Common Forms: calcium citrate, calcium carbonate, calcium gluconate, calcium lactate, calcium chloride, calcium malate, calcium aspartate, calcium ascorbate
Overview
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body. It is essential for the development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth; roughly 99% of calcium in the body is deposited in these two places. Calcium also helps the heart, nerves, muscles, and other body systems work properly. To function correctly, calcium must be accompanied by several other nutrients including magnesium, phosphorous, and vitamins A, C, D, and K.
The best sources of calcium are foods (see Dietary Sources), but supplements may be necessary for those who cannot meet their calcium needs through diet alone. In fact, according to the National Institutes of Health, many Americans consume less than half the amount of calcium recommended to build and maintain healthy bones. Heavy use of caffeine can diminish calcium levels; therefore, higher amounts of calcium may be needed if you drink a lot of coffee. Also, a diet high in protein can increase loss of calcium through the urine. Excessive intake of sodium, phosphates (from carbonated beverages) and alcohol, as well as the use of aluminum-containing antacids also contribute to increased excretion of calcium.
Calcium deficiency can be found in people with malabsorption problems, such as Crohn's disease, celiac disease, and surgical intestinal resection. Prolonged bed rest causes loss of calcium from the bones and the elderly are less able to absorb calcium.
Symptoms of calcium deficiency include muscle spasm or cramping, typically in hands or feet; hair loss (alopecia); dry skin and nails which may also become misshapen; numbness, tingling, or burning sensation around the mouth and fingers; nausea and vomiting; headaches; yeast infections (candidiasis); anxiety; convulsions/seizures; and poor tooth and bone development.
Uses
Obtaining adequate calcium can help prevent and/or treat the following conditions:
Osteoporosis
An inadequate supply of calcium over the lifetime is thought to play a significant role in contributing to the development of osteoporosis. Calcium is necessary to help build and maintain healthy bones and strong teeth. Studies have shown that calcium, particularly in combination with vitamin D, can help prevent bone loss associated with menopause, as well as the bone loss experienced by elderly men. If adequate amounts of calcium are not being obtained through the diet, calcium supplements are necessary.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Calcium levels often measure lower the week prior to one's menstrual period compared to the week after. Studies suggest that calcium supplementation helps relieve mood swings, food cravings, pain or tenderness, and bloating associated with premenstrual syndrome.
High Cholesterol
Preliminary studies in animals and people suggest that calcium supplements, in the range of 1,500 to 2,000 mg per day, may help to lower cholesterol. The information available thus far suggests that keeping cholesterol levels normal or even low by using calcium supplements (along with many other measures such as changing your diet and exercising) is likely to be more beneficial than trying to treat it by adding calcium once you already have elevated cholesterol. More research in this area is needed.
Stroke
In a population based study (one in which large groups of people are followed over time), women who take in more calcium, both through the diet and with added supplements, were less likely to have a stroke over a 14 year time course. More research is needed to fully assess the strength of the connection between calcium and risk of stroke.
Colon Cancer
Although some studies are conflicting, mounting evidence suggests that people who consume high amounts of calcium, vitamin D, and milk in their diets are significantly less likely to develop colorectal cancer than those who consume low amounts of the same substances. Although it is best to obtain calcium from the diet, the suggested amounts for the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer (namely, 800 IU/day of vitamin D and 1,800 mg/day of calcium) will most likely require supplementation.
Obesity
Both animal and human studies have found that dietary calcium intake (from low-fat dairy products) may be associated with a decrease in body weight. These effects cannot necessarily be attributed to calcium alone since dairy sources of calcium contain other nutrients (including magnesium and potassium) that may be involved in the weight loss. A review of all studies up to the year 2000 did conclude, however, that supplementation of 1,000 mg of calcium can facilitate as much as 8 kilograms (17.6 pounds) of weight loss and 5 kilogram (11 pound) loss of fat.
