Exercise is part of a healthy lifestyle that includes eating a balanced, nutritious diet. Vitamins are essential for every body function, including metabolism to produce energy. You can take a multivitamin, but this cannot repl...
The HCG diet is highly controversial because of its promotion of an extremely low caloric intake and the use of HCG medication. A variety of foods are permitted on the HCG diet, which includes fish and meat. However, it is pos...
Some types of sushi can be incorporated into the HCG Diet. However, if you need to lose weight, the HCG diet is not the most healthy way to do it -- and could even by dangerous in some cases. To lose weight, you should increase...
If your pediatrician has recommended supplements for your child, you may find it difficult to administer the medicine if she is a picky eater. Supplements are typically only recommended if the child is at risk for a nutritional...
In other instances, hypothyroidism is a result of the surgical removal of the thyroid gland because of hyperactivity or tumor. Hypothyroidism is essentially treated through replacement by a synthetic hormone product called levo...
Green tea is well known for its antioxidant effects that prevent damage to cells by removing radical oxygen species, destructive molecular by-products of cellular metabolism. Several compounds have been isolated from green tea ...
The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center reports on in vitro research showing that cranberry interfered with the growth of several cancers, but this type of research is insufficient to determine whether using cranberry produc...
The daily fruit-flavored chewable multivitamin is simply a part of life for many children. Parents would rather be safe than sorry, and many feel that vitamin supplements can compensate for a picky eater or busy after-school sc...
Potassium’s positive polarity assists cells in responding to electrical impulses from your nervous system and maintaining water balance. If you do not have enough potassium in your body, you may experience fatigue, muscle...
Creatinine tests are commonly used by your doctor as a quick and easy way to check your kidney function. Creatine supplements are used by athletes and fitness enthusiasts to assist in muscle growth and increase short-term endur...
It differs from dizziness, which can make you feel faint, lightheaded or unsteady. Vertigo has several potential underlying causes, but it does not typically occur as a consequence of taking supplements.
Dietary supplements are over-the-counter products used for their purported health benefits. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, the majority of American adults takes at least one supplement regularly. While some s...
Packed with vitamins and minerals, kelp is also available as dietary supplements. The nutrients in kelp may, indeed, be good for your overall health. But don't rush out to buy the supplements. If you have thyroid problems, if ...
The supplements you take every day could cause a sudden reaction without warning. Certain supplements do not have the same amounts of ingredients in each and every pill. Some supplements use other ingredients, such as fillers, ...
When you work out, you break down muscle fibers. As your body recovers, your muscles repair the fibers and become stronger. In order to help your muscles recover quickly, you may want to use supplements, like protein powder and...
There are nine essential amino acids you must eat in your daily diet for proper health, according to the Institute of Medicine. Amino acid supplementation is not proven safe or beneficial beyond your daily intake requirement, a...
HCG diet programs combine a very low-calorie food plan with the use of HCG supplements. HCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin, is a hormone produced during pregnancy, and proponents of these diet plans claim that supplementing t...
This also means that some herbs may interact with other medicines by increasing their effects or preventing their absorption in the intestines. Coumadin is an example of a prescription medicine that is affected if taken with ce...
Taking a megadose of any dietary supplement, be it a vitamin, mineral or other product, is often a risky proposition. Dietary supplements are intended to be taken in addition to a normal diet, and taking megadoses of these sup...
Calcium concentration in your bloodstream and in the fluids surrounding your cells must be maintained within a narrow range for normal physiologic function. Your body possesses mechanisms for controlling serum calcium concentra...
Acidophilus supplements may help with digestive health, vaginal yeast infections and diarrhea, but certain people should avoid using this supplement. According to MayoClinic.com, acidophilus supplements may cause a potential he...
Many people believe that nutritional supplements can improve their performance and health, according to a 2011 review in the "Journal of Sports Science." Scientists have started documenting these alleged benefits. Supplements c...
CLA is purportedly useful in cancer treatment and regulating weight, the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center says. However, human trials with CLA for use in weight regulation have yielded mixed results. Moreover, CLA supplem...
