Vitamins for Wellness

Michael Byrd :

Science shows the benefits of fish oil with omega 3 only ends when you do. In other words, Omega 3 oils with EPA and DHA can contribute to better health your whole life long – from birth to death.

It all started in Greenland in the 70’s when scientists studied the Eskimos to find out why they rarely got heart disease. The doctors finally figured out that it was because of all the fatty fish they were eating – more specifically, the essential omega 3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. What’s more, over time they discovered these miracle workers keep on working for a person’s entire lifetime.

Let’s begin before the beginning. If couples take omega 3 fish oil prior to conception, they have a better chance of conceiving and having a healthy baby. I’ve seen this over and over again with women who’ve been having trouble getting pregnant. Once they both start taking omega 3 fish oil with EPA and DHA, fertility vastly improves. And after conception, the percentage of full term pregnancies with fewer complications was also higher.

While in the womb the fetus needs the nutrients from fish oil (that Mom’s taking) for both brain development and building a strong nervous system. And Mom benefits from the omega 3 EPA and DHA too, since it helps protect her from a major pregnancy problem – pre-eclampsia (pregnancy-related high blood pressure).

After birth, the mother will have much less chance of post-partum depression, if she’s taking her omega 3s. And the EPA and DHA is still necessary to the newborn (through nursing) for further brain development. Plus, these essential oils help protect the child from several major childhood problems – juvenile diabetes (type 1), asthma and ADD or ADHD.

As you can see, the nutrients from fish oil are essential to good health. Experts now realize that about 70% of a baby’s brain (and 60% of Mom’s brain) are made up of EPA and DHA. So, omega 3 fish oil contributes to both the mother and her baby’s physical, emotional and mental health. Thats a great beginning!

And, what’s really exciting is these benefits don’t end here. These essential nutrients benefit people throughout their entire lifetime. EPA and DHA continue to nourish the brain and even help protect against Alzheimer’s disease. And, if you don’t remember what I just said, you better go take your fish oil immediately!

Omega 3 fish oil has been shown to dramatically effect people’s mood in many positive ways (besides protecting against post partum depression and Alzheimer’s). Studies show EPA and DHA greatly lowers the incidence of depression, PMS and bi-polar disorder. Plus, there are even indications that optimum levels can reduce schizophrenia and tendencies towards suicide.

Most people are already aware that, because of the strong anti-inflammatory properties of cold water fish, omega 3 EPA and DHA has a dramatic effect on reducing inflammation. This adds up to much less incidence of all autoimmune and inflammatory diseases – arthritis, cystitis, bursitis, colitis or anything else ending in “itis.” Clinical trials show omega 3 fish oil can greatly reduce the pain without the negative side effects of drugs.

But, let’s get right down to the “heart” of the matter. Numerous studies prove that EPA and DHA are very beneficial in both protecting against heart disease and treating it. It helps lower blood pressure, reduce triglyceride, prevent blood clotting, improve cholesterol and minimize arrhythmia. So those who get plenty of high quality fish oil have less chance of heart attack or stroke.

But wait, there’s more. The fatty acids from fish oil also help protect against diabetes – both type 1 (juvenile onset) and type 2. And there’s even evidence that omega 3 EPA and DHA can decrease the incidence of cancer of the breast and prostrate and increase the survival rate of terminally ill cancer patients.

I could go on and on. But, I won’t. Because you just might be among the 85% of Americans who’re deficient in omega 3 fatty acids and you’re probably anxious to get started with all these benefits. The National Institutes of Health recommends 650 mg a day of balanced fish oil or 1000 mg daily for pregnant women and nursing mothers.

So, if you value your well being, I strongly recommend you start taking omega 3 fish oil capsules ASAP. It’s also a good idea to eat fatty fish from unpolluted waters whenever possible. To live a long, happy, healthy life, be sure you get the full benefit of omega 3 fish oil fatty acids throughout your whole lifetime.

Corwin Brown:

There are eight B vitamins in vitamin B complex as well as several related substances. The eight vitamins are thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pyridoxine (B6), cobalamine (B12), folic acid, pantothenic acid and biotin. The other related substances include choline, inositol and para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA).

Although each individual vitamin or related substance performs a different function in the body, they all work together to maintain good health and vitality. A well balanced diet should provide us with all the B vitamins we require, but because they are water soluble and therefore not retained by the body, we need a daily dietary source.

