Taking a daily multivitamin is generally enough for most people to maintain a fairly healthy state. However, sometimes conventional health is not enough. While there is no magic vitamin that will make you taller or smaller in stature, you can use vitamins to increase two popular sizes: bust size and muscle size.
Instructions
1. Keep the skin of your decolletage healthy using topical vitamins. Breast size has a lot to do with the condition of your skin. Smooth, firm breasts are a result of smooth, . Vitamin E oil and a vitamin C anti-aging cream can firm the skin on your breasts and make them appear larger and more supple, according to lisashea.com, the website of naturalist Lisa Shea.
2. Make sure you are getting sufficient doses of vitamins C, E and A. These vitamins contribute to the appearance of fat in your skin and help your body produce collagen to keep skin looking firm and taut. Since your breasts are made of fatty tissue, having plenty of collagen in your skin is vital to keeping them looking large and to making them appear--or even be--bigger and perkier. Vitamin C also increases the effectiveness of any workout, which means bigger, better muscles.
3. Enhance the effectiveness of your weightlifting workouts with all the B vitamins. Bodybuilders take large doses of vitamins B12, B3 and B1. They react with high protein diets to create larger muscle mass, according to the bodybuilding website GetBig.com.
4. Be sure to get enough vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential to immune system function, but it also impacts the absorption of calcium. You need strong bones to support larger muscles, so vitamin D is essential if you are working to change your body size from a muscular perspective.
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One of the many health applications of cucumber is the treatment of eczema.
The high water content of cucumber, coupled with its rich vitamin profile including its high concentrations of vitamins A, C, calcium and folate, makes cucumber a popular and highly beneficial natural healing tool. Botanically speaking, cucumbers are fruits-a type of melon-and are related to zucchini, watermelon and squash. Like its relatives, it is rich in antioxidants and has powerful health benefits, including the treatment of eczema through detoxification of the skin and organs.
Cucumber Juice
The health benefits of cucumber juice, particularly raw cucumber juice, have been attributed to healing and treatment of skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema, as well as systemic disorders like stomach issues, high blood pressure and ulcers. The nutritional benefits of cucumber juice stem from the vitamins and minerals contained in the fruit, which lend it anti-inflammatory properties useful in the treatment of eczema.
Cucumber Smoothies
Using cucumber as an ingredient in smoothies can help further integrate the fruit into your diet, allowing you to reap the benefits of the juice without having to drink the juice plain. Additionally, combining cucumber with other fruits and vegetables allows the nutrients to work in tandem, helping the body absorb the vitamins and minerals better.
Raw Cucumber
Eating raw cucumber is especially helpful to eczema treatments when the skin is included, though most cucumbers sold in grocery stores have been treated with a wax to increase shine and must be peeled to remove the waxy buildup. Buying organic cucumbers can often solve this problem, as can growing your own cucumbers for treatment. The rich deposits of vitamin A in the cucumber skin are worth the extra cost or time involved in buying or growing organic.
Cucumber Skin Creams
Creating cucumber skin creams or pastes in your blender can save money on professional creams and give you the opportunity to take advantage of the cooling properties of the fruit. Mix the cucumber juice with milk to cleanse and cool the skin, or blend the cucumber to create a mush that you apply to affected areas. There are hundreds of recipes for cucumber lotions, tonics, creams and pastes, each with different benefits and healing properties.
Cucumber Slices
One of the simplest ways to enjoy the benefits of cucumbers is through simple cucumber slices. Applying the slices directly to allows the ascorbic and caffeic acids to reduce inflammation and redness. Likewise, eating cucumber slices can help you absorb the nutrients from the inside out, allowing the vitamins and minerals to treat not only eczema, but help with other ailments as well.
There are 13 essential vitamins including vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin A and vitamin K.
Vitamins are essential to healthy human life. Some vitamins are fat-soluble, which are stored in fatty tissues; while other vitamins are water-soluble, which are used immediately or excreted in the urine. As a man ages, his body's needs change, and he becomes increasingly at risk for vitamin deficiencies which may lead to serious symptoms including mental decline. Taking vitamins can enhance overall health after the age of 60.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin belonging to a family of compounds called "tocopherols." According to AARP, tocopherols are power antioxidants which support healthy immune function; maintain healthy skin and eyes and reduce the risk of cancers such as prostate, lung and gastrointestinal. Vitamin E supplementation in older patients can boost immune function, thereby lowering the risk of infections. Additional benefits include reduced fatigue, liver protection, enhanced memory retention and pain relief due to the vitamin's anti-inflammatory properties. Vitamin E may also lower the risk of developing Parkinson's and enable diabetics to process insulin more efficiently. Additionally, according to a 2002 report from epidemiologists involved with a Dutch study in the 1990s, high vitamin E intake lowers the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin which supports the production of red blood cells, DNA and healthy nerve cells. According to the Mayo Clinic, the elderly are at the highest risk of becoming deficient in this essential vitamin. A B12 deficiency can cause psychiatric symptoms and neurological abnormalities such as muscle weakness, mood swings, shaky movements, dementia, low blood pressure and vision problems. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms may emerge with B12 levels that are just below normal levels.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D can be obtained from eggs, milk and fish, and is produced by the skin upon exposure to sunlight. Vitamin D aids the body in absorbing calcium for optimal bone health; thus, vitamin D may reduce the likelihood of developing osteoporosis, certain cancers and autoimmune diseases, osteomalacia (muscular and bone weakness) and high blood pressure. According to the Mayo Clinic, the elderly are among those at high risk for developing vitamin D deficiency. According to AARP, elderly men with low vitamin D levels are at greatly increased risk of having memory problems, attention deficits and problems with logic
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A doctor may instruct you to either raise or lower your intake of vitamins A and C for various reasons. Research is still being done on whether an excess amount of Vitamin C could be detrimental to your health. It has been confirmed already that overloads of Vitamin A could be bad for you. On the other hand, it is important to have adequate amounts of both vitamins in your daily diet.
Oranges
Oranges provide you with high amounts of vitamins A and C.
Oranges are an excellent source of both vitamins A and C. The classic image of drinking orange juice when you are sick is there for a reason --- it contains massive amounts of vitamin C, which boosts your immune system. Vitamin A also helps you in fighting off infections. By combining the two, the orange is a powerhouse against anything trying to attack your body. There have even been studies done that proved that oils extracted from the orange peel help prevent certain kinds of cancer. With countless health benefits, oranges offer the ideal healthy snack.
Carrots
Among other health benefits, carrots provide you with healthy levels of vitamins A and C.
Carrots are another vegetable with high levels of vitamin A and C. Carrots contain massive quantities of carotene, which your body converts into vitamin A. Carrots are a cornucopia of vitamins and minerals that are great for your body. While they contain lower amounts of Vitamin C than oranges, they still have enough for the daily amount in a normal serving.
Green Vegetables
Green vegetables provide an abundance of your daily nutritional needs.
Green vegetables, such as spinach, kale, or broccoli also contains vitamins A and C, though not in as high quantities as oranges. Most green vegetables also provide you with a good amount of iron as well, which is another important part of your diet. Keeping a steady stream of vitamins A and C in your diet is easy with healthy eats such as green vegetables.
Potatoes
Potatoes provide some levels of vitamins A and C for your body.
If you are trying to cut down on the amount of Vitamin A and C in your body, you should know that potatoes contain very little Vitamin A and less Vitamin C than other foods. Most of the Vitamin C within potatoes is located within the skin, so removing that and only eating the "meat" of the potato --- which most people do --- can help if you are attempting to lower your Vitamin C levels.
Nuts
Nuts provide you with vitamin A but not vitamin C.
Nuts provide some vitamin A but have little to no traces of vitamin C within them. Nuts are a great source of nutrition, providing you with lots of calories, and they're packed with Vitamin A. Different types of nuts will offer varying levels of vitamins, so speak with your doctor about specific kinds that would be best for you.
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At only 52 calories per cup, the carrot is a healthy food staple full of the building blocks needed to sustain a healthy lifestyle. Carrots contain vitamin K, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B, and a host of other vitamins and nutrients, but it is vitamin A which is most associated with the upkeep of overall night vision.
