iNutritional Supplements » Supplements And Vitamins

Criteria for Evaluating Nutritional Supplements and the Need to Evaluate

admin — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 03:07:28 +0000

Brett Seagrott asked:

A Paradox of Choice Highlights The Need To Evaluate

If you already take nutritional supplements or are considering starting then you’re no doubt well aware of the seemingly endless array of products and choices in the market.

Supplement consumers face a paradox of choice and they know only too well that the quality, safety and efficacy of the thousands of various brands out there are far from equal!

Physicians Management Journal backs this up by reporting that one in three dollars spent on nutritional supplements is WASTED!

Because nutritional supplements in the US are currently regulated under ‘food GMP’ (and these do not address the unique aspects of supplement manufacturing) the market has become flooded with supplements lacking product integrity and making fanciful performance claims.

Supermarket shelves and on-line stores are filled with supplements put together by marketers or other unqualified people trying to cash in on the popularity of the latest ‘in-vogue’ nutrients and on consumers lack of nutritional science knowledge.

The majority of people putting together supplements for sale have little idea of the complex bio-chemistry involved when ingredients are combined or which metabolic pathways they follow when assimilated into the body.

So the need to evaluate supplements is clear. Consumers need a reliable way to evaluate and compare supplements in order to find products that are safe, effective and which offer the best value for money. More on this below.

Different Categories of Supplements – Evaluate Them All

Cheap and ‘middle of the road’ multi vitamin supplements are currently the most popular category choice for the majority of supplement users.

Consumers however need to consider the limited health benefits offered by these types of supplements and that most do not offer good value for money. They contain large amounts of cheap vitamins and minerals and excessive amounts of non-active ingredients (excipients).

While these types of supplements help to ‘top-up’ deficient levels of essential micro-nutrients, they are in reality missing, or deficient in, expensive, key ingredients such as high potency phytonutrients, standardized herbal extracts and male and female ‘support’ nutrients, which are needed to optimize wellness throughout the body.

At the top end of the market is a small category of the best vitamin supplements based on synergistic and nutritionally complete formulas. They have been formulated by highly qualified bio-scientists using the latest research in bio-cellular chemistry and nutritional science.

These broad spectrum multi ingredient supplements target all organs and systems in the body, including the brain, and offer the strongest of health benefits. They do far more than just ‘top-up’ nutrient deficiencies but rather take a holistic approach to wellness by treating the body as a whole.

The consumption of this category of supplement is trending up worldwide. This is being driven by the aging baby boomers generation who use them as a form of preventative health-care to achieve their aim of “staying young and beautiful” as well as allying their fear of chronic illness, particularly cancer.

Now here is a key point:

The markets’ best science-based supplements are far from being equal!

There are always varying degrees of efficacy and value for money and in many cases these differences are significant.

This is primarily due to factors such as organizational structure, shareholder pressure and the marketing model(s) and distribution method(s) of supplement companies. These factors impact on the type and number of ingredients that manufacturers can afford to include in their products as well as the potencies and dose amounts – all of which are key variables when comparing supplements.

Consumers should always keep in mind that almost all supplements are manufactured to a price!

So regardless of which price category a supplement falls in it should be evaluated and then compared to its competitors. This applies even more for the up market multiples because value for money varies more-so.

Criteria for Evaluating Nutritional Supplements

A supplement can be broken apart and evaluated by examining it through 6 criteria:

The Formula

Ingredient Quality

Bio-availability

Synergy

Manufacturing Standards and Protocols

Value for money

By understanding the basics of each, supplements users can get a feel for the science behind supplements and target in on the fine details that manufacturers often love to keep hidden. This then allows consumers to make informed purchasing decisions.

The full 6 criteria can be used with multi ingredient products while less complex or single ingredient supplements can be evaluated using only 4 or 5.

To read further details on how to evaluate nutritional supplements follow these link to dedicated pages covering each of the 6 evaluation criteria.

Learn how to evaluate nutritional vitamin supplements

Nutritional vitamin supplements

Nutritional Supplements: Yes or No?

admin — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:38:12 +0000

Ashley Canfield asked:

Nutritional Supplements are a mainstream product in the health and wellness marketplace. We would like to explore the idea of whether or not they good or bad; and, are they necessary or un-necessary?

