Is There Treatment for Chronic Urticaria?
Chronic urticaria is an allergic skin rash that lasts longer than six weeks. Also referred to as hives or a nettle rash, urticaria is most often brought on by an allergy to pets, latex, a bee or insect sting, medicine or foods. The rash is composed of round or oval bumps on the skin, sometimes red in color and often itchy. They are caused by a release of histamines in the skin which causes the small blood vessels near the skin’s surface to leak fluid. It is this fluid that causes the irritation and swelling consistent with hives.
The best way to treat chronic urticaria hives is to treat the itching, as scratching the rash will only prolong and exacerbate the hive outbreak. Calamine lotion is a proven way to soothe the skin and decrease itching. Antihistamines taken orally or applied topically are among the most widespread treatment options for such skin rashes. There is also a wide variety of herbs that can impair histamine production, speeding the recovery time and minimizing itchiness. These include Paeonia and Forsythia extract, which can be found in a variety of dietary supplements. Lotions containing green tea have shown antihistamine properties, and their application on rashes will soothe and relieve itchy skin.
Cholinergic urticaria are hives that are caused by profuse sweating, usually in response to overheating of the body because of exercise. The hives are generally small, ranging from 2 mm to 3mm and are often restricted to the upper torso and arms, although sometimes these hives have been found as low as the thighs. These urticaria hives develop quickly after a rise in body temperature, usually appearing within twenty minutes of increased internal temperature.
These hives are most often noted as a result of exercise or stress, and usually dissipate on their own within thirty minutes. The most severe incidents are sometimes accompanied by headaches, shortness of breath, lightheadedness and abdominal cramps. The best way to treat cholinergic urticaria is to cool the body down, by simply resting in a cool area, taking a cool shower, or drinking copious amounts of water.
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Hand Constitution
Where the appendage terminates, the hand begins. This portion of the arm on both humans and other primates is what seperates us from several other species, due to our ability to hold onto objects, etc. Several other animals have orfices that are similar to a hand, i.e. that allow them to grasp onto things, some that are even very similar to our hands, they are not scientifically considered to be so. For example dogs and cats have paws.
The most distinguishable feature of hands, is that they most have opposable thumbs (capable of being placed opposite to something). Human hands, of course, are what we are most familiar with, as most of us have two of them ourselves… The anatomy of the human hand consists of a palm, with five digits. The palm is connected to the forearm by a major joint called the wrist. The wrist is very agile, but is not part of the hand, so let’s move onto the fingers. The four fingers on the hand are located to the outermost edge of the palm. Their ability to bend over the palm provides the ability to hold onto objects. The thumb is the located on the left most side of the palm and is opposable to the rest of the fingers, meaning that it can be rotated 90 degrees on a perpindicular level to the palm. This characteristic is unlike the other fingers that can only rotate approximately 45 degrees. This characteristic further increases are dexterity.
Names:
From left to right off the palm is our finger, then the index finger, middle finger, ring finger and then the little finger, which is most commonly called the ‘pinky’.
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Ryan Fyfe is the owner and operator of hand-area.com” target=”_blank Hand Area - hand-area.com hand-area.com, which is the best site on the internet for all hand related information.
Have You Considered Getting The Benefits Of A Personal Trainer
There are a lot of ways to get in shape. Unfortunately none of them happen overnight. If you truly want to make weight-loss happen for you, then you must adopt a new lifestyle. I not saying you have to completely change how you function on a daily basis, but I am addressing your diet and fitness regimen. It’s imperative that we all find some type of physical exercise and implement it into our lifestyles. Regular fitness routines, along with a healthy diet will dramatically change the way you look and feel. And if you really want to get off to a great start and take this new way of life to a serious level, you should probably consider hiring a personal trainer. He/she will get you on a great schedule.
Not everyone can afford a certified personal trainer. This is not a big deal. Although many of us would like to have one, there are alternatives. First of all, you might consider hiring a personal trainer for a two week period. You can often find specials at local gyms and fitness centers. Maybe you will see that personal trainer for a total of six times. During those occasions, he/she will show you an awesome regimen to follow. Write it all down if you have to, but learn it as best you can. Pay attention to the individual exercises, sets and reps involved. You will then have a perfect fitness routine designed just for you.
