Vitamin C: Why You Can’t Assume You’re Getting Enough

Many benefits of vitamin C have been identified since the consumption of citrus fruit was first recognised as the immediately effective cure and preventative for the scurvy which so dreadfully afflicted the long distance sailors of a few centuries ago.

Numerous studies have recognised the vitamin as a possible protector against coronary heart disease, stroke, atherosclerosis, hypertension and cancer, to name but a few, and it is possible that all of these effects stem ultimately from vitamin C’s acknowledged role as a powerful anti-oxidant, active in preventing the free radical damage which is a known cause of premature ageing and many chronic degenerative diseases.

So the absence of acute deficiency diseases such as scurvy in modern affluent societies should not be taken as implying that the typical Western diet contains an adequate intake of vitamin C for optimum long-term health.

The United States Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamin C is 90 mg per day for a healthy, non-smoking man and 75 mg for a woman. But these suggested requirements are increased to 125mg and 110 mg respectively in the case of smokers, a tacit acknowledgement of the increased requirement for this vitamin which increased toxic stress places on the body. But these RDAs nevertheless appear to be set at a level sufficient only to avoid outright deficiency disease.

To be sure of obtaining all the optimum benefits of vitamin C, the authoritative Linus Pauling Institute has recommended a daily minimum intake of at least 400 mg. This amount has been shown to achieve saturation levels of the vitamin within the body’s tissues in healthy young adults who are non-smokers. To get this in perspective, even the consumption of the recommended five daily servings of fruits and vegetables may provide just 200 mg of vitamin C, whilst even commercial multi-vitamin supplements typically provide only around 60 mg.

But the real story’s actually even worse than this, not only because all too few people actually manage to consume the recommended quantities of fruit and vegetables, but because the nutritional quality of those that we do consume is poor, and getting worse.

As long ago as 1936, Senate Document 264 noted that the poor quality of American farm soils was leading to widespread nutritional deficiencies, and the 1992 Earth Summit reported that mineral concentrations in US farm soils were 85% lower than those of a hundred years ago.

Nor does the problem lie just in the soil. The modern Western diet’s preference for highly refined grains, and the treatment of fruits and vegetables with preservatives, dyes, pesticides and even radiation is a proven disaster for vitamin and mineral retention, as well as a significant toxic assault on the body.

Indeed, the problem for us in the twenty-first century is that our environment seems as though it might have been expressly designed for ill-health. Daily we’re exposed to a kind of toxic soup of pollutants such as industrial emissions, car exhausts, pesticides, herbicides, dyes and all kinds of everyday household chemicals. But as the liver works ever harder in an increasingly desperate struggle to detoxify the body, an unwelcome side effect is that it produces enormous quantities of the free radicals which are amongst the chief contributors to premature ageing and degenerative disease.
In these adverse circumstances it can only make sense to ensure that the body is as lavishly provided as possible with the top quality anti-oxidants of which vitamin C is certainly one of the most important.

Best Multi Vitamin

When choosing the best multi vitamin, you have to ask yourself certain questions. For example, there are many different multi vitamins on the market today. There are those for children, men and women. There are those for senior citizens, pregnant women, active women, active men and even teenagers. There are also many different brands and forms of multivitamins. While many multivitamins are tablets or pills, others are made of gel that are easier to swallow, some are chewable and liquid vitamin supplements are now becoming all the rage.

About 40 percent of the people in the United States take a multivitamin, but only seven percent actually get the nutrients their body needs on a daily basis. Vitamins give us the nutrients we need to fight off disease, keep our bones healthy and strong, protect our skin and hair, ward off colds, keep our cardiovascular system in check, help with pregnancy, give us energy and in general, just keep us healthy. Vitamins we need for every day living are found in most foods, but most people do not get the right amounts of these foods to get the proper nutrients needed from these essential vitamins.

When choosing the best multivitamin, you should first learn something about different vitamins and what they do. For example, if you are an older woman who has a family history of osteoporosis, the best multivitamin for you would be one that contains additional calcium. You might even want to talk to your physician about taking additional calcium tablets.