Supplements can add a nutritional boost to your fitness plan. Specific health conditions or physical demands may warrant including them in your diet. Despite the possible benefits of supplements, however, consuming too many car...
Eating healthy foods will provide you with the recommended daily allowance of biotin. However, in certain situations, you might need to take a biotin supplement in addition to a daily multivitamin.
Some strength-training athletes and bodybuilders use dietary supplements to obtain extra nutrition. While these practices might be beneficial in some cases, generally you can achieve your fitness goals without them.
Supplemental forms of DHEA are sometimes used to treat conditions such as obesity and depression. Use of supplemental DHEA comes with certain health risks, but will not trigger toxicity in combination with other supplements. Co...
Excessive alcohol consumption is also a common cause of death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, just over 23,000 Americans die from alchol-induced deaths every year, not including alcohol-related hom...
They may stay in your medicine cabinet for a few years without you thinking about the expiration date -- until you decide to start taking the supplement again. While you may think twice about taking zinc that's past its expirat...
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 highly susceptible to cartilage damage. Taking a chondroitin supplemen...
Vitamins and minerals are necessary for overall physical health. Some people take supplements if they are not receiving enough nutrients in their diet or have health problems. Concerns often focus on getting enough supplements,...
The environment, stress and poor habits constantly challenge its appearance. In addition to supplements to maintain, preserve and enhance skin's appearance, Mayo Clinic suggests taking precaution by not exposing skin to the sun...
Taking too many supplements can be dangerous and could definitely make you sick. Sometimes you don't even have to take multiple supplements to make you sick because just one can make you sick. It's imperative that you read the ...
Amino acid supplements provide your body with the building blocks of protein, which may boost muscle size and strength. Taking amino acid supplements can also have negative consequences, so discuss your supplement use with a ph...
Taking certain medications, such as birth control pills, can delay your period, but not any particular supplements that you can purchase over the counter. Some supplements, such as iron, can actually help your menstrual cycle i...
Most people have sufficient amounts of this vitamin, although mild deficiencies are not uncommon. Supplementation is usually not required, and it is easy to get B6 through a variety of dietary sources. If you are concerned abou...
Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electric charge in your body. You need electrolytes to signal normal functions including fluid balance, muscle contraction, heartbeat and nerve transmissions that communicate sensory proc...
If you only work out casually to stay in shape, you really don't need supplements. Considering the potential interactions with your Adderall, it may be best to go supplement-free. But serious competitive athletes frequently use...
People use dietary supplements to ensure that they receive adequate amounts of nutrients perhaps not otherwise obtained through their regular diets. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration do not oversee the dietary supplement in...
Taking soy supplements isn't likely to cause heavier periods. Although soy does contain compounds that can mimic estrogen in the female body, it shouldn't change the volume of menstrual bleeding. That being said, the effects of...
Dietary supplements are taken in order to enhance the diet. In 1994, Congress passed the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, stipulating that supplements: are intended as an addition to a balanced diet; they contain on...
Collagen can be extracted from animal sources and placed in oral supplement capsules for their reported health benefits, according to the book, "Nutrition for Health, Fitness, and Sport." Nutritional supplements are not meant t...
Supplements to avoid when taking statins include antioxidants, red yeast rice and grapefruit seed extract. Talk to your doctor before taking statins in combination with any kind of supplement or medication.
To obtain amino acids from food, your body has to break down the food considerably. Free-form amino acids are readily available. Taking amino acids before morning cardio can be helpful for gaining muscle, losing fat and improvi...
Endorphins are natural substances that your brain manufactures to control pain and stress levels. A variety of foods contain certain building blocks from which endorphins and compounds that promote the production of endorphins ...
Meeting the daily recommended allowance for vitamins and minerals can help keep you healthy and reduce the risk of diseases such as cancer and heart disease, according to Harvard Health Publications. Although some vitamins can ...
