24 hours after the onset of symptoms. Doing this can actually flush the bacteria out and wash it away.
2. Choose water as your primary fluid.
3. Drink cranberry juice. The second choice is orange juice. They make your urine more acidic, which helps kill the bacteria and provide relief from symptoms.
4. Take cranberry tablets or capsules if you are unable to drink or locate the juice. Take them with a large glass of water.
5. Take vitamin C with a bioflavonoid complex, at least 2,000mg per day. Divide the dose. This helps acidify the urine and also strengthens your immune system.
6. Urinate whenever you feel the urge. Don't hold it in. Try not to be in a place where there is no available bathroom.
7. Empty your bladder completely when you urinate. Urine left in the bladder provides a good breeding ground for bacteria.
8. Avoid alcohol, caffeinated and carbonated drinks, and spicy foods. They can worsen symptoms.
9. Avoid sexual intercourse while you are having symptoms.
10. Refrain from taking bubble baths or using bath oils while having symptoms.
11. They can cause increased irritation.
12. Pour warm water over genital area while you are urinating. This helps relieve burning when you urinate, which is a common symptom of urinary tract infections.
13. Eat parsley, celery and watermelon. They act as natural diuretics.
14. Use colloidal silver, which is a natural antibiotic. Use as directed on label.
15. Take the entire prescription of antibiotics if your doctor prescribes them.
16. Do not stop just because you are feeling better. Not taking the full prescription can cause a relapse or recurrence.
17.Take acidophilus with each meal if you are on antibiotics. It will help maintain and restore normal bacterial growth.
Tags: having symptoms, This helps, Tract Infections, Treat Urinary, Treat Urinary Tract, Urinary Tract Infections
Facial-hair growth occurs most frequently in men. The trait results from sexual dimorphism between men and women. Not all men grow facial hair, however, and some men only exhibit sparse facial-hair growth. The number of hair follicles on the face does not increase with vitamin usage, but certain vitamins do increase the thickness and growth rate of hair.
Vitamins A and C
Vitamins A and C promote the production of sebum. The body's sebum lubricates and moisturizes hair, causing the hair to appear more lush and thick. Foods such as spinach and chard contain substantial amounts of vitamins A and C. Vitamin C is water-soluble, but the body stores fat-soluble vitamin A. Be aware when taking supplements that consumption of excessive vitamin A may cause hair loss, according to WebMD.
Vitamin B12
Hair requires vitamin B12 for healthy growth. The body does not store vitamin B12 because the vitamin is water-soluble. The body evacuates excess B12 through the urine. Vitamin B12 benefits the user most when a small amount is taken frequently. Foods rich in B12 include beef, milk, cheese and wheat germ.
Biotin
Biotin, another water-soluble B vitamin, acts as a major building-block in hair composition. Doctors even recommend biotin supplements or biotin-rich diets to patients suffering from hair loss. Foods containing high amounts of biotin include eggs and legumes.
Mice are not the cute, fuzzy creatures outlined in cartoon portrayals. They are actually very invasive, and will nest in virtually any spot, including bags of pet food and cat litter. Mice are often infested with parasites that can be passed onto your pets and your family, and should be eliminated as soon as possible.
Instructions
1. Store bags of cat litter in a storage tub with a lid. The storage tub keeps the cat litter dry while keeping the mice from getting into the bag and making a mess in the litter. Mice chew on litter to wear down their teeth and can tear a hole in a new bag in just minutes.
2. Replace flat, open litter pans with covered cat litter boxes. Covered boxes have large, domed lids that make it difficult for small mice to crawl into. It may take your cat a day or two until he understands the function of the covered box, but he will explore it and learn to potty inside.
3. Add three or four drops of peppermint oil to a cotton ball and tape one ball under the lip of each corner of the box with masking tape. Mice do not like the scent of peppermint oil and will stay away from the litter box. Replace the cotton balls weekly, or when the scent dissipates.
4. Pour 1 tablespoon of liquid vitamin D drops in a baby food jar lid and place on the floor under the edge of the litter box. An overdose of vitamin D in mice causes the body to release too much calcium, which causes heart, kidney and liver failure. It does not have the same affect on larger pets, and your cats will remain safe and healthy even if they ingest dead mice. Refill the lid as often as necessary, until no more mice invade your cat litter.
