SSRI drugs are used mainly in the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders though they also used for some off-label indications such as pre-menstrual disorders, and menopausal and post-menopause problems. The term 'SSRI' is abbreviation for 'selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor'. Some of the common SSRI dugs are Lexapro, Celexa, Paxil, Zoloft, and Effexor among others.
How they act: SSRIs act by restoring balance of serotonin in the brain cells. Serotonin is the mood-influencing neurotransmitter that flows through brain cells. The fact that a person is suffering from depression or an anxiety disorder means the serotonin flow in the brain is not in a state of balance. By restoring balance of serotonin, the person's mood starts getting better and he feels less depressed or less anxious.
Toxicity: SSRIs have a safe toxicity profile in comparison to other anti-depressants such as tricyclics, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and many others. SSRIs do come with side-effects, some of which can be pretty severe, but few are life-threatening in an overwhelming majority of cases. Most side-effects of SSRIs are manageable and fade away as treatment is tapered off. Nevertheless, caution must be exercised over the essential nutritional supplements - such as vitamins -- one takes in course of treatment with an SSRI.
Vitamins and SSRIs: It is best to depend on natural vitamins available through regular food such as milk, peas, spinach, avocado, etc. These are foods that provide essential nutrients to the body on a daily basis. However, to depend only on food for all essential nutrients requires a level of expertise in nutritional matters, which is difficult for most people to access. Therefore, it is understandable if patients under an SSRI treatment feel the need for artificial vitamin supplements: as it is, weakness is often a symptom of depression and anxiety disorders.
There is a large number of multi-vitamin complex products available in the US market. Many of them contain added synthetic chemicals, which again is difficult for you to know. So, as a matter of rule, abide by the following:
* Ensure there is no Vitamin K in the multi-vitamin complex. It is well-established that excess of Vitamin K in the body worsens the symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders.
* Ensure that all B-vitamins that you take through an artificial medicine add up to slightly LESS than the minimum recommended for a day. Most B-vitamins stimulate the central nervous system, while SSRI sedates it; so here is a conflict in their respective actions.
* If the multi-vitamin complex contains Vitamin B3, make sure it is niacinamide, and not niacine. The latter can aggravate your problem and take it back to what it was when you started the SSRI treatment.
Conclusion: It is best to avoid artificial, synthetic nutritional supplements when you are under treatment for depression and anxiety problems. However, if you must take multi-vitamin supplements (to combat the weakness that often is a symptom of the depression and anxiety), make be careful about Vitamin K, the B-vitamins as indicated above.
http://www.lexaproinfo.org
http://www.antidepressantsfacts.com
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Taken alone or combined with other vitamins in a multi-vitamin product, these vitamin supplements can help you regulate your body functions and achieve health. If you must stock up your medicine cabinet with the best vitamin supplements, make sure you have these:
Vitamins A, D, E & K.
These vitamins are fat-soluble and can only be absorbed by the body using fats from food. When taken in the right dosage, these vitamins contribute to many of the body's metabolic processes and
Vitamins A and E, for example, along with Vitamin C are known as antioxidants. They help prevent cell the negative effects caused by free radicals. Free radicals have been implicated for causing cell damage and even increase the risk of cancer.
Vitamin A and beta-carotene helps maintain healthy cells and tissues, protects eyesight and boosts immunity. The best Vitamin A supplements usually contain retinyl palmitate or retinyl acetate and a smaller percentage of beta-carotene.
Vitamin E
This is more known as the skin vitamin because it counteracts cell aging. It also reduces the risk of heart disease, memory loss and cancer. Vitamin E comes in two forms: the natural D-alpha tocopheryl and the synthetic version. The best vitamin E supplement is the natural form because it is easier to absorb.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K, like Vitamin E, helps reduce the risk of a heart disease. It is also effective in boosting bone growth and helps the blood to clot properly. Take the Vitamin K1, phylloquinone or simply Vitamin K.
Vitamin C
Each time you had a cold, your doctor probably recommended you take Vitamin C in high doses. That's because Vitamin C is not only an antioxidant, it is also a strong immunity booster. And you don’t have to worry about overdosing on it because it is water-soluble. It also helps promote fast healing of wounds and scars and helps maintain good skin.
