Friday, September 12, 2008

Synthetic and natural vitamins: good or bad

Vitamins were discovered and examined not in our era and they are known long ago. Nevertheless, some of the issues associated with them, still causes misunderstandings and doubts.

Why, for example, some of these substances occur in the body by themselves, while others may be obtained only from the outside? Why without them the metabolism is disturbed, and if so - their surplus disturbs it even more? How useful are natural vitamins and harmful the synthetic ones?

I won't stop on the benefits of the natural vitamins (there are many posts on the blog about them), but here is the list of side effects of overdose of synthetic vitamins. Synthetic vitamins are dangerous, and perhaps even harmful, as they differ from the natural ones in the structure (isomer).

DN- the daily needed amount

A - can damage the bones and liver, cause hair loss, nausea, visual impairment. DN - from 0.5 to 2.5 mg.

B1 - headache, irritability, insomnia, arrhythmia.DN - 1,4-2,4 mg.

B2 - headache, irritability, insomnia, arrhythmia. DN - 2 mg.

B3 - a violation of the functions of the liver. DN - 5-10 mg, after 40 years old- diminishes.

B6 - in high doses damages the peripheral nerves. DN - 2 mg.

B9 - rash on the skin, worsens the zinc absorption. DN - 200 micrograms.

B12 - in high doses may interfere with the functions of the liver and kidneys. DN - 2-5 mg.

C - allergic manifestations, diarrhea. SP - 50-100 mg.

D - headache, irritability, fatigue, diarrhea, loss of appetite. SP - 2,5-10 mg.

E - not recommended for people with blood diseases. SP - 8-15 mg.

The wrong reception of synthetic vitamins can cause the generation of rocks in the kidneys. The reason is that everyone carries nearly 500 species of microorganisms - both useful and harmful. When the harmful microbes in the digestive system suddenly begin to multiply, they are fighting against the salt contained in urine. They neutralize the microbes, turning them into crystals. And then they simply are removed from the body with urine.

Friday, February 22, 2008

The B Group Vitamins (part 2)

Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is involved in the processing of certain amino acids and in the functioning of the immune system, in the production of antibodies to fight infections. It plays a role in the production of red blood cells and in the processing of carbohydrates and fats. This water soluble vitamin is pervasive in many foods.
Lacking vitamin B6 may affect the development of atherosclerosis and lower immunity.

Vitamin B9

Vitamin B9 (folic acid) is required for the proper functioning of vitamin B12 in the production of red blood cells and processing of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Good sources of this water soluble vitamin are: liver, kidney, green vegetables, yeast, fruits, dried beans and lentils, grains and untreated wheat seedlings.

The lack of folic acid is widely spread and can cause an anemic fatigue, insomnia, forgetfulness and irritability. Adequate consumption of folic acid is important for women who want to get pregnant, and for a healthy pregnancy.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is necessary for the proper functioning of vitamin B9 and important for the production of nucleic acid (genetic material). In addition, this vitamin is important for production of the fatty covering of nervous fibers, without which they would not be able to operate, as well as for the production of red blood cells. Vitamin B12 is involved in the processing of proteins, carbohydrates and fats and in the formation of healthy cells. This water soluble vitamin is found in dairy products, egg yolk, meat, liver, kidney and fish.

Biotin

Biotin (complex of Group B vitamins) - is soluble in water, involved in processing of fats, including the production of glucose in a lack of carbohydrates. It is working in combination (though whatever) with insulin and may be important in treating diabetes. Good sources of biotin - egg yolk, liver, kidney, wheat, oats, yeast and nuts. In addition, biotin is synthesized by the intestine's bacteria.

The lack of biotin in the body of an adult person occurs very rarely, but a shortage of it in infants can cause seboreynoy eczema (seborrhea dermatitis).

Thursday, February 21, 2008

The B Group Vitamins


This group includes 11 different vitamins, such as riboflavin (vitamin B2), thiamine (vitamin B1), folic acid, pyridoxine (vitamin B6), Pantothenic acid.

Vitamin B1 (thiamine or aneurin) is involved in processing carbohydrates and providing vital energy for all of the organism. This water soluble vitamin is essential for the healthy functioning of the nervous system and muscles. It also plays a role in dealing with the body pain and may influence the intellectual functioning of the brain. Good sources of vitamin B1 - Lean pork, liver, kidneys, potatoes, cereals (millet, oat, buckwheat), bread (rye and wholegrain), legumes, green peas.