Vitamin A
The typical one cup serving of carrots contains an impressive 686.3 percent of your daily needs for vitamin A. Vitamin A is an important nutrient needed to maintain the immune system and to keep skin young and healthy. It is also a vitamin that helps keep eyes and vision healthy. In carrots, vitamin A comes from the chemicals that give carrots their orange color, called carotenoids. Carotenoids are converted to vitamin A in the liver.
Process
Once a carrot has been ingested, the carotenoids from the vegetable are transported through the blood stream to the liver. In the liver these substances are used to create vitamin A. The vitamin A then re-enters the blood stream and flows towards the eyes where it enters the retina of your eye. Here it creates chemicals called retinal.
Sight
Once light passes through the retina, the retinal chemical changes shape. This change allows an electrical signal to be sent from the retina to the back of the brain where the visual centers are located. Here the the light is converted into an image. This image accounts for your vision. The less light that passes through the eyes, such as with your vision at night, the more important it is for there to be enough retinal to work correctly. Not getting enough vitamin A can prevent enough retinal from being produced, causing your night vision (as well as your day vision) to be affected.
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You might not know that most vitamins on store shelves today, even at the health food stores, are created from man-made chemicals that are nutritionally useless to . So learn choose a vitamin supplement with nutrition your body can really use!
Instructions
1. Understand that the United States Department of Agriculture has created and set the recommended daily allowances of each of the vitamins and minerals necessary for optimal human nutrition. You can read these recommendations on the Department's website along with recommendations for nutrient intakes from food like fiber, fat, carbohydrates, protein and phytonutrients, the newest plant compounds scientists are studying.
2. Learn why the standard American diet of soda and fast food does not support our basic nutritional needs. Highly processed foods do not contain any of the recommended vitamins, minerals or other nutrients. They are basically empty calories laden with fats and sugars.
3. Replace vitamins missing from your diet. But beware the cheap bottle of multivitamins from the grocery store. They are chemical, man-made, isolated complexes that the human body does not recognize as something it needs, so it flushes them right out again as waste. These isolated vitamins have been stripped of their supportive compounds and may not provide the biological activity necessary for them to be absorbed by your body.
4. Look for quality vitamins made from whole foods, if your budget permits. Real food sources of these vitamins contain necessary cofactors your body recognizes and absorbs readily, including all the amino acids, antioxidants, probiotics, prebiotics and organic acids to provide the nutrition our bodies need. All these nutrients support your immune health and help your body deal with outside pollutants.
5. Compare the supplement facts on the back of the bottle of whole food vitamins to the cheaper chemical vitamins. You will notice that the percentage of the daily value is very high on the chemical brand, providing as much as 4,000 percent more of a vitamin. That's because these manufacturers know these are not absorbed by your body. The whole foods listing will show exactly 100 percent of the daily value for the most important recommended daily allowances.
6. Upgrade your vitamins even further by choosing a women's or men's special formula. Each will contain different levels of certain nutrients, as well as herbal compounds found to support the different needs of men and women. Compare the levels of B vitamins, calcium, iron and folic acid, and look for different herbal additions like Saw Palmetto for men's prostate health.
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There is little agreement about whether supplements are necessary with a raw dog food diet. Purists point out that everything a dog needs for optimum nutrition as nature intended is provided by meat, bones and organs. Others hold that supplements are critical for addressing particular health concerns, whether one feeds raw or kibble. Most people take a conservative approach and feed a few common supplements.
Types
There is no universal raw food diet model. Many people feed ground commercial raw products. Some of these also contain raw ground vegetables and supplements like kelp, flax seeds and fish oil. Others prefer to feed "whole prey" or a close approximation of such: poultry, rabbit, pork, beef, goat, fish and other meats, given to the dog in meal-sized pieces of meat and bone. It is also not uncommon for people to feed both some ground product alternating with whole meat and bone meals.
Theories/Speculation
Broadly speaking, people who feed a raw food diet to their dogs fall into one of two camps--with perhaps the majority of people straddling both philosophies.
Tom Lonsdale, DVM, author of "Raw Meaty Bones," espouses a whole, natural diet, without ground raw, supplements or vegetables. Ian Billinghurst, DVM, author of "Give Your Dog a Bone," advocates a broader approach to feeding. He coined the phrase BARF (Bones and Raw Food) and recommends vegetables, fruits, table scraps and supplements in a meat-based diet.
Lonsdale maintains that "supplementary, synthetic vitamins" can do harm, and that the vitamins and minerals in raw, fresh food are all a dog needs. On the other hand, Billinghurst recommends supplementing with several vitamins, such as antioxidants like Vitamin C and Vitamin E, B-complex vitamins and other micro-nutrients like kelp and omega-3 fatty acids.
Legions of other veterinarians and experts in canine nutrition have weighed in on this debate, but there is little agreement on whether supplements are needed in a raw food diet, and if so, which supplements and what dosage.
Common Supplements
Many people--whether they feed a raw food diet, a cooked diet or kibble--supplement with omega-3 fatty acids. Meat is already high in omega-6 fatty acids and some believe omega-3 is lacking. These are typically available in supplement form as either fish oil capsules or flaxseed supplements. Fish oil is the better choice: it is more bio-available to dogs. Research strongly suggests that omega-3 fatty acids are important for skin and coat health, joint function and even as "brain food" to grow intelligent puppies.
Some studies indicate that raw diets may be lacking in iodine. Adding kelp to the diet provides iodine, which is important in maintaining proper thyroid functioning. Iodine in the form of salt is added to most dry dog foods
Antioxidants and B-complex vitamins are supplied with alfalfa supplements or individual pills.
Supplementing for Specific Conditions
From arthritis to allergies, a huge range of supplements and nutraceuticals may be helpful (see link in Resources). Glucosamine and chondroitin are often recommended by veterinarians for arthritis and joint pain. Fish oil can be useful for soothing itchy skin and atopic allergies.
For specific conditions, do some on-line research and consider consulting with a veterinarian who practices complementary medicine or has training in canine nutrition.
Warning
When choosing supplements for a raw-fed dog, avoid those containing minerals. A raw food diet including bones is mineral-rich, and you can easily end up over-supplementing with calcium.
Do not be tempted to "cover all bases" by adding too many supplements to any diet, raw or otherwise. Some supplements do no harm in excess, but others can lead to serious health problems.
In short, you do not need to use supplements for a raw food diet (many do not), but some may be useful.
Chemical reactions occurring continuously in the body are dependent on the existence of vitamins in the body. Without vitamins, processes such as energy metabolism, cell formation and growth could slow down or stop altogether. Of the 13 essential vitamins, only four are fat-soluble: vitamins A, D, E and K.
Types
Fat-soluble vitamins, which dissolve in fats or lipids, can be obtained from the lipid portion of vegetable and animal sources. They are absorbed in the intestine and stored in the human body until they are needed. This can result in toxicity if over-consumed..
Function
Each fat-soluble vitamin has a unique role. Vitamin A protects cells from toxic substances, supports the immune system, promotes healing and growth of tissues such as the skin, and helps the eye function properly. Vitamin D is necessary for calcium and phosphorus metabolism, which in turn are important for bone growth and maintenance. Vitamin E protects cells from damage by stabilizing cell membranes and removing toxic free-radicals. Vitamin K participates in blood-clot formation.
Sources
The fat soluble vitamins are found only in lipids so they are prevalent in foods with high lipid contents such as liver, fish liver oil, nuts, grains, dairy products and egg yolks. Vitamin K is found in most green plants, polyunsaturated oils, blackstrap molasses and yogurt. Additionally, the bacteria in the intestine make some vitamin K. The best sources of vitamin E are vegetable and seed oils. Vitamin D is made when the skin comes in contact with UV light or can be fish, milk, egg yolks or liver. Yellow or orange colored fruits and vegetables (i.e. carrots and pumpkin) are a good source of vitamin A.
