Back Clinic Vitamins. They help our bodies grow and develop normally. The best way to get enough vitamins is to eat a balanced diet with a variety of foods. Knowing about the different types and what they do can help make sure the body gets enough overall wellness. They are nutrients that the human body needs to function and fight off disease.
The body cannot produce vitamins independently, so they must be acquired through food or supplements. There are 13 that are essential to the human body to work well. They are used in many different ways inside your body. While they do not directly serve as a source of energy, they help the enzymes that generate energy from nutrients such as carbohydrates and fats. Knowledge of the different types and understanding the purpose of these are important for optimal health.
Insulin is an essential hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. It is naturally produced in the pancreas and helps move excess glucose from the bloodstream into the cells to be used for energy. When the pancreas recognizes high blood sugar levels, it creates more insulin to reduce glucose. However, this can diminish the pancreas of insulin-producing cells which can eventually cause insulin resistance or impaired insulin sensitivity. If the pancreas can’t produce enough insulin, it can lead to prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. In the following article, we will discuss natural ways to improve insulin resistance or impaired insulin sensitivity to prevent and regulate prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, among other health issues.
Foods to Avoid with Insulin Resistance
If you have insulin resistance or impaired insulin sensitivity associated with prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, or any other health issue, there are several types of foods that can increase blood sugar levels. Frequently eating foods with high glucose content can diminish the insulin-producing cells that can ultimately affect the human body’s ability to produce enough insulin. When this occurs, high blood sugar levels remain elevated which can ultimately cause prediabetes and type 2 diabetes as well as lead to a variety of other health issues, including damage to organs such as the eyes and kidneys or limbs (neuropathy). Avoid eating the following types of foods if you have insulin resistance or impaired insulin sensitivity:
fried foods
processed snacks and foods
dairy products from cows, such as milk
foods high in saturated fats, such as butter, and salt pork
refined grains, such as white rice, pasta, bread, and flour-based foods
sugary sweets and pastries, such as ice cream, chocolate bars, and cupcakes
starchy vegetables, such as corn, potatoes and yams (without skin), and pumpkin
sweetened drinks or beverages, such as fruit juices, fountain drinks, and sodas
alcohol, such as beer and grain alcohol, in large quantities
Foods to Eat with Insulin Resistance
Many people are commonly deficient in essential nutrients, such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, and fiber. These nutrients are necessary for regulating blood sugar levels. People with insulin resistance or impaired insulin sensitivity, or any other health issue, including prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, should eat foods that have plenty of these essential nutrients. According to the American Diabetes Association, people with insulin resistance or impaired insulin sensitivity can eat from any of the basic food groups, however, it’s fundamental for individuals to understand which types of foods can increase blood glucose levels. Eat from the following types of foods if you have insulin resistance or impaired insulin sensitivity:
antioxidant-rich foods, such as berries
citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, and limes
non-starchy vegetables, such as dark leafy greens, peppers, and broccoli
protein-rich foods, such as legumes, nuts, soy, fish, and lean meats
high-fiber foods, including beans, and lentils
omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods, such as sardines, herring, and salmon
certain types of whole grains, such as oats, quinoa, and barley
water, especially as a substitute for sweetened drinks and
unsweetened teas
Exercise to Improve Insulin Resistance
Eating good foods and avoiding bad foods can help improve insulin resistance or impaired insulin sensitivity, however, there’s another natural way to improve this health issue: exercise. Participating and engaging in regular exercise helps improve insulin resistance or impaired insulin sensitivity associated with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, among other health issues, by moving sugar from the bloodstream into the muscles to be used for energy. The American Heart Association recommends approximately 150 minutes of exercise every week for adults. Participating or engaging in exercise on a daily basis can improve high blood sugar levels as well as promote overall health and wellness.