Dietary Sources
The richest dietary sources of calcium include cheeses (such as parmesan, romano, gruyere, cheddar, American, mozzarella, and feta), wheat-soy flour, and blackstrap molasses. Some other good sources of calcium include almonds, brewer's yeast, bok choy, Brazil nuts, broccoli, cabbage, dried figs, kelp, dark leafy greens (dandelion, turnip, collard, mustard, kale, Swiss chard), hazelnuts, ice cream, milk, oysters, sardines, canned salmon soybean flour, tahini, and yogurt.
Foods that are fortified with calcium, such as juices, soy milk, rice milk, tofu and cereals, are also good sources of this mineral.
Calcium may also be obtained from a variety of herbs, spices, and seaweeds. Examples include basil, chervil, cinnamon, dill weed, fennel, fenugreek, ginseng, kelp, marjoram, oregano, parsley, poppy seed, sage, and savory.
New Life Health Centers has no means of independently evaluating the safety or functionality of the products offered by their suppliers and affiliates and thus can neither endorse nor recommend products. Information presented is of a general nature for educational and informational purposes only. Statements about products and health conditions have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. Products and information presented herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. If you have any concerns about your own health, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Benefits of Supplementing With St. John's Wort
What is St John's Wort?
Extracts of Hypericum perforatum L. (St John's wort) are now successfully competing for status as a standard antidepressant therapy. Because of this, great effort has been devoted to identifying the active antidepressant compounds in the extract. From a phytochemical point of view, St John's wort is one of the best-investigated medicinal plants. Researchers in Europe have studied St John's Wort for decades. They discovered a combination of elements in the plant, foremost of which is "hypericin", react with specific chemicals in the brain to temper emotional discomfort, lift depression, and calm the nerves. Working very much like the common synthetic prescription antidepressants (maprotiline hydrochloride and imipramine), natural extracts from St. John's Wort have shown to relax and soothe the psyche with minimal side effects
St John's Wort Benefits
St. Johns Wort today has been found to be very beneficial in healing wounds and is especially good for dirty, septic wounds. St. Johns Wort has been used in case of putrid leg ulcers, that noting heals. Like the leach that was used not too many years ago for wound cleansing it does not destroy the healthy tissues and healthy cells but it cleans the dirt out of septic wounds. It helps reduce the inflammation in septic sores, in boils, in cellulite and lymhangitis.
The compound Hypericin was isolated from St. Johns Wort in 1942 and has been used as an anti-depressant for emotionally disturbed people. This tranquilizing quality from small quantities hypericin increase blood flow to stressed tissue. There is a reduced capillary fragility and enhanced uterine tone due to the increased Hypotensive blood flow.
St John's Wort Side Effects
The use of St. Johns Wort has been shown to demonstrate a side effect producing a photosensitivity. Hypericin is absorbed in the intestines and concentrates near the skin. An allergic reaction takes place when those with light fair skin are exposed sunlight. That exposure causes tissue damage and in some cases death has resulted. While taking St. Johns Wort one should avoid strong sunlight whether the skin is dark or light. There is a photosensitizing substance produced under the skin by this exposure to sunlight that causes the skin to burn.
Benefits
• relieves mild to moderate depression and anxiety.
• promotes restful sleep.
• improves capillary circulation.
• increases cardiac circulation.
• eases gastrointestinal distress.
• relieves discomfort associated with premenstrual syndrome.
• fights retroviruses.
Extracts of Hypericum perforatum L. (St John's wort) are now successfully competing for status as a standard antidepressant therapy. Because of this, great effort has been devoted to identifying the active antidepressant compounds in the extract. From a phytochemical point of view, St John's wort is one of the best-investigated medicinal plants. Researchers in Europe have studied St John's Wort for decades. They discovered a combination of elements in the plant, foremost of which is "hypericin", react with specific chemicals in the brain to temper emotional discomfort, lift depression, and calm the nerves. Working very much like the common synthetic prescription antidepressants (maprotiline hydrochloride and imipramine), natural extracts from St. John's Wort have shown to relax and soothe the psyche with minimal side effects
St John's Wort Benefits
St. Johns Wort today has been found to be very beneficial in healing wounds and is especially good for dirty, septic wounds. St. Johns Wort has been used in case of putrid leg ulcers, that noting heals. Like the leach that was used not too many years ago for wound cleansing it does not destroy the healthy tissues and healthy cells but it cleans the dirt out of septic wounds. It helps reduce the inflammation in septic sores, in boils, in cellulite and lymhangitis.