Considerations
Since fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body, any excess intake can result in illness from toxicity. Vitamin A is most likely to cause toxicity as it is not quickly excreted by the body. An excess of vitamin A from food sources or supplements can lead to swelling of the brain, stomach upset, enlarged liver, dry skin or stunted growth. Although less common, vitamins E, D and K can also produce toxicity if consumed in excess.
Deficiencies
An insufficient intake of fat-soluble vitamins can result in a deficiency disease. Because fat-soluble vitamins can be stored in the body, however, deficiencies of these vitamins are uncommon. Fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies are most likely to occur in individuals with extremely poor nutrition, intestinal absorption issues, liver disease or metabolic dysfunction. The daily Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of fat-soluble vitamins is a very small quantity, measured in micrograms.
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Celery root -- also known as celeriac -- grows with leaves and stems above the ground and a lightly colored bulbous root beneath the soil. Celery root prefers cool soil, growing well during the spring before the soil warms. Gardeners might start celery root indoors and then transplant it outdoors in early spring. Approximately three to four months after sowing the seeds, harvest celery root. Chop or shred the tender root and add it to soups and stews.
Instructions
1. Cut celery root leaves at any time with the pruning shears. Wash the leaves and chop them. Add the leaves to soups.
2. Check the size of the celery root before you harvest. Brush aside the soil on either side of the stems so you can see the tops of the celery root growing beneath the soil. When the celery root has a diameter of about 4 inches, harvest the celery root.
3. Insert the tines of the garden spade beneath the celery root to remove it gently from the soil. Push the garden spade beneath the celery root and remove it.
4. Shake and rub excess soil from the celery root.
5. Cut the stems from the roots immediately with the pruning shears. If you leave the stems attached to the celery root, the roots shrivel. Use the leaves from the stems for cooking.
The amount of time that it takes for vitamins to dissolve depends on several factors such as quality, metabolism, chemistry, formulation and type of vitamin. Different vitamins absorb differently, and some people are able to absorb more vitamins than others. The time it takes for a vitamin to dissolve also depends on whether the vitamin was taken in liquid or pill form. Water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins don't dissolve in the same amount of time, but it also depends on the method of delivery. For instance, the time will vary if the vitamin is taken in liquid, powder or pill form, so take that into consideration as well.
Vitamins in Liquid Form
Liquid vitamins have a higher rate of bioavailability because these vitamins have already been broken down into liquid form, so much of the digestive process is bypassed. Liquids are absorbed into the bloodstream much faster than food or taking vitamins in pill form. Most liquid vitamins absorb within minutes, but if the liquid is very dense it can take 20 to 30 minutes for the larger vitamin particles to dissolve and be absorbed in the body.
Vitamins in Pill Form
When vitamins are taken in pill form, some nutrients are wasted through the digestive process because they take longer to dissolve. Another factor is whether the vitamin is encapsulated in a gelatin cap or packed into another type of material. People who have a very fast metabolism tend to lose more vitamins, because nutrients are excreted through bowel movements before the body has a chance to absorb everything. However the amount that dissolves within the body is different for everyone. Some people with chronic constipation may find it difficult for them to absorb the right level of nutrients. Over time, excess fecal matter will stick to the walls of the colon making it much harder to absorb nutrients. This can also lead to poor health in general. Vitamins taken in pill form can take 1 to 4 hours to dissolve. Check the label to see if more information is available; some companies specifically formulate vitamins to dissolve faster and will advertise that fact on the label.
Vitamins in Powder Form
Vitamins in powder form dissolve within just a few minutes after contact with water and stomach acids. These vitamins are similar to liquid vitamins because they have broken up into much smaller particles. The only difference is that the powdered vitamins are dry.
Water-soluble Vitamins
Water-soluble vitamins are those which dissolve in water very quickly. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin. The body will flush out any excess. When a water-soluble vitamin is taken in liquid form, it will dissolve within minutes, and when this type of vitamin is taken in powder form, it will dissolve within 10 to 15 minutes. Pill form takes 1 to 4 hours depending on how the vitamin was manufactured. For instance, some vitamins are compacted into a pill using binders to hold the material together. The binders can be plant material or synthetic chemicals. In some cases coal tar is used to bind the material together. Whole food vitamins are made from real food and plant binders or gelatin capusles keep the pill together. Gelatin capsules break down faster than coal tar binders.
Fat-Soluble Vitamins
Fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A, D and E, are stored for later use if you take more than you need on a daily basis. Over an extended period of time, someone who is taking large doses might experience toxic effects. The absorption rate varies from person to person. If a person has a healthy digestive system and can use and store fat properly, then he will be able to absorb fat-soluble vitamins, but people with pancreatic problems or cystic fibrosis may not be able to absorb adequate amounts of fat-soluble vitamins. Fat-soluble vitamins dissolve within about an hour on average.
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Dragon fruit, also known as pitahaya or pitaya, is the fruit of a cactus and is as beautiful as it is delicious and nutritious. The color of dragon fruit varies from bright yellow to deep magenta. The oval-shaped fruit is about the size of an orange and is covered with spike formations, giving it its dragon nickname. The inside of the fruit is filled with a sweet, semi-translucent pulp and tiny black edible seeds.
Vitamin C
Dragon fruit is a fabulous source of vitamin C, with just 100 grams of dried dragon fruit or one piece of fresh fruit fulfilling almost 50 percent of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's recommended daily intake. Vitamin C is an important immune system support and can even help to shorten the duration and severity of the common cold.
Antioxidants
Dragon fruit is packed full of antioxidants, which work to protect the body's cells from damage caused by free radicals that can speed aging and even form cancerous tissues.
Fiber
For those trying to increase their daily fiber intake, dragon fruit can be a sweet alternative. About half of a large dragon fruit, or 100 grams, can contain up to 1 gram of fiber, while each 100 grams of dried fruit can have more than 10 grams of fiber.
Fat and Cholesterol
Dragon fruit contains numerous tiny, edible seeds, which means it does have some fat. Because the black seeds are so small, removal from the pulpy flesh of the fruit is difficult and requires straining. The majority of fat found in is monounsaturated fat, which generally is considered a healthier form of fat. While many people working to lower cholesterol are concerned about seeds and nuts, dragon fruit can be added to a healthy diet without concern of affecting cholesterol levels.
Nutrition Facts
One serving size of dragon fruit is equal to one whole fruit and contains about 60 calories, 14 of which come from unsaturated fat. A serving of dragon fruit has no saturated fat, although it does contain 9 grams of carbohydrates, 1 g coming from dietary fiber and the remaining 8 g from sugars. One serving also contains 60 mg of sodium and 2 g of protein.
Where and What to Buy
Dragon fruit grows in the tropical regions of Central and South America, so be sure to look for it during your travels. Fresh dragon fruit and more commonly dried dragon fruit can be found in your local specialty market.
Considerations
Keep in mind that dried dragon fruit is 10 times more dense than freshly picked fruit. The nutritional content of 1.5 ounces of dried dragon fruit is approximately equal to a full pound of fresh fruit.
While a diet from a variety of foods rich in nutrients is ideal for a healthy lifestyle, selecting a senior vitamin helps to provide essential vitamins and minerals that a senior may lack in his or her diet. With the help of your primary care physician and pharmacist, making a selection right for you is easy.
Instructions
1. Consult your primary care physician. Since the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn't regulate many dietary supplements, it's important for your doctor to know what you're taking since he is aware of your health needs.
2. Confirm with your pharmacist if the supplement is acceptable in relation to other medicines and supplements you take. Going to the same pharmacy helps you to keep track of all your prescriptions and makes it easier for your pharmacist to advise you.
3. Select a multivitamin. It's easier on your routine to take as few medicines and supplements as possible.
4. Look for an iron-free senior vitamin. Too much iron for people over 50 raises the occurrence of heart disease.
5. Choose a senior vitamin with increased amounts of calcium and vitamin D. The combination of the two support bone health, the nervous system and the immune system.
6. Report side effects to your primary care physician. Although some side effects may not seem important, it's important to note any changes you have in your health after adding a new senior vitamin to your diet regimen.