Vitamin C is also known to reduce the risk of heart disease, sun damage and cancer. Take Vitamin C supplements as ascorbic acid, calcium ascorbate or ascorbyl palmitate.
The B Vitamins
This group is composed of eight B vitamins which are very important sources of nutrients, especially for vegetarians, who miss out on B vitamins found in meats and poultry. Some of the benefits you can get from B vitamins include:
Prevention of heart disease and memory loss courtesy of B6, taken as pyridoxine hydrochloride in supplement form. B6 also helps promote the production of hormones and important brain chemicals. Folic acid, also a B vitamin, is often recommended for pregnant women because it regulates cell growth, helps prevent pre-term delivery and birth defects. It also helps reduce the risk of hypertension, Alzheimer's disease, cancer, depression and memory loss.
Vitamin B12, taken as cobalamin or cyanocobalamin, is an important source of nutrients that fight heart disease, anemia and memory loss. It helps regulate brain function. Thiamine or B1, helps turn carbohydrates into sugar glucose and helps regulate the nervous system. Riboflavin or B2 also functions in the same way and are important for maintaining good skin health.
Niacin or B3 prevents pellagra, which causes diarrhea and dermatitis and can lead to mental illness. Pantothenic acid and biotin helps break down lipids, amino acids and carbohydrates. These two B vitamins help prevent dermatitis, a scaly skin disorder.
How to use vitamin supplements
Some vitamins, particularly fat-soluble vitamins, can have harmful effects when taken in huge amounts. To make sure you don’t overdose and still meet all your nutritional needs, make sure to take only moderate doses of multi-vitamins and other mineral supplements.
Refer to the recommended daily allowance and find out how much of each vitamin meets 100% of the daily dose. Once you meet this, you're okay. Don't take more than the recommended daily dose if you're healthy and have no health problems. Take more than the daily dose if recommended by your physician or if you're deficient.
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“It is interesting how quickly we become experts in our own health when we are forced to do so,” remarked Eliz Greene, who survived a heart attack at age 35. “When you are put on a blood thinner like Coumadin® you have to be very proactive to maintain the right level in your system.”
Regular blood tests monitor the patients International Normalized Ratio (INR) which measures the thinness of the blood. Patients must maintain an INR thin enough to provide therapeutic benefits, but not too thin.
Excessive bleeding and even life threatening spontaneous bleeding can result from a high INR. “The best way to be proactive is to be well informed,” said Eliz.
I've talked to other patients who say 'I can't eat broccoli, that will affect my numbers.' But that's not the point,” said Patty Borkowski. Patients are often told to avoid foods high in Vitamin K, which regulates the clotting of blood.
“We need certain amounts of vegetables to maintain a healthy heart,” according to Mellanie True Hills, a heart disease survivor and Founder of the American Foundation for Women's Health.
“Without those vegetables we are doing our bodies more harm than good. It really is a case of being consistent in the amount you eat from day to day and getting your Coumadin® level adjusted to fit what you eat.”
“Typically we think of the green things as being an issue for Vitamin K. Things like broccoli, spinach, and green beans all contain vitamin K. But there are a lot of things we don't think about like olive oil. It stands to reason when it comes from green olives, that there would be a vitamin K issue there. Even walnuts and other nuts have an impact due to high levels of vitamin K,” advised Mellanie.
Registered dietitian, Jill Fleming, agrees, “The main thing is that you don’t drastically alter your green veggie intake. Some people run into problems when they go crazy eating produce out of the garden during the summer months and then drop way off in their consumption during the winter season. Consistency is the goal.”
In addition to foods containing vitamin K other items impact a patients INR such as alcohol, vitamin and mineral supplements, herbs and over-the-counter medications.
In addition, any time a patient is prescribed a new medication they should check to see how it will affect their INR. “Pharmacists try to point out interactions, but may not always catch them. We have to be proactive in our own health,” said Mellanie who offers two on-line resources which allow patients to check drug and supplement interaction:
www.drugdigest.org
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginformation.html
“The bottom line is to be smart, pay attention and be well informed,” concluded Eliz.