To stay healthy, the body requires a good mix of antioxidants, vitamins, bioflavonoids, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, essential fatty acids and other supplementation. Our eating habits can provide many of those Nutritional Supplements but it is virtually impossible to obtain all of them from our daily routine diets. Because one feels relatively good does not mean they are healthy. Many illnesses like cancers are present before any visible symptoms appear. Preventing illness is always better than having treatments and waiting for a cure.

There are essential nutrients composed of vitamins and minerals necessary to sustain life or if you go just a little bit farther they will make you feel really fine; even healthy with a zest for life. Proper eating can provide you vitamins and minerals along with the other nutrients but these can be less than sufficient for a truly healthy life. However, unhealthy eating or junk foods can cause diseases or a just plain unhealthful feeling, knowing something is wrong but not knowing what it is. This is one of the reasons why we take Nutritional Supplements, to enhance what our normal eating regimen does not provide.

Healthy eating includes avoiding an unbalanced diet and the over-utilization of refined carbohydrates, salt, coffee, alcohol and saturated fats, all of which are largely responsible for a number of serious diseases, including, but not limited to, cardio-vascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer. One thing to understand and be aware of is the fact that the human body contracts diseases not because it doesn’t have the corresponding drug in the system but from a long period of malnutrition. Decades of a lack of essential nutrients results in the breakdown of the immune system. Most people aren’t aware that we have cancer cells circulating our bodies our whole lives but we also produce Natural Killer (NK) cells that destroy them. When the immune system is weakened its capacity to produce NK cells is less effective and cancer cells can overtake ones health.

Due to our normal eating regimen, food quality and other environmental factors in our society, nutritional deficiency is a reality that is difficult to avoid. Therefore, taking Nutritional Supplements is absolutely necessary. Our body’s needs for Nutritional Supplements is directly associated with one’s current lifestyle, their age, their sex, their current health conditions and the degree of their physical activity.

Since the revolution of Fast Foods, our eating habits have changed to become low in nutritional foods and extremely high in convenience foods and unhealthy fats. Fresh and /or organic foods are always preferable but expensive and not always easy to obtain in this day and age. Furthermore, modern processed foods are loaded with sugars and fats and even vegetables and fruits have become of a lower quality the past number of years. Such diminished levels of vitamins and minerals must be enhanced through the use of quality Multivitamin/Multimineral. Dealing with the incidence of stress and pollution, which can and will lead to a variety of preventable health problems, along with the weakening of our immune system, can all be minimized or overcome with the use of multivitamins and multiminerals.

From a fresh foods standpoint organic products and natural foods are generally the better choice when shopping because they have so many essential nutrients that are not always found in the other supermarket products. Some of the sources of proteins are fishes, meats, dairy foods, nuts. On the other hand, carbohydrates are found in vegetables, fruits, grains, seeds (preferably sprouted seeds) and other food products. For fats it is preferable to use virgin olive oil or flax seed oil. Since we see that it is not easy to get all of the essential nutrients from a daily diet, supplementing those nutrients is necessary. In summary we know now that Nutritional Supplements are absolutely essential to balance one’s diet in today’s world, primarily in the west where natural foods are no longer the norm.

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What to Look for in Nutritional Supplements for the Brain

admin — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:50:07 +0000

Brett Seagrott asked:

Individuals with neurological disorders are being offered new hope thanks to cutting edge nutritional science and nutritional supplements for the brain. Because of increasing media publicity revealing widespread negative reactions to synthetic pharmaceutical drugs which are commonly prescribed to treat symptoms of brain disorders, there is a universal groundswell in the use of natural alternative treatments involving supplementation.

A significant proportion of the population is starting to take control of their own health as they come to realize that pharmaceutical drugs do not treat the root causes and any underlying deficiencies that are contributing to neurological illnesses.

In addition to positive outcomes for individuals with established neurological disorders, proactive consumers in good health are also using brain supplements as a powerful form of long-term preventative health-care. This wellness strategy ensures their brains receive an ongoing range of specific ‘brain nutrients’ which keep this vital organ in tip top shape to avoid disease and reduce free radical damage and degeneration.