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Health strategies change and evolve over the course of a woman's life. Doctors are likely to recommend that women over 50 take certain vitamins for reasons related to the natural aging process. Each vitamin has specific purposes. Dr. Maoshing Ni, in his book "Second Spring," reminds women that vitamins often work in tandem with each other and with food.
Most Used
The most commonly recommended vitamins come from the B-complex group. The four B vitamins used are B-3 (niacin), B-6 (pyridoxine), B-9 (folate or folic acid) and B-12 (cobalamin). Also commonly used are vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and vitamin D. Although once highly recommended, vitamin E now comes with a warning about overuse.
Why Vitamins are Important
Vitamin supplements provide nutritional benefits lacking in the diet and are helpful with various conditions. B-3 improves cholesterol levels; B-6 works with B-9 and B-12 to reduce the risk of heart attack. Dr. Ni recommends taking the whole B complex to avoid imbalance. Vitamin C is beneficial for bone and muscle health, is an antioxident, and plays a part in many metabolic functions. Because the body does not make vitamin C, you should take it daily. Vitamin D works with direct sunlight to build and maintain healthy bones.
Take Vitamins
According to Dr. Ni, the best way to treat any condition is to change one thing at a time. Always check with your health care provider before starting any new health regimen, especially if you are already taking supplements or medication. He also recommends that vitamins and supplements be taken with your meals; then avoid taking your prescription medication within 30 minutes after taking a supplement.
Multivitamins
Multivitamins are supplements that come with a wide variety of vitamins and minerals and can address specific . Because menopausal women require less iron, take a multivitamin with little or no iron. For women over 65, there may be many reasons why the diet lacks adequate nutrition; taking a multivitamin is more practical than single-nutrient vitamins. Older women should look for multivitamins specifically designed for their dietary needs.
Warning About Vitamin E
Vitamin E has antioxidant properties and protects the body from the damage caused by free radicals. Taken in supplement form, it is known as alpha-tocopherol. Vitamin E is believed to offer protection against heart disease, cataracts, cancer and Alzheimer's disease. As a result, people began taking megadoses. According to the Mayo Clinic, a high daily intake of vitamin E in supplement form may pose health risks and should be avoided.
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Vitamin B12 is necessary for red blood cell production and for healthy nervous system function. Megaloblastic, or pernicious, anemia occurs because of a rare disorder in which the body cannot absorb enough Vitamin B12, and then produces an inadequate number of red blood cells. Treatment for pernicious anemia often includes B12 injections.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is normally obtained through animal products in the diet, such as meat, eggs and dairy products. Vegans who do not eat animal products can obtain an adequate amount of B12 through supplements. For this vitamin to be absorbed properly, it must bind to intrinsic factor, a protein released by stomach cells, after which it is absorbed in the small intestine.
The Problem
Some people are born without the ability to make intrinsic factor, and in others, the immune system destroys intrinsic factor. The ability to make intrinsic factor also can be decreased or lost because of gastrointestinal surgery or chronic gastritis. Without sufficient intrinsic factor, the body cannot absorb Vitamin B12, and the person develops pernicious anemia. Symptoms can include fatigue, muscle weakness, decreased appetite, nausea, diarrhea and weight loss. These people need large amounts of Vitamin B12 supplementation. If untreated, the disorder causes progressive nerve damage.
Injections
High levels of Vitamin B12 can be provided through intramuscular injections of cyanocobalamin or hydroxocobalamin. In some countries, injections are prescribed as a monthly treatment, and in others every three months. Some countries also allow the solution to be purchased without a prescription. People typically can perform their own injections at home with syringes commonly used for insulin. Megaloblastic anemia cannot be cured, so these individuals need B12 supplementation for the rest of their lives.
Tablets
B12 injections have traditionally been the preferred treatment for megaloblastic anemia, as physicians had concerns about the effective absorption of oral supplements. However, research has shown that large oral doses can be absorbed even when intrinsic factor is absent, as noted by Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. An increasing number of people with this type of anemia are taking daily B12 tablets in the form of cyanocobalmin at 1000 micrograms instead of injections.
Other Deficiency Causes
Other causes of Vitamin B12 deficiency may require injections on a temporary basis, followed by oral supplements. These include a long-term diet too low in Vitamin B12 which has caused some health problems, chronic alcoholism, Crohn's disease or intestinal malabsorption disorders.
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We all know that nutritious food contains vitamins and minerals. Many foods come with nutrition labels. However, the healthiest foods are often the whole foods, such as produce, that don't come with such a handy guide. It is possible, though, to compare the amounts of certain vitamins and minerals in foods by using a homemade indicator. One easy indicator to make, using inexpensive materials, is a vitamin C indicator.
Instructions
1. Make a corn starch paste by taking a tablespoon of corn starch and mixing it with enough distilled water to form a paste consistency.
2. Add about 8 ? oz. (250 mL) water to the cornstarch paste and bring to a boil. This forms a starch solution.
3. Place about 2 ? oz. (75 mL) water in a flask or glass. Add 10 drops of the solution you made in Steps 1 and 2 to the water.
4. Add the 2 percent solution of iodine slowly until the color of the liquid in the flask or glass becomes dark bluish purple, almost black. You can now use as your vitamin C indicator.
5. Use this solution to compare the vitamin C concentration of different foods. The more vitamin C present, the lighter the color of the indicator solution after you add the food to it. The easiest to test are fruit juices. Put about 1 tsp. (5 mL) of the indicator solution in the test tube. To compare, you can either observe and record how many drops you add before the solution becomes colorless or fill several test tubes with indicator, add the same amount of drops of juice, and compare the colors. The lightest color will have the most vitamin C.
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Isotonix is a line of nutritional supplements that, according to its makers, offers an array of benefits ranging from promoting cardiovascular health to aiding weight loss. The supplements are anti-oxidant-rich and support overall well-being.
Benefits
The active ingredients in the supplement Isotonix OPC-3 are grapeseed extract, pine bark extract, red wine extract, biliberrry extract and citrus extract. All are excellent sources of a special anti-oxidant called proanthocyanidins. According to a study published by Current Medicinal Chemistry, proanthocyanidins may play an important role in health by acting as cancer chemopreventives, which suppress or prevent the progression of invasive cancers, and anti-inflammatory agents. They are also thought to reduce the risk of cardiovascular mortality. Another study published in the journal Toxicology reported that oligomeric proanthocyanidins, naturally occurring anti-oxidants widely available in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, flowers and bark, possess a broad spectrum of biological, pharmacological and therapeutic activities against free radicals and oxidative stress.
Isotonix Into Your Diet
Isotonix will work best if you are eating a clean diet and exercising. Eating a clean diet means very little or no fast or processed foods. Your diet should include only fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, beans, lean dairy products and lean protein sources. Your exercise regimen should include resistance, cardiovascular and flexibility training. You should engage in some form of exercise at least four days each week for at least 30 minutes.
When to Take Isotonix
The supplement Isotonix OPC-3 should be taken first thing in the morning on an empty stomach to ensure maximum absorption. This way when it enters the stomach, it can be processed immediately. Mix the supplement with water only. Any other liquid will require digestion and will slow absorption. The amount that you take depends on body size, so read the instructions carefully.
How Long To Take Isotonix
Because Isotonix is an all-natural supplement, you can take it first to improve your health. Continue to take it to maintain your health.
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Vitamins are needed by the body in minute quantities for maintenance and immunity.
Vitamins are micro nutrients needed by the body in small quantities to improve immunity and supplement nutrients that are not gotten from the food eaten. They come in form of pills or liquids and have to be taken properly in other to be effective to the body. Vitamins have been shown to reduce the risk of deficiency diseases if taken properly however, some vitamins cannot be absorbed by the body, if taken without eating or if they are not taken according to the instructions.
Instructions
1. Consult your doctor or a pharmacist before taking any vitamins. Some vitamins can have serious side effects if taken when certain health conditions exist or if taken with other medications. It is important to inform your physician about the vitamins you are taking to avoid adverse effects.