Even when patients do everything right, sometimes they are unable to become stable on Coumadin®. After trying for two years in which Mellanie was never able to be stable, she thought, “what is wrong with me? Everybody else is stable, so why can't I be stable?” Then she found research indicating that about one-fourth of patients are never able to be stable on Coumadin® due to genetic reasons. “So for those of us who are having trouble being stable on Coumadin®, it may not be our fault!” Mellanie found a surgical solution to her Atrial Fibrillation and is able to live without blood thinners.
Tips for a Consistent INR:
Eat a healthy and consistent diet:
Don't ban the leafy greens. Choose a well-balanced diet and work with your health care professional to adjust your Coumadin® to match what you eat.
Watch the sneaky foods:
Any food high in Omega 3 fatty acids such as nuts, soy beans, olives and chick peas, are also high in Vitamin K. Include a healthy and consistent amount in your diet.
Drink wisely and consistently:
One glass of red wine each day has been shown to be good for your heart, but too much alcohol or an inconsistent level of alcohol will lead to an inconsistent INR. Keep your alcohol consumption moderate and even from day to day.
Use a pill case:
Make sure you take your medication every day.
Check the label on supplements:
Many multivitamins contain vitamin K. Herbal remedies with ginseng, gingko biloba, ginger, garlic, St. John's Wort and green tea will impact your INR. Check with your pharmacist before taking a supplement or over-the-counter medication.
Be in control:
Be vigilant in keeping INR testing appointments. Inform your health care provider about any changes in your diet or medications, including herbal and over-the-counter.
Pay attention to bruising and your menstrual cycle:
Excessive bruising and overly intense menstrual flow may be signs your INR is too high.
Eliz Greene is a heart attack survivor, author and nationally known speaker on a mission to encourage women to recognize heart disease as their most serious health threat and provide down-to-earth strategies for active and healthy lives. Learn more about Eliz and the Embrace Your Heart Wellness Initiative at http://www.EmbraceYourHeart.com
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Purchasing men's health and women's health vitamin formulas is one of the best things you can do fro your body nutrition and health, no matter what the age. If you're trying to decide where to purchase the best bulk health vitamin products here are a few suggestions that will help you make the best choices for you and your family.
The right vitamin formulas can help combat many human illnesses by helping to promote a better over-all human health condition. If you've just found out that you have the need for calcium nutrition there are plenty of vitamin health food options that will also help with better bone health such as Effervescent's, Soft Chews, Tablet- Chewable and Swallowable, Nutrition Bars, Soft Gels, Liquid Meal, Powdered Mixes and Supplements.
The B complex health specific vitamin formulas are commonly used for are weight loss. There are 13 vitamins that are of vital importance for vitamin nutrition functionality, they include A, C, D, E, K and B vitamins. Also included are thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotic, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12, and folate. In a recent study beta-carotene, vitamin E, vitamin C were found to form the trio of antioxidant vitamins that help prevent degenerative diseases like heart disease or cancer. They all can be found in what we eat, and also vitamin d and vitamin k which are produced from a human. Researchers have found antioxidants help prevent cancer, heart diseases and diabetes.
Health Vitamin B Deficiency Foods
Vitamin b-1 or thiamine can be found in vegetables, dried beans, Fast Food, Taco, peas, pasta, and whole grains. This vitamin helps advocate strong neuron cells. This vitamin B-12 is found in milk products, American pasteurized cheese, trout rainbow, yogurt plain skim, egg whole, beef top sirloin lean and also pork cured. Vitamin b-3 or niacin can be found inside of dates, pork, nuts, enriched breads, fish, wheat germ, carrots and brewer's yeast.
Benefits of Vitamin C on Pituitary Health
Vitamin C also referred to as ascorbic acid. This vitamin also promotes flourishing teeth and gums. It helps within the taking-in of iron, and also helps advocate normal tissue growth. It supports wound healing plus it is an antioxidant. The antioxidant group is comprised of Vitamin E, Vitamin C and Vitamin A.
Vitamin K Health Products
Vitamin K can be obtained from Kale, raw, Swiss chard, Parsley raw, some meats and cheeses, Vitamins and soybeans. Bacterium within the intestines additionally makes vitamin K. Vitamin K2 derives from vitamin K It is an extract of natto. Natto is obtained from a Japanese food that provides the highly concentrated vitamin K2. Vitamin K2 wild help in supporting your bones and heart condition.