This in turn allows them to enjoy the lifestyle they want through benefits including an improved sense of well-being, sharper and clearer thinking, improved memory, less headaches and better sleep. Brain supplements can also be used by those without classic neurological disorder symptoms, but who have a neurological weakness (either hereditary or acquired) which they would like to strengthen.

The Key Nutrients For Brain Health

The brain is a complex, well-organized matrix of intricate nerve endings. Every second, billions of electrical nerve impulses travel back and forth to this organ, with chemicals acting as neurotransmitters, transporting impulses from one cell to another. Because studies have shown that many nervous system disorders are a direct result of nutrient deficiencies, if the brain has an inadequate amount of the nutrients it needs to manufacture neurotransmitters, it begins to malfunction, leading to many chronic conditions.

The most powerful nutrients for your brain as established through clinical research are listed below. Look for these key ingredients when searching for the most effective nutritional supplements for the brain.

You won’t find every single one in a single supplement formula as manufacturers couldn’t afford to do this in effective dose amounts while maintaining an affordable selling price. Since each nutrient has differing properties some are more effective at certain disorders of the brain than others although there is an overlap for many. So some ingredients will be needed in brain supplements aimed at memory but are not needed in one aimed at insomnia. The key ingredients in a supplement formula for anxiety and depression will differ slightly from those in a general brain formula, particularly in the dose amounts.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine for example is used for Alzheimer’s disease, age-related memory deficits, senile depression, Down syndrome, alcoholism-related cognitive deficits and cerebro-vascular insufficiency after stroke. So you should find it in supplement formulas for general brain health, or depression/anxiety formulas and memory formulas but not in supplements for sleep disorders.

In terms of the exact ingredient list in brain supplements we need to rely on the experience and qualifications of the bio-chemists who formulate them. The best supplement companies proudly display full details of their formulators on their websites. The accomplishments of the bio-scientist who formulates the multi nutrient nutritional supplement I have used for the past 7 years is quite remarkable. He has even created brain formulas for NASA’s Space Program. (The name of the supplement is Total Balance).

Please take time to study not only ingredient dose amounts but especially potency levels, particular of herbal extracts and the other key actives below. Higher potency levels offer far more effective health benefits and value for money. Reputable supplement companies always clearly display potencies for ALL INGREDIENTS.

• Huperzine A

• Vinpocetine

• Phosphatidyl Choline

• Phosphatidyl Serine

• Acetyl-L-Carnitine

• 5 – HTP (5 – hydroxytryptophan)

• Gingko Biloba

• SAMe

• Schizandra

• Valerian Root

• Passion Flowers

• DMAE

• Gotu Kola

• Bacopa

• Lithium

• Vitamin C

• Vitamin E

• Vitamin B complex

• Folic Acid

To lean more about these ingredients and what each specifically does in the body please follow this link: nutritional supplements for the brain

The Most Common Neurological Disorders

Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. It is a progressive degenerative disorder characterized by a widespread loss of brain cells, beta-amyloid deposits in the cerebral blood vessels, development of plaque and the presence of neurofibrillary tangles. The exact cause of Alzheimer’s is unknown, however, research has found some clues pointing to nutritional deficiencies.

The Gingko Biloba herb is a key nutrient in nutritional supplements for the brain aimed at memory. There is a great deal of clinical evidence supporting the connection between long term doses of Gingko and the potential to boost memory and brain function. Gingko has been double-blind tested many times for its ability to increase the oxygen content to the brain and other bodily tissues. Search for dose amounts of at least 100 mg. In terms of potency levels the extract must be standardized to 24% ginkgoflavonglycosides, containing 6% terpene lactones. Extract ratio of 50:1

•Other key memory ingredients that must be there are: Acetyl-L-Carnitine; Huperzine A; 5 – HTP; DMAE; Phosphatidyl Choline; Phosphatidyl Serine; SAMe; Vinpocetine; Bacopa; Gotu Kola; Passion Flower; Schizandra

Depression, Stress, Anxiety

Millions of people worldwide suffer from depression, stress or anxiety. Root causes include heredity, 20th century lifestyles, environment and diet. Conventional treatments use prescription anti-depressants. However, these medications only suppress the symptoms and do not treat the root of the problem. Several natural substances have proven to be highly effective when combined correctly in nutritional supplements for the brain. They can repair neurotransmitter faults, improve mood and re-balance nutrient intake.

