Know If You Are Anemic

If you are constantly tired you might be anemic

Anemia is a decrease in the number of your red blood cells, and while there are a number of causes, the most common is iron deficiency. You may not have symptoms if you are mildly anemic, and even if you do, they may go undetected or be mistaken for something else.

Instructions

1. Examine your skin tone. Do you have very pale skin color? Even if you have a dark complexion, your lips may be pale and your skin may appear "washed out."

2. Consider whether you are fatigued or irritable all of the time. These are common symptoms of anemia.

3. Ask yourself whether you have frequent headaches or loss of appetite. These are usually early signs of anemia.

4. Consider if you've been constipated - also an early symptom, and may occur without any change in dietary habits.

5. Consider whether it is difficult for you to concentrate. This can affect your work and/or school performance.

6. Ask yourself whether you're craving unusual foods. This is called pica, and you may find yourself craving very bizarre non-foods, such as soil and paper.

7. Take note of your moods. Anemia can bring on feelings of depression.

8. Consider whether you've been short of breath. Red blood cells are a vital part of the respiratory process, and this symptom may occur when anemia is moderate to severe.

9. Take note of whether you feel a sense of coldness in your extremities. This may be caused by poor circulation as a result of anemia.

10. As yourself if you've been feeling weak and/or dizzy. In severe cases, you may feel too weak to get out of bed, and dizzy when you do get up.

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What Are The Benefits Of Liquid B12

Vitamin B12 has not been proved to improve energy levels.

It is unusual for individuals to suffer from a vitamin B12 deficiency because this vitamin is found naturally in a variety of foods, including fish, meat, dairy products and shellfish. Those most susceptible to a deficiency are vegans and vegetarians who eat only non-meat products, infants, the elderly and individuals diagnosed with pernicious anemia. Vitamin B12 can be administered in a variety of methods: intranasally, orally or intramuscularly. Research shows for treatment of pernicious anemia, liquid injectable vitamin B12 is most effective; however, for other health concerns, effectiveness of each method is dependent on dose, duration and the individual patient.

Megaloblastic Anemia Treatment

Folate deficiency, inborn metabolic disorders or vitamin B12 deficiency can cause megaloblastic anemia. The Mayo Clinic describes this anemia as red blood cells being larger than normal and the ratio of nucleus size to cell cytoplasm increases. Megaloblastic anemia caused by a vitamin B12 deficiency should be treated with vitamin B12 supplements.

Metabolism and Central Nervous System Impact

Vitamin B12 is a key component for healthy metabolism in a body. It plays a role in nutrition, digestion, absorption, elimination, respiration and temperature regulations. Maintenance of the central nervous system is also impacted by vitamin B12 levels.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency Treatment

Abnormal neurological and psychiatric symptoms including shaky movements, muscle weakness, vision problems, dementia and mood disturbances can be attributed to even just a slight vitamin B12 deficiency. Oral, either in liquid form or tablet, intranasal or intramuscular administration of vitamin B12 will treat the deficiency.

Pernicious Anemia Treatment

Malabsorption of vitamin B12 in the stomach causes pernicious anemia. Treatment for this anemia is lifelong and can include supplemental use of liquid, administered either as oral drops or intramuscularly with an injection, intranasal or tablet forms of vitamin B12. Intramuscular administration of vitamin B12 is indicated to be the most effective.

Unproven Additional Benefits

Some evidence indicates that vitamin B12 is beneficial for additional health issues; however, more research is necessary to confirm the results. Examples of these health issues are fatigue, breast cancer, cardiovascular disease, angioplasty, Bell's palsy and Alzheimer's disease.

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The Water & Vitamin Diet

Are vitamins and water the key to weight loss?

Most doctors would agree that water and vitamins can be a healthy part of a fitness regime. But relying on them as the cornerstone of a weight loss plan is a different matter. Though water is very healthy to consume, it's not magic. Neither are vitamins, though they can be dangerous if taken wrong. Any diet that claims to cause weight loss through vitamins and water is likely a scam.

Water Can Aid Weight Loss

Water itself is the most important thing a human can consume, and there is some evidence showing that drinking plenty of water can aid weight loss. A recent study out of Virginia Tech showed that "people who drank two glasses of water 20 to 30 minutes before every meal lost weight more quickly initially and lost significantly more weight than those who didn't."

How Water Helps

According to Dr. Melina Jampolis, Physician Nutrition Specialist, water helps the body feel full. Proper hydration also keeps the metabolism moving quickly, which helps the body maintain a healthy weight. However, drinking too much is unwise. Drinking excess gallons of water can cause low blood sodium, which can be fatal.

Beware Weight Loss Vitamins

There is no evidence that any combination of minerals or vitamins can trigger healthy or permanent weight loss. Supplements that claim to cause weight loss are usually laced with unhealthy diuretics to artificially raise your heart rate and cause water loss. These supplements can cause great damage to your health, and can sometimes be fatal. This weight loss is neither safe nor sustainable.

What Vitamins Can Do

Vitamins can contribute to general health. According to MSN diet and fitness expert Martica Heaner, vitamins and minerals are the building blocks for human health. All body processes, including fat storage and calorie burning, are reliant on a proper balance of vitamins in the body. Taking a daily multi-vitamin can assure that your body is in balance, and able to healthfully process and burn calories; however, they won't trigger weight loss themselves.

Vitamin and Water Diet

Any diet that dramatically reduces healthy food intake and replaces it with the over consumption of water and vitamins is dangerous. Weight loss resulting from this process will be unhealthy, possibly to the point of being life threatening. Such weight loss will also be temporary, as the human body can't sustain itself without plenty of healthy food. The best way to lose weight still remains healthy eating habits and daily exercise. Reasonable consumption of vitamins and water can aid this healthy lifestyle, but not replace it.

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Richest Source Of Vitamin D

Ironically, as much as we've been warned about the dangers of too much sun exposure, the sun is the best source of vitamin D, according to BestHealthMag.ca. However, the vitamin D your body produces from sunlight is reportedly the same vitamin D that you get from a supplement. You know what unprotected sun exposure can do to the skin--from wrinkles to skin cancer--so play it safe and take a supplement rather than becoming a sun worshipper.

Foods

Foodwise, the richest sources of vitamin D are egg yolks, fish liver oil, some types of fish, butter, liver and cheese, according to HealthVitaminsGuide.com. Mushrooms also include some vitamin D as does the flesh of mackerel, salmon and tuna, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Supplements

Most foods are not rich in vitamin D so you will probably need to take a multivitamin as well as get reasonable exposure to the sun. According to William Davis, M.D., the amount of vitamin D must be individualized and depends on body size, fat content, age and race. For women, he recommends 4,000 to 5,000 units per day; the dosage for the average man is 6,000 units per day. Dr. Davis notes that there are exceptions: Sometimes a small woman will require more vitamin D than a large man, and a young person may need a lot more than a middle-aged male or female. Your blood level must be measured before this determination can be made. The proper dosage would raise your vitamin D levels to 60 to 70 ng/ml.

Fortified Foods

In the United States milk, calcium-fortified fruit drinks and juices, and cereal flours are among foods that processors fortify with vitamin D.

Deficiency Risks

If you are housebound or live in a climate where there is little sunshine, you may be at risk for developing a vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D is needed to ensure healthy bone growth and development. In children, lack of this nutrient can result in rickets; in adults, a D deficiency can cause muscle and bone weakness.

Skin Type Risk

Especially at risk for developing a vitamin D deficiency are women who are dark-skinned. If your skin is dark, your body produces greater amounts of sun-protective pigmentation (melanin). The darker the skin, the less able it is to produce vitamin D from sun exposure.

Breastfed Babies

Breastfed infants are at risk for developing a vitamin D deficiency because breast milk alone does not provide adequate amounts of vitamin D, especially if the nursing mother has low levels to begin with. Because parents are encouraged to keep their infants out of the sun, your baby cannot reap the D benefits of sun exposure. Consult with your physician about supplementation for your infant.

Malabsorption and Drug Interaction

Regular use of laxatives can deplete your supply of D, according to the National Institutes of Health, and mineral oil reduces its absorption. Some drugs and herbs can interact with vitamin D or interfere with its absorption. If you take steroids, cholesterol-lowering drugs, osteoporosis medication or other drugs or herbs, consult your physician before supplementing with vitamin D.

