Vitamins - Advantages of Taking Vitamin Supplements

Vitamins are an important part of a healthy diet, but are vitamin supplements necessary to maintain good health? The answer to this question is easily addressed. Most people tend to overcook their food, thereby depleting the nutritional content. So taking daily supplements is a good idea for just about everyone.

Vitamins are an important source of key nutrients a body needs to prevent illness and maintain good health. The vitamins C and A have been shown to prevent cancer. Vitamin K causes blood to clot and is often given to newborns to prevent hemorrhaging. There is a long list of illnesses and diseases attributed to a lack of proper nutrition.

Vitamins

Vitamins are divided into two different types: water soluble and fat soluble. Fat soluble vitamins are those that dissolve in fat and oils and are absorbed in body fat. Water soluble vitamins are those that dissolve in water and are depleted quickly by the body.

Vitamins - Advantages of Taking Vitamin Supplements

The water soluble vitamins are the B group and C. The B vitamin group consists of B1, B2, B4, B6, B7 B12, Biotin and Pantothenic Acid. Water soluble vitamins are secreted through skin in the forms of sweat and urine. The body does not store water soluble vitamins so it is important to replenish supplies often. The body easily disposes of any excess water soluble vitamins so there is no risk of taking more than the body needs.

Fat soluble vitamins are stored by the body and used as necessary. They consist of the vitamins D, E, A and K. Because the body stores these vitamins it is less likely to deplete its stores. Consuming large amounts of caffeine and alcohol can quickly drain stored reserves so taking supplements is a good idea.

Taking supplements can have disadvantages as well because an overabundance of fat soluble vitamins can lead to toxicity so occasionally missing a dose of these vitamins is not a big deal. A lack of vitamins is still a problem in a lot of third world countries today. So many preventable diseases can be linked to a lack of specific vitamins.

Even some modern aches and pains can be attributed to vitamin deficiencies. Although vitamins do not actually give us energy they are necessary to metabolize the nutrients that do. So the next time your mother scolds you for not taking your vitamins, remember she is right.

Vitamins - Advantages of Taking Vitamin Supplements

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Vitamins and Minerals that Promote and Stimulate Hair Growth in Men and Women

Nutrition is not just vital to your overall health, but is important to the health of your hair as well. While our bodies need a variety vitamins and minerals to support certain functions, there are specific ones that will promote healthy hair.

Check all nutritional labels before taking any supplements to determine your daily allowance. Believe it or not, it is possible to overdose on vitamins and minerals, and taking too much of these could possibly result in hair loss, or other health related issues.

Vitamins

Vitamin A- An antioxidant that helps maintain natural oils in the scalp. Can be found in milk, eggs, cheese, meats, spinach, broccoli, and cabbage.

Vitamins and Minerals that Promote and Stimulate Hair Growth in Men and Women

Calcium - Helps hair growth. Can be found in dairy, nuts, and beans.

Vitamin C - One of nature's most powerful antioxidants. Maintains healthy hair and skin. Can be found in fruits, potatoes, and green vegetables.

Chromium - Helps regulate blood sugar levels, which affects hair loss. Can be found in beef and whole wheat bread.

Vitamin E- An antioxidant that benefits scalp circulation. Can be found in vegetable oils, nuts, beans, and green vegetables.

Copper - Strengthens the hair and prevents hair loss. Can be found in shellfish, green vegetables, eggs, beans, and chicken.

Biotin - Produces keratin, which makes up the hair, skin, and nails. Can be found in eggs, whole grains, rice, and milk.

Iodine - Prevents dry hair and hair loss. Can be found in fish, seaweed, garlic, and iodized salt.

Inositol - Promotes follicle health. Can be found in whole grains and citrus fruits.

Iron - Prevents hair loss and anemia. Can be found in eggs, fish, chicken, whole grains, green vegetables, and dried fruits.

Vitamin B3 (Niacin) - Improves scalp circulation. Can be found in fish, chicken, turkey, and other meats.

Magnesium - Helps hair growth by working with calcium. Can be found in whole grains, green vegetables, nuts, and fish.

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) - Prevents hair loss. Can be found in whole grains, eggs, and certain meats.

Manganese - Improves hair growth. Can be found in whole grains, eggs, nuts, beans, fish, and chicken.

Vitamin B6 - Prevents hair loss. Can be found in whole grains, vegetables, eggs, and certain meats.

