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Don’t Forget To Breathe

October 13th, 2012 No comments

As we’re getting back into our schedule of routines, we are getting back to the hassles and stresses that we tried to avoid all summer. In doing so, many of us are fighting with stress, the inability to sleep, or even restless sleep at best. This month, our tip is some thing you can do to help eliminate the effects of stress on your body.

One of the best “stress busters” is breathing. In our daily regime, we seldom take deep breaths, which help cleanse our system of toxins, help regulate our heartbeat, and all kinds of other good things for our body. One of the best breathing protocols I’ve heard is something I learned at an Anthony Robbins seminar. Whether or not he came up with the idea, I want to give him credit, since this is where I learned it, and have been using it ever since. It is the count of 1:4:2 method. Inhale through your nose for 4-5 seconds, hold your breath for 4x that length (16-20 seconds), and then exhale through your mouth for 2x the initial length (8-10 seconds). I usually start with 4 seconds in, 16 seconds hold, and 8 seconds out. This can be increased or decreased depending on your abilities, but should be done for 10 breath cycles. This simple exercise can help make a big difference when confronted by stress, when having a difficult time calming down, or getting to sleep.

breathingPeople are always looking for the magic supplement that will help eliminate stress and its’ deadly effects on our body, and at this time, I don’t know of one single supplement that we can take that will “do it all”. But, there are several supplements that we can take to help reduce stresses effects, and help our bodies cope. The first stress buster supplement is B-Complex. Vitamin B has MANY factors that help our body cope with stress, and we highly recommend B-Complex for all our “stressed” patients. Many B-complex vitamins are the same, but some are better quality than others, and there are specific ones we recommend. If you are unsure which to use, ask us next time you’re in the office, which ones we think are the best.

Another supplement we recommend is Formula 303. This is a special formulation from Dee Cee Labs that contains Valerian root as the primary ingredient. Valerian root has been shown in clinical trials to be beneficial in aiding sleep and relaxing muscles. Valerian root has been used in Germany for years as a primary muscle relaxant, which is non-addictive, and non-habit forming.

Another supplement we recommend is Proteo-Plus. This supplement is an anti-oxidant and contains proteolytic enzymes which help enhance the body’s ability to heal from traumas or periods of increased stress. This special formula has been found to have one of the most effective and efficient anti-oxidant properties and has been found to help the body repair and eliminate harmful oxidized compound.

One final stress buster is WATER. I keep “harping” on the benefits of water, but if we would keep our bodies better hydrated, several of the effects of stress would be much less damaging. So the next time you feel a little stressed, drink some water, take some deep breaths, take your anti-stress supplements and know that it will all work out!

Do You Need A Water Storage Tank?

March 11th, 2012 No comments

Having the luxury of being able to avail of potable tap water is not something that everyone has. For those who have access to potable water 24/7, then well and good. The thing is, sometimes, we take this for granted even though we know that water is among the most basic of things that we need to be able to survive. Without water, we cannot possibly live for a very long time. We will die a natural death with its absence.
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So, for places that do not have easy access to clean, potable water, residents there should take the time and should save up for a water storage tank to make sure they always have access to clean drinking water. It is a good thing that in America, a lot of households have access to clean, potable drinking water. Other countries do not have such luxury, and since water is among the most basic of man’s needs, then looking for means to have a good water storage system is of utmost importance.

water tankEven in places where people have access to clean, potable drinking water, water storage tanks are still considered a necessity, especially for people who wants to always ensure their health and safety. The extra precaution they take in order to ensure their family’s health and safety is of utmost importance, and thus, the need of installing drinking water storage tanks in their residences.

Based on a research done by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), there are more than 160,000 water systems that provide water to almost all residents of the United States at any given point in their lives. This may sound comforting for some, yes, but there are times wherein the water is not properly treated. There are times that the water does not travel through a properly disinfected distribution system and thus, impose a lot of risks on the health of the individuals drinking them. This causes concern, and to top it all off, pollution is also considered as a factor that contaminates water. To avoid any of these things from afflicting you and your family, then it is going to be a wise move investing in water storage tanks. At least, they can give you more peace of mind.