For more information regarding how to naturally improve insulin resistance, please review this article:
Insulin is an essential hormone that is naturally produced in the pancreas to help regulate blood sugar levels and move excess sugar from the bloodstream into the cells to be used for energy. When the pancreas senses high blood sugar levels in the blood, it creates more insulin to help reduce glucose. However, this can decrease the amount of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas which can cause insulin resistance or impaired insulin sensitivity. If the pancreas can’t produce enough insulin, it can ultimately lead to prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, among other health issues. There are several natural ways to improve insulin resistance or impaired insulin sensitivity to prevent and regulate prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, including eating good foods, avoiding bad foods, and exercising. Furthermore, adding a variety of good foods to a smoothie can be a fast and easy way to add nutrients to your diet. – Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insights
Sweet and Spicy Juice
Servings: 1 Cook time: 5-10 minutes
1 cup honeydew melons
3 cups spinach, rinsed
3 cups Swiss chard, rinsed
1 bunch cilantro (leaves and stems), rinsed
1-inch knob of ginger, rinsed, peeled, and chopped
2-3 knobs whole turmeric root (optional), rinsed, peeled, and chopped
Juice all ingredients in a high-quality juicer. Best served immediately.
Eat Mushrooms
One simple thing we can do to improve the microbiome!
Mushrooms feed bacteria in the gut. They are rich in chitin, hemicellulose, ? and ?-glucans, mannans, xylans, and galactans. They are also amazing prebiotics that promotes the growth of gut microbiota, equalling health benefits.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, and nervous health issues or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask�Dr. Alex Jimenez�or contact us at�915-850-0900.
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T.
References:
Raman, Ryan. �14 Natural Ways to Improve Your Insulin Sensitivity.� Healthline, Healthline Media, 17 May 2017, www.healthline.com/nutrition/improve-insulin-sensitivity.
Felman, Adam. �Diet and Insulin Resistance: Foods to Eat and Diet Tips.� Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 27 Mar. 2019, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316569#foods-to-eat.
With everything that is going on in today’s world immunity is especially important. Without a properly functioning immune system, our bodies can become inflamed and more susceptible to viruses. Inflammation can cause a weakened immune system, joint pain, headaches, fatigue and more!
So what can we do to build up our immunity and help give our bodies a fighting chance? First off, washing your hands is highly important. Not just now, but always. Be sure to wash your hands with warm water and scrub everywhere. Second, get plenty of sleep. Rest is how the body recovers. If you do not give your body adequate sleep, the strength you’re cells have to fight off infection lessens. Third, eat healthy food, hydrate, and exercise. Finally, last but not least help kick up your immune system by supplementing the body with all-natural supplements.
There are many supplements that will be beneficial to the body. However, two of the most important are NAC and Glutamine.
What Are They?
NAC stands for N-acetyl-Cystine. NAC is an amino acid that the body can produce but the body can also greatly benefit from taking additional NAC in supplemental form. NAC plays an important role in helping the liver to detox. In addition to this, NAC helps to replenish the glutathione levels in the lungs and can help to reduce the inflammation. This is highly beneficial in helping to relieve the symptoms of a respiratory infection.
NAC is also greatly beneficial in boosting brain health. NAC helps to regulate glutamate levels and replenish glutathione. However, one of the most important factors of NAC is its ability to boost Glutathione levels.
Glutamine is an amino acid that helps the body perform many functions. Glutamine plays a crucial part in the immune system.
The Connection & How It Impacts Immunity
However, one of the most important factors of NAC is its ability to booze Glutathione levels. NAC and glutathione can help to boost an individual’s immune health. In research studies shown, NAC has been shown to lessen the effects of a virus and its ability to replicate. When it comes to immunity NAC and Glutamine are powerful molecules. Stoping the replication of a virus can help reduce the spread and the length of the virus in an individual.
Many infections and diseases have been linked to low glutathione levels. When the glutathione levels are low this is typically due to enhanced oxygen radicals. Studies have been done and show that when supplementing NAC to those who have low glutathione levels, it directly boosts their levels and helps with infection.
Especially with everything happening today, we want to increase our immunity and decrease the inflammation in the body.� Essentially, think of the body as a road trip. For this trip we need two main things: the gas for the car, and the car to take you to the end destination.� NAC is the gas that drives the car. We need the gas to get to our end destination. Our end destination is being healthy and giving our body the best chance to fight off infection (increased Glutathione). So by giving our body gas (NAC) we provide it with what it needs to take us to where we want to go (increased Glutathione, leading to increased immunity).
