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Vitamins

Ascorbic Acid

Ascorbic acid is a water soluble antioxidant. Ascorbic acid is also referred to as vitamin C. The sugar acid, ascorbic acid, is white or pale yellow. The antioxidant is available in powder form or crystal form.

Scurvy occurs in people from a lack of vitamin C. Vitamin C, the antioxidant, acts as an agent against free radical formation in the body. Free radical build up contributes to the aging process, as well as, cancer, arthritis and heart disease. Smokers are at particularly great risk for vitamin C deficiency because smoke depletes the amount of vitamin C in the body.

Individuals suffering from vitamin C deficiency may develop dry or splitting hair, rough, scaly skin, gingivitis, and nosebleeds. Other individuals may suffer from slow healing wounds, bruises, and prolonged infections. People with severe deficiencies will develop scurvy.
Ascorbic Acid Vitamin C
Other conditions may develop as a result of vitamin C deficiencies, such as high blood pressure, stroke, cancer, atherosclerosis, gallbladder disease, and others. Vitamin C deficiencies may lead to plaque buildup in the blood vessels. Excessive build up may lead to stroke or heart attack. Experts suspect that increasing levels of vitamin C will prevent the risk of developing these conditions. However, the evidence relating to these matters are inconclusive. Experts have also suspected that vitamin C deficiencies could lead to depression and other problems.

History and Origin of Usage

The name ascorbic acid originates from the word “scorbutus,” which means “scurvy” and “a,” which means “no.” The word means literally “no scurvy.” Walter Haworth discovered the ascorbic acid structure in 1937. At that time, ascorbic acid was referred to as hexuronic acid. He also won the Nobel Prize for the discovery. Later, Albert Szent-Gyorgyi was awarded a prize in Medicine for his findings related to the functionality of L-ascorbic acid.

Linus Pauling and Dr. Willis later discovered that vitamin C levels for a long term period may cause atherosclerosis. Linus Pauling is a Noble Prize winning scientist who made these assertions.

In Canada, certain health conditions have shown improvement as a result of vitamin C intake. In 2004, males consumed, on average, 133 mg of vitamin C per day and females consumed 120 mg of vitamin C per day. Each gender had higher than the recommended daily allowance. Incidences of scurvy were also reduced in this area.

Sources of Ascorbic Acid

The essential nutrient, vitamin C, is present primarily in fruits and vegetables. Experts over time have noticed that vitamin C is sensitive to certain elements. Particularly, light, air, and heat are the most commonly cited sensitivities. Individuals who seek to gain their recommended daily allowance of vitamin C through foods should eat the fruits or vegetables raw or cooked al dente. Stir fry and other forms of preparation will preserve the nutrients and vitamin C content in the foods.

Common foods containing vitamin C are as follows:
Finding Ascorbic Acid

  • Oranges
  • Kiwi
  • Green Leafy Vegetables
  • Lemons
  • Limes
  • Tangerines
  • Grapefruits
  • Pears
  • Bananas
  • Melons
  • Strawberries
  • Papayas
  • Mangos
  • Blackberries
  • Blueberries
  • Kiwis
  • Pineapples
  • Raspberries
  • Cranberries
  • Cantaloupes
  • Rose Hips
  • Acerola
  • Cherries
  • Asparagus
  • Green Peppers
  • Broccoli
  • Green Peppers
  • Cabbage
  • Kale
  • Potatoes
  • Squash
  • Peas
  • Turnip Greens
  • Corn
  • Carrots
  • Parsley
  • Garlic
  • Watercress
  • Small amounts of ascorbic acid are present in fish and milk

How Ascorbic Acid is Used

Since vitamin C is water soluble, it must be replenished daily through food sources or a vitamin supplement. Ascorbic acid is responsible for producing a protein in the body called collagen. Collagen helps to maintain healthy teeth, gums, bones, blood vessels, skin, cartilage, and vertebrae. Ascorbic acid aids the body in the healing of wounds, cuts, and abrasions. The liquid form of vitamin C may be applied directly to the skin or ingested internally to aid with the healing process.

The popular antioxidant also assists in regulating cholesterol, heart disease and high blood pressure. Ascorbic acid assists with these diseases by enlarging the blood vessels when consumed. Vitamin C assists the body with warding off infections. Additionally, vitamin C, similar to most antioxidants, fights free radicals associated with pollutants, such as tobacco smoke, smog and other known carcinogens.

Many diseases may develop from a vitamin C deficiency. Some of the diseases or ailments are listed below:

  • Anemia
  • Scurvy
  • Weakness
  • Fatigue
  • Cataracts
  • Deterioration of eyes, kidneys, and nerves associated with diabetes
  • Experts speculate that vitamin C decreases the symptoms associated with the common cold
  • Aids in the absorption of iron
  • May prevent the absorption of lead in the blood

Forms of Ascorbic Acid

Vitamin C or ascorbic acid comes in a variety of forms. The popular antioxidant can be purchased in tablets, powder, capsules, and chewable vitamins. Other forms consist of a liquid and effervescent liquid form. The doses range from 25 to 1500 mg. Some individuals suffer from upset stomach after consuming ascorbic acid. For those individuals, an esterified form of ascorbic acid is produced. This form of vitamin C contains a buffer that alleviates the symptoms associated with heart burn.

What Ascorbic Acid is Proven to Do

Ascorbic acid has been speculated to perform several functions in the body. Some of the popular functions are listed below:

  • Prevents gingivitis and promotes healthy gums and teeth
  • Boosts the immune system
  • Helps alleviates symptoms of uveitis, which is the inflammation of the eye. Vitamin C improves vision in these sufferers.
  • Treats eczema, asthma, hay fever or other conditions related to allergies.
  • Improves the healing time of wounds and burns
  • Alleviates pain associated with sunburn or erythma or skin redness
  • Regulates the blood sugar levels of diabetes sufferers
  • Decreases the effects of dry mouth often associated with antidepressant medications

More specifically ascorbic acid plays the role in preventing the following diseases or ailments from developing in the body. The roles ascorbic acid plays in the body are listed in detail below:

Heart Disease

Experts suggest that since vitamin C is an antioxidant, it can lower the risk for heart disease. Since ascorbic acid is speculated to widen arteries and prevent the hardening of arteries or plaque buildup. Some studies show that vitamin C can prevent low density lipoprotein (LDL) or the bad cholesterol in the body. Many individuals who are at risk for strokes, heart disease, or peripheral artery disease should consider taking vitamin C on a regular basis to avoid the untimely events related to these diseases.

The evidence is inconclusive that vitamin C is effective, but individuals who have consumed vitamin C on a regular basis seem to not have difficulty with these particular issues. Consult with a physician prior to consuming vitamin C on a regular basis to determine an appropriate regimen for your diet.

High Blood Pressure

Experts, who have conducted studies of large groups of people, indicate that people who consume foods with high levels of vitamin C have a lower risk of high blood pressure than people who do not include vitamin C in their diets. Physicians recommend that individuals consume foods that are rich in antioxidants. Fruits and vegetables carry a considerable portion of antioxidants and are a great source of vitamin C.

Common Cold

Many individuals speculate that vitamin C can cure a common cold. However, individuals who take vitamin C supplements seem to reduce the duration of the cold symptoms by approximately 1 day. Experts have studied individuals, who exercise in extreme environments, such as the Arctic. Skiers, marathon runners, and soldiers did seem to have fewer symptoms associated with a cold than their counterparts who did not consume vitamin C.

Cancer

Experts have shown that vitamin C may reduce the occurrence of cancer in individuals. The popular antioxidant is associated with reducing incidences or skin cancer, cervical cancer and breast cancer. Foods rich in antioxidants and vitamin C seem to have the greatest effects of protecting against cancerous diseases. Vitamin C supplements appeared to have less of an effect. More studies need to be conducted to prove this finding conclusively.

Once a patient becomes diagnosed with cancer, there is no evidence that indicates vitamin C will reduce the spread of cancer within the body. Some antioxidants, such as ascorbic acid, may interfere with chemotherapy medications. More research should be conducted to determine the benefits of ascorbic acid in cancer therapy. Consult with your physician to determine if vitamin C will enhance or inhibit cancer therapy treatments.

Osteoarthritis

Cartilage within the body consists of collagen along with other essential components. Vitamin C is necessary for collagen production. Sufferers of osteoarthritis, experience pain due to the destruction of cartilage. Free radicals are speculated in causing the destruction of cartilage. Vitamin C fights free radicals in the body and attempts to keep them from destroying cartilage and cause other diseases associated with vitamin C deficiencies.

Individuals who adopt diets that are rich in vitamin C are more likely to avoid arthritis related symptoms. However, experts will not state conclusively that vitamin C supplements will prevent or treat individuals diagnosed with osteoarthritis.

Those who are taking anti-inflammatory drugs that are non-steroidal may experience lower levels of vitamin C due to the body’s uptake of more vitamin C as a result of the drug. These individuals may want to consider taking a higher dosage of vitamin C through a vitamin supplement.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease that affects the eyes and eventually results in blindness in elderly over the age of 55. Vitamin C when taken in conjunction with zinc, vitamin E and beta-carotene seems to protect the eyes against the development of these types of diseases.

The people who benefit most from this regimen are people with advanced stages of macular degeneration. The effectiveness of this particular regimen in prevention of macular degeneration and less advanced stages of macular degeneration is unknown. More studies are being conducted to determine the efficacy of this particular treatment.
Vitamin C

Pre-eclampsia

Pregnant women who are at risk for pre-eclampsia should consider a regimen of vitamin C, along with vitamin E. Women who suffer from pre-eclampsia often have high blood pressure and an excessive amount of protein in the urine. This ailment often leads to pre-term births. Some studies disagree about the role of vitamin C in the prevention of pre-eclampsia.

Asthma

Individuals who possess low levels of vitamin C are more likely to develop asthma. Some studies also show a lower incidence of asthma related to exercise. Studies are conflicting regarding this development. Further research must be conducted to prove the efficacy of this treatment in asthma.

Typical Dosage and Usage Requirements

Individuals are recommended to take vitamin C supplements 2 to 3 times per day with meals. Some experts may even suggest between 250 and 500 mg twice per day for any benefit. To avoid unpleasant reactions associated with vitamin C, individuals are to take no more than 1,000 mg of vitamin C daily.

Dosage amounts vary depending upon the age group and the lifestyle habits of the individual. Below the recommended daily allowances are listed for each group of individuals. In order to avoid related problems, individuals should consume the recommended dosage.

  • From birth to 1 year: 30 to 35 mg
  • Babies 1 to 3 years: 40 mg
  • Children 4 to 10 years: 45 mg
  • Pregnant Women: 75 to 90 mg
  • Breastfeeding Women: 75 to 90 mg
  • Smoking Individuals: 100 mg
  • Allergy or Stress Sufferers: 200 mg
  • Diabetics: 200 mg
  • Elderly People: 200 mg
  • Other Adults: 60 mg

Regional Legal Status

Currently, there are no known countries that prohibit the use of vitamin C. The antioxidant is safe and is necessary for a healthy body.

Potential Side Effects

Individuals who consume a considerable amount more of vitamin C than the recommended daily allowance are at risk for nausea, skin irritation, diarrhea, copper depletion in the body, and may experience burning while urinating. Experts have also found that patients may develop kidney stones. Individuals who are also experiencing excessive levels of iron may need to monitor their intake of ascorbic acid.

  • Excessive amounts of vitamin C have been associated with the development of genotoxins. Genotoxins are speculated to prompt genetic mutations. These genetic mutations may lead to the development of cancer.
  • Ascorbic acid may interact with some prescription drugs. Consult with a physician or pharmacist prior to taking the drugs to determine if there is a potential for an adverse side effects. Individuals taking vitamin C supplements are advised to take them with plenty of water because of the diuretic affect of the antioxidant.
  • Individuals who may have an allergic reaction to corn may want to seek an alternative source of vitamin C.
  • Many of the commercial supplements of vitamin C are made from corn. Experts may advise Sago Palm or other sources of vitamin C.
  • Experts have also found that vitamin C may also increase the amount of iron absorbed by food. Therefore, people with hemochromatosis, which is characterized by excessive iron accumulation in the body, should not take vitamin C supplements.
  • Individuals who consume more than 2,000 mg of vitamin C daily may experience diarrhea, gas or upset stomach. Lower the dosage if you experience these symptoms.
  • Consult a physician before taking vitamin C, if you have kidney problems.
  • Pregnant mothers who consume more than 6,000 mg of vitamin C daily may develop scurvy when the vitamin C levels stabilize after birth. Before beginning a regimen, consult with your physician.
  • People who smoke should consider increasing their levels of vitamin C to fight the free radicals produced by the carcinogens in cigarettes.

Potential Drug Interferences

Aspirin and NSAIDs

Aspirin is known to lower levels of vitamin C in the body. This phenomenon occurs because the vitamin is expelled with urine from the body. Vitamin C may also raise levels of aspirin in the blood because ascorbic acid encourages both aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) drugs to remain in the system longer. Experts indicate that vitamin C may also play a role in protecting the stomach from becoming nauseous or upset. Consult with a physician before starting a vitamin C regimen if you take aspirin on a daily basis.

Acetaminophen

Individuals who consume high doses of vitamin C may experience high levels of acetaminophen in the blood. Vitamin C inhibits acetaminophen from exiting the system through urine.

Antacids containing Aluminum

Experts have indicated that vitamin C may increase the amount of aluminum the body absorbs from antacids, such as Maalox. This may increase any side effects that may be associated with the drug.

Barbiturates

Experts have found that barbituarates may have a negative effect on vitamin C.

Chemotherapy Drugs

Many antioxidants may interfere with chemotherapy. Vitamin C may help the efficacy of chemotherapy according to some oncologists. Consult with your oncologist prior to chemotherapy to determine if a vitamin C regimen is recommended for your particular treatment.

Nitrate Medications

Nitrate medications, such as nitroglycerin, isosorbide, and isosorbide dinitrate, if taken in conjunction with vitamin C may become ineffective in the body. Vitamin C increases the body’s ability to develop a tolerance against these medications. Always consult with a physician prior to consuming vitamin C along with nitrates.

Oral Contraceptives

Vitamin C may increase estrogen levels in individuals taking oral contraceptives and even, hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The levels seem to increase more in those individuals who had a deficit in vitamin C prior to taking oral contraceptives. Vitamin C effects may also increase if a person begins to take oral estrogens.

Protease Inhibitors

Individuals taking indinavir or Crixivan for HIV or AIDS may notice decreased levels of the medication in the blood after the consumption of vitamin C. Consult with a physician prior to combining a vitamin C regimen with indinavir or Crixivan.

Tetracycline

Individuals taking tetracycline, an antibiotic, may notice increased levels of the medication when taken with vitamin C. Other antibiotics, such as minocycline and doxycycline may also be affected. Consult with a physician prior to beginning a vitamin C regimen.

Warfarin or Coumadin

Warfarin is a blood thinning medication that rarely has interactions with vitamin C. Experts have studied the effects of vitamin C up to 1,000 mg per day. This dosage of vitamin C caused little or no effect on the warfarin medication. As with any medication, consult with a physician prior to beginning a regimen as a safety precaution.

Where to Purchase Ascorbic Acid

Vitamin C can be purchased at any health store, pharmacist, or online health store. Most of the stores will carry the capsules and caplets. The powder and liquid are most often found at stores that specialize in health, such as GNC. Consumers may want to research online before going to a store to purchase the product to determine if the form of ascorbic acid that the consumer desires is in stock.

