Headaches During Pregnancy - What Is Normal?

Headaches During Pregnancy - What Is Normal?
By Hannah Bajor

Headaches during pregnancy are very challenging as over the counter pain killers are not recommended.Within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy the surging hormones play a part in the development of pregnancy headaches. The 40% increase in blood volume that occurs during pregnancy increases pressure within the blood vessels and this itself can cause headaches during pregnancy.

Headaches and pregnancy are related and can be very dangerous especially if experienced during the last month of pregnancy, as it may also be caused by a condition called pre eclampsia. Pre eclampsia is a condition in pregnancy that has symptoms such as headaches unrelieved by over the counter medication, high blood pressure, swelling and protein in the urine.

Headaches during pregnancy may also be caused or made worst by any of the following:

Stress Lack of sleep Vomiting Low blood sugar Dehydration Caffeine withdrawal Nicotine withdrawal Poor posture Pregnancy related vision changes

What you can do to ease your pregnancy headaches:

Reduce stress. Get more sleep. Treat your early morning sickness. Eat regularly to avoid low blood sugar levels. Drink adequate amounts of high quality water. Get chiropractic adjustments and advice to correct your posture. Avoid over the counter medication especially during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Consult a homeopath or an acupuncturist for treatments to relieve your pain. Pregnancy headaches are sometimes relieved with either hot or cold compress around your forehead and on the back of your neck. Have someone massage your shoulders and neck during acute pregnancy headaches. Rest in a dark room and practice deep relaxation breathing. Relaxing in a warm bath or shower sometimes reduces the stress and tension. The fruit mangosteen is well known to support every system in the body. It is all natural and can relieve and prevent pregnancy headaches.

You tried all the above and you still have headaches during pregnancy:

At this point it would be appropriate to call your doctor or midwife for advice. Have your eyesight checked as you may need glasses or a change in glasses.

If you experience any of these symptoms below with a headache call your physician or midwife immediately as these are signs of a severe pregnancy complication called pre-eclampsia:

Blurred vision Right sided abdomen pain Swollen hands and face Sudden weight gain Feeling very agitated or restless

Pregnancy headaches can be very painful and very frustrating, as it is not recommended that you use over the counter medication during pregnancy. When traditional is not allowed, then it is time to investigate what holistic methods of healing are available to you. Basic energy healing is extremely relaxing, it will reduce stress and alleviate some if not all of your headache.

Prevention of pregnancy headaches is the best place to start. Many pregnant clients that have a history of headaches will know their triggering factor to developing a headache. Staying away from these triggers is important.

Many headache clients experienced improvement of their headaches during pregnancy by taking mangosteen and mineral juice on a regular basis. Mangosteen is a very healing fruit and has a natural pain blocker and is pregnancy safe.

Pregnancy can be an extraordinary experience for a woman. It is far more than growing a baby and dealing with issues like fatigue. Pregnancy has a huge emotional, mental, spiritual, and energetic side to it. The more you understand these aspects, the easier and less symptomatic your pregnancy will be. Learning how to connect with the emotions of your unborn child will allow you to enhance your pregnancy experience and surrender to its normal physiological process of pregnancy headaches.

Midwife Hannah Bajor C.N.M., M.S.N. is founder, CEO and Visionary behind the Lumalove® brand of getting pregnant, pregnancy, infertility and miscarriage educational support products and services.

Hannah says "knowing my life's purpose gives one a hug advantage". Her 30 years midwifery experience along with her personal journey through ten years of infertility, having personally experienced a 16 week miscarriage and a near death experience delivering her second child has lit a fire in her soul that NO ONE can put out and that is to "change childbirth education as we know it".

Lumalove LLC helps couples globally access new and dynamic prenatal education and in doing so lays the foundational blueprints for a happier, healthier pregnancy outcome and gives their unborn child the opportunity of unlimited potential.

Take advantage of her FREE offer and experience her ability to help you connect deeper with your growing baby. To get your FREE pregnancy guided visualization mp3 then click on [http://www.LumalovePregnancyWeekByWeek.com]

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Hannah_Bajor/238593
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by

Michelle Stewart

Now when I started this article the other day it was late---too late to chat about sleep deprivation. I just couldn't give advice when I was absolutely doing the opposite. I went to bed. In what seemed like a few minutes I was awakened. It was not the alarm but a phone call at 4 a.m. from a family member locked out of their house!! How ironic is that? I go to bed to get some sleep and end up awake and on the road to take a set of house keys to someone. It was probably sleep deprivation that caused her to forget the keys.