The majority of multivitamin and mineral supplements contain B-complex vitamins as well as other essential vitamins and minerals. Since multivitamin/mineral supplements are more complete than B-complex vitamins by themselves, multivitamin-mineral supplements are usually recommended to prevent deficiencies over individual vitamin supplements.

The Vitamin B Complex is essential for correct RNA and DNA synthesis and cell reproduction. As our Skin, Hair and Nails are constantly growing and renewing themselves we need the following B vitamins to ensure the good health of these structures – Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B9, Vitamin B12, Biotin and Choline. Deficiencies of any of these B Vitamins can lead to dry, grey skin, dermatitis, wrinkles, acne, rashes, falling hair and weak, splitting nails.

B1, known as thiamine, serves as a catalyst in carbohydrate metabolism and helps synthesize nerve-regulating substances. Deficiency can cause heart swelling, leg cramps, and muscular weakness. Rich food sources high in thiamine include liver, heart, and kidney meats, eggs, leafy green vegetables, nuts, legumes, berries, wheat germs, and enriched cereals. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is 1.5 mg. Some believe thiamine helps protect against alcoholism and that it is good for depression, stress, and anxiety. It is also said to improve mental ability and to help indigestion.

Most B-complex vitamins work together in synergy to provide a number of health benefits for the body. In general, they have been shown to enhance the nervous system and immune function, bolster metabolism, promote cell growth and division—including red blood cells which prevent anemia, and maintain healthy skin and muscle tone. They also work together to help combat stress, fatigue, depression, and cardiovascular disease.

The B-12 vitamin is of note because it is not available from plant products, making B-12 deficiency a concern for vegans. Manufacturers of plant-based foods will sometimes report B-12 content, leading to confusion about what sources yield B-12. The confusion arises because the standard US Pharmacopeia (USP) method for measuring the B-12 content does not measure the B-12 directly. Instead, it measures a bacterial response to the food.

Chemical variants of the B-12 vitamin found in plant sources are active for bacteria, but cannot be used by the human body. This same phenomenon can cause significant over-reporting of B-12 content in other types of foods as well.

The age of an individual will determine how much vitamin B complex they will take. There are several good benefits you can receive by taking vitamin B complex. Nervousness and pressure can be lessened if you take vitamin B complex. If you suffer from tiredness this can be reduced by taking vitamin B complex. In addition, a regular intake of vitamin B complex can help individuals recover sooner from sickness.

Dr John Anne :


Holy basil or Tulsi is a mark of holiness or piousness in Hindu society. Tulsi literally means a thing that can’t be compared with anyone. It is a plant that grows thorough out India and is worshiped throughout. Mythologically, Tulsi or the holy basil is related to lord Krishna and is said that she was his most beloved wife

Tulsi is a shrub that grows in wild in the regions that are warm and moist. It is a medium height plant having annual life cycle. It has two varieties

(a) Shayam Tulsi- The Tulsi with black leaves. It possesses medicinal properties and is largely worshiped.

(b) Rama Tulsi- the Tulsi with light green colored leaves.

Tulsi is the herb that has been used since prehistoric times. Tulsi due to its diverse actions has been the part of human evolution and is very much responsible for maintaining the health of the people.

Following are the health benefits of Tulsi

(a) Immunity enhancer – Tulsi is very helpful in increasing the immunity of the body. It helps in promoting the production of antibodies, in case of any foreign invasion in the body. It also helps in increasing the production of T helper cells that fight infections and antigens.

(b) Nervine debility – it is a powerful nervine tonic. It strengthens the nervous system and helps in controlling all the activities of the body that is controlled by our nervous system. Disease like paralysis and Parkinson can be treated with the proper usage of this herb. It improves the functioning of brain and increases the mental concentration.

(c) Fever and cold – holy basil is helpful in maintaining the body temperature to the normal. It is also effective in treating the influenza i.e. common cold. As we know that cold is caused due to infection in our body. It helps in avoiding the infection and also increases the inner strength of our body to tackle the infections to the fullest. Chewing Tulsi leaves is helpful in relieving from cold and flue.

(d) Cough – Tulsi or the holy basil is one of the most common herbs used in cough related remedies. It soothes the throat and also helps in curbing the infection in the throat and respiratory tract. It also very effective in treating the asthma and is know to provide good results in asthmatic conditions. It helps in expelling out the mucus to clean up the respiratory tract. It also helps in treating bronchitis and other respiratory disorders.

