essential vitamins
December 31, 2007
Lucky Thirteen: the Essential Vitamins
Vitamins are important molecules that can allow our bodies to function properly. For instance, some vitamins work as catalytic molecules: they bind to important enzymes, and, as cofactors, work to make molecular reactions happen. Vitamins can also work as substrates: they are acted upon by different enzymes in the body, so that when they are broken down, their individual subunits can help the different body organs work better.
Vitamins can also serve as co-enzymes or carriers of molecules from one enzyme to another.
We can obtain vitamins through the food that we eat, although the latest technology has allowed scientists to produce some vitamins in the laboratory. These vitamins can be packaged individually as pills, or they can be packed with other vitamins into a multi-vitamin tablet that people can use to supplement their diets. Research has also shown that we all have a recommended daily intake or allowance of essential vitamins, a group of thirteen important molecules that our bodies absolutely need in order to function properly and survive.
Vitamin A, which belongs to the retinoid group of vitamins, is soluble in fat. Vitamin A can be found in many orange foods, such as carrots or squash. Experts recommend a daily dose of nine hundred to three thousand micrograms of Vitamin A; an overdose of Vitamin A can result in a disease known as hypervitaminosis A, which, among others can cause people to have yellow or orange skin. Individuals who lack Vitamin A can suffer from night blindness; in fact, doctors recommend that children consume a lot of carrots so that these children’s eyes can develop properly.
Vitamin B1, or thiamine, is a water-soluble vitamin that is part of the B-complex group of vitamins. A debilitating disease called beriberi results when we take less than 1.2 milligrams of Vitamin B1 a day. So far, there is no upper limit for Vitamin B1 consumption.
Riboflavin, or Vitamin B2, is another B-complex group member and a water-soluble vitamin. Like the rest of the B-complex vitamins, riboflavin functions in keeping the integrity of the immune system. It has so far no upper limit for consumption, although taking less than 1.3 milligrams of Vitamin B2 a day can result in a disease called ariboflavinosis.
Another B-complex vitamin is niacin, or Vitamin B3. Water soluble and an immune system sustainer, niacin also functions in growth in young children. The allowable daily dose for Vitamin B3 is from sixteen to thirty-five milligrams; below this range, pellagra can result.
The water-soluble Vitamin B5, or pantothenic acid, is another B-complex vitamin that not only functions in growth and immune system development, but can contribute to strength and energy as well. We are all required to consume at least five milligrams of Vitamin B5 each day; lower consumption can result in paresthesia, or numbness in certain parts of the body.
Pyridoxine, or Vitamin B6, also functions in proper growth and development, especially in young children. A water-soluble B-complex vitamin, pyridoxine must be consumed at a minimum of 1.3 to 1.7 milligrams a day; consumption of the vitamin beyond the hundred milligram mark is considered an overdose, and can result in some eye or perception disorders. Conversely, anemia can occur when the proper amounts of pyridoxine aren’t consumed.
Vitamin B7, or biotin, is another water soluble B-complex vitamin. Although no biotin-deficiency related diseases have been found, we are required to consume at least thirty micrograms of Vitamin B7 every day.
Folic acid, or Vitamin B9, is extremely important for developing children and pregnant mothers. This B-complex vitamin must be consumed at about four hundred to a thousand micrograms a day, or severe birth defects may result in pregnant mothers.
Cyanacobalamin, or Vitamin B12, functions in proper growth and development. About 2.4 micrograms of this water-soluble B-complex vitamin must be consumed each day. Anemia often results from Vitamin B12 deficiency.
Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is a highly important water-soluble essential vitamin that can be found in many fresh fruits and vegetables. Only ninety to two thousand milligrams should be consumed each day, or kidney damage can result. Vitamin C deficiency results in scurvy, which is manifested in cracked skin and a damaged immune system.