Health Benefits of Vitamin D
Vitamin D, also called a sunshine vitamin because it is refined by your body immediately following being subjected to daylight. For ten to fifteen minutes of sunshine 3 times per week it is sufficient to consummate the human body's need for vitamin D. It aids with the human body's absorption of calcium, that can be that are principle for the regular evolution and support of healthy teeth and bones. This vitamin helps to give support to sufficient blood levels of calcium and phosphorus, that are nutrients needed for many bodily functions. This vitamin also is obtained in margarine, Liver, butter, Cod liver oil as well as cream. The body will furthermore build vitamin d whenever the skin is exposed to sunshine.
Women's Health Study vitamin E
The Women's Health Study of vitamin E results are shown in the July 6 issue of the Journal of the American Medical. The myth of Vitamin E Protecting Women from Stroke, Heart Attack, or Cancer has Been Debunked
Vitamin E is also known as tocopherol and is an antioxidant. It is meaningful in the development of red blood cells as along with the use of vitamin K. It also is also known as a clotting vitamin, since in its absence human blood does;t agglomerate. A few studies specify that it helps to give support and endurance to bones within the elderly. It can be obtained from spinach, Safflower oil, Corn oil, Peanuts dry roasted, Mango, Broccoli, products from vegetable oils, margarine, and Soybean oil.
I thought I'd compile a list of vitamins and their intended uses so people can take the right one or group for their unique health conditions. Meeting the standard daily amount of the minerals, vitamins, and nutrients that your body requires is a good way to avoid health problems. Poor nutrition intake can lead to problems in your digestive system. See below to learn what they do.
Facts on Vitamins
Vitamin A is in Cheese cheddar, Peaches, Oatmeal, Vegetable soup, Apricot nectar, Carrots and Milk. Because most of these resources can be elevated in saturated fats and cholesterol, vegetable sources, beta-carotene can be a healthy vitamin choice to make when choosing vitamin formulas for you. Beta-carotene is in winter squashes, carrots, pumpkin, Mangoes, spinach, winter squash and also Cheddar cheese. As the color gets deeper of the fruit or vegetable, the greater the beta-carotene content.
Preparing Innovative Vitamin Formula News Articles
Hello - what's new? People know me as Maggie. I am an author that likes to remian as healthy as possible. I help friends and family with health-care and Vitamin Formula determination. Discover how simple it is to produce your own health care vitamin formula guide.
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One of the suggested causes of dark under eye circles is to do with the leaking of blood caused by tiny blood vessels under the skin rupturing and showing through the thin skin as bruising, giving the appearance of a dark blue or purple colouring of the under eye area.
There are other causes to be discussed but at this time let us develop this train of thought further and talk about what can be done to try and alleviate the problem.
What for instance can we do to decrease the appearance of what seems to be slight bruising of the skin under the eyes and perhaps even to repair the leaking blood vessels that are causing the problem.
It is known that bleeding under the skin in elderly people can be caused by vitamin deficiencies; you often see those black/blue areas just beneath the thin areas of skin. Skin does become that much thinner of course as we age. It is known that other problems to do with “bleeding” can be as a result of vitamin deficiency. When reading studies on these matters there is often a pointer that shows one common denominator and that is to do with the Vitamin K. It is even proven in some studies that the liver can convert Vitamin K into compounds/substances that can aid in the clotting of blood or coagulation.
So how does this link to the problem of dark circles under the eyes?
Well if we know that Vitamin K can solve bleeding under the skin in the elderly and other problems too in connection with excessive bleeding can be resolved by an increase in the intake of Vitamin K, can it be likely that it can also help with the leaking blood vessels under the eye that cause the dark blue, purple appearance?
We even know that Vitamin K can help with coagulation, blood clotting and so perhaps maybe here is another reason for us to give careful consideration to Vitamin K as a means of solving this distressing and embarrassing problem.
We know other vitamins such as vitamins A, C & E can be supportive in any skin care regime but what then do we know of Vitamin K?
Well it is known that it is found in many green vegetables and in particular cabbage, lettuce, brussels sprouts, broccoli and kale. Perhaps therefore it may be worth considering as a means of reducing those dark circles under and around the eyes.
