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    25th October 2007

    The Role of Vitamin B3 Niacin

    Vitamin B3 niacin is an essential vitamin for your body, and it is just one of the eight water soluble types of B vitamins. Nearly all of the B vitamin classes will help the body convert carbohydrates into sugar or glucose, which can then be burned to produce energy. Also known as complex B vitamins, B3 niacin are essential in helping the body break down protein and fat.

    Complex B vitamins also play an important role with maintaining muscle tone within the digestive tract, along with the health of the skin, nervous system, live, eyes, hair, and mouth. Even though a lot of people associate creative with the aspect of muscles and muscle tone, vitamin B3 niacin is as equally important - if not more important.

    B3 niacin is also important with getting harmful or toxic chemicals out of the body. It can also help the body produce different sex and stress related hormones within the adrenal glands, among other parts of the body. The vitamin is also useful for helping with sexual dysfunction as well. This can be great news for those who have problems with pleasing their mate.

    Also very effective with improving circulation, B3 niacin can also help to reduce cholesterol levels found in the blood. Even though vitamin B3 niacin is great as a stand alone supplement, it should also consumed with foods that contain protein, due to the fact that the body is able to convert the amino acid known as tryptophan into niacin.

    The higher doses of B3 niacin, which are available only through prescription, have been proven to prevent and also improve a variety of different symptoms and ailments. Due to the high risk of toxicity, individuals should always consult with a doctor first, before they decide to start higher doses of B3 niacin.

    There are also niacin skin care products that are being developed as well, which contain anti-aging products, helping to treat acne and also aid in the prevention of skin cancer. A lot of dermatologists expect that these products will become really popular over the next several years. Even though they are still in development stages, research has proven them to be very effective when compared to the other types of products.

    The best sources for vitamin B3 niacin include beef, pork, turkey, beets, veal, fish, chicken, salmon, tuna, and peanuts. You can also get supplements that contain B3 niacin as well, which can give your body the amounts it needs. This is a very important vitamin, as it does a lot more for the body than most think. By consuming foods that contain it or taking the proper supplements - you’ll get the amount of B vitamins that your body needs on a daily basis.


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    25th October 2007

    Vitamins and Your Health

    These days, we all know that taking vitamins is an easy way to start pursuing a healthy and disease free way of life. In the past, vitamins were used with diets, although they weren’t near as sophisticated as they are today. The vitamins of today are far more sophisticated and geared towards certain aspects of your body and your health.

    Even though some people may not realize it, food doesn’t give you all of the vitamins and nutrients your body needs. Although you may be following a healthy diet, you won’t receive everything your body needs to carry out daily functions. You can buy high quality food if you wish, although it isn’t the preferred way to fix this type of situation. No matter what you choose to eat, you still won’t get the vitamins and nutrients you need.

    If you have any type of restrictions with your diet, it can be even more difficult to get the vitamins and nutrients you need. Those who suffer from food allergies especially, find it even harder to get the right amount of vitamins. Even if you have a small appetite, you can be at a major disadvantage to getting everything your body needs. Smaller appetites get full a lot quicker, making it harder to eat the foods you need on a daily basis.

    No matter how you look at it, you won’t get everything your body needs from food. To get the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients you need, you’ll need to use supplements and vitamins. Vitamin supplements are the easiest way to give your body what it needs. You can use vitamins and supplements in your normal diet, although you’ll need to choose them accordingly with what you need and what your diet consists of.

    Even though there are many vitamins that you can benefit from, one of the most important is B12, which can raise your energy levels and help with your immune system. Some other vitamins you’ll need to include in your normal diet are vitamin A, C, D, and E. These vitamins are very important to your body, as they help with many different functions. Vitamins C and E are among the most important, as they help with your skin, hair growth, and the way your body functions.

    To ensure that your body remains at it’s best, you should make sure that you get the right amount of vitamins with your diet. You can find vitamin supplements locally or on the Internet, with hundreds to choose from. You should also include selenium and colostrum in your daily diet as well, as these two vitamins will help you with your health. If you take the right vitamins with your diet - you’ll find that your health and energy will always will remain at their top levels of performance.


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    7th October 2007

    Restless Sleep Syndrome

    Restless leg syndrome, known as RLS, is a sleep disorder that afflicts more than 15 percent of adults. It affects more women than men and the incidence of restless leg syndrome increases with age. Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, arthritis and varicose veins, also increase the risk of developing restless leg syndrome.