Vitamins D, E, and K are all fat soluble vitamins. Vitamin D helps support the body’s skeletal system by working in concert with calcium; it also aids in supporting the immune system. At least fifteen milligrams of Vitamin E must be consumed each day; Vitamin E aids in cell regeneration and wound healing, and is often credited with bringing life and youth to skin. Lastly, Vitamin K can aid in wound healing and blood clotting.
All these vitamins can be obtained from a balanced diet that is filled with lean meats and fresh fruits and vegetables. Always consult with your doctor on what vitamins you should be taking in higher amounts. With a healthier diet, you can have a better lifestyle, with thanks to essential vitamins that keep your body going.
fever in children
December 28, 2007
Fever in Children
The normal temperature of human body is 98.6°F. If the temperature is taken rectally, the thermometer will show a rise of 1°F, that is it will show 99.6°F. The normal body temperature can vary slightly among individuals. The doctors consider the rise in body temperature as fever if it crosses the mark of 99.4°F when taken orally and 100.4°F when taken rectally. Rectal checking of temperature is done in infants and children who are older than four years have their temperature checked orally. Infants under three months should be rushed to the hospital if they have fever above 100.5°F. The same applies for children older than three months and having a body temperature above 102°F.
Digital thermometers provide a more accurate temperature reading. Mercury thermometers pose a health risk to the family as it is an environmental toxin. Hence, this is another good reason why mercury thermometers should be replaced with digital thermometers. Parents must take few measures before and during the task of checking the child’s temperature. First of all, the parent should be sure about the kind of thermometer he or she wants to use, that is whether the thermometer should be meant for oral use or rectal use. The child shouldn’t be bundled up very tightly before the temperature is checked. When the thermometer is being held by the child, the parent should supervise the whole procedure. Infants might experience pain when the thermometer is inserted into his rectum. Therefore, it is a good idea to cover the thermometer’s tip with petroleum jelly before insertion and only half of the thermometer should be inserted inside. The thermometer should be held until the beep is heard as children tend to drop the thermometer, if it is left to them. When taking the temperature orally, the thermometer should be placed underneath the tongue and should be left there until the beep is heard. After usage, the thermometer should be washed with cold water and soap.
When an infection is being fought by the body, it shows signs of fever. When the child becomes fussy and experiences aches in parts of the body, the child should be administered with some medicines. Medicines are available for children, depending on their needs, age and weight. The recommended dosage will be written on the pack or the label of the medicine and the parents should check that chart before giving any medicine to the child. If there is any kind of confusion, a doctor should always be consulted. Medicines like Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, and Tylenol for children are available over the counter. When acetaminophen is given along with lukewarm bath, it helps decrease the fever. The medicine should be given just before the bath. The water shouldn’t be cold and no alcohol products must be used while bathing. If bath is given minus acetaminophen, the child can begin to shiver and there is chance of body temperature going high again.
Aspirin is not advisable for children as it may develop serious illness called Reye’s syndrome in the child. The risk is even more in kids having chickenpox or flu. Not more than five doses should be given in twenty four hours. If drops are given, the dropper should be filled till the marked line. A liquid medicine usually comes with a measuring device in the form of a cap. If not, it can be bought at the local drug store. Infants under four months shouldn’t be given medicine, unless told by the doctor.
Certain symptoms call for immediate attention and the doctor must be contacted immediately. Symptoms can be dry mouth, rapid change in body temperature, ear-ache, behavioral changes, frequent diarrhea and vomiting, paleness, seizures, skin rashes, intense headaches, sore throat, swollen joints, irritability, high pitch crying, not feeling hungry, stiff neck, stomach ache, whimpering, wheezing, limpness, and breathing problems. At all times, the child must be made to wear comfortable cotton cloths which help the body to breath properly and at the same time absorbs the sweat. The child should also be given fluids constantly, in order to combat with dehydration.
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do vitamins make you fat
December 27, 2007
e pDo Vitamins Make You Fat?