Potassium - Promotes circulation and helps hair growth. Can be found in bananas, brown rise, garlic, nuts, dried fruits, raisins, and yogurt.

Vitamin B12 - Prevents hair loss. Can be found in eggs, fish, chicken, and milk.

Selenium - Promotes scalp health. Can be found in fish, whole grains, certain meats, and broccoli.

Silica - Creates stronger hair. Can be found in seafood, rice, and green vegetables.

Sulfur - Creates stronger hair. Can be found in garlic, eggs, onions, milk, cheese, and fish.

Zinc - Prevents dry hair and oily skin by working with Vitamin A. Can be found in mushrooms, spinach, whole grains, and red meat.

By creating a natural diet that provides the above vitamins and minerals, you can help prevent hair loss and even stimulate hair growth. It is also beneficial to take a daily vitamin that provides the above ingredients.

Vitamins and Minerals that Promote and Stimulate Hair Growth in Men and Women

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Vitamins For Sleep - Vitamins B6 Can Relieve Insomnia and Night Cramps

Sleep is a process that rejuvenates and refreshes us. But for many people who suffer from insomnia, depression and other mood disorders falling asleep does not come easy. Night cramps and other neurological disorders can also make it hard to get the rest we need. One of the most common causes of insomnia is a dysfunction in the production and release of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters.

Depression and insomnia can both result from imbalances in serotonin, a neurotransmitter synthesized from L-tryptophan. This chemical messenger is important in the production of the sleep hormone melatonin and, among other functions, plays a major role in regulating sleep, alleviating depression, controlling mood, appetite, and sensitivity to pain. Serotonin regulation is the basis for the action of anti-depressant medications like Prozac, Paxil and Effexor.

Vitamins

Vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in the production of serotonin. A profound malfunctioning of the central nervous system, neurologic disorders, muscle weakness and insomnia can result from a deficiency of this crucial nutrient. The effect of Vitamin B6 deficiency on sleep is similar to the effect of serotonin depletion, in terms of decreased deep body temperature, altered REM patterns and shortening of the periods of deep sleep.

Vitamins For Sleep - Vitamins B6 Can Relieve Insomnia and Night Cramps

Vitamin B6 has been found to be effective in the treatment of night leg cramps. One study showed significant remission and reduction in frequency, intensity and duration of leg cramps in 86% of patients taking B complex capsules. The study concluded that B complex supplements are a relatively safe and effective alternative to prescription drugs in the treatment for nocturnal leg cramps.

Although this nutrient can be obtained from food sources such as chicken, eggs, fish, yeast, carrots, avocados, bananas, brown rice and whole grains, a supplement containing 10 to 75 mg of vitamin B6 is often recommended for those suffering from sleep disorders.

Since this is one of the few vitamins that can have toxic side effects, such as irreversible neurological damage, when taken in high doses above 2 grams per day, it should be consumed after consultation with your physician. It is contraindicated for use in those with Parkinson's disease who are on L-dopa treatment as it can reduce the effectiveness of the drug.

Other Nutrients That Can Help

Although Vitamin B6 is can relieve insomnia, it is best taken in combination with other B-vitamins that affect brain and neurotransmitter function like B12 (cobalamin) and B1 (thiamine). Vitamin B12 promotes sleep and modulates the circadian rhythm and brain temperature. It has been used to successfully treat serious circadian disorders. B12 is best consumed as methylcobalamin, a form that supports and maintains the nervous system and promotes healthy levels of brain chemicals.

Thiamine deficiency can also cause sleep disturbances. Folic acid (Vitamin B9) is also very important for maintenance of nervous system integrity and, when taken along with other vitamins, can regulate serotonin production and mood. Calcium and magnesium are important for regulation of nerve and muscle impulses and supplementation can prevent muscle cramps, and promote relaxation.

Besides these nutrients, there are a number of herbs that reduce anxiety, nervous tension and promote relaxation. Taking all these elements in a well-formulated sleep supplement can help you avoid addictive prescription medications that cause side effects and substance dependence.

Vitamins For Sleep - Vitamins B6 Can Relieve Insomnia and Night Cramps

Prevent insomnia and night cramps by taking a supplement formulated with herbs, minerals and B complex vitamins for sleep. Check out http://www.goodelements.com for a high-quality formula designed to give your body what your diet cannot.

7 Vitamins Every Arthritis Sufferer Should Know About

A deficiency of vitamins can lead to a variety of health problems, including some forms of arthritis.