The compound Hypericin was isolated from St. Johns Wort in 1942 and has been used as an anti-depressant for emotionally disturbed people. This tranquilizing quality from small quantities hypericin increase blood flow to stressed tissue. There is a reduced capillary fragility and enhanced uterine tone due to the increased Hypotensive blood flow.
St John's Wort Side Effects
The use of St. Johns Wort has been shown to demonstrate a side effect producing a photosensitivity. Hypericin is absorbed in the intestines and concentrates near the skin. An allergic reaction takes place when those with light fair skin are exposed sunlight. That exposure causes tissue damage and in some cases death has resulted. While taking St. Johns Wort one should avoid strong sunlight whether the skin is dark or light. There is a photosensitizing substance produced under the skin by this exposure to sunlight that causes the skin to burn.
Benefits
• relieves mild to moderate depression and anxiety.
• promotes restful sleep.
• improves capillary circulation.
• increases cardiac circulation.
• eases gastrointestinal distress.
• relieves discomfort associated with premenstrual syndrome.
• fights retroviruses.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Athlete Dietary Vitamin Supplements
How can you find an athlete dietary vitamin supplement that is right for you? Finding the right nutritional supplement can be difficult if you are an athlete. Athletes use more of their body's nutrients and need to quickly be able to replace those lost vitamins and minerals. With the help of a multi-vitamin, most athletes can keep their nutrition at its peak.
Finding the correct supplement for your nutritional needs starts with knowing what your nutritional needs are. If you are an endurance runner, your needs will be different from someone who is a weight lifter. Although every person has different vitamin needs, there are some standard amounts that people can use as a guide.
If you are purchasing your multivitamins or supplements from a health food store, they will most likely be able to provide you with a listing of the recommended amounts of the vitamins you will be taking. If you want to arrive at the store a little more prepared, you can find the recommended vitamin doses through a simple Internet search.
Most athletes do not know which multi-mineral or herbal supplements are right for them. The Internet can again be a great resource for finding which vitamins and minerals are best suited for athletes. Different athletes require different vitamins to ensure they can obtain the best performance possible.
After doing a little bit of research on the different types of multivitamin supplement pills and liquids that are available, an athlete then needs to find the best price for those vitamins. Although prices can vary widely from store to store, generally the Internet is the best place to find a great deal on vitamins. There are four main locations that you can obtain vitamins from:
1. Grocery Store - Usually has the most popular vitamins and not too much variety. You can find brand name vitamins as well as generic vitamins.
2. Health Food Market - Because these stores specialize in organic and healthy foods, you will find a large variety of organic whole foods vitamins available at them. You may have to pay a higher price at this type of establishment.
3. Vitamin and Supplement Store - These are often located in malls and carry a wide variety of vitamins and supplements. Any and every vitamin and mineral available can usually be found in this type of store.
4. Internet - The Internet is quickly becoming one of the best sources for finding things that you need. You can usually get a really good price on vitamins and supplements and you generally do not have a very long wait before they are delivered directly to your door.
Buying a vitamin supplement does not have to be any different from buying a vitamin supplement for anyone else. If you take your time and do a little research ahead of time, you will be well prepared when you enter the store. Or better yet, just do all your research and shopping online and save yourself a ton of time and money!
Finding the correct supplement for your nutritional needs starts with knowing what your nutritional needs are. If you are an endurance runner, your needs will be different from someone who is a weight lifter. Although every person has different vitamin needs, there are some standard amounts that people can use as a guide.
If you are purchasing your multivitamins or supplements from a health food store, they will most likely be able to provide you with a listing of the recommended amounts of the vitamins you will be taking. If you want to arrive at the store a little more prepared, you can find the recommended vitamin doses through a simple Internet search.
Most athletes do not know which multi-mineral or herbal supplements are right for them. The Internet can again be a great resource for finding which vitamins and minerals are best suited for athletes. Different athletes require different vitamins to ensure they can obtain the best performance possible.