Some of the more popular stores include the following:

The Cost of Ascorbic Acid

The cost of ascorbic acid ranges depending upon the form that it is purchased. The supplement forms of ascorbic acid will vary in price depending upon the amount of product purchased, the form, the weight of the capsule or pill, and the store in which the item is purchased. Many times online stores will have discounts such as 20 to 50 percent off or Buy One, Get One. Search online to find these types of deals.

Some of the more common costs for vitamin C products include the following:

  • 100 caplets of 500 mg: $4
  • 60 caplets of 1000 mg: $7
  • 200 caplets of 1500 mg: $32
  • 90 chewable caplets of 500 mg: $8
  • Liquid Vitamin C (1 oz.): $10
  • Powder Vitamin C ( 16 oz.): $27

Vitamin C may also be combined with Rose Hips or Quercetin in order to give the consumer the added benefit of another herb or mineral.

Resources

WebMd.Com
EverydayHealth.Com
National Health Institute

Conditions

Premature Graying of Hair

All people are born with a genetic determination for the color of their hair. While this color may not be readily apparent at birth, by one to two years of age, hair color is set. For many people, this color lasts for about 40 years. As people age, they can lose the pigmentation in their hair, causing it to grow out gray or, sometimes, white.

Hair color is determined by the presence of a natural pigment called melanin. Generally, the more melanin present in the hair, the darker it will be. Two types of melanin work together to create hair color: eumelanin and pheomelanin. Pheomelanin is a reddish pigment, while eumelanin can be black or brown. Low levels of brown eumelanin create blond hair and high levels give brown hair. High levels of black eumelanin, naturally create black hair, while low levels create gray hair. It is very rare for a person to be born genetically disposed to have gray hair as their regular color. This is because everyone also has pheomelanin, which easily tints hair with low levels of black eumelanin.
Graying Hair
Pheomelanin is very chemically stable. Brown eumelanin is the least stable, and black eumelanin is somewhere in-between. This is the reason why it is difficult to bleach red hair, and bleaching black hair results in red.

The exact genetic factors that determine hair color have not yet been identified with certainty. It is thought to be controlled by two separate genes, and some geneticists say more. In the two-gene theory, one phenotype determines brown or blond, with brown being dominant and blond recessive. This explains how a brown-haired couple can have a blond child.

The other gene is called the red/non-red gene. Non-red means only a limited amount of pheomelanin is produced, and it is a dominant trait. Those with the red gene produce more pheomelanin, which produces a color ranging from auburn to orange, depending on the amounts of eumelanin present. What this simplified genetic model of hair color does not explain is how hair is affected by age. While a few people get darker hair as they get older, most people get lighter hair, eventually turning to gray, silver, or white.

Natural Hair Colors

While most people don’t recognize it as such, white, gray, and silver are natural hair colors. Some blondes have hair that is virtually indistinguishable from the white hair of seniors. Besides aging, some vitamin deficiencies have also been found to cause white or gray hair. Here are the other natural hair colors:

Auburn

Auburn hair is a light reddish brown. It is created by brown eumelanin in conjunction with heightened pheomelanin. It is a common color for those with North or West European ancestry.

Black

Black hair is the darkest color possible for hair. It is caused by an excess amount of black eumelanin present in the hair. Although greater amounts of pigments are present, black hair is actually less dense than other colors. Some black hair can have a slightly blue tint, while other black hair has a reddish tint. Black is the most reflective color for hair.

Blond

Blond hair can range from near-white (platinum) to dark and golden. Some people of Celtic or Scandinavian descent can have a reddish blond color known as strawberry blond. The amount of pheomelanin is the biggest factor in determining the exact shade of blond. People with more pheomelanin have a more golden color. Blond hair is common in North and West Europeans but is extremely rare in other people. Some children are born with blond hair, but it darkens as the stem cells responsible for creating melanin mature.

Brown

Brown is the most common hair color in the world. It is common in native people of every continent. Brown hair tends to be thicker than other colors.

Chestnut

Chestnut is similar to auburn, but is slightly darker and a little redder. It is a common color in Europe.

Red

While hair is very rarely red in the strictest sense of the word, hair can come in several shades where red is the most prominent color. Red hair can be light, or strawberry, to a deep burgundy in color. Red hair is the least common hair color in the world.

Symptoms of Premature Graying of Hair

While most people who reach older ages experience graying of the hair, some people experience graying as early as 20 years of age. In rare cases, children can experience graying of the hair around the age of 10. Officially, graying or whitening of the hair is considered premature if over half of all hair is gray or white by the age of 40.

Hair that is already grown does not turn gray. The pigments are mixed into the hair when it is created in the follicle. Once the pigments are set in the hair, they generally remain in the hair. Gray hair is formed when the pigments are either no longer produced, or produced in lesser quantities, in the hair follicles. Gray hair is created gray from the beginning. As older, more colorful hair, naturally falls out, the quantity of gray hair begins to overtake the quantity of the pigmented hair.

While hair cannot turn white overnight, one rare condition has been discovered that causes dark pigmented hair to fall out at a rapid pace. This is known as alopecia. When the dark hair falls, the white or gray hair remains, giving the appearance that the hair has turned white overnight.

Many people believe that when hair begins to turn gray, other symptoms linked to aging begin with it, as if the body has an “old” switch that has suddenly been turned on. This is not true. The factors that cause gray hair do not contribute to any other symptoms.

Causes of Premature Graying of Hair

As people grow older, hair follicles naturally decrease production of hair pigments. The exact age is determined by genetics. It is estimated, however, that in the U.S., over 40 percent of people have some gray hair at 40 years of age. Some errant white hairs can be created early due to a malfunctioning hair follicle, but this is rare and the follicles usually produce hair with color after the white one falls out.

When gray hair is caused by genetic factors having to do with aging, a process is triggered by two genes, called Bcl2 and Bcl-w. These genes trigger a chemical chain reaction in the body that begins with a lower production of the enzyme catalase. Catalase usually breaks down hydrogen peroxide that normally occurs in the body. The hydrogen peroxide begins a bleaching effect on newly created hair. This specific effect is still being studied in clinical trials.

Melanin is not produced in the hair follicle, but it is used by the hair follicle to put into newly grown hair. Melanin is chemically made from melanocytes that are produced in the stem cells just under the base of the hair follicles. When the stem cells at the base of the follicles die from genetic programming, melanocytes are no longer produced for use by the follicles.

Several factors other than aging have been found to contribute to the premature graying of hair. Some of these factors are genetic, while other factors are strictly environmental. Here are some of the causes of gray or white hair:

Albinism

This is a genetic condition in which no, or very little, pigment is created anywhere in the body. Albinos have white to pale blond hair and white skin.

Vitiligo

Vitiligo is an auto-immune disease that causes hair and skin to lose color, usually in patches. The disorder causes melanocytes, the chemicals responsible for turning into melanin, to be destroyed before they can be used by the body.

Malnutrition

An insufficient intake of nutrients through food or dietary supplements can cause hair to lighten. Usually, this is accompanied by the hair being brittle and thin. The most common deficiency that causes premature graying is vitamin B12.

Werner Syndrome

This genetic disorder is very rare and causes the appearance of premature aging. These symptoms usually begin at puberty and by the time the person reaches 40, he or she appears two to four decades older. Graying of the hair usually begins around age 20, but can occur as early as 15.

Pernicious anemia

This condition is caused by atrophic gastritis and parietal cell loss. It is marked by a deficiency of the body to absorb vitamin B12. This condition is incurable and remains for the rest of the patient’s life. While other symptoms overshadow graying of the hair, it is a common occurrence.

Type II diabetes

Recent studies have found a link between type II diabetes to people with dark eyebrows and gray hair. The exact mechanism or reason for the correlation is unknown at this time.

Thyroid disorders

Several disorders of the thyroid gland have been found to cause premature graying of the hair.

Osteoporosis and loss of bone density

Decreased bone mineral density has found to be linked to premature graying of the hair. One study of 293 women who have gone through menopause showed that those who a majority of gray hair on their head before 40 had lower bone density than those without gray hair. A follow-up study concluded that nothing about gray hair causes osteoporosis, so some factor about lesser bone density is responsible for causing gray hair.

Vogt-Koyanagi syndrome

This is a rare disorder that follows some viral illnesses. The body produces an antibody to fight the virus that also destroys melanocytes.

Tobacco smoking

Studies have shown that people who smoke tobacco are four times as likely to develop premature graying of the hair than non-smokers. A study of 606 smokers over the age of 30 showed a “significant relation” between smoking and the occurrence of gray hair.

Risk Factors for Premature Graying of Hair

Most cases of premature graying of hair are caused by genetics. Those with a family history of premature graying have a higher risk of developing it themselves. There is nothing that can be done to reduce genetic risk once you are conceived. A few other factors show an increased risk of developing gray hair early in life:

  • •Smoking
  • Osteoporosis
  • Vitamin B12 deficiency
  • Thyroid disorders
  • Diabetes

Prevention Tips to Reduce Premature Graying of Hair

Since premature graying is almost always caused by normal genetic factors, very little can be done to prevent it. For those few cases not caused by genetics, the following tips may help to prevent gray hair:

  • Do not start smoking. If you already smoke, quit.
  • Adequate calcium can prevent loss of bone density, which has been linked to gray hair. In addition, adequate vitamin D is necessary for the body to absorb calcium.
  • Adequate intake of vitamin B12 may help to prevent premature graying.

While many people claim gray hair can be caused by stress, no studies have ever shown this to be true. While reducing stress can be very helpful in leading a long, healthy life, it doesn’t do anything to stop hair from graying.

Diagnosis of Premature Graying of Hair

Premature graying of the hair is primarily diagnosed by visual inspection. The condition is unmistakable and a professional diagnosis is usually not necessary. In cases where the individual is extremely young, however, a professional diagnosis is recommended to rule out the graying as a symptom of a more serious disease or condition.
Graying Hair Diagnosis
Anyone can have a blood or tissue test done to rule out the possibility of malnutrition or disease, but most people over 25 will find that normal genetics is the culprit and nothing can be done to stop or reverse the graying. Three lab tests that can be done to detect a possible cause of gray hair are a complete blood count (CBC), vitamin B12 level test, and a thyroid function panel.

Treatments for Premature Graying of Hair

No medical treatment exists to stop or reverse the graying of hair caused by genetics. It is conceivable that someday in the future, medical science will unlock a genetic treatment for gray hair, but no such treatment exists today.

When gray hair is caused as a symptom of another medical condition, the gray hair cannot be medically treated. It is only possible to treat the condition. If the condition is treatable, this may reverse the graying of the hair.

The number one treatment for gray hair is artificial coloring. Hair dye comes in several different forms:

Semi-permanent color

This type of dye is also known as tone or toner. It uses hydrogen peroxide to deliver the dye into the shaft of the hair. This dye lasts for approximately 12 – 20 shampoos. Some people don’t like this type because the length is just long enough for roots to begin to show.

Direct dye

This is the traditional method of dying hair. These dyes color the outside of the hair shaft and wash out after 6 – 10 shampoos. Many people prefer this dye because it must be reapplied before roots begin to show.

Permanent Color

Permanent color is usually applied by a beautician. It uses a combination of hydrogen peroxide and ammonia to deliver the dye through the hair. Permanent color does not wash out. It must be grown out, and re-dying rarely works as a solution to unwanted color.

Progressive coloring

This type of coloring was popularized by the “Grecian Formula.” This type of dye works gradually with lead acetate that darkens with prolonged exposure to air. It is a more natural color, as the dyes only slightly affect hair with color, instead focusing on only the grays.

Home Remedies for Premature Graying of Hair

No scientific evidence exists proving that any substance, either eaten or applied topically, can reverse or stop the graying of hair. This, however, has not stopped people from continuing to use natural or herbal products in an attempt to do so. Anecdotal evidence keeps these treatments alive, and some continue to say they have had an effect. In any case, these treatments have shown to cause no harm, so the only losses are in time and money.

Bringaraja

This is an herb used in Ayurvedic medicine. It is taken by mouth and said to increase the energy of the liver and kidneys. It can also be found in a variety of oils, hair tonics, and shampoos.

Chlorophyll

Chlorophyll such as that provided by wheat grass is said to strengthen the blood and kidneys, which can stop the graying of hair.

Fo-ti

This is a Chinese herb also called He Shou Wu. Its use derives from an 1,100 year old legend of a villager named Mr. He who first used it. It is said that it increases longevity and reverses the effects of aging. It is taken to eliminate gray hair, prevent weakness, treat erectile dysfunction, and eliminate vaginal discharge. It can be found in many over-the-counter gray-hair products.

PABA and folic acid

Many claim that when combining this B-vitamin with folic acid, it restores hair to its original color.

Blackstrap Molasses

This is a by-product of processed sugar cane. It is mostly sugar, but it also contains several vitamins and minerals that are claimed to produce health benefits. Among these health benefits is the reversing of gray hair.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Washing the hair with apple cider vinegar is said to reverse graying.

Sage tea

Sage tea, used as a rinse, has traditionally been used to treat gray hair for hundreds of years.

Rubbing nails

This is a very old treatment from India that is harder to accomplish than it sounds. Each finger nail must be rubbed together with another fingernail for 5 minutes. This is said to increase circulation by stimulating the nerves under the nails. The major benefit of this treatment is that it is free.

Sources

“Why Hair Goes Gray,” MedicineNet.Com

“What Really Causes Gray Hair,” AolHealth.Com

“Natural Remedy to Reduce or Reverse Gray Hair?” About.Com

“Going Gray,” Cnn.Com

“Unlocking the Secrets of Gray Hair,” NYTimes.Com

“Children and Gray Hair,” DrGreene.Com

“Gray Anatomy,” WebMD.Com

Vitamins

Vitamin B2

Riboflavin, or vitamin B2, is one of a family of eight B vitamins. It helps the body convert food, or carbohydrates, into fuel, known as glucose, which can be burned to produce energy.

Vitamin B Complex

There are eight separate vitamins within the B complex, including B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12. All eight B vitamins are essential for the proper growth and maintenance of the human body. They provide the essential nutrients for growth and a variety of body functions. Most importantly, they can be found in a wide range of plant and animal sources.

Vitamin B Complex Group

Vitamin B1

Vitamin B1, also known as thiamin, and B2, riboflavin, aid the body in the production of energy as well as impacting enzymes that aid in the development of muscles, nerves and the heart.

Niacin

Niacin, known as B3, promotes energy production in cells and is important for maintaining healthy skin and nervous and digestive systems.

Vitamin B5

Vitamin B5, called pantothenic acid, aids in the normal growth and development of the body.

Helping the body to break down protein and aiding with the health of the nervous system, red blood cells and parts of the immune system is Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine.

Vitamin B7

Vitamin B7, or biotin, is another one that helps break down protein but it also does the same for carbohydrates and aids in the production of hormones.
Folic acid, known as B9, is important for the production of cells in a body and maintains DNA. It is also crucial for the creation of red blood cells.
B12 is also known as cobalamin. Its job is to help in the growth of the body. B12 also helps in the production of blood cells and functions of the nervous system.