These organic nutrients are normal sourced through our intake of fresh fruit and vegetables. Due to the following factors, it is not always possible to get our recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamins:

Vitamins

1) Poor soil quality

7 Vitamins Every Arthritis Sufferer Should Know About

2) Modern processing methods

3) Popularity of 'Junk' foods

As an alternative to getting your RDA through diet, many people now take vitamin supplements.

The following list of vitamins are known to be especially beneficial to arthritis sufferers:

Vitamin B5 - When grouped and tanked together, B vitamins work at their peak. They, and B5 specifically, are good for reducing swelling.

Vitamin B3 - This vitamin reduces tissue swelling and dilates small arteries, increasing blood flow. Note that Vitamin B3 is NOT advised for persons with high blood pressure, gout or sliver disorders.

Vitamin B6 - Another B that reduces tissue swelling.

Vitamin B12 - This vitamin aids in multiple functions. It helps with cell formation, digestion, myelin production, nerve protection.

Vitamin C - This vitamin acts as an anti-inflammatory, relieving pain, and rids the body of free radicals.

Vitamin E - This is a strong antioxidant that protects joints from free radicals while increases joint flexibility.

Vitamin K - This vitamin assists with mineral deposit into the bone matrix.

Vitamins combine with enzymes involved with tissue repair, cell production and our metabolism.

There are two types of vitamins:

Water Soluable - These vitamins ( B and C complex ) are not not stored in our body organs and usually pass through our bodies very quickly, in the form of urine. It is therefore important to have regular daily intakes of these vitamins.

Fat Soluable - Vitamins A, D, E and K stay in the body as they are stored in the liver.

The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any health care program.

7 Vitamins Every Arthritis Sufferer Should Know About

Emily Clark is editor at Arthritis Health News [http://www.arthritis-health-news.com], where arthritis sufferers can find the most up-to-date advice and information to assist in improving their quality of life.

Prenatal Vitamins and Hair Growth

There have been isolated reports of pregnant women who, while taking prenatal vitamins, have noticed an increase in their hair growth and thickness. However, there are still no formal scientific studies to confirm that this is actually the case. How is hair growth connected to taking prenatal vitamins? What makes up prenatal vitamins?

Because of the specialized needs of pregnant women, prenatal vitamins differ from a typical multivitamin by having elevated amounts of calcium, iron, and folic acid. These three vitamins are particularly needed by pregnant women. Folic acid has been shown to prevent spina bifida, a birth defect affecting the neural tube, which eventually evolves into the central nervous system of a normal human body. Pregnant women need more calcium because they need stronger bones to be able to carry the baby full-term. They also need more iron in the body because during pregnancy, it helps the body make new blood to carry nutrients and oxygen to the baby.

Vitamins

So how do they affect hair growth?

Prenatal Vitamins and Hair Growth

Folic acid in particular is one of the main components of many hair growth formulas as it helps in the formation of new cells. It is one of the many B-complex vitamins and speeds up production of fresh cells in order to replace the old ones. Aside from preventing birth defects, folic acid can cause the hair to grow faster and the strands to become thicker.

The jury is still out on whether prenatal vitamins really contribute to making hair grow faster. It is an advantageous side effect though because pregnant women tend to lose hair approximately three months after delivery due to the body's hormonal changes.

If you do want to make your hair grow faster during and after pregnancy, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables that contain flavonoids. They are antioxidants that may encourage hair growth and protect the hair follicles as well. Use shampoos and conditioners that contain silica and biotin. Also, make sure that your diet has enough supplements of Vitamin E, inositol, biotin, Vitamin C with bioflavonoids, and coenzyme Q10.

Prenatal Vitamins and Hair Growth

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Vitamins for Anxiety and Panic Disorders

Anxiety Disorders are one of the most common types of psychiatric disorders in the United States. There are a variety of types of anxiety disorders, all with different symptoms, but they each share the underlying symptom of irrational fear. Panic Disorder is one of the most severe forms of anxiety disorder and is often classified as its own illness. It affects more than 2 million adults in America every year, but it seems to affect twice as many women as men. Panic disorder also accounts for about 70% of all anxiety disorder cases.

There are actually a number of different types of anxiety or panic disorders, but they are all linked by the underlying symptom of an irrational fear or anxiety. People with anxiety disorders worry about things that shouldn't cause excessive worry. Sometimes, this worry gets so great that it cause intense and debilitating fear. Many anxiety disorder sufferers can't go to work, attend social events, or even be seen in public because of their anxiety.