How Much Sun Exposure?

Dr. Davis points out that vitamin D--which he says is not a true vitamin--is the only hormone that is not obtained through diet but is created by the skin in response to sun exposure. Our ability to activate vitamin D diminishes by age 40. The National Institutes of Health notes that from 5 to 30 minutes of sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. twice a week without sunscreen should be sufficient exposure for vitamin D synthesis.

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Difference Between Citric Acid & Ascorbic Acid

Citrus fruits are a good source of both ascorbic and citric acid

With both ascorbic and citric acids on so many food labels, it isn't hard to confuse the two similar, yet disparate, chemicals. The fact that you can find both in high quantities in all citrus fruits can further compound the confusion. Many think of citrus fruits as a primary source of vitamin C, so it would seem natural to associate citric acid with the essential vitamin, but the opposite is actually true: vitamin C and ascorbic acid are chemically the same.

Definition

Both ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and citric acid are weak, water-soluble crystalline acids.

Chemical Composition

The chemical compositions of both acids are extremely similar, differing in only a single oxygen atom (ascorbic acid contains six carbon atoms, eight hydrogen atoms and six oxygen atoms; citric acid contains six carbon atoms, eight hydrogen atoms and seven oxygen atoms). However, the molecular structures of these acids differ significantly. Additionally, citric acid is a crucial intermediate chemical in the Krebs cycle (the second stage in cellular metabolism that converts glucose into carbon dioxide in virtually every cell on Earth), making it essential to practically all living things.

Sources

While both are present in citrus fruits (pineapples contain citric acid as well), ascorbic acid exists naturally in tomatoes, potatoes and leafy green vegetables, such as spinach. The best sources of vitamin C include Brussels sprouts, bell peppers, kiwi fruit and broccoli (dark green vegetables are a particularly good source of ascorbic acid).

Commercial Uses

Due to ease and the low cost of manufacturing, most commercial food processors use ascorbic and citric acids as an additive and as antioxidant preservatives (they use citric acid to add a mildly sour taste to soft drinks). During food processing, most fruits and vegetables lose naturally occurring vitamin C, usually through cooking; therefore, the manufacturers add artificially produced ascorbic acid to replace what is lost. Citric acid is also a main component of many metal polishes.

Medicinal Uses

In addition to its critical role in cellular metabolism, citric acid also aids in the body's absorption of certain minerals, such as calcium (this is why calcium citrate---a combination of both calcium and citric acid---is often found in orange juice). In the past, vitamin C played a primary role in preventing scurvy; now its principal uses are as a natural antioxidant and in the prevention of cancer.

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The Best Cellulite Exercises

Cellulite is a struggle for almost all women. It does not discriminate against age, size or ethnicity. With the proper combination of exercises, you will see fantastic results in the elimination of cellulite pockets.

Cardiovascular Exercise

Cardio is one of the fastest ways to get rid of cellulite. There are a large variety of exercises that fit into this category. Running, jogging, swimming, aerobics, dancing, and bicycling are just a few options to choose from. The goal is to speed up your heart rate for an extended period of time, which will increase blood flow, burn fat and flush out body toxins, which will reduce cellulite pockets. Exercise for at least 15 minutes per day, five days a week, to start seeing results. Ultimately you will want to build up to 20 to 30 minutes, seven days per week to see maximum results.

Strength Training

Strength training and conditioning techniques help firm and tighten problem areas. Weight-lifting is a great strength training option, and remember that you do not need to use a large amount of weight. Your goal is to simply tighten problem areas. Use a leg press, with as little as 25 pounds of pressure. Try doing squats with a pair of dumbbells that weigh at least 5 lbs. each, if you don't have a leg press. Stand in an upright position, back straight, a weight in each hand, and squat down as low as you can. The goal is to bring the buttocks down to about the knees, looking like you are about to sit down on a chair. Repeat this 25 times per day, seven days a week, and gradually increase repetitions as your body builds endurance.

Isometric Exercises

Isometric exercises are basically muscle contractions, without requiring motion. This is something you can easily do while standing, sitting or lying down. Problem areas for cellulite are typically in the thighs and buttocks, so you will want to squeeze and contract the muscles in those areas and hold for a count of 20 to 30 seconds at a time. As you build up endurance, you can hold the contraction for up to a minute, release and contract again. Repeat this exercise as often as you like.

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Vitamin K Foods & Warfarin

Warfarin is a blood-thinning medication that has to be watched very carefully by your doctor so that it works the correct way.There are many foods that you have to watch out for while taking Warfarin, because certain foods will decrease the correct level of Warfarin in your blood. Read on to learn what foods and drinks to avoid or eat less of in order for your Warfarin to provide the maximum benefits.

What Is Warfarin?

Warfarin is an anticoagulant medicine used to treat or prevent harmful blood clots that may occur in the veins or the lungs. This medicine is used to reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack.

Vitamin K

Vitamin K acts as a blood-clotting agent and will prevent Warfarin from doing its job. That's why when you take Warfarin daily you must watch your intact of green leafy vegetables, which contain high amounts of vitamin K.

Moderation Is the Key to Warafin Happiness

While taking Warfarin, when you do eat foods or take vitamins containing vitamin K, you have to eat these foods in moderation--about 1/2 a cup per day. You must eat the same amount of vitamin K containing foods every day so that your Warfarin stays at the proper level.

Proper Warafin Level

To ensure the proper level of Warfarin in your blood, you may want to completely avoid vitamin K foods and vitamin supplement formulas containing vitamin K.

Vitamin K Foods

Foods that are rich in vitamin K include spinach, lettuce, kale, watercress, turnip greens and collard greens.

Other Foods and Drinks to Avoid

You also must avoid drinking green tea and consuming green tea products. Ginseng products and avocados should be avoided as well because they can increase your risk of forming blood clots.

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Vitamin B Complex Benefits

Vitamin B complex benefits refer to the benefits of the various B vitamins from thiamine (B-1) to niacin (B-3) to cobalamin (B-12). B complex vitamins are water soluble and interact with the body on different levels, providing the necessary nutrients for healthy living. Taking regular supplements helps people to reap the full benefits of vitamin B complex.

Healthy Digestion

B complex vitamins aid in the digestion and processing of glucose to energy. Since all B complex vitamins are water soluble, high amounts can aid digestion without becoming toxic. However, taking more than the recommended daily amounts can cause a stomach ache.

Increased Energy

Vitamin B-12, found in most protein sources, increases energy and helps to boost the mood. Vitamin B complex helps the body convert glucose into energy during digestion.

Stress Reduction

Due to the water soluble nature of Vitamin B complex, stress depletes the body's vitamin B unless it is maintained regularly through diet or supplement. Thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, B-6, folic acid, B-12, pantothenic acid, biotin and choline all help to calm the body and the mind by improving cell regeneration and repair.

Improved Memory

Regular vitamin B-complex supplements increase concentration and memory. Elderly patients notice a definite improvement in their ability to focus and remember when taking regular supplements. Niacin is also known as vitamin B-3 and is found in every cell of the body; depleted amounts of niacin can have a profound impact on the memory.

Healthy Development

Folic acid is an important part of a healthy pregnancy. Studies show that women who are pregnant or nursing need over 400 milligrams a day of folic acid (also known as folate) in order to promote healthy development of infants. Folic acid deficiencies can lead to growth problems and learning disabilities.

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Signs & Symptoms Of Vitamin D Toxicity

Vitamin D is necessary for humans to be healthy, but too much can cause toxicity. The Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research advises that following guidelines for vitamin supplements, and eating a well-rounded diet, keep Vitamin D below the toxic levels.

Causes

Vitamin D toxicity will only occur from excessive amounts Vitamin D. This typically occurs from an overuse of supplements. It is unlikely for someone get enough Vitamin D from diet alone to cause toxicity. (See References 1)

Symptoms

The symptoms of Vitamin D toxicity are caused by hypercalcemia, an excess of calcium. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting and anorexia. These symptoms are followed by nervousness, weakness and then renal failure. (See References 1)

Misdiagnosis

Vitamin D toxicity is often given as a wrong diagnosis. In these cases, the patient actually has a vitamin D hypersensitivity syndrome, because of primary hyperparathyroidism. (See References 2)

Prevention

To prevent Vitamin D toxicity take only the daily recommended dosage, typically 5 to 15 mcg. (See Resources 1) Excessive amounts can build up over time and lead to dangerous levels.