How much sleep do we need?

The amount of sleep varies, but the National Sleep Foundation recommends seven to nine hours for most adults. Now zzzs like anything else can vary based on individuals; some people can manage on six hours while others may need ten hours. Sleep needs are also affected by basal sleep, the amount of sleep your body regularly needs for optimum performance and sleep debt which is the accumulated amount of sleep lost due to poor sleep habits, illness or other factors affecting the quality of sleep.

Now you know I'm all about living the well-being lifestyle and cutting back on sleep is not a good thing. Sleeping hours are needed for the body to rest and rejuvenate. Affects of sleep deprivation can include: obesity, heart disease, diabetes, headaches, lack of attention, delayed motor skills.

Obesity: Research indicates that people who do not get enough sleep have a higher risk of becoming obese. The hormones that influence appetite are thrown out of balance; leptin controls hunger and it decreases, which makes you feel hungrier. Ghrelin the hormone produced by fat cells tells the body you need more fat calories, which creates cravings for foods that are high in fat and carbohydrates. This hormonal imbalance sets the stage for late-night binges on snacks that add up to a heavier weight.

People with poor sleep habits are tired and they often magnify the problem when they avoid or eliminate physical exercise. Regular exercise helps reduce stress, burns off calories and increases energy.

Heart Disease

Lack of sleep can increase stress hormones, which long-term are not good for the heart. Elevated stress hormones can damage blood vessels, leading to elevated or high blood pressure and heart disease.

Diabetes

This too can be a health challenge affected by lack of sleep. Diabetes has long been linked to obesity and being overweight. The fact that people may weigh more than recommended for their body type can be a predictor of the development of Type 2 Diabetes.

Headaches

This ailment falls into the discomfort that people identify as "feeling bad" when they are sleep deprived. There is also research indicating that lack of sleep can trigger headaches in predisposed individuals.

Cognition and Motor Skills

Less than the recommended amount of sleep affects cognitive processes--impaired attention, alertness, ability to concentrate, solve problems and use good judgment. Sleep deprivation can also impair motor skills and hand-eye coordination. In addition during the night, various sleep cycles play a role in "consolidating" memories in the mind. When you don't get enough sleep, it can affect your ability to remember what you learned and experienced during the day.

In our overscheduled days, we may consider a good night's sleep a luxury; that is a myth. Sleep is essential and in order to stay healthy we have to make it a priority.

Take Away: Sleep is essential for well-being. Turn off the television, mobile gadgets, personal computers and all those things that are too stimulating when it is time to turn out the lights.

Michelle J. Stewart is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator better known as the Nutrition Planner who has been leading the way to a healthier you for more than 25 years. Michelle is a Certified Wellness Coach whose motto is "EAT LESS MOVE MORE". She is a consultant for the food and beverage industry and offers expertise in corporate wellness, weight loss surgery, menu and product development. All opinions expressed are her own. Sign up for Michelle's Free Report 10 Weight Loss Tips for Life when you visit http://thenutritionplanner.com

How to Obtain Optimal Health

How to Obtain Optimal Health

You should already know that nutrition is very important to your quality of life. If you want to have a healthy life and lifestyle, you will need to have a healthy diet with proper nutrition. You might hear all the time that your nutrition greatly affects the way you live and your quality of life but have you ever really thought about why? Do you really understand why it is so important?

If you really want to take the steps to live the long life that you deserve and to be as healthy as possible and enjoy those years, than you need to learn all you can about the importance of optimal nutrition. What you eat really affects your body and health.

1. What is optimal nutrition?
2. What nutrients do you need to be healthy?
3. What foods give you these nutrients?

Importance of Optimal Nutrition
Optimal nutrition is very important to your overall health and fitness. Studies have shown that people can actually live longer if they have healthy nutrition. It is proven that there is a link between optimal nutrition and long life and long term health.

If you take a look at society, you will notice an increasingly large number of people that are overweight and obese. You will also see problems such as poor teeth and acne, dry, brittle skin, dry hair and other problems. You will find many people on medications for headache, stomach problems, acid reflux, constipation, heart disease, high blood pressure and more. What may be more alarming than the high amount of medications is the fact that most people receive very little information about what is actually causing their disease or condition. Instead, they get a pill.