If you have children who frequently catch colds, especially if they are school age, the best multivitamin for them may be one with extra Vitamin C. There are several children vitamins on the market today and some have extra vitamin C. It is very difficult to overdose on vitamin C, so many parents opt for vitamins that contain extra vitamin C, particularly if they have school aged children who are always catching colds.

If you are a man who needs an extra boost, there are several options for you. In addition to many vitamin supplements that will do everything from increase your energy level to your libido, there are many different multivitamins that contain ingredients you need to stay active and fit. Read the label of the different multivitamins available for men and see what types of supplements are included. Depending on your needs, the best multivitamin for you can be one that promotes good cholesterol or one that gives your more stamina.

All multivitamins have supplement information printed on the back label. This will tell you what percentage of the nutrients are included in the vitamins. Read this carefully to make sure that you are getting enough of what you need.
You should be getting plenty of B vitamins in your diet. These vitamins are the most beneficial in warding off disease as they are powerful antioxidants. They are often found in dark green vegetables, of which people do not eat enough. Make certain that your multivitamin contains 100 percent of the daily recommended dosages for all of the B vitamins.

Vitamin C For Gout

Vitamin C For Gout? It Is A Good Idea, But A Caution If You Use It As A Gout Treatment
Should you take Vitamin C for gout? The answer is probably yes, but read on for a possibly relevant caution. Gout cures require that uric acid levels be reduced. Vitamins and drugs work in two ways to reduce uric acid levels. One is restricting its supply by inhibiting purine breakdown into uric acid, the other is improving uric acid’s breakdown into the urine. Vitamin C is thought to be a uric acid excretory, not an inhibitor. Improving excretion may be more important than reducing production.

One complicating factor is that elusive fact that most people with hyperuricemia (excess uric acid)do not get gout. Another is that some people with normal uric acid levels do.

A few studies over the past 30 years have concluded that Vitamin C will reduce the uric acid level. They have differed in the amount of Vitamin C given to study participants. A U.S. study of 184 non-smokers, published in 2005, concluded that the amount required to achieve a serum (blood) uric acid level reduction was 500 mg daily. (The Vitamin C was taken as a supplement). This is not a mega dose. Previously it has been thought that the amount needed was at least 4,000 mg (4 grams) daily. For example, Dr. Robert Atkins in his book " Vita Nutrient Solutions," recommended 5,000 -10,000 mg as part of his formula natural remedy for gout.

In the 2005 study by how much did 500 mg of Vitamin C reduce their uric acid level? It found an average, across all participants, reduction of about 10% (0.5 mg/dL). In addition, reductions were larger among participants who had higher levels of uric acid at the start of the study. Participants took the 500 mg daily level for two months. Those who were given a placebo (i.e. not Vitamin C) showed a slight increase in uric acid levels.

0.5 mg/dL is a useful reduction but for most people probably not a natural remedy for gout, although the 0.5 mg/dL figure is an average and some participants did better. But a 0.5mg/dL reduction will not be enough to reduce uric acid below the 6.0 mg/dL level at which the MSU crystals may dissolve. However, when combined with other vitamins for gout, a low purine diet and other natural remedies for gout, it could be.

THE CAUTION
Rapid changes in uric acid levels can trigger a gout attack. This rapid change can be brought about by many factors in addition to possibly mega doses of Vitamin C and by drugs such as probenecid and sulfinpyrazone. People who are susceptible to gout must consider these rapid changes.

Such a rapid change concerned the authors of one study in the 1970’s who had recorded that mega doses of Vitamin C (4,000 mg and 8,000 mg daily) reduced uric acid levels significantly, and by more than in the 2005 study. However, as far as Vitamin C induced changes in uric acid levels is concerned, this triggering has not been reported in any study.

VITAMIN C AS A GOUT PREVENTOR

If 500 mg daily of Vitamin C can reduce uric acid levels, then Vitamin C ought to act as a preventative gout vitamin too. A Taiwan study of males in the late 1990’s examined the weight, diet and lifestyles of gout and non-gout sufferers in Taiwan. It concluded that Vitamin C, folic acid (folate) and fibre were protective against gout. It also reached the well-known and accepted conclusion that hypertension (high blood pressure) and obesity are risk factors for gout. And one other very different conclusion from the conventional wisdom about purines -- purine intake, with the exception of alcohol, was NOT associated with a risk of gout.

