Fresh, sweet, juicy grapes make a delicious snack that is low in calories and has many health benefits. According to "Nutrients A-Z: A User's Guide to Foods, Herbs, Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements" by Michael Sharon, grapes are high in vitamins A, C, B-6, and potassium, and are great for stimulating kidney function and digestive juices, regulating the heartbeat, and soothing the nervous system. Grapes never ripen after they are picked, so it is important to make sure they are ripe (but not overripe) before you pick them from a vine or buy them from a store.
Instructions
1. Look at the grapes. Ripe white grapes should have a translucent appearance and a slight yellow tint. Ripe red grapes should be dark red in color, with very little color variation in the bunch. Look at the seeds inside your grapes. Ripe grapes should have round, brown seeds; if the seeds are green or very light brown, the grapes are not ripe enough to eat. Look at the stalks on your grapes; they should look fresh and new. Dead stalks likely indicate overripe grapes.
2. Taste several of the grapes (tasting one or two will not be enough to tell if an entire bunch is ripe). The grapes should be sweet, with none of the sharpness associated with high levels of acidity.
3. Shake your bunch of grapes. If more than one or two fall from the stalk, the grapes are likely to be overripe.
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Benfotiamine is a synthetic nutritional supplement. It is a lipid-soluble (or fat-soluble) form of the Vitamin B-1. Vitamin B-1 is also known as thiamine. Because it is lipid-soluble, the body metabolizes benfotiamine more quickly than Vitamin B-1 (which is water-soluble). It can also use more of it. There's a limit to how much Vitamin B-1 is useful in one day, however in its lipid-soluble form, the body can metabolize more of this nutrient.
Benefits
Benfotiamine may help a patient alleviate any condition caused by a thiamine deficiency. Benfotiamine can improve a person's health in the same areas that Vitamin B-1 does. This includes complications that are common to diabetics with poorly managed blood glucose levels. It may ease pain from neuropathy, retinopathy (retina damage), nephropathy (a progressive kidney disease), general vascular health and cellular health. Benfotiamine may also help with general nerve health, sciatica, fibromyalgia, blood pressure and lactic acid buildup.
Function
Benfotiamine works specifically to help diabetics by blocking AGEs, also known as advanced glycation end products. AGEs are a result of hyperglycemia. They are formed from sugar. It is normal for a person to have AGEs in their body, however diabetics tend to form AGEs at an accelerated rate. Benfotiamine's action on AGEs may help prevent some complications due to diabetes, such as blood vessel damage and atherosclerosis.
Considerations
Benfotiamine may also be useful for those who regularly consume alcohol. Alcohol naturally deplete's the body's thiamine levels. This can cause some of the effects of consuming alcohol, such as fatigue, lethargy, impaired awareness, disorientation and loss of equilibrium, muscle weakness, memory loss and apathy. According to Life Extension Magazine, people who chronically abuse alcohol can help their bodies cope with the effects by supplementing their diet with benfotiamine.
Dosage
You may see results from using benfotiamine within two to three weeks at a dosage of two 150 mg. pills taken twice daily. However, you may increase this dosage to 900 mg. per day to see maximum results. You may need to experiment with your dosage to find the level that works best for you.
Warning
Benfotiamine is not regulated by the FDA. It is considered to be a dietary supplement, not a medication. If you're using benfotiamine to treat any medical condition, talk to your doctor about your treatment plan first. You should not abandon traditional medical treatment in favor of a . However, used in conjunction with medical treatment, benfotiamine may help alleviate your medical condition.
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Vitamins are an integral part of the human diet. They aid in many of the body's processes and increase overall health. Many people do not get enough essential vitamins in their regular diet. Intravenous vitamin therapy can help overcome this deficiency, and it has been used to help fight serious health conditions.
Myers' Cocktail
The Myers' Cocktail is an intravenous vitamin-nutrient supplement created more than 30 years ago by a physician in Baltimore named John Myers. It is a combination of vitamins and minerals that helps increase energy and treat multiple ailments. Health conditions that are believed to improve with the Myers' Cocktail include depression, fibromyalgia, migraines, respiratory problems, chronic fatigue and cardiovascular disease.
The Myers' Cocktail has been modified by Alan R. Gaby, M.D., who is president of the American Holistic Medical Association. The cocktail contains magnesium, calcium, vitamins B-5, B-6, B-12, C and vitamin B complex. The heavy dose of vitamin C should boost the immune system and help cure viral and bacterial infections.
Vitamin C Injections
Though the Myers' Cocktail is probably the most widely used intravenous injection, some medical professionals use straight vitamin C injections to improve the health and immune systems of cancer patients. While vitamin C taken orally is known to have little effect on cancer, intravenous vitamin C injections are capable of killing cancer cells without harm to healthy cells in the body.
Why Intravenous Therapy?
Because all of the vitamins and minerals in the Myers' Cocktail are available in foods and also sold as dietary supplements, it may seem senseless to get an injection of vitamins. Due to the fact that intravenous vitamins do not pass through the digestive system, though, an individual who receives intravenous therapy can receive up to 10 times the amount of vitamins in a single treatment as they could consume orally in an entire day.
The number of injections each individual is given depends upon the person and his individual health. Any health conditions or complaints also are taken into consideration. People with no underlying conditions who are suffering from fatigue may improve after one injection. People with chronic ailments or severe health issues may need several injections per week. Intravenous vitamin therapy injections are given slowly over 30 to 45 minutes. Injections generally are thought to be safe and carry a low risk of side effects.
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It will take a lot of time and commitment to gain weight in your buttocks, especially if you are naturally thin or petite. With enough determination, however, you can get a larger butt using a combination of diet and targeted exercises that are designed to concentrate specifically on your gluteus maximus muscles.
Instructions
1. Begin by changing your diet. Eat foods rich in carbohydrates such as pasta, rice, potatoes, and bread. Supplement your diet with protein-rich foods like fish, beef, chicken, beans and nuts. The carbohydrate-rich foods will add weight to your behind, while the protein-rich foods will help to build muscle. Keep in mind, your body is likely to add weight elsewhere as well.
2. Do exercises tailored for the buttocks. Lunges and squats are the best options for getting a rounder, firmer and plumper butt. These particular moves will strengthen your glutes and add inches to your derriere. Do about 10 reps and three sets of each exercise two to three times a week. For best results, hold dumbbells in your hands as you do these exercises.
To perform squats, stand with your feet shoulder width apart, keep your shoulders back and abs tight, bend your knees until your thighs are parallel to the floor, and return to the standing position.
To perform lunges, stand with your feet shoulder width apart, step forward right leg, bending at both knees with your left knee a few inches above the ground, return to standing position. Repeat with the left leg.
With both exercises, do not allow the bending (squatting or lunging) knee to extend over the toes on the same leg. Doing so puts extra strain on the knee and can cause damage.
3. Walk or run at least twice a week. Both options will work your butt muscles and tone up your body overall. Also, try swimming or dancing as alternatives. If you're feeling ambitious, take a ballet class. The traditional ballet moves will tone your legs and give you a firm and shapely butt.
4. Try stair-climbing or cycling. Both are great exercises for adding muscle and mass to the butt area. Ride a bike for at least five miles a week or take a spinning class.
5. Don't give up. Continue this diet and exercise plan until you have achieved the desired results. However, keep in mind that adding weight to your buttocks will take lots of time and energy. It may take up to six months to see dramatic results so don't lose hope if you haven't achieved your goal in a month or two.
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Eucalyptus oil has a number of healing qualities. Eucalyptus vapors offer both relaxation qualities when you are looking to calm the body, and healing properties by decongesting clogged passageways. Eucalyptus oil can typically be found at most local nutrition and vitamin stores, as well as a number of websites. This oil is available in a variety of sizes, ranging from 1/2 oz. to 16-oz. bottles.