How Can I Benefit?
Overall, NAC is great to decrease inflammation. Inflammation is an extremely common underlying issue relating to other health conditions individuals suffer from. By providing your body with additional supplements, you can help increase your immunity and decrease your chances of contracting a virus and/or the length of the virus. Always discuss supplements with your primary care doctor before you begin them, but consider adding these into your daily routine!
I always recommend talking to your primary care provider and taking supplements daily. Supplements, in general, are a great way to help provide the body with the essential vitamins and minerals you may be missing. However, now more than ever supplementation is key. By building up and providing the body with the nutrients it needs for proper function, it will help prepare your body to fight off an infection. Supplementation like NAC is great to have already running in your system to help combat an infection if you were to catch one. Remember to be smart, talk to a primary care doctor before beginning supplementation, and keep in mind that not all supplements are created equal.� -Kenna Vaughn, Senior Health Coach��
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, and nervous health issues or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.�
References:
Dinicola S, De Grazia S, Carlomagno G, Pintucci JP. N-acetylcysteine as powerful molecule to destroy bacterial biofilms. A systematic review.�Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2014;18(19):2942�2948.
Wessner B, Strasser EM, Spittler A, Roth E. Effect of single and combined supply of glutamine, glycine, N-acetylcysteine, and R,S-alpha-lipoic acid on glutathione content of myelomonocytic cells.�Clin Nutr. 2003;22(6):515�522. doi:10.1016/s0261-5614(03)00053-0
Stomach pain, burning or aching 1-4 hours after eating
Feel hungry an hour or two after eating
Digestive problems when lying down or bending forward
If you are experiencing any of these situations, then you should try some micronutrients for your GI tract health.
GI Tract Health
Over two thousand years ago, Hippocrates recognized that the gut plays a significant role in overall health and that modern scientific research has substantiated and solidified this view. With GI (gastrointestinal) health, advanced testing, and intricate healing protocols focused a lot when it comes to the GI tract. Some patients may benefit from the precise analysis of the makeup from their gut flora or the specific food elimination and reintroduction strategies, but not to overlook the fundamentals. Addressing the basics like general micronutrient repletion or supplementation with the foundational nutrients can be targeted for therapeutic purposes and can go a long way for an individual�s healing.
The Micronutrients
These are some of the fundamental micronutrients that the body needs to perform the everyday task. These can mostly be found in foods or in supplements and vitamins that are consumed, and even though high restriction diets can deplete these nutrients, they are still crucial for not only our gut health but for the entire body system as well.
Glutamine
The amino acid glutamine is a trusty workhorse for a healthy gut function in the body. Even though it is technically not an essential amino acid, it serves as an energy source for epithelial cells that makes up the intestinal lining for the intestines. Various circumstances like trauma, burns, or recovery from significant operations or illnesses can increase the body’s demand for glutamine.
Another amino acid is taurine is beneficial for individuals who need help with the digestion of dietary fats. Taurine is unique due to not being used in any structural protein; however, it has other roles in the body. Taurine can be synthesized from cysteine and can be obtained from animal foods specifically, sadly though it is nonexistent in plant food. Bile acids that are bound with taurine are secreted by the liver; the making of this compound is critical for bile acid function and proper fat absorption in the body.
Potassium is the core nutrient that plays a role in a healthy GI function, especially when it comes to intestinal motility. Some disorders like fatigue and cardiac arrhythmias can be the result of potassium deficiency, and inadequate potassium may lead to delayed gastric emptying and intestinal paralysis. If the body is not treated soon, it can lead to chronic illnesses in the GI, causing unpleasant effects like bloating, abdominal pain, and constipation.
All food supplies have an abundance of potassium, but certain medications can reduce potassium levels. Factors like excessive alcohol consumption or strict chronic dieting for weight loss can be the result of inadequate potassium intake and the body status of a person.
