The B Complex Vitamins are some of the most important vitamins your body can recieve. It is known as a complex because there are actually 9 different B Vitamins.
They range from B1 - B7 and also B9 and B12. As you will see, most of your bodies systems need some form of B vitamin to function. Any easy way to remember the importance of these vitamins is to consider their importance in you body, brain and blood. So, rather than looking at the B vitamins in order, lets look at the systems they are critical for.
Brain
The B1 Vitamin is also known as Thiamine. Thiamine helps to ensure that all your bodies’ cells are functioning properly. It is extremely important for your memory and mental health functions, and also helps convert your food into energy.
Pyridoxine, vitamin B6, is the B vitamin responsible for redistributing amino acids. It actually creates over 5000 proteins needed by the body and also helps build various enzymes. It is also critical in the production of neurotransmitters in the brain. Strict vegans or vegetarians will need a supplement of Pyridoxine because it is supplied by meat and poultry products. In addition pregnant or breastfeeding woman may want to add a supplement to their diet.
Best known as a supplement for pregnancy, vitamin B9 is also known as folic acid. It is known for improving mood and quality of sleep as well as controlling appetite. Folic acid helps to keep the arteries open, and can help prevent heart attack or stroke.
Blood
Vitamin B2 is called Riboflavin. It also helps convert food into energy, but it is especially important for keeping red blood cells healthy.
Cobalamin or vitamin B12 helps to form a protective barrier around your nerve cells and keeps your read blood cells healthy. It can help to prevent heart disease. While this nutrient is critical, your body actually requires a very small amount of it, making deficiency extremely rare. Provided you eat a wide variety of foods. Fussy eaters, children and strict vegans may need to take a supplement.
Body
Niacin is the common name for vitamin B3. This nutrient is critical for detoxifying chemicals to making hormones. It is also involved in over 50 other processes that your body needs to function correctly.
B5, or Pantothenic acids function is to assist other B Vitamins in doing their jobs. It helps to break down fats, proteins and carbohydrates in order to convert them into energy. It is required in the formation of hormones, vitamin D and red blood cells. Panthothenic acid is actually one of the most common vitamins found in most foods, so it is almost impossible for you to not get enough of this vitamin.
B7 is also known as Biotin. It is another B vitamin that is critical for giving the body energy, by breaking down fat, proteins and carbohydrates.
As you can see, the B complex, which includes 9 different vitamins is critical for your brain, blood and body. Many foods supply these vitamins, but depending on your lifestyle, diet and stage of life, getting a supplement could be important.
Talk to your doctor or dietician to see whether or not a vitamin B complex or any particular vitamin B could be valuable to you.
With today’s lifestyle, it is important to work especially hard at getting a balanced diet. B Vitamins are one of the most important nutrients your body needs.
A blog discussing health and fitness topics, especially focusing on Acai Berry Juice.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
What are the Symptoms of Graves Disease, and How is It Diagnosed
Graves' disease. Just hearing the name can invoke fear. And it is definitely a nasty disease. But, the name actually has nothing to do with the disease. The name actually comes from the person who discovered the disease. Dr. Robert Graves.
So, if the name of the disease doesn't tell you anything about what Graves' disease is, what is it? What are its symptoms? And how is it diagnosed?
What is it?
Graves' disease is caused by an over active thyroid, also known as hyperthyroidism. What this means, is the thyroid is producing too many hormones. In Graves' disease, this is accompanied by the thyroid gland being enlarged.
This increase in hormones causes many of the systems in the body to go into overdrive. This is what causes the symptoms to occur.
What are its Symptoms?
One of the primary symptoms is an enlarged thyroid gland. But, this isn't the one that most people notice.
Most often, the patient will display a number of secondary symptoms, caused by, but not obviously related to the thyroid:
Rapid Heart Beat
Hair Loss
Weight Loss
Fatigue
General Malaise
Body Soreness
These symptoms can come on suddenly, or they can gradually appear over a long period of time. Often, a stressful life event, or an injury, or an illness can bring these symptoms to the surface. But, after diagnosis, the person is often able to look back and notice these symptoms have been there for a while.