•The key ingredients are: 5 – HTP; Acetyl-L-Carnitine; DMAE; Huperzine A; Phosphatidyl Choline; Phosphatidyl Serine; SAMe; Vinpocetine; Chamomile; Hops; Gotu Kola; Passion Flower; Valerian

Insomnia

Insomnia comes in two forms, sleep onset insomnia (the inability to fall asleep) and sleep maintenance insomnia (the inability to stay asleep) Invariably, people suffering from either type will end up with chronic sleep deficiencies. Insomnia can be caused by several factors such as mood disorders, illness, heartburn, menopause, diabetes and arthritis and periodic limb movement disorders. Nutritional supplements for the brain that target insomnia should contain the following key compounds as the main active ingredients:

•5-HTP; Phosphatidyl Choline; DMAE; Huperzine A; SAMe; Vinpocetine; Bacopa; Hops; Valerian; Chamomile; Passion Flower

Brain wellness is a vital component to a healthy and happy life. It effects every other system in the body. The brain is the most intricate and misunderstood organ in the body, which is the main reason why many prescription drugs used to treat problems are ineffective. Nutritional supplements for the brain provide a natural alternative for good neurological health.

Vitamins & Nutrition Supplements

admin — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:18:55 +0000

kindercold asked:

In a society full of chemical laden, high calorie, high fat, low nutritional value convenience foods, vitamins & nutrition supplements are becoming more than just a “health nut” trend. Healthy, nutritional vitamins have become an absolute necessity.

A deficiency of vitamins K, E, and C, along with essential fatty acids can cause premature aging and skin cancer. Vitamin C deficiency can cause easy bleeding and bruising, hair and tooth loss, joint pain and swelling. These symptoms appear to be related to the weakening of blood vessels, connective tissue, and bone, which contain collagen.

Too little vitamin D can lead to osteoporosis, or a weakening of the skeletal system, due to compromised calcium absorption. D vitamin deficiency can also cause muscle weakness and cancer.

Blindness is one result of a diet lacking vitamin A. This type of deficiency has also been linked to immune system disorders and birth mortalities.

B vitamins can cause a whole slew of health challenges when not present in our bodies. Mental and emotional challenges, including depression (to the point of suicide), anxiety, and paranoia are at the forefront of these challenges. Insomnia, heart palpitations, indigestion, and overall soreness can also result from a lack of B vitamin complex.

These are just a few examples of some potential consequences of neglecting our nutrition. These examples only really pertain to vitamins, which are merely the tip of a grand iceberg. Chelated Minerals, Phytonutrients, Probiotics, Proteins, Fatty Acids, Antioxidants, Amino Acids, and other nutritional MUSTS will wreak even more havoc on us if in short supply.

Our current diets are not enough.

Vitamins & Nutrition Supplements can restore and ensure great physical health, perfect mental & emotional balance, heaps of quality energy, superb immune system function, and a dramatic reduction in pain, stiffness, and fear. Our skin, hair, and nails will look youthful and vibrant. Our excess body fat will melt away. We will look fantastic! We will also experience an inner peace that can only come from a knowing that everything is going to be okay.

It really is a dramatic shift. Please do NOT overlook the importance of optimal nutrition.

The absolute best vitamins & nutrition supplements to buy are whole-food supplements which contain all of the “must-have” elements I mentioned above. Skip the synthetic, over-the-counter drugstore garbage. Go to your local health food store. They’ll have what you’re looking for. The drugstore won’t.

You can see the supplement I personally use by CLICKING HERE. It does it all, and I believe it to be the very best. Take a peek and see if you agree.

A daily Green Drink regimine is also highly recommended.

Thank you for reading.

Want Give Nutritional Supplements as a Gift?

admin — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:54:14 +0000

Mitamins Team asked:

After a long-term consumption of vitamins and nutritional supplements, you probably have found that they are considerably helpful for your overall health. You may want to share your new finding with everyone. Why not present your friends or family members with some well-chosen nutritional supplements as a gift?

Think carefully before you act!