B vitamins, especially vitamin B6, are highly essential to the GI tract because they make sure that the brain is also healthy as well. Deficiency of vitamin B6 can cause these symptoms:
Tingling, numbness, and pain in the hands and feet
Anemia
Seizures
Depression
Confusion
Weak immune system
Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin that produces the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine and forming myelin for the body. This vitamin can help boost brain function and can improve memory function. Some of the other benefits it can provide to the body are:
Lowers the risk of dementia
Reduce the severity of nausea during pregnancy
Protection from air pollution
Ensures the normal functioning of digestive enzymes
Conclusion
Even though these are the necessary foundational micronutrients and amino acids for their roles in the GI tract, it is crucial for individuals who have these micronutrient deficiencies. Even though the popularity of highly restrictive diets emphasizes on caloric restrictions for weight loss for individuals, it can limit the intake of certain nutrient-dense foods. It can cause disruptions to the gastrointestinal tract. When a person surrounds themselves with an abundance of foods with these micronutrients can live a healthy life. Some products combined with these micronutrient foods can provide support to the gastrointestinal system and help boost the sugar metabolism for the body.
October is Chiropractic Health Month. To learn more about it, check out Governor Abbott�s declaration on our website to get full details on this historic moment.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal and nervous health issues as well as functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or chronic disorders of the musculoskeletal system. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
References:
Brazier, Yvette. �Vitamin B-6: Benefits, Dosage, Food Sources, and Deficiency Symptoms.� Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 27 Mar. 2017, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/219662.php.
Cadman, Bethany. �L-Glutamine for IBS: Benefits, Side Effects, and Research.� Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 7 Feb. 2018, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320850.php.
Caporuscio, Jessica. �What Is Taurine? Benefits and Side Effects.� Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 26 Sept. 2019, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326476.php.
Higdon, Jane. �Potassium.� Linus Pauling Institute, 14 Oct. 2019, lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/minerals/potassium#deficiency.
Mawer, Rudy. “What Is Taurine? Benefits, Side Effects, and More.” Healthline, 27 Nov. 2018, www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-is-taurine.
Megan Ware, RDN. �Potassium: Health Benefits and Recommended Intake.� Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 10 Jan. 2018, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/287212.php.
Team, DFH. �Micronutrients in GI Health.� Designs for Health, 11 Oct. 2019, blog.designsforhealth.com/node/1123.
Tinsley, Grant. “Glutamine: Benefits, Uses, and Side Effects.” Healthline, 13 Jan. 2018, www.healthline.com/nutrition/glutamine.
Mostly everyone takes their vitamins in any shape and form. It can be from the foods that we eat to the supplements and vitamins pills that we make throughout the day. We can get the boost of micronutrients in our bodies with vitamins and foods. It can help with our diets when we are trying to get a head start in our healthy lifestyle change through healthy, nutritious, whole foods. Without it, it can cause our bodies to react differently with ailments. For example, a person has a healthy lifestyle, but they are feeling out of place in their daily lives; it might be due to their low levels of the vitamins they are not taking. We will be taking a look at the micronutrition in vitamins and supplements in this two-part series for the body.
The Vitamins
Vitamins are essential for the body since we can�t produce them naturally. When we feel sluggish or horrible, it might be due to the low vitamin intake that we are missing to make us feel better. Here are some of the vitamins that can help your body if you feel a bit weak in life.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble compound that is an essential nutrient for the body. It is stored in the liver for later use and is transferred to the tissues when needed. Vitamin A helps maintain the integrity and function of all surface tissues and the eyes. Vitamin A has two forms which are retinol and retinyl esters and provitamin A carotenoids. Retinol and retinyl esters health benefits can help prevent macular degeneration to your eyes, and with the provitamin A carotenoids can have potent antioxidants to fight off free radicals in your body.
Deficiencies: Having a Vitamin A deficiency can lead to blindness in the eyes of some people. Anyone who has a deficiency in Vitamin A can have skin issues like hyperkeratosis and acne. Not only that, but it can increase any infections as well as have pregnancy complications for pregnant women.
Food Sources: Here are some of the foods that are very rich with vitamin A that are all carotenoid-rich in both animals and plants.