When someone is suffering from a skin allergy, the first thing that often comes to mind is a topical treatment of some kind. Rub a little ointment on the skin for a few days and the problem simply goes away. Though this can be a beneficial method of healing a , there are other techniques that have shown positive results. One such means is to use vitamins as a course of treatment. The idea behind this approach to care is that many people actually become deficient in a number of vitamins, which can affect the health of a person's skin, making them a bit more vulnerable to allergies.
Instructions
1. Start taking Vitamin E dietary supplement. According to the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, taking a supplement of Vitamin E can act as an antioxidant for the skin. It is recommended that a person take around 400 milligrams a day to get results.
2. Increase the amount of Vitamin C in your diet. Much like Vitamin E, this particular vitamin also works as an antioxidant for your skin. It's best to try to get Vitamin C naturally, in citrus fruits and green, leafy vegetables, but you can also take a supplement to ensure that you're getting the right amount. Aim for between 500 and 1,000 milligrams of this vitamin each day.
3. Try getting a little more Vitamin A each day. It may come as a surprise to some, but Vitamin A is essential to repair the tissue of a person's skin, making it an important supplement to help heal your skin due to allergies. According to the Institute of Medicine, the Recommended Dietary Allowance should be 800 micrograms for women and 1000 micrograms for men.
4. Use a supplement (or a topical lotion) containing niacin. Niacin has the distinct quality of being an anti-inflammatory, which can ease the problems surrounding a skin allergy and can soothe irritated skin.
5. Take a Vitamin B complex. While a Vitamin B complex has shown some great results in easing the signs of aging, it can also help treat and heal skin allergies, since a deficiency in this particular vitamin has been linked to dermatitis.
6. Talk to your doctor about getting a prescription for Vitamin K (the only way to get this vitamin in supplement form). Vitamin K basically works from the inside out, helping to keep the blood clotting appropriately so you can heal an allergy affecting your skin.
Tags: skin allergy, your skin, particular vitamin, person skin, person skin making, skin making, this particular
Building muscle is related to your workout routine, rest and a proper diet. Balanced nutrition ensures that your muscles have access to an adequate supply of materials to fuel growth. Vitamins are organic compounds, which combine with proteins to catalyze particular chemical reactions that are critical for strength training. Know the difference between fat and water soluble vitamins, prior to supplementing your diet with the essential vitamins for bodybuilding.
Vitamins are essential to build muscle, alongside your workout routine.
Features
Vitamins are divided into two categories. Fat soluble vitamins are stored in body tissue. Water soluble vitamins are not held by your body's fatty tissue and excess amounts pass through as waste.
Functions
Vitamins contribute to chemical reactions that metabolize within muscle cells. These compounds also provide material to build and repair your muscles. Further, vitamins help to release hormones, such as testosterone, and affect the functioning of your central nervous system.
Effects
The National Institutes of Health cites particular vitamins as contributing to metabolic rate, muscle tone and muscle control. Vitamins allow for increased power to perform short, explosive movements. You will also notice faster recovery times from soreness with the proper intake of vitamins. Proper vitamin levels, combined with a consistent workout routine, allow you to build your body more efficiently.
Identification
The B complex of vitamins, alongside vitamins C and D, are especially important for muscle growth. Niacin (B3), pyridoxine (B6) and riboflavin (B2) aid in energy production, and vitamin B12 coordinates muscle movement through the central nervous system. B-vitamins are found in meats, potatoes and bananas.
Vitamin C is associated with citrus fruits and builds connective tissue within skeletal muscle, while also regulating testosterone levels. Lastly, vitamin D combines with calcium and phosphorous to influence muscle contractions and build strong bones. Fish and fortified milk are good sources of vitamin D.
Warnings
Avoid the excessive intake of fat soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A and D. These vitamins are already stored by fatty tissue and toxic side effects from overexposure include muscle weakness, nausea, headaches and hair loss. Meanwhile, you must constantly monitor and replace water soluble vitamins, such as the B complex and vitamin C. Vitamin deficiencies can cause a lack of energy, weight loss, anemia or even death.
Tags: soluble vitamins, workout routine, your workout routine, central nervous, central nervous system, chemical reactions
Dandruff is an itchy ailment that has no certain cause. Most people will have dandruff at one time or another, and B vitamins can help treat this condition. Management of dandruff with B vitamins is a healthy alternative to expensive chemical treatments.
Instructions
1. Buy vitamin B rich foods. Green, leafy vegetables are a readily available source of B vitamins. Whole grain cereals and wheat are also good natural sources of B vitamins. The vitamin B from these natural food sources is easily absorbed by the body, which in turn combats the formation of dandruff.