If you have decided to purchase vitamins and nutritional supplements as a surprise for someone, it is imperative for you to think about the following tips or cautions before you order.

1. Nutritional Supplements are a Kind of Medicine

Have you ever been shopping, and bought a certain kind of aspirin for a friend just because you like it? Probably not. Nutritional supplements are the same kind of thing. Although you can purchase them without a doctor’s prescription, they are a form of medicine after all. Medicine is not “one-size-fits-all”: it works differently for every person, and what may be perfect for you may not have the same effect for others.

2. Nutritional Supplements Are Personal Things

If your friends were to give you a roll of toilet paper or dandruff shampoo for your birthday, how would you feel? Embarrassed, right? The same holds true for vitamins and nutritional supplements, as these products are defined as being personal items. If you give a friend a bottle of nutritional supplements casually, he or she may feel uncomfortable or a little weird.

3. Nutritional Supplements May Interfere with Medication

Imagine that one of your friends really likes the vitamins and nutritional supplements you are taking, and you decide to give him or her a bottle as a surprise. So you order the product to give as a gift for the next time you meet. However, what both of you don’t realize is that one of the main ingredients in the nutritional supplements interferes with another medication personal prescribed by your friend’s doctor. In some cases, some people might suffer severe complications if they take nutritional supplements and personal medications together.

4. Nutritional Supplements Are Not “One-Size-Fits-All”

You may have benefited a lot from taking nutritional supplements, so you hold the conviction that they are powerful. Nevertheless the products are not right for everyone. Besides, people are highly cautious of or sensitive to any kinds of medication which they are not familiar with, including vitamins. So if you buy this kind of products for others, it may not only be a waste of your money and time, but also may affect your friendship, as sending vitamins or nutritional supplements may seem an undesirable or even rude gesture.

If you still insist on purchasing nutritional supplements for your friends or your family members,, you’d better get his or her permission before you act. Thus, the products will not be a surprise any more, and you will know that the products are just what she or he needs.

Excellent Cholesterol Nutritional Supplements

admin — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:12:38 +0000

Vincent Platania asked:

High cholesterol doesn’t just come from your diet; it comes from your body as well. In fact most of the cholesterol needed is produced by the liver. Only 10% is said to come from the diet, so even if you completely avoid cholesterol raising foods, you can still have high cholesterol.

What Can You Do?

A high fiber diet especially rich in leafy greens is one way you can combat high cholesterol. There are other cholesterol nutritional supplements that you can add to your daily routine that will help to reduce levels of LDL cholesterol.

Exercise is another factor. When you incorporate an aerobic exercise routine into your daily schedule you will aid in balancing the cholesterol levels of your body. Good cholesterol or HDL will increase and the bad cholesterol or LDL will decrease.

Artichoke is a great nutritional supplement to add to your cholesterol arsenal. Using artichoke leaf extract has been proven to reduce high levels of cholesterol. It works by preventing an increase in levels of serum cholesterol and can inhibit the production of atherosclerotic plaque which is what coats the inside of your arteries and makes high cholesterol dangerous. It is also said to lower high levels of triglycerides which are another concern when it comes to good heart health.

Garlic is another cholesterol nutritional supplement you should add to your diet. You don’t have to use liberal amounts of garlic in the foods you eat; instead you can take a garlic supplement that will not have the smelly effect that some others do. Garlic has been used for a long time by traditional herbalists and healers. Garlic is an antioxidant and is thought to reduce oxidization of LDL cholesterol. An added benefit of garlic is that will also help to reduce high blood pressure as well.

Turmeric root or curcumin is an age old spice that comes from the family of ginger. There have been several studies that show that using curcumin can benefit those who have high cholesterol and want to achieve lower levels using natural cholesterol nutritional supplements. Peroxidation of the lipids when lowered can decrease the amount of LDL in the blood while increasing the amount of HDL. It is also said to have a beneficial effect on a number of conditions and diseases and more is being learned daily about its wonderful properties.

Green tea will also lower LDL levels of cholesterol. Green tea can be taken in a pill form or you can find its leaves and brew a tasty tea from it. It too is a powerful antioxidant that will reduce the instance of oxidization in the arteries of LDL cholesterol. Though green tea contains a number of minerals, vitamins, oils as well as caffeine it also has polyphenols which is what gives green tea its role in a healthy body.