How is it Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is relatively straight forward, if the doctor thinks about looking for it. Often, diagnosis is made right away, but other times, because the symptoms are so varied, the tests are not run until after several doctor visits.
The first thing the doctor who considers the possibility of Graves' will look for is an enlarged thyroid. Next, he will order a simple thyroid test, which checks the levels of 2 different hormones.
If the thyroid hormone levels are high, and the gland is enlarged, a discussion of treatment options can be started.
Once Graves' disease is suspected, based on the symptoms, diagnosis usually comes quickly.
The main thing is for the doctor to actually think to check it. There are other criteria, besides the symptoms that the doctor will use, so only he can make the final diagnosis.
Also, there are other thyroid conditions besides Graves' disease that can cause many of the same symptoms, and even test results. Graves' disease is just the most common.
If you are feeling any of these symptoms, and you haven't been able to determine another cause, mention it to your doctor. He will be able to verify or eliminate it as a possibility so you can get on with your treatment.
There are several different treatment options for Graves' disease. There is no need to suffer with it, and postponing treatment can actually be damaging to your long term health.
So, if the name of the disease doesn't tell you anything about what Graves' disease is, what is it? What are its symptoms? And how is it diagnosed?
What is it?
Graves' disease is caused by an over active thyroid, also known as hyperthyroidism. What this means, is the thyroid is producing too many hormones. In Graves' disease, this is accompanied by the thyroid gland being enlarged.
This increase in hormones causes many of the systems in the body to go into overdrive. This is what causes the symptoms to occur.
What are its Symptoms?
One of the primary symptoms is an enlarged thyroid gland. But, this isn't the one that most people notice.
Most often, the patient will display a number of secondary symptoms, caused by, but not obviously related to the thyroid:
Rapid Heart Beat
Hair Loss
Weight Loss
Fatigue
General Malaise
Body Soreness
These symptoms can come on suddenly, or they can gradually appear over a long period of time. Often, a stressful life event, or an injury, or an illness can bring these symptoms to the surface. But, after diagnosis, the person is often able to look back and notice these symptoms have been there for a while.
How is it Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is relatively straight forward, if the doctor thinks about looking for it. Often, diagnosis is made right away, but other times, because the symptoms are so varied, the tests are not run until after several doctor visits.
The first thing the doctor who considers the possibility of Graves' will look for is an enlarged thyroid. Next, he will order a simple thyroid test, which checks the levels of 2 different hormones.
If the thyroid hormone levels are high, and the gland is enlarged, a discussion of treatment options can be started.
Once Graves' disease is suspected, based on the symptoms, diagnosis usually comes quickly.
The main thing is for the doctor to actually think to check it. There are other criteria, besides the symptoms that the doctor will use, so only he can make the final diagnosis.
Also, there are other thyroid conditions besides Graves' disease that can cause many of the same symptoms, and even test results. Graves' disease is just the most common.
If you are feeling any of these symptoms, and you haven't been able to determine another cause, mention it to your doctor. He will be able to verify or eliminate it as a possibility so you can get on with your treatment.
There are several different treatment options for Graves' disease. There is no need to suffer with it, and postponing treatment can actually be damaging to your long term health.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Acai Berries and Parkinson’s Disease - Are there Any Benefits?
Unfortunately, there has not been any serious study done proving that Acai berries have any direct benefits for suffers of Parkinson’s disease. There have however been enough related studies and enough people swearing to improvement, that it should be seriously looked into.
Parkinson’s is a degenerative disease affecting the dopamine production on the brain. Symptoms usually start out as shaking and slurred talking. It is a progressive disease that continues to get worse overtime.
There have been many people who swear to the effectiveness of Acai berries as part of their diet routine. And, some of the studies that have been done on vitamins, antioxidants and other nutrients do point towards it having a positive effect.
If nothing else, as you will see, Acai juice can help with some of the symptoms. While other treatments are working on the disease. And, it can make some of the recommended lifestyle changes easier on you.
While the actual cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown, there is considerable evidence that oxidative stress contributes to or worsens the condition. With oxidative stress, free radicals are running around the body causing all types of degenerative diseases.