After doing a little bit of research on the different types of multivitamin supplement pills and liquids that are available, an athlete then needs to find the best price for those vitamins. Although prices can vary widely from store to store, generally the Internet is the best place to find a great deal on vitamins. There are four main locations that you can obtain vitamins from:
1. Grocery Store - Usually has the most popular vitamins and not too much variety. You can find brand name vitamins as well as generic vitamins.
2. Health Food Market - Because these stores specialize in organic and healthy foods, you will find a large variety of organic whole foods vitamins available at them. You may have to pay a higher price at this type of establishment.
3. Vitamin and Supplement Store - These are often located in malls and carry a wide variety of vitamins and supplements. Any and every vitamin and mineral available can usually be found in this type of store.
4. Internet - The Internet is quickly becoming one of the best sources for finding things that you need. You can usually get a really good price on vitamins and supplements and you generally do not have a very long wait before they are delivered directly to your door.
Buying a vitamin supplement does not have to be any different from buying a vitamin supplement for anyone else. If you take your time and do a little research ahead of time, you will be well prepared when you enter the store. Or better yet, just do all your research and shopping online and save yourself a ton of time and money!
Monday, March 22, 2010
Your Eye Vitamins Report
While there is no single pill that will restore perfect vision or optimal eye health, there is new evidence from Bausch and Lomb Pharmaceuticals that certain minerals and vitamins may be part of the eye's normal defense system against damage.
The formulation of high-potency zinc and the anti-oxidants vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A (as beta-carotene), selenium and copper have been shown to be effective in assisting the eye's defenses against certain degenerative conditions.
The formulation, called OCUVITE, developed by B&L Pharmaceuticals, was based on clinical and research studies that suggested that deficiencies in dietary zinc and antioxidant micronutrients occur in patients who are at possible risk of developing macular degeneration and other ophthalmic conditions.
National surveys have demonstrated that the elderly, the population most at risk for macular degeneration, are frequently found to have inadequate diets that are often deficient in zinc and other micronutrients. The retina normally has one of the highest concentrations of zinc in the body, and researchers have suggested that zinc plays a vital role in the metabolism of the retina. In patients with macular degeneration or cataracts, long-term oxidative damage is thought to contribute to the pathogenesis. Zinc and antioxidant micronutrients may be part of the eye's normal defense system against oxidative damage.
Ocuvite, containing more zinc than any leading multivitamin/multimineral product, provides the eye doctor with a dietary supplement that may be useful in the patient whose diet is deficient in zinc and antioxidant micronutrients.
Zinc is an important cofactor of many enzymes and an essential mineral for tissue repair, skeletal and tooth development, metabolism, protection of the liver from chemical damage, maintaining the proper concentration of vitamin A in the blood, and for white blood cells to function in the immune system.
Ocuvite and Ocuvite Extra is a fortified combination of antioxidants, select B-vitamins and zinc and is based upon the most recent clinical publications on antioxidants. It is the #1 recommended supplement by eye care specialists.
We'll keep you posted about further vitamin and mineral developments that may help strengthen the eyes and improve deteriorating vision.
If you would like additional information on the product OCUVITE or would like to order these vitamin and mineral supplements please email us at eyewear@framesdirect.com.
Yours in eye health,
Dr. Dhavid Cooper
FramesDirect.com, Eyeglasses, Sunglasses & Contact Lenses Online http://www.framesdirect.com parent Eyeglasses, Sunglasses & Contact Lenses Online
The formulation of high-potency zinc and the anti-oxidants vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A (as beta-carotene), selenium and copper have been shown to be effective in assisting the eye's defenses against certain degenerative conditions.
The formulation, called OCUVITE, developed by B&L Pharmaceuticals, was based on clinical and research studies that suggested that deficiencies in dietary zinc and antioxidant micronutrients occur in patients who are at possible risk of developing macular degeneration and other ophthalmic conditions.