I often hear my wife say that she wishes she had a personal trainer. And if she did, she’d be in phenomenal shape, just like any actress or model you see on television. Hmm, well that is all fine and good, but I kind of think she could do it on her own as well. That is, if she really wanted it. So much has to do with drive if you ask me. If you really and truly crave something, you will go after it. So although having a personal trainer may be ideal, you CAN get the body you desire if you have the DESIRE to. But remember, getting in shape is not just about working out on a regular basis. Your diet plays a massive role in this process as well. Think of it like a 50/50 balance. Both are equally important for success.
Peter Curtis is a full time aerobics instructer in Las Vegas. In his spare time he writes articles andguides for various website and online publications.
You can visit one of his website about the aerobic-activity.com/Aerobic-Fitness.html Aerobic Fitness or more general aerobic-activity.com/Sitemap.html Aerobic Activity articles and resources.
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Dry Eyes Surgery
Dry Eyes is caused when our eyes produce tears that lack the moisture and lubrication that keep our eyes protected. When there is an imbalance in the tear system, people may experience dry eyes. A person with dry eyes may experience a feeling of sand in the eye. He usually has a decrease in the amount of tear production.
What do tears do? Tears are a major protective agent for the eyes. They not only wash away dust from the eyes, they also soothe the eyes, provide oxygen and nutrients to the cornea, as well as help prevent eye infections. Tears are composed of different layers. The outer lipid layer consists of an oily film that prevents evaporation and keeps the eye lubricated. The middle or aqueous layer is secreted by the lacrimal gland and provides moisture and supplies oxygen and important nutrients to the cornea. The inner layer contains mucous that helps the tear film spread on the eye. Each layer is vital to the health of the eyes.
What can Cause Dry Eyes?
Dry Eyes may occur as a result of the following. A common cause is aging. As we age we produce less productive tears. These tears evaporate faster. Women approaching menopause especially face dry eyes due to the increase in hormones. Working or entertainment can also cause dry eyes. People who watch TV, use the computer, or sew for period of time may have eyestrain and dry eyes. Dry eyes can also be caused by personal conditions and certain medications. Some medications, and some diseases may also lead to dry eyes.
Dry Eyes Symptoms
• Discomfort in the eyes
• Itchiness
• Redness
• Excessive tearing without relief
• Foreign object sensation in the eyes
• Discomfort after periods of watching tv, reading, computer use, sewing, etc.
Dry Eye Testing - Testing for dry eyes can be performed through several methods. Fluorescein eye drops may be used to determine tear production. These eye drops contain a dye that can be traced with a special blue light as it is washed out of the eyes by the tears.
Dry Eyes Treatment Options - Dry Eyes Treatments will vary depending on the level of dry eye syndrome. Most people use artificial tears, gels or ointments that simulate the action of tears. These eye drops give temporary relief. Some adhere to the eyes and protect for long term, some with preservatives and others without. Another cure for dry eyes is punctal occlusion, by closing the tear drainage canals with silicone plugs. These plugs block the drainage of tears and keep them in the eyes longer. There are temporary and permanent plugs. They are painlessly inserted and can be removed by an ophthalmologist. Sealing of the drainage can also be done surgically. Recently a surgical procedure has been described to treat cases of severe dry eyes with transplantation of labial salivary glands to the inner side of the eyelids.
Dr. Peter Raus is an expert in dry eyes surgery. He was trained in Belgium, Spain, Egypt and the USA. You can contact him on his website about dry-eyes-therapy.com dry eyes therapy. He is the head of Miró, a centre for Ophthalmology, Aesthetic Medicine of the face and Oculoplastic Surgery.
Lower Back Pain The Role Of Calf Muscles
Lower back pain causes calf muscle pain and tightness and the calf muscles play a huge role in the development and maintenance of lower back pain.These calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) are usually tight in most people especially in women wearing shoes with high heels. Calf muscle cramps are extremely painful and often awaken people during sleep. These cramps are a warning that there is nerve related muscle problems stemming from spinal nerve root involvement in the lower back. This is usually the case if you have calf muscle tightness and frequent night cramps even if you have no complaints of lower back pain or lower limb pain.
There are three calf muscles, two of them are called the gastrocnemius muscles (inner and outer muscles known respectively as medial and lateral) and the third is called the soleus muscle.
The gastrocnemius arise from the lower part of the thigh bone just above the knee. The soleus muscle arises from the leg bones known as the tibia and fibula bones and does not cross the knee joint. All three muscles insert into the heel bone through the heel cord. The tibial nerve supplies primarily S1 nerve root fibers to the inner gastrocnemius muscle (medial) and the L5 nerve root fibers to the outer gastrocnemius muscles (lateral) and primarily S1 nerve fibers to the soleus.