One word of warning though, if you are taking anti-coagulant drugs you should beware of an intake of too much Vitamin K as it is a coagulant.
There are available eye creams that contain Vitamin K and indeed some cosmetics containing the Vitamin K are often used to reduce bruising of the skin and discolouration following laser treatment.
Worth a try don’t you think?
Brian Potter can help you with anti aging skin care problems including bags under eyes, puffy eyes and how to remove dark circles under eyes. Visit http://www.takingcareofskin.com to Download a Free eBook when you sign up for a free newsletter packed full of all the latest information you'll need for a more Youthful, Healthier Looking Skin.
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Hello everybody
Vitamin K
We all know how important eating a well balanced diet is, to maintain a healthy array of all the vitamins that are essential for the body to go about doing it’s tireless work, day in day out, yet we all seem mystified when we become run down or ill, from either having been living off fad diets or instant food full of preservatives and additives.
I look at our ‘good food good health’ slogan as a way of life, we are what we eat, so if you want your body to run smoothly we need to eat nutritiously - well you would not run your Porsche on two stroke fuel and expect a smooth ride or optimum power, heaven forbid, your body works exactly the same although obviously you can change your car every few years, to date medical science is not quite up to that yet!!
Vitamin K is not one of the better-known vitamins, although it plays a crucial role in our well being. Until recently it was thought that it was only beneficial in helping blood clot, now if you ask me that is pretty important as we do not want to bleed to death.
Vitamin K has two main forms- phylloquinine (vitamin K1), which is also known as phytonadione and menaquinones
Vitamin K and Vitamin B-3, also known as niacin, have long been known to have non-skin related health benefits, but recent studies have shown that both vitamins have dermatological applications.
"Vitamins continue to be reorganized as having an important role to play in the health of the body," says Dr David Smith, chief researcher at SkinWhite Research Labs. 'New studies have shown that Vitamin K and niacin are beneficial to the skin, particularly for the problems involving pigmentation and dry skin."
Vitamin K plays an important role in blood clotting, and studies have shown it to maintain strong bones in the elderly. However, dermatologists have recently found Vitamin K to be successful on the treatment of dark circles under the eyes and bruising on the face.
A recent study included two groups, one that applied an under-eye cream containing sunscreen and another that applied an under-eye cream containing a combination of Vitamin K and retinol. An examination of the under-eye colour at the beginning of the study and at the end found a significant lightening in the group using the vitamin K and retinol combination.
Vitamin K has also recently been studied for its effects on reducing bruising following certain dermatological procedures. Those patients who applied the Vitamin K after the procedure noticed a significant reduction in the severity of bruising.
One derivative of niacin, nicotinamide, has been shown to improve the ability of the epidermis to retain moisture. In a recent study, topical nicotinamide was applied to the skin for six-days. Following the study, all patients reported softer, smoother skin, less dryness and flakiness, and a reduction in lines.
"The benefits to the skin after application of nicotinamide can be useful for patients with atopic dermatitis, who often experience dry, irritated skin when the disease flares," suggests Dr Smith. "This could be another promising treatment for ageing skin, which often becomes dry and flaky as we age."
Niacinamide, another derivative, has also been shown to be an effective skin lightening agent, especially for skin condition where hyperpigmentation may occur on the face or other visible part of the body. Patients with hyperpigmentation were analyzed by computer and most patients experienced decreased hyperpigmentation and increased skin lightness.
Topical niacinamide has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it a potential treatment for acne, rosacea and any blistering-type disease. Recent studies also noted that niacin and its derivatives have chemopreventative effects. When applied to mouse skin, topical nicotinamide produced a 70 per cent decrease in ultra-violet-induced skin cancer.
Article contributed by Debra Tan who is a senior product development consultant at Skin White Research Labs. Equipped with a team of experienced cosmeceutical researchers, SkinWhite Research Labs is a company that specializes in the formulation of skin whitening products that help to rectify dark skin and pigmentation problems. Please visit their official website for more skin lightening information and tips.
This article may be reprinted in its original form as long as the resource box is left intact and the links live and the article is not to be modified in any way.
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Vitamin K falls under the category of fat-soluble vitamins. Leafy green vegetables, such as kale are great sources of vitamin K. But here is something strange and important about this nutrient that distinguishes it from other vitamins. Your body can produce this vitamin with the help of the bacteria that inhabit in you intestine.