National surveys have demonstrated that the elderly, the population most at risk for macular degeneration, are frequently found to have inadequate diets that are often deficient in zinc and other micronutrients. The retina normally has one of the highest concentrations of zinc in the body, and researchers have suggested that zinc plays a vital role in the metabolism of the retina. In patients with macular degeneration or cataracts, long-term oxidative damage is thought to contribute to the pathogenesis. Zinc and antioxidant micronutrients may be part of the eye's normal defense system against oxidative damage.
Ocuvite, containing more zinc than any leading multivitamin/multimineral product, provides the eye doctor with a dietary supplement that may be useful in the patient whose diet is deficient in zinc and antioxidant micronutrients.
Zinc is an important cofactor of many enzymes and an essential mineral for tissue repair, skeletal and tooth development, metabolism, protection of the liver from chemical damage, maintaining the proper concentration of vitamin A in the blood, and for white blood cells to function in the immune system.
Ocuvite and Ocuvite Extra is a fortified combination of antioxidants, select B-vitamins and zinc and is based upon the most recent clinical publications on antioxidants. It is the #1 recommended supplement by eye care specialists.
We'll keep you posted about further vitamin and mineral developments that may help strengthen the eyes and improve deteriorating vision.
If you would like additional information on the product OCUVITE or would like to order these vitamin and mineral supplements please email us at eyewear@framesdirect.com.
Yours in eye health,
Dr. Dhavid Cooper
FramesDirect.com, Eyeglasses, Sunglasses & Contact Lenses Online http://www.framesdirect.com parent Eyeglasses, Sunglasses & Contact Lenses Online
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Your Food Can Prematurely Age You!
Did you know that the food you eat could be prematurely ageing you? Science has made some amazing discoveries in the last decade in nutrition. We really should be taking note of what we put in our mouth because more than ever, "we are what we eat". Do you know the impact of what you are eating? Probably not. It's time to find out because over-indulgence in certain types of food cause the body to prematurely age.
Would you like some more free radicals with your lunch...? There is frequent mention these days about 'free radicals' and how they are constantly attacking the body, causing potentially serious damage.
A free radical is the name for a molecule that has an unpaired electron. They are a normal by-product of metabolism and without them you would die.
To put the record straight, it's the over-production of free radicals that causes damage to the body. We are advised by nutritional experts to eat plenty of fruit and vegetables.
This is because they are rich in antioxidant phytonutrients...substances that neutralise free radicals and so help protect the body.
One of the essential tasks of free radicals is in producing energy from the food you eat. Every time you eat, free radical activity is intense. The more food you eat, the more free radicals are formed, and the more antioxidants your body needs to neutralise them. Big meals are big trouble!
Effective Antioxidants include vitamins A, C, E; minerals such as selenium, zinc, and herbs such as aloe vera and grapeseed extract.
The Reality of Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are root vegetables, pasta, rice, bread, grains, fruit, pastries, cakes, biscuits, crisps, sweets etc. They are easy to prepare, filling, tasty and cheap. Most meals are dominated by carbohydrates, as most of us 'full up' on them. When you eat carbohydrates you're eating a form of sugar.
Carbohydrates are converted by the body into glucose, which is either used immediately for energy, or stored in fat cells. Carbohydrates make up an excessive proportion of the diet, add together a lack of exercise and excess sugar and the inevitable result is excess weight.
By reducing your overall carbohydrate intake and reducing the size of your meals, you reduce your body's exposure to free radical activity, and, the amount of excess food that meals, you reduce your body's exposure to free radical activity, and, the amount of excess food that gets stored as unwanted fat. A double bonus!
Big meals are too much stress
Food is in abundance - look around the supermarket shelves at the food mountain! Fill your trolley, take it home and fill your kitchen cupboards - fill your plate and fill your stomach till you can barely move. How many times a week do you overeat? How many free radicals are attacking your body and accelerating the aging process? You could choose to eat less.
Think about your meals over the last week.
Better still, keep a food diary for the next week, record each meal by drawing a plate divided up showing how much protein, carbohydrate, fat, vegetables and fruit you eat at each meal/snack. After a week you'll be able to see for yourself how much sugar you are eating.
Would you like some more free radicals with your lunch...? There is frequent mention these days about 'free radicals' and how they are constantly attacking the body, causing potentially serious damage.
