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The Basics of Vitamin E, Everything You Wanted to Know But Were Afraid to Ask

Vitamin E is one of the four fat-soluble vitamins required by the body. The other fat-soluble vitamins are Vitamin A, D and K. Vitamin E is an effective antioxidant and one of it functions in protecting the body from free radicals that may cause aging and cancer.

It may also be known as Tocopherol, Tocotrienol, E307, E308 or E309. The term “Vitamin E” is used for any of the eight tocopherols and four tocotrienols. The most popular of this class of substances is the alpha-tocopherol because it is the most studied due to its fast absorption potential in the body.

Functions of Vitamin E in the Body

This vitamin aids in wound healing, especially in cases of burns and other injuries. The presence of Vitamin E in the body also lowers the risk of developing cancer and heart disease. Because of its antioxidant effects, Vitamin E is also associated in the prevention of aging.

Vitamin E exerts it antioxidant effect by reacting with the free radicals, which are the intermediate products of peroxidation reactions of lipids in the body. By removing the intermediate products, the reaction cannot go further and the cell membranes of the cells are protected from damage.

This vitamin also performs a role in cell communication, which is very important particularly to the immune system, tissue repairs, and development of the body.

Sources of Natural Vitamin E

Vegetable oils – such as canola, sunflower, olive, corn and soybean oils – are some of the natural sources of Vitamin E. It is also found in avocadoes, almonds, hazelnuts, wheat germ, asparagus, milk and spinach.

Forms of Vitamin E

The most well known form of vitamin E is the alpha tocopherol, which is the content of most vitamin E supplements in the market. The other forms of vitamin E also act by protecting the cells of the body from oxidation. For example, gamma tocopherol is also a potent nucleophile that reacts with mutagens that seek electrons. The tocotrienols, on the other hand, play a role in cancer prevention, neuron protection and cholesterol reduction.

Vitamin E Deficiency

Poor nerve conduction is the major effect of a deficiency of this vitamin. This will lead to neuromuscular problems including myopathies and spinocerebellar ataxia.

Vitamin E Toxicity

Too much of this vitamin in the body may cause toxicity. Because of its anticoagulant effects, an overdose of vitamin E can increase the risk of bleeding problems. As a guide, a person should not take more than 1000 mg of vitamin E.…

Restoring Function After Stroke With Adult Stem Cells – An Incredible Breakthrough

Below are facts just released on 15 January 2010 from the Family Research Council in Washington, D.C about an incredible scientific study undertaken at the University of California, Irvine.

A new study indicates that function can be restored long after stroke damage by stimulating adult stem cells in the brain. Scientists at UC-Irvine found that a natural growth factor called Transforming Growth Factor-alpha (TGFa) stimulates adult stem cells in the affected brain to divide, migrate through the brain, and repair the damage. Using a rat model for stroke, they injected the TGFa protein directly into the brain as much as 4 weeks after the stroke damage, and found 99% recovery. Darius Gleason, a graduate student who worked on the study said:

“It’s becoming more and more clear that the brain is like any other organ: it has a lot of potential to regenerate. We are just emulating nature by giving a little nudge to what the brain is trying to do itself.”

In a new study just published, the group has shown that even nasal administration of TGFa can give significant recovery (70%). This non-invasive route could have great therapeutic application. Previously, German researchers showed nasal administration of adult stem cells was an effective delivery method. This new study shows that using only the stimulatory protein can also be very effective at stimulating the existing adult stem cells already present in the brain.

A clinical trial is currently under way in Houston that injects the stroke patient’s bone marrow adult stem cells into the circulatory system; the cells seem to migrate to the injured brain and stimulate repair. Early results from this trial are very promising for stoke treatment.

This article was researched from the Family Research Council, Washington D.C.…

How to Raise Your Energy Through Proper Supplementation

If you really want to amplify how much joy and passion you get from life than you have to increase your energy to a point where you feel alive and ready to take on the world.

I want to help you magnify your ability to get up and go take charge of life so I put together a short list of some of the most important vitamins and minerals you need to ensure optimal energy production.

Make sure you are taking your B vitamins because they play a serious roll in increasing energy as well as increasing how fast you can metabolize food including fat which means it might help you shed a few pounds as well.

B12 has even been linked with helping your bodies cells be more efficient on the cellular level, enabling your cells to work more efficiently and leaving you with left over energy.