Everybody knows that vitamins are essential nutritional supplements. It makes the body healthy and disease-free. But there’s one very disturbing fact about vitamins. And it is the fact that certain types of them, more particularly the wrong ones, may cause a person to experience decreased energy and make them fat.
Our body contains toxins that need to be eliminated so that they don’t damage the cells and cause them not to function. This is also the very reason why anti-oxidants are needed by the body, as they have the ability to eliminate free radicals.
In these same instances where vitamins and other essential minerals are required. But the choice of which type of vitamins to take is the biggest question of all. Low quality vitamin supplements may contain ineffective ingredients, which cannot be absorbed by the body. Therefore, its value as a nutritional supplement becomes worthless. Now if the vitamin you are taking is nothing but a pill, then its contents may just add up to the toxins already present in your body rather than eliminating them. And as everybody well knows, toxins are the main components of cellulite.
Pressure packed vitamins aren’t beneficial. The types of vitamins sold in this type of packaging don’t dissolve easily after they are swallowed. Instead, they merely pass through the body as if nothing has happened. Undigested food contributes to the fats found around the tummy.
It is then very important that the multi-vitamins you take pass the strict standards set by the Bureau of Food and Drugs. Some vitamins available on the market are known to leave out the important nutrients placed on the label. And much of that is because they new consumers have no way of finding out otherwise.
There are also certain tests conducted which show that the actual contents of the vitamins don’t match what is specifically indicated. But the more important concern would be whether or not the vitamin is beneficial to the body at all, as there are some brands that actually contain impurities in the form of poisonous lead and harmful bacteria.
To know whether or not a vitamin brand is effective, consult a health professional. Also, try to observe its definite effects on you. If you feel you experience more harm than benefits when taking it, then it may be time to try a different brand altogether.
How To Choose The Best Health Insurance For Your Family
December 24, 2007
Having health insurance is necessary for the financial and health safety of any family. If you have a family, then for their sake you should look into getting a proper health insurance program.
There are three basic types of health insurance programs. The first is an indemnity plan. This means that your insurance covers you no matter what doctor you choose. You go to the doctor that you trust or that you are comfortable with, and your insurance will help you out with the cost according to the terms of your contract. These plans are harder to find, and generally more expensive. However, the flexibility may make it worth the trouble.
The other type of health insurance program is an HMO – health maintenance organization. This is the more common type. It is preferred by many because it sets a standard price that you can expect to remain constant. There is a specific network of healthcare providers that are associated with the HMO. As long as you seek care within this network, you will be covered by your health insurance.
Finally, there are PPO plans – Preferred Provider Organizations. This is a combination of the previous two. There is a small network of healthcare providers that offer the standard price, but you still have the flexibility to go outside of the network if you feel it is necessary. When you stay inside of the network you will pay less, and when you go outside of it you will be benefited less by your insurance.
Most people are used to only getting health insurance through an employer. If you have to get it on your own, there are many new things you have to consider. Think about all of the above types of plans, and decide which one will be appropriate for your medical needs. Then, you can compare prices and get a plan that will be financially sound – and keep you in good health.
North Carolina residents can check out Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | IBD Insurance of Raleigh, NC for their insurance needs.
do vitamins cause allergies
December 23, 2007
Do Vitamins Cause Allergies?
All doctors are likely to tell you that lack of vitamins in the body may cause diseases. For starters, coughs and colds are usually due to the body’s lack of Vitamin C. But it is really true that the vitamins themselves may actually cause allergies? It’s better to find out.
Vitamins, in their natural form, aren’t known to cause allergic reactions. But vitamin supplements may. In recent studies conducted in animals, it was found that vitamins may cause some cells, most especially T-cells to transform into a substance that could cause allergic reactions. T-cells are the types of cells that fall under the white blood cells or lymphocytes category, and they play a key role in a persons immune system. There are certain vitamin supplements that are believed to differentiate the composition of T-cells. And when this happens, a persons allergic reaction to a particular antigen is increased.