Someone having a deficiency in certain B vitamins is at risk of anemia, appetite loss, depression, abdominal pain, respiratory infections and hair loss.
Vitamin B2, riboflavin

History of Riboflavin

Riboflavin is yellow-orange in color and sometimes used as a food coloring or to fortify certain foods. Vitamin B2 was discovered in the last 1920s and Max Tishler, while working for Merck and Co., invented a way to synthesize the micronutrient. Like all B vitamins, riboflavin is water soluble, meaning the body does not store it so it must be replenished every day. Vitamin B2 is not active in a free form, but does work as a primary component of two coenzymes called flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and mononucleotide (FMN). Coenzymes that come from riboflavin are called flavocoenzymes, and in turn, enzymes that use flavocoenzymes are named flavoproteins.

It was isolated in its pure form in 1933 and the first synthesis of riboflavin occurred two years later.

Riboflavin keeps the body healthy in a number of ways. It aids in the conversion of food into energy, as well as changing an amino acid called tryptophan into niacin, which is another B vitamin. Niacin can be used to help increase lipoprotein, or HDL, which is known as “good cholesterol.”
Riboflavin also interacts with other B vitamins, allowing them to perform their jobs more efficiently. A severe deficiency in riboflavin can lead to problems with various enzyme systems.

Antioxidant Benefits

Vitamin B2 also acts as an antioxidant which can help rid the body of damaging free radicals. These free radicals occur naturally in the body but can cause damage to cells and DNA. Free radicals can also contribute to the aging process and some health problems, including heart disease and cancer. However, riboflavin can seek out these damaging agents, neutralize them and may even help reduce the amount of damage they cause.
Riboflavin can also help improve some health conditions, including:

Anemia

People with iron deficiency anemia often have low levels of certain antioxidants, including riboflavin. The same is true of children with sickle-cell anemia, which is a blood disorder in which blood cells are misshapen. Studies have suggested taking riboflavin supplements can improve a patient’s response to iron therapy. Being deficient in riboflavin impacts the body’s ability to metabolize iron.

Animal research indicates riboflavin deficiency may impair the ability to absorb iron, increase intestinal loss of iron and impair the use of iron to create hemoglobin. It has been shown in humans that improving riboflavin nutritional values increases circulating hemoglobin levels.

Cataracts

In addition to other nutrients, vitamin B2 is important for a person to maintain normal vision. A cataract is a condition in which damage to the lens of the eye can cause vision to become cloudy. Cataracts related to aging are the leading cause of vision disability in the U.S. The antioxidant effect in riboflavin may help with this situation. Some early results from studies indicate riboflavin might help prevent cataracts. However, too much riboflavin – above 10 milligrams per day – can actually promote eye damage from the sun.

Migraine headaches

Early research indicates riboflavin may also help reduce the frequency and duration of migraine headaches. Some evidence suggests impaired mitochondrial oxygen metabolism in the brain could help cause migraine headaches. Riboflavin has been investigated as a possible solution to this problem due to its relationship to the electron transport chain. One study showed riboflavin to be more successful than a placebo in reducing the number of migraine attacks as well as the number of headache days.

Other uses

More research is needed but Vitamin B2 may also help improve cognitive function and depression. It has also been investigated as a possible performance enhancer for athletes, though supplementation with Vitamin B2 has not been shown to increase exercise tolerance.

Sources of Vitamin B2

Fortunately, riboflavin in its natural form is very easy to find. Most food derived from animals and plants contain at least some level of riboflavin. Since 1943, almost all wheat flour and bread have been enriched with riboflavin, as well as thiamin, niacin and iron. Dietary data indicates the average U.S. male takes in about two milligrams per day of riboflavin, while the average woman takes in about 1.5 milligrams per day. Both these levels are above the recommended daily allowance, and similar to the intake levels for elderly men and women.

Some sources of Vitamin B2 are better than others. Among the best nutritional sources include brewer’s yeast, almonds, whole grains, wheat germ, wild rice, mushrooms, soybeans, milk, yogurt, eggs, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and spinach. While grains are often a good source, those that are refined or milled often have the riboflavin removed by the process. Therefore, whole grain foods, such as oatmeal or whole wheat, are better choices. Also, refined foods that are listed as enriched have had the lost riboflavin added back. Refined, but non-enriched foods provide little riboflavin. Below are some examples of riboflavin content:

  • A cup of fortified cereal contains between 0.59 milligrams and 2.27 milligrams.
  • A cup of nonfat milk has 0.34 milligrams.
  • A large, cooked egg contains 0.27 milligrams.
  • An ounce of almonds has 0.23 milligrams.
  • A half cup of boiled spinach has 0.21 milligrams.

However, riboflavin can be easily destroyed by exposure to sunlight. For example, 50 percent of the riboflavin found in a glass of milk can be destroyed after about two hours of sitting in a glass container in bright sunlight. This is the reason milk is packaged in opaque or cardboard containers. Heat does not destroy riboflavin, but it can be lost in the water when foods are boiled or soaked. To avoid this, roasting and steaming are the preferred cooking methods in order to preserve more of the vitamin.

Recommended amounts

The level of Vitamin B2 someone should be getting on a daily basis changes depending on age and, for women, whether they are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Taking Vitamin B

Pediatric recommended amounts are as follows and were set in 1998:

  • Infants from birth to 6 months: 0.3 milligrams are adequate amount.
  • Infants 7-12 months: 0.4 milligrams are adequate.
  • Children 1-3 years: 0.5 milligrams.
  • Children 4-8 years: 0.6 milligrams.
  • Children 9-13 years: 0.9 milligrams.
  • Males 14-18 years: 1.3 milligrams.
  • Females 14-18: 1 milligram.
  • Adult daily recommended amounts are:
  • Males 19 and older: 1.3 milligrams.
  • Females 19 and older: 1.1 milligrams.
  • Pregnant females: 1.4 milligrams.
  • Breastfeeding females: 1.6 milligrams.

Riboflavin Deficiency

While the recommended daily allowance of Vitamin B2 should be relatively easy to reach for someone eating a healthy diet, those who do not are at risk of a deficiency, known as ariboflavinosis. This is especially true of alcoholics and the elderly, as well as anorexics. In addition, those who are lactate intolerant may not consume milk or other dairy products, which are good sources of Vitamin B2. A healthy diet is one consisting of at least five daily servings of fruits and vegetables as well as portions of grains. However, athletes and those with busy or stressful lives may need to take in more Vitamin B2 than normal.

Some early signs of riboflavin deficiency include trembling, dizziness, poor concentration and memory and blood-shot, red and gritty-feeling eyes. Later symptoms include fatigue; slow growth; problems with the digestive system; sores or cracks around the mouth; a swollen, magenta tongue; tired eyes; sensitivity to light; and a swollen and sore throat. There may also be an inflammation of the skin that appears scaly and greasy.
A study of pregnant women believed to have an increased risk of preeclampsia – which is characterized by elevated blood pressure, protein in the urine and edema (significant swelling) – found those that were riboflavin deficient were four and half times more likely to develop preeclampsia than those who had adequate levels of the vitamin. In about five percent of cases, preeclampsia can lead to eclampsia, which is a leading cause of maternal death.

Supplements

For those who may not get enough Vitamin B2 in their daily diet, riboflavin supplements are also available, usually in 25-, 50- and 100-milligram tablets. The most common types found in supplements are riboflavin and riboflavin 5’-monophosphate. It is often found in multivitamins and vitamin B-complex supplements.

Riboflavin is best absorbed when taken between meals. When selecting a multivitamin to help provide Vitamin B2, selecting one that provides 100 percent to 300 percent of the daily recommended value for all essential vitamins and minerals is usually a good choice. It is also better to select a supplement that is taken two to four times a day, rather than a one-a-day variety. A health care professional should be consulted before taking any supplement, especially if one is being considered that has doses higher than twice the recommended daily allowance.

While Vitamin B2 supplements are relatively safe, there still can be some interactions with medication. Again, a healthcare professional should be consulted. Drugs treating gastrointestinal spasms, asthma, depression and motion sickness can inhibit the body’s ability to absorb Vitamin B2. Also, riboflavin can interfere with the body’s ability to use tetracycline, which is an antibiotic. It is recommended the supplement be taken at a different time of day than the antibiotic to avoid this problem. Other medications may lower the amount of riboflavin in the body or inhibit the body from properly absorbing it.

Even at high levels, there is little risk to humans. However, at doses of 10 milligrams or higher per day, the eye may become more sensitive than normal to sunlight. Someone taking this amount of riboflavin each day should wear sunglasses to protect their eyes from damage due to ultraviolet light.
Very high doses of Vitamin B2 can cause minor side effects, including itching, numbness, sensations of burning or prickling, yellow or orange urine and sensitivity to light. There have been very rare reports of allergy or anaphylaxis being associated with riboflavin supplementation.
Since Vitamin B2, like all B vitamins, is water-soluble, excess levels are often released through urine.

Essential Ingredient

Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin, is an important part of the human body’s ability to convert food into energy and is necessary for good health and well being. Usually the recommended daily amounts of it can be acquired with a healthy diet or through safe and easy to use supplements. There is also little risk of overdosing on Vitamin B2 since excess levels are usually excreted through urine. Maintaining the proper amount of riboflavin in the body may help prevent or ease complications from many health problems. A physician should be consulted to ensure the correct amount of the vitamin is being absorbed.

Sources

Umm.Edu

Oregon State University

Cancer.Org

Discvoery.Com

Mayo Clinic

Vitamins

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water soluble vitamin necessary for biological processes in humans and other animals. It is required for collagen production in blood vessels, cartilage, bones, and muscles. It also is critical for the prevention of bleeding capillaries, and the healing of wounds. It is generally produced internally by most animals, with the exception of humans, many kinds of primates, guinea pigs, and several types of birds and fish. Vitamin C deficiency, called scurvy, is preventable by adequate dietary consumption of the fresh fruits,vegetables and other foods that contain it.

Biological Function

Vitamin C is used in the body for the production of key enzymes, and as an anti-oxidant. It is involved in the development and repair of all tissues in the human body. It is also important for the creation of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, which helps to control uses of blood flow and glucose release. Neurotransmitters regulate brain function and mood.

As an electron donor, vitamin C provides essential energy transfer for synthesis of the enzymes it affects. The enzymes it provides elections for include those necessary for making collagen. Skin, blood vessels, scar tissue and ligaments all require collagen to be produced. Collagen is part of the process in the healing of wounds. Vitamin C is also used in the enzyme for carnitine, which transports fatty acids for breakdown into metabolic energy.

Working as an anti-oxidant, vitamin C can protect the critical molecules of DNA, RNA, proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates against the damage of free-radicals and reactive oxygen species.
Vitamin C Uses
These are the side effects of normal body functions that happen when highly reactive oxidant chemicals result in undesired modifications to molecules and also from the exposure of the body to toxic pollutants.

It is also thought, based on a study of cigarette smokers, that vitamin C can help bring back oxidized forms of other vitamins such as vitamin E to their original state.

The free radicals that vitamin C protects against are responsible for cancer, heart disease, and arthritis.

Dietary Requirements

The recommended amount of vitamin C by the Institute of Medicine of the United States National Academy of Sciences is 90 milligrams per day for adults, with an upper limit of 2,000 milligrams per day.

Other organizations, such as the Linus Pauling Institute, recommend 400 milligrams a day. For reference, one cup of orange juice is about 97 milligrams, a cup of cooked broccoli is 74 milligrams, and a cup of tomato juice is 45 milligrams.

Nine servings of fruits and vegetables are recommended daily by the American Dietetic Association, to get the healthy amount of vitamin C as well as other necessary required vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Foods with the highest amount of vitamin C are citrus, green peppers, broccoli, potatoes (white and sweet), strawberries and tomatoes.

Other sources are melons and fruit like cantaloupe, papaya, mango,pineapple and watermelon. Other then strawberries, berries that have vitamin C are blueberries and raspberries. Vegetables such cauliflower, cabbage, winter squash, and brussel sprouts also provide vitamin C.

Vitamin C is available as a supplement in many forms – tablets, capsules, drink mix, and powers, as ascorbic acid or sodium ascorbate. A supplement can be used to help insure the required daily amount is being consumed. But, it is important to note that many benefits of vitamin C that are gained from fruits and vegetables (beyond the amount required to prevent scurvy) may also be the result of other minerals and nutrients those foods contain, so it is still necessary to maintain a healthy balanced diet.

Deficiency Problems and Side Effects

Vitamin C is water soluble, meaning it dissolves in water and therefore making it necessary to maintain a constant dietary supply since the body cannot store it. Without enough of the vitamin, the body will deficiency problems leading up to scurvy.

Symptoms include increased weight due to a slower metabolism, bruising, dry skin and hair, and swollen joints. Teeth and gums would also be affected – with bleeding gums, gingivitis, and weak tooth enamel. Other signs of too little vitamin C are decreased ability to deal with infections, and slower rate of wound healing. Scurvy is the extreme form of these symptoms and usually only occurs now in rare cases in elderly adults and infants.

2,000 miligrams a day is the advised maximum daily upper limit for vitamin C consumption; all though 90-500 miligrams is the suggested range. Too much vitamin C can cause side effects – starting with indigestion, diarrhea, fatigue and headaches. It may also lead to disrupted sleep patterns, vomiting, flushing in the face, and skin rashes. In people who have iron overload disorders, vitamin C can cause iron poisoning as it increases the amount of iron absorbed.

Health Benefits

Vitamin C is necessary everyday to prevent scurvy, as it is used in required biological processes in the human body – this is an accepted fact. However, there have been many prospective studies conducted to determine potential health benefits of vitamin C beyond this purpose, in relation to the prevention of disease. In these cases, higher amounts then the minimum recommended daily amount (90 milligrams) was taken, and the studies were conducted using large groups of people.

The various tests and studies for different factors are not considered conclusive, and sometimes contradict each other. In most cases, further research is necessary for accurate results.

Common Cold: Vitamin C has not been shown scientifically to prevent getting a cold, however it may lessen the chance of escalating existing symptoms. Additionally, it may actually reduce the chance of a cold developing for people living in extreme environments or conditions such as soldiers in the sub-arctic, or marathon runners by as much as 50 percent. Additional study is required for more results.

Skin Aging: As vitamin C has direct affect on cells including skin, there may be a link between higher vitamin intake and skin aging – with reduced skin dryness and wrinkling.

Urinary infections while pregnant: Vitamin C may reduce the chance of urinary infection in pregnant women, but further research is needed.

Cancer Prevention and Treatment: Studies of populations with diets of a high intake of fruits and vegetables that contain vitamin C show reduced risk of cancer -specifically mouth, stomach, lung, colon and esophagus. However, there is no evidence that it was the vitamin C that is directly responsible for this effect when instead it could be a result of a balanced healthy diet with many different vitamin rich foods that contain a variety of minerals and nutrients. There may be a benefit to taking vitamin C when under-going cancer treatment, but there is not enough evidence at this time.

Stress: Nutrients such as vitamin C are depleted in smokers, alcoholics, and the obese. For these individuals, it is important to consume enough vitamin C to protect the immune system. As an anti-oxidant, the vitamin may also help fight damage caused by smoking.

Heart Disease: There is no conclusive evidence that vitamin C helps to prevent heart attacks or lowers cholesterol. It may have an affect on plaque in arteries and artery openings, but there is not enough evidence either way to support this conclusion and it is not recommended for this purpose.