However, restricting purines in your diet is not difficult, so it is still worth doing. The conventional wisdom may be correct. Uric acid level tests should tell if a low purine diet works for you.

1,000 MG PLUS DOSES
If you wish to try Vitamin C for gout in doses over 1,000 mg as part of a natural gout remedy discuss it with your doctor or a qualified naturopathic doctor. The 500 mg level is below the British government's 1,000 mg (1 gram) recommended upper safety level safety limit for Vitamin C. It is half of the maximum amount (1,000 mg) in a Vitamin C tablet sold in the U.S. and many other countries. If you take Vitamin C for gout as a dietary supplement, remember that it is reckoned to work better in a product that contains added citrus bioflavonoids. In addition, because it is excreted quickly, take it twice daily. To avoid excess acidity (lower pH) also take alkalizing minerals, or another alkalizing agent recommended by your doctor.

Vitamins For Women

Women often do not get enough vitamins. Vitamins for women usually include those with extra iron as women tend to develop anemia more so than men as well as relief for menstrual symptoms as well as osteoporosis. All human beings need vitamins to live and vitamins are found in just about every food we eat. However, many of us do not consume the right types of foods and cheat our bodies out of the vitamins needed to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Calcium is absolutely essential for growing children as well as women. Calcium promotes strong bones and teeth as well as reduces the risk for osteoporosis. Many physicians advise women to take calcium supplements to prevent this crippling disease. In addition, Vitamin D, which is found in calcium, also reduces the risk of getting hypertension and aids in blood clotting. Women who are pregnant should also be taking calcium supplements or getting enough calcium in their diets.

Vitamins for women include folic acid which is recommended for women who are thinking about becoming pregnant. Folic Acid is found in Vitamin B-12 and is proven to reduce the risk of birth defects as well as premature births. Most of the B vitamins, including B-12, have proven to be effective in combating depression and high blood pressure and can usually be found in green vegetables. Broccoli is one that is high in this vitamin, although women who are pregnant will usually be advised to take a supplement.

Vitamins for women who are pregnant usually include a multivitamin that contains nutrients that will replace those given to the growing baby. In addition to multivitamin supplements, women who are pregnant often experience anemia and are given Iron supplements as well to try to combat the fatigue.

Many women experience morning sickness when carrying a child. This is often part of the pregnancy process and drugs given in the past have proven disastrous when it comes to preventing morning sickness. Ginger, however, is known to combat nausea and is a natural and effective way for a pregnant woman to alleviate the nausea that often accompanies pregnancy.

Vitamin A is also proven to reduce birth defects when taken by pregnant women. Vitamin A is a valuable vitamin for women as it also boosts the immune system and maintains healthy skin. Vitamin A can be found in dark orange produce such as carrots as well as in dark green vegetables such as broccoli. Vitamin A has also been found to boost bone health.

Women who are pregnant or are thinking of becoming pregnant should consult with their doctor before taking any vitamins for women supplement. Taking too much of some vitamins can result in toxicity and may have adverse affects on pregnancy.

Women who want to keep their skin looking good will benefit from Vitamin E. Vitamin E is also useful during pregnancy and is known to reduce the possibility of birth defects. It also helps with anemia and depression, two common side effects of pregnancy. In addition to the amazing benefits for skin health, Vitamin E is also proven to prevent high blood pressure and improves memory. Some in the medical field are suggesting that Vitamin E can stave off Alzheimers disease, an illness that effects both men and women.

Vitamins for women who are pregnant may also include Chromium which is used to regulate blood sugar. Many women develop gestational diabetes when pregnant and this vitamin can help with this condition, although your doctor will also most likely prescribe insulin shots. Gestational diabetes is a serious condition, but can be avoided by keeping your weight down and consuming Chromium prior to getting pregnant. Chromium is found in whole grains, orange juice, oysters and chicken.