2. Take vitamin B supplements. Vitamins are essential to good health. Only get high quality vitamins as the ingredients must be digestible and of high purity and effectiveness.
3. Use shampoo with vitamin B. Good quality dandruff shampoo works well against existing outbreaks of dandruff, but soaking the scalp with vitamin B shampoo will help the body prevent dandruff from returning.
4. Ask the doctor for some vitamin B injections. The concentrated vitamin B in an injection will not only give the body's immune system a boost but build up a healthier scalp.
5. Practice relaxation techniques and meditation. Stress reduction coupled with vitamin B therapy will reduce the severity of dandruff and can eliminate dandruff altogether.
Learn Benefit from Vitamin B17 Nutrition Supplements
Vitamin B17, also known as Laetrile and Amygdalin, is believed to both prevent and cure cancer. Other benefits are improvement of Ph Balance, which is purportedly essential to overall health, proper weight and nutrition. Vitamin B17 also lowers and has been shown to relieve the pain of cancer and arthritis. Vitamin B17 is highly concentrated in Apricot seeds.
Instructions
1. Treat and control cancer. The ability of Vitamin B17 in the form of Laetrile or in its natural form, which is concentrated in apricot seeds, is known to be helpful in its ability to control and treat cancer. The basis of this theory is that Vitamin B17 contains cyanide and cancerous cells cause the cyanide to be released, and, in-turn, the cyanide kills the cancer cells.
2. Lower the risk of cancer from malnutrition. There is a growing amount of research showing that cancer is a disease of malnutrition, like scurvy. Cancer is caused by lack of Vitamin B17 in the diet. Various populations that have had limited diets, and yet have no existence of disease from cancer have diets rich in Vitamin B17.
3. Relieve pain. Vitamin B17 has been shown to relieve pain in patients with cancer. It has also demonstrated relief of pain in persons who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis.
4. Lower blood pressure. Laetrile reduces blood pressure. In fact, one side effect of cancer treatment by Laetrile is temporary low pressure.
5. Maintain a healthy body Ph Balance. Vitamin B17 is very alkaline. Many scientists believe that high acidity in the blood is the primary cause of cancer. Proper Ph is now considered by many nutritionists as essential to overall health and proper weight.
Tags: , been shown, been shown relieve, essential overall, essential overall health
Dementia can be triggered by a variety of factors, from disease to stroke to chronic drug use. Some forms of dementia are treatable and may even be reversed if caught early enough. A study by Joseph G. Hattersley in November 2002 (see reference 1) reveals that Vitamin B12 may cure people diagnosed with a Vitamin B12 deficiency, which is a common cause of dementia in the elderly.
Types of Dementia
When parts of the brain that involve learning, decision-making, memory and language are affected by disease or infection, dementia can occur. The Cleveland Clinic says the most common cause is Alzheimer's disease, but there are up to 50 other known causes.
Most types of dementia will not respond to treatment, but at least 20 percent of treatable causes can be cured. Vitamin B12 deficiency, if diagnosed early enough, is one of them.
Importance of Vitamin B12
This vitamin, found in all animal products and fortified cereals, helps prevent levels of homocysteine, an amino acid in the blood that increases the risk of Alzheimer's and vascular diseases (see reference 2). Vitamin B12 helps maintain healthy nerve cells, while a deficiency in this essential vitamin can cause memory loss and hinder other brain functions.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency Causes
Vitamin B12 deficiency is most common in the elderly, but it is not uncommon in vegetarians. Because this vitamin is only found in animal products, vegetarians take supplements to ensure they receive the proper amount to stay healthy.
The normal range of Vitamin B12 in healthy blood serum is 600 to 2000 trillionths of a gram per milliliter (pg/ml) (see reference #1). All mammals, humans included, are born with 2000 pg/ml serum levels of B12, but these levels gradually decline with age. Deficiencies appear in the cerebrospinal fluid when serum levels fall below 550-600 pg/ml. This is why Vitamin B12 injections are often given to patients over 60 years of age.
In addition to natural depletion over time, Vitamin B12 deficiency can result from alcoholism and prolonged diarrhea. Some medicines can interfere with natural absorption of Vitamin B12, as can chronic parasitic intestinal infestations like tapeworms.
Other Hazards
Not only can a deficiency in this essential vitamin , it can also cause depression, bipolar disorder, nerve damage and anemia. For dementia patients, if a Vitamin B12 deficiency is prolonged, reversal may be impossible.