Antioxidants are nutrients that fight free radicals and remove them from the body. There have been studies that suggest that antioxidants are effective in improving the condition. Or, they may at least delay the necessity of taking certain drugs, for up to a couple of years.
That is why many physicians are recommending high doses of vitamin C and E to their patients. These vitamins are powerful antioxidants.
Acai juice has one of the highest concentrations of antioxidants of any natural food product. So, of course it would make a good supplement to take for this condition.
There is also a lot of evidence that omega fatty acids have a positive effect on brain function. Because Parkinson’s is a neurological disease, it stands to reason, that omega supplements would be of value.
Acai juice also happens to be very high in Omega 6 and Omega 9 fatty acids.
One of the symptoms and side effects of Parkinson’s, is constipation. So often fiber is a required part of a Parkinson’s disease suffers diet. Once again, Acai berries are an excellent source of fiber.
While studies are still in progress, evidence definitely shows that nutrition has a very large place in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. And Acai berries happen to have very high levels of the vitamins and other nutrients which have been shown to have value.
In addition, exercise is an important component of treatment, and the energy boost that Acai berries give can help make exercise easier.
Because Acai berries, in its various forms (juice, capsules, pulp, etc) are essentially a food item, there really isn't any harm in trying them. Many people have reported some amazing results.
Always talk to your doctor before starting any new diet routine. But, if he approves, there is nothing to be lost by adding Acai berries to your diet to help reduce the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Next, learn about Acai Berries other benefits by downloading Dorota`s FREE Acai Berries Report Here: http://www.myacaiberryjuice.com
Parkinson’s is a degenerative disease affecting the dopamine production on the brain. Symptoms usually start out as shaking and slurred talking. It is a progressive disease that continues to get worse overtime.
There have been many people who swear to the effectiveness of Acai berries as part of their diet routine. And, some of the studies that have been done on vitamins, antioxidants and other nutrients do point towards it having a positive effect.
If nothing else, as you will see, Acai juice can help with some of the symptoms. While other treatments are working on the disease. And, it can make some of the recommended lifestyle changes easier on you.
While the actual cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown, there is considerable evidence that oxidative stress contributes to or worsens the condition. With oxidative stress, free radicals are running around the body causing all types of degenerative diseases.
Antioxidants are nutrients that fight free radicals and remove them from the body. There have been studies that suggest that antioxidants are effective in improving the condition. Or, they may at least delay the necessity of taking certain drugs, for up to a couple of years.
That is why many physicians are recommending high doses of vitamin C and E to their patients. These vitamins are powerful antioxidants.
Acai juice has one of the highest concentrations of antioxidants of any natural food product. So, of course it would make a good supplement to take for this condition.
There is also a lot of evidence that omega fatty acids have a positive effect on brain function. Because Parkinson’s is a neurological disease, it stands to reason, that omega supplements would be of value.
Acai juice also happens to be very high in Omega 6 and Omega 9 fatty acids.
One of the symptoms and side effects of Parkinson’s, is constipation. So often fiber is a required part of a Parkinson’s disease suffers diet. Once again, Acai berries are an excellent source of fiber.
While studies are still in progress, evidence definitely shows that nutrition has a very large place in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. And Acai berries happen to have very high levels of the vitamins and other nutrients which have been shown to have value.
In addition, exercise is an important component of treatment, and the energy boost that Acai berries give can help make exercise easier.
Because Acai berries, in its various forms (juice, capsules, pulp, etc) are essentially a food item, there really isn't any harm in trying them. Many people have reported some amazing results.
Always talk to your doctor before starting any new diet routine. But, if he approves, there is nothing to be lost by adding Acai berries to your diet to help reduce the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Next, learn about Acai Berries other benefits by downloading Dorota`s FREE Acai Berries Report Here: http://www.myacaiberryjuice.com
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acai berries,
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Thursday, June 17, 2010
Does Acai Juice Have Benefits for Arthritis Suffers?
Is it too much to hope for that Acai juice would actually have a positive effect on arthritis?
