Vitamin D Deficiency and Brain Health: Vitamin D To Improve Brain Activity

As per a recent study report, intake of Vitamin D can improve brain activity and brain functioning in later part of life. Cognitive performance of over 3000 Europeans between the age group of 40-79 years was compared with the level of Vitamin D using tests to evaluate mental agility. It was observed that lower levels of Vitamin D was associated with poor brain health and reduced brain functions. All the other variables including education level, depression, physical activity and physical performance were considered during the assessment. Though the study was not able to identify the actual reason for the association between Vitamin D and mental functions, the study contributed significantly to the understanding for management of conditions like Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia

Vitamin D is crucial in
Improving Brain Functions

What is Vitamin D? Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D is a fat soluble pro-hormone, which plays the primary function of improving metabolism and absorption of calcium in the body. Vitamin D also regulates the absorption and metabolism of Phosphrous in the body. Vitamin D is naturally synthesized in skin which only requires sunlight exposure. However as per the National Health and Nutrition Survey, it has been observed that more than 7 million children across the United States suffer from Vitamin D deficiency, while another 50 million children have insufficient quantity of Vitamin D.

Deficiency of Vitamin D is associated with Rickets in children and Osteomalacia in adults, both conditions characterized by poor calcification of bone matrix which in turn results in softening of bones, increased risk of fractures, and swelling of joints and limited range of motion. However there are other important functions that Vitamin D performs which include,

• It helps strengthen the immune system and contributes towards protection against common disorders like flu and common cold. It is also considered beneficial in improving symptoms of autoimmune conditions like Asthma and Multiple Sclerosis
• Improves mental functions and mental agility in later part of life. Lower levels of Vitamin D were linked with poor brain power in later part of life. 
• Helps maintain optimum body weight and prevents obesity. Vitamin D deficiency was linked with increase in weight especially due to altered metabolism
• Vitamin D deficiency increased the risk of development of rheumatoid arthritis 



Vitamin D for Better Brain
Health during Old Age

• Considered to have a protective action against DNA damage caused due to low levels of radiation. As per reports Vitamin D deficiency was consistently observed in all cancer patients treated in the United States, irrespective of their nutritional status.

Foods with Vitamin D: Vitamin for Better Brain Health

Though the exact action of Vitamin D on improving brain health is not clearly understood, it is believed that the hormone has an action on the neurons of the brain which in turn improve mental and cognitive functions. Though adequate exposure to sunlight is considered adequate for the production of Vitamin D in the body, sunbathing and undue sun exposure is not recommended as it is linked with skin cancer.

Vitamin D supplements are often recommended in individuals with Vitamin D deficiency; however there are certain foods that can improve Vitamin D levels in the body,

• Fish liver oil especially cod liver oil and cold water fish like herring and salmon are considered to be a good source of Vitamin D
• Egg Yolk is also considered to be loaded with Vitamin D
• Dairy products including Milk, Cheese and Butter are also good sources of Vitamin D. However consuming low fat milk can reduce the availability of Vitamin D through these sources.

Improve Brain Activity: Lifestyle tips to Enhance Brain Power

Here are some simple life style tips to help enhance brain functions,

• Keep yourself physically active. Physical activity and mental agility are closely linked with each other. Physical activity ensures that the neurons and the nerves are actively involved in transmission of information across the brain, which in turn keeps the brain active and improves brain functioning. 
• Solve some puzzles. Solving simple crossword puzzles or Sudoku can help in sharpening the brain and its intellect and keep it agile and active for longer 
• Sleep Well. Inadequate sleep especially in patients with insomnia can increase the risk of irritability and also result in deteriorated brain functions. Getting adequate sleep now, will keep your brain active and agile during old age. 
• Stop smoking and avoid alcohol. Both these foods interfere with normal metabolism, pass through the blood brain barrier and can cause damage to the brain cells.

Diet to Improve Brain Health: Vitamin D and Other Foods for Brain Powder

Though Vitamin D is considered to play a crucial role in improving brain functions, especially in the later part of life, there are a host of other dietary suggestions that can improve brain functioning and overall mental health.