History

There has been general indirect awareness of vitamin C’s necessity for prevention of health problems since the beginning of human history. People understood that fresh fruits and vegetable helped counter-act certain ailments and symptoms, and was used routinely by various groups in local remedies. Scurvy itself was first described by Hippocrates around 400 BC, but scientific evidence for fresh citrus as its cure was not recorded until the 18th century.

Scurvy was particularly a problem for sailors without fresh food access on extended sea voyages. In 1614 the Surgeon General of the East India Company, John Woodall, published a handbook for general ship’s medicine in which he advocated fresh oranges, lemons, and limes as a cure for scurvy.

However, it was thought that the acidic qualities of fruit were what helped, and therefore he also recommended using Oil of Vitriol, also known as sulfuric acid. In the 17th century explorer Admiral Sir Richard Hawkins had his crew drink orange and lemon juice to prevent health issues during voyages. James Cook and crew circumnavigated the globe using sauerkraut to ward against scurvy in 1771.

In one of the first controlled and recorded scientific experiments, British Royal Navy ship’s surgeon James Lind proved that fresh citrus fruit cured and prevented scurvy. During the course of a voyage, Lind compared the health results of one group of sailors who were provided fresh oranges and lemons to the health of another group who consumed vinegar, cider, seawater, or sulfuric acid.

Lind’s work was slow to catch on as the use of juice instead of fresh fruit was advocated – boiled juice lost too much of the needed vitamin and was not as effective. His results were published in 1753, but it was not until 1795 that it was routine for all ships to stock fresh lemons and limes for the health of their crew. Limes were easy to obtain from the British West Indies, and this led to the slang nickname of “limey” for British sailors.

Discovery

While it was known that “anti-scorbutic” foods such as oranges, lemons, limes, sauerkraut, cabbage, and raw meats prevented scurvy, there was not yet an understanding of vitamins as necessary nutrients until the the early 20th century. An animal based experiment conducted by Norwegian scientists in 1907 that observed scurvy for the first time in non humans was an important building block of Vitamin C research.

The first concept and the definition of vitamins was put forth by biochemist Casimir Funk in 1912, after his work with pigeons and beriberi, a disorder caused by vitamin B1 deficiency. The anti-scorbutic property of foods (soon to be known as vitamin C) described by the Norwegian research was considered to be one of Funk’s vitamins.

The specific chemical model of vitamin C was isolated and defined in 1932 by Hungarian Albert Szent-Györgyi as hexuronic acid (eventually known as ascorbic acid), for which he was awarded the 1937 Nobel Prize in Medicine. Shortly thereafter, vitamin C was able to be processed and synthesized using a fermentation sequence that is still in use today.

Sources:

Vitamin C: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia,

The Benefits of Vitamin C – WebMD

Linus Pauling Instiute Micronutrient Inforamation Center, Vitamin C

University of Mayrland Medical Center, Vitamin C,

MayoClinic.com, Vitamin C

The Cambridge World History of Food, Vitamin C

Vitamins

B Vitamins

The B Vitamins are a group of eight water-soluble vitamins that perform many important cell and body functions. Since these vitamins perform so many important functions they are essential for good health. This group of vitamins is also known as B-Complex. Because these vitamins are water-soluble they are not stored in the body. What this means is that B vitamins must be replenished each day.
Uses for Vitamin B
B-vitamins are widely available naturally from both plant and animal sources and are also added to many foods such as cereals. A regular healthy, balanced diet usually supplies the appropriate amount of B Vitamins to support proper body functioning. If this is not the case, supplements are also available. Supplements are offered both individually and in a B-Complex supplement which includes all eight B vitamins. The following is an overview each of these eight B-vitamins.

Vitamin B1

Also identified as: Thiamin

Benefits

Vitamin B1 improves circulation, supports blood formation, aids in carbohydrate metabolism, and is necessary to produce hydrochloric acid, which helps digest food. It also helps to maintain the normal red blood count, and promotes healthy skin. It protects against the damaging effect of lead poisoning, and prevents edema or fluid retention in connection with heart ailments. Supplemental thiamin can help protect against some of the metabolic imbalances caused by heavy alcohol consumption. It may help protect against Wernicke’s encephalopathy. This condition is a form of brain damage seen in some alcoholics.

Sources

The greatest food sources of vitamin B1 are yeast, brown rice, egg yolks, legumes, liver, nuts, peas, poultry, rice bran, dulse, kelp, spirulina, wheat germ and whole grains. Vitamin B1 is also found in fortified breads, cereals, pasta, lean meats, fish, dried beans, peas, and soybeans.

Deficiency Symptoms

Since vitamin B1 is required for the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, a vast array of symptoms can develop due to deficiency. These symptoms can develop in multiple body systems including the gastrointestinal system, causing indigestion and constipation, and the central nervous system, causing reduced alertness, nerve irritation, pain, numbness and weakness. Cardiovascular symptoms can include weakening of the heart muscles, causing edema in the lower limbs and difficulty breathing. Deficiency in the U.S. is mainly seen in people who abuse alcohol because alcohol prevents the body from absorbing the vitamin properly.

Recommended Daily Allowance of Vitamin B1

Men – 1.5 mg., Women – 1.1 mg., Pregnant women – 1.5 mg., Children – 1.1 mg.

Vitamin B2

Also identified as: Riboflavin

Benefits

Vitamin B2 helps prevent and is used to treat migraine headaches, cataracts, rheumatoid arthritis, and a number of skin disorders such as acne, dermatitis, and eczema. In the treatment of anemia, adding Vitamin B2 to iron supplements has shown to increase its effectiveness. This vitamin is particularly helpful in counteracting the tendency towards glaucoma.

Sources

High levels of Vitamin B2 are found in the following foods: cheese, egg yolks, almonds, organ meats, whole grains, wild rice, soybeans, milk, spinach, mushrooms, almonds, and poultry. Vitamin B2 is usually added to cereals and flour products. Keep these foods stored away from light to protect vitamin content.

Symptoms of Deficiency

Vitamin B2 deficiency has a great effect on the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and protein. All three of these basic food elements require Vitamin B2 if they are to be properly used by the body. A deficiency of this vitamin results in symptoms such as burning and itching of the eyes. Blurring of vision may also occur. The lips also become dry, chapped and sore. The first signs and symptoms of deficiency are a sore throat and sores at the corners of the mouth. Worsening symptoms include a swollen tongue, seborrheic dermatitis, anemia and weakened nerve function.

Recommended Daily Allowance of Vitamin B2

Men – 1.7 mg., Women – 1.3 mg. , Pregnant women – 1.6 mg., Lactating women – 1.8 mg.

Vitamin B3

Also identified as: Niacin, Nicotinic Acid, Niacinamide

Benefits

Vitamin B3 is a component in many important metabolic functions of the body. In addition, it is also used as a drug in treatment of some disorders. Vitamin B3 helps to maintain a healthy skin. Niacin dilates the blood capillary system. This vitamin is also essential for synthesis of the sex hormones, namely, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, as well as cortisone, thyroxin, and insulin. It also maintains mental and emotional well-being.

Sources

Vitamin B3 is found in beef liver, brewer’s yeast, lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, cheese, soybeans, nuts, whole grains, green vegetables, cooked dried beans, and milk.

Symptoms of Deficiency

Pellagra is a disease caused by a vitamin B3 deficiency. However, it is rare in the United States. Symptoms include loss of appetite, skin rash, diarrhea, mental changes, swollen tongue, and digestive and emotional disturbance.

Recommended Daily Allowance of Vitamin B3

Men – 19 mg., Women – 15 mg., Pregnant women – 17 mg., Lactating women – 20 mg.

Vitamin B5

Also identified as: Pantothenic acid, Pantothenic Acid

Benefits

Vitamin B5 plays an important role in emotional well being. This vitamin enhances the body’s production of cortisol, a hormone that helps control stress, anxiety and depression. Vitamin B5 is also important for maintaining healthy skin, nerves, glands and muscles, and helps to maintain the digestive tract and fight allergies.

Sources

Rich sources of Vitamin B5 include liver, kidney, yeast, egg yolk and broccoli. Other good sources include, chicken, fish, milk, legumes, mushrooms, sweet potatoes and whole grain cereals.

Symptoms of Deficiency

Naturally occurring Vitamin B5 acid deficiency in humans is vary rare. However when deficient diets were fed to volunteers the following symptoms were observed: loss of appetite, indigestion, abdominal pain, headache, fatigue, mental depression, sleeplessness, numbness and tingling of hands and feet.

Recommended Daily Allowance of Vitamin B5

4 to 7 mg. for adult men and women

Vitamin B6

Also identified as: Pyridoxide, Pyridoxine

Benefits

Vitamin B6 is beneficial if you suffer from water retention, and is necessary for the production of hydrochloric acid and the absorption of fats and protein. Vitamin B6 also aids in maintaining sodium and potassium balance, which is vitally important for normal body functions. Vitamin B6 also promotes red blood cell formation. In addition, this vitamin is required for the production of hydrochloric acid and magnesium. Vitamin B6 is also known to be helpful in the treatment of allergies, arthritis, and asthma.

Sources

Good dietary sources of vitamin B6 include chicken, turkey, tuna, salmon, shrimp, beef liver, lentils, soybeans, nuts, avocados, bananas, carrots, brown rice, bran, sunflower seeds, wheat germ, and whole-grain flour.

Symptoms of Deficiency

Irritability, nervousness and insomnia as well as overall weakness, skin conditions such as dermatitis and acne as well asthma and allergies might develop when vitamin B6 is deficient. Symptoms may include nails that are ridged, an irritated tongue as well as changes to your bones – which can include osteoporosis and arthritis. Kidney stones may also appear. A deficiency of Vitamin B6 may also eventually lead to loss of muscular control, migraine headaches, diseases of old age, and premature senility.

Recommended Daily Allowance of Vitamin B6

  • Infants:0 – 6 months: 0.1 milligrams per day (mg/day), 7 – 12 months: 0.3 mg/day
  • Children: 1 – 3 years: 0.5 mg/day, 4 – 8 years: 0.6 mg/day , 9 – 13 years: 1.0 mg/day
  • Adolescents and Adults: Males age 14 to 50 years: 1.3 mg/day, Males over 50 years: 1.7 mg/day , Females age 14 to 18 years: 1.2 mg/day , Females age 19 to 50 years: 1.3 mg/day , Females over 50 years: 1.5 mg/day

Vitamin B7

Also identified as: Biotin

Benefits

Vitamin B7 plays an essential role in the conversion of fatty acids and glucose into the fuel the body needs for energy. It also helps build and maintain muscle tissue, bone marrow and nervous system tissue. This vitamin is also thought to be beneficial to the health of skin, hair and nails.

Sources

Vitamin B7 is widely available in foods but few foods have a very high concentration. Milk, liver, egg yolk, legumes, nuts and a few vegetables are the most important sources of biotin. The natural availability of biotin varies greatly among foods.
Types of Vitamin B

Symptoms of Deficiency

Symptoms of deficiency include loss of appetite, nausea, hair loss, and scaly red rash around the eyes, nose, mouth and genital area. Neurological symptoms include depression, lethargy, hallucination and numbness and tingling sensation in the hands and feet. Since biotin is prevalent in foods, natural Vitamin B7 deficiency is rare.

Recommended Daily Allowance of Vitamin B7

Men – 200 mcg. ,Women – 150 mcg. ,Children – 100 mcg.

Vitamin B9

Also identified as: Folic Acid, Folate, Folacin and Pteroylglutamic acid

Benefits

Vitamin B9 helps the body produce and maintain new cells. It also offers protection against certain types of cancers and is important in protection against heart disease. Folic acid is the single most important nutrient for a pregnant woman and her developing fetus. Eating a diet rich in vitamin B9 will help to ensure healthful pregnancy for woman and the delivery of a healthy baby. Folic acid also improves lactation.

Sources

Natural sources of folic acid include fresh leafy green vegetables, such as spinach and turnip greens. It is also found in whole grains, starchy vegetables, dried beans and fruit.

Symptoms of Deficiency

A sore, red tongue is one sign of folic acid deficiency. Other potential signs include anemia, apathy, digestive disturbances, fatigue, graying hair, growth impairment, insomnia, difficult breathing, memory problems, paranoia, weakness, and birth defects in one’s offspring.

Recommended Daily Allowance of Vitamin B9

Men – 200 mcg. ,Women – 180 mcg. ,Women of childbearing age – 400 mcg.

Vitamin B12

Also identified as: Cobalamin, Cyanocobalamin

Benefits

Vitamin B12 plays an important role in the production of energy from fats and proteins. Vitamin B12 is also critical to the central nervous system. It maintains the sheath that surrounds and protects nerve fibers and promotes their normal growth. Since vitamin B12 shares a close metabolic interrelationship with folic acid, it is indirectly involved in the formation of red blood cells. Other functions and benefits include its role as an oxygen carrier, metabolizing fat, improving neurological disorders, and enhancing the immune system.

Sources

The richest sources of vitamin B12 are liver, kidney, milk, eggs, fish, cheese, meats and poultry. Vitamin B 12 is not found in many vegetables; it is available only from sea vegetables, such as dulse, and kelp. It is also available in and soybeans and soy products. In addition it is present in the herbs alfalfa, bladderwrack, and hops.

Symptoms of Deficiency

A deficiency of vitamin B 12 may cause a condition called pernicious anemia. It may lead to a poor appetite and retardation of growth in children, chronic fatigue, a sore mouth, a feeling of numbness or stiffness, loss of mental energy, and difficulty in concentration. Deficiency of vitamin B12 also results in neurological symptoms such as numbness and tingling of the arms and legs, difficulty in walking, amnesia, depression, disorientation and dementia, with or without mood swings.

Recommended Daily Allowance of Vitamin B12

  • Infants:0 – 6 months: 0.4 micrograms per day (mcg/day),7 – 12 months: 0.5 mcg/day
  • Children: 1 – 3 years: 0.9 mcg/day, 4 – 8 years: 1.2 mcg/day , 9 – 13 years: 1.8 mcg/day
  • Adolescents and Adults: Males and females age 14 and older: 2.4 mcg/day

References:

www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus
www.Ods.od.nih.gov

Conditions

Warts

Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus, known as HPV, which is a double-stranded DNA virus. HPV causes benign tumors of the epidermis, commonly referred to as warts. There are a large variety of warts that are caused by different sub-types of HPV. Cervical cancer and other wart-related cancers are also caused by HPV.

The Appearance of Warts

Typically, warts grow in cylindrical columns out of the skin. On thinner skin like the face, these columns do not fuse together and give a flat appearance. On thicker skin, the columns fuse and are packed tightly together causing the wart to be raised and giving the surface the typical mosaic pattern. Sometimes, black dots, which are blood vessels that have become thrombosed, or clotted, in the wart, can be seen.
Wart Treatment

Who is Susceptible to Warts?

Though warts Mainly occur in children and young adults, warts can occur in people of all ages. Because warts are a result of a virus, they are spread by direct contact such are merely touching a wart. Warts normally will disappear over time, but there is no specific timeline for this.

Most warts will disappear from the skin within weeks or months; however, some warts may take years to subside. The immune system plays a large role in one’s susceptibility to warts. If the immune system is compromised due to illness, warts will last longer and increase in appearance. Those who have immune-related diseases such as lymphoma, AIDS, and those who are on chemotherapy often will have lost lasting warts.