In a separate study conducted, vitamins drops and multivitamins could possibly increase the risk of asthma, as well as food allergies, in children aged three years and below. In the said research, about 8,000 babies were gathered and given vitamins three times a week. And by the time the children reach the age of three, about 10% of them have asthma and 5% developed allergies to certain types of food.
This particular study could prove that vitamins may actually cause allergies, especially if they are administered during infancy. But since only 10% and 5% of all the subjects have actually contracted the said diseases, more research is needed to further confirm the findings.
Vitamins are still a necessity. They are required by the body in order to enhance its functions and strengthen its defense system. Certain vitamins are even believed to slow the progression of AIDS and the HIV virus in some patients.
More often than not, using vitamins as a supplement to achieve the average daily nutritional requirements have better advantages than disadvantages. Allergic reactions are triggered only when there are antigens to stimulate them. In the absence of antigens, people should do just fine. Diseases, on the other hand, may be contracted for a number of reasons. And these diseases could cause more health risks than a single episode of allergic reaction.
In conclusion, the proper administration of vitamins should always be observed. Because it can’t be totally removed from ones diet, it is then advisable that they are taken only after consulting with a doctor.
eczema in children
December 22, 2007
Eczema in Children
When a skin rash cannot be blamed on poison ivy or chicken pox, the culprit is eczema. In this condition, the skin turns red, scaly and develops sores. The itching is beyond the limit and the skins starts to shed in the form of scales. Dermatitis is the other name for eczema. Dermatitis actually means inflammation of the skin and the skin turns pink and sore. Eczema is a common child problem as out of ten kids at least one kid gets eczema and majority of them get it before they turn five years old. Children who are above five years are also at a risk of developing eczema, but once they become teenagers, the chances are negligible.
Not only does eczema dries the skin, it also makes it itch horribly. The skin break out can even take the form of rashes. Eczema is a condition which comes and goes frequently and therefore it is chronic. When any foreign bodies come in contact with the skin, a special kind of cells present in the skin will react to them. Basically, they inflame the skin as a measure of protection. The harmful foreign objects trigger the reaction and make these special cells to over react. This turns the skin itchy, sore and red. Children, who get eczema frequently, have a larger quantity of these special cells.
Usually, people who have family members with asthma, hay fever or any allergies are more prone to getting eczema. It is in their genes to get eczema and this problem is passed over to them by their parent. Some scientists say that people, who as children have had eczema, are at a higher risk of developing asthma or hay fever later in their life. Allergies can only make eczema worse. The good news is that eczema is not contagious, so children can be happy about not catching the infection. The first symptom of eczema is rash development. These rashes may seem to go away in the beginning, but will return back. Although eczema itches badly, not all rashes will itch. Eczema will start to develop behind the knees and inside of the elbows. It will slowly spread to the face and other body parts.
Because rashes can be caused due to many other reasons apart from eczema, the doctor will examine the rashes and its cause very carefully. If eczema is confirmed, the child may have to use a moisturizing cream or lotion to stop the itchiness and drying of the skin. In serious cases, the patient will be recommended corticosteroids. It is a steroid cream or ointment which needs to applied to check skin inflammation. If the itching is really irritating, antihistamine can be taken in either liquid or pill form. And if the scratching had resulted in an infection, antibiotics will also be prescribed. The problem doesn’t get solved forever, but it makes the condition better for the time being.
There are certain things which trigger eczema and should be avoided by children who get eczema frequently. Perfumes, detergents, soap, dry air in winters with very little moisture, and sweaty and hot skin. Also when coming in contact with dust mites and scratchy fabrics can increase skin irritation. The child must abstain from scratching even if the skin is itching badly, as that will make the skin itch more badly. The skin can also get infected with bacteria because of skin breaking and bleeding. A washcloth can be dipped on cool water and placed on the area of itchiness. The parents should cut the nails short of the child so that he/she doesn’t hurt himself while scratching. Lastly, lots of water should be consumed to provide moisture to the dry skin.