Vitamin C is not just important for keeping the common cold away but it greatly increases cellular repair as well as encourages the conversion of fats into energy through the mitochondria process. Oranges and tomatoes are a great source of vitamin C.

Magnesium is also extremely important to your energy levels. It is necessary for ATP production which is the main energy producing powerhouse in the body. When magnesium levels fall to low, it results in cells which are able to produce less energy, resulting in fatigue.

In fact, magnesium supplementation is one of the most recommended supplementations in the western hemisphere because most of us do not get enough of the mineral with our general food intake.

Although it is not exactly a vitamin, ginseng is another very important supplement you can take to increase your energy. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicines for over 3,000 years and has a large variety of documented health benefits in addition to energy such as boosting the immune system.

And of course a great way to make sure you are getting your nutritional needs met to is find a multi-vitamin that includes all of the things we just talked about.

Try checking out your local health foods store to see if you have a knowledgeable person behind the desk who can help you determine what multi-vitamin would best suit your needs.

Whatever you do, do not mosey on down to the local grocery store though and just pick up some random bottle off of the shelf because those vitamins are typically very cheaply made and will likely do you no good.

I would also encourage you to have a review High Energy for Life which is a new homeopathic program out designed by one of the best natural energy doctors in the world.

Click my link below and check out Dr. Stengler’s full program.…

Heat Related Illness

Humans need sun exposure to survive. The sun provides humans with vital forms of Vitamin D and can be essential to emotional health and stability. Places such as Alaska that have long periods of the year with very little daylight have serious problems with suicide and cabin fever among their population. But as essential as the sun is to our continued health, not to mention fun, there are serious problems that can occur from continued sun exposure. The sun is a source of great heat and therefore a variety of heat related illnesses.

Types of Heat Related Illnesses

There is a full spectrum of heat related illness ranging from fairly innocuous rashes to deadly strokes. Anyone taking a trip out in the mid day sun should be aware of each of the possible heat conditions they may experience. It is essential to be able to be able to point out the signs of these illnesses in case they appear in friends, family or the individual. Heat conditions to be aware of include:

o Heat rash-this rash appears as many small bumps with the most exposure to the sun. It can be uncomfortable and often itches but has no known serious side effects. Generally, a little bit of Benadryl will make the rash disappear.

o Heat cramps-these occur in muscles after strenuous exercise in the sun because sweating results in the loss of water, salt and essential electrolytes to the body. Drinking liquid containing electrolytes such as Gatorade can help keep this problem at bay.

o Heat edema-edema is swelling within the skin. Heat edema usually occurs in the legs and hands just from sitting for long periods in the heat.

o Heat tetany-this is hyerperventilation and heat stress caused by periods of stress in a hot environment.

o Heat syncope-syncope is fainting. This occurs when a person sits up and the heat causes the blood vessels to dilate and body fluids move into the legs.

o Heat exhaustion-this is a mild form of hyperthermia. It occurs from strenuous exercise or work in intense heat. Signs include nausea, weakness, vomiting and loss of color.

o Heat stroke-this is the most severe form of hyperthermia from the sun. Heat stroke has similar symptoms as those of heat exhaustion but is much more severe and can lead to death if not swiftly treated.

Individuals experiencing signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke should be immediately cooled down with a hose or whatever water is nearest by. This is essential to saving their lives. For more information on heat stroke, contact Des Moines area lawyers.…

New Potential for Preventing a Stroke

Strokes are a serious source of disability amongst senior citizens, but the damage that they can do has been drastically reduced over the last few decades. While it is true that they still have the potential to be fatal, the mortality rate has gone down in a big way. Plus, more and more people are able to live complete lives after suffering from a stroke thanks to advances in medicine and technology. This is a very good thing for senior citizens, especially those who are at a higher risk of suffering from one of these. A new method of preventing strokes is being formulated, and this new potential treatment holds a lot of promise.

Carotid artery disease is a major source of strokes, and with ultrasound scanning to examine these patients, the clots that can lead to oxygen flow blockages can more readily be detected and remedied. The problem here is that clots can form within the carotid artery of the neck and break off. They then travel toward the brain where they can slow down or block oxygenated blood flow. In the past, simple anti-platelet drugs, like aspirin, were used to help prevent this from happening, but they are not always effective and the new method looks like it will be much more complete at helping out.

