Archive for the ‘Vitamins’ Category
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Wednesday, February 8th, 2012
 Wrapping up the short series on niacin, an important B-vitamin, here are the fine point details of dosage, supplements, and possible side effects.
First, the dosage. The dose that increases HDL cholesterol and decreases triglycerides (both positive in protecting yourself from heart disease) the most is between 1,200 and 1,500 milligrams (mg) a day. But niacin’s biggest impact on LDL levels is at 2,000 to 3,000 mg a day. To prevent heart attacks, work with your doctor, as the daily dose will be around 4,000 mg.
Find supplements as either “nicotinamide” or “nicotinic acid.” The … Read More
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Monday, February 6th, 2012
 Part two of my series on vitamin B3 (a.k.a. niacin) hones in on the health benefits that it exerts in our bodies. This goes beyond its many roles, but actually describes the disease-fighting nature of the vitamin. It has much to do with the flow of blood in the body, as we’ll see here.
1. Hyperlipidemia, Coronary Heart Disease: “Hyperlipidemia” means high cholesterol and triglycerides. Vitamin B3 was used as early as 1955 to treat patients with high cholesterol. The nutrient, at doses of 1,000 to 4,000 milligrams (mg) a day, lowered triglycerides by 20% … Read More
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Monday, February 6th, 2012
Getting enough vitamin D in the winter can be a real problem. Although medical experts throw about a number of different figures, it is thought that as much as 70% of the adult population is deficient in vitamin D. No big deal, you might be thinking — as soon as the sun gets stronger, you’ll boost your vitamin-D levels back to normal.
While this is definitely true, being deficient in vitamin D all winter is not going to be good for you. You need vitamin D to help your body absorb calcium. You also need … Read More
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Friday, February 3rd, 2012
 Here I begin a short, three-part series on a key essential nutrient known as niacin. It is also known as vitamin B3. Niacin deficiency can have serious effects on the body; for anyone interested in natural medicine and nutrition, information like this is key.
“Pellegra” is not a disease many of us have heard of, but it’s been on this continent for a century. It is caused by a serious deficiency in niacin. Pellegra was common in the southern states in the 1900s, when income was low and corn products were a major dietary source. … Read More
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Wednesday, February 1st, 2012
 Your immune system consists of special tissues (i.e. bone marrow, lymph nodes), organs (i.e. thymus gland, spleen, tonsils), and cells (lymphocytes or specialized white blood cells) and unique chemicals such as antibodies and interferon. Older adults are prone to infections and are at a much higher risk of dying from them than are younger adults. Let’s take a look at the major links between your immune system and nutrients.
There are many age-related changes in the immune system. The thymus gland shrinks. The number of lymphocytes falls, as does their function. Your body doesn’t respond … Read More
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