There are a number of natural supplements you can find to help you to lower your cholesterol. It is always advised that no matter what you decide upon taking, you should always discuss it first with your healthcare provider. GarlicGuard and OC-Max tablets are two nutritional supplements that can help you to fight your high cholesterol problem.

Nutritional Health Supplements – How Nutritional Supplements Could Save Your Life?

admin — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 18:44:45 +0000

Oktay Ozadam asked:

Nutritional supplements could be just what you are looking for to sort out your various health issues if you are suffering from conditions caused by poor nutrition. If you happen to be the kind of person who is always hurried and stop at any one of the drive-thrus you pass as you are driving along, you are certainly not getting the best nutrition. Sodas, French fries and burgers have very little nutritional value. Usually they have much too much ingredients that are detrimental to your health. These fatty foods can actually require your body to consume the few nourishing ingredients that they have for digesting those components that are unhealthy.

Dietetic Supplements Can Delay the Number One Killer

Studies show you are more liable to die from bad nutritional habits than from a major accident. It has also been proven that cancer as well as heart disease can often prevented by taking nutritional health supplements. Several of these ailments are triggered off by not having enough the vitamins or minerals that boost your immune system and keep it to operate most effectively. Consider vitamins and mineralos as well as herbs as the tools that are needed by the body to keep serious illnesses at bay. When a person’s body does not have the appropriate tools, most diseases are invited to take over.

Which are the Supplements that are Absolutely Essential?

It is sometimes difficult to decide on which are the necessary supplements and which supplements are really not necessary. Several stores stock a huge range of supplements of various types. Most stores will usually keep supplements that contain vitamins as well as those that contain herbs. The actually fact is every body does not need the same nutrients. Any vitamin supplements you decide to take, should be taken only as a supplement, to offset your nutrient levels with the food you eat. If you regularly refrain from eating sufficient fruits and vegetables, you would require a vitamin supplement. You should know though, if you are looking a special supplement that will help with boosting memory as well as energy, you will be able to find a herbal line of supplements that can solve the problem.

Nutritional Guides & How They Help

The best thing to do should be to get yourself a detailed guide on herbal supplements that also features details on vitamins. A good guide should be impartial and break down the value offered by each supplement, and also the few brands that offer the highest nutrients. The best nutritional supplement will be made up of a mix of top notch nutritional ingredients. As you are likely to experience with other products, there are products that would pass any quality test and those that would be sure to fail. Your best bet would be to get a guide that offers a break down of the ingredients contained in individual pills, what results you can expect, and a few equitable reviews from people who have been taking supplements.

Safety Issues Surrounding Nutritional Supplements

While most people will not suffer from any reaction brought on by nutritional supplements, you should make it a point to consult with a qualified practitioner prior to starting any kind of regimen. If you currently have a health condition of any kind or are currently on a course of medications, speak to your doctor about supplements that are not harmful in any way.

Why Should you Use Nutritional Supplements in your Diet?

admin — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 07:12:09 +0000

Chris DiCicco asked:

Nutritional supplements are used to fulfill a deficiency of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients in our everyday diet. A few years ago nutritional supplements were not as popular among people as they are today. This is because in years passed there was not much need for anyone to take these supplements. People used to eat pure and healthy food which consisted of a balanced diet including milk, eggs, fresh fruits and vegetables, rice, fish. Basically back then our diet contained everything that we needed in order for our bodies to function correctly. Today our busy schedules have made our minds so pre-occupied that we don’t have enough time to eat enough to fulfill all our body needs. Combined with the fact that the vegetables are extensively farmed and kept on shelves for a long time, this reduces the nutrient intake that we actually eat. This is why we need nutritional supplements to maintain our health.

It is a known fact that nutritional supplements are useful for people belonging to all age groups. Children need adequate amounts of calcium, phosphorus and iron to develop healthy bones and teeth. Similarly, elderly people need all kinds of vitamins and energy vitalizing substances to keep themselves fit. These supplements also help them fight against various diseases, and some are even thought to prevent heart attacks and even cancer. Many nutritional supplements, including folic acid, are recommended to pregnant women to protect the baby from developing any abnormality. Obesity and high cholesterol can also be treated by using nutritional supplements made from natural plant and animal extracts.

