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.
5-hydroxytryptophan, or 5-HTP, is one of several byproducts arising from the metabolism of the amino acid L-tryptophan. L-tryptophan is an essential amino acid, meaning your body cannot synthesize it and it must be obtained from your food.
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Vitamin B complex is composed of eight vitamins that are essential for many bodily functions, including growth and development. Folic acid, or folate, is also known as vitamin B-9. The B vitamins can be found in animal and plant sources or taken as a combined daily supplement.
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Flaxseed oil and fish oil are two different supplements that contain a type of unsaturated fat known as omega-3 fatty acids. These supplements are often used to reduce patients' risk of developing cardiovascular problems, but they may also be used to reduce inflammation.
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Potassium is an important mineral in your body that is used to perform a variety of biological functions. It is found in foods such as meat, milk, fruits and vegetables, and is needed for adequate fluid balance in your body. It also plays an important role in muscle function and exercise.
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Creatine and glutamine are two amino acids -- building blocks of protein -- commonly taken as supplements alone or together for purported sports performance benefits such as increasing lean mass and endurance. As with all supplements, taking creatine and or glutamine may cause unwanted side effects.
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Hematocrit is a type of blood test that determines how many red blood cells there are in your blood and what size they are. Hematocrit is part of a complete blood count, which also includes hemoglobin, white blood cell count and platelet count.
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Methotrexate is a strong medication used to treat a wide array of conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and various cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma and bone cancer. It is also employed in the treatment of ectopic pregnancy, a condition in which the pregnancy is growing outside the womb.
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Juice Plus is a supplement made with concentrated dried fruits and vegetables meant to provide you with some of the same nutrients as fresh versions of these foods. While proponents claim that this supplement may have some health benefits, the manufacturer doesn't claim that Juice Plus is a weight-loss supplement.
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Your nervous system is comprised of the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The CNS governs the brain and spinal cord, and the PNS presides over your body, face, arms and legs. Vitamin B-12 plays a vital role in maintaining the myelin sheath, or covering, of the nerves.
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Carnitine is a compound that your body makes to help you burn fat and remove cellular toxin. Your body maintains a fairly constant level of carnitine with the production in the liver and kidneys balanced with the excretion and reuptake by the kidneys.
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Bruising is a common condition that affects everyone, although it rarely requires medical attention. While naturally clumsy people have more accidents and acquire more bruises, often there is an underlying issue that causes bruising, such as fragile capillaries, thin skin, lack of collagen and coagulation problems.
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Calcium helps to make your bones strong, and also allows your muscles, nerves and blood vessels to work. Many foods contain calcium, including dairy foods, certain types of beans, broccoli, and almonds. Sometimes, you may have to take a calcium supplement if you are not getting enough calcium from your diet.
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Your intestines -- including both your small and large intestines -- are the portion of your digestive tract that runs from your stomach's pyloric sphincter to your anus. The inside portion of your intestinal walls is lined with mucous membranes and is a common site of intestinal problems. FamilyDoctor.
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Traditional protein sources include poultry, pork, beef and fish. Some more adventurous cooks include veal, venison, ostrich or lamb on their shopping lists. Asian cultures have included other meats for centuries. If you are willing to try reptilian meat, turtle has some surprising health benefits.
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Hydrochloric acid, also called HCl, is a clear, highly corrosive liquid. HCl is one of the many chemicals released in our stomach when we eat a meal. The role of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, along with the other gastric juices, is to break down foods and cause the release of enzymes that further aid digestion.
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Sodium bicarbonate is the chemical name for baking soda, a common household salt that is also an important part of your blood chemistry, because it occurs naturally in the blood. In general, sodium bicarbonate has the effect of acting as a buffer, meaning it helps to stabilize the blood pH.
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Folic acid is a vitamin and iron is a mineral, but your body needs both of these nutrients. Each serves a different purpose critical for life.
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B vitamins are known as the mechanisms that turn food into fuel. Even a mild deficiency of one or more B vitamins can decrease your body’s ability to repair itself after exercising, according to a 2006 study produced by Oregon State University.
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Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate, also known as vitamin B-9. To maintain the necessary levels of this vitamin, you need to consume folate daily because it is water-soluble and excreted in urine. Too little of this vitamin, and you can develop a deficiency.
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Gastroenteritis is an infection of the intestines that is commonly referred to as the stomach flu. There is no cure for the stomach flu aside from modifying your diet and resting. Probiotics are helpful bacteria that live in the colon and are commonly found in yogurt.
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