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.
Neck pain is a common condition that can interfere with your mood and your ability to carry out everyday tasks. While a number of treatments can help, only around 40 percent of neck pain patients fully recover from their symptoms, according to chiropractor Graeme Teaguein.
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Unless you have a weak immune system, fungal infections rarely cause serious health problems. These infections usually go away on their own, as your body has its own defense system. Certain vitamins exhibit potent anti-fungal activity and may help prevent and treat fungal infections.
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Alpha lipoic acid, or ALA, is a naturally occurring anti-oxidant that is created by your body and can also be found as a nutritional supplement for its potential benefits concerning diabetes, liver disease and brain function.
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If you are iron deficient, prune juice is a viable source of iron. But prune juice is a non-heme source of iron. Fruits and vegetables are non-heme iron sources. Meat and fish are heme sources of iron. According to the National Institutes of Health, your body absorbs heme sources of iron at a rate of 15 to 35 percent.
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Vitamin B-12 injections are often given to those who ingest alcohol on a consistent basis, because chronic alcohol exposure is a precursor for significant deficiency. B-12 is necessary for many biological functions, including the maintenance of blood and neural cells.
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Probiotics are living microorganisms found naturally in your digestive system. These microorganisms live primarily in your gut and work synergistically to help your body function properly. Probiotics are also available in some foods and as commercial supplements for digestive health.
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Zinc keeps your immune system healthy, regulates the synthesis of protein, ensures normal growth and supports the senses of smell and taste. If you don’t get enough zinc through your diet, you can boost your intake with supplements such as zinc gluconate and chelated zinc.
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If you take statins to improve your blood cholesterol levels, some supplements may interfere with the effectiveness of statins or increase your risk of side effects, some potentially life-threatening. Supplements to avoid when taking statins include antioxidants, red yeast rice and grapefruit seed extract.
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L-carnitine helps reduce oxidative stress and is used by your body as it turns fat into energy. It’s found naturally in your body, in dairy products and in red meat as well as in supplement form.
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The hormone vitamin D aids in the maintenance of several tissues: it maintains strong bones, helps maintain your body's electrolyte balance and aids in nerve function. Abnormally high or low levels of vitamin D can affect your health, leading to a number of side effects.
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The human liver is classified as a gland, and it is the largest gland in your body. This vital organ is responsible for a wide variety of tasks, which include controlling the use of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids as well as monitoring the secretion of bile.
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While normal bowel movements differ from person to person, if you are not having at least three bowel movements per week then you are constipated. Constipation is characterized as having dry, hard stool that is difficult to pass and irregular bowel movements.
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While it's always best to get your nutrients from food, vitamin supplements, taken under the supervision of a doctor, can fill in any gaps. B-complex vitamin supplements and calcium, zinc and magnesium supplements each have several health benefits that make them worthwhile additions to your routine.
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The electrolyte potassium is an essential mineral. Your body needs it in small amounts for proper skeletal, heart, muscle and digestive function. Dietary sources of potassium include bananas, some types of fish, meat, dairy products, avocados, citrus fruit, tomatoes, cantaloupes, lima beans and potatoes.
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Low alkaline phosphatase is a rare finding on a blood test. It usually results from some sort of malnutrition and is treated by correcting the underlying nutritive cause. Supplements for protein, B vitamins, vitamin C and thyroid hormones are the usual treatment for a low alkaline phosphatase.
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Brewer’s yeast is derived from the Saccharomyces cerevisiae fungus, which is a common yeast for beer making. The University of Maryland Medical Center states this form of yeast is a good source of B-complex vitamins, protein, chromium and selenium.
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Joint pain is a common complaint that can make you feel like avoiding your favorite activities and staying home all day. Although a number of factors can contribute to or exacerbate joint pain, research has found that a magnesium deficiency can also cause abnormalities in your joints and lead to joint pain.
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Lentils -- a grain legume botanically known as Lens culinaris -- are believed to be among the first crops grown by humans. Historians say they were cultivated as early as 6,500 B.C. A mainstay of Eastern European and Indian cuisine, lentils feature an earthy, nutty taste, and are commonly used in casseroles and soups.
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Magnesium citrate is a form of the mineral magnesium. It is commonly used to correct a severe mineral deficiency, but is most commonly used as a constipation-relief aid.
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Genital herpes, caused by the herpes simplex virus, is a common sexually transmitted disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 16.2 percent of Americans 14 to 49 years of age have genital herpes type 2.
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