Overview

A vitamin is an organic compound required as a nutrient in tiny amounts by an organism. A compound is called a vitamin when it cannot be synthesized in sufficient quantities by an organism, and must be obtained from the diet. Thus, the term is conditional both on the circumstances and the particular organism. For example, ascorbic acid functions as vitamin C for some animals but not others, and vitamins D and K are required in the human diet only in certain circumstances.

Vitamins are classified by their biological and chemical activity, not their structure. Thus, each "vitamin" actually refers to a number of vitamer compounds, which form a set of distinct chemical compounds that show the biological activity of a particular vitamin. Such a set of chemicals are grouped under an alphabetized vitamin "generic descriptor" title, such as "vitamin A," which (for example) includes retinal, retinol, and many carotenoids. Vitamers are often inter-convertible in the body. The term vitamin does not include other essential nutrients such as dietary minerals, essential fatty acids, or essential amino acids, nor does it encompass the large number of other nutrients that promote health but are otherwise required less often.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

How to Know if You Need Vitamin Supplements

Taking vitamin and mineral supplements is probably one of the most controversial issues in connection with a healthy way of life. The lack of vitamins in your diet can be unhealthy, but too many vitamins can also use your health at risk. So, how do you know if the vitamin and mineral supplements is necessary for you? Ask yourself the following questions to determine whether you may need vitamin supplements for a healthier lifestyle:



  1. Am I much stress? If you are constantly stressed by work, relationships, family or in a different situation, your adrenal glands can be overtime. This may lead to fatigue and headaches.

    treatment: vitamin B complex, vitamin E and vitamin C can help with this added problem.

  2. Is My Immune System Up to Par? You find yourself constantly the Fang of colds and flu more frequently than others? You may need to strengthen your immune system with vitamins and minerals, the nutrients needed to combat this viruses.

    treatment: vitamin C supplement, zinc and manganese, the trick.

  3. Do I smoke? I am sure that you are aware that this habit is unhealthy, but the smoke consumed vitamin C and puts you at a higher risk of osteoporosis.

    treatment: vitamin C and calcium Added surcharges will help reduce your chances of osteoporosis and provide you with adequate amount of vitamin C.

  4. Am I pregnant? and hormonal pregnant women are often not in vitamin B - 6 If you do not get enough of this vitamin may be harmful to you and your baby.

    treatment: Take a vitamin B-6 supplement, but make sure not to take doses of more than 500mg per day without a doctor recommendation.

  5. Am I on a diet? If you are on a low-carb, low fat or any form of food will probably not receiving the vitamins necessary for a healthy life. Individuals on the dietary habits very rarely eat foods from all major groups of food, and if they do, they do not usually eat the necessary amounts.

    treatment: Depending on the type of feed and food, you eat, you may request that a multi-vitamin supplements or special supplements of vitamin A, B, C, D, E and K.

Answering yes to any of the above questions does not necessarily mean that vitamins and minerals are essential for a healthy lifestyle. The above situations are only a guideline to help individuals who already feel as if they are lacking the vitamins and minerals in their diet. It is important to remember that vitamin supplements are to accompany food and are in no way meant as a substitute for a healthy diet.

Health-related information changes frequently, and during each attempt has been made to the content in this Article is up to date and accurate, you should always check with a doctor or nutrition expert, before any substantial change in diet or lifestyle.

 

Jeff Matson is an avid health enthusiast who owned and operated his own natural health food store. Now retired, Jeff spends his time keeping fit, walking marathons and writing articles as a contributing editor for http://www.vitamin-insight.com – a site that offers information on vitamins like Vitamin C.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_Matson

Monday, August 18, 2008

Side Effects of Dermatitis Herpetiformis Drug

Dermatitis Herpetiformis is a rare skin eruption in connection with Celiac disease. It is gluten antibodies to fight the good in the same way as Celiac disease, but often people with dermatitis herpetiformis not on the usual symptoms such as flatulence, diarrhea and stomach cramps. Instead, they develop a very itchy rash of red spots and liquid filled blisters.

Dermatitis Herpetiformis can be treated by eliminating gluten from the diet, and will gradually heal, but some doctors recommend accelerating the healing process by using a drug known as dapsone. But this drug has a number of side effects you should be aware before they decide whether or not to take. You should certainly be sure of the diagnosis of dermatitis herpetiformis, before you take dapsone, and this is a skin biopsy to a definitive result.

What is dapsone?

Dapsone belongs to the family of sulphonamide drugs, and is an antibiotic. Originally it was for the treatment of leprosy, but in recent times has been found to relieve other inflammatory diseases of the skin like Pyoderma Gangrenosum, vasculitis and dermatitis herpetiformis.