Types

An extensive variety range of wart have been identified by scientists that vary in shape, size, and site affected due to the type of HPV sub-type involved. These different wart varieties include: the common wart, the flat wart, filliform or digitate warts, plantar warts, mosaic warts, genital warts, and periungual warts. Common warts are typically found on the hands but can grow anywhere on the body.

They are raised in appearance with a rough surface. The flat wart is a small, flattened wart that is smooth in appearance.

It is flesh colored and can occur in large numbers. Flat warts most commonly occur on thin skin such as the face, neck, and hands. Filliform or digitate warts are most common on the face, near the eyelids and lips. They have a thread-like appearance. A Plantar wart is an extremely painful and hard lump that is typically found on the feet. Often there are multiple black specks, blood vessels, in the center of the plantar wart.

Mosaic warts are a tight group of plantar warts, found in clusters on the hands or soles of the feet. Genital warts are a 100% preventable sexually transmitted disease. They occur on the genitalia and there is no cure for these types of warts. Periungual warts are a less common type of wart, occurring on the nails. These types of warts are cauliflower-like in appearance and occur in clusters.

Cause

HPV is the cause of all cases of warts. There are 130 different strains of HPV. HPV Types 1, 2, and 3 are the cause for the most common varieties of warts. HPV Type 1 is the cause of plantar warts. HPV Type 2 causes other types of plantar warts, mosaic warts, filliform warts, and common warts. HPV Type 3 causes flat warts. 90% of all cases of genital warts are caused by HPV type 6. HPV types 16 and 18 cause approximately 70 % of cervical cancer cases.

Diagnosis

Typically diagnosing warts is made on appearance alone. Warts disturb the natural skin lines and are usually thickened in appearance. If the doctor suspects the wart to be a progression of skin cancer, a biopsy can be done. Many people treat cancerous legions, corns, calluses, and moles as warts, so be sure to see a doctor who can identify whether the spot is a wart.

Prevention

Keeping the immune system in balance is a way to prevent the longevity of warts. Treating warts while they are small may also help to prevent the virus from spreading any further. Sometimes, a physician may recommend a cream to apply to treated areas to help stop the reoccurrence of warts. Treating warts while they are still small may help prevent them from spreading.

Always keep sandals on when walking around pools, taking showers at the gym or dorm, and walking along the beach. HPV thrives in moist areas. The most effective way in preventing genital warts is to practice safe sex by using condoms, remaining abstinent, or avoiding sexual contact with those affected by genital warts.

Treatment

Unfortunately, there is no one cure-all for warts. Treatment for warts on the body depend on the age of the individual in addition to the size, number, and location of the warts. Common warts do not necessarily need to be treated because they exhibit a high rate of spontaneous remission. If left untreated, however, the spread of common warts can occur.

There are a wide variety of treatment options for warts. Some opt to see a doctor and using physical or chemical treatment in removing the wart. Others rely on home remedies in treating warts.

Medical Treatments

The goal of medical treatments, with the exception of surgical procedures, is to cause the body to recognize the wart as a foreign body and use the immune system to destroy it. Popular medical treatments include destructive techniques and sallacylic treatment

Destructive techniques used methods such as lasers, cryotherapy, and surgical excision to remove warts. Using pulse dye lasers to remove warts is used primarily in cases where other treatments were proven ineffective. The laser techniques use light to burn away the wart tissue. The wound will be painful after laser removal for at least a few days. Usually there is no scarring associated with laser wart removal.

Often physicians will use cryotherapy, in which the wart is exposed to liquid nitrogen for one to four treatments, in the treatment of warts. These treatments are usually separated by one to two weeks. Cryotherapy can be painful so it is not recommended for young children. Often, cryotherapy leaves a large and painful blister at the site of the wart. Surgical excision uses scissors or a scalpel to remove the wart. Larger warts may require the use of a local anesthesia to numb the area. Destructive techniques often result in scarring, can be painful, and tend to be costly.
Warts on Feett
Sallacylic acid treatments can be purchased from the pharmacy or prescribed by a doctor. The acid must be placed on the wart 2 to 3 times a day, every day for a minimum of 3 weeks. Sallacylic acid works to soften the wart, breaking down the layers of the wart. Studies have found that sallacylic acid is most effective when applied to damp skin.

Most treatment of warts needs to be repeated, as the virus is very resilient can easily spread or reoccur.

Home Remedies

There are many folk and home remedies that people have found useful in the treatment of warts. While some “old wives’ tales” such as “buying a wart off” have been dismissed, others have been proven to work.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has been shown to suppress the virus and eliminate the appearance of warts. The tea tree is a bush that grows in Australian swamps and was originally used by aborigines as an antiseptic. Many scientific studies have shown tea tree oil’s ability to be used as an antimicrobial. It is important to note that tea tree oil is poisonous and cannot be swallowed.

To use tea tree oil to affectively treat warts first apply a 2 % solution of tea tree oil to the wart three to four times a day. Continue applying tea tree oil to the wart until it is no longer visible. Tea tree oil works in eliminating warts because it contains a powerful antimicrobial called terpinen-4-ol. Terpinen-4-ol attacks the HPV causing the wart, improving the immune system, and relieving the body of the wart. Try to only put tea tree oil on the wart because it can, over time, attack the healthy skin cells.

Garlic

Garlic is commonly used in cooking but has many health benefits. Used as a blood thinner and in many cultures as a way to prevent illness, garlic has many medicinal abilities. Many medical studies have shown garlic’s effectiveness in killing different kinds of bacteria and viruses, including HPV.

Slice a clove of garlic, placing the wet side of the garlic on the wart, tape the clove to the skin using medical tape. Ideally, change the garlic slice twice a day, remembering to keep garlic on the wart at all times. Continue this process until the wart is removed from the body. Typically, this will take between 5 and 10 days. Many people advise to keep garlic on the area even after the raised part of the wart is gone, claiming that any black spots that remain could cause the wart to reappear.

This has not been proven to happen, however, so you can remove the garlic after the physical wart is gone. Garlic contains a powerful antioxidant called allicin, which also works as an antimicrobial, killing bacteria, viruses, and fungi. There are no real side effects with using garlic; however, many find that body odor and bad breath may occur with using garlic as a remedy for wart removal.

Banana Peel

Banana peels are one of the most common folk remedies for ridding the body of warts. Banana peels are a safe and inexpensive alternative to other over the counter medications sold at pharmacies.

First, eat a banana, as the potassium helps to boost the immune system. Then, cut a small piece of banana peel and placing the inside of the peel on the wart, tape down using medical tape. Lastly, be sure to change the banana peel daily. Many cultures view warts as a potassium deficiency. Bananas are rich in potassium so consuming a banana and placing the peel on the wart exposes the wart to potassium both on the inside and out. Bananas are considered safe to use as there are no side effects.

Vitamins

Many people use vitamin A and C to help boost the immune system to fight off the appearance of warts. Break open a liquid capsule of vitamin A and apply directly to the wart daily. Continue this until the wart is no longer visible. You can take vitamin A capsules as well, but remember that too much vitamin A can be toxic to the body. Crushing a vitamin C tablet, mixing it with water, and apply it directly to the wart has shown results in ridding the body of warts. The high acidity of vitamin C helps to destroy the HPV causing the wart.

Duct Tape

Placing a small square of duct tape on the warts has shown to significantly reduce the appearance of warts. This remedy is most effective on the hands and fingers. Simply place a small piece of duct tape over the wart and leave for at least 6 days. Typically, smaller warts are gone in six days but it may take longer to rid the body of larger warts. After 6 days if the wart is not gone, soak the wart in warm water, dry it, and place another piece of duct tape for an additional 6 days. Repeat this process until the wart has been removed.

Conditions

Common Cold

The common cold, also known as upper respiratory tract infection, acute viral rhinopharyngitis, acute coryza, or simply cold, is the one of the most prevalent illnesses in America. It is also the number one reason that people visit their doctors. Depending on the type of virus, symptoms and duration of cold will vary. Some people are more susceptible to colds, and might even contract them several times in a given year.
Herbal Cold Remedies
Unfortunately, there is no known cure for the common cold, only relief for its symptoms. However, colds are generally mild and manageable, and often do go away by itself over a short period of time. There are also a variety of over-the-counter and prescribed medications that can help relieve the symptoms as well.

Symptoms

Colds may exhibit any or all of the following symptoms:

Runny nose

In the beginning, mucous is often clear and thin. Over the course of the cold, mucous might thicken and become yellow and greenish in color.

Sneezing

Sneezing might occur constantly throughout the first few days and lessens over the next few days.

Nasal congestion

This is also known as a “stuffy nose” caused by the build-up of mucous in the nasal passages. Congestion can cause some discomfort in breathing and sleeping at night.

Watery eyes

Watery, itchy and red eyes can all be symptoms of the cold. Beware of excessive rubbing, which might allow bacteria to enter eyes and cause an infection.
Headaches

It is also common to develop headaches or head colds. This might be a result of a natural response in which cytokines are released by your immune system to attack the virus.

Sore Throat

Colds can cause soreness or scratchiness in the throat, making it painful to swallow and talk. Sore throat is one of the early symptoms in the onset of a cold. It could worsen if drainage from the nose or the sinuses irritates the throat, causing an infection.

Low fever

Fevers accompanying colds are usually under 102 degrees and last for a short period of time. A high fever might indicate influenza (flu), which is more severe and lasts for a longer time.

Cough

The excess mucous from the cold often irritates the throat, causing a need to cough. This symptom usually exhibits later on over the course of the cold and can persist for a much longer time, even after all other symptoms disappear.

Mild Muscle Aches

There might be a slight aching sensation throughout the body. The aches should be dull and mild enough to allow for normal body movement.

Fatigue

Fevers often cause a general feeling of tiredness and sleepiness. A person with a cold will feel a great need to rest and stay in bed.

Chills

A feeling of coldness or the need to shiver might present as a symptom. Chills usually accompany fevers and could persist until body temperature returns to normal.

Conjunctivitis

Also known as pink eye, conjunctivitis is the infection of the conjunctiva, the membrane lining the eyelids. The eyelids might look red and swollen and feel itchy and painful. There is often a yellowish discharge that can crust over the eye.

Causes

More than 200 viruses can cause the common cold. Rhinoviruses are the most common, accounting for 10 to 40 percent of all colds. The next most common group of virus is the coronavirus, which accounts for 20% of colds. The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes about 10% of all colds. Colds are mainly spread by direct physical contact.

Sneezing and coughing allow the virus to pass from one person to another. It takes about eight to twelve hours for the virus to replicate after initial contact. For the first cold symptoms to develop, it might take anywhere from ten hours to five days. The duration of a cold is typically a few days to a week. However, a cold can last up to 3 weeks, while symptoms such as coughing can last up to a month.

Risk Factors

Children are highly susceptible to colds. They are constantly in physical contact with other children, making it easier for the virus to spread. Also there is a greater tendency for children to rub their eyes and noses, allowing the virus to enter their bodies. Children are more likely to have more severe symptoms such as persistent coughing and pink eye. They are also at a greater risk for ear infections due to the worsening of cold symptoms.

Some people work in fields that put them at a higher risk for colds, such as teachers and other school personnel that work with children. Working in crowded indoor settings or with large groups of people also increases the risk of contracting the virus.

Parents are also more likely to contract colds from their children. Mothers are twice as likely to catch the cold than fathers.

Although smoking does not cause colds, it increases the risk of contracting a cold. It can also extend the duration of a cold for a few days.

The risk for contracting a cold is highest during the wintertime. One of the reasons is that people tend to be indoors more, allowing for the virus to spread quickly from one person to another. Some studies have also shown that the cold virus lives longer in cold air, making winter a likelier time for the virus to spread.

Prevention Tips

  • Wash your hands with soap and water as often as possible. Regular soap works just as well as antibacterial soap. If washing is not possible, the use of hand sanitizers or antibacterial gels can also prevent colds.
  • Cover your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze with a tissue or handkerchief. Do not use your hands. Teach children to cough or sneeze into their elbows if they do not have a tissue on hand.
  • Smoke less. Smoking can lower your immune system’s ability to fight off viruses, increasing your chances of contracting a cold.
  • Limit alcohol consumption. Just like smoking, alcohol also suppresses your immune system, making you more susceptible to the virus.
  • Drink more water. Keep your body healthy by constantly rehydrating and drinking water.
  • Sleep more. A lack of sleep might weaken your body’s defenses against viruses. Get plenty of rest and stay relaxed.
  • Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables contain the necessary vitamins and minerals that can help boost your immune system.

Test and Diagnosis Considerations

There are no specific tests that indicate whether you have the cold virus. Since colds are quite common and nonthreatening, tests are often done to rule out other possibilities instead.

Influenza or the flu is similar to the cold virus, but exhibits much more severe symptoms. Fever is usually much higher (over 102 degrees) and is accompanied with greater body aches and chills. A person with a cold might feel weaker than usual but can still fulfill simple everyday tasks. However, a person with the flu will feel extreme fatigue that prevents him or her from getting out of bed. A person diagnosed with the flu will need more bed rest and a longer absence from work or school.

A strep test might be administered to determine whether a sore throat is caused by the streptococcal bacteria or the cold virus. Strep throat can have serious long term effects and require antibiotics for treatment. Usually there are clear indications for strep, such as yellow and white patches in the back of the throat. There is usually a high fever of over 101 degrees, as oppose to a low fever for colds.
Natural Cold Remedies
Allergies can also mimic colds, with excessive sneezing, runny nose or nasal congestion. Although either condition will eventually subside by itself, allergies can be treated with antihistamines for quick relief. Allergies often involve itchiness of the eyes and nose, and are not accompanied by fevers and coughs.

Sinusitis is the inflammation or infection of the sinuses. Although colds do not directly cause sinusitis, their symptoms might. An excessive build-up of fluids in the sinus cavity can lead to infection. Usually there is pain around the eyes, nose and cheekbone area. Antibiotics can be used to treat sinusitis.

Treatment Options

Herbal and Home Remedies

Although there is no cure for the cold virus, there are many herbal and home remedies that can help relieve symptoms and shorten the duration of a cold. Most of them are safe, cost-effective and worth a try.

Water and Hot Fluids

Although water does not flush the cold out of your system like many people believe, it helps keep your body hydrated. This is especially important when you have a cold, since your body might be worn out and dehydrated. Drinking water can also loosen congestion and build-up in your throat. Hot fluids such as tea help relieve symptoms such as sore throat and congestion.

Chicken Soup

Probably the most popular remedy for a cold, chicken soup might possibly have some scientific basis for relieving colds. Some studies have shown that chicken soup actually inhibits the inflammation of cells in the nasal passage, clearing up nasal congestion. Even if its effectiveness is debated, chicken soup is still a tasty and soothing remedy for those experiencing sore throat and a loss of appetite.

Saltwater

Gargling with saltwater often helps relieve soreness in the throat. Some believe that the use of salt reduce the swelling of the throat, thereby relieving the pain.

Echinacea

Echinacea is an herbal plant that was first used by Native Americans for its medicinal properties. It has grown in popularity over the recent years and is used as a remedy to fight the common cold. It is also used as a supplement to prevent the onset of colds. The herb is available in pill or liquid form, and can even be made into a tea.

Research findings seemed to yield mixed results. Side effects are often minimal, though some people have developed allergic reactions from taking the supplement. If you experience shortness or difficulty in breathing, swelling or hives, stop taking it immediately. A person with any types of immunodeficiency or is currently on immunosuppressants should avoid taking echinacea. Echinacea is inexpensive and can be easily purchased at a health store or pharmacy.

