Getting healthy isn’t just about exercise and eating right; it’s about knowing what you put in your body. Vitamins are the key to a longer and healthy life. Do you know what vitamins and minerals you take in each day? If learning more about them is important to you, keep reading this article for some great advice.
To build red blood cells, iron is necessary. The red blood cells are required to carry oxygen to every part of your body. Women generally need more iron than men, which is why there are some iron supplements that are just for women. You might be low in iron if you have breathing problems or are just generally tired.
Vitamin A is great for reducing wrinkles and red spots. Taking too much of it, however, is toxic. The recommended dose is 2300 IUs a day. One of the best sources of vitamin A is dark green leafy vegetables.
When buying vitamins, always check the expiration date on the package before you purchase. Vitamins have a shelf life and do not last forever. Storage time, exposure to light and temperature can all affect the quality of vitamins and further reduce the expiration date. So make sure that you are buying quality vitamins that have not expired.
Not all multivitamins are created equal. In fact, you need to be checking to ensure that the list of vitamins and minerals included in the multivitamin account for 100 percent of your daily allowances. Therefore, you are ensuring that you are getting all the essential nutrients that you should be getting from a multivitamin.
Not everyone absorbs vitamin B12 the same way, so you must be tested yearly to ensure you are getting what you need. For example, some people absorb B12 from supplements easily, while others don’t and will need an injection instead. B12 is important for heart health, so ensure your levels are good!
Vitamin B12 is used to treat pernicious anemia, multiple sclerosis, Lyme disease, tinnitus, liver and kidney disease. This potent vitamin prevents memory loss, in patients suffering with Alzheimer’s disease. This potent vitamin can be taken in supplements, shots or in the food you eat to protect against IBS, heart disease and diabetes.
A fantastic way to consume your vitamins and minerals is by munching on good old veggies. Cooking can diminish nutritional value. If you need to cook vegetables, you can do so without depleting vital nutrients by steaming them for a better consistency. Nutrients are also preserved in flash-frozen vegetables, but only if you do not cook them for too long.
The darker your skin, the more likely you are to need vitamin D supplements. While light skinned people only need about 20 minutes of sun per day to get their dose, people with very dark skin may need two hours or more. Consider a supplement to ensure you’re getting enough vitamin D.
When you decide to take vitamin supplements, look for a combination of vitamins that is right for your needs. There are a variety of multi-vitamin formulas for babies and young children that focus on the need of a growing child. As you age, your body has different requirements, so look for a formula that is right for older men and women.
Don’t forget your children! Kids need supplements just as much as adults do, so be sure to pick up a natural, sugar-free option for them to take every day. If you have kids who are picky eaters, they need the vitamins even more than anyone else, so pick something they’re willing to chew on.
Children are highly energetic and in need of far more vitamins and minerals than they receive in their food. Maybe you notice they crash after a long day of playing or they simply have difficulties focusing or remembering what they recently did. Try supplementing their diet with essential vitamins and minerals to offer food for the brain to remain clear and fuel that allows their little bodies to recover form physical activity much sooner.
The FDA regulates prescription medicines, but does not regulate vitamin and mineral supplements. It is up to the supplement manufacturer to ensure safety and quality of the products. It is a good idea to research the manufacturer of any dietary supplement that you are considering. Try to go with brands that have a long track record of safety and quality.
Increase the shelf life of your leafy green vegetables and help them retain their nutrients by storing them properly. Rinse off these foods when you bring them home from the grocery store. Shake off excess water and wrap in paper towels. Then store the leafy greens in a fridge storage container to prolong shelf life.
If you have dairy sensitivities, you need to be careful which supplements you buy. Be sure to ask the staff at the store you are purchasing from whether or not the supplement contains any dairy products. There are many non-dairy alternatives available, so you don’t have to suffer to get your vitamins and minerals.
To get the most vitamin C in your diet, try eating papayas. Papayas have much more vitamin C than oranges and other citrus fruits. In fact, they have nearly 150% of the daily recommended allowance. They are versatile enough to eat by themselves or add to other foods, such as salads.
When you feel sad or tired, you may need to boost your vitamin D, especially in the winter months when we just don’t get enough sunlight. A deficiency of vitamin D can leave us lethargic. Talk to your doctor about whether or not a supplement might help you feel better.
Getting proper vitamins and nutrients can help your body from the inside out. How you look also depends on them. For strong and health hair, skin, and fingernails, try supplements that contain biotin and vitamins E, C, and D. Stay looking your best by providing your body with these vitamins.
As you can see, your health needs to be focused on what your body is taking in. Understanding the vitamins and minerals that are essential to your body is of utmost importance. Use what you have read here and incorporate it into your health routine to get the most from your body and life.
What types of vitamin supplements do you take, or do you not take any?