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.
Zoloft, the brand name of sertraline, is an antidepressant that belongs to a class of medications called selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors. Zoloft is prescribed to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder and anxiety disorders.
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Spirulina is a nutrient-rich blue-green algae found in supplements and some health foods. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, a typical daily dose of spirulina is 2,000 to 3,000 milligrams, usually consumed in four to six portions of 500 milligrams each.
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Vitamin B-6, or pyridoxine, plays a variety of important roles in your body. Similar to the other B-vitamins, vitamin B-6 helps your body convert food energy into glucose, metabolize fats and proteins, and ensure proper function of your nervous system.
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Ambien and melatonin have several differences but one distinct similarity -- they are both sleep aids. If you are taking Ambien and still have trouble obtaining a restful night of sleep, adding melatonin to your regimen may give your sleep cycle a boost.
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When picking a protein powder, you may have looked at whey, casein or even vegetarian protein supplements, like soy or hemp. One that is often overlooked, however, is egg-white protein powder.
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You might consider sprouts as just a simple topping for your salad or sandwich. But as a germinated seed, sprouts are a concentrated source of nutrients designed to support the growth of the new plant, and including them in your diet can help you meet essential nutrient needs.
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HGH, or human growth hormone, is produced in your pituitary gland within your brain. HGH is responsible for growth during childhood and for the repair and regeneration of tissue throughout your life.
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Like the tomato, chayote squash is actually a fruit that is used as a vegetable. Pronounced "chi-OH-tay," it is small and pale green, resembling a large pear. In fact, it is also called vegetable pear, alligator pear and mango squash.
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Heartburn, also known as acid reflux, is the result of the reverse flow of acidic stomach contents back into your esophagus. Heartburn causes a mild to severe burning sensation in your throat or your chest.
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Red yeast rice, made by fermenting yeast called Monascus purpureus over red rice, has a long history of use as both a food and a medicine in China.
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L-glutamic acid, also known as glutamic acid, is one of the many components of proteins. Like its fellow amino acid glutamate, it is produced naturally by the body; however, it is a different type of amino acid.
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Sodium bisulfite, also known as sodium hydrogen sulfite, is a white, odorless inorganic salt that is used as an additive in certain foods. In very small, microscopic quantities, sodium bisulfite is relatively benign, and the Food and Drug Administration generally recognizes it as a safe substance.
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One of the most abundant neurotransmitters in the body, glutamic acid, or glutamate, has the job of stimulating nerve cells in the central nervous system. As an amino acid, it’s used to produce another amino acid called glutamine.
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Activia, which is manufactured by the Dannon Co., is a fermented yogurt that contains probiotics, according to the official Activia website. Activia contains a variety of bacterial cultures, including lactobacillus.
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Minerals play diverse roles throughout your body, from the metabolism of energy to supporting your immune system. Along with their other functions, magnesium, calcium, zinc, and potassium impact your muscle contractions, which is related to muscle tightness.
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One of the latest trends in healthy supplements is the malva verticillata plant, more commonly known as Chinese mallow or mallow. The plant was originally grown in southern Europe and Asia but now grows from July to September on plains and arable fields all over the world.
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Approximately 50 percent of all adults working in the United States report back pain at least once per year, the American Chiropractic Association reports. Back pain can result in disability, anxiety and even depression in certain people.
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The homogenization of milk is the next step after pasteurization. Manufacturers use it to alter milk for human consumption. While pasteurization involves heating the milk to kill bacteria, homogenization involves processing milk so that the cream does not separate.
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If you've ever read past the first five ingredients on the label of a food package, you may have noticed the term "sodium bisulfite," especially on dried fruit or trail mix. It's sodium, but not salt—it's a food additive, and it is considered more sulfur than sodium.
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Fish oil has cardiovascular benefits, reducing inflammation and lowering cholesterol levels. But if you’re trying to get pregnant, you may have more interest in fish oil’s effects on something more crucial to reproductive function -- sperm.
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