There are different types of water storage tanks available in the market today. To make sure that they suit your needs, you need to make sure that you know what specifications you need them to meet, like how much water you need stored, how long you need it stored, and for what specific use it should be. Also, you need to consider where you are going to place it. These are just among the considerations, and of course, you would want to get the one that would suit your needs to a tee, so it’s important that you make a list before you purchase anything related to water storage.

Want Healthy Blood? Then Check Out These 4 Isoflavone Benefits

January 25th, 2012 No comments

The isoflavones are a group of non-essential nutrients that can be found in soybeans. Although they are not required for human survival, these plant based nutrients have numerous health benefits. Studies have shown that they can prevent cancer, assist in the treatment of diabetes and much more. In this article I will be taking a deeper look at this topic and breaking down 4 isoflavone benefits.

1) FIGHTING FREE RADICALS:

Free radicals are destructive substances that your body’s cells release as a by-product of oxygen related reactions. They have a number of nasty symptoms which include increasing your risk of contracting cancer (a health disorder where your cells start to grow in a rapid, uncontrollable way), increasing your risk of contracting diabetes (a health disorder which causes your blood glucose levels to become extremely high) and accelerating the ageing process. Fortunately, the isoflavones can minimise the effects free radicals have on your body by acting as antioxidants (substances that protect your body’s cells from free radicals).

2) REDUCING YOUR CANCER RISK:

Cancer is an unpleasant health disorder where the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in your body’s cells gets damaged and stimulates rapid, uncontrollable cellular growth. Over time this rapid growth develops into a tumour which can become cancerous. Cancerous tumours then spread to other areas of the body and destroy the cells that surround them. The good news is 1 of the key isoflavone benefits is cancer prevention. Research has shown that these nutrients act in a protective capacity against this nasty disease and are particularly effective at preventing breast cancer and prostate cancer.

3) SUPPORTING HEALTHY BLOOD FLOW:

Your blood has a number of important roles in the body. It carries oxygen to where it is needed, assists in the removal of waste materials and helps fight disease and infection as part of the immune system. The isoflavones ensure that blood can always get to where it is needed by preventing atherosclerosis (a condition where hard plaques form on the artery walls and block the flow of blood) and help to maintain a healthy blood supply in your body at all times.

4) TREATING DIABETES:

Diabetes is a nasty disease where your blood glucose reaches significantly high levels. It develops either when your pancreas stops producing enough insulin (the hormone which allows your body’s cells to take glucose from the blood) or when your body’s cells stop responding to insulin. Untreated diabetes can cause serious damage to your blood vessels, cells and vital organs. Fortunately, 1 of the important isoflavone benefits is that they can prevent and treat diabetes. They do this by making your cells more receptive to insulin and controlling the level of glucose in your blood.

SUMMARY:

Most UK diets contain very few isoflavones. If you are not currently eating them you could be missing out on some serious health benefits. Edamame soybeans can be found in the majority of supermarkets and are a great alternative to traditional salads or vegetables. So next time you do your weekly shop look out for Edamame soybeans and activate the many isoflavone benefits.

Sunshine – Health Facts About Vitamin D and Sunlight Exposure

January 19th, 2012 No comments

Did you know that by getting adequate exposure to sunshine health levels actually increase? It’s true. Of course, you wouldn’t learn this truth by reading most news reports. Media reports have practically vilified sunlight exposure. It is true that excessive exposure to sunlight, just like excessive levels of just about anything, is bad for your health.

We cannot afford to throw out the baby with the bathwater when it comes to gleaning the health benefits of proper exposure to sunlight. Our bodies need to soak up sunshine to be truly healthy. In fact, there are vital processes that are slowed or stopped altogether when people avoid going out into the sunshine.

health facts about vitamin DHow Does Sunshine Improve Health?