Vitamines And All Of You

Liquid life supplements repress all the essential nutrients required by your body.
Liquid life keep in check all the essential nutrients required by your body. This attachment contains several , and vitamins. Liquid life contains minerals derived from the TRC plant. To satisfy your taste it comes in two i.e. Mango and Cherry Berry. This section also contains more nutrients some are as follows.

Vitamin B one serving of Liquid life cherry berry contains 2 mg of vitamin B6, 1000 mcg of B12. Vitamin B is a family of numerous extra like B6 and B12 etc.Vitamin B12 also known as ‘’ is industrial by contemporaneous in the intestine. This is essential for jumpy approach, manufacturing of red folk and development of humanoid body mainly at earlier . It also helps in the production of DNA during the cell branch activity. Its deficiency may cause uneasy structure disorders and abnormal cells concept also known as anemia.

Vitamin B6 also known as ‘pyridoxine’ in breakdown. It can also help trim down and PMS . This vitamin can also slash dietary fat level and is important of hair and skin. Vitamin B6 is as a rule start in milk, eggs, fish and meat.

Folic acid is also considered as a colleague of the B complex. Each portion of Liquid life contains 500 mcg of folic acid. Folic acid is essential for the translation of vitamin B12 during the manufacture of DNA, and so in formation of new cells. It also protects the chromosomes, initiate in the , from genetic . Folic acid also helps in guardianship skin nourishing. This is commonly institute in verdant vegetables.

Vitamin COne plateful of Liquid life cherry berry contains 800 mg of C or ascorbic acid. Vitamin C is a aquatic answerable vitamin and is essential in the formation of a special known as collagen. Collagen an important role in the evolution and development of , bones, kinship vessels and gristle. Vitamin C is also good for your teeth and plays important role absorption of iron which is very essential for anthropological body.

Vitamin DOne ration of Liquid life cherry berry contains 400 IU of vitamin D. Vitamin D is a fat fathomable and in progress of resilient . It also in the raptness of phosphorous and from which are also very essential for mortal body. The insufficiency of this may cause corrupted during childhood or flagging of in the later stages. Vitamin D is in a relaxed manner cut when skin is over-the-top- entertaining. Other relaxed sources enter morel and yeast.
Vitamin Kone helping of Liquid life cherry berry contains 80 mcg of vitamin K. Vitamin E is produced in the intestines and is fat solvable. The main of vitamin E embrace undergrowth and bacteria. Many bacteria can synthesize the . Vitamin E plays an important role in directing relations coagulation, is also helps talk into glucose to glycogen. It is also occupied in the tumor and repair of bones. Deficiency of this vitamin may cause inner hemorrhage and .

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Vitamins For Varicose Veins

Varicose veins, those blue bulges, develop when veins can't return blood to the heart efficiently. Blood pools in the veins, making them dilate. There is a variety of treatment options for varicose veins, such as stockings, surgery, injections, and natural supplements. Vitamin E helps keep platelets, blood components involved in clotting, from sticking together and from adhering to the sides of blood vessel walls. Copper is also needed to build and repair endothelial cells, the smooth protective cells lining the insides of blood vessels. Vitamin C and Vitamin E will help with blood circulation and strengthening the walls of veins so that this condition does not worsen. Other vitamins that are recommended are antioxidants. Vitamin A deficiency can cause blood vessels to harden and blood to clot.

Vitamin C actually works on the connective tissues elastin and collagen. These both fibers are responsible for repairing the vein walls and for maintaining their strength and flexibility. These vitamins for varicose veins will aid in the reduction and stop the worsening of these veins by keeping oxygen from reacting with other chemicals in the body, which can reduce swelling in varicose veins. It is actually believed that vitamin E can help in preventing the highest possible complication of varicose veins, the blood clots. According to the different researches made by experts if the stickiness of platelet with vitamin E is reduced, then vitamin can be helpful in reducing the risk of blood clotting in the varicosed veins. Grape seed extract is rich in antioxidants, which helps protect the cell against harmful free radicals

Vitamin P is one of the most proven vitamins to help with this condition, and can be found in the skin of fruits such as grapes, berries, and apples. Vitamin B6 an essential vitamin that is required by the body to properly metabolize proteins and carbohydrates. It has also been shown by clinical research to be important in preventing plaque and lesions in blood vessels. Vitamins for varicose veins may not produce the results that surgery or injections can, but will do wonders to help reduce the appearance of varicose veins and to help keep them from getting worse. Vitamin K is a fat soluble vitamin that is required for proper blood clotting function, as well as for maintaining bone health. It has been used for many years to help heal bruises and scrapes, as well as for treating varicose veins.