The Vitamin Shoppe
The Vitamin Shoppe is a chain commonly found in shopping malls and strip malls. This store carries Aura Cacia Eucalyptus Essential Oil, one of the best eucalyptus oils on the market. This product sells in-store in 2009 for $5.49 per 0.5-fluid-oz. bottle. The oil is also available on their website for $4.99, 50 cents off the retail price. If purchasing online, remember to account for a shipping cost of $4.99 for standard mail, or $15.99 for express overnight mail.
GNC Stores
GNC stores are another commonly found vitamin store chain, located in many strip malls and shopping malls. They sell a brand called Now® Eucalyptus Oil, sold in a 1-oz. bottle at a cost of $5.99, or a 4-oz. for $9.99. This product is also available online, and if you are a GNC Gold Card Member, you get an additional 20 percent off, plus a promotional rate of "buy one, get one half-priced." Again, remember to consider shipping costs when purchasing from , which will cost approximately $4 to $6, depending on your location.
Vitacost.com
Vitacost.com is a great option to consider when you're looking for a large quantity of eucalyptus oil. This store offers 100 percent pure, Nutraceutical Sciences Institute (NSI) Eucalyptus Oil. A 16-fluid-oz. bottle retails at $29.99, but is available on their website for only $15.99. Remember to include a standard $4.99 shipping cost anywhere in the United States.
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One way to temporarily fight cellulite and make yourself look slightly slimmer is to wrap your body in Saran Wrap. While the results of body wraps are purely short-term with no lasting effects, the skin of your thighs and buttocks can be smoothed in just a few minutes with the right skin care mixture between you and the wrap. As the wrap warms, you’ll sweat away excess fluid from the targeted areas of your body, and your skin will look sleek and smooth.
Instructions
1. Mix together in a bowl a cup of corn oil and half a cup of grapefruit juice. Add two teaspoons of ground theme to the liquid portion. Stir well.
2. Spread out old towels or sheets on your floor, massage table or bathtub. Cut lengths of Saran Wrap 4-5 feet long or more, so you’ll have enough to wrap around your body.
3. Place a length of wrap on your towels where your waist will be, with the wrap running perpendicular to how you will be lying down. Set the next length down from the first, overlapping by a few inches. Repeat until the wrap segments extend to your ankle area, each piece overlapping the one before it.
4. Bring your oil and juice mix to the wrap area. Remove your clothing and lie down in the center of the wrap without disturbing how it is spread out. Massage the oil/juice mixture onto your skin of your tummy, butt and thighs. Spread the mixture evenly; do not leave any bare portions.
5. Bring the bottom sheet of Saran Wrap forward and around your lower legs, tucking it under each leg to cover the skin. Work the next strip of wrap up, bring it forward and around each leg until you have worked all the way up to your waist.
6. Wait ten minutes with your entire lower body wrapped. Remove the wrap from after the ten minutes is up. Rinse yourself with clean warm water to remove the oil and juice mixture.
High frequency sound has been used since the 1980s for cosmetic purposes. It produces heat in the deeper tissue, the rapid vibrations producing a massaging effect and the cavitation effect creating microscopic bubbles of oxygen. These effects from high frequency sound result in a variety of biological improvements. The following steps will show use high frequency sound on facials.
Instructions
1. Apply the ultrasound gel to the face. This should come with your kit and provides a liquid medium that allows the high frequency sound waves to be transmitted from the generator into the facial tissue.
2. Adjust the settings of the ultrasound device according to the instructions and the specific treatment desired. Most units produce vibrations in the 1 to 3 MHz range with various pulsed and continuous modes of operation.
3. Use high frequency to provide deep cleansing for the skin. A 30- to 45-minute session can allow the vibrations to break up old skin cells and oily blockages. It also can increase the skin metabolism which removes waste products more quickly. Patients report an immediate improvement in the appearance of their skin.
4. Improve fine lines, stretch marks and sun-damaged skin with sonopheresis. This is the process of using ultrasound to cause creams applied to the face to penetrate more deeply. This therapy usually requires four treatments before results are seen.
5. Treat contractures and scar tissue with high frequency. The improvement in these areas is believed to be caused by the heating and loosening of the underlying collagen tissue. Treatments are followed by massaging exercises and the application of special creams.
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Salmon oil is a very nutritious type of fish oil, offering many health benefits. Salmon oil contains omega-3 fatty acids. These oils are essential because the body does not make omega-3 fatty acids, so we must get them from food or supplements. According to the Maryland Medical Center, omega-3 fats help to improve HDL (good cholesterol) and reduce LDL (bad cholesterol). Salmon oil is beneficial for heart, brain, and joint health . The oils lubricate the joints and fatty tissues in the body such as the brain. Oils that contain omega-3 fats also help to improve cardiovascular function.
Heart Health
According to the Mayo Clinic, salmon oil reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Salmon oil reduces inflammation in the body which is one of the primary causes of heart disease. The omega-3 fats found in salmon oil vitamins improve blood flow and prevent blood clots. One tablespoon of salmon oil per day is all you need to enjoy these wonderful heart health benefits.
Joint Health
Salmon oil vitamins also improve joint health. Our joints are located in ball sockets within our body, and just like a vehicle needs to be oiled, our joints need oil as well. In addition, the nutrients in salmon oil also reduce inflammation in our joints caused by arthritis or a sports injury. Taking salmon oil regularly can also help to eliminate morning stiffness that tends to happen more often as we age.
Brain Health
Salmon oil is brain food. Our brain is a complex organ that is primarily made of fat. The human brain is strengthened by healthy fats such as the omega oils found in salmon oil vitamins. Omega-3 fats improve neuron connections and brain function by reducing inflammation. Taking these vitamins can improve memory and cognitive function.
Skin Health
Salmon oil vitamins have a dramatic effect on our vital internal organs, but this ultra healthy oil can also improve skin health. Our skin is actually our largest and most vital organ because our skin protects the organs within our body in addition to regulating our temperature, and protecting us from the elements. Our skin breathes through our pores, and sweats out excess toxins that are not filtered by the kidneys. Salmon oil vitamins improve skin health by reducing free radical damage caused by stress, lifestyle, and aging. Free radicals are unpaired molecules that cause destruction to our cells.
Taste
Salmon oil offers many benefits to the body, and salmon oil vitamins are easy to take down because they are tasteless gelatin capsules, making them even more beneficial for people who are picky about taste. Salmon oil taken directly, has a light fishy taste, unlike some other fish oils such as cod liver oil, that tend to have a very strong taste. However, some people still don't prefer the taste of any type of fish oil.
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Vitamin E has health-related benefits beyond its well-known effects on your skin. It's also excellent for your hair. In fact, many hair products, especially shampoos, are fortified with vitamin E. Vitamin E can even benefit your hair when taken orally. Healingtradition.com recommends taking 10 (International Units) I.U. of vitamin E daily. In addition to taking supplements, natural foods can supply what is needed for your entire body.
Benefits
According to the-Vitamin-and-Supplement-guide.com, vitamin E benefits a variety of conditions, such as anemia, low immune system, lack of energy, diabetes, shingles and more. The possible reason for this may be the amount of powerful antioxidants that protect the cells from free radicals.
Effects
Not only does vitamin E help with split ends, but it also keeps your color vibrant. Vitamin E Keeps may also keep your hair color from going gray. According to Jerome Z. Litt, M.D., in "Does Vitamin E Keep Hair From Graying?" (New York Times, June 7, 1993), "I am 71 and have been taking 400 international units of vitamin E a day for more than 20 years. My hair has not turned significantly grayer in that time." It's also helpful with hair loss, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Types
Oral vitamin E can be found in most multivitamins. However, it can also be bought separately. Look for natural vitamin E rather than synthetic because the natural type can be absorbed better in the body. It is recommended when taking the natural form of vitamin E that you take 1.5 I.U. daily. Always check with your physician before taking vitamin E.
