Learn About Some Key Vitamins

Vitamin D is sometimes called the sunshine vitamin because it's manufactured in the skin from a cholesterol metabolite when skin is exposed to sunlight. This vitamin stimulates absorption of calcium. A vitamin D deficiency is likely to result in poor teeth and osteoporosis. Vitamin D is also important for the transport of minerals through the cell, and some recent research has indicated that it may also play a role in the prevention and treatment Of colon cancer.




Vitamin D can be obtained from eating cold-water fish and dairy products. The best way of getting vitamin D, however, is through sensible and moderate exposure to the sun. I didn't say sunburn; I said sensible exposure to sunlight. In this way we can manufacture our own vitamin D just as our primitive ancestors did. So, if we make vitamin D in our own skin, is this substance a true vitamin?




Vitamin E is an antioxidant that prevents free radical damage to living membranes. It protects the fatty substances in the cell membrane from lipid per oxidation (free radical fatty tissue damage). Vitamin E also prevents oxidation damage to vitamin A. It's believed that this vitamin may also stop cholesterol-like substances from damaging the blood vessel walls, therefore preventing forms of blood vessel ailments such as heart disease and strokes. Studies confirm that a vitamin E deficiency may result in a reduction in immune function and that vitamin E supplementation can increase the strength of the immune systems Many patients with AIDS have known of the beneficial effects of vitamin E supplementation for many years. An overabundance of free radicals stimulates the HIV virus to reproduce. Vitamin E is known to quench these free radicals and indirectly prevent the replication of the HIV virus. AIDS patients taking vitamin E, along with other nutritional approaches, report feeling much stronger and healthier.




Vitamin E is plentiful in most grains that contain a great amount of natural oil. We can also find vitamin E in many dark green vegetables, chicken eggs, and various nuts.




Vitamin K assists in the production of fibrin, a necessary factor for the clotting of blood. Colon bacteria synthesize vitamin K. Eating green plants such as spinach and keeping a healthy bacterial community in your digestive tract by eating live yogurt and acidophilus fulfill the vitamin K requirement

Taking in vitamins is a great for your body. Try alpha lipoic acid capsules to give your body a great health and immune system boost.

probiotic supplements: probiotics

probiotic supplements: probiotic supplements

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Combat Stress!--Get in Touch with Your Sensual Side

After a long, trying day, I often find myself developing dreaded tension headaches due to stress and tightened muscles in my neck and shoulders. Tension headaches only perpetuate the cycle of stress, leading to a greater degree of it--the physical manifestation can lead to irritability and stress-related eating.




This in turn triggers guilt and--you guessed it--more irritability. It's no wonder then that I often find myself grumpy and short with my spouse when he finally arrives home from a similarly long day.




There are definitely days when I feel as though I cannot escape this constant rotation of events which just heaps further tension on my mind and body. I am sure that with the never-stop society we live in, you feel this way, too. But you can break free. Open up your day planner this instant and schedule in some "me time," and then let me show you how to maximize it!




Are you a stress-eater, as I mentioned I tend to be? If that's the case, treat yourself! But do it in a smart way. If you reach for a bowl of ice cream for comfort, then try a fat free or low-sugar alternative. You can also try stocking your freezer with non-fat frozen yogurt OR give regular yogurt a chance and just mix in some indulgent toppings like fresh fruit or even a few cookie crumbles.




Using yogurt as an ice cream alternative will help you reap tremendous health benefits while still spoiling yourself by giving in to the cravings. But if your fix is chocolate, then the key to mastering your longing is portion control. Keep a single square of rich dark chocolate waiting for you each day and then take time to absolutely savor it.




Chocolate helps release endorphins into your brain which will help cheer you up, but the darker the chocolate, the more antioxidants are released into your system, so you can take advantage of a perfectly legitimate excuse! Slowing down to enjoy it will help to banish thoughts of the day and keep you from overindulging to the point of inducing guilty feelings later.




Spend some quality time with your senses. After all, the day has just gone by in a blur. Getting back in touch with your sensual side is like plugging back into life. I love lying down for a few minutes with my heating pad, which helps to ease tension from my muscles, while listening to soft music. Other days, I go for a walk and listen carefully to the birds singing as I take note of how the hills and fields look.




Remember to see, hear, smell, taste, and touch life. If you take time out for yourself to do so, life will touch you in a return, but in a whole new way.

To help you get even more in touch with your sensual side, try a set of luxury pajamas made by Elizabeth Allen (http://elizabethcotton.com) and feel the stress melt away. Art Gib is a freelance writer.

probiotic supplements: Probiotic Bacteria

probiotic supplements: probiotic supplements

Article Source: www.articlesnatch.com