Saturday, November 20, 2010

Some Benefits of Vitamin Supplements

We are often advised make nutritious food choices to improve our health and energy level. However, this isn’t always enough to keep us at the peak of our performance every day.

We may also need vitamin supplements to overcome deficiencies in our diet and to keep our body functioning properly.

By taking a closer look at the vitamins found in a typical multivitamin supplement, we will see the particular benefits that each vitamin brings to our body.

Vitamin C is one of the most popular vitamin supplements. While this particular vitamin is known for boosting our immune system, it can minimize the
symptoms that come with colds and other illnesses. Additionally, a healthy dose of vitamin A can help keep the eyes healthy and improve night vision. The B complex of vitamins also have many health benefits and may assist in supporting your energy levels.

A typical multi vitamin supplement will contain many other vitamins and minerals. It is important to read and compare the labels in order to find a suitable multivitamin supplement. Some may contain doses that are larger than you need. It's also important to do research to discover what blend of vitamins and minerals is best for you.

Coupled with exercise and proper diet, vitamin supplements can help you to live a healthy, active life.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Are Generic Drugs a Safe Way to Save Money?

There are many reasons why you might want to consider generic drugs as a cost saving measure. Companies that produce generic drugs must show that they
are bioequivalent to the original drug.

They release the same active ingredient to the blood stream over the same time period. In other words, they work the same as the original, branded medicine.

The regulation and safety of generic drugs is just as rigorous as branded drugs. Generic drugs are manufactured in the same way as the branded original and the facilities in which they are produced must adhere to the same guidelines and regulations.

In fact a very large percentage of generic drugs are produced by companies which also produce branded products.

Of course, generic drugs look different than the originals, because the design of the branded pill may be patented, so the generic version, although containing
exactly the same active ingredients, differs in the non active components to make the drug look different. This is a pretty small inconvenience considering the sometimes substantial savings that can come from using generic alternatives. It shouldn't be a surprise that the vast majority of drugs prescribed are generics.

It's important that you talk to your doctor about the medication you are using. He should be able to give you accurate information about the drug and it's potential side effects or interactions with other drugs you may be taking.

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Some Important Vitamins for Good Health

We hear a lot about vitamins, but many people aren't aware of the specific roles they play in keeping us healthy. Vitamins are complex organic substances that are essential for a healthy metabolism. Vitamins are found in minute quantities in food. Some, like vitamin D, can be produced by the human body. Vitamin deficiencies can cause serious health problems. (Scurvy is a famous example caused by a lack of Vitamin C. It used to plague sailors at seas, especially before people properly understood nutrition.)


There are two Major categories of vitamins. Fat soluble vitamins include vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K. Water soluble vitamins include vitamin C and the group of molecules known as the vitamin B complex. Both fat soluble and water soluble vitamins are important for healthy living.


Here are some interesting details about the more well known vitamins.


Vitamin A


Vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin, plays an important role in eyesight, especially with regards to night vision. Vitamin A is also involved in the formation and maintenance of healthy skin, hair, and mucous membranes. In addition, it is necessary for proper bone growth, tooth development, reproduction and for the development of epithelial cells.


Vitamin A can be found in eggs, milk, carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, fish oil, liver, butter, broccoli, apricots, nectarines, cantaloupe, and orange or yellow vegetables and fruits.
A vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness and dry skin.


Vitamin B


Vitamin B is a complex of several different vitamins including B1, B2, B6, B12, niacin, folic acid, biotin and pantothenic acid. These are very important for metabolic activity and in the health of red blood cells. They also help your body make protein and energy.


The sources of vitamin B are leafy green vegetables, seafood, beans, peas, citrus fruits, whole grains, poultry, meats, eggs and dairy products. Some bacteria in our large intestine prepare some type of B-vitamins.


A vitamin B deficiency can cause Beri Beri, cracked lips, weak muscles, and malformation of red blood cells.


Vitamin C


Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is a water soluble antioxidant that is used in the production of collagen, a protein that gives structure to bones, cartilage, muscle, and blood vessels. It helps keep body tissues, such as gums and muscles, in good shape and assists in the healing of wounds. It also helps to protect vitamins A, E and fatty acids from oxidation.


Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits, cantaloupe, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli, cabbage and other fresh fruits and vegetables.