Considerations
Like all other vitamins and minerals, vitamin E can also be found in foods. Good sources are nuts, seafood, legumes, soybeans, eggs, wheat germ, seeds, leafy greens, Brussels sprouts, vegetable oils, carrots, cauliflower, turnips and cabbage.
Warning
At a 2004 meeting of the American Heart Association, information was shown that high levels of vitamin E can cause premature death. Although it only showed a 5 percent increase in death, it was still enough to alert the health and nutrition industry. However, Benedetta Bartali RD PhD, a researcher from Yale University, concluded that too little vitamin E in older people may limit mobility in walking, getting up and down from a chair and balance.
Tags: your hair, Benefits Vitamin, Benefits Vitamin Hair, Vitamin Hair
Canines can sometimes require vitamin supplements just as humans often do. A need for B12 can be detected by a blood test administered by a veterinarian. B12 promotes a healthy appetite, adds in the breakdown of nutrients and also the formation of red blood cells in humans and dogs.
Dosage and Effects
There are no negative effects from administering too much B12 to a dog. As B vitamins are water soluble, any excess of the vitamin that surpasses the body's need would be easily eliminated and not cause toxic effects.
Deficiencies
Normally, a dog's body will synthesize B12 from their natural diet, but some conditions stop this process and cause a deficiency.
Symptoms
Signs your pet has a B12 vitamin deficiency include fatigue and inactivity, and loss of appetite.
Uses
In addition to being provided when a deficiency is present, it is also used to promote appetite in dogs that are not eating properly and in anemic dogs.
Administering
B12 can be given orally but is more effective when given as an injection.
Finding the right billing code is critical to getting paid for a biopsy.
Billers and coders work hard to turn the work of doctors, nurses and other clinicians into monetary reimbursements. With all the ICD-9 and CPT codes, it can be a challenge to match the correct code to a procedure. One wrong number and an insurance company or government agency can delay payment. When it comes to coding a frozen section biopsy, you must make sure you supply the correct code.
Instructions
1. Check with the physician, nurse or clinician responsible for the patient's procedure to make sure you not only understand the procedure that was performed, but how and where it was performed. You will need the method and location of biopsy for the ICD-9 code. The frozen section determines the CPT code.
2. Look up the appropriate ICD-9 code for the biopsy. This varies depending on the part of the body and technique used. For example, a biopsy of the urethra performed via cystourethroscopy is assigned to codes 57.32 and 58.23 while an exploratory thoracoscopy and a pleural biopsy receive 34.21 and 34.24 respectively.
3. Check your most recent CPT code set to make sure there have been no updates to the 88331 and 88332 codes for frozen section biopsies. Use free CPT directories available online to stay up to date.
4. Enter CPT code 88331 for the first frozen section biopsy and 88332 for all subsequent units.
5. Call the insurer you are billing if you have questions.
Quitting smoking is one of the most difficult tasks to tackle, but it's the first step in ridding your body of nicotine. Nicotine is the addictive agent that sparked your addiction, so, naturally, you need to get rid of it. Once you flush the nicotine from your body you can begin to focus on the emotional side of quitting. Nicotine often takes up to three days to exit the human body, but there are certain things you can do to ensure its exit and begin developing a healthy routine for your life, according to the University of Iowa.
Instructions
Instructions
1. Drink lots of water. A total system cleanse--like the one to eliminate nicotine--requires water, and lots of it, according to SelfGrowth.com. You will have to urinate quite a bit, and this is a good thing. It means the nicotine is exiting your body.
2. Exercise at least once a day. Running and jogging are a great way to sweat out the nicotine in your body. If you've smoked for a long time, be careful. Too much exercise for someone who is out of shape can be harmful to the heart and lungs, but, according to EMaxHealth.com, exercise will not only flush nicotine from your body, it will make cravings more bearable.
3. Take lots of vitamin C. In fact, vitamin C should be one of your top priorities for the first three days during the flushing process. Drink orange juice and take vitamin C supplements throughout the day. The acidity of vitamin C is a great vehicle for exiting nicotine, according to CiggyFree.com.
4. Breathe deeply. Some of the deepest impurities in your lungs can be extracted by consistent and frequent breathing exercises. While sitting in your office or the classroom, take 10 deep breaths in a row, then take a break. Do this several times a day. Breathing deeply can also ease some of the stress of quitting smoking.
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Brightly colored vegetables contain an array of vitamins.
Improve your health more cheaply without the need for dietary supplements. Increasing the amount of fresh vegetables in your diet will add the vitamins naturally present in those plants to your body. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), notes that vitamins from vegetables and fruits can help to fight and prevent chronic ailments.
Vitamin A
Bright orange vegetables A for protection against infection.
Keep your skin looking its best and help protect against infections with vitamin A. This fat soluble vitamin remains stored in the liver, meaning that you do not need to eat vegetables with vitamin A daily. The recommended daily allowance for vitamin A is between 700 and 900 micrograms. Look for bright orange vegetables to contain high amounts of vitamin A. These include: sweet potatoes, pumpkin, squash, carrots and kale.
B Vitamins and Folate
Dark, leafy spinach contains some of the B vitamins for improved metabolism and infection protection.
The B vitamin group consists of several vitamins which aid in metabolism and fighting and preventing infections, according to the American Dietetic Association's site: Eat Right. Within this group, vitamin B1, also known as thiamin, can be found in green peas. Riboflavin (B2) comes from dark, leafy green vegetables such as collard greens, spinach and kale. Look for niacin in beans and avocados. B6 comes from vegetables such as beans, nuts and baked potatoes. B12 does not present itself in significant amounts in vegetables, but it exists in milk and meat products. Folate (folic acid) helps to prevent birth defects and dark, leafy green vegetables, broccoli and avocados.
Vitamin C
Potatoes contain vitamin C which helps prevent scurvy.
Prevent scurvy, identified by bleeding gums and bruises which do not heal, by having adequate amounts of vitamin C in your diet. This vitamin dissolves in water, which means that excess becomes excreted in your urine. You must consume vitamin C daily to ensure you do not become deficient. Though more common in fruits, you can also find vitamin C in broccoli, potatoes, green peppers and leafy greens.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D can be made by your body or found in dried shiitake mushrooms.
Your body can make its own vitamins. Vitamin D comes from a reaction in the body when exposed to sunlight, but some people do not get ample sunlight to produce adequate amounts of this vitamin, which helps to absorb calcium from the intestine. For these people, getting vitamin D from food is an option. Aim for more than 10 micrograms daily of vitamin D found in dried shiitake mushrooms.
Vitamin E
Avocados E as well as the fat needed to help your body absorb this vitamin.
Like vitamin A, vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin, with the extra stored in the liver. You need 15 milligrams of this vitamin daily. Look for it in vegetables such as sweet potatoes and avocado. It can also be found in dark, leafy green vegetables and vegetable oil. A deficiency of this vitamin negatively affects he reproductive system, possibly leading to sterility.
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This is a homemade recipe for anti-aging or anti-wrinkle eye cream you can make that is easy.
Instructions
1. Warm water and Elder Flower Extract in a Stainless Steel Saucepan to a simmer then remove from heat. Other types of pans such as Aluminum or Copper are reactive and the chemicals can react to food and water and sometimes omit a metallic scent to it.
2. In a double boiler or a pan in a larger pan of simmering water add the avocado oil, almond and wheat germ oils. Stir in the lanolin until melted and remove from heat.