Vitamin B12 for Treatable Dementia
If discovered early, 75 percent of Vitamin B12 deficiency dementias can be reversed. The study done by Joseph G. Hattersley suggests a supplement of 2000 to 2500 pg be given to patients sublingually every day after breakfast and dinner.
There is no evidence that Vitamin B12 can enhance the memory of Alzheimer's dementia patients, but good nutrition that includes a healthy dose of this vitamin is warranted. Although Vitamin B12 cannot cure Alzheimer's, Dr. John V. Dommisse of Tucson, Arizona, has confirmed that Alzheimer's will result from Vitamin B12 deficiency.
Tags: Vitamin deficiency, Vitamin deficiency, animal products, cause dementia, common cause, deficiency this
The Max Gerson Cancer Therapy is an alternative protocol for cancer and other diseases that advocates raw organic foods and juices as well as coffee enemas. The Gerson Therapy requires a strict diet and juice regime that is claimed to remove toxins from the body and boost the immune system, thereby removing the causative factors of cancer. The Gerson protocol is controversial and most official bodies deny its efficacy, yet it remains one of the most popular natural treatments of cancer today.
History
Max Gerson, MD, first started treating patients with tuberculosis in Germany in the 1920s. After the Nazis came to power, Gerson fled Europe for the U.S. and began treating cancer patients with his juice-based protocol. He claimed to have a cure for cancer and published his book "A Cancer Therapy: Results of 50 Cases" in 1958, a year before he died. His daughter, Charlotte Gerson, founded the Gerson Institute in San Diego, Calif., which continues to operate today.
Features
The Gerson Therapy advocates a mostly raw organic and vegan diet. Juices of fresh vegetable are consumed on the hour every waking hour of the day. A variety of supplements are also utilized in the therapy including vitamin B-12 and crude liver extract. Coffee enemas are also an integral part of Gerson's protocol and are purported to increase bile flow, and, therefore, detoxification.
Effects
According to the Gerson Therapy Institute's website, the treatment attempts to rid the body of cancer-causing pollutants and reactivate the body's ability to heal itself. The website claims that thousands of people have been cured of "incurable" diseases using the Gerson protocol. It further states that the Gerson Therapy doubles the oxygen in the body and regenerates the liver. By detoxifying the body, tumors are broken down and eliminated.
Considerations
The Gerson Cancer Therapy is not endorsed or even considered valid by most of the mainstream medical community. According to the National Cancer Institute most of the published information on the therapy is based on reviews of past cases. A review of seven documented studies of the therapy done at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center found a lack of evidence to conclude that the Gerson therapy had any effectiveness on cancer, although several studies show prolonged survival time in patients on the Gerson protocol over the control groups.
Warning
There are at least three documented cases of death that could be due to using coffee enemas, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Tags: Cancer Therapy, Gerson protocol, Gerson Cancer, Gerson Cancer Therapy, Gerson Therapy, Cancer Institute
Vitamin D maintains normal blood levels of blood and phosphorous. This helps promote calcium absorption in the stomach and normal mineralization of bones, and thus is vital in healthy bone growth and preventing bones from becoming thin or misshapen. In addition, Vitamin D aids the immune system.
Deficiency
Without D, the bones in the body are at risk of becoming brittle or misshapen. For children, a deficiency can cause rickets, and for adults it can cause osteomalacia, as well as leading to a development of osteoporosis. In addition, without enough Vitamin D the immune system can become dysfunctional, leading to autoimmune disorders, or raise the risk of multiple types of cancer. It can also lead to muscle weakness or deterioration.
Sources
In order to receive enough Vitamin D, an important factor is daily exposure to sunlight, which encourages the development of Vitamin D. In non-fortified foods, the flesh of fish, fish oil, beef liver, cheese or mushrooms contain some Vitamin D. However, in foods fortified with Vitamin D, milk, certain cereals or orange juice contain healthy amounts.
A memorial tree can be helpful when coping with a death.
A memorial tree might be an excellent way for you to honor your loved one that has passed away. Even though Las Vegas is typically thought of as a very busy city with not a lot of room for planting trees, there are plenty of spaces outside the main strip and within the various parks to plant a memorial tree. You will need to do a bit of preliminary work before you can actually plant the tree in Las Vegas, however.