What many people never know is that what they are eating (or not eating) can be causing these health problems. You also need to understand that you will have to make changes and adjustments to your intake over the years and stages of your life. Just like toddlers need a different diet from teenagers, you also need to alter your diet as you continue through all of life's stages. Understanding what is best for you through each stage of your life is the best way to remain in optimal health.

Micro and Macronutrients
Many people hear that they need proper nutrition but just what does that mean exactly? What nutrients do you need to be healthy? Optimal nutrition will include a variety of different micronutrients and macronutrients. Micronutrients include certain vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Macronutrients include carbohydrates, proteins and fats that make up the foods you eat.

There is too often a lot of myth surrounding the nutrients, our bodies and how we use these nutrients. This is why it is very important that you get all the facts when planning to change your lifestyle and diet. Many people are suffering from malnutrition and may not even know it. Many overweight individuals may be suffering from malnutrition. Just because you are eating does not mean you are eating the right things.

Micronutrients are the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that your body needs to be healthy. The specific ones and amounts of each will depend on your body, sex, age and other factors. Every person is different so there is not one set plan that works for everyone. You need to learn what works for you. As you change, grow older, etc. this will change again and you will continue to have to adjust this.

Macronutrients are the carbs, proteins and fats that you get from foods. The amounts of these that you need will vary as well. This is where many myths come in about what you should or should not eat. The facts are that too much of anyone can be bad and not enough can be bad. It's all about finding a balance. This means those "All-Carb" or "No Carb" diets that are so popular on the market are really not the best thing for you.

What you choose to ingest in your body has a big impact on your overall health and your general well-being. People now eat more fast foods and frozen dinners and other quick meals that are not very nutritious at all. Some of these foods even have additives in them that can make them addictive so that you want more and more. People typically eat out of hunger and many of these foods do not work to satisfy your hunger leaving you wanting more or something else. Yet, they still have many calories and fat and other things that your body does not need.

Make the Committment
If you are serious in obtaining optimal health to the best of your ability, then take a look at your lifestyle in general. Are you eating the right foods? Are you exercising? Are you getting plenty of fresh air on a daily basis? Do you have positive relationships? If you find yourself answering "no" to these questions, then make the commitment to change. Talk with your family, friends, or a nutritionist. Check to see if there are support groups in your area related to health and lifestyle changes. Look into joining your local gym. Do your research and then purchase the right nutritional supplements that will help you achieve your goals.

If you at least try to make a change in one area, more are sure to follow! You are now on your way to optimal health.

Author Bio
Monique Hawkins is an Associate with USANA Health Sciences. One of her passions is encouraging and supporting others to obtain optimal health and wellness. Visit her USANA website at www.whyusana.com/mhawkins and her new music box website at www.my-music-box.com

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by

Joseph

I have important news for migraine sufferers. Migraines interfere with quality of life. Acurian Health is recruiting people who suffer from frequent migraine headaches for participation in a study to develop better treatments. Right now local doctors are enrolling research studies to develop potential new medications.

Participants will receive no cost medications and help researchers learn better ways to treat migraine headaches.

As a CureClick Ambassador I want to share this information with my readers because it could be helpful for medically treating people who have the troubling condition.

For trial eligibility questionnaire and full trial details, please visit the sponsor website .

For those of you whom are not familiar with clinical trials, here's some information that you can use:

What Are Clinical Trials?

Clinical trials are research studies to determine whether investigational drugs or treatments are safe and effective for humans.

All investigational devices and medicines must undergo several clinical trials, often times these clinical trials require thousands of people.

Why participate in a clinical trial?

People whom are eligible will have access to new investigational treatments that would be available to the general public only upon approval.

People whom are eligible for clinical trials will also receive study-related medical care and attention from clinical staff at research facilities.

Clinical trials offer hope for many people and gives researchers a chance to find better treatment for others in the future.

Disclaimer: I am not participating in this clinical trial. I am providing this information to my readers as a CureClick Ambasssador. Click on the links below to learn about my relationship with Cureclick and why I'm talking about clinical trials.

http://curec.lk/2fALTBv

You make the lame walk straight, give sight to the blind and open the ears of the deaf, you give words to the mute and life to the dead. You are the Lord Jesus Christ. You are the only begotten Son of God.

