Vitamins and minerals have been a part of human health forever. Many people go about their daily life and do not realize the impact these things have. Looking at the nutritional content on a box of cereal is not enough. Read the article ahead carefully and learn what vitamins can do to impact your life.
Never ignore the product warnings on vitamin levels. Vitamin and supplements can have serious side effects when taken with prescription and over the counter medicines. Ginseng can be very dangerous if you have high blood pressure or take heart medications. Lycopene can be deadly if you have a tomato allergy. Always read the warning labels or ask your pharmacist or doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements.
Do not use tea or coffee to wash down your vitamins and minerals. These beverages may inhibit the absorption of certain minerals. Tea has been proven to decrease the amount of iron the body absorbs. While coffee has not been shown to have the same effects, it would be best not to take any chances.
Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin that is found in wheat germ, eggs, poultry and vegetable oils. Vitamin E can be used to treat cardiovascular issues, including chest pain, high blood pressure and hardening of the arteries. It can also help prevent certain types of cancers. The easiest way to ensure you receive the nutrients you need is to take a vitamin E supplement.
If you are a smoker, you should avoid taking any supplements that contain carotene. There have been numerous studies done that show carotene can increase the risk of lung cancer. Since cigarettes can add to this risk, it would be best if you avoided taking carotene if you are planning to continue smoking.
Do not be swayed by all of the hype that surrounds new “miracle” vitamins. While they may have some positive effects for some people, most can go their whole lives without taking any of these things. It is always best to consult a doctor or dietician before taking anything new.
Glucosamine treats a variety of joint pain issues. This supplement is made from seashells and shark cartilage. Patients have reported glucosamine supplements help relieve knee pain, back pain, glaucoma and the pain associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis; however, there is not sufficient medical evidence to support these claims.
If you are a woman who menstruates, low iron may be leaving you feeling depleted. As many as 15% of women are low in iron thanks to menstruation. Be sure to talk to your general practitioner about being tested to ensure your iron levels are fine, and if they're not, get a supplement.
Knowing what vitamins and supplements can do for your body is great, since many people disregard what they are important for. Now you have a better understanding of the importance of vitamins in your life. Take advantage of what you read here to get the most from your vitamin intake and enjoy good health.