Vitamins and supplements like melatonin and fish oil offer health benefits but can cause side effects if misused. Learn about the impact of saw palmetto on blood pressure and find the best multivitamins for young women and adults over 50.
Castor oil is oil that comes from the castor oil plant, also known as Ricinus communis. Castor oil is often taken as a laxative to help treat constipation. It also is sometimes taken to help induce labor, although it has not been proven to be effective or safe for this reason.
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The gemstone hematite is said to bring inner peace and dissolve negative energy into love, according to Wishgiving.com. This powerful grayish black stone has been used for centuries as an alternative form of healing.
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Human papillomaviruses, or HPV, are highly infectious viruses that are spread through skin-to-skin contact with someone who has a type of the virus. The virus enters your body through a cut or scratch on the surface of your skin.
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Lipase is a digestive enzyme made by the pancreas that helps to break down certain fats. Most people do not need to take lipase supplements because our bodies naturally make ample lipase, but some people with cystic fibrosis or celiac disease may benefit from taking lipase.
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Fish oil is an excellent source of essential Omega-3 fatty acids, which optimize overall health, immune system and brain function, but is often lacking in many people's diets. However, it doesn’t taste very good, especially to kids.
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Cirrhosis is an incurable liver disorder whereby scar tissue forms and prevents the liver from functioning properly. If you have cirrhosis there are certain vitamins and other supplements that may be beneficial and can help to prevent further damage to the liver from occurring.
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Over half of Americans take some type of supplement each day, with multivitamin supplements being one of the more popular choices, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
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Certain vitamin and nutritional supplements are associated with gastrointestinal side effects that cause abdominal bloating. Some vitamins may cause gas, water retention or constipation -- any of which can cause bloat. Conversely, taking certain vitamins may help relieve conditions that cause bloating.
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Your nervous system is made up of the brain, spinal cord and all the nerve endings throughout your body. This system works continuously to support essential functions for life, including your heartbeat, breathing, movement, memory and cognitive functioning.
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Inositol, known as vitamin B8, is not a true vitamin at all because the human body has the ability to manufacture small amounts of this compound on its own. Regardless of this fact, inositol is essential for healthy cell membranes and to support messenger chemicals throughout the body.
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Because of their role in promoting heart health, the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends omega-3 fatty acid intake by healthy people and those with cardiovascular disease. According to Pharmacist’s Letter, omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat.
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Kelp supplements are commonly marketed for their rich mineral content and are particularly rich in iodine -- a trace mineral that your body needs in small amounts to function properly. As with all such aids, consult your physician before taking kelp supplements; they have the potential to cause unwanted side effects.
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The leading causes of death in men over 40 are heart disease and cancer, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States.
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Sodium ascorbate, otherwise known as Vitamin C or ascorbic acid, is a water soluble vitamin and antioxidant, as mentioned in Medline Plus, a website supported by the National Institutes of Health. The human body doesn’t produce its own vitamin C; it gets it from food and other sources.
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The papaya enzyme tablet may help you digest your food more efficiently, especially if you have gastric disturbances such as indigestion, nausea and heartburn. Drugs.com also states the derivative of papaya known as papain can help rid your body of parasites that may live in your intestines.
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Iron is a mineral that is essential for good health. The body uses iron for different purposes. It is used in cell differentiation and cell growth. It is also used in the production of hemoglobin, which is used in the transport of oxygen from the lungs throughout the body.
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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.
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Vitamins with potassium, zinc, magnesium and calcium come in a multivitamin that features minerals. These components to vitamins are needed daily by the human body. Minerals may also be referred to as elements. These minerals can also be found in foods.
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Calcium supplements in 1,500 mg doses supply more than the recommended daily allowance of the mineral, MayoClinic.com reports, but does not exceed the maximum. While getting calcium through food remains the best way to meet requirements, taking supplements can help if your diet falls short.
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Yeast extract has replaced monosodium glutamate, or MSG, as a taste-booster in most processed foods because it appears to be a natural ingredient on food labels. However, yeast extract contains the same concentrated free glutamic acid as MSG.
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