The human body needs to interact with sunshine in order to process and properly utilize Vitamin D. Vitamin D has many benefits, but one of the most important is its role in the mineralization and strengthening of bones. Without regular exposure to sunlight this essential vitamin will be unavailable to your body. Brittle bone diseases and serious bone injuries happen when bones lack strength.

It’s not just bones that benefit from a regular regiment of sunshine exposure. Routine exposure to sunshine also helps your body to maintain healthy nerves, blood rich in iron and more powerful muscles.

In cultures where the people are not afraid of regular exposures to sunshine, health levels seem to increase. People who live in North America and Europe suffer the most from lack of exposure to the sun. Millions of people in these countries suffer from a variety of health issues that could be averted altogether by taking time for regular sun exposure to the skin.

Experts estimate that as little as 10 to 15 minutes in the sun each day can dramatically reduce many serious health issues. There simply aren’t many things that can have such a dramatic impact on your health that are so simple to do. Not only is it easy to get regular sunlight exposure, it’s also free. Imagine that; something you can do every day to live a healthier life, that won’t cost you a penny.

What’s the Fuss about Skin Cancer?

In order for more people to take advantage of the power of sunshine health benefits, reeducation about sunlight exposure seems to be necessary. As was previously mentioned, the epidemic of skin cancer has caused a backlash against spending any time at all in the sun. Of course, skin cancer is a very serious condition, but it is usually caused by failing to protect the skin and inordinate amounts of time spent on tanning and other outdoor activities. True health is all about balance. If you eat too much health problems will occur. In a similar manner, spending huge chunks of your time tanning in the sunlight will also cause significant health problems, like skin cancer.

Simply put, your body will never be in a state of true health without regular time spent in the sunlight. Sunshine health benefits are available to everyone under the sun. This huge asset is free and people need to know just how important it is for living a healthier life.

Can Heartburn Happen During Pregnancy?

January 16th, 2012 No comments
Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest caused by reflux of acid from the stomach that is usually due to a dysfunctional Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES). However, during pregnancy, heartburn happens not because the LES is dysfunctional, but, primarily due to the increased level of progesterone released by the placenta. Progesterone helps relax smooth muscles, such as the LES, that causes the acid to backflow from the stomach to the esophagus; thus, producing heartburn. Another contributing factor is the fetal growth; as the fetus grows bigger, the pressure on the abdomen increases contributing to acid reflux which results to heartburn.
heartburn during pregnancyThough heartburn may be inevitable in pregnancy, it is important to minimize its effects to lessen the discomfort.

- Eating small, frequent meals should be advised. Big meals would help increase the pressure in the stomach, aggravating the heartburn
- Highly acidic foods should be avoided because this increases the risk of heartburn
- Mentholated foods should be avoided because it helps relax the already relaxed LES, increasing the tendency of heartburn
- Caffeinated drinks decrease the pressure in the LES resulting to heartburn
- Alcohol consumption should be stopped because alcohol relaxes the LES causing the gastric contents to backflow to the esophagus
- Spicy foods should be avoided because these increases gastric acid secretion
- Carbonated drinks should be avoided because it distends the stomach which increases pressure to the LES allowing backflow of the partly digested food (chyme)
- When bending, it is important to follow proper body mechanics by bending the knees instead of the waist. This prevents increased pressure in the stomach.
- Avoid eating one to two hours before bedtime to prevent backflow of the chyme
- Sleep with the head of the bed elevated to decrease the risk of reflux
- Smoking should be avoided since it precipitates heartburn

For relief of Heartburn, physicians may prescribe medications that are safe for pregnant women. Antacids that contain magnesium hydroxide or magnesium oxide are proved to be safe for pregnant women. These act to neutralize gastric acid, decreasing pain.

