Posts Tagged ‘balanced diet’

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Vitamin Guide part 2

Vitamin C:
Also referred to as ascorbic acid Vitamin C is connected with the health of bones, teeth, hormones, collagen, and blood vessels. It plays an important role in absorbing other important substances, such as iron, calcium, and folacin, and it may help cataracts, cancer, and heart disease. Vitamin C is particularly connected with the strengthening of the immune system and the healing wounds.

Vitamin C deficiency includes:
inflamed gums.
slow wound healing.
stomach disorders.
reduced resistance to colds and infections.
skin problems.

Vitamin D:
Vitamin D can be produced in the body as well as from your diet. The human body can also make vitamin D from direct sunlight, or an ultraviolet light source, hits the skin. Ten to 20 minutes of sun exposure 3 times a week is all thats needed. Vitamin D helps build strong and healthy bones and teeth. A person who does not get enough vitamin D and calcium is at a higher risk for bone mass loss, which is known as osteoporosis.

Vitamin D
Turned into a steroid hormone by the body, vitamin D possesses a crucial connection with gene functioning. It significantly impacts how much calcium the body can absorb, and it is vital for bone density and prevention against osteoporosis. More and more new research finds that D may play an important role in fighting diseases such as colon, breast, and prostate cancers. Due to vitamin D’s importance, it is advisable for everyone to talk with their doctor. A simple blood test can reveal a deficiency.

Vitamin E:
Vitamin E is involved with immune system, DNA, and metabolism maintenance. As an antioxidant, research indicates that it may have a positive effect against cardiovascular disease and cancer. Vitamin E has strong antioxidant properties. The vitamin may protect against heart disease and cancer and improves the way the body uses vitamin A.

Vitamin K:
While involved in protection against osteoporosis, skin wounds, and possibly cancer, Vitamin K significantly helps blood to clot after an injury.Medications, such as antibiotics and blood-thinners, can cause a hindrance. Injuries and illness, such as serious burns, gallbladder problems, and liver disease, may also disturb K levels. While vitamin K shortages are uncommon, particular attention should be given to breast-fed babies and the elderly. Older people are typically known to take more medications, to eat poorly, and to have difficulties forming vitamin K in the intestine.

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Vitamin Guide part 1

Vitamins work together with enzymes and release energy from digested food and regulate the billions of chemical activities that occur in the body every minute of every day. A balanced diet that includes a wide variety of the main food groups generally provides all the vitamins that your body needs.

But unfortunately today’s food with its contaminations and all is not enough and does not provide adequate amounts of vitamins needed for the proper growth and protection of our mind and body. The only alternate is to take vitamin pills. But this does not mean you go on a vitamin binge as excessive amounts can cause poisoning.

Here is a small guide about the types of vitamin and their uses.

Vitamin A:
Vitamin A helps keep teeth, tissue, membranes, and skin healthy. A is extremely important for eye sight, especially in poor lighting. Studies have indicated that it may be very important for breast-feeding mothers as well.
Because it is found in many foods high in saturated fats and cholesterol, people often unknowingly avoid vitamin A as well. Subsequently, a deficiency may result.
A lack in vitamin A may cause:
rough, dry, or pimply skin
digestive problems
lowered resistance to infections
problems with becoming pregnant
poor growth
improper tooth formation
night blindness
eye disease

Vitamin B:
There are eight separate vitamins in the B family: thiamin (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin B12, biotin, and pantothenic. B vitamins increase energy levels, regulate metabolism, and help create new red blood cells.
A vitamin B deficiency may cause:
fatigue
dizziness
convulsions
mouth sores
nausea
nervousness
hair loss
loss of appetite
depression
Dry and scaly skin
cracks at the corners of the mouth
eye disorders
swollen tongue or gums
sleep disturbances
chest pain
irritation
abdominal discomfort
constipation
stomach upset and nausea
poor memory.

Vitamin B12:
Vitamin B12 helps the body make red blood cells, maintain the nervous system, digest and use fats, carbohydrates, and some proteins for energy and form the neurotransmitters in the brain. Anemia is treated with injections of B12. Vegetarians, their children and the elderly are at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency.
A lacking of vitamin B12 may cause:
anemia
fatigue
very sensitive skin
nerve damage such as tingling sensations and numbness
muscle and nerve paralysis

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How to keep aging at bay?

Aging is an irreversible process. Women tend to get most affected by this undeniable process of aging as it invariably takes a toll on their skin. However, you can keep the symptoms of aging at bay by taking good care of your skin, de-stressing, exercising and by right eating and sleeping habits. This article is all about how to keep a healthy and glowing skin, irrespective of your increasing age.

Eat right: The anti-oxidants present in fruits and vegetables act as body’s defense against free radicals that cause cellular damage. Free radical damage is caused by UV rays which are considered to be one of the leading causes for wrinkles, thickening of skin and other signs of premature aging. In addition to fruits and veggies, you should include cereals and pulses in your diet.

Never skip breakfast: Starving for a long time, more than 18 hours, can slow down your metabolism leaving you completely drained and lowering your energy levels. Hence, eat regular meals, on time. Add enough of carbs in your diet to fuel your metabolism.

Tea, coffee, hot chocolate and aerated drinks may be your favorites but, they are not favorable for your skin .Excess consumption of these results in greasy and tired-looking skin. Too much caffeine can cause dehydration and prevent absorption of essential nutrients by the body. This may also cause shaky hands, irritability and restlessness thereby shooting up stressful feelings. So, avoid drinking more than 3-4 cups a day of drinks containing caffeine.

Sleep tight: Deep sleep for at least 6-7 hours a day is very essential because it promotes your body’s release of growth hormones which in turn helps to melt fat and aid muscle development. Good sleep is vital for your body to take rest from day to day worries. When you are in deep sleep, every cell of your body gets rejuvenated from the stress of everyday pressures.

Exercise regularly: Even medical experts agree with us that exercise can effectively forestall the aging process. Regular exercise improves blood circulation and keeps your skin look and feel healthier.

De-stress yourself: Stress is inevitable part of our day to day life, but it is can surely be managed effectively. Stress is one of the biggest factors that causes illness and diseases in us. So, de-stressing yourself is of prime importance if you are looking forward to live a happier life, free from everyday worries. If you are feeling down, do exercise, this may help pick you up.