Lysine

Lysine is an essential amino acid that is the basic building block of all proteins. Out of all nine “essential” amino acids known today, lysine is the least abundant. This nutrient was first isolated in 1889 from casein.

As one of the building blocks of protein, lysine is required for growth and development. It is needed to maintain nitrogen balance in the body. Since the body cannot manufacture amino acids on its own, we find other sources for them. Amino acids, such as lysine, are supplied to the body through our diet or supplements.

Health Benefits

There are many health benefits associated with the intake of lysine. The substance appears to aid in the body’s absorption and conservation of calcium. Because of this, lysine supplements may play a role in preventing the bone-loss disorder, otherwise known as osteoporosis.

Since it is incorporated into proteins which are then used by the body, lysine performs a multitude of other functions as well. For one, lysine is reported to have the ability to retard the development of herpes. By interfering with the replication of the herpes virus, this amino acid can therefore help in controlling the development of the disease. This property of lysine encouraged many doctors to recommend its use for people with cold sores or genital herpes.

Like all amino acids, lysine plays a key role in the production of various enzymes, hormones, and disease-fighting antibodies in the body. Researchers today are exploring the role of lysine in lowering down cholesterol levels and enhancing recovery after surgery. In addition, this amino acid is also said to have various physiological benefits on the body, such as improving overall performance among athletes.

Some physicians and dentists believe in the ability of lysine to speed up the healing rate of canker sores. This disease is classified as a type of mouth ulcer that is extremely painful. The origin of the disease is still quite unknown but many believe that it is caused by a virus. Lysine, believed to have healing properties, is used to combat this disease. However, there is few clinical research to support this.

Lysine is most promising as a potential remedy for herpes sores caused by the herpes simplex virus. Over the past several decades, extensive research has been made on lysine and its effect on the virus, bringing out exciting results. Arginine, a common amino acid found in chocolate, peanuts, almonds, seeds, cereal grains, gelatins, and raisins, is needed by the herpes virus in order to replicate. In order to gain entrance to cells, arginine has to compete with lysine. This led scientists to conclude that with the presence of lysine in the body, arginine levels are lessened, thus inhibiting the growth of herpes virus.

Lysine supplementation is one way of staving off and reducing the severity of herpes-related cold sores. A clinical trial found out that after six months, lysine is effective in cold sore prevention. In addition, the herpes sores that did develop in the lysine group were milder and tend to heal faster.

Product Information

Lysine supplements are available in tablets or powdered forms. Some drugstores also sell them as a liquid or in capsules.

When using lysine, remember that this amino acid is very sensitive to the effects of food processing, such as dry heat. Its concentration in protein-rich foods, such as legumes, may be reduced if the food has been toasted or roasted.

Zinc

Zinc is considered as an essential trace mineral. The criteria for knowing whether a trace mineral is essential include presence of nutrient in healthy tissue, if it is found in fetus and newborns and if the body maintains homeostatic control over its uptake in bloodstream or tissue and its excretion.

Zinc is relied on by every cell in the body and hundreds of body processes. It is needed in the immune system, the enzymes that produce DNA to the senses of taste and smell. The body does not manufacture zinc on its own. But this mineral is widely available in drinking water and certain foods.

Zinc has provides the body a number of health benefits, among them are:

- It fights colds and flu. Zinc lozenges can lessen the length and severity of cold and flu. Zinc actually destroys cold virus. Choose zinc lozenges in the form of gluconate, ascorbate or glycinate. Avoid zinc sorbitol, mannitol or critic acid since saliva makes these chemicals ineffective.

- It speeds up healing of canker sores and sore throat. Zinc boosts resistance to canker sores and sore throat. It heals them faster.

- It supports healing of skin wounds, eczema, rosacea, burns and other irritations. It repairs the top layer of the skin by helping to process the essential fatty acids that promote healing.

- It controls acne. Zinc promotes skin health by improving the immune system, lowering inflammation and promoting healthy hormone levels resulting to control of acne.

- It lowers tinnitus. Tinnitus is caused in part by low levels of zinc.

- It treats eye problems. It enhances the benefits of vitamin A.

- It controls diabetes. It improves level of insulin thereby aiding people with type 1 or 2 diabetes control their disease effectively.

- It minimizes digestive complaints by its capacity to promote healing.

- It protects against osteoporosis. It fosters mineral absorption and keep bones health.

- Treats infertility problems related to hormones. Zinc fosters proper cell division during the earliest stages of conception in women. And in men, it is necessary for adequate testosterone levels and sperm counts.