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by

Joseph

Sometimes the search for a good doctor can be quite nerve wracking even under the best of circumstances, but the emotional burden becomes even greater when searching for doctors who are participating in clinical trials.

Trial Reach and CureClick know this; so they developed a tool which makes the search for clinical research trials a bit easier.

Last July CureClick and Trial Reach asked if I would like to help out with this task; since I'm a CureClick Ambassador I was happy to help.

At this very moment you can use the Trial Reach Clinical Trials Search Tool that I embedded in the sidebar of Living Fit, Healthy and Happy_(SM).

The clinical trials search tool is absolutely amazing! The tool is designed so that users can search for any clinical trial for any condition. Then the tool provides relevant results based on the user answering a few questions. Now you can search for clinical trials that best fit your needs.

Although I receive a small one time payment for installing the Trial Reach Clinical Trials Search Tool on Living Fit, Healthy and Happy_(SM), the potential benefit to all of you is what inspired me to install it on this website. So, please take the time to use it. And tell all of your family and friends about it, too!

To learn more about my relationship with CureClick and why I'm talking about clinical trials, please click on this link.

curec.lk/1Gb4toG

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"A Helpful Tool For People Searching For Clinical Research Trials" copyright © 2016 Living Fit, Healthy and Happy_(SM). All Rights Reserved.

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by

Praveen Pandey

A food additive is any substance (not commonly regarded or used as food) which is used to modify a food's chemical, physical, or organoleptic (affecting the senses) characteristics. It is commonly added to stabilize a product or to change the flavor, color, texture, or consistency of food items or as a preservative so that they retain their properties for longer periods of time. With an increase in the usage of food additives since the 19th century, there has been a great concern with regard to their safety in relation to human health. Today, there are scientific evidences that prove the link between the use of food additives and the development of various physical and mental disorders.

Saccharin and aspartame are the most commonly used sugar substitutes. They are added to beverages, diet sodas, or soft drinks and are used in the sweet food industry as sweetening agents. Research has shown that these food additives can result in birth defects, neurological imbalances, and even cancer. Overuse of saccharine has been associated with bladder cancer, while excess consumption of aspartame containing products has been related to skin and breathing problems, seizures, headaches, and mood disturbances.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is an additive that is often added to soups, sauces, frozen foods, and Chinese preparations to enhance the overall flavoring. But little do people know that eating too much of monosodium glutamate can damage the nerve cells of the body and cause frequent, throbbing headaches. Further, it has been found to elevate the risk of suffering from obesity, high blood pressure, and heart disorders.

Sodium nitrite and sodium nitrate are another form of preservatives, which are detrimental to health when consumed. Frequently used as a meat preservative, these are suspected to be one of the causes for stomach cancer. The nitrite present in the additive combines with a harmful compound to form nitrosamines - an extremely powerful cancer-causing chemical. Similarly, potassium bromate, usually used in breads and rolls, has been reported to increase the possibility of developing certain types of cancer.

Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) are preservatives added to fats and oils to prevent them from getting oxidized and going rancid. These additives have been found to be carcinogenic. Therefore, consuming them in large amounts can actually trigger cancer. In addition, butylated hydroxyanisole has also been associated with the development of bronchial asthma, cholesterol imbalances, and hyperactivity. Reading the food labels of products before buying them is the best way of keeping away these unsavory additives. Moreover, going natural - eating more of fresh, whole organic foods, and cutting down on processed, canned, and packed products - can help you make your diet healthy.

Get diet tips, free diet plan also read more articles on diet and nutrition and Health Care only on India's best health portal Healthizen.com.

Early to Bed Adds Up to Good Health

Submitted by: Michelle Stewart

Now when I started this article the other day it was late---too late to chat about sleep deprivation. I just couldn't give advice when I was absolutely doing the opposite. I went to bed. In what seemed like a few minutes I was awakened. It was not the alarm but a phone call at 4 a.m. from a family member locked out of their house!! How ironic is that? I go to bed to get some sleep and end up awake and on the road to take a set of house keys to someone. It was probably sleep deprivation that caused her to forget the keys.

How much sleep do we need?

The amount of sleep varies, but the National Sleep Foundation recommends seven to nine hours for most adults. Now zzzs like anything else can vary based on individuals; some people can manage on six hours while others may need ten hours. Sleep needs are also affected by basal sleep, the amount of sleep your body regularly needs for optimum performance and sleep debt which is the accumulated amount of sleep lost due to poor sleep habits, illness or other factors affecting the quality of sleep.