However, pregnant women should bear in mind that they should not buy over the counter antacids because some antacids are not safe for pregnancy. Antacids containing Aluminum can be very toxic to the fetus. It may cause irreversible damage to the baby. Aspirin and aspirin-containing medications should also be avoided during pregnancy because these may increase the risk for bleeding.
It is important to note that pregnant women should be careful on whatever medications they take because these may damage the fetus. At all instances, it is important that they should consult the doctor first.

Eco-Friendly Glass Water Bottles

January 16th, 2012 No comments

The issue of the conservation of the environment is a subject of concern and something that should be the responsibility of everyone. If we want to keep our environment as healthy as we can, we ought to start doing so by becoming eco-friendly. One way to do so is by using eco-friendly glass bottles that are reusable instead of using plastic water bottles. If you are interested in keeping a healthy lifestyle while at the same time playing their part in looking after the environment will use an eco-friendly water bottle.

eco-bottleThese bottles have become many people’s favorites. Because many people are knowledgable and well versed in issues of environmental hazards especially the use of plastic containers, eco-friendly water bottles made of glass have become preferable. Glass has no chemical liner as contrasted to plastic which is damaging to the environment particularly when it is not disposed of in the correct manner.

Many promotional companies and businesses have picked up on this vibe and have followed suit. If you are looking to use eco-friendly glass water bottles for your promotional campaigns, you will find them at different affordable prices depending on your budget. Glass bottles can be designed with a company logo and name and then used as giveaway gifts to customers, employees, at the corporate level and trade shows and exhibitions.

The use of eco-bottles to promote a company will always result in better relations between the business and its clients because people who are conscious of the need to conserve the environment will definitely want to identify with a business that has these same ideals. With the business of promotional products going green, promoting with eco-friendly glass water bottles is definitely a plus for any company. While such items are vital for businesses in their quest to create brand visibility and increase awareness in the market, using those products shows that a company is concerned not only with profits but also with values in society that are positive and help conserve the environment.

When you decide to use a safe glass bottle for your promotions, you also show that you are concerned with the health of your prospects or customers. While the safest way to drink water is from the tap in a glass, people who are on the move will need an eco-friendly glass water bottle to keep their drinking water in while they are on the go. In showing your customers, prospect or employees that you really care about what happens to the earth, you are also showing them that you care about them. This is the most effective method for advertising because empathizing with them will definitely win them over to you.

Using glass bottles for your promotional campaigns will always make a strong but positive statement about your company. Recipients of the eco-friendly glass water bottles will definitely be appreciative of the water bottles. By giving glass water bottles to your prospects and customers, not only are you giving them something that is functional but you are also giving them something that is healthy as well as environmentally correct in all aspects. This is because eco-friendly water bottles made of glass are considered as vital accompaniments for people who are on the go and want to stay healthy.

Best Hemorrhoid Treatments

January 13th, 2012 No comments
What are hemorrhoids? Hemorrhoids are a swollen veins condition in the anus which is usually not serious but still needs medical attention as it can be painful. There are two types of hemorrhoids, the internal and external hemorrhoid. A sign that you have internal hemorrhoids are painless rectal bleeding. External hemorrhoids, on the other hand presents pain in the anus area.
best hemorrhoid treatment
What causes Hemorrhoids? Hemorrhoids occurs when you put too much strain on the veins of your pelvic and rectal area. The tissues in your anus naturally help control your bowel movements by filling the veins up with blood. When you increase pressure, the veins will swell and hemorrhoids happen. The pressure can be caused by three events: when you have a diarrhea or constipation, if you are pregnant wherein pushing baby out adds pressure to the pelvic area, and if you are overweight. Though hemorrhoids might not be thought to be serious, it is uncomfortable, painful and sometimes gets worse. You need to know what might be the best hemorrhoid treatment for you.

How to treat hemorrhoids? There are a number of ways to treat hemorrhoids The simplest way is to increase of your fiber intake and drink lots of water. The measures below might be the best hemorrhoid treatment for you if drinking and fiber intake does not work.