Egg yolks
Beef liver
Cod liver oil
Salmon
Sweet potatoes
Carrots
Dandelion greens
Cabbage
Vitamin B
All B vitamins are water-soluble, and your body can�t store them. They are used to reduce fatigue and boost your mood. There are 8 B vitamins are vital and have many essential functions for maintaining good health.
B1 (thiamine):Thiamine helps our bodies metabolism by helping convert nutrients into energy. Some food sources include pork, sunflower seeds, and wheat germ.
B2 (riboflavin): Riboflavin converts food into energy and acts as an antioxidant in the body. Some of the food sources that are high in riboflavin are organ meats, beef, and mushrooms.
B3 (niacin):Niacin plays a role in cellular signaling, metabolism and DNA productions, as well as repairs it as well. Some food sources include chicken, tuna, and lentils.
B5 (pantothenic acid): Like other B vitamins, pantothenic acid helps our bodies obtain energy from the food we eat. It also involves hormone and cholesterol production. Some food sources include liver, fish, yogurt, and avocado.
B6 (pyridoxine):Pyridoxine helps produces red blood cells in the body. It helps create amino acid metabolism and neurotransmitters for the body. Foods that are highly rich with this vitamin are chickpeas, salmon, and potatoes.
B7 (biotin):Biotin is highly essential for carbohydrate and fat metabolism and can regulate gene expression in the body. The best food sources that contain biotin are yeast, eggs, salmon, cheese, and liver.
B9 (folate): Our bodies need folate for cell growth, amino acid metabolism, the formation of red and white blood cells as well as proper cell division. Folate can be found in foods like leafy greens, liver, beans and in supplements like folic acid.
B12 (cobalamin): One of the best- known of all the B vitamins, B12 is vital for neurological function, DNA production, and red blood cell count. It can be found naturally in animal food sources like meats, eggs, seafood, and dairy.
Deficiencies: Even though taking the B vitamins are essential, there are side effects to taking a high dose of the vitamin, especially B3 and B6. Some of the side effects include vomiting, high blood sugar levels, skin lesions, nerve damage, and even liver damage.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is one of the most essential vitamins since it can�t be produced by the body. It has so many roles and has been linked to many impressive health benefits. It can help boost antioxidant levels, reduce high blood pressure, and heart disease risk. It can protect your body against any gout attacks and reduce your risk of dementia while improving your iron absorption and boosting your immunity.
Deficiencies: When you don�t take enough vitamin C, it can raise up your blood sugar. Without it, you can develop scurvy if you don�t have enough of vitamin C in your system. You can get really sick, and your immune system will be shot if you don�t take vitamin C.
Food Sources: The most common way to get vitamin C in your body is through citrus fruit. There are lots of foods that contain vitamin C and are very delicious.
Red and green peppers
Oranges and orange juice
Kiwi
Guava
Broccoli
Strawberries
Brussel sprouts
Tomato juice
Cantaloupe
Vitamin D3
Also known as the sunshine vitamin, vitamin D3 is essential for maintaining healthy bones and teeth. It can support the immune system, brain, and nervous system by keeping it healthy. It will even regulate insulin levels and help managing diabetes. However, vitamin D3 can be synthesized to our body whenever sunlight hits our skin.
Deficiencies: Even though the body can create vitamin D, there many reasons that vitamin D deficiency can occur. If a person has a darker skin color and uses sunscreen to reduce the absorption of UVB (ultraviolet radiation B) rays from the sun. They can stop the production of vitamin D. Some of the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency include getting sick more, fatigue, muscle pain, and depression. And if it continues for long periods, it can lead to obesity, diabetes, hypertension, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and osteoporosis, just to name a few.
Food Sources: There are a few foods that contain vitamin D naturally. And for vitamin D3 it is mostly animal produced.
Salmon
Sardines
Egg yolk
Shrimp
Milk (fortified)
Cereal (fortified)
Yogurt (fortified)
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is one of the most essential nutrients that is available as a dietary supplement and can occur naturally in foods. It is an antioxidant that can help protect your cells damage and is fat-soluble. Researchers have investigated that vitamin E can be used as a treatment for various degenerative diseases, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and cancer. It is a rare case for a vitamin E deficiency; however, it is a rare condition that is being researched.