3. Gradually stir the elder flower water. Stir in the Glycerin and geranium essential oil.
4. Pierce the Vitamin E capsule and squeeze out the oil into the mixture.
5. Pour into an empty eye cream container that has been sterilized (you can wash it in a dish washer in the utensil section or very hot water). Store in a cool dark place. The refrigerator is a great place to store it. I have provided a link where you can purchase Elder Flower. Just enter in your zip code or you can find it online along with other organic or natural ingredients
Ultra Clear is a type of medical food used as a way to help treat a person's symptoms if she has been diagnosed with . Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition that occurs when a person feels mentally or physically exhausted and does not find relief through rest. Along with lifestyle changes, Ultra Clear can help combat the condition.
Types
Metagenics Ultra Clear comes in several different types and flavors. Besides the original Ultra Clear formula, a Macro version is available that includes rice protein. Ultra Clear Plus is designed for individuals that have difficulty successfully detoxing their livers. Ultra Clear Sustain is marketed towards individuals with digestive issues that wish to detox their digestive tracts. Available flavors of Ultra Clear include original, banana, vanilla, berry and pineapple-banana.
Effects
Ultra Clear contains ingredients which are meant to assist with the detoxification of the liver to rid the body of harmful toxins that could be causing the person to suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome. During the detox phases, Ultra Clear will provide essential vitamins and nutrients needed for good health. Patients can use Ultra Clear as a long term dietary supplement to reduce their exposure to toxins.
Usage
Ultra Clear can be used once a day when the product is first started. Mix two of the level scoops with eight ounces of water or juice. If the individual tolerates the product well, Metagenics states that he can increase this dosage to twice a day. Each serving of Ultra Clear contains 170 calories, 15 grams of protein, 4 grams of fat and 19 grams of carbohydrates.
Considerations
Ultra Clear should only be used under the advice of a physician. Metagenics has a disclaimer on its site that it only directly retails Ultra Clear to licensed medical professionals to avoid misuse of the nutritional supplement. The company states that the product can also be used as a form of treatment for other disorders besides chronic fatigue syndrome, such as migraines, drug dependency, food allergies and fibromylagia.
Warning
Do not use Ultra Clear if you are pregnant, since it contains a high dosage of vitamin A. This is due to the increased possibility of birth defects in the fetus. Doctors recommend that a pregnant woman should not exceed 5,000 IU of vitamin A on a daily basis.
There has long been a debate over what foods and vitamins are best for certain desired results in body health and growth. For women, one of the pressing questions is what vitamins are best for growth and health of the breasts, particularly in cultures where larger breasts are seen as desirable. However, like many other areas of health, there isn't one particular food or vitamin that needs to be taken, but a variety of them.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is something that is desirable for overall health of the body. While Vitamin E delivers its benefits to all areas of the body, including the brain, it will also enhance breast health and firmness. This vitamin also greatly assists skin health and appearance.
Vitamin A
Much like Vitamin E, Vitamin A is also noted for increasing the health and firmness of the skin. Breasts, since they are essentially pockets of fat, must have healthy skin in order to grow properly.
Vitamin C
While the previous two vitamins were more for skin and total body health, they are helpful in preparing the breasts and skin for expanding. Vitamin C, however, has been shown to correlate to the production of collagen, which is a crucial part of the puzzle for breast growth. Vitamin C can easily be gotten in tablets and in foods like citrus fruits.
Preservatives
It's been proposed that one of the reasons that women's breasts have been growing larger in recent generations is the amount of hormones fed to livestock and plants to produce bigger, healthier specimens. While not recommended as a method to help breast growth, eating foods that are not considered organic is likely to put many of these hormones into a woman's body.
Estrogen
Foods that contain natural estrogen, or phyto-estrogen, are also recommended for those women who are looking to increase their bust size. Another option is to find supplements in pill form that contain phyto-estrogen, most often used in menopausal treatments for aging women.
Tags: body health, , health firmness, , Vitamin Vitamin
Unfortunately, it is not possible to "spot reduce" -- a term used for trying to lose weight from one particular part of the body. If you are trying to lose fat from the belly area, you have to lower your overall body fat percentage. Eating a healthy, balanced diet and exercising regularly are essential, but knowing which foods boost metabolism and help process fats can help you with your weight-loss goals.
Fruits Rich in Vitamin C
Fruits with a high vitamin C content boost the production of the amino acid carnitine. Carnitine plays a pivotal role in the processing of fat. It helps the body dilute fats, making them easier to flush out. Fruits with a high Vitamin C content include lemons limes, oranges, tangerines, guava, grapefruit and tomatoes.
High Quality Proteins
When digesting proteins, your body's metabolic rate increases and more calories are burned at rest. "High quality proteins" refer to sources that have a high protein content yet are low in fat and calories. Prime examples include egg whites, lean red meat, white fish and poultry.
Oily Fish
Apart from being a great source of protein, oily fish such as trout, salmon and tuna contain large amounts of omega-3 essential fatty acids, a "good" fat. These fatty acids have many nutritional benefits such as promoting healthy brain function and tissue repair and maintenance. Best of all, they help the body process and flush out fats.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are another source of "good fats." In addition, they are high in fiber, keeping the digestive system working efficiently and regulating insulin response. They are a great snack food, keeping you full longer and preventing cravings for unhealthy snacks. They do contain a large number of calories, so limit your portion sizes to no more than a small handful.
Beans and Legumes
Beans and legumes are another great source of fiber. Some even offer a decent dose of protein while remaining low in fat and calories. Red kidney beans are a prime example.
Chilies
Chilies and other hot peppers contain an active nutrient called capsaicin. Capsaicin gives your metabolism a healthy boost for up to 20 minutes after consumption, helping you burn excess calories and fat.
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Ascorbic acid occurs naturally in many fruits, particularly citrus.
Chemists refer to solutions as single-phase mixtures of two or more pure compounds. Although solutions can form between compounds in any phase -- solid, liquid or gas -- this most often refers to a mixture of two liquids or a solid dissolved in a liquid. Dissolving a solid requires a liquid solvent in which the solid exhibits good solubility. Ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, exhibits a solubility in water of 1.735 moles per liter, or about 306 grams per liter, classifying it as highly soluble in water. Unfortunately, the most readily available source of ascorbic acid -- store-bought vitamin C pills -- contain some components other than ascorbic acid, such as binders, that do not easily dissolve. Consequently, an additional step to remove the insoluble components by filtration is necessary when preparing an ascorbic acid solution.
Instructions
1. Crush a vitamin C tablet into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle, then transfer the powder to a sauce pan. Each 500-mg tablet will add 250 parts per million, or ppm, of ascorbic acid to the final solution. Another way chemists express ppm is "milligrams per liter." Because the final solution will exhibit a volume of 2 liters, each tablet will contribute 500 mg / 2 L = 250 ppm. Crush and add additional tablets if you desire a concentration greater than 250 ppm.
2. Fill the sauce pan with about 8 ounces of water, then heat the contents on a stove or hot plate. Periodically stir the mixture with a spoon or glass stirring rod. When bubbles form on the bottom of the pan or beaker, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool until only warm to the touch.
3. Place a coffee filter in a plastic funnel and insert the funnel into a thoroughly rinsed two-liter bottle. Pour the warm solution through the filter paper into the two-liter bottle. Next, add a few ounces of cold water to the pan, swirl it, and also pour this solution through the filter paper into the bottle.
4. Remove the funnel from the bottle and add enough water to fill the two-liter bottle nearly full. If you have a full, unopened two-liter bottle of soda nearby, try to fill the bottle containing the ascorbic acid to the same level as the unopened bottle so that the volume of the ascorbic acid bottle is almost exactly 2 liters.
5. Tightly cap the bottle containing the ascorbic acid bottle and invert it several times to mix the contents. Label the bottle "ascorbic acid" along with the concentration. Keep in mind that each 500-mg vitamin C tablet adds 250 ppm of ascorbic acid. Thus, if you dissolved three tablets, write "750 ppm" on the label.
