As knowledge of how the human body works increases, there is more awareness of simple fixes for complex problems. High cholesterol levels increases your risk for developing cardiovascular disease, which could ultimately lead to a heart attack or...
Folic acid, or folate, is a type of B vitamin that plays a number of important roles, including protecting unborn babies from developing neural tube defects, such as spina bifida. Folic acid can be taken as a supplement during pregnancy, but it is...
Coenzyme Q-10, also known as CoQ10, is a compound similar to vitamins that your body naturally produces. CoQ10 supplements are possibly beneficial for many health conditions including high blood pressure and heart disease. Because CoQ10 is not a...
Vitamin B12 is water soluble, so it must be consumed regularly because it is excreted in urine. Vitamin B12 supports healthy neurological functioning, the development of red blood cells and the synthesis of DNA. The vitamin is present in a number...
Chondroitin is a naturally occurring molecule that helps keep your cartilage strong. Chondroitin's role is to aide cartilage in the absorption of water and block enzymes that result in cartilage breakdown. If you have osteoarthritis, you are...
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3. Niacinamide does not have the same pharmacological effects as other forms of vitamin B3 such as niacin. Niacinamide may be recommended by your doctor to treat type 1 diabetes, skin conditions or vitamin...
Coenzyme Q10 is a compound your body naturally produces in small amounts. It is also found in certain types of food, including seafood and meat. Doctors use supplements containing coenzyme Q10 to treat a variety of health conditions, including...
Lactobacillus acidophilus, also called L. acidophilus or just acidophilus, is a bacteria found in your digestive tract. The bacteria is described as "good" or "healthy" because it maintains a normal balance of healthy bacteria in your intestines,...
To help speed up weight loss, some people turn to diet aids such as Alli, an over-the-counter pill that helps reduce the amount of fat your body processes from the meals you eat. Using Alli does not guarantee weight loss, but some people find that...
Sildenafil, also known as Viagra, works by inhibiting an enzyme called phosphodiesterase that causes blood vessels to dilate. This can cause it to decrease blood pressure, but its effects work better at treating erectile dysfunction by causing...
Coumadin, also called warfarin, is a blood thinner that acts by opposing the action of vitamin K in the liver. Vitamin K is involved in a specific process that activate the protein involved in the clotting of blood. The safe and effective dose of...
Boswellia, also known as Indian frankincense, is a traditional treatment for joint and back pain, arthritis, asthma, sports injuries, ulcerative colitis and even Crohn's disease. A study published in the January 2003 edition of "Phytomedicine"...
Approximately 6.8 million adult Americans are affected by generalized anxiety disorder, according to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America, or ADAA. Women are at an increased risk over men of developing this condition. Scientists are not...
Potassium, an essential mineral found in a number of foods, can be dangerous in high doses. Taking potassium supplements can cause serious complications in people who already have, or who are at risk of, developing high potassium levels. Never...
Niacin -- vitamin B-3 -- poses serious health risks if taken in large quantities. Persons with diabetes face particular risks because niacin can drastically elevate blood sugar levels. Although you can purchase niacin without a prescription, it...
The nutrient inositol plays various roles in the body. A variety of foods contain a precursor to this substance, and your body can typically get all it needs from your diet. Supplementing with inositol might offer benefits for a number of...
Pausinystalia yohimbe tree bark contains an active chemical known as yohimbine. Yohimbine hydrochloride is sold as a prescription drug, while yohimbe bark extract is available over the counter in health food stores. Most research on dosages has...
Theanine is an amino acid extract of the green tea plant, Camellia sinensis. Theanine, which gives green tea its flavor, has been studied for its calming effects on the central nervous system. One cup of green tea provides about 50 mg of theanine....
Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in your body. It is used by virtually every organ, but is particularly important to your heart, muscles and kidneys. A variety of plant or animal-based foods contain magnesium and you can get your...
Pregnenolone is a popular over-the-counter steroid hormone purported to help keep your hormone levels more stable as you age. In addition, pregnenolone is proposed to help reduce symptoms of a variety of health conditions, including osteoporosis,...
Vitamin D levels play a major role in a variety of bodily functions. Specialized cells in the skin produce the majority of your vitamin D following exposure to intense sunshine. However, due to the seasonal nature of solar rays, those living in...
In "Textbook of Family Medicine," Baylor College of Medicine professor Robert Rakel reports certain benefits of multivitamins in the prevention of such diseases as cancer, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disorders. For instance, the niacin drugs...
Spirulina, a type of blue-green algae, is one of those supplements touted to address every condition under the sun, ranging from obesity to cancer. It actually contains a rich store of nutrients, including potassium, B-vitamins, calcium, iron,...
L-carnitine plays a central role in converting fat into energy. In most instances, your body produces all it needs for this purpose, but certain factors can necessitate the need for a supplement, such as the use of certain medications or the...
Amino acids are nitrogen-containing molecules that serve as building blocks for proteins, which are the basis for a vast array of enzymes, hormones, antibodies and structural elements in your body. Amino acids also function as substrates or...
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps your blood maintain healthy levels of calcium and phosphorus and allows you to form and maintain strong bones. Taking in a healthy daily dose of vitamin D may provide you with some protection from...
Omega-3 fatty acids are necessary for human health, but since your body cannot make them, you need to get them from the food you eat. They are required for brain function as well as growth and development, and may reduce the risk of heart disease.
A migraine is a painful headache often accompanied by nausea, vomiting and visual disturbances. Although their exact cause is unclear, they may result from changes in the flow of blood to the brain. If you suffer from migraines more than twice a...
Glutamine is an amino acid that your body uses for growth, your immune system and brain function. Glutamine supplements may have benefits during times of physical stress when glutamine levels can become low. If you are an endurance athlete or...