(e) Sore throat – Tulsi is also good in relieving from sore throat. Tulsi leaves boiled in water are very beneficial in treating sore throat.

(f) Respiratory disorder – Tulsi is just the drug of choice in respiratory disorders. Honey with Tulsi leaves is an excellent remedy to support the throat and respiratory disturbances.

(g) Kidney stones – holy basil is effective in stabilizing the renal disturbances. Holy basil juice is quite effective in treating the renal calculi and also helps in breaking up of the stone in the kidney. The broken calculi get expelled from urinary tract through urine.

(h) Heart problems – Tulsi is quite beneficial in heart related problems and tones up the heart muscle. It improves the blood circulation and reduces the cholesterol level in the body.

(i) Tensions and stress – it is one of the best Adaptogenic agents in that helps in relieving from stress. It also avoids the free radical formation in the body and a relives from stress on brain. It is one of the best anti- oxidant agents.

(j) Oral infection – it is also helpful in treating infections especially of the oral cavity. Tulsi not only curbs the infection in the body but also helps in toning up of gum and maintains the hygienic condition in the body. It is also helpful in relieving from mouth ulcers.

(k) Insect sting – it helps in relieving from the agony of the string bite and reduces the inflammation.

(l) Tooth problems – it strengthens the gums and avoids any cavity and plaque formation in them.

(m) Pain in head – it is a good analgesic and helps in relieving from conditions like migraine and head ache.

(n) Eyes related problems – it improves the vision and also helps in toning up of eyes. Holy basil contains the optimum level of vitamin A that is helpful in normal functioning of eyes. Juice of holy basil is also put into the eyes to avoid any infection in them.

Jason Paris :

Sprouted seeds or sprouts – not to be confused with the Brussel variety – are small plants, the next stage up from a seed. Sprouted seeds are young plants chock full of healthy minerals, vitamins, enzymes, proteins and fibre (practically all you need), and as they sprout their vitamin content increases. Because you eat them whilst they are growing, nearly all the nutrients remain intact! Your nutritious seed sprouts contain more vitamins and nutrients than nearly any other food and they make an important contribution to the recommended 5 portions of fruit and veg per day – 2 handfuls equal 1 portion.

How to Grow Sprouts

Growing sprouts is so cheap and easy – remember growing cress at school? It’s nearly as easy. You can buy a 3 level germinator or a single container, available from any good health food shop, add in a pack of seeds and your away.

To grow your sprouts……in cold water soak your seeds overnight drain the seeds and spread them evenly in your germinator, making sure they are not clumped together, place them in a well lit spot but not in full sunlight twice a day pour fresh cold water over the seeds and after 5-7 days – depending on seed variety – they’ll be ready to eat they can then be stored in a container in your fridge for 5-7 days. If you’re using the 3 level germinator, the water will drain to the bottom to be thrown away. With the single germinator you have to tip the jar to let the water drain away

What To Grow

There are loads of things you can grow, some easier than others. Some of the most popular include:
mung bean seeds (chinese bean sprouts)

alfalfa seeds

lentil seeds

radish seeds

clover seeds

buckwheat

chickpeas

One to definitely avoid are kidney beans, as they are toxic when raw.

How To Enjoy The Benefits

Eat your sprouted seeds raw and you’ll get all the benefits of this energy packed nutritious food. Or add them to your sandwiches, use as a side dish with a main course, sprinkle on top of soup, use them in a salad. Whilst it doesn’t do any harm, cooking or heating your sprouts is not recommended as this will strip them of the nutrients for which you have lovingly grown them.

Karen Pijuan :

Vitamin B12 contains cobalt, and hence it’s other name, cobalamin. Like all the B vitamins, it plays many key roles in the body. It is required for energy production and red blood cell formation, as well as for proper nervous system development and maintenance. B12 has been shown to improve memory and promote a healthy heart, as well as to prevent infertility in men. It also works as a natural anti-inflammatory and analgesic, and is involved in immune function.

New research shows success with B12 and managing cancer, especially in blocking the development of tumors. It also helps to relieve fatigue, depression and poor concentration. It is associated with lower levels of homocysteine in the blood, which has been shown to be good for lowering the risk of heart disease and perhaps also that of Alzheimer’s.