Vitamins

Overcoming anxiety can be challenging but also extremely rewarding. Depending upon your anxiety disorder, there are numerous available treatments to reduce your symptoms. Anti-anxiety medications, panic attack treatments, and natural treatments for anxiety are all beneficial. Before trying any treatment, though, it is important for you to speak with your health care provider to ensure that it is the right choice for you.

Vitamins for Anxiety and Panic Disorders

Below is a list of some of the most common and effective vitamins that can be used to help manage and relieve the symptoms of Anxiety and Panic Disorders. Be sure to consult your physician before adding anything new to your diet.

* B vitamins - Biotin, niacin (100mg per day), thiamine, pantothenic acid, riboflavin, B6 (100mg per day), B12, folic acid are all important for the production of the key chemical messengers in the brain called neurotransmitters. Thiamine is very important for those prone to panic, anxiety and depression. Every time you become angry, cry or feel run down - you are burning thiamine. A daily B-Complex (50 to 100mg per day) supplement is a great way of getting the B vitamins your body needs.

* Tryptophan is a calming agent, which also helps bolster the nervous system.

* Calcium (600mg + Vit. D per day) is a muscle relaxant. It helps calm you down during an anxious period. Vitamin D allows your body to absorb Calcium properly.

* Alpha-linolenic acid There have been quite a few studies that have focused on alpha-linolenic acid and anxiety disorder. A good percentage of individuals suffering from panic attacks for a decade have reported back a significant improvement within 2-3 months of consuming additional amounts of alpha-linolenic acid.

* Magnesium (200mg 2 to 3 times per day) may be beneficial during anxiety and panic because it assists with muscle relaxation.

* Vitamin C (250 to 500mg per day) reduces swelling and helps your immune system function better.

* Coenzyme Q10 (50 to 100mg one to two times per day) improves oxygen delivery to tissues and has antioxidant activity.

Depending on your symptoms and their severity, the above list can be used as a guideline of vitamins that you can consider adding to your diet. The vitamins listed above should be used in conjunction with your other medications and over time you may find that other medications can be reduced or possibly stopped. This is a decision that should only be made under medical supervision.

Copyright 2006 PillFreeVitamins.com

Vitamins for Anxiety and Panic Disorders

Steven Godlewski is a self-made millionaire and is currently working with the staff at PillFreeVitamins.com He has an extensive background in nutrition as well as other health related fields. For more health-related articles see their website at: http://www.pillfreevitamins.com

Vitamins for Gray Hair

Gray hair is a direct sign of aging and most older people would like to prevent this from happening. But like aging, graying hair is a natural, unstoppable process. Having gray hair is not so bad. You can still have healthy and beautiful hair despite the gray and one way of achieving that is by giving your gray hair vitamins.

How does hair become gray?

Vitamins

Each hair follicle contains pigment cells that produce the chemical called melanin that gives the hair its natural color. The hair's light or dark color depends on the amount of melanin each hair contains. As we get older, the pigment cells in the hair follicles die gradually. Because of this, the production of melanin becomes weak, making its color to fade to silver, gray, or white.

Vitamins for Gray Hair

Keeping gray hair away

Everyone's hair will turn gray eventually, but there is nothing wrong with delaying the process. Hair vitamins for gray hair are now available commercially to stall the appearance of gray hair. For the hair to continue to produce melanin, it is helpful to give it a steady diet of Para-Aminobenzoic Acid (PABA). It is one of the many B-complex vitamins and is readily available both in capsule-form vitamin B-complex at your nearest drugstore. Pantothenic acid or Vitamin B-5 is another known vitamin for gray hair. It stimulates vitamin utilization and releases energy from food to for great hair and good skin. If partnered with folic acid, pantothenic acid helps restore the hair's natural color so it fights premature gray hair.

Recently, researchers have come up with solutions to gray hair. According to cancer researchers, liposomes, substances that help deliver drugs into the body, can be utilized to deposit melanin inside the follicles. This means that if the hair naturally stops producing melanin, then melanin can be artificially deposited to the hair follicles. A leading cosmetics laboratory has also developed a precursor molecule for melanin called dihydroxyl-5.6-indole. This allows the natural process of hair pigmentation to take place naturally through a slow process of oxydization.

Vitamins for Gray Hair

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