A vitamin C deficiency affects the health of skin. It can cause poor wound healing and lead to scurvy which causes bleeding in gums, easy bruising, bumps of coiled hair on the arms and legs, pain in the joints, muscle wasting, and other problems.


Vitamin D


Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin that regulates the formation of bone and the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the intestine. It helps to control the movement of calcium between bone and blood, and vice versa.


Vitamin D can be found in fish liver oil, egg yolks, milk and other dairy products fortified with vitamin D. It is also produced in our body in the presence of ultra violet light, such as from sunlight.


A vitamin D deficiency can cause weak bones and bowed legs (in children). Its excess can cause loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea, headache, depression and deposits of calcium in the kidneys.


Vitamin E


Vitamin E, one of the fat soluble vitamins, is essential for the inhibition of oxidation in body tissues, the formation of red blood cells and prevents the breakdown of body tissue. It helps to protect the lungs from pollution.


Vitamin E can be found in whole grains, wheat germ, leafy green vegetables, sardines, egg yolks, nuts, bread, cereals and seeds.


A vitamin D deficiency can cause cancer, diabetes, heart disease and Alzheimer's disease.


This is just a brief introduction. For further information, you might enjoy visiting The Reference Guide for Vitamins.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

The Symptoms of Arthritis


Arthritis is often one of the unpleasant side effects that is associated with aging, but it can also effect younger people. Arthritis symptoms can vary depending on the type. Arthritis affects various body parts and can be caused by several different factors. The following is a discussion of some of the symptoms of different types of arthritis .


Ankylosing spondylitis is arthritis of the joints in the spine. It is also known as Marie-Strumpell disease and rheumatoid spondylitis. This disorder affects multiple organs including the eyes, heart, lungs, skin, and gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms of this arthritis include low back and hip pain, stiffness, difficulty expanding the chest, pain in the neck, shoulders, knees, and ankles, low grade fever, fatigue and weight loss. Initial arthritis symptoms are uncommon after the age of 30, although the patient might not be diagnosed until later.


Bursitis is a form of arthritis that usually affects the hip, shoulder and elbow. It can also affect the knee, heel, or base of the big toe. Bursitis often affects athletes, golfers, baseball players, and people who are out of shape or have poor posture. Bursitis causes pain and stiffness in the joint. The symptoms become worse when the joint is used. The joint may also be swollen and warm to the touch.


Juvenile arthritis symptoms are similar to adult symptoms. There is pain, swelling and joint stiffness. Symptoms can come and go. Young children might not complain about their arthritis symptoms so parents may not notice them until they see their child limping, avoiding physical activity, or acting unusually clumsy.


Osteoarthritis is the most common form in older people. It is brought on partly by long term everyday use of the affected body parts. Depending on which part of the body is affected, arthritis symptoms may vary. Most people with osteoarthritis in their fingers don’t even know about it unless an x-ray reveals deterioration in the cartilage. Arthritis symptoms are associated with pain and swelling. However, with osteoarthritis, the pain fades over time, even though the arthritis never goes away.


Gout is a form of arthritis where the body has too much uric acid. The symptoms of gout arthritis are intense pain in the joint (usually the big toe). It may also become red, swollen, and warm to the touch. At times, gout can occur in the wrists, ankles, and knees. Arthritis symptoms may not come back for several years, but if crystals formed by the uric acid are left untreated, it can destroy part of the bone.


Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by an overactive immune system. Arthritis symptoms usually start out as minor stiffness and pain. It may come and go, but eventually the arthritis systems get worse and more frequent. Treatment for this is most effective if caught within the first few months.


If you have arthritis symptoms, you should contact your doctor. Treatments are more effective if they are caught in the early stages. You can also visit the Arthritis Foundation Website for more information.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Welcome to my Health and Wellness Blog!


We all want to feel better and live a healthier life. Unfortunately this isn't easy because of how hectic modern life has become. I thought I would start a blog to share some ideas, articles and videos about living a healthier lifestyle. I may also share some books and recipes that I find helpful.


Please feel free to comment and subscribe to my feed. Thanks for visiting!

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Disclaimer


Opinions expressed in posted videos or other embedded media might not match the opinions of the webmaster. The information on this site is of a general nature and should not be viewed as a substitute for medical or professional advice. No guarantees are made as to the accuracy of the information on this site. Please use this site at your own risk.


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Monday, February 1, 2010

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