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.
Your physician may recommend iron supplements to treat or prevent iron-deficiency anemia. Iron is crucial for the proper production of red blood cells. Pregnancy, poor diet, excessive bleeding or other medical problems may put you at risk of developing iron-deficiency anemia.
Read more →
The Merck Manual characterizes a high sodium level, or hypernatremia, as too much sodium in the body in relation to the amount of water. Sodium is found in the blood and the fluid around the cells and is regulated by the kidneys. Sodium may increase to a high level when the amount of water excreted is excessive.
Read more →
According to Carl Ege of the Utah Geological Survey, most people have no idea to what degree minerals are a part of every day life. In "What Are Minerals Used for," Ege uses his perspective as a geologist to illustrate how minerals are an integral part of our daily surroundings.
Read more →
One of the maladies everyone experiences but no one likes to talk about is constipation. Constipation can be caused by a number of factors like poor diet, medications, changes in lifestyle or even aging. While there is no shortage of over-the-counter medicines to combat constipation, sometimes simpler is better.
Read more →
Guarana is a substance often added to energy drinks that's derived from seeds of a Brazilian or Venezuelan shrub. These seeds are loaded with caffeine and are used in pills, drinks and supplements. Although it's effective for an energy boost and weight loss, guarana can have nasty side effects.
Read more →
Numerous diseases are associated with vitamin deficiency. According to the World Health Organization, or WHO, micronutrient deficiencies, including vitamin deficiencies, can affect anybody, although young children and pregnant women in certain developing nations are more commonly affected than others.
Read more →
Many dietary supplements complement a diet that combines nutritrious, whole food with protein shakes. For example, the supplements creatine monohydrate and L-glutamine complement whey protein shakes to enhance performance and increase overall health benefits.
Read more →
Sweating during physical activity or heat can cause severe problems due to dehydration and electrolyte loss. Electrolytes, the salts your body needs for proper functioning, include sodium, chloride and potassium.
Read more →
Magnesium chloride is a supplement version of magnesium, a mineral found naturally in the body. The mineral is essential for muscle and nerve functions, as well as heart and bone health. Certain foods, such as nuts, whole grains, beans and spinach, are rich sources of magnesium.
Read more →
GABA, or gamma aminobutyric acid, is a naturally occurring amino acid that helps to facilitate normal operation of the central nervous system, the control center for a host of normal everyday functions. Doctors commonly prescribe GABA supplementation for patients who exhibit symptoms of deficiency.
Read more →
A massage with aromatic oils can leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed. There are many benefits to receiving a massage, regardless of what type you try. Your massage therapist may have her own blend of oils, but many therapists choose to include almond oil and vitamin E oil.
Read more →
Pine nut oil was traditionally consumed in pre-revolutionary Russia to cure stomach and intestinal problems. Because of its low smoke point, pine nut oil is not typically used in cooking, but added as a dressing to prepared food.
Read more →
Although most people might not need to take vitamins because they can get the nutrients from the food they eat, others opt to take vitamins daily so their bodies absorb all essential nutrients. Women who are pregnant typically take prenatal vitamins on the recommendation of their doctors.
Read more →
Green tea contains a high concentration of powerful antioxidants called polyphenols. Antioxidants protect your body from free radicals such as ultraviolet rays, air pollutants and radiation. Green tea helps protect your cells and DNA from the damage of oxidation.
Read more →
DHEA, short for dehydroepiandrosterone, is the most abundant hormone produced by the adrenal glands. DHEA is converted to testosterone in males, and estrogen in females. The production of DHEA peaks in your early 20's, after which it begins dropping by approximately 10 percent each decade.
Read more →
Rose petals and hips -- the berries underneath the petals -- are used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes, especially for their anti-aging benefits and to help alleviate skin irritation.
Read more →
It turns out Mother may not always know best. Talcum powder, used to dust and dry countless baby bottoms for generations, contains talc, a mineral that may cause serious health problems.
Read more →
Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays an important role in your body. You can get magnesium from eating foods like meats, nuts, grains and vegetables, but some people need to take a supplement.
Read more →
Potassium gluconate is a type of potassium supplement. Potassium is an electrolyte, or a mineral in your blood and other body fluids that carry an electric charge. It is important to keep a balance of electrolytes in your body. Most people can get all the potassium they need from a healthy diet.
Read more →
Potassium, an electrolyte, plays many important roles in the body. The heart, in particular, relies on potassium for critical functions. Transmission of chemical "messages" in muscle and nerve fibers also requires potassium.
Read more →