Lately there has been much debate as to whether nutritional supplements are really useful or if there’s really no point in taking them. It’s true that there is no alternative for a proper balanced diet, nothing can take the place of fresh fruits and vegetables. But at the same time taking small amounts of health supplements is not harmful at all, instead it provides protection against many diseases in the long run.

You should never replace your everyday meals with nutritional supplements, although meal replacement powders are available on the market. As with any change in your diet it’s important to consult a health specialist before consuming any kind of nutritional supplement. Also don’t fall for the many attractive advertisements about some supplement products that claim to do wonders overnight. If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is!

Natural food extracts should always be preferred over other man-made supplements. A weight loss supplement made from extracts of green tea is an example. Many other supplements are also made by combining different herbal extracts and a blend of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and fatty acids. As you must have guessed, these materials are not harmful for the body at all as they all occur naturally.

People who are taking antibiotics are advised to ask their doctor before buying nutritional supplements because they might interfere with the antibiotic course that has to be completed in order to treat an infection. Similarly diabetic patients and those suffering from high blood pressure and high cholesterol are advised not to consume any kind of weight gain or energy boosting supplement before consulting their doctor.

You also need to remember that these nutritional supplements are effective only when right amounts of each one is taken as prescribed by a health specialist. Overdose might prove to be detrimental to your health. Similarly taking less than the correct dosage, or not following the procedure correctly may not prove to be as effective for the body.

Overdose can also cause some side effects like dizziness and nausea. There are no clear signs of vitamin or mineral deficiency in the body, but when you feel that your diet is not composed of all the healthy food that must be consumed everyday, you should immediately ask your doctor’s opinion. If taken properly and as part of a healthy balanced diet, nutritional supplements are an excellent way to ensure that your body is being fed with all the necessary nutrients it needs in order to function properly and defend it from various kinds of illnesses.

What you Should Know Before Buying Any Nutritional Supplements

admin — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 23:18:26 +0000

Chris DiCicco asked:

A few years ago the options of choosing nutritional supplements were limited by the stock of your local stores and perhaps if you were lucky enough to know any manufacturers, then you would have more success. The internet has changed everything, although most people would argue whether it has really made our lives easier.

You can use the internet to search online for all kinds of vitamin and mineral food supplements that exactly match your body needs. You can even read reviews of other consumers who are satisfied with a particular manufacturer of nutritional supplements.

Before buying any kind of nutritional supplement keep some important points in mind. The first and foremost consideration should be the quality. You should always find a manufacturer that is certified in providing health services to customers. The product should conform to the strict quality standards that are set by the government and specialists. It’s a good idea to ask a dietitian before going for a particular food supplement product. It’s also important to remember that high quality food supplements are usually much more expensive than the low quality, cheaper products. As with most things, you get what you pay for!

You should always keep in mind the purpose you are buying a vitamin, mineral or other supplements for. Vitamin supplements are composed of many different types of vitamins, including vitamin A, B, C, D, K, folic acid, pyridoxine, thiamin, orotic acid and many others. Of these, vitamin B is further divided into many separate categories. Similarly mineral supplements are categorized as iron, copper, sodium, magnesium, calcium citrate and so on. Different vitamin and mineral supplements serve different purposes.

Antioxidants are a type of flavonoid product that helps to protect the body against free radicals (the by-products formed by certain activities of body cells). It is a popular anti-aging food supplement. Cranberry juice is also known to be another natural anti-aging food supplement.

There are also supplements for sexual enhancement, cure for arthritis, cure for skin cancer, and lowering cholesterol level in the body. Policosano is an important natural food supplement helpful in lowering cholesterol. There literally are supplements that can help everyone. Also arthritis sufferers are catered for, being that there are supplements that can actually prevent swelling and inflammation.

Vitamin food supplements often contain a vitamin (no surprise there), a mineral, herbal extracts, and amino acids. Some of these supplements are popular treatments for all kinds of cancer, especially skin, lung and prostate cancer. These products can come in both liquid and tablet form depending on your personal preference.

