Vitamins For Dummies

Following a daily program of taking supplements and eating nutrient-dense foods is vital for maintaining your health and getting the vitamins and minerals your body needs to stay healthy. Some nutrients alleviate common maladies so you can reduce your intake of over-the counter and prescription medications. Always follow the recommended daily allowance for vitamins and supplements.






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Recommended Daily Supplement Program for Good Health


Because your body needs a healthy daily dose of vitamins and minerals get into a supplement-taking routine, consistency is the key to success with supplements. Even though each person’s needs are different, the following list of daily supplements is beneficial for almost everyone:



  • Complete multivitamin and mineral supplement with whole foods and herbs to make sure all your health bases are covered



  • Vitamin C to help protect cell membranes from toxic wastes



  • Vitamin E and Selenium to protect cells and tissues from damage



  • Calcium to keep your bones and teeth strong



  • Magnesium to calm you and help you de-stress



  • Ginkgo (if you’re over 45) to protect your eyes, ears, and memory



  • Milk thistle (if you regularly consume alcohol or pharmaceutical drugs like aspirin) to benefit the health of your liver



  • Siberian ginseng if you are under stress or are active and want to increase endurance



  • Hawthorn to protect your heart and cardiovascular system



  • Saw Palmetto (if you’re a man and over 50) to protect the health of your prostate gland



  • Phytoestrogens (for women) from red clover, soy, or kudzu root to protect your bones and heart and ensure an easy menopause







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Whole Food Sources of Common Supplements


The best way to get most of the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients you need is through your diet. As you choose to eat healthy foods, you'll soon see and feel the benefits — like increased energy, clearer thinking, and better looking skin. To get the supplements you need, look for these food sources:



















































SupplementNatural Sources
CalciumYogurt, broccoli, leafy greens, sesame seeds
Folic acidBrown rice, leafy greens, salmon, whole grains
IronLeafy greens, nuts, seeds, raisins, liver, beef
MagnesiumGrains, legumes, vegetables, nuts, seeds, seafood
PotassiumFruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds
SeleniumYeast, wheat germ, rice, and other whole grains
ZincOysters, meat, eggs, whole grains, pumpkin seeds
Vitamin A and beta-caroteneYellow and orange fruits and vegetables, egg yolk
Vitamin BWhole grains, vegetables, nutritional yeast
Vitamin CCitrus, bell peppers, tomatoes, strawberries
Vitamin EVegetable oils, nuts, seeds, whole grains, dark green leafy
vegetables




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Easing Common Ailments with Nutritional Supplements


Supplements play a vital role in supporting many body functions and offer tremendous benefits for increasing energy, easing common symptoms, , and reducing the effects of stress. Take a look at the following chart to see what vitamins and minerals can help alleviate some common conditions:



































































ConditionNutritional Supplements
Arthritis painMultivitamin, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, glucosamine,
ginger, turmeric
Back painVitamin C, glucosamine, calcium, magnesium, St. John’s
wort, ginger
ColdsZinc, vitamin C, vitamin A, echinacea, yarrow, peppermint,
elder
ConstipationVitamin C, psyllium seed, cascara sagrada, flaxseed
FatigueMultivitamin and mineral supplement, folic acid, Siberian
ginseng, ginseng root, licorice root, vitamin B-12
Hay feverVitamin C, quercitin, nettles, eyebright, reishi
InsomniaMelatonin, magnesium, 5-HTP, valerian, kava, California
poppy
Poor memoryVitamin B-12, lecithin, folic acid, ginkgo
ObesityChromium, magnesium, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B-6
OsteoporosisCalcium, vitamin D, magnesium, boron, red clover, nettles,
horsetail
ParasitesAcidophilus, black walnut, garlic, multivitamin and mineral
supplement, grapefruit seed extract, artemesia (mugwort)
Premenstrual syndromeCalcium, magnesium, vitex, motherwort, evening primrose oil,
dandelion
Sore throatZinc, vitamin C, echinacea, sage
Sprains and strainsVitamin C, glucosamine, magnesium, St. John’s wort
oil
StressB vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, Siberian
ginseng, California poppy




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Natural Substitutes for Medication


Although no herbal medicine is safe under every condition for every person, herbal remedies are becoming increasingly popular because they’re considered safer than pharmaceutical drugs. Take a look at some of the natural substitutes you can use for prescription and over-the-counter medications:











































MedicationSubstitute
Allergy medicationQuercitin, vitamin C, nettle
AntibioticVitamin C, echinacea, goldenseal, bropilus
AntidepressantSt. John’s wort, vitamin B-6, 5-HTP, tyrosine
Anxiety relieverB-vitamin complex, calcium, magnesium, kava, California
poppy
Arthritis reliefGlucosamine, Chondroitin sulfate, turmeric, ginger, evening
primrose oil, omega-3 fatty acids
High cholesterolNiacin, vitamin C, garlic, shiitake, fenugreek
Daytime cold medicationVitamin C, vitamin A, zinc lozenges, echinacea, elder
IndigestionAcidophilus, gentian root, artichoke leaf digestive
enzymes
Sleep aidMelatonin, magnesium, 5-HTP, valerian, California poppy

*See your doctor or other health practitioner about persistent, serious conditions.





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Source:http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/vitamins-for-dummies-cheat-sheet.html

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