Treatment

The treatment for Vitamin D toxicity is to restrict the intake of calcium, fluid hydration and medication. Any use of Vitamin D supplements will be stopped. For severe cases hospitalization will be required. (See References 1)

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Use Metagenics Ultraclear

Mix well

Metagenics Ultraclear is used for the detoxification of the digestive system, specifically the liver. Many people also use this product to accelerate weight loss. Metagenics Ultraclear contains nutrients such as vitamins A, C and E as well as protein and "good" carbohydrates. This product is an option for many people who suffer from a variety of food allergies.

Instructions

1. Shake the container of Metagenics Ultraclear to loosen the powder and prevent it from clumping.

2. Pour 8 ounces of chilled purified or distilled water, or fruit juice of your choice, into a glass. You can also use 4 ounces of water and 4 ounces of juice.

3. Add 2 scoops (44 grams) of Metagenics Ultraclear to the glass. Stir well. Add ice. Drink slowly.

4. Do this twice a day for as long as your doctor recommends.

5. To make a smoothie using Metagenics Ultraclear: Combine 6 to 8 ounces of water, 2 scoops of Metagenics Ultraclear powder, 2 to 3 ice cubes and half of a banana or 2 slices of pineapple. Place all ingredients in a blender, and blend to desired consistency.

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Use Lemon Juice For Health Benefits

Use Lemon Juice for Health Benefits

Lemon juice is quite high in vitamin C. There are a lot of health benefits and ways to use lemon juice. Lemons come from a lemon tree, which originated from Asia. Lemon juice is made up of 5% of citric acid. Lemons are used in baking desserts, drinks, teas, and meals as key ingredients quite frequently. Lemon juice contains a good source of fiber and protein as well. I'll show you the health benefits of using lemon juice.

Instructions

1. Use lemon juice to treat and promote healthy skin. Lemon juice can be very effective in promoting healthy and younger looking skin. Lemon juice lightens the skin and removes dead cell skins. Lemon juice can be used to treat acne and heal wound cuts as well. Lemon juice can help stop nose bleeds. Lemon juice is rich in fruit acids, that benefit the skin. Lemon juice can be effective in reducing dark circles under eyes, because it lightens the skin. Also great at reducing blemishes on the skin. Lemon juice has antiseptic properties.

2. Use lemon juice to lose weight. Drinking lemon juice, as tough as it may be, can contribute to weight loss. The taste of lemon juice is quite strong, so I'd suggest applying a few tablespoons of lemon juice to green tea. Mix together and drink a few cups a day. Lemon juice will help boost your metabolism. Green tea is also linked to weight loss.

3. Use lemon juice for arthritis. Lemon juice can be effective in reducing arthritis and protecting the joints in the body. Two tablespoons a day dissolved into water can help reduce inflammation. Lemon juice can be a effective home remedy against kidney stones, too.

4. Use lemon juice for digestive disorders. Lemon juice helps treat and prevent heartburn. It also can help with indigestion as well. Lemon juice can be used to treat intestinal bacteria, constipation, upset stomach, and bloating. Best used when applying lemon juice with honey.

5. Use lemon juice for to treat colds and coughs. Lemon juice can reduce your fever symptoms, by reducing body temperature. Lemon juice has anti-inflammatory effects and can kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses in the body. Lemon juice can help treat tooth sores as well. Lemon juice helps boost the immune system.

6. Drinking lemon juice can lower high blood pressure and lower LDL cholesterol. Drinking lemon juice can naturally lower high blood pressure and bad cholesterol in the body. Those with heart problems should get more lemon juice, as the antioxidants help fight away diseases.

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Sources Of Vitamin B

Sources of Vitamin B

Eight vitamins make up the B-complex vitamin group. The B group keeps the skin, hair, nails, eyes, liver and mouth healthy, and it supports the nervous and immune systems to keep them functioning properly. These water-soluble vitamins work together to metabolize fats, carbohydrates and proteins to help the body convert them to energy. Vitamin B supplements are readily available, and several foods are rich in vitamin B.

B1

Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, is pivotal in the breakdown of carbohydrates into glucose to be used for energy. The nervous system depends on thiamine to function properly. Foods rich in thiamine include egg yolks, brown rice, liver, yeast, nuts, leafy green vegetables, whole-grain cereals, red meat, bread, berries, wheat germ and legumes.

B2

Riboflavin is essential for the proper function and health of the eyes, skin, nails, mouth, lips and tongue. It also has a role in the process that protects the body from free radicals that damages cells. Riboflavin is abundant in milk, eggs, cheese, peas, dark green vegetables, mushrooms, liver, enriched cereals, pasta and bread.

B3

Vitamin B3, or niacin, helps the body turn food into energy. It helps blood circulation and improves cholesterol levels. Niacin has the ability to reduce "bad" cholesterol and increase "good" cholesterol. Foods rich in niacin include high-protein foods such as meat, salmon, tuna, eggs, legumes, brewer's yeast, potatoes and peanuts.

B5

Pantothenic acid has the same role as the other B vitamins involving the metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. It supports the production of stress hormones. Pantothenic, like niacin, lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels. B5 is most abundant in whole grain cereals, legumes, meat and eggs.

B6

Pyridoxine, vitamin B6, aids in the production of red blood cells. It works with B9 and B12 to control blood levels of the amino acid homocysteine, which increases the risks of heart attack or stroke. Rich food sources of B6 include butter, liver, organ meats, brown rice, soybeans, wheat germ, spinach, avocados, bananas and whole-grain cereals.

B7

Biotin is most known for helping hair growth and strengthening fingernails. However, it has proved most effective in managing diabetes. Vitamin B7 can be found in egg yolks, brewer's yeast, peanuts, beef liver, cauliflower and mushrooms.

B9 & B12

Folic acid, vitamin B9, partners with vitamin B12 for the synthesis of DNA. It is essential in metabolizing proteins and forming hemoglobin. Folic acid helps treat anemia. Foods rich in vitamin B9 include liver, leafy green vegetables, nuts, whole grains, yeast and legumes.

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is important to the synthesis of DNA, the metabolism of food and the formation of red blood cells. Although vitamin B12 is mostly found in foods such as eggs, fish, meat, liver and milk, it's best absorbed into the body as a sublingual supplement.

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5htp Facts

You're probably most familiar with tryptophan, the ingredient in turkey that makes you want a nap after Thanksgiving dinner. But the tryptophan in 5-HTP can do much more than make you calm and sleepy. Taking 5-HTP can help control your appetite and improve your mood. For some people, it may even work as well as antidepressants.

Identification

5-HTP stands for 5-hydroxytryptophan. It's an herbal supplement made from the seeds of a West African plant called griffonia simplicifolia. It has not been evaluated by the FDA, but it is believed to help with depression, sleep disorders and weight problems. It's most commonly found in capsule form.

Function

When tryptophan is in the body, some of it is converted into hydroxytryptophan, which is then converted into serotonin and melatonin. Taking 5-HTP bypasses the first step of this process, which leads to more production of serotonin and melatonin than taking tryptophan alone. Up to 70 percent of 5-HTP will be absorbed by the blood, and it easily passes the blood-brain barrier.

Benefits

One of the major causes of depression is low serotonin levels, so boosting production of serotonin in the body by taking 5-HTP can help alleviate depression. It may work well in combination with some types of medical antidepressants, or it may be used on its own in cases of mild depression. Since it works differently from antidepressants, it may work well for those who are resistant to medications.

Low serotonin levels can bring on cravings for sugar and fats, so 5-HTP may help control appetite and binge eating.

5-HTP also produces melatonin, which is responsible for the body's sleep cycle, so 5-HTP may help promote regular sleeping patterns.

Dosage

The recommended starting dose of 5-HTP is 50 mg a day. It should be taken with food, or shortly before eating, with a full glass of water. If you see no benefit at 50 mg, this can be gradually increased. As with all herbal supplements, discuss dosage with your doctor.

The best time of day to take 5-HTP depends on what benefit you hope to gain from it. As an appetite suppressant, it should be taken about 20 minutes before meals. To regulate sleep, it should be taken about half an hour before bed. If you're taking it for depression, you may see the most benefit by taking smaller doses several times a day.