- It reduces enlarged prostate. Zinc promotes health of prostate gland in men and relieves symptoms of BPH or benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Zinc comes in various formulations such as: tablet, lozenge, liquid and capsule. The recommended intake is 15 mg for adult men and 12 mg for adult women. To treats disorders, higher doses are required. Too little of zinc may cause increased risk for colds and flu, impaired wound healing and reduced sense of smell. Skin ailments, low sperm counts and blood sugar tolerance may happen.

Too much that is at 200 mg a day can result to nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Tasking more than 100 mg a day in supplements for long period of time can cause disorders such as reduced levels of HDL or ‘good’ cholesterol.

Zinc may interact with certain drugs and nutrients such as copper. Taking zinc for more than a month may cause reduction the absorption of copper. Take the supplements two hours after iron because this may cause absorption problems too. Zinc can also cause decrease in absorption of antibiotics. Take it two hours after antibiotics such as tetracycline, doxycycline and minocycline. Total daily intake of zinc from food and supplements should not be more than 150 mg a day.

Herbal supplement dictionary

Herbal supplement dictionary pertains to herbal supplements that could bring out holistic health. The herbal supplement dictionary provides information on what are the herbal supplements, what they are, how much you should use and what they do to the body and what cautions, if any, should be exercised if using them. Some of the herbal supplements found in the herbal supplement dictionary are:

Calcium: This is a very vital to bones and is necessary to prevent osteoporosis. For up to 50 years old use 600 mg twice a day. For 50-71 years old, 600-800 mg twice daily and for above 70, 800 mg twice daily.

Magnesium: lowers risk for heart disease, promotes bone and sexual health. Women are required 400 mg of magnesium per day and 333 mg for men.

Folic acid: Is a water-soluble vitamin B that is vital in forming coenzyme for protein synthesis. Required dosage of folic acid is 400 mcg. Patients that are at risk for heart disease need 800 mcg.

Selenium: It is necessary for the synthesis of GPx (glutathione peroxidase) which is an antioxidant. It strengthens the immune system and reduces the risk of prostrate cancer also lung and colorectal.

Iron: This is a good mineral for menstruating women or those with iron deficiency. The recommended dosage for iron is up to 18 mg per day.

Vitamin A: This supplement is fat-soluble which plays a major role in vision and could reduce the risk of cancer. You need to take 5,000 IU per day.

Vitamin B5 or Pyridoxine: Is a group of compounds that contain nitrogen. It is included in the herbal supplement dictionary. Recommended dosage is 2 mg.

Vitamin B12: This is responsible for carbohydrate and protein metabolism. You need 6 mcg daily.

Vitamin E: is a fat soluble vitamin that scavenges the free radicals. You need at least 400 IU daily. Increase it to between 800-1200 mcg if you have heart disease.

Vitamin D: Is fat soluble vitamin that enhances the effects of calcium. You need 10-20 minutes of sunlight to get vitamin D or 400 IU daily. It is good for treating osteoporosis and arthritis.

Vitamin C: Is a water soluble vitamin which has antioxidant effects. It strengthens the immune system, decreases severity of colds and prevents cancer. You need 600 mg twice daily.

Vitamin K

Researchers in Denmark observed in 1930s that chicks on a fat-free diet had bleeding problems. In 1939, they were able to isolate an alfalfa-based compound that stopped the bleeding. This compound helps blood clot or coagulation hence the substance was named vitamin K for Koagulation. As time progressed, scientists discovered that ‘friendly’ bacteria in the intestinal tract can create enough quantities to be able to supply the body’s needs. This function is improved with cultured milk in the diet. Another 20% of vitamin K can be acquired from foods which are specifically found in green leafy vegetables. Vitamin K is known to prevent excessive bleeding and supports strong bones. Vitamin K is available in two forms: the natural forms – K1, which is also called phylloquinone and is found in plants and Vitamin K2 also called menaquinone and can be synthesized by bacteria. The second form is vitamin K3, menadione, which is synthetic and is man made. This vitamin can be destroyed by freezing, air pollution and radiation.

Health benefits the body can derive from vitamin K include:

- It controls blood clotting and is vital in synthesizing liver protein that controls clotting.

- It is necessary in creating prothrombin which is antecedent to thrombin- an important factor in blood clotting.

- It is involve in bone formation and repair.

- It aids in converting glucose to glycogen which are then stored in the liver.

- Some indications point to the possibility that vitamin K may reduce incidence of osteoporosis and slow bone loss.

Lack of vitamin K in newborn babies led to hemorrhagic disease, also postoperative bleeding and hematuria. Muscle hematomas and inter-cranial hemorrhages are also observed. In adults, a shortage of vitamin K may result in nosebleeds and internal hemorrhaging.