Zinc

Zinc helps our bodies maintain a healthy immune system. Some people believe that taking zinc supplements shortens the duration of a cold. The supplement can be taken in as a pill, spray or lozenge. Since different studies yield different data, the results are still inconclusive.

It is advisable to take dosages of zinc as directed on label, since overdosing can be dangerous, interfering with the absorption and metabolism of other minerals in your body. Possible side effects include upset stomach, heartburn and nausea. Although less commonly experienced, some people have also reported fever, mouth sores, fatigue and sore throat. The average cost of the supplement ranges from $3-$25.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is essential to healthy bones, teeth and gums, and can be found in many types of fruits and vegetables. Some studies have shown that a high dose of vitamin C can reduce the severity and duration of the common cold. Others have shown that any benefits shown from the supplement might be a result of the placebo effect, whereby a person gets better from the mere belief that it is effective.

Again, data has been largely inconclusive from the scientific community. Although not dangerous, side effects of high doses of vitamin C include headache, nausea, vomiting, intestinal cramps, fatigue, insomnia, drowsiness and diarrhea. Risk for any major conditions is very low since vitamin C is water soluble and can easily pass through the body. Supplements can also be purchased at any health store and pharmacy in the price range of $5-25, depending on the brand, dosage and quantity.

Neti Pot

The neti pot is shaped like a kettle and is used for nasal irrigation, a process that existed centuries ago. The pot is filled with saline solution, which is in then poured into the nostril to flush out mucous and other irritants in the nasal cavity.

To use pot, tilt your head to one side and insert spout into nostril. Gently pour saline solution into nostril, which will then exit through the other nostril. The neti pot provides temporary relief and helps with nasal decongestion. They are available for purchase in pharmacies and homeopathic stores and costs between $10- $20.

Pharmaceutical Treatments

Analgesics/Pain Relievers

Analgesics or pain relievers do not kill the cold virus, but target cold symptoms. The most widely used analgesic is acetaminophen, which is the main ingredient of Tylenol. It is effective in reducing fevers, headaches, and muscle soreness. However, there are possible risks of liver or kidney damage in high dosages. Ibuprofen is another common pain reliever available over-the-counter at the pharmacy.

Popular brands containing ibuprofen as the active ingredient include Advil and Motrin. Side effects are rare and include anxiety, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, insomnia, fatigue and upset stomach. Salicylate or aspirin is also widely used for reducing fever and pain. Similarly to the other analgesics, aspirin has few mild side effects including dizziness, heartburn, nausea, nervousness, and upset stomach.

All three types of pain relievers are available at pharmacies. Both brand name and generics are available and generally have the same intended effect. However, generic brands are usually much less expensive than the name brand and can cost less than half the price.

Cough Suppressants (Antitussives)

Cough suppressants or antitussives can provide relief for continuous coughing by reducing the urge to cough. Many people with the cold feel a tickling and itchy sensation in their throats, inducing them to cough. Antitussives are effective for dry coughs only. For wet coughs, expectorants are much more helpful. Cough suppressants are available in syrup form or as lozenges.

The active ingredient commonly used in cough suppressants is dextromethorphan. However, it has shown to be less effective in cough medications for children. Well-known brands containing dextromethorphan include Robitussin, NyQuil, Dimetapp, and Vicks, which can be purchased at any local pharmacy for under $10.

Possible side effects include itching/rashing, nausea, drowsiness, fever, hallucinations, vomiting, blurred vision and dilated pupils. Codeine is another ingredient used in cough suppressants. Since it is a much stronger ingredient, a prescription is required.

Expectorants

Expectorants, on the other hand, thin out the mucus that is blocking the airways to the lungs. This allows the mucous to be expectorated or coughed up and relieves the congestion in the chest cavity. To determine whether cough suppressants or expectorants should be used, figure out whether the cough is wet or dry. For wet coughs, expectorants are much more effective.

The active ingredient in most expectorants is guaifenesin, found in brands including Mucinex, Tussin, and Robitussin Chest Congestion. It is not recommended for women who are pregnant. Side effects include headache, dizziness, upset stomach, diarrhea and vomiting.

Decongestants

Decongestants relieve the swelling in the nasal passages caused by an increase in mucous, clearing up congestion. They are usually available in two forms: pill or nasal spray. Pseudoephedrine is the active ingredient in decongestant medications such as Sudafed, and is also combined with analgesics to create many cold medications.

There are few side effects, including dizziness, restlessness, increased blood pressure and heart rate and irregular heartbeat. Nasal sprays allow for quick delivery of decongestants through the nose by constricting the blood vessels and openings nasal passages for immediate relief. They contain active ingredients such as oxymetazoline hydrocholoride (as in Afrin and Vicks Sinex) and phenylephrine hydrocholoride (as in Neo Synephrine and Dristan). People with high blood pressure, diabetes, heart conditions and thyroid problems should avoid using the sprays.

Side effects, though uncommon, include dizziness, nervousness, and sleeplessness. Most sprays are available over-the-counter for under $10. However, Nasonex requires a doctor’s prescription.

Resources

WebMd.Com
CDC.Gov
EverydayHealth.Com

Conditions

Examples of Antioxidants

Understanding Antioxidants

Most of us are aware of the fact that antioxidants are good for us, but not all of us are sure why and how. When you are trying to understand the concept of antioxidants and their role in keeping you healthy, you should delve a bit into their composition as well as their fundamental features. This will give you a clearer picture as to how these tiny substances work within our body.

Let’s begin with the term antioxidants. The first half, ‘anti’ obviously means something that opposes or which is altering in nature. Antioxidants work at opposing certain negative aspects of our bodily functions. Our body is like a well-oiled machine.

Grapes for Antioxidents

There is something going on in it all the time. Our breathing in of oxygen makes it the primary material needed for almost every function of the body. In the course of these processes taking place there is a certain amount of negative fallout.

This comes in the form of oxidant substances, which are formed. If they are not countered they can prove harmful to cells and can progress into chronic illnesses.

Free Radicals

These oxidants go by a more common name of free radicals. While they can be formed as a part of the body’s processes, they can also occur due to certain external factors such as excessive exposure to the sun. People who have stressful jobs or lives as well as those with vices like drinking and smoking and equally bad eating habits will also have a lot of oxidants forming in their bodies.

If these oxidants or free radicals are left free, they tend to attack and breakdown healthy cells in the body. The cells are usually DNA as well as the good proteins and fats in your body. The way you will see the damage is with the aging of your body before it should.

It will also reduce your immunity and damage your immunological system. This automatically paves the way for several illnesses like eye trouble in the form of cataracts, the onset of cancer as well as cardiac illnesses.

Reducing Power of Radicals

What antioxidants do is bind themselves to the oxidants and thereby reduce its destructive power. It also has the ability to fix damage that cells have already suffered. This can be done to a certain extent. Some antioxidants are formed within the body itself in the form of enzymes. The most common of them is Superoxide Dismutase, Catalase as well as Glutathione.

Here is an idea on how they work in your body. Superoxide Dismutase works at changing the fundamental structure of oxidants and slowly breaks it down into hydrogen peroxide. Catalase takes things forward and breaks down the hydrogen peroxide into water as well as oxygen. Glutathione, detoxifying agent, binds itself with the destructive oxidants and facilitates it removal from the body.

An external source of anti-oxidants is found in various types of food we eat. Vitamins A, C, E as well as Beta Carotene and Selenium are considered extremely beneficial antioxidants. A common is for all of them are the fruits and vegetables we eat. Ideally fruits and vegetables should be eaten in as raw a form as possible.

This will give you the best of antioxidants that have not been weakened due to cooking. Science has progressed such that antioxidant supplements are also available easily over the counter for those who do not really get antioxidants from their food intake.

The work of antioxidants on the body can be understood with certain metaphors. For example, oxidants function much like rust on metal. Rust corrodes a metal, breaks it down and finally destroys it. Antioxidants on the other hand are much like keeping cut apples fresh.

A squeeze of lime or orange juice over them and the Vitamin C prevents it from degrading and spoiling. Being able to get these antioxidants naturally from your food is the best way of keeping healthy.

Antioxidant Differences

There is a significant difference between the two major classifications of antioxidants. In order for you to understand how they work, you need to be familiar with how they function. For the first type you have what are known as water soluble antioxidants. What they primarily do is identify the free radicals, rid the body of them along with other pollutants.

This way it helps in the process of cell cytosol – or the formation of complex liquid forms within a cell. The majority of these antioxidants are acid and the more your liver and serum contains it, the better immunity you have. The most common of this form of antioxidants are:

  • Ascorbic Acid
  • Glutathione
  • Uric Acid
  • Lipoic acid

The other type of antioxidant is the lipid soluble variety. These are much more passive in nature and do not set out in search of oxidants to destroy. The way it works is to latch onto the rogue cell and then put into it a number of healthy nutrients.

This helps the injured cell replenish its resources and be healthy again. These types of antioxidants work together with existing cells and ensure that they remain healthy. Some examples of these lipid soluble antioxidants are Carotenes and Ubiquinol. The main source of these is fruits.

Types of Antioxidants

Of course, there are several antioxidants and they are found in numerous forms. Understanding the range of antioxidants available will give you are better idea of how best to ensure that you get your required amount. Here are the basic types of antioxidants.

Antioxidant nutrients: The antioxidants that we get from our diet are considered the most important form of its intake. They appear to have the most control over damage caused by the formation of free radicals. Each of these antioxidant nutrients has a unique structure as well as function. Each of these functions is unique.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a general terms that refers to approximately eight variations of the isomer Tocopherol. This is in terms of biological activity generated. For clarity, an isomer can be understood thus – a situation where one of two molecules has an identical chemical formula but a completely different atom structure.

Alpha-tocopherol is most common and has the most effect on the human body. This effect is scientifically referred to as biopotency. Its function is to dissolve fats. What Alpha-tocopherol does is to protect all cells with fatty acids from being destroyed by free radicals.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is soluble in water and also goes by the name ascorbic acid. It looks through the water-based environment in your body in search of free radicals. This means that it looks inside the cells of your body as well. Vitamin C and E work in conjunction with one another, with Vitamin C reinforcing a weaker form of Vitamin E.

Beta-Carotene

Beta-carotene, another aqueous vitamin, is perhaps the most studied of all 600 carotenoids that scientists have been able to name until today. What beta-carotene is well versed in doing is being able to search for free radicals in an environment where there is a minimal level of oxygen.

Selenium

Selenium is a trace element and a mineral that we need consume in only very small quantities, but without it, we could not survive. It forms the base of antioxidant enzymes, a major one being glutathione peroxidase. Just like selenium, manganese and zinc are an important part of antioxidant enzymes.

Antioxidant Enzymes: The main antioxidant enzymes that work to protect the body are Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) as well as glutathione peroxidase (GPx).

They work in a sort of a pattern where the SOD breaks down a radical to create hydrogen peroxide. Catalase and GPx then kick in, along with protein glutathione and create water. They work together and fix DNA that has been oxidized. It also works on improving the strength of oxidized lipids.

Other Types of Antioxidants

Apart from antioxidant vitamins, minerals and enzymes, there are certain compounds as well as nutrients that have exhibited antioxidant features. Some of them are:

  • Enzyme Q10 (CoQ10 or ubiquinone): this is needed for the creation of energy. It helps shelter the body from free radicals.
  • Uric acid, a metabolic by-product is also being experimented on as an antioxidant.
  • Plants also contain substances called phytochemicals that are believed to produce antioxidant activity. They are also believed to boost health.

Ways Antioxidants Work

The basic premise of antioxidants is that it prevents oxidation. This it does by neutralizing free radicals and oxidizing them. However, in the process these antioxidants need to be constantly replenished. The way antioxidants works goes like this.

The process of breaking the chain

When free radicals move around the body, they tend to form a second radical. They do this by releasing or stealing an electron. This process continues and several such free radicals are formed. This creates several unstable pockets throughout the body.

The free radicals work on destroying cells unless they are neutralized by an antioxidant, which breaks the process of more radicals forming or when the process finally meets its end and the radicals degenerate into a harmless substance.

The process of prevention

Now antioxidant enzymes work in such a way to prevent the chain process from occurring so frequently. Certain antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase help in the reduction of a number of chains that are initiated.

What happens is that these enzymes go in search of those radicals that initiate the process and prevent them from beginning the chain. They also stabilize metal-based radicals like copper and iron.

How effective any form of antioxidant is in the body depends completely on the free radical that it is tackling. The various factors include the way in which these oxidants were generated and how, the damage that has been done and in what concentration.

Therefore, while in one person’s body the antioxidants might have absolutely no effect in another’s it can work wonders. There are also some cases where oxidants turn into what are known as pro-oxidants. This is a toxic oxygen variant. It has to be understood however, that these are not fundamentally bad, but an excess of them can work as bad as free radicals.

Where are Antioxidants Found

There is a plethora of research going on for the artificial production of antioxidants, especially that of Vitamin E. While most of the research has put forth some promising results, food will always be a primary source of them.

Tomatos for Salad

You need a balanced diet in order to maintain good health; therefore, you will need to include at least five helpings of fruits and vegetables every single day in your diet.

This is what will constitute the much sought after balanced diet. Here is a list of foods where you can find naturally occurring anti-oxidants.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is found abundantly in vegetable oils of all sorts. Nuts such as walnuts, peanuts and almonds are recommended. There is also a range of seeds as well as olives, avocados, wheat germ and liver that contain a healthy amount of Vitamin E.

Do not forget that green and leafy vegetables are a good source. In fact the darker the color of the vegetables, the better a vitamin source they are.

Fruits & Vegetables

Make citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruit as well as lemon juice a part of your diet for Vitamin C. Vegetables such as broccoli, tomatoes, bell peppers, potatoes, cantaloupe, and strawberries are also ideal sources besides the green leafy vegetables.

Fruits and vegetables such as mangoes, papayas, pumpkins, bell peppers, apricots as well as spinach, kale, squash and sweet potatoes are abundantly rich in beta-carotene.

Seafood & Meats

Seafood and meats like, beef, pork and chicken have selenium in them as do Brazil nuts, brown rice, and whole wheat bread that you use for sandwiches.

Another source of antioxidants is phytochemicals. These are relatively new entrants into the world of nutrition. While they are not considered absolutely vital for the sustenance of human life, they have been known to exhibit certain antioxidant properties.

Phytochemicals

Phytochemicals are non-nutritive based plant chemicals. They help plants shield themselves from illnesses. More than a thousand of these have been catalogued. With time, these phytochemicals have also shown a tendency to help the human body fight oxidants.

Some commonly known phytochemicals are lycopene that occur in tomatoes, isoflavones are what you will find in soy and flavanoids are found in fruits. There are several sources of phytochemicals that can easily be included in our diet. They are:

  • Onions, leeks, chives as well as garlic are a source of Allyl Sulfides.
  • Spinach, Kale, carrots, tomatoes and watermelon are for carotenoids such as lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin.
  • Turmeric, a common ingredient in Asian cooking is full of Curcumin
  • Berries of almost all kinds have flavanoids like anthocyanins, resveratrol, quercitin, catechins. Include a lot of blueberries, strawberries, cherries, raspberries and blackberries in your diet.
  • The berries are also a source of phenols, polyphenols, phenolic compounds such as ellagic acid, ferulic acid as well as tannins).
  • Fruits such as grapes, apples and grapefruit are also beneficial.
  • Green leafy vegetables are your singular good source of Glutathione.
  • Broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts and cauliflower are all sources of indole. Most of these are also a source of Isothiocyanates such as sulforaphane.
  • Peas and soybeans are full of Isofavlones like genistein and daidzeins.
  • Seeds like flax and sunflower are your source of lignans.
  • Citrus peels along with nuts and cherries contain monoterpenes.
  • Whole grains and legumes have phytic acids, with the latter also having saponins.