Warning

5-HTP may cause sun sensitivity; protect yourself until you know how it affects you. In some people, 5-HTP may cause a rash. It also may cause an upset stomach or constipation.

Some medications may interact adversely with 5-HTP, so as with any herbal supplement, discuss use with your doctor. In particular, SSRI antidepressants shouldn't be combined with 5-HTP. In addition, some medical conditions, such as an ulcer or liver, kidney or blood-platelet disease, may prohibit your use of 5-HTP. Pregnant or lactating women should not take 5-HTP.

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Use Himalayan Salt For The Eyes

Your eyes take abuse, so refresh them with Himalayan salt eye wash.

In today's world of computers, i-phones and television, our eyes suffer excess strain and dryness. Because of environmental factors and aging, it is important to realize the eyes need extra care to stay hydrated. According to Lee Swanson, president of Swanson Health Products, Dr. Barbara Hendel studied medicine at the Ludwig-Maximilian University in Munich, Germany, and brought to America Himalayan salt crystals and all the benefits. As Hilde F. Bschorr, owner of Himalayanlivingsalt.com, explains, "a Himalayan Salt/water solution can alleviate these problems and can even reduce impaired eye-sight due to old age, when applied regularly over a long period of time."

Instructions

1. Purchase your Himalayan salt, make-up remover, eyewash cup and glass bottles that you will need for this project. You can make your purchases online or in your local drug store or health store, the items are available at all these locations.

2. Prepare the solution by dissolving ¼ tsp. Himalayan granulated salt in 100

ml/3.4 oz of lukewarm water. If you prefer to use Himalayan salt rocks instead, follow directions on Himalayan Living Salt to make the solution, using one tsp. in 8 oz of lukewarm water. "The salt binds the water, and the eyeball regains its natural form," Bschorr explains. . "This concentration ... does not burn or sting your eyes because it equals the salt concentration of your tear fluid."

3. Remove any make-up before using the sole solution to wash your eyes. Pat your eyes dry with a towel.

4. Fill the eyewash cup approximately ½ full; hold the cup close to your eye letting no liquid escape.

5. Tip your head back letting the sole solution saturate and wash your eye. Repeatedly open and close your eye followed by rolling your eye around for several minutes.

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Negative Side Effects Of B Complex Vitamins

B complex vitamins have very few negative side effects when taken under a physician's recommendations. In fact, they are responsible for processing amino acids in the body, which promote cell growth and build the immune system. Nevertheless, if B complex vitamins are taken in too high a dose or if an allergy is present, they can have serious negative side effects.

Vitamin B1

Heart palpitations, insomnia, agitation, high blood pressure, skin eruptions and hypersensitivity can occur if B1 is taken in excess.

Vitamin B2

Overdoses of B2 can cause nausea, vomiting, fatigue, anemia and low blood pressure.

Vitamin B3 or Niacin

Taking too much B3 can cause nausea, vomiting, headaches, flushing of the skin, itchiness and a throbbing head. Try niacinamide as an alternative.

Vitamin B5

Edema, fatigue, joint pain, dehydration and depression are negative side effects of too much B5 in the system.

Vitamin B6

High doses of B6 taken over a long period of time may cause numbness and tingling in fingers and toes as well as loss of muscle coordination. Depression and mood swings have also been known to occur.

B9, or Folic Acid

Side effects of taking too much folic acid can cause kidney damage, nausea, loss of appetite and abdominal bloating.

Vitamin B12

Too much B12 will have such negative side effects as numbness or tingling in the face as well as anxiety.

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Vitamins That Help Improve Memory

Vitamins That Help Improve Memory

Neurotransmitters help transmit memories in the four-pound organ we call the brain. Bridging synaptic gaps, the chemical neurotransmitters allow information to flow from one neuron to another. Without them memories would be forever out of reach. Glucose has long been known as the brain's main fuel, but experts now believe that certain vitamins and minerals may also be key players in helping neurotransmitters to perform properly.

Vitamin B6

Although vitamin B6 should never be taken without medical supervision, the vitamin helps create such neurotransmitters as dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. According to a three-month study conducted in the Netherlands, vitamin B6 showed "modest but significant gains" in long-term memory.

Vitamin B12

Dr. Sally Stabler, an associate professor of medicine at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, claims that B12 deficiency causes short-term memory loss. Cheese, milk, yogurt and lean beef are good sources of B12. Thirty percent of people over the age of 60, however, have trouble absorbing the vitamin through food or supplements and may require B12 shots.

Thiamin and Riboflavin

Thiamin and riboflavin, other vital B vitamins, also have an impact on memory and thinking. Research by the U.S. Department of Agriculture indicated that people with normal thiamin levels had better memories than those with thiamin deficiencies. Fear, fatigue and irritability, all symptoms associated with memory loss, were also improved in people with adequate thiamin levels. In addition, people with high levels of riboflavin, also known as vitamin B2, seem to perform better on memory tests.

Lecithin and Choline

Dr. Florence Stafford, professor of gerontology at Florida International University, conducted two studies which proved that lecithin, an additive found in ice cream, margarine and mayonnaise, increases the amount of choline in the brain. Choline, a B vitamin, is ultimately a necessary ingredient for memory function. Two tablespoons a day, mixed with yogurt, applesauce or cereal will give immediate effects.

Zinc

Vitamin B6 works in conjunction with zinc as a neurotransmitter. The two work together to improve faster memory. In addition, some experts contend that Alzheimer's disease patients may have less than 50 percent of the zinc they need.

Tags: people with, Help Improve, Help Improve Memory, Improve Memory, memory loss

Prepare Vegetables To Retain Nutrients

Did you know that the way you prepare vegetables can affect their nutritional value? The greatest loss is that of vitamin C - we lose from 1/4 to 1/2 when we mash and puree vegetables. To ensure that you make the most of your veggies, follow these steps.

Instructions

1. Avoid washing or cutting vegetables before you're ready to use them.

2. Rinse quickly rather than soak.

3. Use a sharp knife when cutting fresh vegetables; bruising vegetables can deplete them of valuable vitamins.

4. Cut off only the inedible parts of vegetables. Sometimes the best nutrients are found in the skin (or just below the skin and in the leaves).

5. Avoid peeling vegetables such as potatoes and beets until after cooking.

6. Try steaming, microwaving or pressure-cooking rather than boiling, since boiling can leach out the nutrients into the water.

7. If you must boil vegetables, cook them only until crisp and with only a small amount of water.

8. Use a lid to avoid steaming away precious vitamins.

9. Avoid cutting vegetables up into small pieces. Prepare them whole, if possible.

Tags: cutting vegetables, rather than

Start An Aromatherapy Home Based Business

A home based business in aromatherapy takes a lot of hard work to start.

Aromatherapy has become a popular therapy as people dealing with stress, mood problems, and illness have sought alternative medicine options to make themselves feel better. Start an aromatherapy home based business to use the therapeutic aspects of essential oils to help people heal and feel better. Below you'll find some of the practical as well as the creative steps you'll need to take to start an aromatherapy home based business.

Instructions

1. Learn about aromatherapy. You'll need to have a nose for the business - pun intended! But you'll also need to take classes and read up. There are even distance learning opportunities to help you get acquainted with the essential oils of herbs and plants and their curative properties. Research anatomy and physiology of the human body and the effects of scents on the olfactory system, the psyche, and overall health and wellness.

2. Start your aromatherapy home based business as an online enterprise. As an aromatherapist, you can operate a small retail business on the Internet selling aromatherapy products to your customers.

3. Study other aromatherapy home based businesses on the Internet. Get a sense of the competition and learn what you want to emulate and what you want to do differently.

4. Reserve cash on hand to start up your business, or apply for a small business loan with a lending institution. $5,000-$10,000 may be enough to start, depending on your goals.

5. Purchase ingredient supplies such as essential oils and carrier oils and fillers and any necessary preservatives from an aromatherapy supplier, herbalist, or bulk essential oil distributor. Make your purchases online if there is no wholesale local retailer.

6. Decide what aromatherapy products you'll be creating, such as lotions, massage oils, balms, and soaps. Purchase appropriate bottling, labeling, and packaging supplies. Don't forget basic office supplies like shipping supplies and computer supplies.

7. Open a separate business checking account. Save all your receipts and payment records. Learn what expenses you might be able to deduct from your income taxes and keep good records of all your expenditures. Consider getting bookkeeping software.