As per a study conducted by Gomez, California University, Los Angeles, who analyzed more than 160 different studies, found that a diet rich in fish, nuts like walnuts and fresh fruits like Kiwi fruit is considered to be beneficial to improve brain power. These foods contain Omega-3 essential fatty acids which help in the management of other brain conditions like Dementia, Schizophrenia and Depression.

Also avoiding refined foods, junk foods, etc is necessary to improve brain power since these foods interfere with brain synapses and result in memory disorders.

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Anti oxidants for Immunity, Aging, Skin and Hair: Vitamin Supplements

The market is chockfull with supplements which claim to have potent anti aging benefits and cancer fighting properties. Vitamins are loaded with anti-oxidants which play a crucial role in reducing free radical damage, which is responsible for its potent health benefits

Vitamin Supplements are
loaded with Antioxidants 

What are the Benefits of Anti-Oxidant Supplements?

The remarkable benefits of anti oxidants are immense. Vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E are potent anti oxidants and provide the several health benefits.

Antioxidants are molecules which inhibit the process of oxidation, which is a chemical reaction involving transfer of electrons to an oxidizing agent. This reaction results in the production of free radicals which are responsible for a chain reaction. This chain reaction can result in cellular damage and even cellular death.

Antioxidants interfere with this chain reaction as they oxidize themselves and remove the free radical intermediaries. Some of the key antioxidants include ascorbic acid, polyphenols and thiols.

Anti oxidants thereby help in strengthening and reinforcing the immune mechanism and defense system of the body and delay the onslaught of aging.

Vitamin C Supplement: Anti Oxidants for Enhanced Immunity

Vitamin C is an extremely powerful antioxidant which supports the body’s immune mechanism. In addition, it promises excellent anti-aging benefits. Vitamin C can delay the manifestation of wrinkles, help keep the skin supple and firm and will also lend a wonderful glow. Natural food sources of vitamin C are: limes, lemons, oranges, bell peppers, gooses berries, mangoes, apples, kiwis, and papaya. Vitamin C fights free radical damage and battles stress and its brutal effects effectively. The RDA for vitamin C is 60 mg per day.



Mode of Action of Antioxidants



Vitamin A Supplement: Antioxidants to Slow down Aging

Vitamin A is an excellent antioxidant. It encourages general well being and prevents the occurrence of cancer, particularly, cancer of the prostate, breast and colon. Vitamin A staves off and wards off the development of age-related macular degeneration, glucoma and cataract . It is essential for healthy skin and hair. There are several synthetic supplements for vitamin A; still, a popular belief is that natural sources for the vitamin are a lot better than the supplements. Excellent food sources of the vitamin are: carrot, tomatoes, papaya, spinach, mangoes, and melons. The RDA for vitamin A is 5000 I.U.

Vitamin E Supplement: Antioxidants for Healthy Skin and Hair

Vitamin E is very important for healthy skin and hair. It peps up the working of the immune system and keeps your body functioning optimally. Vitamin E rich diets exert a protective effect in many common health conditions, such as, cancer, cardiac diseases, stroke, Alzheimer’s diseases and Parkinson’s disease and fibrocystic breast disease. Rich sources of the vitamin are: almonds, avocados, cashew nuts, whole grains, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, Brazil nuts and safflower seeds. The RDA for vitamin E is 15 I.U.

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Treating Nail Problem with Supplements: Tips to Prevent Brittle Nails and Manage Hangnails at Home

Healthy and pink nails are considered as a sign of good health in Chinese and Indian medicine. Nails are also considered as a sign of beauty however nail problems like fungal infections and brittle nails result in unsightly nails which affects one in 25 people. Swiss researchers reported that an average intake of 2500mcg of biotin each day can help increase the thickness and texture of nails by almost 25%. Nutritional deficiencies are commonly responsible for nail problems, which can be effectively managed by using dietary supplements.

Nails are indicative of
health

Causes of Nail problems: Anatomy of a Nail

 Nails are made up of a protein referred to as ‘Keratin’ which is makes the nails one of the strongest tissues in the body. However nail problems like brittle nails, fungal infections or cracked nails are observed in several individuals and are commonly attributed to,

• Nutritional deficiency primarily of Vitamin B complex and Vitamin C can result in nail problems including hangnails and brittle nails


• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorders like Asthma and Emphysema may also result in bluish discoloration of the nails and make them weak and brittle. Bluish Discoloration is also indicative of heart disorder


• Recurrent exposure to harsh chemicals can also impact the nails making them dry and brittle


• Fungal infections, especially in the toenails can result in athlete’s foot which may result in nail troubles. 