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Microdermabrasion for Stretch Marks
December 21, 2007
The modern skin care treatment called Microdermabrasion is a technique which has been medically proven to be incredibly effective in reducing the visibility of stretch marks. As well as being good for stretch marks this procedure is also extremely effective in the fight against the effects of aging upon the skin. So it will come as not surprise that Microdermabrasion is the most popular skin care treatment available today.
This incredible treatment has been described as sandblasting as the process is extremely similar in that the machine blasts crystals onto the skin to remove dead skin cells and other dirt and debris. It also removes the very top layer of the dermis which helps speed up the skin’s renewal processes by forcing an increase in the production of skin cells. The process also encourages an acceleration in the production of collagen which is why microdermabrasion for stretch marks (and other forms of scar tissue, such as acne scars) is so successful.
Unfortunately, if your stretch marks are extremely deep, microdermabrasion may not reduce their visibility to a satisfactory degree. Do not believe all the hype that surrounds skin care treatments, this treatment is one of the very best but it can not perform miracles. In such cases the only real solution is cosmetic surgery so you should seek professional medical advice at the earliest opportunity.
However, if you only suffer from minor stretch marks and you wish to have them removed you will find that microdermabrasion is capable of removing them. It has been proven medically that this treatment can easily remove some crow’s feet ( the very fine lines that can be seen coming from the external corners of the eye). It can certainly reduce the apparent depth of scars to such a degree that they are no longer visible (or at least not so noticeable without close inspection).
Although causes of the formation of stretch marks are notoriously difficult to understand, it is generally accepted that stretch marks are formed when the skin’s collagen collapses when the skin is stretched beyond a certain point (as mentioned earlier microdermabrasion helps increase collagen production). They are most common following pregnancy and, at this time, you are most probably feeling a little washed out and run down, as well as this it is common for a new mum to have poor skin. Why not treat yourself to a pampering at your local beauty salon, health clinic or spa? Most places offer sessions of microdermabrasion so you will be able to give it a try while you relax, ready to return refreshed and ready to face the trials and challenges of parenthood.
Andrew Kelly has, over the last 10 years, been working with a number of very well known U.K. skin care companies, beauty salons and skin care web sites in the promotion of microdermabrasion and microdermabrasion products.
Weight loss
December 21, 2007
Weight loss is one subject never seems to go out of style. There are so many many ways to lose weight fast but only
few of these approaches have results. many many people choose a method even though they know that the pounds might
go back on for a some reasons. The long ride to lose weight fast is very strong but need to keep the pounds off is
much even stronger.
the ways of to lose weight fast is by cleansing your system in body the best metods are: note: drink alots of water
much as you can. I basic dont mean that this is simply of any stretch of the imagination but it is pretty and also
effective and evryone likes water. pounds are holding extra toxins in systems. When cleane the toxins out of in our
system we are now beeing able also shed the pounds on record time.
The approach take quite a bit of will power and you will find great that there are many things that you can’t eat
than there are things that you can eat. In basic order to lose weight fast you must really want to cut breads,
pastas, hype food and not even also fruit. You may become surprised by elimination of the fruit but bear with me.
Fruit contains lot of sugar. The sugar is natural also usually quite good for you if burn it off. If you cut this
source of the sugar of your diet you will lose weight fast also. basic means that you also want cut out food that
have a much of the sugar include peas, corn and so on. These foods can also be reintroduced in a few days.
You might be wondering also what on earth are left for you to eat. Your lose weight fast diet are basically strict
and consists of lean proteins, preferably the soy proteins. If you now can take in 25 grams soy protein each day and
also keep sugars on bay you will lose weight fast. In addition you also want to consume alots of green leafy
vegetables.
Water as i said earlier and exercise should be a great regular part on your daily routines. If you now can stomach
eating veggies and also lean proteins for one week or two along with getting at least 64 ounces of water and much
plenty of exercise than you will definitely lose weight fastest way. This do not sound appealing but it works
extremely great well you want to go drop pound very quickly right?.