Recommended dosage of K vitamin is 80 micrograms daily for males. And 70 micrograms per day for females. Vitamin K is best used with dietary fat for the absorption of this vitamin. Rancid fats, excessive refined sugar, antibiotics, high doses of vitamin E or calcium and mineral oils interfere with the vitamin’s absorption. K vitamin just like some nutrients may interact with other drugs and nutrients. Vitamin K supplements when taken on extended periods may impede with the effect of blood-thinning medications such as enoxaparin, warfarin and aspirin because of its similar blodd-thinning effect. High doses of vitamin E may affect vitamin K function and enhances the risks of bleeding.

As an added precaution, do not take vitamin K in large quantities without consulting your doctor. When you are prone to bruise easily, you might need doses of vitamin K. For pregnant or lactating women, it is best to inform your doctor before taking supplements of vitamin K. For pregnant women, taking too much vitamin K in the last stages of pregnancy could cause toxicity for the baby. Taking higher than the recommended doses of vitamin K may cause flushing and sweating. Jaundice and anemia may also develop. Good sources of vitamin K include: green leafy vegetables, cheese, liver, asparagus, coffee, bacon and green tea.

Trace minerals

Trace minerals refer to trace amounts of certain minerals that are needed for the body to function well. These minerals do not really require huge amounts or recommended allowances for the body. Nearly all of these trace minerals function as coenzymes or substances that work together with enzymes or complex proteins that are needed for faster chemical reactions in the body. Trace minerals are part of the DNA, the genetic material. The criteria for knowing whether a micronutrient is essential include presence of nutrient in healthy tissue, if it is found in fetus and newborns and if the body maintains homeostatic control over its uptake in bloodstream or tissue and its excretion. Essential trace minerals include: cobalt, copper, chromium, flourine, iron, iodine, manganese, molybdenum, selenium and zinc.

There are a number of health benefits one can derived from trace minerals, which include:

- Trace minerals are vital for the proper functioning of enzyme systems, nerve conduction, muscle function and assist in transfer of nourishment into cells

- Provides framework for tissues and regulate organ functions

- Certain trace minerals can help in growth and development when taken in supplement form and if the individual has deficiency.

- Some of these trace minerals help in strong bones formation and connective tissues and prevents osteoporosis which causes bone-thinning.

- They also protect against strains and sprains due to its strengthening characteristic.

- Some trace minerals prevent heart disease and may control seizures.

- Flouride is a trace mineral popularly known for its capacity to promote strong teeth.

The symptoms for excess or deficiency of trace minerals are usually one-sided. These generally depend on the ratios to other chemical members depending on the group they are neurologically assigned to. For instance, calcification is not caused by high levels of
calcium that causes stone or spur formation but the high ratio of calcium as compared to the associated or interactive elements. In case of phosphorous and zinc that both have left-sided cell receptors, if either is low in ratio to calcium, the calcification would take place only in the left side of the body. If low ratio of manganese or magnesium occur which are both found in the right-sided cell receptors, the calcification would develop on the right side of the body only. Lack of trace minerals in the body can contribute to impede the body to function fully making it vulnerable to diseases.

Manganese which is a component of trace minerals may be toxic to individuals with liver or gallbladder ailments. If you are prone for breast or prostate cancer, refer to your physician before using the trace mineral boron which may have possible effects on the hormone levels. Molybdenum can possibly make gout symptoms worse. Trace minerals do not cause negative reactions even if taken in large doses. But manganese which is often inhaled by miners can lead to severe psychiatric symptoms, violent rages, poor coordination and stiff muscles. Boron if taken more than 500 mg a day can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and fatigue. Vanadium taken at high levels at more than 10 mg per day may result to cramping, diarrhea and green tongue.

To treat arrhythmia, take 10 mg manganese every morning.
To treat osteoporosis, take 15-20 mg manganese per day.

Pyridoxine Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is also called pyridoxine. B6 is a part of Vitamin B complex which is water-soluble and is necessary for body health. Pyridoxine is vital for maintaining hormonal balance in women, in enhancing the immune system and the growth of new cells. It is also a factor in the processing and metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates at the same time controlling your mood and behavior. Pyridoxine also helps children with learning difficulties and helps in preventing dandruff, eczema and psoriasis. It helps in balancing sodium and potassium also aids in production of red blood cell. It is involved with the nucleic acids RNA and DNA. And it is associated with cancer immunity and combats the formation of toxic chemical homocysteine which is harmful to the heart muscle.