Supplements to Treat Nail Problems: Treating Brittle Nails Naturally

Various supplements help overcome the nutritional deficiencies and contribute to stronger nails in general. An eight week therapy regimen would help improve the nail condition and treat brittle nails,








Biotin is essential for
Healthy Nails



• Biotin along with amino acid complex works in synergy and helps the building of keratin and other proteins that help in making the nails strong. 600 mcg of biotin twice a day helps strengthen the nails along with one pill of amino-acid complex twice a day.


• Vitamin E helps in improving the texture of the nail tissue while Vitamin C enhances the effect of Vitamin E and biotin. 500 IU of Vitamin E with 1000 mg of Vitamin C thrice a day is beneficial


• Calcium and Magnesium forms an integral part of the exoskeleton and improve the thickness of the nails. 600 mg calcium and 250 mg of magnesium once a day helps improve nail texture


• Vitamin B complex comprising of 150 mcg of Vitamin B12 and 400 mcg of folic acid are essential in enhancing immunity and aid in the management of nail bed infections. 

Tips to Prevent Nail Problem: Managing Hangnails at Home

Here are some simple tips that would help in managing nail problem and manage hangnails and brittle nails,

• Head to head study has shown that tea tree oil was equally potent as the most popular antifungal (clotrimazole) and is effective in more than 60% of cases of fungal infection.


• Avoid trimming cuticles. Cuticles protect the nails from bacteria and fungal infection and also responsible for a shinny and healthy texture


• Wear gloves while doing household chores like washing utensils. Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals.


• Apply petroleum jelly or Aloe Vera on the hands and nails, especially after your hand has been in water for long period of time.


• Always keep your nail short, since long nails are at a greater risk of breaking easily. Always trim your nails after a bath or soak your nails prior to trimming to prevent splitting of the nails.

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Managing Seizures with Supplements Effectively: Importance of Vitamins and Minerals in Epilepsy

As per one of the theory attempting to explain the cause of seizures, epileptic attacks are attributed to the damage of fatty membranes that surround the nerve cells. Preliminary research studies have shown that Vitamin E, with its strong antioxidant properties, prevents the damage of the fatty membrane and thereby prevents the occurrence of seizures. Though there is no concrete proof of how supplements benefits of supplements in management of seizures and epilepsy, their role in managing epileptic attacks is undisputed.

Seizures are associated
with abnormal impulses
in the brain

How Supplements to help manage Epilepsy: Role of Supplements in managing Seizures

It should be noted that supplements can’t cure the condition and anticonvulsant drugs are mandatory for the treatment of epilepsy. Under no circumstances should supplements be considered as substitute to prescription drugs. However supplements do contribute positively in management of seizures,

• Nutritional deficiencies are identified as one of the leading cause of epileptic seizures. Supplements help in correction of these nutritional deficiencies and prevent recurrence of seizures
• At times supplements contribute effectively in aiding anti-convulsant drugs by enhancing their efficacy.
• Prolonged use of anticonvulsant drugs is associated with unpleasant side-effects, which can also be effectively managed by supplements. 

Supplements for Epilepsy: Important Vitamins and Minerals to Manage Seizures

• Vitamin B complex, especially Vitamin B6 and Folic Acid play a crucial role in management of epileptic attacks. Vitamin B6 is involved in the production of neurotransmitters (i.e. chemicals meant to send message from one neuron to another). However, since most of the B complex vitamins work in conjunction, it is best to take a Vitamin B complex supplement. Ideally 400 mcg of Folic Acid and 150 mcg of Vitamin B12 is ideal
• Calcium and Magnesium deficiencies also have been associated with epileptic seizures. Ideally consume 250 mg about twice a day. However there are certain precautions for magnesium supplements.
• Glutamine and Taurine are two amino acids whose deficiency is associated with seizures. Glutamine helps stabilize the blood sugar levels while Taurine regulates electrical impulses in the brain which may result in a tranquilizing and calming effect



Supplements enhance
the effectiveness of
Anti Convulsant drugs

• Regular intake of 5000 IU of Vitamin E is presumed to improve the nerve sheath, which in turn is reported to improve electrical transmission of impulses and helps in preventing seizures.