Now you know I'm all about living the well-being lifestyle and cutting back on sleep is not a good thing. Sleeping hours are needed for the body to rest and rejuvenate. Affects of sleep deprivation can include: obesity, heart disease, diabetes, headaches, lack of attention, delayed motor skills.

Obesity: Research indicates that people who do not get enough sleep have a higher risk of becoming obese. The hormones that influence appetite are thrown out of balance; leptin controls hunger and it decreases, which makes you feel hungrier. Ghrelin the hormone produced by fat cells tells the body you need more fat calories, which creates cravings for foods that are high in fat and carbohydrates. This hormonal imbalance sets the stage for late-night binges on snacks that add up to a heavier weight.

People with poor sleep habits are tired and they often magnify the problem when they avoid or eliminate physical exercise. Regular exercise helps reduce stress, burns off calories and increases energy.

Heart Disease

Lack of sleep can increase stress hormones, which long-term are not good for the heart. Elevated stress hormones can damage blood vessels, leading to elevated or high blood pressure and heart disease.

Diabetes

This too can be a health challenge affected by lack of sleep. Diabetes has long been linked to obesity and being overweight. The fact that people may weigh more than recommended for their body type can be a predictor of the development of Type 2 Diabetes.

Headaches

This ailment falls into the discomfort that people identify as "feeling bad" when they are sleep deprived. There is also research indicating that lack of sleep can trigger headaches in predisposed individuals.

Cognition and Motor Skills

Less than the recommended amount of sleep affects cognitive processes--impaired attention, alertness, ability to concentrate, solve problems and use good judgment. Sleep deprivation can also impair motor skills and hand-eye coordination. In addition during the night, various sleep cycles play a role in "consolidating" memories in the mind. When you don't get enough sleep, it can affect your ability to remember what you learned and experienced during the day.

In our overscheduled days, we may consider a good night's sleep a luxury; that is a myth. Sleep is essential and in order to stay healthy we have to make it a priority.

Take Away: Sleep is essential for well-being. Turn off the television, mobile gadgets, personal computers and all those things that are too stimulating when it is time to turn out the lights.

About the Author: Michelle J. Stewart MPH, RDLD/N, CDE is an experienced food and nutrition communication expert specializing in wellness with a holistic approach to living your best life. Michelle has been leading the way to a healthier you for more than 25 years. She is zealous when it comes to wellness from the inside out and empowering whomever she comes in contact with to take charge of their health and wellbeing. Her motto is "EAT LESS MOVE MORE" Sign up for her Free Report 10 Weight Loss Tips for Life when you visit http://thenutritionplanner.com

Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=1903772&ca=Wellness%2C+Fitness+and+Diet

by

Joseph

Women who suffer from migraines might be at risk for heart disease, research suggests. According to a study published in BMJ, female migraine sufferers are also very likely to have heart problems. The findings of this study may help more women to recognize their risk for cardiovascular disease and may hopefully spur the development of new medicines to combat the deadly disease.

The findings are the result of an exhaustive study involving 115 541 participants in the Nurses’ Health Study II; at the beginning of the study, all of the participants were between 25-42 years and free of cardiovascular disease or angina. Yet, a significant number of the women (17,531) reportedly suffered from migraine headaches.

Tobias Kurth of the Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin Institute of Public Health and his colleagues at Harvard University, and Washington University's School of Medicine followed the women from 1989 through June 2011. During that time an additional 6,389 women were diagnosed with migraine.

Kurth et al noted that migraine sufferers tended to exhibit the following:

• family history of heart attack
• body mass index (BMI) above 30
• smoke
• high cholesterol
• high blood pressure
• use aspirin, acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Women, Migraines and Heart Disease

A certain portion of the participants passed away as a result of heart disease. Kurth et al found that 1,329 myoccardial events occurred (678 heart attacks, 651 strokes, 203 angina/coronary revascularization procedures performed) of which 223 died. 

Migraine sufferers were 50 % more likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease than women who did not experience migraines.

That migraine could be seen as a potential heart disease marker is astounding. The team pointed to several studies that also found associations between heart disease and migraines in women.

For example, a Taiwanese study of 11,541 young women between 18 - 45 years of age, found a higher incidence of heart disease among patients newly diagnosed with migraine.