8. Decide how you'll manage your storefront. If you don't have web designing experience, hire a website designer. Hire a web content writer with excellent SEO (search engine opitmization) skills to design your online aromatherapy store to attract customers. Figure out how you want to arrange your shopping cart and payment options for your customers.

9. Decide on a name for your business that has flair, is simple, and is memorable as well as symbolic of healing. Register a domain name as close to the name as possible. Find a website hosting service.

10. Design a logo or hire an artist to design your logo. Consider a logo that blends elegance with the appeal of nature to represent the character of the aromatherapy products you'll be marketing.

11. Develop an advertising and promotional plan to spread the word about your aromatherapy products. Advertise on the Internet, but don't neglect promotion in the "real" world.

12. When your store is ready to go live, register the URL with the search engines. After several months and making sure the store is as you want it, register your website with the Open Directory to increase website traffic.

13. Work up aromatherapy blends and prepare your different products. Spend the time to brainstorm give your products a character that is more than just a blend of essential oils. Your customers will need to believe in your products.

14. Get product labels printed, as well as business cards. Give out free samples of your aromatherapy products to local contacts and obtain testimonials to use on your website store.

15. Take out a business license in your state, and if applicable in your city and county. Check with the local authorities about any license fees and current tax laws for collecting and reporting sales tax.

16. Live, eat, and breathe your aromatherapy business for at least a year. Devote yourself to making the best aromatherapy products out there, promoting the business, and gaining a loyal customer base.

Tags: aromatherapy products, based business, essential oils, home based, home based business

Do You Need More Vitamins If You Are Less Active

Vitamins are nutrients that every human body needs in order to function properly. Physical activity can burn up certain nutrients, leading to higher vitamin requirements. But a less active lifestyle, whether by choice or physical necessity, creates different nutritional needs. Less active individuals should consume less of some kinds of vitamins, and more of others.

Types

There are two basic types of vitamins. Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the liver and fatty tissues of the body until needed. Water-soluble vitamins do not build up in the body; any amounts not used are flushed out in urine.

Identification

Vitamins D, A, E, and K are fat soluble, which means they are stored in the body, while Vitamins B6 and B12, C, biotin, folic acid, niacin, pantothenic acid, riboflavin and thiamine are water soluble, which means daily excesses are excreted. An excessive buildup of Vitamin A can lead to health problems, including adding to bone brittleness. Because people who are less active use up less Vitamin A than an active person, they should take less Vitamin A, or simply rely on a healthy diet to provide their Vitamin A needs. People who are less active need to replenish their supplies of water-soluble vitamins on a regular basis.

Considerations

Reliance on processed foods, or thorough cooking to make food more digestible for people who are elderly or ill, can eliminate useful water-soluble vitamins from foods, which makes it hard to get adequate quantities of these essential nutrients through diet alone. Less active people may need to take extra supplements of water soluble vitamins regularly to assure an adequate supply.

Misconceptions

Although Vitamin D is fat soluble, less active people may need to consume more of it, not less as with other fat soluble vitamins. This is because vitamin D plays an important daily role in aiding the body to absorb calcium. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, adults over 50 need significantly more calcium and vitamin D daily than do people under age 50 for bone health. Exercise significantly increases bone density and health. Less active people need to ensure that they consume adequate quantities of calcium and vitamin D to avoid osteoporosis and brittle bones.

Expert Insight

The Mayo Clinic's staff recommends a healthful, varied diet as the chief source of vitamins. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat meat and dairy products contain a wealth of nutritional compounds, dietary fiber, phytochemicals and antioxidants which are not found in vitamin pills. However, the Mayo Clinic advises that people who consume under 1,600 calories a day or suffer from a condition that interferes with nutrient absorption should consider taking vitamin supplements. Inactive individuals, especially elders or people who are bedridden, may not get enough nutrition from their diet, and taking supplements can be beneficial

Warnings

Elderly people often grow less active, and frequently eat much smaller portions and less diverse foods as they age. These individuals may be at significant risk for ailments caused by vitamin deficiencies. A study reported in Bio-Medicine, an online biomedical news site, found that elders diagnosed with mental health or dementia disorders may actually be suffering from vitamin B12 deficiencies due to insufficient diets. As people grow less active with age, taking more vitamin supplements may help support healthful life functions.

Tags: less active, active people, active people need, people need, adequate quantities, calcium vitamin, grow less

Test For Cfs & Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, two similar chronic health conditions, can be painful and debilitating. Unfortunately, there is no laboratory test for either of the conditions, so there is not a definitive test for them. However, in order to diagnose fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome, your doctor can evaluate diagnostic criterion based on your symptoms. Once a diagnosis is made, you and your doctor can move forward and develop a treatment plan to help you feel better and live a productive life.

Instructions

Steps to Find Out if You Have CFS or Fibromyalgia

1. Start recording all of your symptoms in a journal. For at least a week, continuously, record what symptoms you experience, such as fatigue, along with what time you experience the symptoms and other pertinent details, such as your emotions or dietary patterns.

2. In your journal, draw a picture of yourself. It does not have to be detailed; simply draw an outline of your entire body, one version from the front and another from the back. Next, if you have pain in your muscles, mark a dot in that area. These dots will help the doctor make a diagnosis.

3. Set up an appointment with your regular physician. Bring your symptom journal. You may need to ask for a referral to a specialist, such as a rheumatologist, if your doctor does not feel confident enough in his experiences with fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome to make a diagnosis.

4. Bring your medical history to your doctor to review at your appointment. This, along with your symptoms, drawings and any medical tests will allow the doctor to make a diagnosis.

5. Your doctor may want to take blood test or urine samples to rule out other health diseases. Get all the tests your doctor recommends as they can be used to determine a diagnosis and treatment plan.

Tags: your doctor, chronic fatigue, chronic fatigue syndrome, fatigue syndrome, make diagnosis, your symptoms, along with

Negative Side Effects Of Vitamins

People often take vitamins to feel better and to make sure that the body is getting proper nutrients. Vitamins are good for the body but sometimes can cause side effects even when taking the proper dosage. Some side effects may go away during use as the body gets used to the vitamin. If some side effects become worrisome, discontinue use and talk with your physician.

Calcium

Some people who take calcium can experience drowsiness, and calcium deposits can build-up within the tissue throughout the body causing a false positive for cancer during X-ray exams.

Folic Acid

Taking too much folic acid, 15 mg or more daily, can cause a person to have a loss of appetite, nausea, interference with sleep and can interfere in detecting a vitamin B12 deficiency.

Iron

Taking 25 mg of Iron or more daily can cause intestinal upset, loss of appetite, as well as toxic build-up in the heart, liver, and pancreas.

Niacin (B3)

Niacin is known to cause a person to flush, feel nauseous or vomit, and experience headaches. People with liver disease should not use Niacin.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A causes side effects like nausea, vomiting, headache and drowsiness that may go away as the body becomes used to taking the vitamin.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C can cause a person to experience nausea, diarrhea, and flatulence.

Tags: side effects, cause person, daily cause, loss appetite, more daily, more daily cause

Take Vitamin K For Dark Circles

Take Vitamin K for Dark Circles

Dark circles under the eyes can indicate allergies, sleeplessness, dehydration and, unfortunately, aging. As we age, the padding beneath our eyes begins to thin, contributing to the look of dark, sunken circles. While there are many home remedies to reduce eye swelling and allergy treatments that can reduce the look of dark circles, the best way to treat dark circles caused by aging is to take Vitamin K.

Instructions

1. Include antioxidant and Vitamin K rich foods in your diet. Antioxidants help heal cell damage and repair damaged skin. Vitamin K helps with blood coagulation and circulation. Since both damaged skin and poor circulation can increase the appearance of dark circles, eating foods like broccoli, carrots, cabbage, spinach and strawberries can lighten the circles under your eyes.

2. Take a Vitamin K supplement or a multivitamin that includes Vitamin K. A daily vitamin can help to reduce overall skin discoloration. The daily recommended dosage of Vitamin K is 80mg for adult males and 65mg for adult females.

3. Purchase a moisturizing eye cream that contains Vitamin K. To successfully strengthen the capillary walls and reduce the visibility of blood vessels through the thin skin under your eye, Vitamin K-based eye products should contain at least 5 percent of the vitamin.