Vitamins A and E play key roles in the health and sustainability of your bodily functions. Several natural food sources contain significant amounts of vitamins A and E. However, since both are fat-soluble vitamins, excess amounts can cause bodily damage.
Vitamin A's Role
Vitamin A promotes a healthy immune system, clear vision and bone and tissue growth and repair. Vitamin A helps the retina adjust so you can see in the dark. Vitamin A is also important for healthy skin, teeth and gums. Those suffering from acne often increase their vitamin A intake to control breakouts. Vitamin A also functions as an antioxidant to fight free radicals in the body.
Vitamin A Food Sources
Plenty of food sources provide vitamin A. Foods that are rich in vitamin A include: liver, sweet potatoes, carrots, mangoes, spinach, cantaloupe, dried apricots, milk, egg yolks and mozzarella cheese. The consumption of alcohol, coffee and excessive iron can deplete the body of vitamin A.
Effects of Vitamin A Deficiency and Excess
Vitamin A deficiencies can cause night blindness, poor eyesight, dry skin and eyes, brittle nails, stunted growth and reproductive issues, such as maternal mortality and problems lactating. An excess of vitamin A is also dangerous. It can lead to birth defects, liver damage, bone damage, hair loss and double vision.
Vitamin E's Role
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects against bodily tissue damage and cataracts. It is also taken to prevent heart disease and cancer. Vitamin E plays a key role in red blood cell formation, and the conversion of vitamin K.
Vitamin E Food Sources
Vitamin E is found naturally in wheat germ, almonds, olives, spinach, asparagus and oils (corn, sunflower, cottonseed and soybean).
Effects of Vitamin E Deficiency and Excess
Vitamin E deficiencies are rare because it is found in so many common foods. Nonetheless, deficiencies include a weakened nervous system, difficulty absorbing dietary fats, babies with low birth weight and muscle weakness. An excess of vitamin E can lead to mortality, heart failure, impaired immunity and increased bleeding when on anticoagulant medication.
Calcium buildup in arteries is a very dangerous situation. Not only can this cause heart disease, but research has shown that there is a good chance that those with calcium in the arteries could die within five years. While anyone who suspects or knows that calcium is present in their arteries should see their doctor immediately, there are a few natural techniques available to help remedy this dangerous situation.
Vitamin K2
Vitamin K is an essential nutrient required for proper body function. Its main role is to assist in blood coagulation and scab-forming. The difference between vitamin K1 and vitamin K2 is mostly the source of the vitamin; K1 is more prevalent in plants, and K2 is more prevalent in animals.
According to an article by Jim Howenstine, M.D., a clinical study done in Holland showed that a long-term, adequate supply of vitamin K2 tended to show less calcium in the aorta, one of the body's major arteries. Also, there is evidence to suggest that this removed calcium is then deposited in the bones, strengthening them. Assuring that proper daily doses of vitamin K2 are consumed each day can help reduce calcium in the arteries over the long term.
Vitamin K supplements can be purchased at most drug and health food stores. Vitamin K2 can also be found naturally in beef, pork and eggs.
Consult a doctor before beginning any vitamin K regimen, since the blood-clotting effects of vitamin K2 may be dangerous for some heart patients. Also, some blood-thinning medications may inhibit the effectiveness of vitamin K in general. It is always a good idea to speak with a any major nutrition or lifestyle change is made.
Oral Chelation
Oral chelation (or EDTA chelation) is a formula of vitamins that are said to reduce toxic metals in the body. The proposed benefits of oral chelation have not been scientifically proven, but doctor Norman Clarke, M.D., found that those who had been exposed to lead poisoning experienced relief of symptoms when oral chelation was used as a treatment.
An amino acid present in oral chelation therapy is said to attract calcium as it travels through the blood stream, thus helping to remove it. EDTA chelation is also touted as an arterial plaque removal method, which could also contribute to overall heart health. As always, closely follow instructions on supplement packaging when using oral chelation therapy.
Regular Exercise
Heart patients can always benefit from additional cardiovascular exercise, but care is needed. Speak with your doctor about an appropriate exercise program, since not everyone's health condition is such that vigorous exercise is appropriate or even safe. Exercise can promote overall arterial health and contribute to arterial calcium removal.
Physicians are starting to recognize the benefits that vitamins provide for patients. Vitamin therapy is gaining popularity as a natural way to treat various conditions and diseases, including seizures, without the nasty side effects that prescription meds may bring. Beginning a vitamin therapy can give you the needed nutrients that your body is lacking as well as aiding in the treatment of seizures. Never start any vitamin supplements without first consulting your primary care physician.
Instructions
1. The amino acid known as taurine is said to play a key part in the electrical activities that go on in the brain. Some people who suffer from epilepsy have shown to have a taurine deficit in their brain. Adding a taurine supplement may reduce the frequency of seizures, but it appears to be only temporary.
2. Adding 400 IU a day of vitamin E supplement to your other drug treatment has shown to reduce the frequency of seizures in both adults and children.
3. Vitamin B6 supplement has been used to treat children and infants that experience certain types of seizures. The effects if vitamin B6 on epilepsy is not known.
4. Taking 5 mg of folic acid a day has been reported to reduce the frequency of seizures. In some people taking folic acid may interfere with anticonvulsant medications and cause an increase in seizures.
Tags: frequency seizures, reduce frequency, reduce frequency seizures, folic acid
The United States recommended daily allowance of Vitamin D is 200 IU per day and 400 IU per day for older people and those who don't get much sun exposure. Serious Vitamin D deficiency causes rickets and tooth decay. Vitamin D also helps in the prevention of osteoporosis, cancer and diabetes. It's difficult to get Vitamin D from diet alone, since few foods contain Vitamin D naturally.
Instructions
1. Take 1 tablespoon of cod liver oil each day. Cod liver oil contains more than the U.S. recommended allowance of Vitamin D.
2. Eat one serving per day of fish, like salmon, mackerel, tuna and sardines.
3. Purchase foods fortified with Vitamin D. These include milk, margarine and cereals.
4. Take in small amounts of Vitamin D from eggs, liver and Swiss cheese.
5. Get some sun. Most individuals get enough Vitamin D from sunlight exposure. Cloud cover, smog and high melanin content in the skin are some factors that prevent people from getting Vitamin D from the sun alone. Some reports say that exposure to direct sunlight for 5 to 30 minutes twice a week produces adequate Vitamin D.
6. Take supplements, like cod liver oil pills or multi-vitamins that contain Vitamin D.
Acne-ridden and sun-damaged skin can sometimes leave unattractive brown and discolored spots on the skin. For those that such discolorations, it can be a source of embarrassment and self-consciousness. Dark skin spots can also be difficult to get rid of or to fade. However, vitamin E oil can not only give a glow to the skin but often is very helpful in diminishing the appearance of dark skin spots and discolorations.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is known to help the skin fight against damaging free radicals that speed the aging process hence speeding the appearance of wrinkles. Free radicals are also to blame for the development of several cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
Dark Skin Spot Causes
Obviously one of the more common causes of dark spots on the skin are post-inflammatory marks left after an acne breakout.
Additionally certain medications can increase the skin's sensitivity to the sun and lead to dark discolorations. Medications like estrogens, tetracyclines, amiodarone, phenytoin and sulfonamides are all known to increase the skin's sensitivity to sun exposure.
Also pregnancy, liver disease, Addison's disease and pituitary tumors can all cause discolorations or dark spots on the skin.
Benefits of Vitamin E Oil
Vitamin E oil is added to many skin care and hair care products due to its many beneficial qualities. It contains many antioxidants and moisturizers that improve the appearance and health of the epidermis and hair follicles.
Although, vitamin E oil can often be applied alone and still proven to be highly helpful for repairing dry cuticles, adding a glow to the skin and massaging the body for increased relaxation.