B12 is also important in the production of myelin, the covering that insulates nerve fibers and keeps electrical impulses moving in your body.

Extra Vitamin B12 Requirements

Research shows that the elderly are often low in B12, either because of not getting enough in the diet or poor absorption. In fact, deficiencies are more likely to be associated with a failure to properly absorb B12, which can happen in the elderly as their digestion system functions less well. Long-term use of various drugs, including cholesterol-lowering drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs and oral contraceptives also seems to deplete body of Vitamin B12. This vitamin is largely supplied in animal foods, so vegetarians, especially vegans, often become deficient, although it does take a long time to deplete the B12 stores in the body.

Deficiency Symptoms of B12

Deficiency of B12 can result in pernicious anemia and various problems with your nervous system, such as memory loss, confusion, loss of balance, and more. Pernicious anemia is characterized by low energy levels, poor skin color, listlessness and being short of breath. Some other symptoms include heart palpitations, tinnitius, dizziness, poor resistance to infection and dementia . B12 deficiency has also been linked to multiple sclerosis-type symptoms, probably because of its function of helping to produce the myelin nerve sheaths. When B12 deficiency occurs over a long period of time, it can cause both nerve degeneration and irreversible neurological damage, so if you suspect a B12 deficiency, you want to have it checked right away.

Food Sources of Vitamin B12

B12 is found primarily in meat, eggs and dairy products. It can be found in seaweeds and algae, as well as in fermented soy products like miso, but studies have shown that the B12 in plant foods is just not a reliable source of B12. The best food sources of vitamin B12 are definitely all animal sources, which is why it is crucial that vegans supplement. Some of the best sources include seafood like cooked oysters, king crab, herring, salmon, and clams. It’s also found in cheese, poultry, yogurt, eggs, organ meats and nutritional yeast. If you decide to supplement, we recommend only a natural B complex source, especially over the long term, so as to avoid other problems with B vitamin imbalances.

Tony Edwards :

Just picking up some ordinary vitamins at the drugstore is not enough for a healthy pregnancy. Prenatal vitamins contain important nutrients in stronger dosages than regular multivitamin supplements (even those formulated for women). Here is a look at what prenatal vitamins should contain and the benefit of each ingredient for new mother.

Prenatal Vitamin Ingredients

Folic Acid

Folic acid is the most commonly prescribed prenatal supplement for the months prior to becoming pregnant and, once pregnant, it is essential for the health and growth of the baby, especially for brain functions.

The March of Dimes reports that birth defects of the spine, skull, and brain, such as spina bifida and anencephaly, are more likely to occur if the mother does not get sufficient folic acid during the first few weeks of her pregnancy – even before she knows she is pregnant.

Calcium

Calcium supplementation is so important during pregnancy. A good prenatal vitamin should include calcium, which is necessary for a healthy pregnancy and baby. Low dietary intake of calcium is associated with increased risk of preeclampsia (pregnancy-induced hypertension, urine protein loss and swelling around the ankles).

In the last trimester of pregnancy, skeletal growth is highest and the fetus draws calcium directly from the mother’s stores. In addition, clinical trials have shown that adequate calcium during pregnancy lowers blood pressure and may reduce the incidence of premature births.

Magnesium

Magnesium promotes the health of bones and may help maintain normal blood pressure and muscle comfort during pregnancy. Magnesium promotes the health of bones (64% of the body’s magnesium is concentrated in the bones). It supports normal bone structure and plays an essential role in more than 300 cellular reactions.

Iron

Iron is recommended to prevent the mother suffering from anemia due to the demands that the baby puts on her iron consumption. Iron is an important mineral and is responsible for helping the mother and the baby’s blood to carry oxygen. Iron deficiencies can lead to severe birth defects for the baby.

Vitamin A

Adequate amounts of vitamin A help to promote the health of the baby by promoting normal growth and development of the embryo and fetus, and supporting genes that determine the sequential development of organs in embryonic development. Beta-carotene is a nutrient from plants that the body converts into vitamin A.

Vitamin C

The female body’s requirement for vitamin C increases during pregnancy as this vitamin promotes the normal growth of the baby and supports building strong bones and teeth. Vitamin C promotes normal tissue repair and healing. It also supports the absorption of another key nutrient during pregnancy: iron.