4. Apply the cream nightly. Rub it gently into the skin around and underneath your eyes.

5. Treat dark circles that don't respond to Vitamin K-based eye creams with a combination of products. Studies have shown that using a combination of retinol (Vitamin A) and Vitamin K is more beneficial than Vitamin K alone. Use the retinol by itself every other night and the Vitamin K cream every night.

6. Be patient. You may see some immediate improvement in the reduction of lines and wrinkles, but it can take up to a month to see lightening of the dark circles.

Tags: dark circles, Take Vitamin, circles under, damaged skin, look dark

Apply Vitamin B5 To The Scalp

B5 applied directly to the scalp can help with hair loss.

Vitamin B5 is commonly used to help with the body's digestion, hair health and acne issues. This vitamin can be introduced to the body through different types of food, such as milk, broccoli, yeast, eggs and lean beef. B5 also comes in a vitamin pill or liquid form, which can be taken and used to help improve B5 deficiencies. Also known as pantothenic acid, B5 can be applied directly to the scalp to encourage hair growth and reduce the amount of acne found on it.

Instructions

1. Pour one tablespoon of the liquid vitamin B5 into the palm of your hand. Rub both of your hands together, spreading the vitamin over the entire palm.

2. Start at the base of your neck and rub your hands upward covering the scalp with the B5 on your hands.

3. Add more liquid B5 to your hands and start rubbing your hands from the temples toward the back of your scalp.

4. Use more liquid B5 and start rubbing your hands from the hairline at the forehead toward the back of your head.

5. Repeat these steps several times until your entire scalp is covered with liquid vitamin. Leave the vitamin B5 on your scalp for 15 to 20 minutes and then rinse out thoroughly.

Tags: your hands, applied directly, applied directly scalp, back your, directly scalp, hands from, help with

Buy Citric Acid Powder

Citric acid powder is used to prevent discoloration in canned fruits and vegetables.

Citric acid powder is used in food preparation and canning, pharmaceuticals and water softening. The most common home use is in preventing discoloration in canned fruits and vegetables. Citric acid occurs naturally in many fruits and vegetables, with higher concentrations in lemons and limes. Citric acid should not be confused with ascorbic acid, contained in many vitamin C tablets.

Instructions

1. Decide how much citric acid you need. If you are canning, you will need approximately 1 tbsp. for every gallon of water needed for canning, not counting the water used in the canner itself.

2. Check your local supermarket. During the normal canning season, many supermarkets carry powdered citric acid in the canning section of the store.

3. Check with your local pharmacy. Many full service drug stores and pharmacies carry powdered citric acid year round. You may have to ask at the prescription counter because it may be kept behind the counter and not on the open store shelves.

4. Check your local health food store or natural vitamin shop. Both carry citric acid, in pill or bulk form.

5. Buy citric acid powder in bulk from a supplier such as Bulk Foods. (See the Resource section for website link.) Citric acid is available in 1-, 5- and 50-lb. quantities. It can also be purchased from online retailers.

Tags: acid powder, fruits vegetables, your local, acid powder used, canned fruits

Extract Oil From Rose Hips

After your lovely roses finish blooming, you might notice fairly large "pods" developing where the flowers once stood. These are called rose hips, and they are a popular ingredient in herbal tea blends because of their good taste and high vitamin C content. In addition to being a nutritious food, rose hips also contain an oil called rosa mosqueta that is beneficial for the skin when you need to treat scars, eczema, burns, dry skin and wrinkles. You can extract some of the oil at home by making a classic herbal oil from the rose hips.

Instructions

Extracting Oil From Rose Hips

1. Collect fresh rose hips in fall after your first frost if you want to use fresh rose hips for your oil. If it's more convenient to purchase dried rose hips, they are acceptable for making into oil as well. Pick or purchase enough rose hips to fill a quart jar about one-third full.

2. Rinse your rose hips to remove any dirt or unwanted plant material. Set them on a kitchen towel and allow them to dry for about one hour, and then slice them in half lengthwise.

3. Fill the canning jar about one-third full with rose hips and then fill it to the top with the carrier oil of your choice. Olive oil, almond oil and grapeseed oil are acceptable oils, all of which are beneficial for the skin.

4. Transfer the rose hips and oil to a crock-pot or non-metallic baking dish. Pyrex works well, but be sure your dish has a snug-fitting lid. Preheat your oven to its lowest temperature, usually 150 or 170 degrees Fahrenheit. Allow your mixture to slowly cook for three hours. An alternate method, which uses no gas or electricity, is to place your covered canning jar in the sun for one week to 10 days, depending on the temperature: the warmer the days, the less time it takes for the oil to extract from the rose hips.

5. Strain your oil mixture after it cools by pouring it through a sieve. If you line the sieve with cheesecloth or a nylon stocking, these materials will filter out small pieces of the hips.

6. Add one teaspoon of vitamin E oil to each quart of finished oil. It will serve as a natural preservative and will also benefit your skin.

7. Store your finished oil in a tightly sealed glass jar in a cool, dark place, such as under your kitchen sink. Or bottle it in small glass bottles with dropper tops for ease of use and gift-giving. Label the contents and include the date. For long-term storage, keep your rose hips oil in the refrigerator.

Tags: rose hips, rose hips, about one-third, about one-third full, beneficial skin, fresh rose

Use Obagi Vitamin C Serum

Obagi is a professional-grade vitamin C serum designed to target free radicals on the surface of the skin. Free radicals are unpaired molecules that cause destruction on our skin resulting in faster aging. Thankfully, many vitamins such as vitamin C fight free radical damage both internally and externally. Obagi products penetrate deep into the skin and reduce inflammation. Obagi has a few different vitamin C serums made for various skin types. The dry skin formula contains 10 percent vitamin C, normal skin formula has 15 percent and the sensitive skin formula has 5 percent. They also have a very highly concentrated serum with 20 percent vitamin C.

Instructions

1. Test a small section of skin on your face or neck. Apply only a dab on this area and wait twenty minutes to see how your skin reacts. You may notice some mild tingling, but nothing serious. If you have any reaction other than mild tingling that is uncomfortable or causes skin irritation, do not use Obagi vitamin C serum.

2. Wash your face with a mild cleanser. Honey or aloe based cleansers are very soothing to the skin. There are other cleansers made specifically mild for sensitive skin. It is best to use a cleanser that does not irritate. Be sure to rinse thoroughly and get off all the grime.

3. Moisturize your skin as you normally would. Use a gentle moisturizer that is calming for your skin. Aloe Vera gel also works well as a moisturizer. Wait a few minutes after moisturizing before applying the vitamin C serum.

4. For best results apply a thin layer of the serum to areas you want to target most like your forehead, smile lines and crows feet. If your skin can tolerate it, you can also apply the serum all over your face.

5. Go to sleep with the serum on your face. Wake up to a fresher complexion.

Tags: your face, your skin, skin formula, formula percent, mild tingling, percent vitamin

Pack For Airport Security

Pack for Airport Security

Packing for air travel became utterly confusing after the horrible events of 9/11. Officials made many changes to what you may bring in carry-on bags or pack in your luggage. In the years following the attacks of 9/11, a number of these initial post-9/11 airport security rules changed, leaving many air travelers confused. Follow these steps to know pack when you travel by air.

Instructions

1. Carry on toiletries and liquids in travel-sized bottles. To carry on, you must place each liquid in a 3.4 ounce or less container. All your containers must fit into one, quart-sized, clear, resealable baggie. And you may only carry on one baggie per passenger. Find exceptions, such as medications, on the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) website.

2. Check or carry on such electronic devices as cell phones, cameras, camcorders, laptops, pagers and personal data assistants (PDA's). Make sure you pack undeveloped film and cameras housing undeveloped film in carry-on bags, as checked baggage screening damages film.

3. Pack your semi-sharp personal items in either carry-on or checked baggage. Such items, which previously were banned in carry-on bags but are no longer, include nail clippers and files, tweezers, knitting needles and scissors with blades shorter than four inches.

Vitamin E For Dogs With Hip Dysplasia

Misaligned dysplastic hip

Hip dysplasia is a common, inherited form of arthritis that worsens as dogs grow and age. Normally, the ball-shaped top of a dog's leg bone fits snugly and rotates smoothly within the hip socket. In hip dysplasia, the "ball and socket" don't fit together, and the joint becomes inflamed. Your dog may limp, move stiffly or avoid using the hip. Vitamin E supplements may reduce your dog's joint pain.