Finally, it is also helpful in speeding the repair time for minor cuts and burns. The vitamin E oil will kill potential harmful bacteria and decrease the time to close an open wound.
Fade Dark Skin Spots
Not only are dark spots unattractive but also they can often make people look older, which of course is never ideal. Simply buy vitamin E capsules, puncture them and squeezing the oil directly onto the spots daily, a noticeable difference should be seen in 6 months to a year. Obviously, patience is key to this method.
However, rest assured that vitamin e oil rarely irritates the skin so although slow in results the skin will no doubt benefit without causing more acne or redness.
Also ingesting 15 mg a day will also help to keep the body and skin healthy.
Further Recommedations
Exfoliate once to twice a week but make sure not to overexfoliate. Exfoliation will remove dead skin cells and increase skin cell turnover revealing new more even toned skin. Although over exfoliating the skin can make matters worse by making the skin more sensitive to the sun and possibly causing it to be red in appearance.
Using a brightening serum can also help. If you do choose to use a brightening serum, remember to use a moisturizer with a high SPF or a separate sun block in addition to your moisturizer. Even if you are not using a brightening serum, some form of sun block is recommended at least in an effort to avoid skin cancer.
If you want to us something more natural squeeze pure lemon juice on cotton swabs on the discolorations on your skin. Lemon juice is a natural skin lightener.
Tags: , dark spots, increase skin, spots skin, also help, Dark Skin
A face can be a calling card. Because sometimes a first impression is the only impression, physicality plays a role. Vitamins that promote healthy, younger-looking skin are essential to the fight against aging.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A helps rid the body of harmful toxins and free radicals that damage the skin, causing all sorts of maladies. This vitamin can work to prevent and diminish wrinkles and discoloration. It can aid in the healing and further prevention of acne. Vitamin A can repair damaged tissues, helping to regenerate younger-looking skin.
Vitamin B Complex
Vitamin B Complex, a series of various B vitamins grouped into one, works to bolster the immune system via its ability to aid in metabolism. The effects of this are lessened damage to the skin and improved protection from harmful free radicals that constantly attack the body. Vitamin B Complex can also promote smoother, more even toned skin.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C works one way when ingested and another when used topically. In pill or liquid form and taken orally, it's known to be an antioxidant, fighting bacteria and helping to heal wounds and damage. It also can diminish the signs of discoloration and broken blood vessels in the skin. When used topically, it can be used to slow the signs of aging and lessen lines and wrinkles.
Vitamin E
Similar to Vitamin C, the E vitamin can be ingested or used topically. When taken orally, it works as an anti-inflammatory, helping to ease flare-ups in the skin that cause redness and swelling. It can also help to maintain a clearer complexion when these redness-causing incidents are stopped. Applied topically, vitamin E helps to moisturize skin, keeping it smooth and younger-looking.
Vitamin K
Used topically for skin beautification, vitamin K can help alleviate several signs of aging. It can work to reduce dark circles and bags under the eyes, especially when applied in conjunction with vitamin A. It can also help diminish fine lines and wrinkles, resulting in younger and fresher-looking skin.
Tags: also help, used topically, Vitamin Complex, damage skin, free radicals, free radicals that
A surgical abortion is a medical procedure used to end a pregnancy by emptying a woman's uterus of a developing baby. There are different methods used to do this, depending on the stage of pregnancy.
Safety
According to Planned Parenthood, surgical abortions are considered safe, but risks include infection, injury to the cervix--neck of the uterus--or uterus and excessive bleeding.
First Trimester Abortions
According to ProChoice.org, doctors typically use vacuum aspiration for surgical abortions that occur before about 12 to 14 weeks of pregnancy. This involves using special rods to dilate--open--the cervix and a vacuum aspirator--a tool that uses suction similar to that of a vacuum--to suck the contents out of the uterus.
D&C
Sometimes doctors use a curette--a scoop- or spoon-shaped instrument--to scrape the walls of the uterus gently and remove tissues that remain after a vacuum aspiration. When a curette is used, the procedure may be referred to as a dilation and curettage (D&C).
D&E
According to Blue Shield of California, dilation and evacuation (D&E) is typically used for abortions in the second trimester, after the first 12 weeks of pregnancy--up to 14 weeks in some clinics. To perform this type of abortion, a doctor dilates a woman's cervix more than with vacuum aspiration abortion and uses suction and medical instruments to remove the contents of the uterus.
Anesthesia
The type of anesthesia used for a surgical abortion depends on the type of abortion and the woman's preferences. A woman may receive local anesthesia to numb the cervix, sedation drugs to induce a calm, sleepy feeling, general anesthesia to put her to sleep or nitrous oxide to give her a feeling of well-being and drowsiness during the procedure.
Medications
Doctors may use medications to help open a woman's cervix. They may also prescribe antibiotics for infection prevention.
Can vitamin C be used in the treatment of cancer? The answer seems to be a controversial one: One study vitamin C is ineffective, while another shows that it may help the cancer cells to survive, and still another study shows that vitamin C is effective in treating cancer.
History
In the 1970s Linus Pauling, Nobel Prize recipient for chemistry, introduced the idea of using vitamin C in the treatment of cancer. Drs. Pauling and Ewan Cameron conducted studies showing that cancer patients who took vitamin C survived an average of 300 days longer than those who did not. Dr. Charles Moertel and his colleagues at the Mayo Clinic published a study showing that vitamin C treatment did not work. Both studies were flawed, however. Dr. Pauling's study did not follow the randomized, double-blind method that is now considered standard, and Dr. Moertel's study did not replicate Dr. Pauling's study.
Vitamin C is Ineffective Orally
Because the body regulates how much vitamin C actually gets into the bloodstream, studies have shown that taking vitamin C orally is ineffective against cancer.
Vitamin C May Hinder Treatment
Researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York found that cancer cells treated with vitamin C could survive chemotherapy better than those not treated; it is believed that vitamin C supports the mitochondria of the cell.
High Doses of Vitamin C Taken Intravenously
It was found that when vitamin C was given by injection, which put greater amounts of vitamin C into the bloodstream, cancer survivor rates increased. Dr. Pauling first used injections in his study, and researchers have since shown that this may be the best way to use vitamin C in cancer treatment.
How Does Vitamin C Work?
There are several theories as to why vitamin C seems to work: one is that the body generates hydrogen peroxide, which supports normal cells and acts against cancer cells. Another theory states that vitamin C is an anti-oxidant rounding up free radicals that cause cancer. There are several others, but no one knows for sure whether or why vitamin C seems to work.
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If you want to reduce your chances of having heart problems, you need to not only lower your bad cholesterol but also your triglycerides. Triglycerides are fatty deposits that form in your body, and when you have high levels of them in your bloodstream, you are prone to develop coronary blockages. So it's a good idea to do what you can to keep your triglyceride levels as low as possible (ideally between 40 to 180 mg/DL).
Diet and Exercise
Triglyceride levels are influenced by the foods you eat. The more sugars and carbohydrates you consume, the more likely you are to raise your blood glucose and increase your triglycerides. You should also avoid hydrogenated oils and transfats like those found in margarine and fast food, as well as refined and processed foods. Olive oil is probably the best fat to eat if you are watching your triglyceride levels. Eating a high-fiber diet can also be helpful in reducing triglyceride counts, as can regular aerobic exercise like walking, biking and swimming.
Natural Supplements
Besides eating a healthy diet and exercising, you can also keep your triglycerides low by ingesting a variety of alternative vitamins and natural supplements. One such supplement is Guggulipid (also known as Guggul or Commiphora Mukul). This herbal medicine lowers both cholesterol (by 14 to 27 percent) and triglycerides (by 22 to 30 percent) while positively impacting the HDL-to-LDL ratio. Another great vitamin for lowering both triglycerides and LDL is Pantethine, otherwise known as B-5.