Varicose Veins Home Remedies Tips
1. Vitamin K cream will help strengthen the capillaries.
2. Marigold is of great value for treating varicose veins.
3. Calcium supplement will help stimulate the venous system.
4. A mudpack may be applied at night and allowed to remain until morning.
5. An alternate hot and cold hip bath is very valuable and should be taken daily.
6. Vegetable juices serve as an excellent remedy in the treatment of varicose veins.
7. Apply vitamin E oil or comfrey, white oak bark, or witch hazel tea to the affected areas.
8. Take bayberry, cayenne, taheebo, and white oak bark for healing and preventative effects.
9. Potatoes, starchy foods, condiments, alcohol, coffee, strong tea, white flour products and white sugar should be avoided.
10. A hot Epsom salt bath is also effective and should be taken twice a week.

High Levels Of Uric Acid In The Blood

High levels of uric acid in the blood are as dangerous as high levels of blood cholesterol. The public does not seem to be much aware of the risk involved. A high level of blood uric acid is a pushing factor in causing coronary artery disease, like high levels of blood cholesterol.

High levels of uric acid should be detected as early as possible, especially in persons who are prone to coronary artery disease/heart attack, or have a family history of heart attack or even stroke. The estimation should be done more frequently if the patient is addicted to alcohol, or mainly takes a non-vegetarian diet. In all cases of stone, either in the gallbladder or in the urinary tract, uric acid must be tested. The testing of blood uric acid is highly valuable in cases of problems of the joints, backaches and even in cases of vague aches and pains. If this test is ignored and high levels of blood uric acid are not taken note of, the patient will continue to suffer from backache or vague aches/pains, and moreover, various other complications of high blood uric acid may also appear in due course.

Uric acid is one of the constituents of the blood. Its normal levels are 2 - 6 mg/ dl.
Uric acid mainly comes from non-vegetarian food or its products, like soups, etc. It also comes from caffeine present in tea or coffee. Therefore, when a person takes either meat or teal coffee, he adds to the uric acid in the blood. Other beverages like alcohol, beer, wine, etc. also contribute to the levels of uric acid in the blood.
Besides food, uric acid is also added to the blood from various tissue breakdowns in the body. To some extent, the body also releases its own uric acid.

Normal range of blood uric acid
Normally, excess of uric acid in the blood is excreted by the kidneys, and in this way a normal range of uric acid is maintained. The wide normal variation of uric acid, i.e. from 2 to 6 mg/ dl, is due to the fact that certain factors influence the blood uric acid levels in a person. It differs from race to race. The level is usually lower during pregnancy, and it increases after vigorous activity / exercise. However, if a person has some complications as a result of high levels of uric acid, even an upper normal level of blood uric acid may be considered high in such cases.

High levels of blood uric acid may playa vital role in causing coronary artery disease. It is a dangerous complication caused by a high level of uric acid. A high level of uric acid is likely to damage the blood vessel walls and urate crystals may get deposited in these walls, leading to a narrowing of the blood vessels causing coronary artery disease.

Another debilitating complication of high blood uric acid is that it may cause painful swelling of the joints, i.e. arthritis, especially gout. In gout, there is a recurrent attack of acute pain and swelling, involving at first only the big toe, and then several joints may be affected and the patient may even be crippled, if the disease is not arrested/treated/prevented in time. The exact cause of high blood uric acid in gout is not known. The heredity factor in such cases cannot be ruled out.

