Do you take vitamins and supplements? Have you been wondering which vitamins can help you? Finding out more about nutrition is helpful, no matter what your level of knowledge. Keep on reading to get some quality information about vitamins and minerals.
Folic acid prevents birth defects, certain cancers, stroke and heart disease. This B vitamin is added to flour, cold cereal and pasta. Additionally, many leafy vegetables, melons, beans and meats contain folic acid. Folic acid is used to treat Alzheimer’s, macular degeneration, RLS, neuropathy, osteoporosis and other signs of aging.
When buying vitamins, always check the expiration date on the package before you buy them. Vitamins have a shelf life and do not last forever. Storage time, exposure to light and temperature can all effect the quality of vitamins and further reduce the expiration date. So make sure that you are buying quality vitamins that have not expired.
Magnesium is necessary for over 300 chemical reactions in the body. Foods high in fiber contain magnesium, including legumes, vegetables, nuts and whole grains. This mineral is used to treat high cholesterol, ADHD, fatigue, migraines, PMS and multiple sclerosis. Magnesium can also be applied topically to speed up healing.
Before you begin taking any supplements at all, you need to talk to your doctor about being tested for nutrient deficiencies. If you don’t do this first, you may be missing out on the key issues which are causing you to feel less than great. Get this done and then buy your supplements.
Do not take vitamins because someone you know is pressuring you to do so. Everyone is not the same, which means that what works for one person may have an entirely different effect on another. If you are concerned about your body lacking vitamins, you should consult your doctor to see what he would suggest.
Are you a woman of childbearing age? If so, you may be low in magnesium. In fact, 60 percent of women or more may be deficient in magnesium. Your best it is to talk to your doctor about having tests done to measure your levels, and if you are low, pick up a supplement.
Potassium can be found in dried fruits, cereals, milk and beans. This important mineral is used to treat Menière’s disease, menopause symptoms, arthritis, muscle aches, Alzheimer’s, intestinal disorders and allergies. Studies have shown that potassium may be beneficial to those suffering from high blood pressure and may help prevent stroke.
Cheap food is nutrient poor, so consider what you are eating. For example, eating vegetables out of a can means you’re missing out on fresh, nutrient-rich vegetables instead. Your diet is your key source of vitamins and minerals, and there is no point in taking supplements if you’re eating junk all day long.
Everyone who lives in a northern climate needs vitamin D, right? Not true! In fact, the paler your skin, the less time in the sun you need to get an adequate amount of vitamin D. If you want to be sure, have your doctor test you for deficiency and get a supplement only if you need one.
Pack a boiled egg for lunch. Iron is essential to the body, yet hard to maintain proper levels. Boiled eggs are rich in protein, iron and Vitamins A and B. Eating a boiled egg each day can help to supplement these nutrients and help you maintain a healthy iron balance your body needs.
Seeds and nuts are so good for you. These foods have a ton of important nutrients. You can easily boost your vitamin E and B, along with magnesium, calcium and iron. Nuts and seeds should be daily snacks. This will give you a lot of the minerals that you need.
If you find that taking your supplements leaves you feeling nauseous, be sure to take them with food. Taking vitamins and minerals on an empty stomach can easily upset it, so just take them with a meal instead. In fact, splitting them up amongst your meals can boost absorption.
If you are really tired, you may be lacking magnesium. This nutrient is what keeps us peppy, and a deficiency leaves us worn out. Be sure to talk to your family physician before taking this supplement as it can affect other medications you take or some of your body’s natural rhythms.
To get the most nutritional value out of an apple, leave the skin on when you eat it. You’ll want to wash it very carefully, but the skin contains a lot of the fiber that makes eating an apple such a good idea in the first place. Peeling it takes away a lot of the benefit.
Try to find vitamins that do not contain fillers. There is no way to tell what harmful effects fillers will have on your body, so it is a good idea to avoid them as much as possible. The best way to avoid this is by purchasing all-natural vitamins from a reputable dealer.
Selenium is found in poultry, fish, wheat, liver and crab. This potent mineral is used to treat blood vessel and heart diseases, including atherosclerosis and stroke. Studies have shown selenium can help prevent lung, prostate, skin and stomach cancers. Finally, selenium is used to treat CFS, RA, hypothyroidism and macular degeneration.
If possible, purchase your produce from local vendors. The fresher your produce, the better the vitamin and mineral content. When being transported and on the shelf, vitamins begin to deteriorate.
When you have issues with high blood pressure, talk to your doctor about taking calcium and magnesium supplements. They have been shown to reduce blood pressure and lower your risk of coronary heart disease. A simple multivitamin paired with a healthy diet can leave your heart healthy long into the future.
As you’ve just seen, there is an incredible amount to learn regarding vitamins and minerals. You need to know which substances are most important for good health, and how to choose the right supplements. Make use of these tips to help you find the right ones for you.
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