A free radical is the name for a molecule that has an unpaired electron. They are a normal by-product of metabolism and without them you would die.
To put the record straight, it's the over-production of free radicals that causes damage to the body. We are advised by nutritional experts to eat plenty of fruit and vegetables.
This is because they are rich in antioxidant phytonutrients...substances that neutralise free radicals and so help protect the body.
One of the essential tasks of free radicals is in producing energy from the food you eat. Every time you eat, free radical activity is intense. The more food you eat, the more free radicals are formed, and the more antioxidants your body needs to neutralise them. Big meals are big trouble!
Effective Antioxidants include vitamins A, C, E; minerals such as selenium, zinc, and herbs such as aloe vera and grapeseed extract.
The Reality of Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are root vegetables, pasta, rice, bread, grains, fruit, pastries, cakes, biscuits, crisps, sweets etc. They are easy to prepare, filling, tasty and cheap. Most meals are dominated by carbohydrates, as most of us 'full up' on them. When you eat carbohydrates you're eating a form of sugar.
Carbohydrates are converted by the body into glucose, which is either used immediately for energy, or stored in fat cells. Carbohydrates make up an excessive proportion of the diet, add together a lack of exercise and excess sugar and the inevitable result is excess weight.
By reducing your overall carbohydrate intake and reducing the size of your meals, you reduce your body's exposure to free radical activity, and, the amount of excess food that meals, you reduce your body's exposure to free radical activity, and, the amount of excess food that gets stored as unwanted fat. A double bonus!
Big meals are too much stress
Food is in abundance - look around the supermarket shelves at the food mountain! Fill your trolley, take it home and fill your kitchen cupboards - fill your plate and fill your stomach till you can barely move. How many times a week do you overeat? How many free radicals are attacking your body and accelerating the aging process? You could choose to eat less.
Think about your meals over the last week.
Better still, keep a food diary for the next week, record each meal by drawing a plate divided up showing how much protein, carbohydrate, fat, vegetables and fruit you eat at each meal/snack. After a week you'll be able to see for yourself how much sugar you are eating.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Are You Getting Enough Vitamin B?
Vitamins are chemical compounds the body cannot make itself and that must therefore be supplied. Besides fat, carbohydrates, proteins (amino acids), minerals and trace elements, we must ingest these with our foods or with supplements.
Vitamin B complex comprises a number of vitamins that exist as a family. They should not be taken individually. In this modern era, millions of people suffer from a deficiency of vitamin B for several reasons, chief among which are: stress, processed foods in the diet, toxins, refined sugar, drugs, cooking, malnutrition.
Deficiency of vitamin B leads to anemia and neurological disorders; deficiency in children can cause profound damage, much of which is reversible.
A normal level of serum vitamin B does not guarantee adequacy, methylmalonic acid concentrations (either serum or urine) are a much more reliable metabolic measure of vitamin B metabolism. People following a pure vegetarian (vegan) diet are at high risk (>50%) for metabolicvitamin B deficiency.
Vitamin B is found in all animal products (liver, muscle flesh, eggs, and dairy products are sources, in order from richest to poorest sources).
Plant foods contain little if any active vitamin B; produce grown in soil fertilized with cow dung may contain more B than commercially grown produce.Other good B vitamin sources are: baked potato, banana, spinach, soybeans, wheat germ, cantaloupe, tuna in water, navy beans, bok choy, avocado, sunflower seeds, chicken breast, turnip greens etc.
Probiotic supplements are not a sufficient source of vitamin B; some products work better than others. A deficiency of vitamins B can increase your risk of heart disease. They help keep a substance called homocysteine in check by breaking it down. If the homocysteine levels go too high, your blood may clot easier which increases the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke.
There are many ways to getting enough B vitamins: eat a variety of fresh fruits and veggies, choose dark green leafy types, not pale green ones, eat whole grains like brown rice, whole wheat pasta, whole grain cereals, oatmeal and barley instead of those with refined white flour, eat beans (or split peas) every day.
