Category Archives: Vitamins – Supplements
Ginger Improves Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis, Enhances Quality of Life
Telemedicina Latina Interview with Paulina
Dill: Nature’s Lesser-Known Antibiotic
Dill is chock-full of nutrients and compounds that are widely used for reducing excess gas, aiding in digestion and boosting the immune system. But the perks don’t end there: dill also provides strong antibiotic properties Continue reading
Telemedicina Latina Interview with Saul
You May See a Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Your Eyes
STORY AT-A-GLANCE
- Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to liver enlargement and jaundice; some with a deficiency report eye twitching or spasms
- Low levels of vitamin B12 may easily be missed as many physicians don’t routinely test for it, and symptoms may appear gradually
- Symptoms include anemia, mental fogginess, muscle weakness and fatigue; left untreated it may cause severe or permanent neurological disease, blood disorders or death
- Low stomach acid, needed to absorb the vitamin, contributes to insufficiency. Consuming conventionally grown meat can also contribute to a deficiency; you may need a supplement
Can Chili Peppers Prevent Heart Attacks and Strokes?
STORY AT-A-GLANCE
- Chili pepper consumption may significantly reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke
- Chili peppers contain capsaicin, which is known to help with a variety of health issues from digestion and inflammation to weight management and even cancer
- Chili pepper consumption is not a one-stop solution, however, and it may not be the best choice for everyone. Consult with your doctor for the course of treatment that’s right for you
Asafoetida: Why This Stinky Herb Is so Beneficial
STORY AT-A-GLANCE
- The Indian cooking spice asafoetida is a gum obtained from a type of giant fennel. It has an offensive smell akin to that of rotting garlic and sweaty feet, but an appetizing savory, umami taste
- With its onion-garlic flavor, you can use it as a substitute for either of those ingredients. Many recommend using it in bean-based dishes, as it helps prevent gassiness
- Asafoetida has antibacterial, antiparasitic and antiviral properties. In 2009, researchers discovered certain compounds in the herb were more effective at killing the H1N1 influenza virus than the commercial antiviral drug amantadine
- Asafoetida also has antispasmodic, carminative, expectorant, laxative and sedative properties, just to name a few. Historical uses include the treatment of nervous conditions, bronchitis, asthma, whooping cough and more
- This smelly herb can also be useful for the prevention and treatment of various gut ailments, and for feminine health issues such as sterility, premature labor, painful and excessive menstruation and leucorrhoea
Telemedicina Latina Interview with Paulina
Studies Prove Optimists are Less Likely to Get Dementia
From ‘you’re as young as you feel’ to ‘age is just a number,’ our culture provides us with a wealth of adages urging us to take a positive attitude toward aging. Continue reading
Real Risk of a Sneaky Deficiency for Vegans and Vegetarians
STORY AT-A-GLANCE
- Although there are several reasons people choose to stop eating meat, experts warn it’s important to understand your nutritional needs and include a vitamin B12 supplement to reduce real and permanent risks linked to deficiency
- Moving into a new year more people consider lifestyle changes to affect physical, mental and emotional health. January has been dubbed “Veganuary,” as the number who choose to be vegetarians grows dramatically after the first of the year
- There are some plant sources of active B12, but they also have B12 analogues blocking the uptake of true B12, potentially lowering your vitamin levels even further
- Other conditions placing you at risk for deficiency are eating or absorption disorders, regular alcohol consumption, diabetes and long-term antacid use
- Your heart and nervous system are dependent on vitamin B12. Consider using a quality supplement with the naturally occurring methylcobalamin form of the vitamin
Telemedicina Latina Interview with Karla
Newfound Cannabis Compound May Be 30 Times More Potent Than THC
Two newfound cannabinoids have been discovered in the glands of the Cannabis plant, and one of them may be at least 30 times as potent as the high-inducing compound THC. Continue reading
Does a Study Change What We Know About Blue Light?
STORY AT-A-GLANCE
- Evidence from a small study found that blue light helped mice sleep better — but before we change the way we think about blue light’s effect on humans, studies need to be done on humans, at least one researcher says
- Blue light is linked to many well-documented health risks, including sleep problems
- The use of blue light-emitting smartphones, computers, tablets and e-readers before bedtime is linked to sleep disturbances
- Whether future research shows blue light disturbs sleep or not, it’s best to avoid it and let your natural circadian rhythm work