2. Carefully follow the directions and warnings on the package of the vitamins to more than required. It is advisable to take the smallest effective dose required to avoid taking an overdose, however, in case of an overdose, contact a medical or poison control center immediately. If you have an adverse or allergic reaction to any vitamins, discontinue use immediately and contact your doctor.
3. Eat properly while taking vitamins because most vitamins need food to be effective. Vitamins do not replace healthy food, but supplement for some nutrients lacking in certain foods. Consult your doctor before taking vitamins because few vitamins are best absorbed when taken on an empty stomach. Also, some vitamins cannot be combined together. Iron should not be combined with other vitamins or with calcium. Do not take iron with milk or cheese based foods which contain calcium but iron can be taken with a glass of orange juice, which contains vitamin C that helps in absorption of iron.
4. Be consistent when taking vitamins. It is advisable to have specific time or periods for taking the vitamins and avoid skipping days. If you are normally very busy, you can set a reminder for specific times to take the vitamins so that you won't forget to take it. If you are not consistent, the vitamins won't be properly absorbed by the body and won't be effective.
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There are multiple sources of vitamin B12 for vegans.
Vitamin B12 is extremely important for a healthy nervous system and bloodstream. A lack of this vitamin in the diet can lead to nerve damage and anemia, according to The Vegetarian Resource Group. Since B12 is primarily found in animal sources, it is important for vegans to go out of their way to find additional sources of B12. One way for vegans to ensure they are receiving all vitamins found in animals is to take a multivitamin every morning.
Fortified Cereals
One of the easiest sources of B12 for vegans is fortified cereal, or those with added vitamins and minerals. Some vegan cereals contain 100 percent of the recommended daily amount of vitamin B12, or 2.4 micrograms. Different cereals will have different amounts of the vitamin, so you should check the nutrition facts of each cereal to determine how much of the vitamin you are getting.
Nondairy Milk
Many nondairy milks like soy and almond milk are fortified with B12 and several other B vitamins. These milks typically contain around 20 percent of your RDA of B12, though each brand is slightly different. Combine this milk with a serving of your fortified cereal to make sure you are covered.
Nutritional Yeast
Some vegans consume nutritional yeast in order to receive a nondairy, nonmeat source of several vitamins and minerals. Two rounded teaspoons of some brands provide around 2.4 micrograms. When you purchase yeast, make sure that it was kept in an area cut off from the light since light can destroy vitamin B12, according to VeganHealth.org. It is best to buy the yeast in bulk directly from a yeast company so that you reduce the chance of the yeast being mishandled at a health food store.
Other Sources
Some meats analogs, such as wheat gluten and soybean meat substitutes, are fortified with B12. Some plant foods like sea vegetables, tempeh and miso may include B12, but the actual amount of the vitamin varies wildly from plant to plant. Some plants treated with manure when they grew, such as spinach, have some vitamin B12 but the amount is small enough that you would need over 20 cups to reach your RDA for the vitamin.
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Vitamin B complex is important to the body's growth and development. It also aids enzymes, which regulate chemical reactions and help turn food into energy. Deficiency in certain types of vitamin B complex can result in anemia, numbness and tingling in the arms and legs, muscle cramps and respiratory infections. The different types of vitamin B complex are vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12.
Vitamins B1 and B2
Vitamin B1 (thiamin) is found in liver, fortified breads and cereals, pasta, peas, soy foods, fish, beans and oranges. Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is present in dairy products, nuts, legumes, rice, mushrooms, and leafy green vegetables, such as broccoli and asparagus.
Vitamin B3 and B5
Vitamin B3 (niacin) can be found in chicken, beans, peanuts, tuna, salmon, ground beef, peanut butter, pasta, mango, peaches, carrots, fortified hot and cold cereals, nuts and dairy products. Foods with vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) include liver, red meats, whole grain cereals, chicken, fish, cheese, sweet potatoes, cauliflower, avocados and beans.
Vitamin B6 and B7
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is present in meat, potatoes, bananas, poultry, fish, spinach peanuts and beans. Vitamin B7 (biotin) is found in clams, eggs, bread, egg yolk, fish, mushrooms, oatmeal, bananas, soy and milk.
Vitamin B9
Vitamin B9 (folic acid) can be found in leafy green vegetables, oranges, Brussels sprouts, turnips, salmon, orange juice, avocados, poultry, liver, and beans such as soybeans and Lima beans.
B12
Foods with vitamin B12 (cobalamin) include red meat, milk, eggs, soy milk, liver, salmon, trout, clams, tuna, pork, ham, cheese and yogurt.
Vitamin B12, a large molecule stored in muscle and other organs, is obtained primarily by eating animal and dairy products, although our bodies make a small amount of it in the gastro-intestinal tract. To absorb B12, we need a "helper molecule" (technically, a glycoprotein dubbed "intrinsic factor," secreted by the stomach lining). While some people have a gene that prevents them from making this intrinsic factor, others lose that ability as they age. This lack of B12 absorption results in pernicious anemia. There are two main ways to get B12 absorbed into our systems--through an intranasal spray and by intramuscular injection. While the idea of giving someone (or yourself) an injection may seem frightening at first, it is not difficult.
Instructions
1. Wash your hands thoroughly. Unwrap the syringe if it is sealed in plastic. Set it (with needle cover on the needle), the B12 vial, a cotton ball and the container of alcohol on the counter.
2. Wet the cotton ball with alcohol and wipe the rubber top of the B12 vial well. Pick up the syringe, remove the needle cover and pull back on the plunger to allow an amount of air in that is equivalent to the amount of B12 you will be injecting.
3. Hold the syringe in your dominant hand, being careful not to allow the needle to touch anything. Hold the B12 vial in your non-dominant hand, and push the needle into the rubber top. Inject the air from the syringe into the B12 vial while the vial is still upright.
4. Invert the B12 vial with the needle inside the fluid. Pull back on the plunger and watch the marks on the syringe to see the amount of B12 that you have transferred to the syringe. Stop when you get to the appropriate amount. Tap the side of the syringe to force any bubbles up and out of the syringe and into the vial. Withdraw the needle from the vial and put the vial on the counter. Recap your needle (only recap clean, unused needles) and set the syringe aside. Be sure to triple check your dosage before giving it.
5. After locating the appropriate intramuscular injection site using appropriate landmarks, use a second cotton ball wet with alcohol to cleanse the skin. Pull the skin taunt where it was cleaned. With your dominant hand holding the needle, aim the needle at the cleansed area and with a quick motion like you are throwing a dart, plunge the needle into the muscle.
There are specific areas in which to give intramuscular injections such as B-12. Be sure to discuss thourghly with your health care provider where to give your injection and find the site accurately. Giving the injection in the wrong site can lead to complications with absorption. You may also be more likely to hit bone, nerves and blood vessels if you are not in the correct site.
6. Pull back slightly on the plunger and look to see if you pull any blood back into the syringe. If all is clear, push down on the plunger until all the B12 has been transferred from the syringe to the muscle. It is important that there is no blood aspirated into the syringe--if there is discontinue the injection and begin again. If blood is aspirated into the syringe, it is likely you are in a blood vessel and will be giving the medication via intravenous method rather than intramuscularly which will change the absorption rate.
7. Pull the needle out of the muscle quickly and immediately apply the cotton ball with the alcohol on it. Have the individual press down hard on the cotton ball for a minute or two. Apply a bandage to the injection site.
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Pairings of vitamin supplements can make up for what your body lacks.
Vitamin supplements can provide important vitamins and minerals that you may be lacking due to diet. While it may not seem obvious at first, certain combinations of vitamin supplements can provide you with more benefit than individual vitamin supplements. To take full advantage of your supplements, understand which supplements make suitable pairings.
Instructions
1. Mix folic acid with vitamin B12 and C to create new proteins. Folic acid alone helps your cells and tissues stay healthy. Moreover, when combining folic acid with vitamin B12 and C, your body will begin to create new proteins. This will speed up the production and repair of cells in your body. This combination is especially useful for children and teenagers, as they are still growing.
