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.
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 →
An ileostomy surgically attaches the small intestine to an opening, or stoma, in the abdominal wall. An ileostomy bypasses the large intestine, or colon, either because itโs been removed or is damaged.
Read more →
Folic acid and vitamin B12 are both B vitamins which help convert carbohydrates to energy in your body. They also help your body metabolize fats and protein. Folic acid is found in foods like green leafy vegetables and beans. Unlike folic acid, B12 is found in dairy products, fish and eggs.
Read more →
Most people have enough L-tyrosine, also known simply as tyrosine, in their bodies, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Tyrosine is an amino acid that is essential to proper thyroid function. However, your doctor might recommend taking it in supplement form if you have an underactive thyroid.
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 →
Citric acid occurs naturally in citrus fruits, such as oranges, grapefruits, lemons and limes, as well as other types of fruit including pineapple and tomatoes. Citric acid is often added to products to make them taste sour, to ferment them or to help preserve them.
Read more →
Vitamins are substances contained in food that are essential for various functions in the body. They aid in your body's nerve function, growth and digestion. There are 13 vitamins that are classified as either water-soluble or fat-soluble.
Read more →
Conjugated linoleic acid, or CLA, is an omega-6 polyunsaturated essential fatty acid, which provides support, flexibility, and structure to cell membranes. The recommendation for CLA for human benefit is 3 grams daily, according to the Linus Pauling Institute.
Read more →
Your body produces enzymes that help you digest your food. When you age, or when you have some disease such as pancreatitis, the enzyme levels can fall off, making it difficult for you to digest certain foods. This also can cause some physical problems such as pain and an upset stomach.
Read more →
Surbex-Z is an over-the-counter supplement containing a variety of vitamins which include B-complex vitamins, vitamin C and zinc. It is indicated to correct deficiencies in any of the vitamins which can lead to many health complications when deficient.
Read more →
Sinus ear pain is the result of swollen nasal cavities that are placing excessive pressure on the inner or middle ear. You may also develop a secondary ear infection resulting from sinusitis that can cause severe pain throughout the head and ears.
Read more →
Diverticular diseases affect the colon, which is the part of the large intestine that removes waste from the body. Diverticulosis and diverticulitis are the two specific forms of diverticular disease.
Read more →
Blocked sinuses, or nasal congestion, are caused by nasal inflammation. The sinuses are composed of sensitive soft tissue that is easily irritated by allergens, environmental factors, and bacteria and viruses, according to MedlinePlus.
Read more →
It can be disquieting to see that the vitamin you stocked on your shelf changed color. You may be tempted to throw such vitamins out. However, a color change may or may not signal that your supplement is due to be replaced. Your best bet is to check the expiration date, notes the New York Times.
Read more →
Sodium is a mineral present in the body that has benefits, including maintaining the proper fluid balance in the body and the acid-base level in the body, regulating blood pressure and assisting in nerve conduction.
Read more →
L-carnitine is an amino acid that the Linus Pauling Institute states most individuals can metabolize or obtain from foods. Red meats have higher amounts than vegetables. Peanut butter and avacodos are also good sources of L-carnitine.
Read more →
Plavix, generic name clopidogrel, a medication used to decrease the risk of heart attack and stroke, reduces your bloodโs ability to form clots. Clot formation can decrease blood flow to the brain and heart. Plavix belongs to a class of drugs known as blood thinners.
Read more →
Autism is a neurological disorder diagnosed in childhood and characterized by social interaction difficulties, communication abnormalities, repetitive behaviors and restricted, obsessive interests and activities. Considered a "spectrum disorder," autism can strike children with varying severity.
Read more →
Often referred to as laetrile, vitamin B17 is considered by many alternative medicine enthusiasts to be an effective cancer fighter.
Read more →
Melasma is the dark skin coloration that appears on the sun-exposed areas of the face. It is usually associated with pregnancy, birth control pills, hormone therapy and excessive sun exposure. Melasma does not cause any other symptoms apart from uneven browning of the skin and is only of cosmetic importance.
Read more →