    This sleep disorder is characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move the lower legs, knees and occasionally the arms. Sometimes painful sensations accompany the urge to move. People that suffer from this sleep disorder describe the feelings and sensations in different ways. Many describe a tingling, itching or pulling sensation. Still others say it feels prickly or burns. Some feel as if they have worms crawling under their skin.

    The sensations which are typical of this sleep disorder can occur anytime during the day or night. Restless leg syndrome occurring at night has a devastating effect on sleep. The symptoms can cause the sufferer to get in and out of bed repeatedly which can delay or disrupt sleep. Since sleep in repeatedly interrupted, extreme daytime sleepiness is common.

    The combination of always feeling tired and the symptoms themselves can cause a person with restless leg syndrome to alter their lifestyle. Long trips, movies, concerts and eating in restaurants are some of the activities they usually avoid. Attending a long meeting at work can become very painful and uncomfortable. People that have this sleep disorder often suffer from depression.

    Researchers believe that restless leg syndrome may be caused by malfunctions of the pathways in the brain that controls movement reflexes and sensations. Often this sleep disorder has a genetic base.

    Restless leg syndrome cannot be diagnosed by one single test. Often standard neurological examinations show no signs of an abnormality. In many cases, a doctor makes the diagnosis of restless leg syndrome based on the description of the symptoms. They also take into account family history, and the results of a routine medical examination and blood tests.

    Many times the treatment for restless leg syndrome is aimed at controlling the debilitating sensations that accompany this sleep disorder. Often iron supplements are prescribed because severe anemia has been linked to this disorder. Relaxation techniques, diet changes and the elimination of caffeine and alcohol help some sufferers of restless leg syndrome.

    In most cases, this sleep disorder is treated with drugs. These drugs could include dopamine agents, benzodiazepines, opioids or anticonvulsants. Medications do not cure restless leg syndrome, but they manage the symptoms. People that suffer from this sleep disorder usually have to stay on their medications for the rest of their lives.

    Another sleep disorder similar to restless leg syndrome is periodic limb movement disorder known as PLMD. There are two main differences between restless leg syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder. Restless leg syndrome occurs when the sufferer is awake or asleep; periodic limb movement disorder only occurs when the sufferer is asleep. Restless leg syndrome movements are voluntary responses to very unpleasant sensations; the movements of periodic limb movement disorder are involuntary and are not consciously controlled. Both of these sleep disorders can be effectively controlled with medical treatment.


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    7th October 2007

    Are You at Risk for High Blood Pressure?

    Do you know what the risks are of high blood pressure? How do you know if you are at risk? There are many different causes for high blood pressure. In this article you will find out if you are at risk and how you can help prevent and control your high blood pressure.

    Your blood pressure is high if it is over 120/80, which is the normal level of blood pressure. There are many everyday lifestyle habits that raise your pressure that you might not be aware of. One of those is being overweight. If you are overweight you are at a greater risk of developing high blood pressure.

    Try to start a healthy diet or start exercising. Even losing a measly ten pounds can help you drastically and keep your blood pressure normal. Physical inactivity is also another lifestyle habit that causes many Americans to develop high blood pressure.

    If you are not very physically active, consider starting to be. You can easily adapt exercise to your everyday routine; you just have to plan it out. Try to do at least thirty minutes of exercise a day. This will help lower or control your blood pressure.

    Many people are not concerned with what they eat, yet they want to be healthy. These two do not go together. If you want to stay healthy, you have to watch what you eat. Having unhealthy eating habits can cause high blood pressure as well. Try to eat less salt or sodium and more vegetables and fruits.

    Using tobacco products is a great risk for developing high blood pressure. Smoking is a very common habit among the world and many of these people might have high blood pressure and not even know it. There are many ways to help rid the habit of nicotine or use of any tobacco product.

    Every one is stressed at some point during their lives. You might be stressed every day or just once in awhile. Whatever the case may be, you can still develop high blood pressure through stress. If you find yourself stressed more often than not, consider some relaxation techniques. Meditation is a great way to start. If this doesn’t work, consider something different.

    Drinking alcohol also causes high blood pressure. Do you drink quite a bit? More than two drinks for a man and more than one for a woman can raise their blood pressure. If you drink more than this, consider cutting back. Once again, if you are addicted to drinking, or smoking, you can find many ways to help you quit.