Dapsone tablet is available as either fifty or a hundred milligrams. Because of the possible side effects, your doctor, a dose as low as possible, and this is usually fifty-two hundred milligrams daily.

Potential side effects of Dapsone

All patients who dapsone experience a slight decrease in the number of red blood cells and their levels of hemoglobin, the oxygen in the blood. This can cause a variety of symptoms, including the following:

� Mild headaches, nausea or vomiting

� A blue tinge on the lips or fingertips

� anaemia

� breathlessness

� �bermaige fatigue

More severe symptoms with a large decrease in the number of red blood cells include:

� Fever

� ulcers in the mouth

� sore throat

� bruising

� Depression

People have shown that a genetic condition called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency are more likely to develop side effects of dapsone, and this condition is more common in those of Mediterranean, African and Asian descent. You can be tested for this deficiency, before you start to take dapsone. In rare cases, patients allergic to dapsone, and can it be that a high fever, swelling of the glands in the neck and an additional rash.

Using dapsone for a longer period of time can lead to impaired nerve function in the arms and Legs, which can lead to a weakening of the muscles in the Faen and hands. It can also reduce fertility in men by reducing the sperm count and mobility. For these reasons, dapsone is as short as possible to alleviate the symptoms of dermatitis herpetiformis during the gluten-free diet takes effect.

Monitoring of patients in Dapsone

Because the side effects of dapsone, patients usually undergo tests before the drug is prescribed, and then every three months during their treatment. These tests ensure that your red blood cells do not count too much, and that your liver ordnungsgema works. If you have any side effects between routine tests, you should have a blood test count as a matter or urgency.

Why I would dapsone with so many side effects?

Although dapsone has a number of possible side effects, it has been successfully used to treat thousands of cases of dermatitis herpetiformis. It can alleviate the symptoms of this chronic disease quickly, and help the sufferer to lead a normal life while they wait for their gluten-free diet to take effect and repair the damage Celiac disease has caused gut.

Simply to remove gluten from your diet is generally consist of the symptoms of dermatitis herpetiformis eventually, but you may have to live with the condition for up to two years, and it will return when you return to your gluten diet.

 

Sean Ambrose runs http://www.gluten-answers.com the web's most thorough source on providing free information on learning to manage a Gluten free diet successfully.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shawn_Ambrose

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Vitamin C � What, Why, and How to Include It in Your Diet

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid found in many of our everyday foods and is important that our body runs on a optimum.

Vitamin C has several key used:

� It aids our bodies by the form of collagen is an important protein that creates new tissue, so that we can grow and /or repair any damage to our organs.

� There is also an antioxidant that is, they blocked some of the damage caused by free radicals which can build - as a result of the transformation of our body energy.

The food in the human body can not produce vitamin C in his own, so there must be a part of our daily diet.

Symptoms a vitamin C deficiency are -

- anemia (vitamin C aid absorption of iron )


- nosebleeds


- easy bruising


- dry skin


- inflammation of the gums


- reduced immunity to infections


- higher risk of developing cancer


- lung related problems

The average amount of vitamin C is required for an adult is 80-100mg per day. The body can not store vitamin C, it will eliminate an excess, and therefore must be that amount of food daily to maintain health.

There are many foods contain vitamin C. Most fruits and vegetables contain some vitamin C. food contains mature more than immature. Some examples of foods with higher vitamin C content-

-parsley


broccoli


-Bell pepper


strawberries


-oranges


lemon juice


-papaya


cauliflower


-Kale


- mustard greens


- Brussels sprouts

So make sure you are getting enough vitamin C in your diet and help your health today.

For more information about vitamin C or vitamin and any other recipe ideas how to use these valuable vitamins in your diet each Day visit


www.truth-about-vitamins.com

 

Lysah Woods is an Australian currently studying to become a paramedic. She has always had a keen interest in all health related topics and combined with her love of food, nutrition is one of her strongest topics.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lysah_Woods

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Why Drinking Water Helps With Everything Internally

In so muscles and metabolism effectively propagate, it is an important factor to consume large quantities of water daily. Water not only helps with muscle-building, but also with mental clarity. Drinking sufficient amounts of water helps to keep stress from the spirit of oppression cortisol, a stress hormone catabolic. It also reduces lactic acid build up gym workouts.

Morning hours after awakening best to drink large quantities, because during sleep, you lose body hydration of peace. What works best drink two glasses with a multi-vitamin before hitting the gym to take the weights or treadmills. I personally think that saving money on the water works best if you have a water cooler water filtration system or device to your sink, so that you will not have to keep going back and forth to the store to buy drinking water. Speaking about me, I would like to sip a glass or 2 before the gym, with some additional Ginseng pills, anima pak universal multi vitamins and L-glutamine.