If you jog, you may also pay attention to your diet, making sure it's as healthy as possible. You may wonder if you should be taking a supplement to offset any deficiencies and boost your energy for that daily jog. Actually, t...
Even if it's not harmful to take an expired supplement, you should never ignore the recommendations of the manufacturer. The safest approach is to discuss any questions concerning dietary supplements, such as vitamins and miner...
If you regularly use replacements, you may become subject to health risks including nutrient deficiencies, so it's worth consulting your doctor to see if you could benefit from taking occasional multivitamins or supplements wit...
Health care professionals often advise patients to stop taking certain medications and supplements before surgery. These supplements include evening primrose oil and vitamin E, which may increase the risk of bleeding. You docto...
The suggested dosage can vary depending on the reason for use. Consult with your doctor about the appropriateness of using turmeric for your health concern, a suggested dose and how long you should use the supplement.
However, zinc supplements can interfere with the effects of different medications, including some antibiotics, by reducing their absorption. Although zinc does not appear to interfere with the activity of doxycycline, you shoul...
Energy production is a complex web of chemical reactions. Diet can play an important role in ensuring proper nutritional support for delivering oxygen to the heart and consequently to the rest of the body. As with any dietary s...
You might think you can exercise and not worry about what you eat, or take supplements to make up for a lack of nutrients through foods. Your main goal of focusing on your diet might be to lose weight. However, your diet is imp...
They supply some essential nutrients, and they may provide additional benefits as part of your diet. Xocai supplements are not designed to prevent or cure any health conditions, so take them after getting your doctor's approval...
Although commonly prescribed antibiotics are well tolerated by most people, they are not always immediately effective, and some side effects can occur. Supplements may help support the body during a course of antibiotics. Howev...
Supplements are athletes and researchers in a quest to achieve new levels of human performance. Some are fairly innocuous, and lead to little or no performance gains, while others result in severe health consequences and someti...
While following the Atkins diet, you may need to take vitamin and mineral supplements. The Atkins diet does not allow you to eat a wide variety of foods because it restricts the amount of carbohydrates that you can consume. Tal...
Using supplements that are backed by independent scientific research will yield the best results. Always consult a registered dietitian before taking a weight gain supplement.
Adults take nutritional supplements for a variety of reasons that may include obtaining nutrients deficient in the diet, to provide extra protection for disease prevention or to treat or manage a specific medical condition. The...
Whey protein is a type of protein supplement derived from cow's milk; it's actually a byproduct of the cheese-making process. According to the University of Illinois McKinley Health Center, whey protein features the highest bio...
Some of the most important post-operative considerations include pain control and wound care, according to MerckManuals.com. Ask your doctor about the risks and limitations of dietary supplements before using these substances t...
This high-protein product comes in powdered form and is intended for use in conjunction with exercise training and athletics. Due to the blend of fat, carbohydrates and protein, BSN Syntha-6 may help improve your body compositi...
Your doctor will generally prescribe a prenatal vitamin during pregnancy whether you are vegan or not, to ensure that the developing fetus receives adequate nutrition. However, being vegan makes this especially important becaus...
MayoClinic.com states that menopause begins 12 months after your final period. Menopause, which is a natural process in your body, may cause certain symptoms in some women, including sleeping problems, reduced energy, and feeli...
Hepatitis C results from a viral infection of your liver that, if untreated, can result in cirrhosis or liver cancer. While it's safe to take RNA supplements if you have hepatitis C, they won't do you any good; humans have mini...
The University of Maryland Medical Center states that dry skin may be accompanied by skin scaling, itching and cracking, and that dry skin most commonly occurs on your extremities. If you are considering using nutritional suppl...
Fatigue is not the same thing as sleepiness, although the need to sleep is an integral part of this health problem. In most cases, fatigue is also associated with decreased motivation to participate in your usual activities of ...
After an operation, your body needs additional nutrition to help facilitate the healing process. In some cases, due to the nature of the surgery or the medications you take, you may not have a strong appetite. This makes it dif...