1. Best hemorrhoids treatment at home

*Do not make your hemorrhoids worse. As much as possible, be careful when putting too much pressure in your pelvic and rectal area. A good rest will eventually make it subside.
*Wipe your anus with moistened toilet paper or baby wipes. Toilet paper moistened with cleansing agent will suffice as well as pre-moistened towels.
*Do not rub your anal area too vigorously as it will put pressure around the anal area. Rinse it off with a shower attachment or bidet.
*Use soap that does not contain any perfumes or coloring.
*Sitz baths are used to ease pain and discomfort in your body lower area. This may help ease your hemorrhoid pains.

2. Best hemorrhoid treatment Medications

Best hemorrhoid treatment ointments for topical application are ointments with petroleum jelly or zinc oxide. These components protect skin from further injury. Ointments are used to lessen itchiness as it form barriers around the hemorrhoid area.
Suppositories can help lubricate anal canal as well as relieving irritation.
Topical ointment with 1% hydrocortisone may relieve itching and inflammation. This is not however advisable to use for more that two weeks as it may make the skin of your anus area thin.
Take over the counter nonprescription NSAIDS (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) to fight the pain and to lessen the swelling.

hemorrhoid treatments3. Best hemorrhoid treatment surgery procedures

Surgical procedures are probably the best hemorrhoid treatment for severe cases of hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoidectomy is a surgical procedure wherein the hemorrhoids will be removed and needs 2 to 4 weeks to recover.
Doppler, a guided minimal invasive treatment procedure that ties off arteries to put back into its normal position. Recurrence rate is higher than Hemorrhoidectomy but this has lesser complications.
Stapled hemorrhoidectomy is a surgical procedure that resections soft tissue to disrupt blood flow to hemorrhoids. This is less painful then Hemorrhoidectomy

Whatever the condition of your hemorrhoids, it is your choice what will be the best hemorrhoid treatment for you. Consult your doctor if your condition gets worse and you think you need to have a surgery.

What Is a Stem Cell?

January 11th, 2012 No comments
Stem cells are the master cells of the human body. They are simply the building block and foundation from which every organ and tissue in our body is formed.

A stem cell has the ability to duplicate itself endlessly and to become cells of virtually any organ and tissue of the body. Healthy s/cells are able to repair or replace damaged tissue, therefore assisting with the reversal of disease and injuries, improving and maintaining optimal health.

More recent technological advancements have enabled scientists to discover a great deal more about s/cells. This recent research has generated a great deal of excitement as scientists have found adult stem cells in many more tissues than they once thought possible. They have also realized s/cells can be stimulated and increased from the bone marrow. Within s/cells lie the capability to create every part of your body you need to live. From the time you were conceived, these versatile little cells replicated and developed your organs, tissues and functions.

stem cellBecause adult stem cells exist in our bodies from the day we are born the risk of rejection is non-existent. They have incredible versatility, repair and renewal abilities.

It has also been realized that stem cells are linked to age. A baby has stem cell circulation of 100% in their bloodstream, however by the time we reach age 65 we only have 10% of active adult s/cells left in circulation that we must then reply on to compact disease and stay healthy. At the same time the length of our telomeres (that sit at the end of each chromosome to protect them) are shortening, preventing cell replication. This is a why a child recovers so quickly – their system of cellular release into the blood stream is functioning at optimum levels. The older we get, the fewer and fewer s/cells are released into the bloodstream and the more easily we succumb to health problems, injury and aging.

Recent scientific research shows stem cell release rates from the bone marrow drop at an astonishing rate as we age, as per the following percentages:

- 35 years – the release rate drops by 45%

- 50 years – the release rate drops by 50%

- 65 years – the release rate drops by 90%(leaving only 10% of stem cells circulating in the bloodstream and this is when we need them the most to fight disease and old age).