Some nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin C can help reduce your triglyceride levels, according to a publication by P.K. Reissell's group at Harvard. Taking a couple of doses of psyllium on a regular basis can lower your triglyceride counts. In addition, antioxidant supplements like beta-carotene, vitamin E, N-acetyl cysteine and selenium can be beneficial, as can guar gum, chickweed and lecithin because they all help with the elimination of fat. L-carnitine can also help fats pass through certain parts of the cells, allowing them to be used as fuel rather than stored in the blood.
Studies also show that magnesium effectively raises HDL while lowering LDL and triglyceride levels. In addition, results recently published in the "Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics" reveal that can reduce triglycerides by 60 percent in lab rats. Although it's not clear whether the results would be the same on humans, lipoic acid has great potential as a safe, triglyceride-lowering agent. Clinics also sometimes use niacin to help combat high triglycerides.
Tags: your triglyceride, your triglyceride levels, your triglycerides, keep your, lipoic acid, lower your
Could your pain be caused by a vitamin D deficiency?
Vitamin D has been traditionally associated with bone health, not pain. However, because of the now widely recognized vitamin deficiency in the United States, the medical community is taking a much closer look at a supplement that is driving cause and treatment research. Muscular pain, medically known as myalgia, has become a leading issue, as researchers try and understand its link to vitamin D deficiency.
Vitamin D Basics
Studies have shown that there is a vitamin D deficiency present in approximately 30 to 50 percent of the general population. This is primarily due to poor diet, an increase in time spent indoors, and the use of sunscreen which blocks damaging UV rays. Vitamin D comes in two forms: D2 and D3 which is the most readily absorbed form. It is consumed through fortified foods such as milk, orange juice, and some cereals and yogurts, oily fish like salmon, sardines, and tuna, as well as through over-the-counter supplements. Vitamin D3 is complex and the only vitamin that works like a hormone carrying messages throughout the body. It aides tissues particularly the joints, bones, and muscles. Current evidence suggests a link between pain and a D3 deficiency given this relationship.
Significance
The Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC) reports, "A rapidly evolving knowledge base indicates that vitamin D deficiency is much more prevalent than previously recognized and is present in up to 50 percent of young adults and [healthy] children. The Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) reported the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the U. S. to be between 25 and 57 percent of adults."
Vitamin D and Pain
Chronic pain in the muscles and joints and fatigue are the most common complaints for which Americans seek medical treatment today. Vitamin D deficiencies have been linked to chronic musculoskeletal pain, muscle weakness, autoimmune diseases, heart disease, several types of cancer, depression, even Type 2 diabetes. According to Michael Turner, MD from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, "Many patients who labeled with fibromyalgia are, in fact, suffering from symptomatic vitamin-D inadequacy." According to the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, myalgias [pain in a muscle or a group of muscles] are generally the first manifestation of vitamin D deficiency. While research is ongoing, current evidence suggests not only a link to pain and disease with vitamin D deficiency, but demonstrates treatment of these health issues with higher supplemental doses of the vitamin.
Considerations
Improved muscle function and strength have been linked to vitamin D supplementation, giving credibility to the fact that the supplement may also prevent falls and fractures. According to Bess Dawson-Hughes of the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, the link is to "vitamin D receptors on the fast-twitch fibers in muscles that are the first responders when you are about to fall. So, it's biologically plausible that vitamin D will affect muscle, and we certainly know that [weaker] lower extremity muscles are a risk factor for falls."
Dosage & Diagnosing
The U.S. government's current recommendation for oral vitamin D is: 200 IU to 600 IU daily for adults. However, it is estimated that 1,000 to 2,000 IU is necessary to satisfy the body's needs for most people. A dose of vitamin D3 up to 2,000 IU daily has been deemed safe by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration's nutritional guidelines. The dosage levels recommended for the treatment of pain is typically much higher and should be guided by a physician. Diagnosing a vitamin D deficiency requires a simple blood test which is often, but not always, covered by insurance.
Vitamin D Deficiency and other Health Issues
Research and ongoing clinical trials continue to probe the effect of vitamin D deficiencies with pain and other health issues such as: heart disease, stroke, cancer (especially colon, breast, and prostate), Type 2 diabetes, depression, and autoimmune disease. Vitamin D and Omega-3s are considered two of the most promising nutrients available for the prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Tags: vitamin deficiency, have been, American College, Cardiology, been linked
Juice Plus is a dietary supplement that has fruit and vegetable juices in a powdered form. When trying to lose weight, Juice Plus is sometimes added to the diet as a means of keeping nutrition levels high while helping to minimize hunger. It is important to note that Juice Plus is not a diet pill, nor is it designed to make people lose weight without some lifestyle changes.
Instructions
1. Talk to your family doctor before starting any weight loss plan. The doctor will make suggestions about the plan and help determine what plan is appropriate for your personal health and what you need to change for the preferred results or the healthiest results. Ask the doctor about Juice Plus and his or her opinion about its usefulness in a diet.
2. Add Juice Plus to a personal diet. Juice Plus is a supplement; it does not take the place of foods in the diet, but it can help ensure that your body gets enough nutrition during the diet.
3. Work out a personal weight loss plan. The only way to actually lose weight is to cut calories. Juice Plus helps by adding some extra nutrition and helping to minimize hunger during the diet. Cut back on refined sugars and flour and add more healthy foods, like high-fiber wheat bread, fruits and vegetables. Personal plans differ for each individual, so take time to determine your personal needs and places to cut foods.
Tags: Juice Plus, lose weight, diet Juice, diet Juice Plus, during diet, helping minimize
Vitamins are nutrients that are essential to human health and should be supplemented if not found in high enough amounts in the diet. As with any nutritional supplement, it is important to know how much to take and whether a certain vitamin can have dangerous interactions with other drugs or supplements.
Types
Though the term "vitamin" is used colloquially to refer to a variety of nutrients, the word actually means the vitamins essential to human health. These are Vitamins A, C, D, E, K, and a group of eight nutrients called the B vitamins.
Effects
Deficiency in any of the essential vitamins can cause a variety of diseases, such as scurvy for a Vitamin C deficiency (see Reference 4). Vitamins provide their benefit through consistent ingestion and maintenance of levels within the body. The effect of vitamins is generally disease prevention so it is important that they are taken consistently.
Dangerous Interactions
As with any supplement, vitamins have the potential to interact with other drugs that are taken. Examples of this include Vitamin A's dangerous interaction with high amounts of ethanol, or drinking alcohol (see Reference 1).
Considerations
Certain vitamins can be taken together to maximize their benefit. For example, antioxidants like Vitamins E and C are often taken together. According to health expert Joy Bauer, vitamin D can help improve the absorption of calcium, another essential nutrient (see Reference 2). Generally, it is safe to take any vitamin with another, but this may reduce efficacy (see Reference 3).
Vitamins Taken Alone
Vitamins can be taken alone to maximize absorption into the body and thus improve the benefits they provide. In addition, a vitamin may be taken alone if it is necessary in higher concentrations than other nutrients. Vitamin C, for example, may be needed by some in much higher amounts than provided by a multivitamin. In addition, its water solubility can affect absorption if taken with another drug or without adequate water (see Reference 4).
Warning
Always consult your doctor before starting a vitamin or supplement regimen; they will be best able to warn you of any dangerous interactions with any medication you are taking.
Tags: dangerous interactions, essential human, essential human health, human health, other drugs, Reference Vitamins
When a dog doesn’t get enough vitamin B1 he may suffer from thiamine deficiency. This can be caused by eating food that doesn’t have a high absorption rate or eating an unbalanced diet. Dietary changes can assist in restoring your canine to good health. Here’s recognize and treat thiamine deficiency in dogs.