The quick weight loss will not be the maintained if you go to your old ways right away, but you can than start your
diet off with real kick if you choose this kind of method. Of course, you want also to consult your doctor if you
in a hurry want to lose weight fast. This are the first and only step in any of weight loss program.
About Author Sindre Brudevoll
Want to know more about weight loss and weight loss program? visit http://www.articletowns.com/healthfil.php
Why Iron May Pose Danger To Our Body?
December 21, 2007
Every living cell-including those of plants and animals, and even bacteria needs iron and in the same amount. When an organism such as a bacterium invades the tissues of an animal, it must get iron from its host or it cannot survive. For several decades it has been known that a sudden and consistent drop in the amount of iron found in the blood of a host animal occurs during bacterial invasion.
This reduction in blood iron has resulted from decreased iron absorption by the host’s intestines and an increased storage in his liver. This ability to withhold iron from invading microorganisms is called “nutritional immunityâ€.
It is unlikely that this unusual requirement from for iron holds the key to our success in resisting infections caused by microorganisms. The delicate balance exists between human tissue and microorganism’s growth is enhanced; if the metal is removed the host’s defense is strengthened.
People who have larger than normal amount of iron in their blood are more likely to develop a disease than persons with normal levels of iron when both are exposed to the same disease-causing microorganism.
Levels of iron higher than normal are found in persons suffering from liver-cell-destroying diseases such as viral hepatitis, other blood-cell-destroying disease includes malaria and sickle-cell disease, and in new born babies who have received an excess of iron from the mother’s blood. These individuals are more susceptible to disease caused by microorganisms such as bacteria.
In older persons slight changes in blood iron levels that might allow an inactive bacterial infection to become active and develop a serious disease would be very important. This may be the reason for the development of diseases such as tuberculosis late in life.
If we could better understand how this nutritional immunity functions we might be able to prevent sudden changes in blood in levels or to bolster the body’s defense against invasions by microorganism.
It is still best to eat balance diet and stick on vitamins and mineral supplements to boost our body’s defense system. Clean living and sound healthy body make us enjoy life better. Healthy living is the key to happiness.
For more articles on effective natural treatment, learn more at natural healing and alternative medicine site.
Maintaining A Healthy Weight
December 20, 2007
One of the most critical components of good health is maintaining the proper weight for our age. With obesity approaching a national epidemic, it is important to inculcate a healthy lifestyle in our children so their quality of life as well as their life expectancy will not be diminished as they grow older. For older adults the goal should be to reach their golden years without any disabling conditions attributable to unhealthy lifestyle choices. The health benefits of a healthy lifestyle are far reaching.
The best way for a family to teach is to be a role model for their children. A healthy diet combined with adequate exercise enables an individual to reach their full potential. The opposite is obviously true as poor eating habits and lack of exercise can lead to a number of disabling conditions that will inhibit one’s best efforts. Our nation is now experiencing the results of inattention to the most basic tenets of a healthy diet and regular exercise. Perhaps the most telling example of our inattentiveness is the meteoric rise of the number of cases of diabetes that are showing up among the youth in our population.
Diabetes has several causes, but the number of cases of the Type II variety of diabetes attributable to unhealthy weight and lack of exercise is rapidly rising. While this ailment was generally associated with people over 40, it is now striking those that are much younger. Unfortunately, many of the sufferers of diabetes have only themselves to blame as they made poor choices about the diet and exercise requirements essential to maintain good health.
The lesson is clear. Every American should be involved in an exercise program that is age appropriate as well as adjusting or changing their diet to insure that is eating more healthy. Fast food has probably led to this problem and many families could probably just limit their intake of the high caloric foods that are the mainstay of the fast food business and increase the their daily exercise to insure they maintain their desired weight. Maintaining a healthy weight can be a life saving experience.
Try goji juice as part of your health lifestyle.