Previously, one of the big roadblocks to preventing a stroke is that doctors had trouble pinpointing just who was at high risk of having a stroke and who was not. Ultrasound scanning is really easy-it’s what they use to show images of fetuses within expecting mothers-and it is not overly expensive to do. Senior citizens that are at high risk can easily and speedily be identified and steps can be taken toward helping these people as much as possible.

Strokes occur when the blood cells that carry oxygen to the brain are blocked. Essentially a stroke is when proper levels of oxygen are not received by brain cells. This can cause speech problems, disability, or even death. Luckily, stroke treatment is getting better and better and this new prevention method is just one example of this.

The average age of people having a stroke is getting younger, and this is a major cause for alarm. The other problem that our society is facing is that the average age of a U.S. citizen is getting older, and the older you become, the higher your likelihood of having a stroke becomes. The coupling of these two things is likely going to see the number of strokes in our nation go up. Advances in this field are going to be necessary if we want to protect our family members and friends. Thankfully, this is becoming easier thanks to outstanding medical professionals.…

An Overview of Vitamin D – How It Is Used in the Body and Common Food Sources

As children, we were all told that we need calcium in order to have strong bones and grow big and strong. However, calcium is not the only vitamin needed for good bone development; Vitamin D also plays a very important part. No matter how much calcium we take in, without Vitamin D, our bodies won’t be able to absorb it properly.

Before, people would just bask under the heat of the sun for a good dose of Vitamin D; however, because of the extreme changes in our environment, the heat of the sun will more likely do damage to your skin than make your bones healthy. A person’s next recourse then, is to get the Vitamin D he needs from the food he eats.

Our body needs 10 micrograms of Vitamin D per day. Fortunately, there are a lot of Vitamin D rich foods which will give you the recommended nutritional intake even with just tiny servings. For example, 100 grams of cod liver oil can contain more than 200 micrograms of Vitamin D and may go higher than that, depending on the purity of the cod liver oil.

For breakfast, slathering a toast of bread with butter or margarine can put you on the right track, as both of these contain high levels of Vitamin D. Salmon, Tuna, Mackerel and Sardines not only contain around 4-12 micrograms of Vitamin D, but they are also low in cholesterol, making it easier for people on a diet to get their Vitamin D.

Milk can be a very good source of Vitamin D, specially Vitamin D-fortified milk. One cup of Vitamin D-fortified milk is equivalent to 25 percent of the recommended nutritional intake. If you serve your milk together with fortified cereals, you can replenish up to 35 percent of your Vitamin D daily requirements.…

Stroke – Fighting the Stoke With All the Tools Available

Stroke is the second leading cause of death around the world. It is the leading cause of disabilities in the US. Those two facts are why having good health insurance in place is critical, especially if you or your family have a chance of having one. They happen when blood flow stops or diminishes drastically to the brain. When the blood doesn’t reach the brain, some parts of the brain can stop working properly. Many patients experience lose motion of limbs, speech impediment, or vision problems as a result. Often the incident focuses on one side or the other of the body. It is a medical emergency and requires immediate medical attention.

What can lead to a stroke? The underlying causes are usually a blockage in a critical blood vessel or a leak in one of them. But, what leads to those blockages and leakages are the real culprits. High blood pressure is a leading factor. This is often due to a poor diet, smoking, excessive alcohol use, sedentary lifestyle, and drug use. Another factor is diabetes. Patients with diabetes are up to three times as like to have a blockage or leakage than people without it. Other medical conditions may cause these attacks also. It is important for everyone to have enough medical coverage in place to help deal with these conditions.

Strokes incur more than just diagnosis and treatment costs. Many people suffer with an impediment in the speech, motion, or vision. These often require physical therapy for a period after leaving the hospital in order to regain function when possible. Patients also need follow up visits with their doctor and specialists to reduce their chances of developing another episode. Without follow up and physical therapy, many patients are permanently disabled and likely to suffer additional episodes which can lead to further problems. Good medical insurance is imperative in these cases for diagnosis, treatment and follow up.

People who smoke, are obese, or have lifestyle problems have a higher than normal risk of having a stroke. If you fit into one of these categories, it is very important to make sure your health insurance is ready to go. If you have an attack, the medical insurance can save your life since the doctors and hospitals will not hesitate to give treatments. Having medical insurance will give you, the best chance to survive and recover to the greatest extent possible.

