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.
Folic acid, otherwise referred to as folate or B9, and vitamin D are two essential vitamins for good health. Folic acid is a B vitamin, and according to Elson Haas in his book “Staying Healthy With Nutrition,” a deficiency in folic acid may be the single most common vitamin deficiency.
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Cirrhosis is an incurable liver disorder whereby scar tissue forms and prevents the liver from functioning properly. If you have cirrhosis there are certain vitamins and other supplements that may be beneficial and can help to prevent further damage to the liver from occurring.
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Interstitial cystitis is an inflammatory disorder of the bladder. It primarily affects women. Symptoms are similar to those of urinary tract infections. In IC, however, no infectious organisms are present. Although IC is considered incurable, a change in your diet should be your first line of defense.
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Alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA, is a type of omega-3 fatty acid that is derived from plants, and it is similar to those found in fish oil. It is found in high amounts in flaxseeds and flaxseed oil and in lesser amounts in canola, soy and walnut oils; as well as in soybeans, tofu and pumpkin seeds.
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Ocimum sanctum, commonly referred to as holy basil, is an herb that is native to India; Ayurvedic medicine regards it as one of the most important plants. It is now widely grown throughout the world and can be eaten as a food or taken as a supplement. The leaves, stems, seeds and oils are all used medicinally.
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Vitamin H, more commonly referred to as biotin, is a part of the B-complex family of vitamins. Supplements of biotin are available in capsule and tablet form, and although the recommended dose for biotin deficiency can vary between 100 and 1,000 micrograms, many supplements provide 500 micrograms.
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Turmeric is a spice derived from the rhizome and root of the Curcuma longa plant, which is native to India and Indonesia. People have consumed turmeric for its flavor and health-promoting properties for 4,000 years. Curcumin is the major active ingredient responsible for turmeric’s medicinal properties.
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L-arginine and L-carnitine are two important amino acids that are synthesized in separate parts of your body and found in a variety of foods. Both amino acids are sold in supplement form and used for a variety of similar and different health-promoting purposes.
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Diindolylmethane, or DIM, is a compound that is formed in your body during the digestion of foods that contain the nutrient indole-3-carbinol. Indole-3-carbinol is found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts. Eating these foods, therefore, provides your body with DIM.
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Andrographis paniculata is a bitter tasting annual plant, referred to as the “King of Bitters.” It has white-purple flowers and it is native to Asia and India where it has been valued for centuries for its numerous medicinal benefits.
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Propolis is a resinous substance that is collected from a variety of plants by bees. Royal jelly is a thick, milky substance that is secreted by the worker bees to feed the queen and her larvae. Both propolis and royal jelly have a long history of medicinal use and can be consumed fresh or taken in supplement form.
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Methylsulfonylmethane, which is often abbreviated to MSM, is a sulfurous substance that is found naturally in your body. MSM is sold as nutritional supplements for a variety of health-promoting purposes. As with any nutritional supplement you should talk to your health care practitioner before supplementing with MSM.
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