How can Vitamin K benefit you?
Blood clotting is carried out with the help of vitamin K. This is the nutrient that initiates the mechanism that aids your body to quit bleeding and begin healing, when your body sustains injuries or wounds. Hence, it is often recommended to take this nutrient before getting operated to prevent excessive bleeding and sometimes it is also used to deal with menstrual issues.
Recent studies have shown that vitamin K may help in making our bones stronger and thus prevent osteoporosis. It aids our body in absorbing calcium, which is crucial mineral that keeps our bones strong and healthy.
Precautions about Vitamin K
Remember that if you are already on anti-coagulants, you need to consult your doctor before you decide to start taking vitamin K supplements. The reason is the fact that both vitamin K and other anti-coagulants help our blood to clot, it is not a good idea to have excess of this nutrient in you body.
The best vitamin k will come in natural supplements free from harmful toxins. Always make sure that you buy the most natural versions of vitamins available and that the products you buy actually have the ingredients listed in the supplements you purchase.
The product we personally use called Total Balance - http://www.health-product-we-use.com is the most natural and effective supplement we have come across. We have been using this product for over 3 years with excellent health results.
We highly recommend you learn more about our best natural nutritional supplement if you are interested in improving your overall health.
Jean Helmet runs a series of health websites, We offer a free health book for subscribers to our websites newsletter. We cover everything you need to know on nutrition and how to improve your general overall health. Check out our nutrition e-book, for more information on nutrition and the products we use.
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Vitamin K is necessary for synthesis of osteocalcin or the protein in found in bone tissue. This vitamin is also required for the production of prothrombin. This is needed for blood clotting. It also may prevent osteoporosis, a disease of the bone which leads to the increase of bone fracture. If someone is deficient in this nutrient they may suffer from internal bleeding or abnormal bleeding, possibly both.
Vitamin K aids in supporting long life. It aids in converting glucose into glycogen for storage in the liver which promotes healthy liver function. This nutrient plays a vital role in the body's intestines. This vitamin is believed to aid in the prevention of cancers that aim at the inner linings of the organs. This nutrient also may increase resistance to infection in children.
When used together, vitamin K and vitamin C, have been shown effective for nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. A study conducted showed ninety one percent of participants in the study had complete remission within seventy two hours when these vitamins were used together. When the vitamins were administered alone the result showed little effect.
Vitamin K is necessary in the production of a molecule that is a powerful inhibitor of kidney stone formation. That may explain the lower incidence of kidney stones for individuals who are vegetarians.
The nutrient gets into the body mainly by synthesis. The body synthesizes it by "friendly" bacteria normally present in healthy intestines. Vitamin K can be found in some foods and herbs. Asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, dark green leafy vegetables, liver, rye, soybeans and wheat all contain this vitamin. Other foods include blackstrap molasses, Brussels sprout, cauliflower, egg yolks, oatmeal, and safflower oil. This vitamin can be found in these herbs; alfalfa, kelp, oat straw, and shepherd's purse. Other herbs containing the nutrient are green tea and nettle.
Antobiotics can interfere with the body's ability to absorb vitamin K. Antibiotics also increase the need to supplement the vitamin for one's body. Antibiotics kill bacteria and this vitamin is synthesized by bacteria in our intestines, when we take antibiotics it interferes with this procedure.
Large doses of synthetic vitamin K should not be taken during the last few weeks of pregnancy, because it can lead to a toxic reaction in newborns. In fact, too much vitamin K should not be taken by anyone, because mega-doses of the vitamin can accumulate in the body and cause sweating and flushing.
Vitamin K is an essential vitamin and is included in a good multi vitamin. At http://www.healthyvitamininfo.com/ you can find information that can help you learn more about how Vitamin K and other supplements can help improve your health.
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Sources of Vitamin K
Almost everyone has watched 'Popeye' on television and has been in awe as he gained instant strength when he ate his spinach. We've all just assumed that it was the spinach that made him strong. Very few people take the time to wonder what it is in spinach to make him so powerful. What looked like magic to many kids was actually Vitamin K, which is the main vitamin in spinach. Other leafy green vegetables that are high in Vitamin K are lettuce, collards, kale and broccoli. A rule of thumb is the greener the vegetable, the higher the Vitamin K content.