With all the multivitamin and mineral supplements on the market, you might feel confused about which ones you should and shouldn't take. It is important for your health and growth that you get the recommended amounts of vitamin...
These drugs are psychologically and physically addictive, which means you might suffer withdrawal symptoms after prolonged use. Although usually not life-threatening, these withdrawal symptoms can be very uncomfortable. Using d...
It is most often seen in women with lowered levels of estrogen during menopause. Younger women can also experience symptoms, especially if they have reduced levels of estrogen due to taking medications, chemotherapy or hormone ...
Guarana has been used for medicinal purposes by natives of South America since before western explorers went to Brazil. Traditionally, the native South American tribes used guarana for its stimulant properties, but today there...
Many different diseases can lead to dementia, including stroke and Alzheimer's disease. Treatments can include drugs. Consuming specific vitamins may also be helpful in treating or slowing the progression of dementia. Always co...
Supplementing with the hormone may improve your memory, increase vitality, relieve depression and stimulate the immune system. Pregnenolone is usually available at health food stores. Men as well as women may supplement with th...
The Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University reports that this compound can be effective in the treatment of hypertension, diabetes, congestive heart failure, Huntington's disease, myocardial infarction, Parkinson's d...
Some dietary supplements may also help prevent gout, although conclusive evidence that they work is lacking. Talk to your health care provider before taking supplements.
When collagen is lost, elasticity is diminished. Collagen is naturally depleted during the aging process. Therefore, some people choose to supplement their collagen as they age.
Consult your physician prior to taking collage...
Although early experiments indicate it may be helpful in cancer, doctors are unable to properly evaluate its effectiveness without further tests. Some algae have dangerous contaminants known as microcystins. You must not take t...
Your body requires essential amino acids for proper health but cannot produce them on its own. For this reason, you obtain it from your diet or through supplementation. You may find lysine in yogurt, fish, cheese, wheat germ an...
As a remedy, aloe has been used since ancient Egyptian times to treat skin problems and infections. Aloe vera gel can be taken directly from the plant, or used in commercial preparations. Sometimes the gel is used as a laxative...
Consuming dietary fiber is a good way to protect your bones, amongst other parts of your body. However, for some people it may be necessary to take calcium supplements. Although you are recommended to follow the daily recommend...
Cinnamon has also been used traditionally as a natural treatment for menstrual problems, joint inflammation and stomach discomfort and diarrhea. How much cinnamon you should take each day depends upon a variety of factors, incl...
Due to their synergistic nature, inositol and choline are commonly found in supplements together. Some people take inositol and choline supplements to naturally supplement their efforts for overall health and cholesterol reduct...
Avatrol is an oral supplement manufactured by Progressive Health. It is designed to promote gastrointestinal and circulatory health and treat the symptoms of hemorrhoids -- a condition in which veins in the anus and lower rectu...
Squalene is an oil derived from shark livers. According to "Nutrition: Concepts and Controversies," when taken two to three times daily, squalene supplements can effectively lower total cholesterol levels by improving bile synt...
The two most common are Ceylon cinnamon and Cassia cinnamon, but cinnamon is rarely identified by type on packaging. Cinnamon is frequently used as a spice in recipes and sprinkled on foods such as oatmeal, but it is also avail...
If you're just starting out with fitness supplements, it's important to understand that many of the thousands of supplements on sale are unproven and may or may not deliver the desired results. Certain supplements, however, hav...
You may find yourself wondering if you need a supplement in order to provide what you may be missing. Unless you are deficient in vitamin B12, a supplement is likely not necessary, and taking too much vitamin B12 may harm your ...
Squalene is a naturally occurring substance found in fish and shark oil and in foods such as olives. It is also produced by the human liver. Squalene is also used in producing influenza vaccines and cosmetics. Squalene is part ...
Several natural supplements purport to increase serotonin levels in the body. These supplements have demonstrated positive benefits in helping ease depression, but more research is necessary to provide conclusive evidence of th...
