Chlorophyll is a naturally occurring pigment found in plants. When taken as a supplement, it may cause side effects like diarrhea, stool or urine discoloration, and tongue discoloration. Discuss the benefits and risks with your medical provider before starting treatment.
Read more →
Flaxseed oil is a natural supplement derived from the seed of a plant called Linum usitatissimum. This type of oil contains the essential fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6, which your body needs to function normally.
Read more →
Your doctor may recommend treatment with a magnesium infusion if you experience convulsions or have unusually low levels of magnesium in your blood. This magnesium supplement is administered by a medical professional as an injection into a vein in your arm.
Read more →
Health professionals with the Office of Dietary Supplements report that adult women under the age of 50 should consume at least 18 milligrams of iron each day to keep their bodies healthy. In contrast, women over the age of 50 only require 8 milligrams of iron each day.
Read more →
If your stomach doesn't produce enough acid to allow for proper digestion, you may have a condition called hypochlorhydria. Inadquate stomach acid production may lead to nutritional deficits, belching, heartburn, stomach discomfort and bloating.
Read more →
N-Acetylcysteine -- abbreviated NAC -- is a supplement derived from a protein-building amino acid called cysteine. If you have cancer, HIV/AIDS or liver damage due to a drug overdose, you may benefit from treatment with NAC supplements.
Read more →
Lysine is an essential amino acid that your body needs to maintain proper growth and development. Adults should consume 12 milligrams per kilogram of body weight of lysine each day from supplements or food sources, which include red meat, potatoes, milk, fish, beans and certain soy-based products.
Read more →
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, commonly referred to as NADH, is the active form of vitamin B-3. It is normally produced in your body. While natural forms of NADH are present in the muscles of cattle, poultry and fish, your body may not be able to make use of this form of NADH.
Read more →
Fish oil, a supplement rich in omega-3 fatty acids frequently touted for its protective effects on the heart, isn't right for everyone. In fact, fish oil may cause negative side effects particularly when used by people with diabetes -- a condition characterized by unusually high blood sugar levels.
Read more →
Turmeric, which contains an active compound called curcumin, is a type of spice derived from the Curcuma longa shrub, native to India, Africa and regions of Asia. This golden spice is traditionally used as flavoring for food and dye for fabric.
Read more →
Lysine is a type of amino acid your body needs to maintain proper growth and energy production. Unfortunately, your body can't generate lysine by itself. Instead, you need to consume lysine-rich foods, such as meat, fish or nuts, or supplements to ensure your body receives enough lysine each day.
Read more →
If you have oral or genital herpes, your doctor may recommend treatment with a lysine supplement. Though additional research is necessary, lysine may help reduce the replication of the herpes virus in your body, which may help reduce outbreak symptoms.
Read more →
Kelp is a nutrient-rich vegetable, commonly called seaweed, found in the ocean along the coastline. Treatment with kelp tablets may be beneficial if you have iodine deficiency, digestive disorders or joint and bone problems.
Read more →
Native to Southeast Asia, the Garcinia mangostana or mangosteen plant produces fruit that may yield health benefits when used medicinally. Extract from the mangosteen fruit has been used traditionally to alleviate symptoms associated with diarrhea and skin infections.
Read more →
Derived from the root of the Cichorium intybus plant, chicory root extract may impart health benefits when used as a medicinal treatment. Historically, chicory root has been used as a sedative, anti-inflammatory and digestive aid.
Read more →
If too much acid accumulates in your body, your doctor may diagnose you with a condition called acidosis. There are two major forms of acidosis: metabolic acidosis, which occurs when there is too much acid in your body, and respiratory acidosis, which occurs when there is too much carbon dioxide in your body.
Read more →
Cayenne is both a spicy food additive and natural medicinal supplement derived from the red pepper, or Capsicum annuum. The active ingredient in cayenne is capsaicin, which may be used as an herbal treatment to alleviate pain and inflammation.
Read more →
Spirulina is the most commonly used type of blue-green algae, a nutrient-rich aquatic plant. Health supplements containing spirulina are purported to boost immune function, increase protein intake and protect against liver problems.
Read more →
Turmeric is a plant most commonly used as a flavorful spice in Indian cuisine. When used medicinally, the root and stem of the Curcuma longa plant may help reduce inflammation and improve digestion. The amount of turmeric you can take depends on a variety of factors, including your age and health status.
Read more →
Ashwagandha is a medicinal supplement derived from the Withania somniferum plant, a member of the pepper family commonly found in Africa and India. Ashwagandha contains a class compounds called withanolides, which may help reduce stress and inflammation while boosting immune system activity in the body.
Read more →