Other sources of Vitamin K in your diet can come from olive oil, soybean oil and cottonseed oil. Parsley is very rich in Vitamin K. In fact, if you take 2 tablespoons of parsley, you'll get 153% of the recommended daily amount of Vitamin K. The major dietary form of Vitamin K is Vitamin K1 (Phylloquinone). Good sources of Vitamin K1 are chicken egg yolk, cow liver, butter and most cheeses.
Vitamin K for Blood Clotting
Many of the vitamins we take in our diet are common to all of us such as Vitamin C or Vitamin D. We all know Vitamin C comes from oranges and fruit and Vitamin D comes from milk among other foods. However, we're not all as familiar with some of the other vitamins as we should be such as Vitamin K. In fact, until it's called to our attention, many of us aren't aware of the many benefits of Vitamin K. The most important benefit of Vitamin K is its ability to help our blood clot. For example, when you are cut, if your blood does not clot, you would continue to bleed. Without this important vitamin in our system, bleeding could become out of control and cause a serious life-threatening condition. Therefore, you see the seriousness of having the proper amounts of Vitamin K in our body, whether it's from the vitamin-rich foods we eat or in vitamin supplements.
Vitamin K for the Elderly
Helping our blood to clot may be the most important function of Vitamin K, but it is not the only important function for this vital vitamin. Vitamin K is said to help strengthen the bone density of the elderly. (Popeye definitely had strong bones!) This is very beneficial to the elderly in helping to prevent osteoporosis, a degenerative disease caused by weakened bone tissue. Although some don't believe this has been scientifically proven, with all its other good points, it can't hurt to take this vitally important Vitamin K on a regular basis.
Alison Addy is a journalist who writes newsletters on Vitamin K for http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com A focused website that offers the best articles on vitamin and mineral supplements and vitamin supplements.
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Sometimes it can seem like getting all of our nutritional needs covered can be a bit like reciting the alphabet. One letter that people may not be used to hearing on the list is vitamin K. Even if it is not the first vitamin people think of, it is no less vital to your health than the others. So don't leave it off the list of must-haves.
Vitamin K is important because it helps our body with blood clotting. That's what makes us stop bleeding and begin to heal after we cut ourselves. People who don't have enough vitamin K in their systems can be prone to excessive bruising or nose bleeds. They can also run into serious trouble if they're badly hurt, since they won't stop bleeding.
Sounds pretty important, doesn't it? But don't panic if a close look at the label on your multi-vitamin doesn't reveal a healthy dose of K. Most of us don't have any problem getting enough of this vital nutrient from our regular diet.
How to Get Vitamin K
So where do you get your daily dose of vitamin K? We tend to find about half of what we need in leafy, green vegetables. Foods such as spinach, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and asparagus are all good sources. There is also vitamin K found in some vegetable oils, like olive oil, canola oil and soybean oil.
Yogurt and some kinds of cheese are other sources of the vitamin in our diets. And for those who would rather take theirs in liquid form, you can also find it in green tea and (believe it or not) coffee.
Many of us are trying to cut fats out of our diet wherever possible, but some fats are needed. Certain nutrients, including vitamin K, are fat soluble. This means that in order for our bodies to absorb and use them, they must come into contact with some oils. Finally, it's one reason as to why a bit of fat is good for you!
More Facts
In the rare circumstance where someone is vitamin K deficient, there is a synthetic version of the vitamin which can be taken as a supplement. Most healthy people don't have to worry about it, but if you seem to be suffering from a lot of bruising or uncontrollable nose bleeds, ask your doctor if you could benefit from an extra helping of vitamin K.
If you're on blood thinning medications, such as Aspirin, for a heart condition, then you'll want to avoid having too much vitamin K is your system. Since the function of vitamin K is to thicken your blood and help it clot, it works against what the blood thinners are trying to accomplish.
There are some researchers who feel that, as well as keeping our blood healthy, vitamin K can help us to live longer. It is said to have antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help to prevent our cells from dying, so they keep us healthier for longer.
Most of us will never have to think about whether we're taking care of our body's vitamin K requirements, but all the same it's good to know how we're getting it and what it does for us.