Managing Epilepsy Effectively: Do’s and Don’ts for Seizures

There are certain things that need to be understood, especially while handling a person with seizures or epileptic attacks,

·      Don’t try to restrain a person having a seizure. This increases the risk of you either hurting yourself or the person.

·      Don’t try to insert a gag in the mouth of the person to prevent him from biting his tongue. You are actually putting the person at a greater risk of choking.

·      Cushion the persons fall and ensure that he/she doesn’t fall on a hard or a sharp object

·      After the seizure is over, turn the individual on to his/her side to prevent gagging or choking

A person who has had a previous episode of a seizure should refrain from the consumption of alcohol, as alcohol tends to interfere with the action of anticonvulsant drugs.                                    

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Supplements, Vitamins and Minerals for Weight Loss: Essential Tips to Treat Obesity Naturally

In a recent study conducted on evaluating the effects of chromium picolinate on weight loss, it was observed that individuals who consumed 400 mcg of the supplement for three months, showed an average weight loss of six kilograms, as against the control group. All the weight was lost in the form of body fat. This study reiterates the role of supplements and nutrients in management of obesity. Purchasing supplements from reliable sources plays a crucial role in enhancing health. Supplement Stores provide information of some of the leading nutritional and vitamin supplements that can be used with minimum side effects and maximum health benefits

Dietary Supplements in Weight Loss: Treating Obesity with Minerals and Vitamins

Though supplements don’t provide magical solution to the problem of weight gain, some supplements play an effective role in suppressing appetite and regulating metabolic activities.

• Chromium works towards stimulating the body to use its fat reserves to generate energy and also aids in the process of muscle development. A dosage of 200 mcg twice a day is recommended just prior to exercising.



St.John's Wart manages
Depression

• Chitosan, is a linear polysaccharide which is synthetically prepared from the exoskeleton of crabs, shrimps and certain type of fungi. Recent scientific studies have pointed out the the regular consumption of Chitosan supplements, can help reduce weight as it slows down the process of absorption of fats by the intestine.
• St John’s Wart (Hypericum) has been shown to have beneficial effect on improving the serotonin level which in turn helps fight depression. Depression is often linked with obesity and use of this supplement is considered to be beneficial. 300 mg per day is considered beneficial.
• Fad diets are rarely beneficial. However, inappropriate dieting techniques tend to increase the risk of developing deficiencies of essential nutrients and vitamins namely iron, calcium and vitamin B 12. This may manifest in the form of muscular pain, osteoporosis and brittle bones and neuropathies. Including these supplements in your diet, especially when you make a conscious effort to lose weight is always beneficial.

Supplements can
assist in Weight loss

Precautions while Using dietary supplements to Treat Obesity

• Chitosan interferes with absorption of fat soluble vitamins and essential fatty acids and hence supplements containing these vitamins and fatty acids need to be taken separately at different time during the day.
• Chitosan should be avoided if the individual is allergic to shell fish or sea food in general.
• Use of St. John’s Wart is only on the advice of doctors, as it is associated with increased risk of glaucoma, heart disease. It may also result in escalation of anxiety attacks and insomnia.

Lose Weight Naturally: Essential Tips for treating Obesity

It should always be remembered that supplements can only assist in the process of weight loss and dietary restraint and regular exercise regimen are indispensible in treating obesity. Here are some simple tips to remember,

• Avoid watching Television for more than half an hour a day. Studies have shown a strong positive correlation between time spend in watching Television and Obesity. Instead spend time on doing something that you like.
• Increase the intake of fresh fruits, fresh Vegetables, low fat diary products, whole grains and legumes. Avoiding meat and poultry can have beneficial effect and aid in weight loss.
• Regular exercise for about half an hour a day, five days a week, protects your body from common disease and also controls your weight
• Eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly. Chewing food helps improve digestion while eating slowly gives your brain enough time to send signals when the stomach is full.

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