Arthritis is one of the conditions that can suck the life right out of a person. Chances are someone you know has suffered a huge drop in quality of life because of the effects. It is an awful feeling to have to watch someone you care about fight through life with this condition.
Unfortnuately, there is no cure for arthritis that we know of. But, Acai juice has shown to be of benefit. Its benefits are basically related to the conditions that cause arthritis to form and grow. And, how Acai berries can target those areas.
Old and injured joints are one of the main areas Arthritis attacks. Also, it forms in areas that don't have enough blood flow. It is very common in people deficient in vitamins and minerals. Oxidation by free radicals is also shown to cause or worsen arthritis.
One of the highest values of antioxidants anywhere can be found in Acai juice. Antioxidants make free radicals useless and remove them from the body. If not taken care of, these "bad cells" will join to healthy cells, causing oxidization.
Oxidization has a link to diseases such as arthritis, cancer, alzheimer's and more. So, because the berry can remove these free radicals, it may help with reducing symptoms or helping to prevent arthritis.
In addition, antioxidants have been shown to improve the “slipperiness” of blood platelets. Increased slipperiness could improve blood flow.
In addition, Acai juice is loaded with vitamins and minerals. Getting good nutricion is getting more and difficult in todays world. It is almost impossible to get the vitamins and minerals you need. Supplementing your diet is always an excellent choice.
Since having arthritis may demostrate a deficiency in vitamins or minerals, this could be even more critical. Balancing your diet with Acai juice can be a great decision.
Many people who have arthritis are told by their doctor to lose weight and to exercise to help reduce the effects and reduce the ongoing pain. Acai juice has shown a lot promise for individuals wanting to lose weight. Because Acai juice can give you a shot of energy, exercise will be more efficient. As you age, this extra energy is more important.
With its high antioxidant, vitamin and mineral levels, Acai juice can only be beneficial to helping to keep you healthy. While its not going to cure you of your arthritis, anything that can help should be tried.
Of course, you should talk to your physician first, just like with any diet or exercise change. The great thing about Acai juice, is it is a food, just like any other fruit. It just has a higher antioxidant and vitamin level.
There are some pretty exciting stories about Acai juice being a phenomenal benefit to all sorts of diseases. But, there also those who feel it give no benefits at all, and what you eat isn't that important to your overall health. The only one who can tell you if Acai juice is going to be of benefit to your arthritis is you.
Arthritis is one of the conditions that can suck the life right out of a person. Chances are someone you know has suffered a huge drop in quality of life because of the effects. It is an awful feeling to have to watch someone you care about fight through life with this condition.
Unfortnuately, there is no cure for arthritis that we know of. But, Acai juice has shown to be of benefit. Its benefits are basically related to the conditions that cause arthritis to form and grow. And, how Acai berries can target those areas.
Old and injured joints are one of the main areas Arthritis attacks. Also, it forms in areas that don't have enough blood flow. It is very common in people deficient in vitamins and minerals. Oxidation by free radicals is also shown to cause or worsen arthritis.
One of the highest values of antioxidants anywhere can be found in Acai juice. Antioxidants make free radicals useless and remove them from the body. If not taken care of, these "bad cells" will join to healthy cells, causing oxidization.
Oxidization has a link to diseases such as arthritis, cancer, alzheimer's and more. So, because the berry can remove these free radicals, it may help with reducing symptoms or helping to prevent arthritis.
In addition, antioxidants have been shown to improve the “slipperiness” of blood platelets. Increased slipperiness could improve blood flow.
In addition, Acai juice is loaded with vitamins and minerals. Getting good nutricion is getting more and difficult in todays world. It is almost impossible to get the vitamins and minerals you need. Supplementing your diet is always an excellent choice.
Since having arthritis may demostrate a deficiency in vitamins or minerals, this could be even more critical. Balancing your diet with Acai juice can be a great decision.
Many people who have arthritis are told by their doctor to lose weight and to exercise to help reduce the effects and reduce the ongoing pain. Acai juice has shown a lot promise for individuals wanting to lose weight. Because Acai juice can give you a shot of energy, exercise will be more efficient. As you age, this extra energy is more important.