Instructions
1. Find a type of tree to plant that is sturdy and will last for many years. Since Las Vegas is hot, be sure it can withstand warm temperatures. Some examples are oak, beech, cedar, evergreen, ginkoes, hemlock and sugar maples.
2. Ask your friends and family members for help if you're having a tough time deciding on a type of tree. Someone might know the favorite tree of the person you're memorializing. This might take precedence over longevity.
3. Research the tree you picked. Know how tall and wide it will get and how far reaching the root system typically is. The spot you choose to plant the tree will need to be able to accommodate the size and shape of the tree.
4. Contact the City of Las Vegas Planning and Development Department to make sure the spot you choose is zoned for planting trees. If the city finds out you illegally planted a tree, it may be uprooted and you could be fined. This would not be a nice way to memorialize your loved one.
5. Contact the Las Vegas Parks and Recreation Department if you want the to be planted in a Las Vegas park. A park is one of the most beautiful places you can choose, and the tree will be well cared for an protected for years to come. You may want to offer to donate the tree to the park in honor of the person you're memorializing.
Tags: tree will, memorial tree, memorial tree, , plant tree, planting trees
Tinnitus is usually described as a ringing or whistling in the ears when there is no external sound present. This ringing can be temporary, or it may be permanent. Be advised that the following is presented as information only. Discuss these ideas with your medical professional and carry them out only under her care.
Causes
This affliction can have many causes, including complications to an ear infection, ear injury and fibromyalgia, among others. However, the most common cause is exposure to loud sounds, especially over a long period of time. You may experience a temporary ringing in the ears after attending a loud concert. This usually subsides after several hours.
Permenant Damage
If the exposure to a loud sound such as an explosion is severe enough, it may cause permanent tinnitus, as delicate cells in the ear called "cilia" are destroyed. They do not heal. Exposure to loud sounds over a long period of time, as occurs in some occupations such as mining and using a jackhammer, and listening with headphones or earbuds to music at high volume levels, can cause permanent damage.
Vitamin A
According to reports, treating tinnitus using homeopathic methods has the best results when begun soon after the acoustic trauma occurs, preferably within 12 hours. A Swiss study discovered that survivors of explosions were able to regain their hearing by taking a massive dose of vitamin A for a short period of time. For 6 weeks, 300,000 IU of vitamin A were given. Long-term use of this much vitamin A is not advisable and can cause side effects, including liver damage. Pregnant women should NOT take more than 5,000 IU per day of vitamin A.
Vitamin B12
Benefit has been reported by an Israeli Army study from taking 250 mg daily of vitamin B12 for 6 weeks. B12 is considered nontoxic even at high dosages.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E works to make vitamin A more available in the bloodstream. Only a small amount is needed, just 100 IU taken for 6 weeks can be effective. If blood thinners are also being taken, consult with a physician before adding vitamin E to the diet.
Vitamins C and D
A vitamin C supplement that also contains bioflavonoids will help proper immune system functions, which can aid in preventing ear infections. Vitamin D is also useful in enhancing the immune system. A supplement of 400 IU daily can be taken.
Tags: period time, cause permanent, immune system, long period, long period time, loud sounds
Eating raw kale provides many nutritional benefits, including calcium, carotene, potassium and Vitamin A. Kale also contains lutein, which aids eye health by slowing the rate of macular degeneration. Kale belongs to the cruciferous family of vegetables, and a WebMD report quotes a study in the "Journal of the American Dietetic Association" that links cruciferious veggies to a reduced risk of cancer and heart disease. Kale can be used in salad, and can also provide a nutritious, moderately priced juice.
Instructions
As a Salad
1. Remove the bottom 2 inches of the kale if the stem is still on the head.
2. Wash the kale thoroughly. Kale is a crinkly vegetable and can harbor sand or soil in small pockets inside its leaves. Let it dry on paper towels or put it in a salad spinner to extract the excess water.
3. Cut the kale leaves vertically into 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch strips. Cut these strips into small pieces horizontally to make eating them easier.
4. Place the chopped kale into a bowl and add other salad ingredients you like. Combine kale with other salad greens like romaine lettuce or butterhead lettuce to offset the slightly bitter taste of kale. You can add toasted croutons, nuts and parmesan cheese to the salad for more texture and flavor.
5. Dress the salad according to your preferences.
As a Juice
6. Remove the stem with a sharp knife and wash the kale thoroughly.
7. Send the kale through the juicer according to the directions for the appliance.
8. Pour the finished juice into a container and refrigerate what you do not drink immediately. Since kale juice has a strong flavor, combining it with another juice like apple may make it tastier.