    These are very common lifestyle habits that cause high blood pressure. If you are at risk for high blood pressure or already have it, consider purchasing a home blood pressure monitoring device. This can help ensure that whatever habits you are changing or modifying are working.

    Sometimes this change is not enough. You might have to use medication or incorporate medication with your exercise routine, etc. The best way to know this is to visit your doctor. Ask any and all questions you might be concerned about. They will happy to assist you in helping you have a healthier and active lifestyle.


    7th October 2007

    What is Congestive Heart Failure?

    It’s a terrifying moment for many patients: the moment when the doctor enters their hospital room and informs them they are suffering from congestive heart failure. Many people do not know what congestive heart failure is or what it means for their life, and they ask themselves, “Is congestive heart failure the end of my world as I know it?”

    Congestive heart failure occurs when for whatever reason the heart is unable to effectively pump the blood through the body. This usually occurs when the heart muscle is weak due to disease or stressed beyond its ability to function. Congestive heart failure is usually a secondary disease following another cardiac condition, primarily either coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies, myocarditis, valvular disease, or cardiac arrhythmias, with coronary artery disease carrying the poorest prognosis. It may also follow a myocardial infarction, renal failure, sepsis or severe anemia.

    Each side of the heart has a different function, and therefore will have a slightly different effect on the body when it is unable to fulfill that function. If it is the left side of the heart that has failed accumulation of fluid in and around the lungs will cause the patient to experience difficulty breathing, and the kidneys will respond to the reduced blood in the circulation by retaining fluid as well. If it is the right side that fails the excess fluid accumulates in the venous system, giving the patient a generalized edema that becomes more severe as their condition deteriorates.

    Dyspnea is the prevalent presenting symptom in congestive heart failure, although the severity will vary from patient to patient. Some will possess perfectly normal pulmonary function until under exertion, such as while exercising, walking up stairs or mowing their lawn; others will have so much fluid accumulated that simply rising from bed in the morning will prove difficult. These patients will also usually become easily fatigued due to a lack of oxygen to the tissues. Heart failure will also cause a condition known as pitting edema, in which the body retains fluid to the point that when pressure is applied to specific spot on the body the indentation remains (non-pitting edema is not caused by heart failure).

    Treatment of congestive heart failure consists primarily of treating the symptoms. Vital signs should be taken regularly, and often diuretics will be prescribed to facilitate expulsion of accumulated fluid from the body. While in the hospital fluid intake and output will be measured very carefully. Patients will probably be placed in an upright position to assist in moving fluid from around the heart and lungs, given potassium supplements and prescribed bed rest for a period of time. BUN levels and serum creatinine, potassium, sodium, chloride and bicarbonate levels are monitered frequently by a physician.

    There are several factors that contribute to congestive heart failure and, if diagnosed, should be treated and maintained. These include hypertension, anemia or poycythemia, endocrine disorders, malnutrition, drug or alcohol use and obesity. Therefore, it is very important that patients suffering from congestive heart failure pay particular attention to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. A doctor can aid in establishing the best diet and exercise plan with each individual to prevent placing undue stress on the heart and lungs.

    While no said cure exists for congestive heart failure and the prognosis varies from case to case, by following a strict diet and exercise program, taking all prescribed medications regularly and maintaining a close relationship with their physicians many patients who suffer from heart failure can continue to lead a fairly normal life.


    Lose Weight - Get in Shape

    7th October 2007

    A Guide in Surviving Male Menopause for Men and Women

    Male menopause, or Andropause, is a condition that all men will go through once they reach a certain age. It’s something that men and their wives should know how to deal with.

    This condition is very similar to female menopause where there are also related symptoms. The cause of Andorpause, or male menopause, is the decline of hormones as the male ages.

    If you think men are spared from menopause, you should think again. The Andropause conditio, or the male menopause condition, will eventually affect all men once they reach a certain age. This particular condition is associated with the decline of male hormone levels that occurs usually when men reach late 40’s or early 50’s.

    The main symptoms of Andropause are erectile dysfunction, or failure to achieve erection, mood changes, night sweats, constant fatigue or tiredness, and also irritability and depression. Some even said that when men are suffering from Andropause, they become more motherly than fatherly. They tend to be focused more on family and friends rather than the natural focus of men on money or career, as in the early life before the Andropausal stage.

    Surprisingly, the change isn’t always noticed by men who are going through the Andropausal stage. The men’s spouses do notice it and have constantly said that their husbands are going through male menopause.