The gastrocnemius and soleus muscles are responsible chiefly for bending the ankel and foot down so that the toes can point toward the ground. However when the foot is flat on the ground as in the sitting, crouching or squatting positions, the gastrocnemius muscles can bend the knee but not the soleus. Those who have tightness of the calf muscles will note that they are unable to place the heels flat on the floor.
During ambulation, people with tight calf muscles are unstable and prone to falls since there is difficulty with the heel striking the ground. They also have difficulty with the push-off phase of ambulation. The only muscle that is active during relaxed standing is the soleus muscle. It is responsible for stabilizing the leg so that the weight line can fall in front of the knee. Otherwise, the knee can buckle.
Tight calf muscles play a significant role in causing and aggravating lower back pain due to increasing the stress on the low back muscles. Since these calf muscles are chronically tight, trying to reduce or release spasms within these muscles is very difficult. In addition, there is also nerve related muscle tightness and weakness in these muscles due to presence of aging of the L5 and S1 spinal nerve roots.
To make the situation worse, the muscles that lift the foot and ankle up of the ground in the front of the leg are chronically weak. The weakness is primarily of nerve related origin since these muscles are supplied by the L5 nerve root which is the most commonly injured nerve root. The injury or irritation stems from presence of degenerative arthritis of the spine, slipped disc, bulging disc, etc. The L5 nerve root fibers are mainly carried through the peroneal nerve which also is vulnerable to trauma from habitual crossing of knees and/or ankles making the foot and ankle dorsiflexors even more weak.
Therefore to treat calf muscle tightness, muscles in the front of the leg called the dorsiflexor muscles of the foot and ankle have to be treated before treating the calf muscles. The dorsiflexor muscles of the foot and ankle are chronically subjected to lengthening contractions during ambulation. Therefore selective activation of these muscles by inducing shortening contractions is needed. Walking on the heels is one of the ways to induce shortening contractions of the foot and ankle dorsiflexors.
Optimal treatment for the tight calf muscles cannot be isolated to just treating the calf muscles symptomatically. The treatment must include treating the root cause of the tightness which is spinal nerve root problems primarily at the L5 and S1 levels.
All the related muscles that are continuously subjected to lengthening contractions need to be treated. Return of strength for these muscles is achieved through shortening contractions. Treatments must include treating the spinal extensor muscles, gluteus maximus, adductor magnus, tensor fascia lata, rectus femoris and the foot and ankle dorsiflexors. Selective activation for these muscles is most effective through motor point stimulation using the eToims Twitch Relief Method.
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Jennifer Chu, M.D. emeritus professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, pioneered eToims Twitch Relief Method that utilizes surface electrical stimulation to locate motor points (trigger points). The motor points are then stimulated to induce strong local muscle contractions, termed twitches. This results in reduced muscle pain and discomfort in the areas that were stimulated. The involved pain/discomfort-relieving mechanism is thought to include local muscle exercise and stretch effects.
eToims Soft Tissue Comfort Center® specializes in diagnosis and treatment which ends muscle discomfort and pain.
A Great Effective Vitamin
The antioxidant that is required for tissue growth and repair of the body is vitamin C. In fact, it has been proven to help protect against heart disease, cancer and other serious illnesses. Without it the body would not be able to heal itself and it is vital for the formation of collagen. Whenever a person has a cut or an injury, it is the collagen that helps repair the damage. Collagen has a multitude of functions in the body, including keeping the organs in place.
This water-soluble nutrient is essential for optimal health and aids folic acid and iron to maximize their effectiveness. The more the body has, the better its defense against colds and other common ailments. It may not prevent a virus but it does help speed up the recovery process.
Almost every fruit and vegetable has this powerful antioxidant; some have higher values in content than others such as cranberries and melons, in fact, tropical fruits have the highest of all fruits. Hot pepper has the richest vitamin content when it comes to vegetables and the hotter the better. Unfortunately, because of this water-soluble nutrient many vegetables lose their effectiveness if they are boiled for a long period of time. Steam or stir fry vegetables to ensure that more nutrient content is retained. The recommended daily amount is easily obtained from eating five portions of fruit and vegetables a day if they are consumed raw or cooked quickly.