Benefits

Corrective surgery for hip dysplasia is invasive and not always successful, and some dogs can't tolerate anti-inflammatory medications or injections. While not a cure, vitamin E is a non-invasive alternative.

Canine nutritionist Steve Brown and Doctors Foster and Smith of pet education.com advocate daily vitamin E supplements for dogs. Veterinarian R.M. Clemmons calls vitamin E, "a potent anti-inflammatory drug," with "no known side-effect at levels less than 4000 IU per day."

Potential Hazards

Iditarod Veterinary Center (IVC) recommends supplementing cautiously with Vitamin E because it may cause nausea and is stored in your dog's body fat along with vitamins A and K. Long-term use of vitamin E supplements containing vitamin A could lead to vitamin A overdose and toxicity.

Excessive vitamin E intake may result in canine bleeding disorders. IVC warns that giving dogs too much Vitamin E may interfere with absorption of vitamin K, which aids blood clotting. According to veterinarian R.M. Clemmons, vitamin E reduces platelet function and prolongs bleeding time.

Forms of Vitamin E

According to canine nutrition expert Steve Brown, the two types of vitamin E--tocopherol and tocotrienol--each have alpha, beta, gamma, and delta forms. IVC recommends supplementing dogs with alpha-tocopherol, the most biologically active. Because forms vary in potency and function, Brown states dogs need all eight.

Brown's research indicates commercial dog foods contain only alpha-tocopherol. He advocates using "full spectrum" vitamin E supplements or adding finely chopped egg, sunflower seeds, Brazil nuts, pecans or walnuts, broccoli or romaine lettuce to your dog's food.

Combine with C

While denying vitamins E and C prevent or cure canine hip dysplasia, Cargill and Thorpe-Vargas state, "if taken daily and consistently, they can reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms without detrimental side effects." Vitamin C helps dogs absorb and recycle vitamin E, says veterinarian R.M. Clemmons.

According to pet education.com, dogs eat vitamin C or their bodies produce it, then use it for bone and joint formation. Little is stored. Stressed or diseased canines require more vitamin C than they can produce, Clemmons found. To avoid side effects associated with ascorbic acid, Cargill and Thorpe-Vargas recommend supplementing with Polyascorbate, another form of vitamin C.

Add Selenium

Canine nutrition expert Steve Brown found that the more selenium eaten, the less vitamin E dogs need. This is beneficial for avoiding potential hazards of over-supplementation. Ideal supplements for canine hip dysplasia contain selenium as well as all eight forms of vitamin E and the Polyascorbate form of vitamin C. Selenium can also be obtained from eggs or Brazil nuts.

Tags: Steve Brown, vitamin supplements, Brazil nuts, canine dysplasia, Cargill Thorpe-Vargas

Extended Breastfeeding & Weight Loss

Get tips for extended breastfeeding and weight loss.

Many women wonder about extended breastfeeding and weight loss. It is common for many nursing moms to lose weight from the extra calories burned by producing breast milk. Some mothers have trouble losing weight while breastfeeding and are curious about effectively achieve weight loss without affecting their milk supply.

Breastfeeding Burns Extra Calories

Breastfeeding burns 500 extra calories each day

Many expectant mothers are happy when they learn that breastfeeding burns an extra 200 to 500 calories each day. This makes it easy for some mothers to lose weight in the postpartum period. It only takes a deficit of 500 calories a day to lose one pound each week, so for some mothers all it takes is breastfeeding and eating well.

Dieting While Breastfeeding

Nursing mothers should never consume fewer than 1500 to 1800 calories a day, with most doctors recommending women stay at the higher end of this range. Fad diets, diet pills and fasts are never recommended during breastfeeding as they can cause a drop in milk supply and quality. The best bet for nursing mothers is to eat healthy, unprocessed foods, limit sugar intake, drink lots of water, take a multivitamin and exercise. This, along with breastfeeding, will ensure that mothers are healthy and will contribute to weight loss.

Exercise While Nursing

Exercise can be healthy for nursing moms

Some myths about exercise and breastfeeding may make mothers cautious. Many women are told that exercise will cause a buildup of lactic acid in breast milk and cause the baby to refuse the breast. Recent studies at the Department of Animal and Nutritional Sciences University of New Hampshire has shown that this is untrue, finding that even after intense exercise, lactic acid levels are only moderately increased and babies do not nurse any differently. Other times, mothers are told that exercising will cause their milk to dry up. There is no evidence to support this myth. As long as a mother is eating well and drinking enough water, milk supply should not change.

Extended Breastfeeding Helps Weight Loss and Health

Studies at the Centre for Health and Society, Institute of Preventive Medicine have shown that mothers that breastfeed longer than six months lose more weight than mothers who formula feed. On top of that, mothers who practice extended breastfeeding have a decreased risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer. Mothers who breastfeed longer than eight months also benefit from bone re-mineralisation. A 2009 study at the University of Pittsburgh showed that breastfeeding at least two years lowers the risk of coronary heart disease by 23 percent.

Diet Suggestions for Nursing Moms

Along with the 1500 to 1800 calories required by nursing mothers, there are some other important diet guidelines to follow. It's recommended that breastfeeding mothers continue taking a prenatal vitamin after pregnancy. Nursing moms need 25 extra grams of protein per day and should drink more than eight glasses of water daily. Mothers should limit caffeine intake and avoid alcohol. Nursing mothers should educate themselves on which types of fish are safe or unsafe during breastfeeding. The following fish are low in mercury and can be eaten freely: salmon, shrimp, prawn, rainbow trout, Atlantic mackerel and sole. Other fish have moderate amounts of mercury and should be consumed only once or twice a month: canned tuna, Albacore tuna, cod, bass, halibut, lake trout and sablefish. Fish that should be avoided in nursing mothers are bigeye tuna, shark, marlin and swordfish.

Tags: extra calories, milk supply, that breastfeeding, that mothers, weight loss

Pure Vitamin C For Dogs

Vitamin C is a popular supplement.

Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is a popular supplement. However, it is naturally produced by a dog's body. In general, a dog does not require supplementation except under special circumstances.

Production

A healthy dog's liver produces Vitamin C.

A healthy dog's liver produces Vitamin C at the rate of 18 mg per pound of body weight per day. Therefore, administering ascorbic acid in the form of a supplement may be redundant. Additional chemicals are produced as byproducts of Vitamin C production. When supplements are given, secondary chemicals are not produced in a dog's body.

Research

Medical studies are based on the human body.

Existing research on Vitamin C is based on medical studies of the human body. Canine benefit is assumed.

Considerations

A dog's intetestinal tract may be irritated by Vitamin C.

If too much Vitamin C is present, it may cause intestinal irritation. The tolerance level for a large dog is 3000 mg. Diarrhea and flatulence are immediate symptoms.

Indications

Vitamin C should only be administered to target a specific problem, rather than routine supplementation. Cancer or infection are examples. Consult a veterinarian before administering supplements. Treat the vitamin as a medication, rather than a dietary supplement.

Dosage

Dogs under the age of two receive a smaller dose.

If Vitamin C is recommended, recommended dosage is 250 mg twice daily for dogs under the age of two. The dosage is doubled for dogs older than two.

Tags: ascorbic acid, chemicals produced, healthy liver, healthy liver produces, human body, liver produces

Body Wrap Weight Loss

Weight Loss

Body wraps induce inch loss by reducing excess water weight and releasing toxins from the body. Basically, they make you sweat. Some body wraps are designed to rid the body of toxins. Others are designed for weight loss.

Background

In use for centuries, body wraps are typically performed in high-end salons or spas; however, they can also be used at home. In the past few decades, modern health centers and clinics have added body wraps and body treatments to their services for clients. These include body wraps for inch loss and detoxification, as well as a relaxation aid.

Body wraps can help you lose weight, achieve inch loss, detoxify the skin of impurities and tone the skin. They also aid in the reduction of cellulite and give skin a more toned appearance. Some people use body wraps to relieve pain from injury or illness. Infrared heat body wraps burn calories, and are believed to offer some relief from joint and muscle pain.