Vitamin D

New research from the Boston University School of Medicine is recommending higher intakes of vitamin D as so many are deficient. The women’s levels of vitamin D were related to the frequency of milk consumption and prenatal vitamin use.

B-Vitamins

Increased vitamin B6 levels can boost immunities needed after pregnancy and sufficient B6 has been shown to provide infant growth advantages. This B- vitamin can prevent neural tube defects when taken early in pregnancy, especially during the first trimester.

B1 and B2 are water-soluble vitamins that support the body’s ability to process carbohydrates, fat, and protein. This helps with the energy requirements and production increase in pregnancy.

Pantothenic acid, also called vitamin B5, is a water-soluble vitamin that helps to regulate your body’s adrenal activity and antibody production. If you are pregnant and don’t get enough B5, your baby’s growth may be slowed.

Vitamin B6 is the master vitamin for processing amino acids – the building blocks of all proteins and some hormones, which is vital to your fetus’s developing brain and nervous system.

Vitamin B12 (consumed during pregnancy) promotes the health and normal nerve function of the baby.

Biotin

Women have an increased requirement for biotin during pregnancy, and a biotin deficiency may occur in as many as 50 percent of pregnant women. This deficiency may increase the risk of birth defects. The fetus pulls so much of the nutrients from the mother’s diet; therefore, it is important that she consumes enough biotin.

Zinc

Increased zinc levels can boost immunities needed after pregnancy. Zinc supports normal growth and development during pregnancy. Zinc is an essential mineral that is a component of more than 300 enzymes that support normal healing, fertility in adults and growth in children, protein synthesis, cell reproduction, vision, immune function, and protection against free radicals, among other functions.

Prenatal vitamins can be taken after pregnancy to provide a well-balanced supplementation program. With a mother’s hectic schedule and lack of time, prenatal vitamins are a perfect choice for an after pregnancy supplement regimen.

The correct prenatal vitamins are essential for a healthy pregnancy and baby. Doing your research on prenatal vitamins can be very rewarding and time well spent to ensure an easy and successful pregnancy. Researchers at the University of Maryland have noticed that many commonly prescribed prenatal vitamins do not dissolve well resulting in insufficient absorption of the nutrients.

Mike Singh :


Vitamin B9, also commonly referred to as Folic Acid is a member of the B-Complex family and is a water soluble vitamin. Since this vitamin is easily broken down during the food preparation process and easily eliminated through the urine, it should be constantly replenished.

Like most other B-complex vitamins , Folic Acid also helps to metabolize fats, proteins and carbohydrates so that they can be converted into energy that the body can use.

Vitamin B9 helps in the production of new red blood cells as well as DNA and other nucleic acids. It even helps to fight against the heart disease causing amino acids called ‘Homocysteine’.

Folic Acid is also responsible for the production of Heme, the pigmented part of the red blood cells that carry iron.

Folic Acid is also known to fight against the onset of cervical cancer and aid in the digestive process. It plays a significant role in repairing damaged tissues and is also involved in the development of Serotonin, the neurotransmitter responsible for regulating mood, sleep and ones appetite.

For women who are planning to conceive they must consume adequate amounts of Folic acid as it helps to protect the growing fetus from dangerous conditions such as spinal bifida. Four to six weeks following conception, the neural tube begins to form in the developing fetus.

This tube eventually grows to become the spine, spinal cord, skull and brain. The presence of Folic acid ensures the closure of the neural tube so that amniotic fluid doesn’t seep into the tube’s development. Failure to close the tube can make the fetus vulnerable to birth defects such as anencephaly or spinal bifida.

Some excellent sources of Vitamin B9 are green leafy vegetables like spinach and asparagus. Nuts, beans, poultry, pork, whole grains, organ meats including liver and kidney as well as citrus fruits and juices also are good sources of folic acid.

Although there is no real danger if one consumes excess quantities of Vitamin B9, care should be taken to have it in moderation. The daily recommended intake of Folic acid is around 300 micrograms for women and about 330 micrograms for men. Pregnant mothers, especially those in their early stages of pregnancy and women who are attempting to conceive should increase their dosage to about 400 micrograms a day.

Women who consume excessive alcohol, pregnant women, the elderly and women on the birth control pill are more likely to suffer from a Vitamin B9 deficiency.

Symptoms of a Vitamin B9 deficiency can include apathy, shortness of breath, depression, dizziness and anemia. In some cases problems with memory and imparied brain and nerve function can also result.