Supplements are useful to ensure that the proper amount of vitamin is obtained. However, with a balanced diet, the amount the body receives is likely to be sufficient. When feeling tired, run down or sluggish, this supplement will help to restore energy. There is no danger of having too much vitamin C as the body simply excretes the excess.
The body does not make vitamin C; therefore, it must enter the body through foods or supplements. Those suffering from Cancer and Aids should take esterified vitamin C, a remarkable and effective form. Ester-C is formed by reacting with minerals such as zinc, potassium, sodium calcium, and magnesium. This forms a non-acidic nutrient that enters the bloodstream and tissues four times faster than the standard form, the esterified stays in the body longer than the standard form, and the white blood cells absorption is four times higher than the standard form.
Even though this great antioxidant is required, be knowledgeable of it use, know what can be taken together, and know it effects when interacted with medications or consult your health care provider. Alcohol, prescription drugs and some over the counter drugs may deplete vitamin C in the body and smoking causes a grave reduction. For efficiency, and because the body does not retain this nutrient, take supplement twice a day. Some drugs are not effective when taken with this nutrient such as chlorpropamide and sulfa, diabetes medications.
Carolyn Bell Smith, committed to help others improve their health, lifestyle, fight sickness, disease, and building a strong immune system. Author and creator, Healthy LifeStyle and More, and Lifestyle Tips Newsletter
Black Cohosh Side Effects
Black cohosh has been making waves in the herbal supplement industry because some studies have shown it to be effective in relieving cramps, pre-menstrual syndrome, hormonal imbalances, and symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes. However, there has been controversy on black cohosh side effects. Several doctors now warn that these herbs may cause liver disease.
Understanding black cohosh side effects
Some doctors now believe that black cohosh sets off the body’s immune system to ‘attack’ the liver and cause inflammation, a condition called ‘autoimmune hepatitis.’ This type of hepatitis can be disabling – some patients find it hard to stand up and walk. Symptoms include abdominal pain or discomfort and aching joints. A patient’s skin may also itch and turn yellow as the liver enlarges. Autoimmune hepatitis is fatal – without immediate and proper treatment, some patients die from it.
Dr. Staley Cohen of the University of Chicago reports that black cohosh side effects may be more serious than they previously seemed. Patients who use herbal products containing this herb seem to develop liver diseases far more than their non-user counterparts. There have been other reports concluding that the herb can cause several types of liver problems.
Should you stop using black cohosh?
The scientific community is torn on the issue of black cohosh side effects, especially because black cohosh has been very promising in treating ‘female complaints’ such as the symptoms of menopause, irregular period, etc. Users of black cohosh increased last year, partly due to the herb’s perceived effectiveness. However, a Women’s Health Initiative report showed that estrogen supplements (including black cohosh, which helps balance out estrogens) can increase a patient’s risk of heart problems and breast cancer. This is quickly leading some doctors to believe that black cohosh can be more harmful than helpful.
Talk to your doctor about black cohosh side effects
If you want to be safe, ask your doctor to adminster a liver test f you are currently taking black cohosh (especially if you are experiencing some of the symptoms described above). Get medical help immediately if you experince side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, nausea, low pulse, or shakes. Sometimes, black cohosh side effects do not manifest until after prolonged use. If you suddenly experience abdominal pain, uterine irritation, and atypical blood clotting, see your doctor right away. Never take black cohosh if you have been advised against taking oral contraceptives, or if you are taking anti-depressants.
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Natural Home Remedies for Acne, Arthritis, Backache, Obesity, Stress and Many Ailments
Fed up from the side effects of the drugs, people are now shifting towards alternative therapies for the cure and treatment of common problems. Home remedies are one of the alternative methods that have been proven inexpensive and can be easily made at home without many efforts. Since ages our ancestors were using these home remedies for the treatment of diseases but the latest inventions and discoveries in the field of medicines darkened the benefits of these home made treatments. In the recent times the people have again shifted towards these home remedies.
Home remedies for some of the most common diseases and problems are:
Acne
Application of cucumber leaves or grated pieces of cucumber to the affected areas.
Paste of fenugreek leaves applied overnight on the affected area and washed off next morning is also effective.
Mix one tablespoon of besan flour and one teaspoon of lemon juice till a smooth paste is formed. Apply on neck and face and wash off when it gets dry.
Acidity
Drink a glass of cold milk to get quick relief from acidity.
Drink a glass of water with a teaspoon of baking soda for immediate relief.
Chewing bubble gum will also provide relief from acidity in few minutes.