In my household kitchen, I keep a cool and an additional water filtering device to the sink, so I'm not excuse his one gallons per day, my body fluids hydrated. Sitting during long periods of work also requires liquids to be consumed. With daily consumption beyond eight glasses, I can say for myself from the soda, alcohol and other liquid food color to it with empty carbohydrates alone has done justice for me.

Since I have increased my daily water intake, I, as my Day is able to flow more productive in the context of work under objectives. My skin is shiny, with little or no show in facial imperfections. I also recognize the power of the attitude of my kidneys flushed, so I do not get the "burnt out" feeling of workouts and daily tasks. Finally, I appreciate the power of the positive aspects of drinking a gallon of water every day!

 

Learn more about the power of "water" and what it can do for the human body with this revolutionary product from Resha at: http://www.waterforlifeusa.com/dealer/Resha

Informative articles on water for "Aunt Resha" are brought to you by a social networking blogger and sponsored by: http://www.ShawnDrewry.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shawn_Drewry

Saturday, August 9, 2008

Vitamin B What Is It & How It Can Help You

vitamin B /u>

Vitamin B is a complex of several vitamins, for example, B1, B6 and B12, therefore it is also known as the B-complex. The B-complex group consists of Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12. All members of the group B complex are soluble in water. Trucker's complete nutrition is an excellent complement to satisfy your daily nutrients "requirements. It offers a variety of ingredients such as carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, etc. This addition is also a good source of vitamin B.

B Complex /u>

B complex plays an important role in the development of the human body. Benefits and risks arising from lack of some members of the B family are discussed below.

Vitamin B1 /u>

It is also known as thiamin. It is found in soy, rice and oatmeal. vitamin B1 plays an important in the metabolism of carbohydrates and sugar. It is also very important for good health of the nervous system and heart. B1 also plays an important role in the growth of various muscles and development of red blood cells. studies suggest that the use of alcohol, the absorption of vitamin B1, so its Shortages caused. Vitamin A deficiency may lead to Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, and Beriberi.

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vitamin B2

B2 is also known as riboflavin. It is naturally in milk and cheese.

It required by the body for good hair and nails. It is also very important for the metabolism of proteins, fats and Strength. B2 deficiency can cause skin rash, anxiety, inflammation of the eyelids and mouth. Studies suggest that ebermaige consumption of alcohol, the absorption rate of vitamin.

vitamin B3 /u>

This vitamin is also known as niacin. Natural sources of the vitamin include chicken, eggs, fish and nuts . Niacin helps the blood flow and synthesis of sex hormones. It is also very important for the nervous system. His deficiency can cause the tongue swelling and inflammation, dermatitis and diarrhea.

vitamin B5

This vitamin is less popular in the B-complex. It is also known as pantothenic acid. Lack of this vitamin can cause Paresthesia.

Vitamin B6 /u> /u> is also

It pyridoxine. It is of course in nuts, shellfish, fish, legumes and cereals. is very important for the immune system, it helps in the production of antibodies and red blood cells. It helps in the production of hydrochloric acid and metabolism of fats. �bermaiger consumption of alcohol may cause pyridoxine deficiency, which can lead to that muscle twitching, kidney stones, anaemia and insomnia.

vitamin B9 /u> is

B9 also known as folic acid. Natural sources of the vitamin include green vegetables, liver and Yeast. This vitamin helps in the synthesis of DNA. It is also important for the formation of haemoglobin. Studies suggest that its revenue may ordnungsgemae the chances of birth defects. A lack of folic acid can cause irritation in the mouth and can cause anemia.

/u>

vitamin /u> B12 /u>

This vitamin is also known as cyanocobalamin. It is found in eggs, dairy products and fish. B12 is an essential condition for the formation of red blood cells. It is also necessary for ordnungsgemae the functioning of the nervous system. From B12 deficiency can cause anemia and defects in nervous system.

B complex group of vitamins is very useful as a whole. Trucker's complete diet is a very useful addition in this respect. Each Supplement contains 3.4 mg of vitamin B2, 4 mg B6, 20 mg B5, 4 mg B6, 800 mcg of B9 and 1000 mcg of B12.

 

Peter Salazar's source for quality supplements is http://www.truckerscomplete.com

To go directly to this product go here: http://truckerscomplete.com/information.html

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ben_W_Taylor

Monday, August 4, 2008

Protect Yourself With Pure Water Filters Today

You might be curious how important clean water filters. Have you ever assumed that a large percentage of the water we drink, has several drugs? If you look at the concentrations of all types of hazardous materials, it proves that the case for a pure water filter is stronger than ever.

