During the past few years, I've become more interested in the subject of health and wellness. During this time, I've found the amount of information and variety of supplements overwhelming. The rows of jars and bottles that line the shelves at health food stores and supermarkets seems infinite.
I believe that it's essential ,in our pill popping society, to be judicious when choosing to start a new supplement routine. It's imperative to do research and speak to your doctor or health practitioner before making a final decision.
Every individual needs to assess their own needs and restrictions before choosing a supplement. Personally, I'm in my early 30's,increasing my exercise levels, and dealing with a bit of mood irregularities and depression. I was already taking a multi-vitamin, but looked into two supplements that I had heard a lot about but had never tried: Evening Primrose Oil and Co-Enzyme Q-10.
Co-Enzyme Q-10 or vitamin Q10, is sometimes referred to as 'the fountain of youth'. It was identified in the 1950's and occurs naturally in the body. It protects the body from free radicals, which are nasty chemical elements that can damage the body's cells. Co-enzyme Q-10 is considered an anti-oxidant that has been prescribed to help treat and prevent various forms of cancer. Found in varying levels in different body organs, the heart happens to have high concentrations of Q10. A deficiency of this energy nutrient can lead to hypertension, angina, and fatigue. It has been shown to increase stamina in athletes, and keeps the cells of the body in good working order.
As a bonus there is also evidence to suggest Co-enzyme Q-10 can help to prevent gum disease. I look at this supplement as an oil change for my body. It helps with regular maintenance and keeps me high energy. My sister is a chiropractor and this was the one supplement she highly recommended. A recommended dose for daily maintenance is 30 mg, three times per day. Keep in mind that Co-Enzyme Q-10 is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
I've recently learned about and started using another supplement called Evening Primrose Oil. This supplement is ideal for women and can help with the symptoms of PMS, ease arthritic joint pain and swelling, prevent diabetes, help skin conditions like acne, rosacea, and exzema, protect against the effects of aging, counter female infertility, and nourish nails, scalp and hair. Evening Primrose Oil is pressed from the seed of the Evening Primrose flower. It it chock full of the fatty acid GLA or gamma-linoleic acid which exerts anti-inflammatory and other healing actions.
Our own bodies produce GLA which aids in prostoglandin production. Prostoglandins are required for proper cell function and rejuvenation, but need to be restored regularly. Everyday stresses on the body such as aging, high cholesterol, alcohol use, poor diet can lead to a deficiency in prostoglandin, and it has been shown that good GLA levels can help the production of this hormone. Usually 3 doses of 1000mg per day is recommended, but check with your doctor or health practitioner.
Perhaps you don't need every supplement you're currently taking, or maybe there are areas of your health that need more attention. Assess your individual needs, research the product and speak to your doctor or health practitioner. Take control of your health!
Jane Arnold is a freelance writer and part-time health buff. You can get more health and beauty tips at her website at: http://www.girlyside.com/girlyside.html The website is a girl's guide to health, beauty, love and leisure. Sign up for the free newsletter at http://www.girlyside.com/newsletter.html
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