The good news is it’s never too late to start reversing these statistics.

By enabling more s/cells into our bloodstream we will not age as quickly, we will be much better equipped to fight disease and stay healthier for longer. This new found technology is providing wellness and hope to millions of people of all ages, whether they are already fit and healthy and wanting to maintain optimal levels of health and wellbeing through to those who have minor to severe health challenges, including individuals who have a degenerative disease that requires improvement, stabilisation and hope.

A new, natural dietary supplement is now available to stimulate your own adult stem cells naturally. Find out more by visiting the website below.

How Seniors Can Improve Their Flexibility

January 6th, 2012 No comments

If you are a senior then it is probably already obvious to you that you are not as flexible as you were when you were younger. Doesn’t it also seem to be a bit harder to move around now?

Well, if this is the case, I have some very good news for you. There are some easy to do exercises that can help to increase your freedom of movement and improve your flexibility.

flexibility

Before you begin any exercise program, it is important that you check with your physician. You want to make sure that the stretching exercises you are attempting will be safe for you to do.

Once you have gotten their okay, remember that you should warm up before you do any stretching exercises. You could start with some arm-pumping or some easy walking.

During or after exercising you may feel some mild discomfort. You might experience a mild pulling sensation. Both of these are normal. However, if you feel pain (especially in your joints) you should stop exercising immediately and see your health care provider.

Remember that you should not bounce while going into a stretch. Instead, you should focus on making your movements steady and slow. By executing this properly, you will help your muscles to stretch naturally.

Here is an exercise that will help stretch your triceps. It will lengthen the muscles that are in the back of the upper part of your arm.

improve flexibility

  • Use your right hand to grab the end of a towel.
  • Bend your right arm while raising it. Let the towel fall down your back.
  • Use your left hand to reach behind the lower part of your back.
  • Grab the bottom of the towel with your left hand.
  • “Climb” your left hand up the towel. This action should also pull your right arm down.
  • Continue “climbing” until your hands touch or get as close as is comfortable.
  • Hold the stretch for ten to thirty seconds.
  • Reverse your position.
  • Do this three to five times.

After doing your triceps stretches, you will probably feel a very pleasant sensation in your arms and shoulders. If you do this exercise and other flexibility exercises you may start to feel younger and be able to do things that you have not done in years.

Although medical science is advancing rapidly, as a senior citizen, you may be considering how you can find the best life insurance. Many people go on the Internet to see exactly what is available.

The Scoop on Vitamin B

January 5th, 2012 No comments

The B Vitamins are a group of water-soluble vitamins that play many important roles in maintaining superior health. They work together to maintain the health of our nervous system, skin, eyes, hair and mouth, increase metabolism rate, and enhance immune system function among other things. Due to the fact they are water-soluble, most of the B Vitamins must be replenished daily as the excess is excreted in our urine.

The Vitamin B group includes 8 chemically distinct vitamins that often can be found in the same foods. Below is a list of each as well as some information on what each does, a few good sources of each, recommended doses (based on the FDA RDI (Recommended Dietary Intake)), and deficiency effects:

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine):

Benefits: Thiamine works with other B Vitamins to break down and release energy from the foods we eat. It also plays an important role in maintaining the health of the nervous system and muscle tissues.

vitamin B
Sources: Yeast, pork, cereal grain (preferably whole grains), oatmeal, flax, sunflower seeds

Recommended Dose: 1.2 mg/day for adult men and 1.1 mg / day for women

Deficiency: The nervous system and the heart are particularly sensitive to thiamine deficiency which can lead to severe fatigue of eyes and other problems including neurodegeneration, wasting, and in sever cases, death. Other well-known syndromes caused by thiamine deficiency include beriberi and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, diseases also common with chronic alcoholism.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin):

Benefits: Riboflavin assists in keeping the eyes, skin and nervous system healthy and is necessary for antibody production.