Excess belly fat increases your risk of developing serious health problems. According to Dr. Michael Jensen of the Mayo Clinic, shedding even a few pounds of belly fat can help you feel better and lower your risk of health problems. Thoughts of abdominal machines, colon cleansing, fad diet, and special drinks come to mind---do any of those really help melt away belly fat, or just empty your wallet? Save your money---in less than 30 days, simple changes will yield greater results for you in the fight against stubborn belly fat.
Instructions
Simple ways to waist in 30 days
1. Cut back on the amount of food you eat. One of the simplest ways to reduce your calorie and fat intake---without having to count calories or buy special foods---is to eat less every time you eat. Instead of two burgers or two pieces of chicken, only have one. Stay away from fried foods and choose baked, steamed or fresh sides instead.
2. Eat at home and pack your own lunch. Restaurant food, fast food and cafeteria food are full of fillers, preservatives, sodium and added fat. Prepare your favorite dishes at home and make extra to have for lunch the next day. You will shrink your waistline and save money at the same time!
3. Get a little more physical activity. Back-killing crunches or miles of daily jogging aren't necessary to burn belly fat. According to Dr. Michael Jensen at the Mayo Clinic, spot exercises---like sit-ups---won't specifically reduce belly fat. Include more activity in your daily routine. Take a 30-minute walk at lunch or after dinner 4 to 5 days a week. Work in the yard, play outside with kids, take pets for walks daily or even do more housecleaning; all will help you burn more calories. Adding a little more physical activity to your daily life will make a noticeable difference in your waist size in 30 days.
4. Do the twist. For 10 minutes every day, stand with your legs spread shoulder-width apart. Straighten your arms out to your sides. Slowly twist at your waist, side to side. Don't turn your head or swing your arms. Use your waist muscles to twist your upper body side to side. Going too fast could make you dizzy, so take it slow and focus on those muscles at your waist line. This simple exercise---done daily---will shrink your waistline in less than 30 days.
5. Take natural fat-burning tonics. Skip the expensive Acai berry products and weeklong colon cleanses. According to Mayo Clinic nutritionist Katherine Zeratsky, research on Acai berries is limited and the claims of weight loss haven't been proven.
Apple cider vinegar, however, has been used for centuries to reduce body fat. In 2004, Arizona State University professor Dr. Carol S. Johnston found that people who took two tablespoons of vinegar before lunch and dinner lost an average of two pounds in 30 days. In July 2009, Japanese researchers fed laboratory mice a high-fat diet. Some of the mice were given vinegar in addition to the diet. The mice that consumed vinegar developed less body fat. Apple cider vinegar can be taken once daily or before every meal, mix 1 teaspoon of vinegar to an 8 ounce glass of water. Drink slowly---don't chug--- twice a day.
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Skin cancer is caused by sun exposure, heredity, or by contact with certain toxins. It often develops on any part of the skin that has been exposed to the sun but it can also appear on any area. One of the 'C's" in skin cancer may stand for change because any noticeable change in the skin, a freckle, or a mole must be addressed. The other "C" may stand for the Vitamin C.
DNA Protection
Researchers at the University of Leicester in Portugal found that vitamin C can protect the skin and also increase the capacity to repair potentially mutagenic DNA lesions (skin cancer).
Vitamin C Crystals
The Wellness Directory of Minnesota printed in its April 2009 report that Vitamin C crystals, when used in a liquid solution (aloe vera), and applied as a sunscreen protected against damaging ultraviolet skin damage and skin cancer
Topical
When Vitamin C is applied to a skin cancer lesion or tumor is causes the tumor to harden, scab and eventually fall off. The solution is made by using water and Vitamin C crystals and then applying to the affected area.
Fights Toxins
Vitamin C is an antioxidant and helps fight off damaging free radicals, diseases, viruses, and bacteria. Researchers at the Linus Pauling Institute in Oregon showed it helps rid the body of toxins and could clearly relate to cancer prevention.
Collagan and Cell repair
Vitamin C is helpful in the formation of collagen, the body's strong connective tissue. It is also imperative in neutralizing damaged cells (cancerous cells) that can cause a chain reaction through the body.
Prevention/Solution
While limited sun exposure, wearing sunscreen, and having regular skin exams can help prevent skin cancer, Vitamin C offers and added an alternative benefit.