Supplements for sexual enhancement are also rich in vitamins and some therapeutic herbs. Sexual problems can be caused by many different things, it can be caused by psychological, or physiological reasons. Although it is widely known that most of the sexual problems faced by men and women are psychological, there are sexual enhancement products available for all kinds of sexual problems. Energy and vitality supplements are available for both men and women to help them enhance their love life.

Various herbal products for the treatment of obesity, under-development of breasts, and un-timely ovulation are available. You can search on the Internet to find a particular kind of product and read its description to decide whether it’s suitable for you or not. Omega 3 is a popular and well known food supplement.

There are unlikely to be any side effects associated with the use of these supplements because they are extracted from natural plants. However it is still advisable to consult a health professional before buying any kind of nutritional supplement. Keep the above-mentioned factors in mind and also do a little research of your own to find more about the nutritional supplements available today.

Nutritional Supplements for Bones and Joints

admin — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 19:43:10 +0000

kevin moshayedi asked:

Nutritional supplements can strengthen bones, cartilage and joints resulting in improved flexibility, bone strength, and pain relief. Nutritional supplements have disabling effects on inflammatory arthritis and joint pain. Nutritional supplements provide the nutrients needed to lubricate joints and rebuild cartilage, resulting in reduced arthritis and joint pain. In fact nutritional supplements have become popular alternative treatments for arthritis and osteoporosis. Supplements with calcium, magnesium and vitamin D are very essential for maintaining bone health, as Calcium helps in strong bone formation, Vitamin D helps in Calcium absorption and utilization, and magnesium helps in bone formation and joint support. Vitamin supplements prevent the breakdown of cartilage. Inclusion of Boron, Copper, Silicon and Zinc in bone health supplement is essential, because Boron activates Vitamin D, and Silicon and Zinc helps in bone formation and osteoporosis support. Vitamins D, A, C, E and B3 supplements help in reducing pain and inflammation in people with osteoarthritis. Vitamin E supplements helps in significantly relieving from arthritis and joint pain. Nutritional supplements with glucosamine (glucosamine sulfate and N-Acetyl D-Glucosamine), chondroitin sulfate and crucial minerals help to build and maintain healthy, flexible cartilage which is very important for joint health. Glucosamine has become a popular natural nutritional supplement for the treatment of arthritis especially osteoarthritis. Nutritional supplement containing Glucosamine and Chondroitin plays an important role in the maintenance of joint cartilage. Nutritional supplement with Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), Manganese and Vitamin C helps in maintaining joint health. Glucosamine and Chondroitin included in this joint health supplement promote wound healing by providing the necessary building blocks for new joint cartilage. Nutritional supplement with Omega 3 fatty acids helps people with rheumatoid and other inflammatory forms of arthritis and joint pain. Nutritional supplement with Bromelain, a substance derived from pineapple, has natural pain relieving properties, and reduces pain more effectively with fewer side effects. Nutritional supplements made of avocado and soybean extracts have found to reduce pain and level of disability and increase the mobility range in people with bone disease. Intake of calcium supplements daily helps in maintaining bone strength and bone density, and helps in preventing osteoporosis. The nutritional supplement with SAMe (S-Adenosyl-Methionine) which is a form of the amino acid, methionine, stimulates the production of glycosaminoglycans which are important components of connective tissue. SAMe helps to maintain the quality of cartilage. Nutritional supplement with MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) promotes healthy tissues & cells. If you suffer from osteoarthritis, try to include nutritional herbal supplements in your diet, along with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C, folic acid, and vitamins D and vitamin E supplements. Herbal supplements like turmeric and ginger have anti-inflammatory properties. Vitamin C and omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil and flaxseed also have the same effects. Folic acid supplements decreases joint sensitivity and increases your mobility range. Vitamins D and Vitamin E supplements not only prevent the disease but also slow the progression of the disease. Magnesium supplements are important for bone and joint health and reduce some of the side effects of high levels of calcium supplementation. Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate are extremely helpful for osteoarthritis. If you are Rheumatoid Arthritis patient, take vitamin C supplements, herbal supplements like turmeric and ginger, and supplements with magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids. Herbal supplements, and Supplements with Vitamin C and omega-3 fatty acids can reduce inflammation, while magnesium supplements can suppress the spread of the disease.