If you need assistance in locating particular coverages at a pre-determined price, we can help you find a Free health insurance quote and save up to 50% on your monthly premium.…

How to Beat the Heat – Staying Cool During Summer Heatwaves

As temperatures heat up across the country and we find ourselves in a heatwave, it’s more important than ever to stay cool and beat the heat. Here are five tips you can use to make sure you and your family stay safe during the hottest days of summer.

Dress the part – Wear light clothing that breathes easy. Most experts advise on wearing cotton. There are new clothing products on the market that help to keep you cool and wick moisture away. Check out your local sporting goods store. Wearing light colored clothing helps to reflect the sun away. Stay away from dark color clothes which could make you warmer.

Take it slow – It is recommended that on really hot days that you limit your physical activity outdoors. Especially during the hottest times of the day. If you normally exercise outdoors, it’s wise on these hot days to move that to either early morning or very late in the evening. If you have to be outside, slow down and take your time.

Stay hydrated – Keep a bottle of water with you on those really hot days. You are going to lose a lot of water through sweating when temperatures rise. As we’ve mentioned in previous articles, freeze a bottle of water then keep it with you during the day. The ice will slowly melt leaving you ice cold water to enjoy.

Stay inside – If your house has air conditioning stay inside to keep cool. If you don’t have an air conditioner head out for the day, go to the mall, a movie, or you public library.

Eat less – Many of us accustomed to eating healthy already eat smaller more frequent meals during the day. During the hottest days of the year spread your meals out and eat less but more frequently. If you eat too much and then get hot you run the risk of getting sick, and then possibly dehydrating from being sick.

Heat related injuries happen when the body can no longer keep itself cool On really hot and humid days the body can really struggle to keep cool. The humidity will make it harder for the body to stay cool because sweat doesn’t evaporate as quickly. Certain groups of people are also more at risk to heat related injuries such as the elderly, children, infants, and those with chronic illnesses. Be a good neighbor and check in on your neighbors during these hot days to make sure they are coping well.

According to the Red Cross there are three categories of heat-related illness.

Learn to recognize the signs of heat-related illness.

Heat Cramps – Heat cramps happen due to a loss of fluids and a loss of electrolytes. Symptoms of heat cramps involve muscle cramping and aching. This is an early sign that the body is having a hard time coping with the heat.

Heat Exhaustion – Happens during strenuous exercise or …

Heat Strokes in Dogs

If you live in a relatively warm climate and own a dog, it is important to understand that your pet is susceptible to having a heat stroke. This is an extremely dangerous health complication that could result in serious health issues such brain damage that is irreversible and possibly even death. If a dog is exposed to extremely hot and humid conditions, it produces a lot of different symptoms that could actually jeopardize the dog’s life. When a heat stroke develops, the dog must be quickly tended to. The goal is to reduce the body temperature as quickly as possible. If the temperature of the body is not reduced, it will continue to rise.

There are many factors that put a dog at risk for having a heat stroke. The following outlines the details associated with dogs that have a high risk for developing this potentially fatal complication:

• If a dog has other types of health conditions, it could put them at a higher risk for developing a heat related complication. This is especially true if the dog is on medication for another condition.

• Younger dogs tend to handle the heat much better than older dogs. Dogs that are older have a higher risk of suffering from a stroke that is induced by excessive heat.

• If a dog is considered to be overweight, they may experience this issue quicker than a dog that is considered to be at a healthy weight.

• If a dog has a face that is sort of pushed in, they may experience this heat issue.

• Dogs that have a lot of hair in their coat are at risk for this problem when they are subjected to extremely hot temperatures.

• If a dog has a respiratory or a cardiovascular complication, they may experience a heat stroke in warm weather.

If you live in a warm environment, it is absolutely essential to become familiar with the signs of a dog that is experiencing a heat stroke. If you see your dog exhibit any of the symptoms, you should attempt to lower their body temperature and seek medical assistance as soon as possible. The symptoms are as follows:

• First, a dog will start to pant in a heavy manner. You will find that this heavy panting is much more excessive than the typical panting that the animal engages in.

• It is common for the dog to start the process of drooling. You will find that the drooling is much more excessive than the dog typically exhibits.

• Gastrointestinal complications such as vomiting are extremely common when a dog gets too hot.

• You may find that the dog appears to be off balance. This is typically a direct result of dizziness that the animal is experiencing.

• The gums and the tongue of the animal may appear to be deep or bright red.

• Many dogs will appear to be extremely weak. They may be unable to …