Since Vitamin E is the most common nutrient found in most foods, here are some of the foods, including cooking oils that are exceptional.
Wheat Germ Oil
Sunflower seeds
Almonds
Hazelnut Oil
Goose meat
Peanuts
Mango
Conclusion
So with these vitamins, it can help your body feel so much better in the long run. Without them, our bodies will have various health problems that can hurt us in the long haul. When we take these vitamins, our bodies began to heal properly, and we can see that our moods are a bit better. We can have normal functions without the vitamins because we eat the food that contains them, but when we need that extra boost of energy, vitamins are the way to go.
Cites:
Basavaraj, K H, et al. �Diet in Dermatology: Present Perspectives.� Indian Journal of Dermatology, Medknow Publications, 2010, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2965901/.
Chiu, Zelia K, et al. �Patterns of Vitamin D Levels and Exposures in Active and Inactive Noninfectious Uveitis�Patients.� Ophthalmology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 11 July 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31519386.
Choi, Hyon K, et al. �Vitamin C Intake and the Risk of Gout in Men: a Prospective Study.� Archives of Internal Medicine, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 9 Mar. 2009, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19273781.
Ettarh, R R, et al. �Vitamin C Lowers Blood Pressure and Alters Vascular Responsiveness in Salt-Induced Hypertension.� Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Dec. 2002, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12564647.
Institute of Medicine (US) Panel on Micronutrients, Unknown. �Vitamin A.� Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 Jan. 1970, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK222318/.
Martel, Julianna L. �Vitamin B1 (Thiamine).� StatPearls [Internet]., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 14 Aug. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482360/.
Megan Ware, RDN. �Vitamin D: Health Benefits, Facts, and Research.� Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 13 Nov. 2017, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/161618.php.
Meyer-Ficca, Mirella, and James B Kirkland. �Niacin.� Advances in Nutrition (Bethesda, Md.), American Society for Nutrition, 16 May 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4863271/.
N/A, Unknown. �Office of Dietary Supplements – Vitamin E.� NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 0AD, ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminE-HealthProfessional/.
O’Leary, Fiona, and Samir Samman. �Vitamin B12 in Health and Disease.� Nutrients, Molecular Diversity Preservation International, Mar. 2010, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3257642/.
Ozuguz, Pinar, et al. �Evaluation of Serum Vitamins A and E and Zinc Levels According to the Severity of Acne Vulgaris.� Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, June 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23826827.
Pham-Huy, Lien Ai, et al. �Free Radicals, Antioxidants in Disease and Health.� International Journal of Biomedical Science : IJBS, Master Publishing Group, June 2008, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23675073.
Senoo, Haruki, et al. �Hepatic Stellate Cell (Vitamin A-Storing Cell) and Its Relative–Past, Present and Future.� Cell Biology International, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Dec. 2010, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21067523.
Wong, Cathy. �Benefits of Vitamin C You May Not Know About.� Verywell Health, Verywell Health, 17 July 2019, www.verywellhealth.com/the-benefits-of-vitamin-c-supplements-89083.
Zempleni, Janos, et al. �Biotin.� BioFactors (Oxford, England), U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2009, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19319844.
Fish oil is used as a natural health supplement that treats a variety of issues. It provides beneficial omega-3 fatty acids that promote good health throughout the body and helps to cure or prevent certain health conditions. However, some people are not convinced. They view fish oil as nothing more than snake oil with no real health benefits. Nothing could be further from the truth. Researchers at Harvard University ranked omega-3 fatty acid deficiency as the sixth highest cause of death in the United States.
What is Fish Oil and what are Omega-3 Fatty Acids?
Fish oil is precisely what it sounds like, oil from the tissues of oily fish. While you can get it by eating certain fatty, cold water fish like wild caught salmon, white fish, anchovies, herring, and sardines, many people opt for the fish oil supplements available at health food stores and even supermarket shelves.
Omega-3 fatty acids are highly concentrated fish oil. They are polyunsaturated fatty acids and must be introduced into the body either via the food eaten or supplements. It is not like many other fatty acids that the body can produce. Fish oil has two vital types of omega-3, eicosatetraenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
How is Fish Oil Used?