Arthritis
With an empty stomach take 3-4 walnuts (akhrot) or 1 fresh coconut.
Spread warm mustard oil on a madar leaf and apply to the affected area for a few hours .
Drink some radish juice with sugar added to it.
Asthma
Drink a cup of black coffee, the warmth will break up the flem and the caffeine will help to remove tightness from the chest and throat.
Add 30-40 leaves of tulsi in one liter of water, strain the leaves and drink the water throughout the day.
Anaemia
Eat 2-3 apples daily without peeling to increase the iron stores in the body.
Intake of beet juice is highly beneficial for the anemic person’s.
Backache
Drink some hot milk or water with powdered sonth, meetha soda, and salt.
Massage the back with turpentine oil.
For temporary and quick relief heat can be applied at the back with hot water bottle.
Common cold
Drink a cup of water with a few drops of garlic oil and a teaspoonful of onion juice.
Rub the chest and throat with camphor water or oil.
Drink honey and lemon juice in hot water to get relief from sore throat.
Constipation
Drink a tablespoon of corn syrup in a cup of water.
Drink a glass of prune juice to facilitate bowel movement.
Drinking a cup of coffee will also provide relief from constipation.
Eczema
Mix one teaspoon of camphor and one teaspoon of sandalwood to form a paste and apply on the affected e areas.
Drinking Aloe Vera juice will help cleanse the system.
Hair loss
Wash hair with peppermint or spearmint tea to prevent hair loss and to promote hair growth .
Wash hair with white vinegar periodically to prevent falling of hair.
High blood pressure
Mix half onion juice and half honey. Take 2 tablespoons once a day for 1-2 weeks.
Eat two cloves of garlic every early morning.
Eat one Papaya on an empty stomach daily for a month.
High blood cholesterol
Drinking onion juice daily for a week will lower the blood cholesterol.
Eat a few garlic cloves every day to reduce blood cholesterol.
Indigestion
Drink aloe vera juice, papaya juice, or chamomile, comfrey, red raspberry, or peppermint tea.
Drinking a glass of water with a tablespoon of baking soda will provide immediate relief.
Obesity
Eat 10 fresh curry leaves in the early morning for three or four months.
Drink a cup of water with 3 teaspoons limejuice, one-fourth teaspoon powdered black pepper, and a teaspoon of honey every day for three months.
Eat freshly sliced tomatoes with onion and lemon juice.
Drink lemon juice with honey and warm water every morning.
Sore throat
Gargle every hour with vinegar water or salt water.
Drink hot milk with honey at bedtime for immediate relief from sore throat.
A teaspoon of honey will provide relief from sore throat.
Stress
Chewing 12 tulsi leaves twice a day, morning and evening is the highly beneficial treatment of stress.
Various seeds such as alfalfa, sunflower and pumpkin are highly beneficial in the treatment of stress.
The use of these home remedies is highly effective and causes no side effects on one’s physical body.
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Flexcerin Review - How Well Does It Work?
Arthritis is a painful and crippling disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Forty million Americans, including 300,000 children, have the disease which is expected to affect 60 million by the year 2020.
The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease which is characterized by the breakdown of joint cartilage. Cartilage normally cushions the ends of bones in your joints. As a result of aging, obesity, joint injury or stress, heredity and muscle weakness, the cartilage wears down and bone rubs on bone. This causes joint pain, swelling, and stiffness in the fingers, hips, knees, lower back or feet.
“The major complication of osteoarthritis is pain. The degree of pain can vary greatly, from being a mild inconvenience to being debilitating. Although arthritis doesn’t go away, for many people the acute pain of early osteoarthritis often diminishes within a year. However, it can return if you overuse affected joints. Your doctor can help you determine how to adjust your activities to reduce stress on those joints. People with very painful osteoarthritic joints may require joint replacement surgery for pain relief,” according to MayoClinic.com.
While there’s no cure for arthritis, many medications can reduce pain and restore flexibility to the affected joints. But choosing the right product is like crossing a minefield, especially since some drugs have serious side effects. Acetaminophen can relieve pain and can be used by people with mild to moderate arthritis. However, it can also damage the liver when consumed in large doses and when taken with alcohol. Acetaminophen can likewise affect the other medicines you’re taking.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) relieve both pain and inflammation but long-term use can cause ringing in your ears, gastric ulcers, cardiovascular problems, gastrointestinal bleeding, and liver and kidney damage. COX-2 inhibitors are more effective than NSAIDs in relieving the symptoms of arthritis and they don’t cause stomach bleeding. But they can aggravate high blood pressure and these drugs have been linked to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Having said all this, is there a safe drug for arthritis? Is there a drug that can effectively relieve the inflammation, pain, and stiffness of arthritis without compromising your health?