Kurth and his colleagues said there are not currently any mechanisms that can help explain the increased risk of cardiovascular disease deaths among women with migraine. They call for further investigation which would look at whether statins and vitamin D could lower the risk of heart disease.

This is logical. Statins are a class of drugs that are used to control cholesterol. High cholesterol is a culprit in heart disease. Vitamin D is also believed to play a role in controlling fat accumulation.

Interestingly, though, research has also shown a relationship between statin use and increased diabetes risk.

Considering that type 2 diabetes is also a risk factor for heart disease, it is my opinion that future studies should also take this into account. Future research must look for relationships between migraine and type 2 diabetes. If such a relationship exists and if those diabetic patients had been taking statins prior to developing diabetes, that would have implications in and of itself.

Due to the prevalence of migraine in the general population, Kurth and his colleagues recognize need to understand the biological processes involved and to "provide preventative solutions to patients."

Hopefully that will happen.

God never grows weary in caring for His children. May God grant us strength to endure hardship and glorify His holy name.

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Article References

Kurth T, Winter AC, Eliassen AH, Dushkes R, Mukamal KJ, Rimm EB, Willett WC, Manson JE, & Rexrode KM (2016). Migraine and risk of cardiovascular disease in women: prospective cohort study. BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 353 PMID: 27247281

Low Vitamin D Is Linked To Weight Gain

Statins Could Increase Your Diabetes Risk

"Female Migraine Sufferers Have High Heart Disease Risk" copyright © 2016 Living Fit, Healthy and Happy_(SM). All Rights Reserved.

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Don t Overlook Familiar Anti-Oxidants Like Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)

Submitted by: Steve P Smith

Riboflavin, also known as vitamin B2, is an important member of the water soluble B complex of vitamins and has of course been well known as an essential nutrient for many years, hence its popularity as a fortifying agent in commercially produced breakfast cereals and breads etc. But in the current craze for tracking down new anti-oxidant superfoods it s easy to overlook the more familiar, but nonetheless vital, nutrients such as the B complex vitamins.

Riboflavin, for example, is essential for the body s production of certain enzymes, known as flavocoenzymes, which are needed for the production of energy through the metabolism of the proteins, fats and carbohydrates consumed in the diet. Flavocoenzymes are important in the breaking down and the using or neutralizing of chemicals, including drugs and toxins within the body, and it has also been noted that they are a precursor of the specialized proteins needed for the proper functioning of the brain cell mitochondria.

Impaired oxygen metabolism within these mitochondria has been identified as a possible cause of migraine headaches, Although tested on only a small sample of patients, supplementation with high levels (400 mg) of riboflavin has been duly found to have significant effects in reducing the frequency of migraine attacks when continued over a three month period. Despite the limited scope of the research so far, orthodox medicine regards riboflavin as worthy of further investigation for use in conjunction with conventional drug therapies.

Riboflavin is also important as an anti-oxidant in enabling the proper functioning of glutathione, the crucial anti-oxidant enzyme. Glutathione is needed to neutralize the hydrogen peroxide which is released as a by-product of normal metabolic reactions within the body. Left unchecked hydrogen peroxide can interact with other free radicals to produce hydroxyl, the most damaging of all. Glutathione is particularly important in protecting the delicate fatty structures, eg the membranes, of every cell in the body.

Although anti-oxidants are required to protect every cell in the body, particular attention has been focussed on their role in the lens of the eye, where light induced oxidative damage has been found to be a risk factor for the development of cataracts, one of the most significant causes of vision loss in the elderly.

Measuring by reference to glutathione activity, research has suggested that individuals in the highest quintile of riboflavin levels may have only around half the risk of developing cataracts as those in the lowest quintile.

In addition to facilitating the action of the fat soluble glutathione, riboflavin is also essential for the body s manufacture of another enzyme, xanthine oxidase, which is needed for the formation of uric acid, one of the most powerful water soluble anti-oxidants.

In common with all the vitamins of the B complex, a deficiency in riboflavin is likely to be associated with, and to cause, a deficiency in each of the others. Deficiency in riboflavin, however, has also been particularly associated with problems in the absorption of iron, and consequent anemia and lowered immune system function.

The US Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for riboflavin is set at the very low sounding levels of 1.3 mg per day for men, and 1.1 mg for women, In Europe the slightly higher figure of 1.6 mg is suggested. To put these in perspective, a cup of fortified cereal may provide between 0.6 and 2.3 mg; 8 oz milk perhaps 0.35 mg, and a single large egg 0.3 mg. Meat, fish, chicken and green vegetables also provide a certain amount.