Fish oil supplements are intended to be taken just like a daily vitamin. Because of its many health benefits like preventing diseases and reducing the symptoms of certain conditions, it has become a standard in most people�s health routines and is even included in some multi-vitamins. It is taken in the form of a capsule. It can be purchased over the counter, but the FDA has approved a prescription version fish oil that lowers high triglyceride levels.
Fish oil omega three gel capsule
What are the Benefits of Fish Oil?
Fish oil provides a number of health benefits ranging from heart health to treating diabetic complications that affect the kidneys. It also helps:
Lowering blood pressure
Lowering cholesterol levels
Preventing heart disease and stroke
Preventing clogged arteries
Relieving certain heart conditions such as irregular heartbeat, heart failure, chest pain, and preventing blood clots
It is used after bypass surgery to aid in healing as well as with heart transplants
Kidney disease
Kidney failure
Cirrhosis
Arthritis
Cancer
Anxiety
Berger�s disease
Brain health including relieving depressing, PTSD, migraines, ADHD, and other mental health issues
There are many other fish oil benefits. It indeed is a wonder health supplement.
How to Take Fish Oil
Fish oil typically comes in a gel-filled capsule. It is essential that it not be punctured before taking. Patients should follow the direction exactly as they are on the label or as the doctor prescribed. It is a good idea for them to talk to their doctor before they start taking fish oil to make sure that it does not interact with any other medications that they are taking.
Potential Side Effects of Fish Oil
Typically, fish oil will not have any side effects. Some mild ones include an upset stomach, back pain, mild rash on the skin, belching, and an unusual or unpleasant taste in the mouth. More severe side effects that should warrant a call to the doctor include flu symptoms: fever, body aches, chills; irregular or uneven heartbeats; and chest pain.
An allergic reaction to fish oil is serious and the patient should seek immediate medical attention if they experience any of these symptoms:
Hives
Breathing difficulties
Swelling: throat, tongue, or face
How to Choose Good Fish Oil
Anyone considering taking fish oil should first talk to their doctor who can recommend a therapeutic dose. Read the label to determine how much omega-3 is in each capsule as well as the recommended dosage. Doctor recommended brands are best, but in the absence of a doctor recommendation, a reputable brand by an established, trusted, trustworthy company is best.
Fish oil is excellent for all-around health and chiropractic patients taking the supplement can enjoy better health and better results from their chiropractic care.
Osteoporosis is a significant health problem in the United States and worldwide. An estimated 10 million individuals have osteoporosis in the U.S. alone and an additional 18 million individuals are at risk of developing the disease, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). Females make up 80 percent of individuals who suffer from osteoporosis, but it also occurs in males although it is often underdiagnosed and thus underreported.
What is equally disturbing is that another 34 million individuals in the U.S. are at risk of developing osteopenia, a common precursor to osteoporosis. Many experts blame the typical American diet and lifestyle, although genetics can also contribute to a person�s likelihood of developing either of the diseases. The prevalence of both osteoporosis and osteopenia are serious health issues so it is important to understand them.
What Is Osteopenia?
Osteopenia is often a warning sign of impending osteoporosis. Nearly half of all Americans who are more than 50 years old have the disease.
Osteopenia is a bone disease, marked by a decrease in bone mineral density � or bone loss. While it is not as devastating as osteoporosis, it is a strong indicator that the patient will eventually develop the disease.
Nutrition and exercise are common treatments for osteopenia. Occasionally doctors will prescribe medication, but that is usually not the preferred treatment. Exercise, specifically weight bearing exercise, is a very effective treatment and preventative measure against these diseases.
Incorporating calcium and vitamin D are also common treatments. These can be in the form of supplements, but patients are also encouraged to eat calcium rich foods such as yogurt, leafy greens like spinach, and sardines.
What Is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a serious condition that causes bones to become extremely brittle and weak. The word �Osteoporosis� literally means �porous bone� which is indicative of the primary characteristic of the disease.