Types of Body Wraps

There are generally two main types of body wraps. One is mainly for detoxification, and is usually an herbal body wrap. With this body wrap, the goal is to rid the body of toxins and impurities. The other body wrap is mainly for weight loss. With this wrap, the goal is to achieve rapid inch loss so you will look and feel slimmer. Still other body wraps focus on a combination of the two. Most call for an herbal and mineral mixture to be applied prior to the body wrap.

The types of body wrap solutions include herbal combinations, detoxifying clays and minerals, seaweed, collagen, lipase and aloe vera. Newer versions even incorporate infrared heat. Some brand names of infrared body wraps are Thermojet Morfologic, Sudatonic and Formostar. In most body wraps, you will be covered with the chosen solution and then wrapped from head to toe. However, you may opt for a targeted body wrap for specific areas such as waist or thighs.

Two of the most well-known spas/salons that offer professional esthetician body wraps are Suddenly Slender and Merle Norman.

Additionally, many independent salons and spas offer body wraps and body treatments. Body wraps in a spa or salon typically run from $80 to $150. The advantage of having a trained esthetician performing the body wrap is that this individual should be certified and has completed a training program. Home body wrap kits are available from various suppliers on the Internet or in retail stores at a reduced price from the salon rate.

Potential & Precautions

Proponents of body wraps say that they can help tone skin, decrease the appearance of cellulite, increase metabolism, detox the body, burn calories and promote inch and weight loss.

The potential to assist in detox from drugs, nicotine and other chemicals from cigarette usage is largely unexplored. Psychological potential might be to increase self esteem, promote relaxation and build confidence. Additionally, others claim the infrared body wrap treatments ease joint and muscle pain, while reducing up to 1,400 calories per session.

As with any body treatment, there may be some side effects from adverse reactions. Consult your healthcare provider before use if you are currently taking medications or suffering from an illness.

Tags: body wrap, body wraps, inch loss, body wraps, weight loss, body toxins, body treatments

Vitamins For Appetite Stimulation

Several vitamins stimulate the appetite.

Many diseases, conditions and circumstances can cause lack of appetite. Unfortunately, lack of appetite can cause denial of the body's need for nutrients. This is especially detrimental when the lack of appetite is due to a disease, since nutrients from food help shore up the body's defense system. Fortunately there are several vitamins which, when taken as a supplement or in a food, can help promote a healthy appetite. Consult your medical professional before beginning any supplement regimen.

Vitamin A

A prolonged loss of appetite can lead to a deficiency in several vitamins and minerals, but deficiency in a few specific vitamins can, ironically, help prolong a loss of appetite until they are replenished. The first of these is vitamin A.

Primarily locked in fatty foods like egg yolks and butter, vitamn A increases skin renewal time and improves eyesight. More importantly, vitamin A plays a crucial role in DNA's communication to the body in the creation of new cells. When vitamin A is low, the body's communication network breaks down and less energy is used. This can contribute to loss of appetite, as the body feels like its energy demands are lower. This can be remedied by taking Vitamin A in a pill or as part of a multivitamin.

Vitamin B-6

In cases of extreme illness or immunodeficiency such as AIDS or certain types of cancer, a vitamin B-6 deficiency may be the cause of loss of appetite. Loss of appetite due to a deficiency in B-6 vitamins is usually coupled with nervousness, irritability and insomnia. Similar to vitamin A, vitamin B-6 deficiency causes a breakdown in cell production, this time in the immune system, causing fewer defense cells to form. This can have deadly consequences as a weakened immune system can have trouble fighting off otherwise easily defeated illnesses like the cold, the flu or strep throat. Vitamin B-6 can be administered by itself as an oral medication, but is also administered as a subdermal injection or as part of a B-Complex supplement.

Vitamin B-3

Vitamin B-3, also known as niacin, is an aid in converting food into glucose which fuels cell production and upkeep. B-3 also regulates circulation and blood cholesterol levels. A deficiency in this vitamin can cause jaundice, diarrhea, fatigue and depression along with a loss of appetite brought on by the body's inability to break down food as it comes in. A deficiency in B-3 can be remedied through supplements and in extreme cases by a high dose subdermal injection. The University Of Maryland Medical Center notes that "In the United States, alcoholism is the prime cause of vitamin B3 deficiency."

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What Noncitrus Fruits & Vegetables Contain Vitamin C

Fruits are rich in Vitamin C.

The human body needs a constant supply of Vitamin C, which is a water soluble vitamin. Water solubility means that the vitamin cannot be stored as fat for later use, but must be passed out through the urinary or excretory systems. Citrus fruit, including oranges, grapefruit, lemons and limes, are popular sources of Vitamin C. But you can get your Vitamin C from non-citrus fruits and vegetables as well.

Vitamin C Storage and Consumption

Vitamin C content depends on the species of a fruit, climate, and maturity. Excessive heat or cold exposure impairs Vitamin C. A young fruit or vegetable carries less Vitamin C than a riper one. In food preparation, one has to be mindful when heating and boiling vegetables since most Vitamin C compounds (ascorbic acid) get lost that way. Also, the freezing and thawing processes lower amounts of Vitamin C by 25-50%. It is best to consume fruit in its natural state with skin intact, since cutting skin removes essential vitamin content.

Vitamin C's Importance

Vitamin C's functions are indispensable to health and survival. It repairs cells, tissues, bones, skin and cartilage; stimulates growth and regeneration; helps create antibodies which shield the immune system and fight disease; and detoxifies the body from free radicals which are chemicals released as a by-product in metabolism. Bleeding gums, weakened tooth enamel, slow body repair, easy bruising, dehydrated and discolored skin, nosebleeds, anemia, brittle hair, and swollen joints are tell-tale signs of Vitamin C deficiency. The FDA advises a daily Vitamin C intake of 2,000 mg.

Non-citrus Fruit Containing Vitamin C

Non-citrus fruit abundant in Vitamin C include plums, grapes, berries, pineapple, tomato, watermelon, avocado, pear, apple, guava, and mango.

Vegetables Rich in Vitamin C

Tomato, carrot, celery and bell pepper contain Vitamin C.

Vegetables containing excellent sources of Vitamin C are cauliflower, parsley, broccoli, bell pepper, onion, kale, mustard green, Brussels sprouts, carrots, green peas, potato, celery, lettuce, cucumbers, leeks, turnip, asparagus, beets, yam, and corn.

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Where To Get Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil has grown in popularity over the years. It seems to be the natural oil world's jack-of-all-trades. It has the capability to increase the beauty of your skin by hydrating, smoothing and increasing its clarity. As a bonus it can also moisturize and smooth the shaft of hair follicles. Lately it has also been discussed as a reliable alternate fuel source.

Native Americans and the Jojoba Shrub

Native Americans are the first people credited with discovering the many uses of the jojoba shrub. In times of dire food shortages, they ate the shrub, which was plentiful in the western United States and northwest Mexico. The jojoba shrub acted as an appetite depressant and replenished vital vitamins B and E that the Native Americans were missing in their diets during times of famine.

They also used the shrub medicinally to cure kidney and liver ailments. And of course, the Native Americans used it on their skin and hair for increased hydration and softness.

Jojoba Today

In modern times, jojoba oil is often added to skincare products because it can moisturize without clogging pores. It is also added to many hair care products for a similar reason. Jojoba oil does not add build-up on the scalp, and in fact it helps to rid hair of leftover residue from other products.

However, pure jojoba oil on its own is still used and may be a better option for those with sensitive skin. When added to other products it can lessen its effectiveness and sometime cause an unappealing reaction.

Health Food Stores

Health food stores like Central Market and Whole Foods carry organic and all-natural food products. They also usually have high expectations for how their providers ethically and sustainably produce their particular products. More and more companies are also attempting to make everything all the way down to the packaging environmentally friendly.

The quality of jojoba oil is likely to be higher at health food stores because expectations are so high for their customers. Pure jojoba oil is golden color. If it's not, then it may have been refined several times over or may contain mineral oil or isopropyl alcohol.

Vitamin Stores

Vitamin stores such as GNC and Vitamin Shoppe sometimes have a small area in their stores that do not fall into the category of vitamin supplements. You can occasionally find jojoba oil in these miscellaneous sections. It seems logical that the vitamin E- and B-filled jojoba oil would be sold in these small specialty stores.

Online

If the purity of the jojoba oil, a variety of choices, and convenience are all equally important, then the best option is to shop online. Drugstore.com and Healthsuperstore.com are two sites that carry several versions, also ranging in prices.

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