Vitamin B complex comprises a number of vitamins that exist as a family. They should not be taken individually. In this modern era, millions of people suffer from a deficiency of vitamin B for several reasons, chief among which are: stress, processed foods in the diet, toxins, refined sugar, drugs, cooking, malnutrition.
Deficiency of vitamin B leads to anemia and neurological disorders; deficiency in children can cause profound damage, much of which is reversible.
A normal level of serum vitamin B does not guarantee adequacy, methylmalonic acid concentrations (either serum or urine) are a much more reliable metabolic measure of vitamin B metabolism. People following a pure vegetarian (vegan) diet are at high risk (>50%) for metabolicvitamin B deficiency.
Vitamin B is found in all animal products (liver, muscle flesh, eggs, and dairy products are sources, in order from richest to poorest sources).
Plant foods contain little if any active vitamin B; produce grown in soil fertilized with cow dung may contain more B than commercially grown produce.Other good B vitamin sources are: baked potato, banana, spinach, soybeans, wheat germ, cantaloupe, tuna in water, navy beans, bok choy, avocado, sunflower seeds, chicken breast, turnip greens etc.
Probiotic supplements are not a sufficient source of vitamin B; some products work better than others. A deficiency of vitamins B can increase your risk of heart disease. They help keep a substance called homocysteine in check by breaking it down. If the homocysteine levels go too high, your blood may clot easier which increases the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke.
There are many ways to getting enough B vitamins: eat a variety of fresh fruits and veggies, choose dark green leafy types, not pale green ones, eat whole grains like brown rice, whole wheat pasta, whole grain cereals, oatmeal and barley instead of those with refined white flour, eat beans (or split peas) every day.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
DMAE Supplements...Do We Need Them?
DMAE (2-dimethylaminoethanol) is a chemical produced in the brain. This naturally occuring amino alcohol is produced in minuscule amounts by the brain, with higher concentrations being typically found in anchovies and sardines. Known primarily as a precursor to choline and acetylcholine (chemicals in the brain responsible for nerve transmissions and cognitive function), DMAE has been used most predominantly to improve memory and focus while stimulating neural activity. Many researchers believe that it may serve an anti-aging function by increasing the body’s capacity to produce acetylcholine – a deficiency commonly associated with memory loss.
DMAE is a memory booster substance common to a number of drugs that are known to stabilize cell membranes. Cell membrane degradation has been proposed as one of the prime mechanisms of aging. DMAE is increasingly favored by medical practitioners for its role in boosting brain power. DMAE has shown positive results in the treatment of a variety of cognitive and disruptive disorders, including attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and memory lapses. DMAE is even being used in skin care products designed to treat sagging skin and age spots.
DMAE may enhance water retention in connective skin tissue, causing the surface of the skin to tighten. The second, and more likely, explanation involves DMAE’s cholinergic feature, which enhances the skin’s ability to transmit acetylcholine. The neurotransmitter’s function in sending signals from nerves to muscles may promote a form of muscle tightening in the skin. It is important to note that although DMAE cannot fully reverse existing facial sagging, it may reduce its further progression. Some people report a cumulative effect with continued use of the compound.
Benefits
• improves memory and focus
• assists with ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder)
• treats sun spots and sagging skin
DMAE is a memory booster substance common to a number of drugs that are known to stabilize cell membranes. Cell membrane degradation has been proposed as one of the prime mechanisms of aging. DMAE is increasingly favored by medical practitioners for its role in boosting brain power. DMAE has shown positive results in the treatment of a variety of cognitive and disruptive disorders, including attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and memory lapses. DMAE is even being used in skin care products designed to treat sagging skin and age spots.
DMAE may enhance water retention in connective skin tissue, causing the surface of the skin to tighten. The second, and more likely, explanation involves DMAE’s cholinergic feature, which enhances the skin’s ability to transmit acetylcholine. The neurotransmitter’s function in sending signals from nerves to muscles may promote a form of muscle tightening in the skin. It is important to note that although DMAE cannot fully reverse existing facial sagging, it may reduce its further progression. Some people report a cumulative effect with continued use of the compound.
Benefits
• improves memory and focus
• assists with ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder)
• treats sun spots and sagging skin
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