When the bone is viewed under a microscope, it has tiny holes in its surface. While healthy bone has a honeycomb appearance under a microscope, bone with osteoporosis has much larger spaces and holes. The mass and density of osteoporotic bone is severely compromised. This can result in frequent broken bones as well as chronic pain and a patient can even lose several inches in height.
Patients with osteoporosis can also experience limited mobility due to the disease or broken bones that may occur as a result. This can lead to other health problems including depression and obesity. These conditions can exacerbate the disease itself and increase the patient�s pain. Often patients with osteoporosis, particularly at advanced stages, require long term care in a facility such as a nursing home.
The real danger is not how devastating it is to bones, it is the way it can go undetected for so long. Often it is not discovered until a bone is actually broken or the patient�s upper back begins curving forward. Sometimes the patient may become shorter. At that stage it is usually very advanced. With the right treatment, though, it can be slowed or stopped. Sometimes bone density can be improved and the disorder can be reversed at least to some degree.
What To Do If You Have Osteoporosis Or Osteopenia
If you suspect that you may have osteoporosis or osteopenia, or may be at risk for developing it, the first thing you need to do is talk to your doctor to confirm that you do have it. From there you can decide on a course of action which is usually exercise, diet, lifestyle changes, and chiropractic treatments. The sooner you take steps to protect and improve your health, the less likely you are to develop long term conditions.
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The human body needs vitamin D in order to build strong muscles and bones. When the body does not get enough vitamin D, it is not able to absorb calcium effectively. This makes it very important for good bone health. Children who do not get adequate vitamin D develop rickets, a condition that causes weak bones, deformities in the skeleton, and a stooped posture.
What Is Vitamin D?
Most people believe that vitamin D is a vitamin; it isn�t. It is actually a hormone. A vitamin is a nutrient that the human body requires but is unable to produce. This means that it can only be obtained through supplements and food.
However, the body is able to manufacture this vitamin. When the skin is exposed to the appropriate sunlight, the body begins a process that produces vitamin D. It should also be noted that vitamin D plays a part in a strong immune system and can prevent certain chronic diseases in older adults.
There are supplements for people who do not produce enough vitamin D or who do not get adequate amounts in the food that they eat (fish liver oils, certain fish, and egg yolks are good sources). Children and adults typically do not get enough from their foods and activities. People spend a great deal of time indoors with adults at work and children at school. The emergence of digital devices and video games has managed to keep children inside as they engage in these activities.
This vitamin is not measured in milligrams like many other supplements, but in International Units (IU) instead. Research has caused the daily recommended allowance for vitamin D to increase over the years, and the current recommendation is 400 IU. It has been determined that this amount is the most beneficial in promoting healthy bones.
The Role Of The Skeletal System
The skeletal system has several functions. The first and most obvious is that it is the structural support for the body. It also protects vital organs.
For instance, the skull protects the brain and the rib cage protects the lungs and heart. It is also an anchor point for muscle so it helps with mobility. The red bone marrow provides illness fighting white blood cells, as well as red blood cells. Calcium is stored in the marrow, as is phosphorous. Certain minerals and fats are stored in the yellow marrow which is found in the long bones of the body.
How Vitamin D Benefits The Skeletal System
Getting enough vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium which is a bone building mineral. In addition to that task, it also promotes good muscle health.
Stronger muscles can work much more effectively in protecting the muscles and supporting the skeletal system. This can help with joint health as well. Older people who have adequate vitamin D do not fall down as often and people of all ages have fewer broken bones.
Results Of Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency is a serious condition mainly due to its essential role in the body�s ability to absorb calcium. Muscle weakness and bone pain are two common symptoms, but are typically seen in more severe cases.
A simple blood test can check for vitamin D levels � and it should be checked regularly. Even �minor� cases of low vitamin (those without any symptoms) have been linked to some serious health conditions including:
Increased risk of death due to cardiovascular disease
Vitamin D is generally very accessible. You can get it through foods and sunlight or via a supplement. People who may have some trouble getting adequate amounts are those who have limited exposure to sunlight, fail to consume the necessary levels of the vitamin, and people who have dark skin. If you think that you may have low vitamin D, it is best to talk to your doctor so you can come up with a plan to get your body back in balance.
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What Is Osteoporosis?
