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A-Z of Health

Posted on 1st Oct 2009 @ 11:42 AM

Amino Acids

Amino acids are the basic building blocks the body uses to manufacture protein. Protein makes up about 20 percent of our body weight and is a major component of hair, skin, nails, muscles and organs. People who do regular strenuous exercise or bodybuilding, and also those on a vegetarian diet, may have an increased need for extra amino acids.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are often called free radical scavengers, which help to protect the body from oxidative damage. Many things, including stress, smoking, alcohol, high-fat diets, and pollution, can cause the body to produce more free radicals than are needed. Antioxidants usually work by binding to the free radicals and changing them into non-damaging compounds, or by repairing cell damage.

Circulation

Blood Circulation is a function of the Cardiovascular System. A healthy blood circulation is vital to our health as it is responsible in delivering nutrients and energy to every part of the body and at the same time helps clear waste products from our system. There are many disorders associated with circulatory problems. Some include high blood pressure, high cholesterol and hardening of the arteries.

Colds & Flu

The common cold can be caused by a number of viruses that infect the upper respiratory tract. Symptoms include head congestion, difficult breathing, coughing, headaches, sneezing, watery eyes and aches and pains. Strengthening the immune system will not only prevent one catching a cold but it will also help reduce the severity and duration once the cold is there.

Digestion

The digestive system is responsible for the physical and chemical breakdown of food so they pass unhindered into the blood stream and further into the individual cells throughout the body. Only vitamins, minerals and water are used by the body in their raw state without alteration.

Energy

Stress, anxiety, unhealthy foods and lack of sleep are just some of the things that can deprive you of energy and fatigued. If you’re feeling fatigued or lethargic and your body is in need of an energy boost, make sure your stress levels aren’t getting out of hand. Also check your diet, reduce refined foods, increase whole foods and water intake and make sure your nutrition status is in good shape.

Heart Health

The heart is the most important muscle in the body. Cardiovascular disease includes any condition of the heart or blood vessels such as atherosclerosis, heart disease and stroke.  Men are more at risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, cigarette smoking, free radical damage and obesity. A high cholesterol level is thought to contribute to at least half of all heart attacks and a large number of strokes.

Herbs & Plant Products

Plants have been the principal source of medicine for humans since recorded history. Although herbal medicine has been used for centuries, it has become very popular in recent years. It is increasingly being used to attain or maintain good health. Many consider it an alternative and also a compliment to other medicines and treatments.

Minerals

Although our bodies can manufacture some vitamins, we cannot manufacture minerals so they need to be obtained through the diet. Minerals offer both structural and functional support. They form a basic part of all cells and are essential for bones, teeth, blood and all soft tissue.  Consider Magnesium, Calcium, Iron and Zinc

Multi-Vitamins

A multi-vitamin is a great way to ensure that your nutritional needs are being met. They contain a range of vitamins, minerals and herbs that can be used to help supplement your diet. Your needs change throughout the years and other factors such as stress, smoking, alcohol and poor diet can increase your requirements for certain nutrients.

Sexual Function

Having normal sexual function is part of a healthy lifestyle but there are several factors that can compromise this. They may include things like stress, medications, certain medical conditions and poor diet and fitness levels. There are some great herbs and nutrients that, in combination, can help to maintain male and female reproductive physiology, normal sexual function, a healthy libido, hormonal balance and improve circulation and sensitivity.

Sports

While a good diet is of utmost importance in achieving optimum health, providing extra nutrients with the use of supplements can help the body reach and maintain peak performance.  Vitamins4u supplies a range of quality supplements to help increase energy and aid repair of the muscle tissues, helping you perform to your true potential.

Stress & Fatigue

Stress occurs when a person is unable to respond appropriately to life’s challenges. Problems that can arise from stress include fatigue, poor memory, digestive disturbances, sleeping problems and poor immunity. Although everyone experiences stress, not everyone handles it well. The aim of treating stress is to enhance the body’s resistance to the stressors.

Vitamins

Vitamins themselves are not physically part of our body tissues, but they help with metabolism and most reactions in the body. Vitamins are essential for growth, vitality and general health and they also may aid digestion. Many have antioxidant properties that help to protect tissues from cell damage.

Weight Management

Poor diet and lack of exercise are the main causes of being overweight or obese but other factors such as hormonal changes, slow metabolism and some medications can also contribute to weight gain. For sustained weight loss and continued weight management the slow and steady approach is the best. This includes reducing calories and adjusting fat intake, reducing simple carbohydrates and exercising at least 20-40 minutes four times a week to help increase metabolism.