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Vitamins and Minerals Back to Healthful Hints |
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Many patients often ask, ”What Vitamins or Mineral Supplements do you recommend I need?” As a general rule, I recommend ACES – that is, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Selenium. These are the four basic supplements that I recommend that every adult takes daily. Of course, depending on the individual's life style, physical condition, and other factors, there are many other important Vitamins and Minerals that they may require. However, in general, these four are what I recommend along with eating a balanced diet, which includes fresh fruits and vegetables, and maintaining a regular exercise regiment.
Vitamin A plays an important roll in eyesight especially the retina and cornea, is essential in the maintenance of the epithelial lining of the intestines, stomach, lungs, bladder, and in the maintenance of the skin. It plays a major roll in the prevention of infectious diseases. Cancer research is hinting at the role of Vitamin A in the formation of specific compounds and proteins that can inhibit the formation of tumors. Vitamin A is a free radical scavenger and is protector against heart disease, stroke, as well as lowering cholesterol levels. Dietary sources for Vitamin A include whole milk, yellow and dark green fresh vegetables, and orange fruits. Liver is also a good source of Vitamin A.
Vitamin C is: an antioxidant and a scavenger of free radicals (both of which are believed to be beneficial in reducing cancer risks); an important factor in the synthesis of collagen (necessary in the repair of scars and wounds, forms the basis for the formation of connective tissue throughout the body, helps the vertebral discs to maintain their shape and integrity, found throughout the body as a major component in teeth, bone muscle skin, scar tissue, and fatty tissues); plays a major role in hormone synthesis especially during periods of physical or emotional stress; and is associated with cholesterol metabolism and in the excretion of excess cholesterol. In addition, Vitamin C is important in maintaining a viable immune system. Dietary sources of Vitamin C include: fresh citrus fruits, fresh vegetables, tomatoes, green peppers, dark green leafy vegetables, cabbage, potatoes, asparagus, just to name a few. The usage of tobacco products, oral contraceptives, steroids, alcohol, antidepressants, and anticoagulants is known to reduce serum levels of Vitamin C, therefore these individuals are highly encouraged to take Vitamin C supplements.
Vitamin E is an important antioxidant in the prevention of cancer and cardiovascular disease. It is also important in the circulatory system, and is necessary for tissue repair including the myelin sheath around nerves. It promotes normal blood clotting and reduces scarring in wounds. It can help to relax leg cramps. It maintains healthy muscles and strengthens the capillary walls. It promotes healthy skin and hair. Vitamin E and Vitamin C work synergistically together – namely they work better together than individually. Vitamin E scavenges for free radicals in cell membranes while Vitamin C scavenges for free radicals in the body's fluids. Dietary sources of Vitamin E include: whole grains, green leafy vegetables, wheat germ, egg yolk, liver, vegetable oils, and nuts.
Selenium is a trace mineral that inhibits the oxidation of fats. It also protects the immune system by preventing the formation of free radicals. Selenium is a powerful antioxidant especially when combined with Vitamin E. Selenium is reportedly beneficial in cancer prevention, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, and increases the functioning of many immune system cells. Dietary sources for Selenium include liver, kidney, meats, and seafood.
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BENHAM CHIROPRACTIC
CHIROPRACTIC * ACUPUNCTURE * APPLIED KINESIOLOGY NEURO EMOTIONAL TECHNIQUE |