    There will also be physical changes associated with Andropause, such as loss of hair in the armpits, shrinking of the testicles, lessening of muscle mass, and also decreased muscle strength.

    This change is due to the loss of androgens in a man’s body. Androgens are known to be the basic ingredient that makes up masculinity and because of the loss of this ingredient, physical change occurs.

    Andropause may cause depression in men and because of their irritability it may also cause depression in their spouses. This is why it is important for women to know how to deal with Andropause and help their husbands to know how to deal with it too.

    Some ways women can help their husbands to cope up with the inevitable changes that Andropause can cause are:

    • Help your husband to learn to love himself and reward himself, as well as love and reward others. The mood swings that come and go, the depression, the change in interests… all of these things are problably new to your husband. Let him know you are there for him and that he isn’t alone in facing the changes in his body.

    • Join in with your husband and get some exercise. Lack of exercise is a known cause of early aging. This is why it is important to encourage men to exercise. This will prolong their youth and also slow down the physical changes that naturally occurs when people age. Wives can exercise with their husbands, encouraging them and getting excerise at the same time.

    • Cook healthy meals. Eating right is also one of the best ways to combat Andropause. Cooking healthy meals is good for the body in many ways, not in combating male menopause.

    • Help you husband to deal with the changes that are oocuring in his body. Let him know he is still loved and wanted. Help him with hobbies and things that can keep his mind off of the changes occuring. Andropause is inevitable and will eventually happen as men reach a certain age. Helping your husband to deal with it is beneficial for both of you.

    These are just some of the ways you can effectively help your husband when they are suffering from Andropause. Always remember that this condition is unavoidable and it is relatively the same as menopause in women. Be there for your husband and help him along the way.


    Swanson Home Page

    7th October 2007

    Symptoms of Andropause, Male Menopause

    The condition and the symptoms of male menopause, known as Andropause, are comparable to the ones women experience during menopause, and can sometimes be as worse. However male menopause does not affect all men, and not to the same degree in each man. Only some of the men between the age of forty and fifty experience most of the symptoms of male menopause.

    All the changes that occur in every man during the male menopausal period, or during Andropause, can affect every aspect of their lives. Male menopause is recognized as a physical condition and manifests in personal, psychological, social and spiritual dimensions. Men also experience difficulties in hormonal fluctuations that affect their sexuality, mood, and personality, just like women.

    All men going through male menopausal can experience hormonal changes that greatly affect their lives. The levels of hormones will lower at their mid-life and may have changes which are usually associated with Andropause. It is important to note that every man has a unique personality and their individual levels of hormonal loss may vary widely.

    If the level of hormones lowers, it can be the cause a decrease in the sex drive and the general well being of their health. The occurrence of these things will also lead to the increase of depression and possible weight gain and absolutely will change the day to day living as compared to their lives before the onset of male menopause.

    During the menopausal period or Andropause, some men can experience problems with regards to impotence. And because of impotency, men are having lowered sexual desires.

    How can a man recognize that he is going through that certain stage in life, the menopausal period? There are some symptoms to be aware of. Some are physical, some are psychological, and some are sexual. The following are the symptoms that a male is going through a male menopausal period.

    Physical symptoms of Andropause include:

    • Recovery from injuries and illness takes longer
    • Less endurance for physical activity
    • Gaining weight
    • Difficulty reading small print
    • Loss or thinning of hair
    • Sleep disturbances
    • Low libido
    • Lack of energy

    Psychological symptoms of Andropause include:

    • Irritability
    • Hesitancy or difficulty in making decisions
    • Worry and fear for life
    • Depression
    • Having low self-esteem, self-confidence and joy
    • Loss of purpose and direction in life
    • Feeling alone, unattractive, and unloved
    • Lack of memory and complexity in concentrating
    • Mood swings

    Sexual symptoms of Andropause include:

    • Decreased sex drive
    • Fear of sexual impotency
    • More relationship problems and fights occurs with regards to sex, love, and intimacy
    • Incapacity to erect during intimacy
    • Increased of attraction to a much younger opposite sex

    All the symptoms that a male can experience during the male menopausal period can be treated. Although males have been suffering from either physical, emotional or sexual symptoms of male menopause, men need to control it not through attempting self-diagnosis but by talking to a doctor. Seeing a doctor and getting treatment for male menopause, or Andropause, will lead to being better informed and getting the proper treatment to alleviate the symptoms of the condition.


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