Instructions
1. Take inventory of your dog's symptoms. When you call your vet it’s important to be able to accurately describe symptoms. Dogs that suffer from thiamine deficiency may experience weakness, trouble walking and paralyzed eye muscles.
2. Call your vet to make an appointment. If your dog experiences the symptoms of thiamine deficiency an evaluation is needed. Describe your symptoms to the office and schedule an immediate appointment.
3. Request tests for thiamine deficiency. This may include urine and blood tests and x-rays. Your medical provider should be able to make a diagnosis with the test results.
4. Change your canine’s diet if need be. Unfortunately not all dog food is created equally and digestibility and balanced nutrition is critical to preventing thiamine deficiency in dogs. Ask your vet for a recommended dog food.
5. Monitor your canine’s condition closely once you bring him home from the animal hospital. Any changes should be reported to your medical provider immediately.
Tags: thiamine deficiency, your canine, deficiency dogs, deficiency This, from thiamine
You may be able to restore your lucky bamboo's health.
While actually a member of the lily family, lucky bamboo is an inexpensive plant that can be cultivated in soil or water. It's easy to grow, which makes it a popular choice for homes or offices. Commonly used in "feng shui," the Eastern method of bringing balance to one's environment, lucky bamboo is believed to bring water and wood together, creating a balanced energy in the space it occupies. If your lucky bamboo has yellow leaves that are beginning to drop, it may be dying. However, it might be saved with a bit of effort.
Instructions
1. Change the plant's water source if you're using chlorinated tap water. Chlorine damages lucky bamboo. If you cannot purchase filtered water, allow tap water to sit out overnight so the chlorine evaporates before using the water on your plant.
2. Avoid placing lucky bamboo anywhere it might receive a cold or hot draft of air. Sudden temperature changes can affect its health.
3. Inspect the plant for insects, as mealy bugs are a common problem. If insects are discovered, you can assume they are eating the plant and need to be removed.
4. Verify that the plant is receiving the proper amount of water, if it's planted in soil. Keep the dirt moist at all times, but do not overwater or allow the soil to dry out.
5. Determine if the plant is receiving too much or too little light. Lucky bamboo prefers indoor lighting because it is bright but indirect. The leaves can be burned if the plant sits in direct sunlight, such as on a windowsill. Not enough light can cause the plant to discolor or become sickly.
6. Apply a small amount of liquid fertilizer, according to the package directions, whether the plant is growing in soil or directly in water.
7. Remove a dying stalk with sharp scissors or small pruning shears, if other stalks appear to be healthy. If a dying stalk is left on the plant, it will rot and create bacteria that can destroy the entire plant.
Tags: lucky bamboo, dying stalk, plant receiving, your lucky, your lucky bamboo
When it comes to newborns, parents just want what's best. Proper nutrition is essential to the growth and development of infants. Vitamins play a key role in that development, and while they're often found in breast milk or formula, it's crucial to provide adequate vitamins and supplements if necessary.
Vitamins
Vitamins are micronutrients, which means they don't provide energy, or calories. Nonetheless, without vitamins infants won't grow properly and if they're vitamin-deficient, they can become sick.
Vitamins in Breast Milk
Breast milk is the best source of vitamins for a growing infant, but the vitamins in breast milk directly reflect the amount of vitamins the mother is getting through her diet. Breast milk provides nursing infants with: vitamin A which is crucial for healthy teeth and vision and vitamin C, which builds immunity and prevents diseases like scurvy.
Nursing mothers tend to stay on multivitamins to ensure their infants are receiving adequate nutrition.
Vitamins in Formula
While breast milk is the preferred method of feeding by dietitians and doctors, formula offers a great source of infant nutrition. Formula provides infants with vitamin D, which helps prevent rickets and builds strong bones. Vitamin D is not adequate in breast milk.
Supplements
Generally, infants don't need supplements; they get what they need to grow from milk or formula. However, newborns may be given an injection of vitamin K, which aids blood clotting. Breastfed infants are at a higher risk of vitamin K deficiency if not given a supplemental shot at birth.
A vitamin D supplement of 200 IU each day is recommended for exclusively breastfed infants.
Deficiencies
In some cases, if an infant doesn't receive proper nutrition, be it calories, vitamins, minerals or macronutrients, the growing baby can usually catch up if the malnutrition hasn't been going on for years. This is called catch-up growth, and it can be achieved by feeding the baby proper nutrition.
If a baby has been deficient of certain nutrition for a long period of time, he may never get back on a normal growth curve, and this can result in both physical and mental problems.
Vitamin A deficiency can lead to blindness. Vitamin C deficiency can result in scurvy. An inadequate intake of vitamin D can lead to rickets, a weakening and softening of the bones.
Tags: vitamin which, breast milk, breast milk, infants with, infants with vitamin, milk formula, proper nutrition
Since low sperm count and decreased motility, in addition to abnormally-shaped sperm, are accountable for approximately 40 percent of fertility problems, adding pre-pregnancy vitamin supplements can be essential in enhancing male fertility.
Types
Men should consider taking daily supplements of vitamin C, calcium, vitamin B12, selenium, zinc and vitamin E.
Benefits
The benefits from each vitamin varies but can include increased sperm count and motility, improved sperm function and quality, and an overall increase in fertility.
Misconceptions
Many people believe it is only necessary for women who are trying to get pregnant to take prenatal vitamins, when in actuality it can be equally important for men to take vitamin supplements to increase their chances of impregnation.
Considerations
For the most effective results, men should maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle by avoiding drugs, alcohol, cigarettes and soy products, in addition to adding vitamin supplements to their pre-pregnancy health plan.
Warning
Medical consultation is advised to determine which vitamins should be taken and what is a sufficient dosage of each vitamin supplement.
Tags: vitamin supplements, each vitamin, sperm count
The calcium found in a glass of milk has a sedative effect that can help you nod off.
A good night's sleep doesn't always come easily, especially for the roughly 60 million Americans who suffer from insomnia. Yet rather than turning to an over-the-counter or prescription sleep aid that may run the risk of dependency, you may want to try natural supplements first. Several key vitamins have been identified as having a soothing effect on the body, helping you nod off more quickly. When paired with a healthy diet and exercise, these essential vitamins should help reduce stress and improve sleep.
Calcium
The oft-repeated advice to drink a glass of milk at bedtime appears to be rooted in fact. Calcium is one of the most effective vitamins to improve sleep, particularly when found in food. This common vitamin has a sedative effect, calming the body and allowing for easier sleep, and some scientists believe that calcium is better absorbed at night. Adults may take up 2,000 mg of calcium in separate doses, preferably after meals or just before bed. Or opt for healthy high-calcium foods including yogurt, sesame seeds and dark leafy greens such as spinach and bok choy.
Magnesium
Similarly to calcium, magnesium is a vitamin whose calming effect on the brain can help bring about sleep. Magnesium is also crucial to help the body absorb calcium, making important to get the recommended amount (up to 1,000 mg of Magnesium daily for adults). Those with insufficient magnesium levels commonly experience nervous feelings that keep them from getting a good night's sleep. Symptoms of this deficiency including muscle spasms, diminished appetite and nausea. In addition to supplements, you can get your daily fill from magnesium-rich foods such as almonds, cashews and wheat bran.
B Vitamins
Several studies have revealed the sedative effect of B vitamins, which help to calm the nerves and prevent insomnia. According to the National Institute of Health, Vitamin B12 can affect the body's circadian rhythm, helping you nod off quicker. Studies have also shown that B complex can be effective in treating nighttime leg cramps that can wake you or lead to less deep sleep. Furthermore, it appears that people who don't get sufficient levels of B vitamins may suffer more anxiety and sleep-related disturbances. Adults are advised to take 50 to 100 mg of vitamin B6, 25 mg of B12 and 100mg of B5 to help reduce stress and prevent insomnia.
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