Collagen also keeps skin, bones, teeth and blood vessels healthy. Taking collagen supplements helps replenish and replace natural collagen, which decreases with age.
Reliance on a daily medication often provokes questions and concerns about what impact the drug has on a consumer's health and nutrition. Information about oral contraceptives can help a patient decide what supplements to take...
At night, your body naturally produces more melatonin helping you sleep. Synthetic versions of the hormone are purported to help insomniacs and those suffering from jet lag to get a good night's sleep. However, pediatric use o...
If you are well-nourished, your body will perform the healing function efficiently. If you think your diet might be lacking in some nutrients, specific supplements might assist the process. However, diet or supplements are neve...
Vitamin B12 is found in many protein-rich foods such as meat, shellfish and dairy products. MayoClinic.com reports that the recommended daily allowance is 2.4 mcg day for adults. It can be administered orally as a liquid supple...
In addition to its use as a food seasoning, it has many purported medicinal uses, including treating indigestion, ulcerative colitis, osteoarthritis and diabetes, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Because ...
These small red berries each contain a black seed, and these seeds have more caffeine than coffee beans, according to Raintree Nutrition. The seed and gum from the tree are the active ingredients in herbal supplements, with caf...
Squalene is an oil found in the liver of deep sea sharks and in some plant products, such as olive oil. Squalene oil is high in antioxidants that fight free radicals in the body. Free radicals cause the oxidation of the cells w...
Even if you eat steak every day, getting that much protein can be quite difficult. This is where soy supplements can help you; however, as it turns out, these supplements have much more to offer than just keeping your body's pr...
The many causes of nerve damage include medical conditions, exposure to toxic substances and trauma to the actual nerve, reports the "Times." There are specific treatments for each type and condition of nerve damage. Supplement...
Although scientific evidence does not support all of the medical claims made about cinnamon and it should not be a substitute for conventional medical care, many people continue to use cinnamon supplements because they believe ...
However, the National Advertising Review Council states that the purported benefits of Sytropin stem from research studies of injectable human growth hormone and not oral sprays. As with any other supplements, talk to your doc...
Taking a CLA supplement is a method of achieving your recommended dose of this fatty acid. Choosing to take a CLA supplement can provide you with health benefits such as fat-loss and disease prevention, but with a few possible...
While a worthwhile process, weightlifting can often be frustrating with gains often coming slower than expected. Supplements, in addition to a balanced diet can help speed progress. While there's no magic pill, Weightlifting su...
The best supplement for athletes to take really depends on dietary needs and the chosen sport. Supplements aren't magic; you still have to train hard and eat right for them to augment your performance. Always consult a doctor b...
Long-distance running, distance cycling, and triathlons are all examples of endurance sports. Supplements like caffeine, citrulline malate and beta alanine can play a role in increasing energy and performance in aerobic exercis...
In order to assess the potential effectiveness of these supplements, you should research the ingredients and read reviews. Of course, these supplements won't help you without proper diet and training techniques. Before taking a...
These patients are often already taking an antidepressant medication such as Prozac for their bipolar disorder. Because lithium orotate can alter the effects of Prozac and may cause serious side effects, patients should always ...
Dr. Michael Colgan, a sports nutritionist and the founder of the Colgan Institute, says that a reduced nutrient content of many commercial foods means that athletes must supplement their diet to meet their needs. Particular sup...
However, having abnormally high testosterone levels can affect your body negatively, so you'll want to consider taking some of the following supplements to prevent any side effects. You should consult your physician before tak...
Many different supplements are recommended for women who are menopausal or postmenopausal. Some of the supplements are minerals or vitamins, while others may be herb-based. Most of these supplements can help to relieve your men...
A third, but sometimes confusing, element is fat-burning supplementation. For 20 years, fat burners have come and gone, with few holding any merit in fat-burning research. However, times have changed. There are some effective f...
The mushroom is a fungus that naturally grows on decaying wood in China, North America and in areas of Japan. According to Drugs.com, traditional Chinese medicine has been using the supplement for over 4,000 years. Common medic...