2. Unite vitamin B with riboflavin to relieve stress. Riboflavin helps your body's metabolism. By taking riboflavin in conjunction with vitamin B, you will be converting basic vitamin B into more beneficial forms. This combination can help you ward off stressful feelings.
3. Blend vitamin C and E to protect against stroke. Some research has shown evidence that mixing vitamin C and E may help women over the age of 40 with heart problems protect against stroke. If you are a female with heart problems and worry about the possibility of stroke, this combination may be beneficial to you.
4. Merge vitamins A and E to fight off parasites. A recent study has shown that a vitamin A and E combination can be useful in combating parasitic infections. The combination of A and E worked better than taking only one of these vitamin supplements by itself.
5. Combine iron and vitamin C to increase oxygen circulation in your body. Iron itself is a catalyst for good oxygen circulation, but iron is not easily absorbed in the body. By taking vitamin C along with iron, you are increasing the rate of iron absorbance in your body. Simply taking iron by itself will not produce the entire benefit possible in your iron supplement.
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Apricot seeds are the richest known source of anti-tumor agent vitamin B-17 (B17), also known as amygdalin or laetrile. However, a person would have to eat an excessive amount of apricot seeds in order to ingest enough B17 to be effective against cancer. For this reason, many cancer patients alternatively use Laetrile (a pharmaceutical grade form of B17) or pure apricot seed oil. B17 therapy has been proven and illustrated to work by some of the top cancer specialists in the world, including Oasis of Hope Hospital in Mexico where they have successfully treated over 100,000 cancer patients.
What is Vitamin B-17?
Vitamin B-17 is made up of two parts glucose, one part hydrogen cyanide and one part benzaldehyde. When B17 comes in contact with the body's healthy cells, it is broken down by the enzyme rhodanese into two beneficial nutrients, thiocyanate and benzoic acid. Any excess of these by-products is expelled from the body via urine. The body is unharmed by this process.
How B17 Works
The enzyme rhodanese is found in large quantities all throughout the body---except at the site of the cancer cell. Where cancer cells exist, a different enzyme, beta-glucosidase, is found. If there are no cancer cells in the body, then there is no beta-glucosidase. When B17 comes in contact with cancer cells, there is no rhodanese to neutralize it, but instead only the enzyme beta-glucosidase, which is present in very large quantities. When B17 and beta-glucosidase make contact, a chemical reaction occurs and the hydrogen cyanide and benzaldehyde combine to produce a poison which destroys and kills the cancer cell. This process is known as "selective toxicity." Only the cancer cells are targeted and destroyed. The conventional chemotherapeutic agents used by mainstream medicine are hundreds of times more toxic than B17. Laboratory tests even conclude that table sugar is twenty times more toxic than B17.
The Importance of Zinc
Zinc plays a key role in helping the lymphocytes (white blood cells) kill cancer. Zinc ions act as "spark plugs" to activate the enzymes within lymphocytes that digest cancer cells. You can administer excessive amounts of B17, but if zinc levels are inadequate, B17 can't get into the tissues of the body. It has also been proven that nothing heals within the body without sufficient vitamin C.
Pancreatic Enzymes
The pancreatic enzymes, trypsin and chymotrypsin, also must be present in order for B17 therapy to work. These enzymes penetrate and destroy the protein coating that protects cancer cells. When this is removed, the cancer cell becomes unshielded from attack by the immune system or anti-cancer agents such as those found in B17. Alternatively, if the protein coating of the cancer cells remains intact, the cells are able to multiply and spread in the form of tumors. During B17 therapy, it is crucial that you maintain adequate digestive enzyme levels by supplementing with digestive enzymes and eliminating practices that use up the body's enzymes, such as eating animal meat.
Warning
Cancer patients should always consult with their primary health care provider prior to starting or stopping any cancer treatment. There are no guarantees with B17 or any cancer therapy. Hiring a trained professional to administer and monitor B17 therapy or any alternative cancer therapy is always recommended. Never stop taking prescribed medication without first consulting your physician.
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Vitamin E is one of the few vitamins that can penetrate the skin when used topically. It's an antioxidant, meaning it fights free radicals that damage your skin, as well as a superb moisturizer. Topical use of the oil can smooth, soothe, and promote healing.
Eyes
The delicate skin around your eyes doesn't produce any oil of its own, so it's especially important to keep it well-moisturized. This helps to prevent wrinkles and fine lines. Dab a little pure vitamin E oil beneath your eyes using your ring finger---the weakness of the finger will prevent you from accidentally stretching your own skin. Let the oil absorb into the skin and follow with makeup, or leave on overnight for intense hydration.
Sunburn
Soothe a bad sunburn with a gentle application of vitamin E oil. Not only does it ease the pain, it may prevent skin damage by soaking up the free radicals generated by the sun. Dab the oil onto using soft stroking motions. If the sunburn is especially severe, you can make an extra-soothing concoction with one part vitamin E oil and one part aloe vera gel. Apply as often as necessary.
Cuticles
Moisturize hard ragged cuticles by rubbing a little vitamin E oil in every night before bed. For increased penetration, warm the oil for a few seconds in the microwave (always test the temperature when you do this, as oil heats up very quickly). Dip your fingers into the oil, one by one, and rub it deeply into the cuticle. Slip a pair of gloves or old socks onto your hands before you sleep.
Hair
Banish damaged, dry ends by deep conditioning with vitamin E oil. Coat the ends of your hair with the oil (it may take awhile, since vitamin E oil tends to be thicker than, say, olive oil). Put hair up in a bun and leave in for an hour or two. Shampoo and condition as you normally would.
Relaxation
Everyone gets stressed, but not everyone wants to spring for expensive bath or massage oils. Vitamin E is a cheap, simple, and chemical-free alternative. Simply add a few tablespoons to your bathwater. Throw in a few drops of essential oil if you're craving a sweet scent. You can also use it as a simple massage oil; it will relax and warm tired muscles, while moisturizing and protecting your skin
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Organic produce has higher nutritional value than non-organic varieties.
Organic vitamins and minerals are vitamins in their natural state, rather than synthetic. The human body needs a certain amount of vitamins and minerals to function. Unfortunately, adding a supply of healthy as fruit, vegetables, lean meats and wholegrains to your shopping basket may not be enough. You need to make sure that the food you are buying has the correct level of nutrients.
Significance
A strong, healthy body needs vitamins and minerals.
To be healthy, a balanced, nutritious diet is essential, and according the the United Kingdom Food Standards Agency, organic vitamins and minerals are a vital element of this. We need minerals in our diet because the body cannot synthesise them itself; they are crucial for the metabolic process by turning the food we eat into energy and maintaining the body's structure. They help to build strong bones and teeth and control body fluids inside and outside cells.
Vitamins assist the body in performing a number of essential functions as well as being organic compounds, which are essential for life. Vitamins are not produced by the body-with the exception of Vitamin D, which is produced by the body from sunlight-and therefore must be taken as part of a diet.
Types
Different foods contain certain vitamins and minerals.
Fat-soluble vitamins (vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin D and vitamin K) are found in fatty foods such as dairy, vegetable oil, oily fish and butter.They are necessary for the body to function properly, but should not be consumed in excessive quantities. Food containing water-soluble vitamins (vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C, biotin, folic acid, niacin, pantothenic acid, riboflavin and thiamin) should be eaten more often because they are not stored in the body. Water-soluble vitamins are found in fruit, vegetables and grains. Essential minerals are calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and sulphur, which can all be found in a variety of foods such as meat, fish, milk, cereals, dairy, fruit, vegetables and nuts.
Misconceptions
Vitamin levels decrease if food has to undergo a long journey.
Naturally, consumers believe that by buying vitamin-rich food at their local grocers or supermarket they are receiving all the expected nutritional benefits. However, there are concerns that the vitamin levels in grocery produce are far lower than natural levels. The Consumer's Association published a report in 2004 stating that the vitamin C levels in some prepackaged supermarket fruit and vegetables were far lower than normal levels for unprepared produce. The reduction in vitamin levels is due to exposure to air and sunlight and the lengthy journey food often has to go through before it reaches the supermarket shelves, particularly if it is produced abroad.
