Age Warrior: One Woman’s Tale - Part Two

I mentioned that I take daily supplements to maintain and support my 60-year old body’s health. You might wonder what brought me to the conclusion that supplements are important. I’ve done a lot of research; I’ve talked with my doctor; and finally, I’ve personally experienced undeniable benefits from certain supplements.



Many nutritional experts say it is difficult to get enough of the vital elements our bodies require through diet alone. They site soil depletion, over-processing of food and the fact that nutritional needs vary from individual to individual and from age to age. Vitamin supplements are recommended for proper dosages and consistent quality.



For more information on nutritional supplements, read Antioxidants and Other Vitamin Supplements.



Tags: age warriors vitamins and supplements diet and nutrition

Is There Danger in Taking Supplements or Herbal Remedies?

Have you ever wondered if there was any danger in taking vitamins, supplements or herbal remedies, especially if you are taking other drugs?



The fact is that the reason a lot of these products work is because they have active ingredients that have proven themselves effective over the course of centuries. And they can either be dangerous or cause mild reactions in certain circumstances.



For example, Chondroitin Sulfate, which alleviates joint pain and reduces inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, can cause mild gastrointestinal complaints such as heartburn and nausea.



CoEnzyme Q 10 can slow aging; increase energy; enhance endurance and aerobic performance; strengthen the heart; lower blood pressure; improve immune function; promote weight loss; treat cancer, stroke and gum disease, but it can also cause heartburn, nausea, stomachache, diarrhea, headache, fatigue, and skin reactions.



It may also interact with blood thinners.



And Ginkgo Biloba can improve your memory and mental sharpness; alleviate symptoms of Alzheimer's disease; ease symptoms of depression; improve circulation; thin blood; improve cardiovascular health; act as antioxidant; improve vertigo, headache, and tinnitus; relieve intermittent lower leg cramps, diabetic retinopathy, wheezing, dizziness, motion sickness, and Raynaud's Disease, but can also cause gastrointestinal upset, allergic skin reaction, and headache.



Ginkgo Biloba is not for people with seizure disorders because it may lessen the effects of seizure medication and should not to be taken by people hypersensitive to poison ivy, cashews, or mangoes.



It can also pose a problem for those with blood clotting problems or those taking anti-coagulant medications and is not recommended for people using aspirin, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.



You should always tell your doctor what supplements or herbs you are taking to avoid a adverse reaction with drugs he might prescribe.



Also ask your pharmacist if you have any doubts or questions. If you do have an adverse reaction, let your doctor know and stop taking the non-prescribed supplement or herbal product before stopping any prescribed medications.



For a more complete list of potential problems that you can run into when taking supplements and herbs, click here.



Tags: supplements herbal remedies dangers of herbal remedies

Should Supplements be Part of Your Beauty Routine?

Can vitamins and herbs improve the look of your skin and slow the aging process? Some doctors will tell you that you may as well take the pills and flush them down the toilet; because that’s just about what you’re doing when you take more supplements than your body can use.



However just as many doctors take the opposite position and, not only recommend supplements to their patients but, take supplements themselves. Further, studies continue to show the benefit of various supplements.



This is especially true in light of the fact that much of the earth’s soil has been depleted of vital nutrients by over-farming. “Foods we ate as little as 100 years ago had 10 times the nutrients they do today,” says New York-based nutritionist Esther Blum, author of Eat, Drink, and Be Gorgeous.



After interviewing medical proponents of supplements for antiaging including Dr. N. V. Perricone, author of The Wrinkle Cure, Marie Claire magazine (November 2006) came up with this list of antiaging supplement recommendations: antioxidants, B vitamins, Omega 3 and 6 Essential Fatty Acids, Hyaluronic Acid and probiotics.



Read more about the benefits of supplements.



Tags: supplements for healthy skin; antiaging vitamins; Eat, Drink, and Be Gorgeous