With its high antioxidant, vitamin and mineral levels, Acai juice can only be beneficial to helping to keep you healthy. While its not going to cure you of your arthritis, anything that can help should be tried.
Of course, you should talk to your physician first, just like with any diet or exercise change. The great thing about Acai juice, is it is a food, just like any other fruit. It just has a higher antioxidant and vitamin level.
There are some pretty exciting stories about Acai juice being a phenomenal benefit to all sorts of diseases. But, there also those who feel it give no benefits at all, and what you eat isn't that important to your overall health. The only one who can tell you if Acai juice is going to be of benefit to your arthritis is you.
Labels:
acai berries,
acai berry,
acai juice,
arthritis
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Acai Juices - Why Are You Just Hearing About Them Now?
A common question I get, is if Acai Berries are so great, why am I just hearing about it now? And, the question makes total sense. If Acai berries are so great for you, and there are such a high number of benefits, why is it such a new product on the health food scene?
This interest has started recently for a few of reasons. These reasons can be attributed to both marketing and science.
But the first thing that you need to be aware of, is the benefits of Acai berry have actually been known for a long time. Howver, outside of the Brazillian Rainforests, it has not been widely known.
It has actually been consumed by the people of Brazil for hundreds of years. Research has shown that for the locals, the berry makes up 42% of the diet.
There have always been rumors that the Amazon contained all of the secrets to human health and longevity. But it has only been recently that people have really begun to explore its potential. Research is however getting much more intense, and we can expect to see new discoveries on a more regular basis.
One of the properties of the Acai Berry actually turns out to be one of the reasons it has taken us so long to discover it. Immediately after it is harvested, Acai berry begins to break down and lose enzymes. A few days after harvest, the fruit no longer has any value and has begun to rot.
The last couple of years have brought innovations which help to preserve the fruit for travel. Finally allowing people in other parts of the world to experience the benefits.
Health Food marketers have really increased the exposure of the average person to Acai berries. Some extremely famous celebreties learned about its antioxident benefits and began discussing it on the air.
After that, the Acai berry moved from something a few health food nuts knew about, to common information.
Now, many firms have begun promoting the various benefits of Acai berries.
Finally, the secret has left Brazil, and millions of people around the world are able to reap the benefits.
Because the hype has been so large, there are new firms spreading product knowledge even further every day. Its a good idea to do your homework before purchasing any Acai berry product.
There are many discoveries out there that some people have know about for years, but you are just learning now. It may have taken a while for the news about Acai berry to reach you, but now, its up to you to try it.
This interest has started recently for a few of reasons. These reasons can be attributed to both marketing and science.
But the first thing that you need to be aware of, is the benefits of Acai berry have actually been known for a long time. Howver, outside of the Brazillian Rainforests, it has not been widely known.
It has actually been consumed by the people of Brazil for hundreds of years. Research has shown that for the locals, the berry makes up 42% of the diet.
There have always been rumors that the Amazon contained all of the secrets to human health and longevity. But it has only been recently that people have really begun to explore its potential. Research is however getting much more intense, and we can expect to see new discoveries on a more regular basis.
One of the properties of the Acai Berry actually turns out to be one of the reasons it has taken us so long to discover it. Immediately after it is harvested, Acai berry begins to break down and lose enzymes. A few days after harvest, the fruit no longer has any value and has begun to rot.
The last couple of years have brought innovations which help to preserve the fruit for travel. Finally allowing people in other parts of the world to experience the benefits.
Health Food marketers have really increased the exposure of the average person to Acai berries. Some extremely famous celebreties learned about its antioxident benefits and began discussing it on the air.
After that, the Acai berry moved from something a few health food nuts knew about, to common information.
Now, many firms have begun promoting the various benefits of Acai berries.
Finally, the secret has left Brazil, and millions of people around the world are able to reap the benefits.
Because the hype has been so large, there are new firms spreading product knowledge even further every day. Its a good idea to do your homework before purchasing any Acai berry product.
There are many discoveries out there that some people have know about for years, but you are just learning now. It may have taken a while for the news about Acai berry to reach you, but now, its up to you to try it.
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