Solution
Green tea is a natural superfood.
Eating organically grown fruit and vegetables and meat from organically raised livestock gives you a greater chance of eating food that has retained a higher percentage of its natural vitamin and mineral content. An alternative to switching to a completely organic lifestyle is to supplement your diet with superfoods and organic vitamin supplements, commonly known as whole food supplements. Superfoods include barley grass, chlorella, spirulina, sea vegetables, wheat grass, quinoa, flax oil, extra virgin coconut oil, soy milk and tofu, green tea and amazon herbs.
Preparation
Avoid cutting food as much as possible.
Careful food preparation can help preserve the vitamin and mineral content. Any method of cooking destroys some amount of nutrients, so eating vegetables raw is by far the healthiest option. The next best option is to steam them, or use a pressure cooker. When cooking meat, the best method for keeping nutrients intact is broiling, using as little oil as possible to retain vitamins A and E. For vitamin D-rich fish, bake instead of fry. Do not wash rice before cooking, unless the package specifically advises you to; this can take away up to 25 percent of the vitamin B1 content.
It makes sense that concern over health issues would drive up vitamin sales, and it has. Perhaps this is what allows Shaklee to boast that it is currently the "number one natural nutrition company in the United States."
History
"Vitalized Minerals" were among the world's first multivitamins. They were created in 1915 by Dr. Forrest C. Shaklee, who founded the company in 1956.
Types
Shaklee has a vitamin for everyone. In addition to basic daily vitamins, there are specialized regimens for men, women, children and seniors. There is even a certified kosher line.
Features
All are natural, and the company offsets 100 percent of its greenhouse gas emissions for zero impact on global warming.
Benefits
Get healthy...and make money.
Dr. Shaklee planned for his vitamins to help people in two ways: by improving their health and by offering them a way to make money.
Considerations
Since Shaklee is a multilevel marketing company, its vitamins are sold only through distributors. Not only can this be inconvenient, but it may account for the fact that Shaklee vitamins are priced higher than those at the drugstore.
Nursing school is difficult. It takes long hours of studying, homework and heart-wrenching clinicals culminating, at minimum, with a 3-hour nursing board exam. Whether for LPN or RN, the pinning ceremony has been a long-held graduation tradition that signifies that you are now a full-fledged nurse. The nurse pinning ceremony dates back 1,000 years ago and began as a Maltese cross, a symbol of Christianity. Over the years, the pin became a coat of arms and eventually has morphed into a design that signifies the school from which you graduated.
First Step
Nurses enter the ceremony wearing their traditional white uniforms. Even though many nurses nowadays don't wear the hat anymore, during the ceremony they do wear the traditional nurse's hat.
Intro
The student nurses march in, led by their instructors, to pre-determined music usually chosen by the graduating class.
Speeches
Speeches are given by faculty and a few select students, either those at the top of their class or often those who don't mind public speaking.
The Pinning Itself
As each student's name is called, either the head instructor, a favorite RN or another important member of the faculty pins . The pin represents the diploma usually handed out at more traditional graduation ceremonies.
Candle Lighting
It is common practice for students to each light individual candles representing one of the most well-known nurses, Florence Nightingale. This symbolizes the "passing of the flame" from Nightingale to each nurse, and they recite the nurse's pledge.
The End
After pinning, candle lighting and recitation of the nurse's pledge, students are officially nurses. They file out still carrying their candles. They wear not only the pin but also the traditional winged medial pin, which signifies they are members of the medical community.
Our dog's health is important to most of us. Supplemental shots of B12 may help a dog live a healthier lifestyle and a longer life. B12 is a vitamin that many humans take, and in some cases, may be beneficial for our canine friends as well.
B12 Levels
Your dog's B12 levels can be tested by a veterinarian by performing a simple blood test. If your dog is ill or has pancreatic disease his body may have stopped manufacturing B12. If your dog is low on B12, supplemental shots may be given by your veterinarian.
Increase Appetite
B12 in dogs is often used to help increase their appetite. Many underweight dogs or sick dogs may need to see a veterinarian once a week for a B12 shot. Others may benefit from an oral supplement.
How Administered
B12 is typically administered to dogs in the form of an injection at the veternarian's office. Oral supplements may also be used, but have proven to be less effective. Nasal administration also is occasionally used.
Clinical Signs of B12 Deficiency
There are some signs to watch for that may indicate your dog has a B12 deficiency. For instance, if your pet is lethargic, unwilling to eat or has a general failure to thrive, consider asking your vet to test B12 levels.
Anemia
B12 also works to with anemia. Anemia--or low red blood cell count--can lead to health problems in dogs, including appetite problems, lethargy and immune system weakening. B12 is known to help dogs maintain the red blood cells that they do have, and help them create more, helping alleviate their symptoms.
Vitamins are generally healthy for the entire body. Many studies have shown that a variety of nutrients are able to help repair deteriorating brains and can strengthen healthy brains. Some of these nutrients come in supplement form, but the best way to get these nutrients is from natural food sources.
Warning
Some vitamins can become toxic at higher levels. Even though there are many vitamins that are very good for the brain, too much of most vitamins can lead to a large variety of health problems depending on the vitamin. Take modest amounts of vitamins unless you are suffering from a severe health problem.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E has been found to protect the brain from the progressive decline of mental functioning in older age. Vitamin E contains the antioxidants needed to counteract the damage done by free radicals on the brain. Studies have shown a 39% decrease in brain function loss from participants taking vitamin E supplements. In addition to supplements, vitamin E can be acquired easily in wheat germ, hazelnuts, peanuts (including peanut butter), sunflower seeds and almonds.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C has been found to help fight brain tumors. Vitamin C has the ability to cross tumor-fighting medicines across the blood-brain barrier. Surrounding the brain is a blood-brain barrier capable of keeping chemicals from affecting the brain. But studies in 2002 found that vitamin C has an easy time crossing this barrier. Vitamin C also is essential in the production of serotonin, a natural chemical needed for fighting depression.
B Vitamins
B vitamins have to help against mental disorders. B1 is able to help fight depression and anxiety disorders. Deficiency in B12 has been linked to depression. Some studies have found that a deficiency in B2 can lead to depression and hysteria.
Minerals and the Brain
A few other nutrients can help with the human brain. Antioxidants in general have the ability to restore memory loss, motor control and balance. Omega-3 helps with brain functioning, motor control and depression. Carbohydrates are also very good for the brain by supplying energy without causing sharp rises in blood sugar.
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Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin, eyes and other tissues due to the circulation of excess bilirubin in the body. Obstructive jaundice, also known as "cholestasis," is caused by impaired bile flow. Common causes of this condition include liver disease, drug reactions, alcoholism, bile duct stones and cancer.
Physiology of Jaundice
Bilirubin is a breakdown product of heme, a protein found in red blood cells (RBCs), bone marrow, liver cells, and other tissues. Most circulating bilirubin comes from the catabolism of defunct or damaged RBCs. Bilirubin is not water-soluble, so it is bound to albumin for transport through the blood to the liver. There it is conjugated (made water-soluble) and then excreted into the bile. Bile is broken down in the intestine to stercobilinogens, which are excreted in the stool or re-absorbed and excreted again into the bile. A small portion passes into the urine as urobilinogen. Stercobilinogen and urobilinogen are pigments which give the stool and urine their colors. Any pathology along this pathway will result in a buildup of bilirubin in the blood and the symptoms of jaundice.
Obstructive Jaundice
Cholestasis, or obstructive jaundice, occurs when the flow of bile from the liver to the intestines is obstructed or impaired. This can occur inside the liver (intrahepatic) or outside of it (extrahepatic).
Intrahepatic Causes
Any condition that damages the liver cells can cause obstructive jaundice. The most common causes are hepatitis, alcoholism and drugs that are toxic to the liver. In these conditions, blood work will show increased liver enzymes, indicative of liver damage. In addition to jaundice, symptoms of intrahepatic obstruction include ascites (swelling of the belly due to reduced circulation through the liver) and enlarged spleen.