If You Have High Blood Pressure Lower Your Cholesterol

High blood pressure, high cholesterol, being over weight, inactive lifestyles and smoking are high risk factors regarding heart attacks and strokes. If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure it’s strongly recommended that you lower your cholesterol level as part of a plan to prevent a heart attack and a stroke from occurring. You can lower your cholesterol level by eating healthy foods and avoiding fatty foods. If an improved diet has not sufficiently lowered your cholesterol level your doctor might recommend you take some medication that is designed to reduce cholesterol. Let’s look at some changes you can make to your diet in order to lower your cholesterol level.
If you have high blood pressure, in order to reduce your cholesterol level you should avoid or reduce the amount of red meat you consume and stay away from sausages and bacon. Avoid foods that contain saturated fats and if you are going to consume dairy products select products that are low in fat. Avoid using lard in your meals and if you are going to use oils select polyunsaturated oils or monounsaturated oils. Avoid or significantly reduce the amount of baked foods you eat such as pastry items and biscuits which are typically high in fat. Don’t use margarines or oils that include trans fatty acids.

Healthy Diet
If you have high blood pressure and you have been eating a healthy diet and you still have a high cholesterol problem your doctor might want you to take some medications such as statins. They work by changing the activity of the enzymes located in the liver in order to prevent the liver from producing cholesterol. Some people have high cholesterol partially due to heredity and they may need the help of statins. If you have been diagnosed with heart disease your doctor might recommend statins to lower your cholesterol level.

Soluble Fiber
If you have high blood pressure there are some food items that can help you reduce your high cholesterol level. Oatmeal can decrease you bad cholesterol (LDL) due to the soluble fiber in oatmeal. Soluble fiber can also be added to your diet by including items such as kidney beans, apples, brussel sprouts, barley, pears, psyllium as well as prunes.

Niacin is the closest thing available to a perfect treatment that corrects most causes of coronary heart disease. Niacin blocks the release of fatty acids from fat cells. Niacin plays a critical role in energy production, gene expression, and hormone synthesis. You cannot live without it. Niacin also tends to shift LDL particle distribution to larger particle size and improve HDL functioning. The intake of 3 grams Niacin for as little as two weeks can reduce serum cholesterol by 26 percent.
Some studies have concluded that adding walnuts to your diet can significantly lower your blood cholesterol level. Walnuts are filled with polyunsaturated fats and walnuts also have the ability to keep your blood vessels in a healthy condition and keep them elastic. Don’t eat too many walnuts a day since nuts are high in calories and weight gain increases your chances of acquiring heart disease. Also add some omega three fatty acids to your diet since they have been shown in studies to lower the risk of heart disease. Certain fish, walnuts, flaxseed, soybean oil as well as canola oil contain omega three fatty acids. If you have high blood pressure it’s important not to have a high cholesterol level.

Things To Know About High Blood Cholesterol

Blood cholesterol is one of the most important constituents of the blood/body. It has varied bodily functions, and it builds up healthy cells. It is an essential constituent of the cell wall (membrane), and if the level of blood cholesterol falls below normal, the walls of the red blood cells (RBC) are likely to rupture, thus causing a severe fall in haemoglobin (Hb).

Cholesterol mainly comes from the diet, i.e. from butter, ghee (saturated fat), egg-yolk, non-vegetarian food. Sea food/fish contains a low content of saturated fat. However, polyunsaturated fats like safflower, corn, sunflower, soybean, and cotton seed oils, etc do not give rise to serum cholesterol levels in the blood. These are recommended both for prevention and treatment of high blood cholesterol.

Cholesterol is also synthesized/made in the body. It has got limited excretion. Some is passed in faeces/bile, but is mostly retained in the body. The level of blood cholesterol rises as soon as the person eats.

The normal blood cholesterol level should be between 150-199 mg/ dl, and if it is more than 240 mg/ dl, it is considered a high level of blood cholesterol. Patients having a blood cholesterol level between 200-239 mg/ dl are borderline cases. Both in high and borderline cases, repeated check-ups of blood cholesterol are required.

However, those with a normal level of blood cholesterol must get their blood it checked-up, at least every five years, especially after the age of 40. In general, all persons above the age of 20 must get their blood tested to exclude high levels of cholesterol.