There is a lot of talk about what exactly can in drinking water and it is worth some time to disambiguate Fact from fiction. You may have heard stories about all sorts of different concentrations of drugs, and would like to know more about what exactly can exist within municipal water supply, and what pure water filters can do to prevent them. Here are some statistics, what you can, in your water and drugs, what they can do in the concentrations you may be exposed to them.

The actual extension of water-borne drugs is graer than you might realize that all Types of drugs, which may make it a water system in one way or another. Antibiotics often appear from the multitude of drugs we take regularly. Birth Control medicine as well, and antidepressants may occur well.

These drugs may, in fact, in high doses seems too little influence on the hormonal levels of the body or cause health problems on a continuing exposure. Even caffeine may be out of water supplies in large enough doses to the drinker! Even more reason to believe, pure water filters ... it may be that a pure water filter is all that stands between you and a dangerous cocktail of chemicals.

Several factors affect a public body of water purification plants may not their quantities of waste water effectively, so that contaminated water gallons litres back into public transport. As well, large-scale farming operations release large amounts of harmful chemicals into the water supply, caused major problems for people who receive their water from the tap.

Public water treatment plants are not equipped to deal with the increasing levels of drug and other chemicals in our water and testing is still under way to determine how these substances are dangerous to the human body. One possibility is that especially disturbing is the development of super-resistant strains of microbes, at a low level of antibiotics in our bodies. If the shipping antibiotics can we allow access our body to develop these exemptions to antibiotic treatments, there can be no antibiotics defense against the next outbreak of potent disease.

The hardest part is finding a way to remove these toxic drugs in our water supply Without removing the very characteristics that healthy water in the first place. Many filtration units actually purge your water of the minerals that it contains that your body needs. You must investigate, multi-chamber filtration units, which allow water to maintain the positive attributes, while weeding out foreign substances such as drugs and other chemicals.

Given is in the consideration of pure water filters is a good idea if you suspect concentrations of various Drugs are in your tap water. With all the drugs in the water today, at home filtration is the reliable way to trust that the water comes into your house today.

 

How can we be sure that we are getting clean, safe drinking water? Pure water filters will provide clean safe drinking water four our families. The best type of water purification uses a carbon filter that does not remove the minerals! Visit our site today!
By M. Applebaum

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Martin_Applebaum

Do You Know That There Are Drugs in Your Drinking Water?

"Probe finds drugs in drinking water was typical of the headlines in the newspapers back in March 2008, as an Associated Press report the results of an investigation by three of its reporters. So how can one drug in drinking water? That is the question that this article will try to answer.

When you fill a glass with water from a tap in your home, the water comes from the local public wastewater treatment plant which draws its supply from rivers and lakes or in some cases, ground water from Holes. The lakes and rivers in the rain falls on the hills and our waste water from households and businesses. And it is the sewage, which is the main source of drugs in our drinking water water.

So done as the drugs in the effluent from our house? We flush the toilet. This is the most common way of disposing of outdated or unused drugs. In fact, it is one of the three recommended methods available, the other two to make them into the trash or to return to a collection point.

You might think that the average individual, even if they are regelmaigen drugs, would not have that many pills to spare, so this should not be a problem. But it seems that this is the way unused pharmaceuticals sold in clinics and hospitals. A nurse with twenty years of experience reported that their clinic in a small town 10000 flushed the toilet enough drugs to fill a coffee can 1lb each month.

Another report indicated that "informal" process in more than 16000 nursing homes in the U.S. Patients flush drugs down the toilet. Ambulance services, rehabilitation centers, hospitals and even routinemaig flush expired medication because it is the cheapest and easiest way to do this it.

But it's not just people who cause the problem. Animals are involved. Routinemaig The cattle are treated with steroids to increase productivity, but about 10% of the drug is eliminated and finds its way into the water supply. In addition, veterinarians with the treatment of domestic animals the same drugs such as human and thus providing another source of contamination.

The good news is that one of the medicines that are not resolved, if at the treatment plant are trapped in the mud, the removed as part of the filtration process. Unfortunately in some cases this sludge is then spread on farmland as fertilizer for the drug another chance to pollute the water supply.

So that is the short answer to the question "How can drugs in drinking water". Are you concerned about drugs in your drinking water, perhaps you should consider installing a water filter in your home.

 

Hugh Harris-Evans is a writer and researcher on water purification issues. Visit his site now at http://www.brightwaterfilter.com to get the facts on how to choose the best water purification system.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hugh_Harris-Evans