There are also some herbs that are good sources of antioxidants:

Turmeric

Turmeric for example is a common ingredient in Asian cooking and has long been relied on as a natural health care ingredient. It contains the antioxidant curcumin that particularly targets free radicals that occur in the liver. It also helps in the process of digestion.

Hawthorn

Hawthorn contains antioxidants that work towards strengthening the muscle of the heart as well as the surrounding blood vessels.

Ginkgo Bilboa

Ginkgo Biloba is filled with flavonoids. This increases blood circulation to the brain as well as improves the functioning of it. Memory and self-awareness is heightened. It also helps in protecting the ears and eyes and increases the blood flow to the lower limbs.

Green Tea

Green Tea is known to protect the heart as well as to improve the circulatory system.

Red Clover

Red Clover, its extract has been found to contain four tumor-fighting compounds as well as the antioxidant tocopherol, which is a form of Vitamin E.

Billberry

Bilberry and its antioxidant compounds known as anthocyanosides assist in taking care of eye ailments such as cataracts. It helps improve night vision.

Of course, it goes without saying that merely watching your diet is not enough. There needs to be ample exercise and personal healthcare involved as well for the effects to be manifold.

Antioxidant Intake

Antioxidants are those molecules that are a safe way of dealing with free radical or oxidants that form in the body. This it does by interacting or latching on to the free radical and inhibiting it from the chain that it is habituated to creating. There are several systems within the human body to help in this process but the most important of all is the role of anti-oxidants.

The main micronutrients or vitamins that are considered important for the functioning of the body are Vitamin E, beta-carotene, and vitamin C. In addition to this selenium, a trace metal that is found in the body is also necessary for the proper functioning of the enzyme systems that the body builds up.

Not all of these can be manufactured by the body alone and many a times they have to be supplemented by diet. Here is an idea of how you can get these antioxidants and what the right amount you should get it in is.

Vitamin E

This is a d-alpha tocopherol antioxidant. What this means is that it is a vitamin that can dissolve fats in the body. This is found in nuts, seeds, vegetable and fish oils as well as whole grains such as wheat germ. It is also found in fortified cereals and dried fruits such as apricots. At present, the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for vitamin E is 15 IU for men and 12 IU for women each day.

Vitamin C

This ascorbic acid is water-soluble. The vitamin is abundantly found in citrus fruits and their juices. Peppers of all colors, cabbage, spinach, broccoli, kale, cantaloupe, kiwi a well as strawberries are good sources of Vitamin C. The RDA is 60 mg per day irrespective of sex.

If you end up taking more that 2000 mg each day, it may have some side effects on certain individuals. This depends on the make-up of the person’s body.

Beta-Carotene & Vitamin A

Beta-carotene is a forerunner to vitamin A (retinol). This is found in liver, egg yolks, milk, butter, spinach, carrots, squash, broccoli, yams, tomatoes, cantaloupe, peaches, as well as grains. Since beta-carotene is turned into vitamin A, the amount it is ingested is of no significance. Vitamin A however has no antioxidant properties and excessive intake can prove dangerous.

Choosing the Right Supplement

Besides food, there are other ways in which to have your steady intake of antioxidants. This can be in the form of antioxidant supplements. The most important thing to remember here is that you should not stick to a supplement that offers you only one nutrient.

Instead, it should be a whole range of them. A combination of all the main antioxidants will help them work in tandem to keep you in good health. A synergy between all the nutrients is a must in order for each one of them to be effective. Supplements should be high in carotenoids as well as a host of other antioxidants such as:

  • Selenium
  • Vitamin C and E
  • Pycnogenol
  • Grape Seed Extract
  • Lycopene
  • Black Seed Oil
  • Co Enzyme Q10
  • Sea Buckthorn (oil form)
  • Lipoic Acid

You might also want to consider liquid trans-resveratrol supplements. These antioxidants have proved extremely beneficial for health. However, it is a given that supplements of any sort are not the equivalent or substitutes for a healthy diet. They have to be used only in a complementary role.

Apples being Picked over

Ideally, the following antioxidants need to be in your supplement. Here is a list of the important ones and what they are useful for:

Astaxanthin

This is one that is soluble both in water as well as in fat. It has the capability of attaching itself to those cells that initiate a chain reaction in the creation of free radicals.

Grape Seed Extract

This is an abundant source of Procyanidin Dimers a very powerful Oligomeric Proanthocyanidin (OPC) that is largely found in grapes.

These anthocyanidins as the antioxidant is known to help in the care of one’s eyes and enhance the strength of the surrounding capillaries as well as muscles. The presences of bioflavanoids go a long way towards the cascading effect this OPC has.

Decaffeinated Green Tea Extract

This particular form of tea has about a 90 percent concentration of catechins which are deadly weapons against free radicals. It prevents the oxidation of LDL cholesterol as well as other lipids. It prevents the body from creating unnecessary fat and helps maintain a good blood pressure. The digestive and immune systems too are given a boost.

Tumeric Extract

Look for a curcuminoid content of around 90%. They go a long way in neutralizing free radicals and prevent their formation in the first place.

Rosemary Officinalis Extract

This helps boost the performance of Vitamin E thanks to its cascading effect. It also aids in these antioxidants being able to repeatedly look for free radicals to neutralize.

Alpha Lipoic Acid

This supports the converting of glucose into energy. This is one of the antioxidants, which has easy entry into brain. Without the presence of alpha lipoic acid in the body, vitamins E and C though present may become completely useless.

Ellagic Acid

Helps fight against mutagens and prevents chemically initiated health problems.

Resveratrol

Trans-resveratrol is a wonderful phytonutrient that has come to known as the healthiest part of red wine. This recently uncovered antioxidant is also known for its abilities to promote skin health at a cellular level. This has been one of the lesser known but most powerful of antioxidants.

Bioflavonoid Complex

The highest quantities of flavonoids are found in fruits. It is well known that these antioxidants are predominant scavengers and can find free radicals easily. The advantage of this is that it can lead to the regeneration of many antioxidants. Bioflavonoids by themselves also help in the development of capillary as well as connective tissue health.

Carotenoid Complex

A common nutrient found in yellow as well as orange colored vegetables. It works wonders alongside Selenium and Vitamin E. A good intake of these antioxidants has shown significant improvement in the quality of your cardiovascular system. What helps form the Carotenoid complex cascade is the combination of carotenoid-flavonoid-selenium-sulfate. The benefits of beta-carotene only contribute further to this the advantages of this substance.

Co-enzyme Q-10

This one works to improve the strength of the cell wall as well as surrounding membranes. This is does by giving a boost to the mitochondria of cells that are alive. A balance of weight is achieved as well an improvement of the immune system, and the cardiovascular system. The tissues, organs and oral cavity are also beneficiaries. Vitamin E works along with Co-Q10 to prevent the signs of aging.

Esterfied Vitamin C

This particular antioxidant is believed to help strengthen the body as well as throw out any residual free radicals that it encounters. It has the power to stay for extended periods in the body with only about 5 % of it eliminated.

Esterfied Vitamin C remains in the body for around 3 days whereas the regular forms of Vitamin C are expelled a day. Vitamin C plays a vital role in working in tandem with Vitamin E in what is commonly known as the cascade effect.

Vitamin E

works in unison with several other antioxidants such as glutathione, selenium and Vitamin C. The reason why Vitamin E is easily absorbed into the body is because it is done through a phytosome system of delivery. This makes it easier for the blood cells to receive.

Glutathione

Vitamin C depends on a large extent on glutathione in order to be effective. This is a vital antioxidant in Vitamin C’s cascading abilities. In the absence of glutathione, Vitamin C and E can in fact turn against you and add to the problems that the free radicals are causing. Alpha lipoic acid is what will help glutathione in its regeneration process as well as its cascading abilities.

Quercitin

A derivative from citrus fruits and full of bioflavonoids, Quercitin is considered a heavy weight among all the antioxidants. It has been widely acknowledged for its role in human health. More specifically it is used to ease the symptoms of hypertension, improve blood circulation as well as the performance of the cardiovascular systems.

Taurine

Taurine is an antioxidant that is beneficial in keeping the nervous system healthy. It is also a major player among those antioxidants that work on a cascade basis. Taurine contains a sulfur based amino acid antioxidant. This ensures that ions released from individual cells are done under proper concentration. Taurine also helps in stabilizing the cardiovascular system and improving cellular and membrane growth.

Inositol

This antioxidant is essential to stabilize membrane growth. It is a hydroxyl based radical scavenger and is needed for overall growth. Its benefits are in the areas of muscular as well as skeletal health. It prevents the thinning as well as graying of hair and sets back the signs of aging. It is also found in the body as a sugar occurring in the muscles. However, you have to keep in mind that it does not encourage the release of insulin.

Potassium Sulfate

Sulfur is an essential part of detoxification. It is also provides great relief from oxidative stress. It plays a key role in the cascading chemical processes along with several other formulations. This particular potassium variation of sulfate helps and stimulates development of cellular energy.

Selenium

Another vital nutrient in the range of antioxidant cascades. It plays an important role in ensuring that you have well balanced cellular health. Selenium works on the carrier methionine, an amino acid and this allows it to be absorbed through the intestines easily.

Selenomethione

There is always the need for a booster of sorts to make things work well. That is what Selenomethione is. It is a natural mineral and helps speed up as well as improve on the work of the main anti-oxidants such as Vitamins A, C as well as E. It forms a part of Glutathione. It is not that easily found in the food we eat though.

Copper

plays a vital role in maintaining the strength and suppleness of our skin, the blood vessels and the connective tissue. A copper deficiency will actually heighten the damage caused by free radicals. In fact this is an important antioxidant to look out for in supplements especially those that also contain zinc as well as Vitamin A, which is found in turn, as a part of beta-carotene.

Zinc Monomethionine

This particular form of zinc is easily absorbed and held within the body. It is essential as a support system for around 70 varying enzyme systems. It helps strengthen the body’s natural defense systems. It works as a support for the reproductive system, formation of bones as well as the structure and metabolic action of Vitamins A and E. It aids production of energy as well as DNA and protein synthesis. And most important of all, it has major free radical scavenging properties.

Health Care & Antioxidants

Now it is an understood fact that antioxidants help in keeping the body healthy as well as working towards the anti-aging concepts. Besides this, antioxidants have also been known to help in preventing major illnesses. While research is still underway, there are several aspects that need to be understood.

Dealing with cancer and heart ailments

Observers of epidemiology have noticed a clear indication that there have been lower rates of cancer among those people whose diets are well balanced in terms of fruits and vegetables. This observation has given rise to the research theory that substances such as antioxidants may help towards prevention of the onset of cancer.

There is extensive as well as intense scientific research being conducted on this. However, as of now, there seems to be no scientifically endorsed reasons to believe that a diet that has been infused with additional antioxidants has been successful in thwarting the development or onset of cancer. There has even been one study, which showed that there could be a reversal of effects in terms of smokers.

There was an increased chance of smokers who supplement with antioxidants developing cancer than those who did not. This was among male smokers. It was not really established whether the result was from the antioxidants or from other possible conditions.

Unproven Claims

Antioxidants are believed to be able to slow down the aging process that we all go through. This in turn should have a hand in preventing heart disease and consequently strokes. However, this information as well as the related research has remained inconclusive.

It is therefore not really possible for scientists to recommend to the public that antioxidant supplements prevent such illnesses or processes from running their natural course. Until the results of ongoing research are made public in a few years, it would be better to stick to a healthy and balanced diet of the recommended five helpings of fruits or vegetables every day.

The role of exercise

Those who are professional athletes undergo a lot of endurance exercises. This increases the intake of oxygen by almost 20 times. Free radicals are rapidly produced during this time as the lack of oxygen makes it a conducive environment. The problem that then comes up is what athletes can do to prevent this from happening. Will they require supplementation in terms of antioxidants?

Since it is not possible for one to measure the amount of free radicals that develop in the body, scientists have worked out another method where by the by-products of these free radicals are measured in terms of reactions. If it is found that the generation of free radicals is more than the line of defense that antioxidants can provide, it is obvious that the by-products will be more. Athletes have been tested under varying conditions.

The resultant findings have indeed proved interesting. It has been seen that regular and constant exercise has actually increased the chances of antioxidants working well on the body. This is an important deduction since it shows that the body has its own mechanism by which it determines how much it should adapt to the need of exercise. These mutually compatible needs are a result of constant exercise over a long period of time.

Exercising and its Benefits

On the other end of the spectrum however, is the intense exercise that one indulges in. For those who do it on a regular basis for a long period of time, it should not have too many adverse effects. However, for those who are untrained and inconsistent, the results may not be too good.

In fact, for those who exercise on whim or only on weekends, the chances of free radicals playing havoc on the system increases. There are several factors that you as an exercising individual will have to take into consideration such as the extent of your physical conditioning, the intensity of your exercise regimen as well as your diet.

Many of you may also wonder whether it is possible for antioxidants to reduce the sometimes damaging effects of exercise or whether it is possible to reverse such damage? The studies in this regard are still in the inconclusive stage. However, based on research data a hypothesis has been developed where Vitamin E can be considered as an important means of preventing the ill effects of exercising. However, how much Vitamin E is required remains unknown. There may be cases where supplementing may be required.

Enhancing Performance

In terms of performance enhancement, antioxidant supplements have really proven their mettle for athletes. The only exception has been Vitamin E. It has been proved to be extremely useful for those athletes who must train at high altitudes.

Once again, a generalization is difficult to arrive at and very generally, one can say that triathletes can benefit from Vitamin E. Ingesting a range of these antioxidants without really understanding or evaluating their effect on your body may not be such a good idea. What would ideally be recommended are the following:

Training Program

Make sure that you have a well-balanced exercise-training program. The emphasis should be on regular exercise as well as the balanced diet that includes five servings of fruit or vegetables per day. This way you ensure that your body gets exactly what it needs as well as exercise in a way that is beneficial.

For those people who only exercise on occasion, be warned, you need to follow a more balanced means of exercising. Only if you are enable to do this should you think of supplementation and that to under expert advice.

If you are training for a really trying race then try and take a Vitamin E supplement. In terms of dosage, 100 to 200 IU for training athletes. This is approximately 10 times the RDA mentioned) per day. This should be for several weeks prior to the race as part of the run up.

Keep yourself abreast of all upcoming FDA recommendations. Do not succumb to advertising or in your face media hype.

No matter what the situation do no randomly pop supplements. Over supplementing can be a very dangerous thing.

In Conclusion

It is by now a given that the antioxidants that we get from food are good for us. That stands undisputed. However, when it comes to supplements, there is no real basis for the exact dosage that we need to take. Though they were once thought of as essential and perhaps even helpful, today there are concerns on the possibility of its reactions with some other nutrients as well as the potential toxicity.

