A deficiency in vitamin B12 requires supplementation to treat symptoms and return blood serum levels to normal. The two options for treating a B12 deficiency are taking oral supplements in pill form or receiving injections of B12 directly into the muscle.
Read more →
Kids who fuel up in the morning with a breakfast high in carbohydrates and protein before heading off to school gain many benefits, both mental and physical. These benefits not only last throughout the school day, but also can contribute to overall health and school performance over the long term.
Read more →
Tea comes in a few different varieties, including black, green, oolong and white teas. All these types are prepared by steeping tea leaves in water, and all have the same amount of calories. While plain, freshly steeped tea is low in calories, adding milk or sugar can raise the calorie count significantly.
Read more →
Toast can be part of a healthy breakfast, but you'll probably need more than a simple piece of toasted bread to fuel all of your daily activities. Consider adding some other breakfast items to up the nutritional value of your morning meal.
Read more →
Omega-6 fatty acids cannot be produced by the body and must be taken in through food or supplements. In the developed world, this isn't difficult to do, since omega-6 fats are common in the diet.
Read more →
Garlic, which is related to onions and leeks, contains powerful phytochemicals and nutrients that help fight off disease. Research shows garlic's potential benefits against ailments such as heart disease and cancer.
Read more →
There are a few types of cinnamon. The two most common are called Ceylon and Cassia, but cinnamon is rarely identified by type on packaging. Cinnamon is frequently used as a spice in recipes and sprinkled on foods such as oatmeal, but it is also available in supplement form for medicinal purposes.
Read more →
Potassium is an essential mineral required for normal functioning of the human body. Although potassium is found in many foods, the average American eats just half of the potassium they need, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. In fact, Michael Greger M.D.
Read more →
Cod liver oil can provide many benefits for the breast-feeding mother and her infant, but there are concerns about whether supplementation is safe. On one side of the controversy are those who think levels of omega-3 fats and vitamin D make cod liver oil the best choice for nursing mothers to obtain these nutrients.
Read more →
The all-natural supplement psyllium husk is often used to treat constipation, but recent research has found that it may also be beneficial for people with irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS. People with IBS often experience an array of symptoms that may make it difficult to determine an effective treatment.
Read more →
Beloved by college students and starving artists around the world, ramen noodles are an inexpensive, convenient meal. However, the unhealthy components and lack of nutrients make it an unhealthy choice for more than an occasional indulgence.
Read more →
For most people with diabetes, the main health concern is to keep blood sugar levels under control and avoid wild fluctuations that could cause health complications. Diabetic individuals may want to try psyllium husk as a way to lower blood glucose levels naturally.
Read more →
Most doctors recommend that their pregnant patients take prenatal vitamins, but many prenatals are difficult to tolerate and are expensive. You might be wondering if taking over-the-counter children's vitamins, such as Flinstones vitamins, can help you get the nutrients you need.
Read more →
When you're trying to get your five-a-day, popping open a can of peaches or pears can seem like a quick way to include more fruit in your diet. While it doesn't have the visual or textural appeal of fresh fruit, canned fruit can be a healthy option as long as you pay attention to what, exactly, is in the can.
Read more →
While you can probably meet all of your recommended nutrient levels through diet alone while nursing, taking vitamin supplements can add to your peace of mind.
Read more →
Water is the healthiest beverage for use as your everyday go-to drink, but it can get boring to drink only water all the time. Fortunately plenty of other healthy drinks are out there to have on occasion, so you needn't resort to unhealthy sodas or overpriced energy drinks to quench your thirst.
Read more →
Pregnant women need to eat a healthy and balanced diet with plenty of protein, carbohydrates and healthy fats. Because all of the nutrients a developing fetus receives comes directly from mom's diet, mothers-to-be should avoid eating foods that contain lots of calories and little nutritional value.
Read more →
Downing a few glasses of milk a day is an easy way to get your recommended three cups of dairy a day, but it is possible to overdo it. From weight gain to stomach upset, the side effects of milk are varied, and some people never experience any problems even if they drink milk with every meal.
Read more →
Fish is promoted for its beneficial effects on the heart, joints and brain, but the amount in a single serving can sometimes be confusing.
Read more →
Iron is an essential component of hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying molecule in red blood cells. Deficiencies can lead to fatigue, weakness, pale skin and irritability. If you have low iron levels, your doctor might recommend increasing the iron in your diet.
Read more →