The makers of Flexcerin believe so. Recent news reports have claimed that the product can relieve pain and inflammation, rebuild damaged joints, and help restore joint function without the horrible side effects of traditional arthritis drugs. But the proof is in the pudding and to know how true these claims are, one would have to carefully examine Flexcerin’s ingredients. Do they live up to these claims?
Surprisingly they do! Take glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin for instance – natural compounds in the body that help make the cartilage strong and rigid. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine that involved 1,500 people with knee pain caused by arthritis showed that this combination resulted in mild to moderate pain relief. Multiple studies carried out since the 1980s have also established chondroitin’s role in reducing pain and restoring function to arthritic joints, and reducing the need for other arthritis medicines.
Glucosamine and chondroitin’s effects are further enhanced by methylsulfonylmethane or MSM. This compound is formed in the ocean and reaches our food supply through the rainfall that waters our crops. MSM is also found in some fruits, vegetables, and grains, and helps alleviate arthritis pain.
The benefits of fish oil that contain omega 3 fatty acids are well known in the scientific community. It is a welcome addition to Flexcerin’s formula since it has been shown to help arthritis patients. Multiple randomized controlled trials of those taking this supplement report improvements in morning stiffness and joint tenderness.
Knowing this, Flexcerin appears to be a worthy addition to the growing arsenal of natural arthritic relief products. Considering its mechanism of action and high safety profile, it should meet the needs of most people with their daily battles with arthritis.
Janet Hahn is a published author in the field of pain management. Many of her insightful health related articles can be found online at consumerhealthdigest.com consumerhealthdigest.com
Information on B9 (Folic Acid)
Vitamin B9 (folic acid) is a B-vitamin essential for growth, proper brain function, and mental and emotional health. Like other B-vitamins, it also converts carbohydrates into sugar, which is then transformed into energy. It works closely with vitamins B6 and B12 to regulate red blood cells and control blood levels of homocysteine, which is known to deplete folic acid from the body.
Vitamin B9 (folic acid) can be found in dark green leafy vegetables, root vegetables, beans and legumes, beef liver, whole grains, oysters, avocado, milk, and orange juice. Because meats are a poor source of B9, most doctors recommend B9 supplements to prevent folic acid deficiency, especially in pregnant and menstruating women. Some of the other uses of vitamin B9 (folic acid) are as follows:
1. Pregnancy
Folic acid deficiency in pregnant women can cause neural tube defects in their babies. This is why folate is found in most prenatal vitamins. Taking folic acid supplements in the first trimester can reduce the risk of birth defects by 72% to 100%. Studies also suggest that folic acid can prevent miscarriages, Down’s syndrome, and childhood leukemia, although this has yet to be proven.
2. Homocysteine control
Vitamin B9 (folic acid) can reduce cholesterol and homocysteine, both primary risk factors for heart disease, stroke, and heart attack. It also prevents damage to the blood vessels and encourages better blood flow. Folic acid strengthens the nervous system, preventing nervous disorders like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
To effectively reduce homocysteine, doctors usually recommend at least 400 mcg of folate a day, although some studies show that 650 to 800 mcg may be more effective. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), this is best obtained from the diet rather than supplements, except for patients with a personal or family history of heart disease.
3. Bone strength
Folic acid is one of the primary nutrients needed to keep bones healthy throughout one’s life. Sufficient levels of vitamin B9 (folic acid), in conjunction with vitamins B6 and B12, can help prevent osteoporosis and other bone disorders.
4. Cancer prevention
Folic acid may also protect against cancer of the colon, breast, cervix, esophagus, and stomach. Some experts believe it keeps DNA healthy and prevents cancerous mutations. To effectively prevent colorectal cancer, patients need al least 400 mcg of folic acid every day for at least 15 years. Women who regularly drink alcohol are more likely to develop breast cancer, and may need folic acid to lower the risk.
IMPORTANT: Dietary supplements are not strictly regulated in the US. Some vitamin B9 (folic acid) supplements may contain silica, starch, sugar, or gluten, which may be harmful to your health. Choose supplements that are GMP-compliant to make sure they do not contain such chemicals.
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