When found in normal concentrations within the human body, vitamin C and beta-carotene are antioxidants. However, if they occur in higher doses, they automatically become pro-oxidants or something that actually promotes the occurring of free radicals. Thus, it is understood that supplements could in fact work negatively. The long-term consequences of antioxidant supplements are yet to be ascertained.

Antioxidants

Glutathione

Glutathione, also referred to as L-Glutathione, L-gammaglutamyl, L-cysteinylglycine or GSH, is a tripeptide naturally occurring in the body. Existing in almost every cell of the body, Glutathione is a small molecule made up of three amino acids: cysteine, glycine, and glutamic acid. Glutathione, however, must be generated within the cells before it can work effectively within the body.

Glutathione is important to intermediary metabolism, immune response, and overall health. Often referred to as the “mother of all antioxidants,” glutathione is vital in aiding the multiplication of lymphocytes, the cells that mediate specific immunity, that occur in the development of an effective immune response. Glutathione is also used in repairing cellular damage from harmful free radicals and reducing oxidative stress. Glutathione is essential in protecting organs such as the liver, the eyes, skin, kidneys, brain, and heart. glutathione usage

History of Glutathione

The discovery of glutathione first was in 1888 by De-Rey-Pailhade, but its role as an antioxidant and detoxifier was not discovered until 30 years later. Glutathione was first isolated by Sir Frederick Gowland Hopkins in 1926. Isolating glutathione lead to understanding of this powerful tripeptide and exploration of its many uses. Hopkins made is the discovery and characterization of glutathione that is described in the Journal of Biological Chemistry. He recognized that glutathione was important as a hydrogen acceptor in a number of biochemical reactions. In addition, Hopkins observed the way the body utilized oxygen in relation to glutathione levels.

Glutathione in Foods

Foods that naturally boost glutathione levels are fruits, herbs, vegetables and meats. Vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, onions, Brussels sprouts and cabbage, tomatoes, carrots, spinach, and asparagus are good sources of glutathione. Watermelon, avocado, fruits rich in vitamin C like oranges, foods containing vitamin E like almonds all contain positive levels of glutathione. Glutathione is found in raw eggs, fresh, unprocessed meats, garlic, turmeric, and herbs such as cinnamon and cardamom. Brazil nuts are also an effective source of glutathione. Eating one Brazil nut a few times a week is an acceptable way to increase glutathione levels; however, Brazil nuts are high in calories.

Supplements

Unfortunately, there is no evidence of the benefits of taking glutathione as a supplement. Research suggests that glutathione taken orally is not well absorbed within the gastrointestinal tract. Taking supplements such as acetylcysteine, which is an antioxidant that can regenerate glutathione within cells. Another antioxidant to consider is the mineral selenium, which helps to boost glutathione production within the body. Other methods of glutathione supplementation have been found to be somewhat effective. These methods are administering glutathione using nasal sprays, sublingual (under the tongue), patches, and through injections.

It is rumored that actress Suzanne Summers spends over nine hundred dollars a month on glutathione injections to keep her healthy and give her body a youthful appearance. Oral supplements of glutathione are easily available at many places on the Internet such as amazon.com and vitacost.com and can also be found in retail stores such as GNC or walmart. The cost depends on the amount of capsules and milligrams of glutathione; at GNC a 50 mg bottle of 50 tablets is sold for $9.99. Mineral supplements such as selenium are available on the Internet at websites such as drugstore.com and herbal remedy.com for approximately $10 for 100 tablets.

Selenium is also available for purchase at many retail stores including walmart, walgreens, and kmart. Undenatured, or non-heated, whey protein is also high in glutathione. There have been some studies that have shown that the glutathione found in whey protein can be absorbed by the body. Whey protein is a commonly found product that is sold at retail stores such as walmart or Target and online at websites like drugstore.com. Whey protein varies in prices but one can expect to pay $15.00 for a two-pound container of whey protein powder. One typically consumes whey powder in shakes.

There are many different flavors of whey protein powder such as chocolate, vanilla, and cookies and cream and it is very soluble, mixing easily into a healthy shake. There are no documented side effects of taking whey protein supplements.

Dosage

Oral glutathione is taken in ranges of 50 mg to 600 mg, when inhaled through nasal sprays the dosage of glutathione is 600 mg twice a day, when used as an injection a dosage of 600 mg once a day is recommended by most physicians. If taking an oral glutathione supplement, it is important to only take the dose recommended on the instructions and only take supplements from a very reputable manufacturer, as these supplements are not closely regulated.

Controversy

There is debate about the actual benefits of glutathione supplements in any form: oral, inhaled, or injected. Many scientists discount any supplemental product of glutathione sold, saying that the antioxidant cannot be absorbed into the body from these supplements. They recommend increasing your diet in foods naturally rich in glutathione. Several doctors agree that it is simply impossible to increase circulating glutathione to a clinically beneficial extent by consuming glutathione supplements. Those who are attracted to a more holistic approach to healthcare tend to disagree with those physicians, citing personal anecdotes and experiences as proof of the abundant benefits of glutathione supplements. Vitamin companies also boast the benefits of glutathione supplements. Many companies claim that their products decrease signs of aging, help to clear skin of imperfections or to whiten the skin, improve the immune system, reverse damage from smoking, reverse damage due to aging, and increase energy.

Side Effects

Generally, glutathione is said to be free of side effects. Considered safe by the Food and Drug Administration, no reports of harmful side effects have been published in any medical journals. There is one reported side effect has been contributed to glutathione, which is skin whitening. Skin whitening occurs when glutathione is taken in increased doses by modifying conversion of eumelanin (dark/brown/yellow pigmentation) to phaeomelanin (reddish white pigmentation). Many dermatologists use glutathione as a skin whitener and it has been proven to be very safe and effective. glutathione usage

Levels of Glutathione in the Body

One of the main causes of law levels of glutathione are free radicals. An increased presence of free radicals in the body can cause oxidative stress. Low levels of glutathione deficiency contribute to oxidative stress, which plays a key role in aging.

Oxidative stress can also worsen many diseases which include Alzheimer’s disease, liver disease, Parkinson’s disease, cystic fibrosis, cancer sickle cell anemia, HIV and AIDS, diabetes, and heart attack. The aging process also causes lower levels of glutathione in the body. By age 20, the body begins to lose between 10-15% of glutathione per decade.

It is important to increase consumption of foods rich in glutathione after age 20. Other ways glutathione is decreased in the body can be from pollution, stress, exposure to poison such as pesticides, and birth control pills and hormone therapy. The higher glutathione levels are the healthier the individual is. High levels of glutathione help to rid the body of toxins and boost the immune system as well as the metabolism and energy levels.

Many dermatologists recommend eating foods high in glutathione to help reduce the signs of aging and improve skin clarity. Raising levels of glutathione in the body has an impact on almost every disease and sickness. An increased presence of glutathione can help to reduce symptoms of and prevent colds and the flu, can increase energy levels, and can slow memory loss.

Uses

People of any age and lifestyle can benefit from increased levels of glutathione in the body. Glutathione contains so many healthy effects and no known negative side effects; because of this, most doctors and nurses encourage people to increase foods rich in this powerful antioxidant in their diet. Scientists agree that consuming increased amounts of glutathione early in life promotes longevity and reduce the potential of contracting and severity of chronic diseases. By neutralizing and repairing the damage done by free radicals, glutathione is proven to help slow the aging process.

Many doctors are further researching the benefits of high levels of glutathione for several conditions including Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, heart disease, osteoarthritis, Parkinson’s disease, cornea disorders, kidney dysfunction, liver disorders, and immunodepression that occurs in diseases such as AIDS. There is increased evidence suggesting that cellular redox, or reduction-oxidation, status is key in regulating viral replication and infectivity; glutathione helps to maintain a healthy cellular redox status. Glutathione has been proved to reduce flu symptoms by one third and increased levels of glutathione have shown a reduced chance of contacting the flu.

Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s

In Parkinson’s disease, research has revealed that oxidative stress and free radicals add to the deterioration of brain tissue. Low levels of glutathione have been found in those suffering from severe damaged brain tissue due to Parkinson’s disease. High levels of glutathione can slow the progression of brain tissue damage. Memory loss associated with Alzheimer’s disease has been proven to slow with an elevated level of glutathione in the body. Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by degeneration of brain nerve cells and shrinkage of brain tissue. While it is unclear whether oxidative damage is a cause or merely an effect of Alzheimer’s, glutathione has been proven to slow down the progression of the disease.

Antioxidants

Selenium

Selenium is a naturally occurring mineral that, when combined with proteins in the body, becomes a powerful antioxidant. It helps strengthen the body in many ways. The most important is how it affects the immune system. By building up the immune system it allows the body to fight off many diseases, such as cancer. Selenium is found in a multitude of food sources and in supplements making it accessible to everyone.

Where Can You Find It

Selenium is a trace mineral found in the soil and is absorbed into plant life. This absorption is key to creating healthy levels of the mineral in food sources. The United States has a high concentrations of Selenium in the soil. Some countries, such as China, have very low concentrations. These areas lead to deficient populations because most eat only locally grown foods. They will need to supplement their diet or eat foods grown in Selenium rich soil. The United States has a well established system of cross distribution which allows for those living in lower level areas to still have access to richer foods.

Good sources of this mineral are corn, wheat, rice, soybeans, Brazil nuts and walnuts. In fact, Brazil nuts have such a concentrated amount of Selenium that intake should be limited. In addition to the plant life, animals that feed off these plants also produce foods rich in Selenium. Beef, chicken, turkey, kidney, liver and fish are all good sources of Selenium. These animals also produce milk, eggs, and cheese rich in this mineral. Therefore, a nutrient rich soil becomes a constant source for good health.

How It Affects the Body

The natural process of the human body includes the metabolism of oxygen. This process causes the formation of bi-products, or free radicals, which can weaken the immune system, lead to chronic diseases and quicken the effects of aging. Selenium is an antioxidant that helps the body to fight against the effects of these free radicals.

This strengthens the immune system and allows the body to function properly. This is the key factor that makes this mineral such an important tool in protecting and supporting our bodies.

Inadequate amounts of Selenium in the body puts additional stress on its systems and increases its chances of falling victim to certain diseases. There are three specific diseases that have been directly linked to Selenium deficiencies.
Selenium Benefits
Keshan Disease affects children, causing an enlarged heart and poor heart function. Kashin-Beck Disease causes Osteoarthropathy, a disease affecting the bones and joints. Myxedematous Endemic Cretinism is a deficiency that leads to mental retardation. These reflect the importance of adequate levels of this important nutrient in all ages and stages of life.

The Disease Fighter

Cancer

Selenium, because of its antioxidant property, has been used in fighting off many diseases and help regulate organ function. Tests have shown it to lower incidence and death from certain cancers. A ten year study showed that men taking 200 mg of Selenium per day had fifty percent less chance of having prostate cancer.

Another study done by the National Cancer Institute found that the return of precancerous colon polyps after surgery was reduced greatly when the patient took antioxidants like Selenium.

There is also evidence that it prevents Hepatitis from evolving into liver cancer. There is ongoing research that plans to substantiate claims that cancer patients with higher levels of Selenium have lower death rates.

HIV and AIDS

Selenium is not just a cancer fighter. Additional studies have discovered many more ways it strengthens the human body, particularly helping patients struggling with various diseases. HIV patients that maintain healthy levels of this nutrient have lower death rates than those with weak levels. It is believed that the already depleted immune system is further weakened by the low levels of Selenium in dying patients.

Arthritis

Arthritis sufferers have a similar problem. Most arthritis patients have low levels of Selenium, resulting in a weaker immune system which can trigger arthritic symptoms.

Heart Disease

It is also believed that healthy amounts of the mineral may help prevent heart disease by limiting the oxidation of LDL, or bad, cholesterol.

Diabetes

Findings have recently been released after a nine year study of older men and blood sugar metabolism. The men whose Selenium levels were high had less problems metabolizing sugar. This adds possible prevention of the onset of diabetes to the list of what this antioxidant can do for the human body.

Purifies the Body

Selenium is also a purifier for our organ systems. It protects us against the presence of unhealthy metals in the body, such as the Mercury ingested with fish and seafood. It is believed that the mineral binds to these metals and weaken the negative impact on the body and its systems. This does more than defend the body, but also allows for the combination of the mineral with the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and seafood to be used by the body without negative side effects.

Fertility

Fertility can also be strengthened by healthy levels of Selenium. Low levels of this nutrient have been found in men with low sperm count. It is believed that the antioxidant helps to aid in sperm formation. It is also believed to prevent chromosome breakage, reducing the number of birth defects and miscarriages.

Reduces Swelling

Healthy levels have also been found to reduce edema, or swelling, after surgery and during pregnancy. New studies are being done to expand on new ways Selenium may improve our health.

Supplement Your Diet

Selenium supplements are found on many store shelves and through the internet. They are considered safe and effective. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration has allowed the manufacturers to state on the bottles that the mineral may prevent certain cancers. There are various dosage levels and can be found in tablet or liquid form.

Supplements that combine Selenium with other nutrients, especially Vitamin E, are very popular. It is believed that the Selenium is even more effective when combined with Vitamin E. The cost is reasonable, with prices typically lower through online health stores. Health focused stores also tend to have a wider selection available.

Those that benefit most from these supplements are people living in areas known for low Selenium levels and sufferers of chronic disease, particularly those that involve the immune system. Patients with gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn’s disease, should also supplement their diet. When the gastrointestinal tract is not working properly it does not absorb all the nutrients.

Taking additional supplements will better guarantee that the body is getting what it needs. Anyone suffering from these types of issues should discuss the need for supplements with their physician.

Daily Allowance

The recommended daily allowance of Selenium varies based on age. The dosage remains the same for men and women. However, there is a required increase during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. The average adult should be ingesting about 200 micrograms a day. Health issues, such as low absorption rates due to gastrointestinal issues, may demand higher amounts. Higher levels should always be based on a doctor’s order to prevent toxic levels.

Concerns Over Toxic Levels

It is possible to ingest too much Selenium. For example, there is some discussion that high levels of Selenium may lead to hypertension. Dosages beyond that in a typical multivitamin should be physician directed due to the possible toxic threat. Toxic levels are rare in the United States, but can occur. The level found in most food sources are very safe.

The amounts in Brazil nuts are incredibly high, but do not pose a problem if eaten in amounts considered normal for nuts. The most common source of Selenium toxicity is in areas surrounding mountain coal mining sites. Coal has a high concentration of Selenium.

The soil surrounding the coal also has high levels. The runoff during mining of this surrounding soil and the ash from burned coal have been found in nearby streams and rivers. This affects wildlife and water sources. People may suffer symptoms of toxicity if safe water levels are not maintained or by eating affected plant life, wild life and fish.

The symptoms for toxic Selenium levels are an upset gastrointestinal tract, hair loss, fatigue, irritability, mild nerve damage, white, blotchy nails, and breath with a garlic odor. Symptoms normally occur in five to ten days and could last up to a few weeks once the amount is lowered to a healthy level. Long term toxic levels will damage the circulatory system, nervous system, kidneys and liver. There is not an antidote for selenium poisoning. A simple blood test can be done to verify if Selenium levels are healthy.

Wide Availability

Selenium is found in multiple food sources and easily available supplements. It is considered a powerful antioxidant and is known for protecting the body by strengthening the immune system. Studies have shown how it prevents certain diseases and has decreased relapses and deaths in patients. Scientists are continuing to gather evidence supporting their theories on the additional health benefits Selenium has on the human body.