The vitamins and supplements portal owned by Mike Selvon contains more great tips on vitamin k. Why not visit us to educate yourself further and leave a comment at our vitamins and supplements blog.
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Most all of us will have to deal with arthritis joint pain - joint inflammation and deterioration of cartilage - at some time. Arthritis occurs in the knees, elbow, fingers, and any where there is a bone joint. Where it occurs in your body will be determined by genetics, diet, and repetitive use of the joint.
As with most illness or body conditions there is always a home remedy that can help reduce, eliminate or even cure the condition. There are many natural cures for arthritis and many home remedies.
Here is one natural substance that reduces the severity of arthritis and provides a more natural balance and function of bone and chemicals at the bone joint - vitamin k.
Vitamin k also gives blood the ability to form blood clots, which prevent us from bleeding to death whenever we cut ourselves.
There has been recent activity in testing vitamin k for the prevention of arthritis and for reducing the severity of bone degeneration. In her studies, Tuhina Neogi, of Boston University School of Medicine found that low levels of vitamin k in individual activated bone and cartilage deterioration. And, those found with low vitamin k also had more severe arthritis.
So what does all of this mean? When you are deficient in vitamin k you are more susceptible to bone and cartilage degeneration and abnormities. As you age and start to have arthritis and you are deficient in vitamin k your arthritis will be more severe.
Here's how to get more vitamin k in your diet. You can take vitamin k supplement in doses of 5 to 15 mg daily. Look for plant based vitamin k1 and k2 since these have no toxicity associated with them. Avoid using K3 which is the synthetic form, which can cause liver toxicity.
For those of you that are using blood thinning medication, coumadin, it best not to use vitamin k supplements. In some cases doctors also recommend not eating those foods that are high in vitamin k.
But if you not taking blood thinning medication and have no major cardiovascular conditions then supplementing with vitamin k should not be a problem.
Here are some foods that you should be eating daily to get natural organic vitamin k:
Dark green leafy vegetables of all kinds, chestnut leaves, spinach leaves, kale, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, endive, olive oil, avocados, meat, egg yolk, cheese, yogurt.
Start eating more dark green vegetables and add a small amount of vitamin k to your daily diet. This will help you offset the degradation of you bone joints and reduce the severity of arthritis as you use your joints more and more.
Rudy Silva is a natural Nutritionist. Check out his site for more natural arthritis pain relief at: http://www.arthritis-remedies.for--you.info To get more natural remedy tips and information sign up for his newsletter at: http://www.natural-remedies-thatwork.com
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We all need vitamins and minerals to keep us healthy and strong. These are essential to our overall well being and the state of our mind and body. This article provides information on vitamin K, its benefits to human nutrition, common side effects and the consequences of deficiency.
How Can This Vitamin Help Me?
Vitamin K, produced in the intestines of our body, is a fat-soluble vitamin. Vitamin K assists the absorption of calcium from food, it helps in forming and maintaining healthy bones. Probably,the most important role played by vitamin K is the control of blood clotting. It prevents severe blood loss due to injury.
What are the Side Effects and How Much Should I Take?
There is no known toxicity associated with high doses of phylloquinone (vitamin K1), menaquinone (vitamin K2), or menadione (vitamin K3) and its derivatives. However, a high intake of vitamin K is not recommended for individuals taking anticoagulant medications such as Warfarin (coumadin). The recommended daily allowance is 22 IU for men and women over age 19 including pregnant women, and 28 IU for lactating women. If you want to get obtain your intake from food sources then Vitamin K can be obtained either from food, or through its synthesis in the intestines of our body. Vitamin K found in plant food is called phylloquinone. In animal food it is found as menaquinone. The bacteria in the intestine can also produce vitamin K.
What Happens If I am Deficient in Vitamin K?
Vitamin K deficiency results in excessive bleeding of wounds. Newborn babies could be deficient in vitamin K because of its deficiency in the breast milk. In children it might lead to certain abnormalities like flat nasal bridge, short noses and shortened fingers. In adults, deficiency of vitamin K is rare. It is mostly found in people, who suffer from mal absorption of fats from dietary sources. The best course of action is to talk to your doctor or health professional who can advise you on supplementation.
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