Sources: Cottage cheese, milk, yogurt, leafy green vegetables, meat, eggs & fish

Recommended Dose: Adult men: 1.3 mg/day / Adult Women: 1.1 mg/day

Deficiency: Symptoms can include cracked and red lips, inflammation of the lining of the mouth and tongue, mouth ulcers, cracks at the corners of the mouth, and sore throat. A deficiency in Roiboflavin has also been known to cause dry and scaling skin, fluid in the mucus membranes, bloodshot eyes and extreme sensitivity to light.

Vitamin B3 (Niacin or Niacinamide):

Benefits: Niacin also works to release energy from the foods we eat as well as playing an important role in keeping the digestive and nervous system healthy.

Sources: B-3 is found in variety of foods, including liver, chicken, beef, fish, cereal, peanuts and legumes.

Recommended Doses: 16 mg/day for adult men and 14 mg/day for adult women

Deficiency: Symptoms can include aggression, dermatitis, insomnia, weakness, mental confusion and diarrhea.

Vitamin B5 (Pantothentic Acid):

Benefits: Pantothentic Acid is used in many hair and cosmetic products and has been known to be used to treat acne and obesity. It is also known to play an important role in production of adrenal hormones and is sometime used to reduce stress levels.

Sources: Broccoli, avocados, meats and whole grains

Recommended Doses: Adult men and women 5 mg/day

Deficiency: Although uncommon, some research has shown deficiency can result in acne and paresthesia (numbness or tickling of the skin).

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine, Pyridoxal, or Pyridoxine Hydrochloride):

Benefits: B-6 assists the body in using and storing energy from proteins and carbohydrates in the food we eat. B-6 is also crucial in the normal functioning of the nervous system.

Sources: Pork, chicken, turkey, cod, eggs, whole grains and green leafy vegetables are just a few great sources

Recommended Doses: 1.3 mg/day for adult women and men

Deficiency: May lead to depression, dermatitis, high blood pressure, and water retention.

Vitamin B7 (Biotin):

Benefits: Promotes healthy hair & strong nails as wells as supporting cellular energy production. Adequate quantities are also needed for utilization of other B Vitamins.

Sources: Raw egg yolk, liver mushrooms, bananas and peanuts

Recommended Doses: 30 – 100 mcg/day

Deficiency: Deficiency has not been shown to cause symptoms in adults but may lead to impaired growth and neurological disorders in infants

Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid):

Benefits: Works with Vitamin B12 to form healthy red blood cells. Also works to reduce the risk of certain central nervous system defects.

Sources: Broccoli, brussel sprouts, asparagus, peas, brown rice and certain fortified breakfast cereals.

Recommended Doses: Most adults need 400 mcg/day

Deficiency: Deficiency in pregnant women can lead to birth defects and correspondingly supplementation is often recommended during pregnancy. Researchers have also shown that folic acid might also slow the insidious effects of age on the brain.

Vitamin B12 (Various Cobalamins):

Benefits: Making red blood cells, keeping the nervous system healthy, releasing energy from foods we consume and processing folic acid.

Sources: Meat, salmon, cod, milk, cheese, eggs and certain fortified breakfast cereals.

Recommended Doses: 2.4 mcg/day

Deficiency: Depression, dizziness, fatigue or weakness, chest pains, numbness of hands or feet

Vitamin B-Complex:

Benefits: Generally, supplements containing all 8 are referred to Vitamin B Complex.

Sources: Vitamin B Complex consists of supplements that combine all of the aforementioned B Vitamins. Receiving all B Vitamins in one capsule can help ensure that they assist each to be more effective in the relationship between other vitamins and minerals

The B Vitamins often work with other nutrients promoting absorption and assimilation of various vitamin and minerals. One great way to do receive the benefits of all of the B Vitamins is by supplementing your diet with a B-Complex supplement. While the recommended dosages above are based on the FDA RDI, it is important to note that you should consult your physician before taking any supplements to see what is right for you.