So these food values would seem to suggest that the RDAs should be easily achievable by those eating a normally balanced diet and indeed they should. The problem is that the RDAs are set at levels designed to ensure protection against outright deficiency disease, which is not at all the same as optimal health. There is also good evidence that few of us in any case, in fact succeed in eating such a diet, and this can be a particular problem for older adults. Some research suggests that as many as a quarter of over 65s fail to achieve their RDA of riboflavin though their normal daily diet, and of course that which they do take in tends to be less well absorbed than that consumed by younger people. The result is that as many as 10% of the over 65s show signs of severe deficiency, an alarming and unforgivable statistic in wealthy Western societies.

But such symptoms of deficiency may not be confined to the elderly. Younger adults who achieve only these minimal levels of riboflavin intake may also be at risk if subjecting their bodies to unusual stresses, amongst which must be included physical work, intensive athletic or sporting activity, and the use of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs.

There are no known toxicity issues with any quantity of the B complex vitamins conceivably likely to be consumed, and the Food and Nutrition Board has specified no upper safe limit. The vitamins are water soluble with any excess being easily excreted by the body. So given the difficulties of absorption which become more pronounced as the body ages, and the increased requirements for these vitamins which seems to arise with the increasingly stressful lives we lead in the 21st century not to mention the nutritional poverty of much of the heavily refined and processed foods we now routinely consume, there seems no reason not to supplement with riboflavin and the other vitamins of the B complex.

About the Author: Steve Smith is a freelance copywriter specializing in direct marketing and with a particular interest in health products. Find out more at http://www.sisyphuspublicationsonline.com/LiquidNutrition/Riboflavin.htm

Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=208994&ca=Wellness%2C+Fitness+and+Diet

Top Reasons Why You Don’t Exercise

Submitted by: Mike Umberger

So, what’s your excuse for not exercising? Though it is not a crime to avoid exercise, it is indeed a travesty to come up with new and innovative excuses to shirk exercise. And you are not alone, if you have a reason not to exercise. Many people, all over the world, have their own logic behind leading an inactive life and being quite happy with it. Read on to find out why there cannot be a valid reason to stay away from exercise.

If you find your excuse for not exercising among this selection, you might well stop making it again!

1. You hate to exercise. And how can you do something you don’t enjoy? Well, let’s get this straight. Do you stop working if you hate your boss? Sometimes, if not always, it’s the end that is important and not the means. And exercise can be enjoyable, if you give it a go.

2. You tried but quit. Whom are you kidding? There are a thousand and one things we all fail to do at one go, but pick up the pieces and try again. You know why you quit, but you should also know that there are ways to make sure that it never happens again. If you made mistakes in your previous attempt, own up and make amends. Hire a personal trainer, who can keep you motivated enough not to quit this time around.

3. It’s too costly. While you may spend thousands of dollars on gadgets, jewelry or vacations, when it comes to a gym membership the rates seem exorbitant! Well, if you really want to penny pinch, why don’t you work out at home? Try no-equipment exercise, run, jog, walk and use the internet to get useful tips and advice on how to exercise. You can also buy training stations, which can help you do numerous exercises with one piece of equipment.

4. You don’t know how to workout. Ignorance is not bliss. So, stop making this lame excuse because there are many ways in which you can gather knowledge about fitness and exercise, but only if you want to. Personal trainers, fitness trainers, instructional videos, e-books, websites and journals are all there to help you out. How about putting them to good use?

5. Exercise takes a lot of time to produce results. But then, do your investments not take time to reap dividends? Your body is not play-dough which can be shaped up in an instant. It generally upto three months before you can get visible change in your body as a result of exercise. But once they start coming, three months seem very little time!

6. You don’t have the time. Most people seem to think that they are busier than they actually are. Well, you should know that presidents, CEO’s and working moms find time to exercise. Are you busier than all of them? Time is difficult to find only when you are disinclined to do so. 30 minutes or two sessions of 15 minutes each during the day are all that you need.

By avoiding exercise you are not helping yourself at all. So, go ahead and find a reason to exercise, for a change!

About the Author: Are one of these reasons holding you back from training with Chicagoland personal trainers? If so you need to look that reason straight in the face and call up some personal trainers Barrington, IL locations.

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