A light deficiency of this vitamin can cause digestive disorders, nausea, constipation, fatigue, irritability and forgetfulness.

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is involved in the processing of carbohydrates in enzymatic reactions inside cells, which means - in the formation of energy. It also helps to maintain healthy skin and mucous membranes.

Tрe lack of this vitamin causes pain in tongue and lips, dry skin, as well as, possibly nervousness, tremor, drowsiness and dizziness.

Vitamin B3 (niacin, nicotine acid) is involved in the maintenance of health and blood circulation, the nervous system and in the adrenal glands. This is a water soluble vitamin, which has as sources the cereals (except corn), as well as peanuts, beans, dried fruits, artichokes, meat, kidneys, liver and chickens.

The lack of vitamin B3 leads to vomiting and diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach ulcers and duodenum, dermatitis, irritability, depression, insomnia, fatigue and headache pain. In more severe cases occurring disease pellagra, which has all of the symptoms, but also complicated by dementia.

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) is involved in the processing of carbohydrates and fats, in the formation of the nervous and immune systems, as well as in the adrenal glands. This vitamin is found in many products, and also is produces in the intestine. The deficiency is very rarely, but it may be accompanied by a low level of poor performance adrenal glands, causing headaches, fatigue, insomnia, nausea and abdominal pain - often in a state of stress.

Read about Vitamin B6, B9, B12 in the next post.

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Vitamins And Minerals For Improving Memory

Zinc - improves memory, influences the concentration of attention. Most easily the zinc is digested from marine fish, leguminous, bread, flour products from the full milling, turkey.

Boron - although this micro-element is present in the food, with its lack - the brain activity is reduced. Boron is contained in the apples, pears, Grapes of broccoli.

Calcium - necessary for the normal functioning of the nervous system. It is contained mainly in dairy products, as well as in oranges, dried apricots, broccoli.

Magnesium - like calcium, is responsible for the transmission of nerve impulses. Can be found in peanuts, bananas, degreased milk.

Iron - is necessary to preserve the ability to remember and focus. His sources: giblets, liver, fat meat, dried fruits, beans, green vegetables.

Vitamin B1 - is involved in the release of the nerve cell chemical substances that affect memory. Most of all the vitamin is contained in chopped millets, nuts, meagres meat and giblets.

Vitamin B2 - it was found that those who eat foods rich in this vitamin, namely: degreased milk and its derivatives, giblets, products of full milling flour - have the best results in tests for checking memory.

Vitamin B12 - increasing doses of this vitamin prevents fatigue and improves the ability to remember. It is contained in meat and giblets. Vegetarians need to supply it to the organism by taking pill vitamins.

Saturday, January 19, 2008

How Harmful Is The Sugar?

The Sugar consists of glucose, which is necessary for almost all the processes involved in metabolism. It can be assumed that the sugar is useful, but, to the disappointment of all who love sweets, it is not so.

Why? Because refined sugar, honey or sweeteners, such as Maple syrup, brown sugar and white flour, constitute carbohydrates, which do not contain the essential nutrients, or contain them in very small quantities. Thus, the body is supplied with pure carbohydrates that do not have a big significance to metabolism. To ensure that we give the body necessary substances, in addition to the sweets there is need to have other products, which means the intake of more calories than are spent, resulting in the addition of extra weight.

Those who eat sugar need vitamin B1 (thiamine). Because when digesting carbohydrates and turning them into glucose, it is necessary. Since sugar and other sweeteners do not contain vitamin B1, or have it in very small quantities, it must be supplied to the organism with other products. Thus, sugar has every right to be called a robber in relation to the vitamin B1. Products from crude grains, beens and potatoes, on the contrary, along with other vitamins, minerals and trace elements contain enough thiamine, which keeps active our brains and ensure that we have "steel nerves."

This does not mean that you have to completely give up on sugar. Consume sweets in moderation and with the "additives" will certainly help having a good mood. Thus, if you eat sweet foods, pay attention that your menu at the same time has included products containing vitamin B1.

It cannot be said that a sweet dessert is harmful. Simply, we must turn to natural sweeteners more and more.