Extrahepatic Causes
The common duct carries bile from the liver to the intestines. Any blockage of the duct will cause obstructive jaundice. The most common causes are bile stones in the duct and pancreatic cancer. Bile stones, or gallstones, form in the gall bladder, which stores bile produced by the liver. If a stone lodges in the gallbladder duct, painful abdominal symptoms arise. Stones which pass through the gallbladder duct and obstruct the common bile duct can cause pancreatitis and obstructive jaundice in addition to abdominal pain. Pancreatic cancer causes obstructive jaundice when the tumor presses on the common bile duct. This is often the first noticeable symptom of pancreatic cancer.
Signs and Symptoms of Obstructive Jaundice
The most obvious sign of jaundice is the yellowing of the skin and eyes that gives the disease its name ("jaune" is the French word for yellow). In obstructive jaundice, bilirubin cannot pass to the intestines. The stool is pale, because stercobilinogen is not formed. Excess conjugated bilirubin spills over to the kidneys and is excreted as urobilinogen, which gives the urine a very dark color. All-over itching may result from the excess of bile salts forming in the body. Symptoms of the underlying disease or substance (in the case of alcoholism and drug toxicity) will be present. Long-term symptoms include a darkening of skin tone (the so-called "bar room tan"), inability to form blood clots (bile salts are necessary for the absorption of vitamin K, vital to the clotting process), and osteoporosis due to malabsorption of vitamin D and calcium.
Treatment
Treating the cause of obstructive jaundice will usually resolve the symptoms. In chronic or irreversible disorders, cholestyramine is given to bind bile salts and relieve the itching. Supplements of vitamins D, K, and calcium can be given to counteract malabsorption. In the case of extrahepatic obstruction, surgery may be necessary to remove the obstruction and resolve the symptoms.
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Synthetic and fruit-based vitamins contain the same amount
Vitamins are either synthetic or fruit and vegetable-based. Most of the vitamins you buy in the local supermarket or health food shop are the synthetic type. Many fruit-based vitamins come in liquid form.
Fruit-Based Vitamins
The most popular fruit-based vitamins include goji berry, mangosteen and acai berry juices. The advantage of taking these is that you are getting other phytonutrients as well. However, the actual vitamin content of these is generally lower than synthetic supplements.
Vitamin E
With the exception of vitamin E, the chemical structure of synthetic vitamins and natural vitamins is the same. Taking a natural form of vitamin E may be more beneficial than the synthetic dl-form, which the body has trouble assimilating.
Vitamin C
Some manufacturers claim fruit-based vitamin C is preferable to synthetic. This is due to the bio-flavonoid content, which may aid with absorption. However, the vitamin C in synthetic vitamins is exactly the same molecule as the natural version.
Certain kinds of tea interfere with mineral absorption.
The absorption of a vitamin or mineral is required before the body can use it. Iron and calcium are two minerals which can be "tied up" by compounds in tea, keeping them from being absorbed. To keep minerals and tea from interfering with , take them separately. There's no need to remove any of them from your diet, as being mindful about the timing of each is enough to guarantee absorption of each.
Instructions
1. Look to see if your tea is regular or herbal tea. Teas are divided into two families. Tea made from leaves that come from the Camellia sinensis are regular "tea": green, black, white and oolong teas. All containing caffeine unless decaffeinated, tea sourced from these leaves touts some notable health benefits with possible roles in boosting the immune system, inhibiting the formation of tumor cells, detoxifying, and fighting against infection. The compounds responsible are flavenoids and catechins -- both types of polyphenols. Phytates and polyphenols might sound familiar for their reputation as antioxidants, but the power of the compounds does not stop there. They also have the capacity to "grab" or "bind" substances that really should be kept around in the body -- specifically, calcium and iron. Teas that are classified as "herbal" (such as Rooibos tea) have much lower concentrations of interfering compounds and should not be of concern.
2. Consume iron supplements two hours after or before drinking tea. Iron found in tablets, whether alone or as a multivitamin, will not mix with tea. The "tannins" in the tea need to be kept away from supplements, but not for long. Iron deficiency, a condition called anemia, can lead to weakness, fatigue, dizziness, irritability, and shortness of breath or depression. An anemic body automatically absorbs more iron than one that doesn't need it as badly, while being iron overloaded decreases the amount of iron absorbed. Separating the dosage into two daily servings instead of one, both apart from tannin-containing teas, will help to maximize absorption.
3. Take calcium two hours before or after drinking tea. Calcium, important for muscle contraction, nerve conduction, and blood clotting, should be consumed at around 1,000 mg/day for most adults with about 200 mg more for women over 51. Since 8 oz. of milk or yogurt has a minimum of 300mg, while calcium fortified drinks (orange juice, soymilk) have about 200-300 mg per cup, it only takes a few good sources to meet the recommended amounts. For those who are especially worried about their bone health or developing osteoperosis, taking a supplement can act as a safeguard. Again, tannins and phytates can interfere with absorption, so tablets should be taken a couple of .
You might notice that calcium comes most often in pills with 500mg. This is another one that should be taken a couple of times a day to enhance absorption. Complicating the picture is the inconvenience that calcium interferes with iron absorption as well. Professionals from Oregon State University suggest taking iron and calcium two hours away from each other as well.
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We've been hearing a lot about the colon lately, namely its need to be cleansed. And one of the most common beliefs is that a particular juice can do wonders to rid the body of waste. Yes, we're talking about the juice of a prune. But, how much is actually needed to cleanse the colon? And is it just an old wives' tale?
Significance
The amount of prune juice to drink to cleanse the colon really depends on a couple of key factors. The first involves the basic state of your colon. A person who is constipated will generally require a bit more prune juice to get those than someone who is regular. The second relates to the purpose of the "cleanse" (and pretty much goes hand in hand with the first). If the function behind the "cleanse" is to detoxify your system, you may want to subscribe to a certain course of cleansing. Most of these will have a set schedule, so to speak, of what you should ingest and when you should ingest it. Some actually recommend that you avoid fruit juices entirely, including prune juice, so it really depends on the option you choose.
Features
If you're looking to cleanse your colon for the purposes of constipation, you may want to consider drinking 8 ounces of prune juice prior to breakfast and another 8 ounces in the early evening, probably some time after supper. Many people believe that the second glass should be consumed 12 hours after the first. But, it's entirely up to you. This will usually relieve constipation in a couple of days. Once you've found yourself to be "regular," you should cut the second glass completely, and only drink an 8 ounce glass of prune juice in the morning. From there, cut that glass in half and only drink 4 ounces at breakfast.
Function
That being said, prolonged use of prune juice as a means to "keep yourself regular" isn't necessarily all that healthy. Due to the laxative nature of this liquid, your body may acquire a dependency to it, meaning you'll begin to need it to keep your bowels moving. Eating sensibly and drinking lots of water is really the best approach to colon health. Simply add more fruits, vegetables, nuts and whole-grains to introduce more fiber (both soluble and insoluble) into your diet to promote regularity. It's sort of like a daily colon cleanse, just without the regiment. Plus, it's healthy for the entire body.
Considerations
If you're trying to do an actual colon cleanse, prune juice isn't enough to rid this organ of toxins and waste. It takes more than just that. Before deciding to do a specific cleansing, you should really consult a doctor or dietitian. While colon cleansing may be an alternative approach to health and wellbeing, a medical professional will be able to guide you to the best option of treatment. When you're dealing with your diet, you really need to talk to someone who has studied the body medically or medicinally. It isn't enough to base your food choices on unfounded theories and fads or those people who subscribe to unfounded theories and fads.
Warning
Many medical professionals believe that colon cleansing is unnecessary, and could actually do more harm than good. The reasoning behind this is that our body knows what it's doing. It's basically a machine that, when fueled properly (i.e. a healthy diet), works efficiently. To monkey with the colon is just playing with our natural internal balance. We may end up causing a dependency, damage its efficiency, disrupt its relationship to other organs. Again, you should always consult a physician before starting any sort of "cleanse."