Lack of Vitamin B6’s pyridoxine in women could result to results in mood swings, depression and loss of sexual drive when the person is on hormone replacement therapy or taking birth control pills. Symptoms noticed particularly in women include suffering from pre-menstrual fluid retention, severe period pains, emotional PMS symptoms, premenstrual ace and nausea in early pregnancy.

General symptoms in Vitamin B6 deficiency include irritability, nervousness, insomnia, general weakness, skin changes such as dermatitis and acne, asthma and allergies. There are also noticeable ridged in nails, inflamed tongue and changed to the bones including osteoporosis and arthritis. Kidney stones may possibly appear. Lack of Vitamin B6 has similar symptoms to those of B2 and B3 deficiency. Vitamin B6 is a necessary ingredient so the body can manufacture its own vitamin B3.

The minimum dosage for Vitamin B6 is 2 mg for males and females per day. This is only the least dosage required by the body in order to prevent deficiency of Vitamin B6. If B6 is used for therapeutic purposes, the dosage should be increased without going beyond the maximum level or in overdose to prevent toxicity.

Excessive dosage of Vitamin B6 which means in excess of 2,000 mg per day could possibly result in neurological damage. Persons taking medication for Parkinson’s disease should exercise caution in taking Vitamin B6 since it can inactivate levo-dopa. People who take B6 right before bedtime sometimes usually experience very vivid dreams.

The pyridoxine content in Vitamin B6 is best taken with the entire B complex vitamins. The quantity of B6 taken should be nearly the same as B2 because B2 is needed to activate the pyridoxine content in Vitamin B6. Vitamin C also enhances the effect of B6. Magnesium, sodium, potassium, zinc, linoleic acid and fatty acids also promote effectives of vitamin B6.

If you are taking antidepressants, contraceptive pills or in hormone replacement therapy, you should take more of B6. This vitamin is lost in urine and should be taken regular in order to maintain adequate amount in the body. Those with very high protein diet or using alcohol or allergic to mono sodium glutamate (MSG) and/or tartrazine should take more of B6.

Pyridoxine content of Vitamin B6 is sensitive to sunlight; cooking and processing Cortison can impede pyridoxine absorption. Exercising may help the production of B6 active form. Food rich in Vitamin B6 include: brewer’s yeast, eggs, chicken, carrots, fish, liver, kidneys, peas, wheat germ and walnuts.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is also known as the sunlight vitamin because the body manufactures it when the sun’s ultraviolet B (UVB) rays hit the skin. It is technically a hormone because it is the only vitamin that the body manufactures. It is vital in building strong bones and teeth. Vitamin D also strengthens the immune system and prevents some types of cancer. Ten to fifteen minutes walk in the summer sun for a few days weekly is enough supply of vitamin D. Those who can’t get out in the sun may require a supplement especially during winter where people do not get enough sun. The body’s capacity to manufacture vitamin D seems to decline with age. Older adults therefore need more vitamin D from food or supplements whether they have sunlight exposure or not.

There are a number of health benefits you can enjoy from vitamin D. These include:

- It prevents osteoporosis. Vitamin D promotes absorption and balance of calcium and phosphorous in the body thereby strengthening bones and teeth and promotes normal muscle contraction and nerve function. If calcium in the blood is low, the body is forced to steal the mineral from the bones and supply the muscles and nerves with the calcium they need. Continuous loss of calcium may lead to osteoporosis. Vitamin D together with calcium has a vital role in promoting bone density.

- It protects against some type of cancer. Vitamin D may be essential in preventing breast, colon and prostate cancer.

- It slows down joint damage due to arthritis. 400 IU or more of vitamin D can effectively stop osteoarthritis of the knees.

- It eases back pain. Vitamin D promotes strong bones and cartilage easing back pain.

- It protects against multiple sclerosis. Studies indicate possible connection between vitamin D and MS.

- It relieves symptoms of psoriasis. It helps in skin cell metabolism and growth thereby contributing to the treatment of skin diseases. Individuals with psoriasis have low levels of vitamin D.

Vitamin D is sold in tablet, softgel, liquid and capsule formulation. Recommended intake of Vitamin D includes the following:

- Men and women ages 19 to 50, take 200 IU per day.

- Men and women ages 51 to 70, take 400 IU per day.

- Men and women ages 71 and older, take 600 IU per day.

Those that have vitamin D deficiency may develop osteoporosis later on. Other symptoms include nervousness, muscle twitches, insomnia and diarrhea. Children, in case of severe deficiency, may develop a bone-weakening disease called rickets.

If you take excessive doses of vitamin D, usually more than 1,000 IU a day, may notice signs and symptoms of toxic reaction. These symptoms may include: loss of appetite, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and urination. Taking 10,000 to 15,000 IU on daily basis may lead to weight loss, paleness, constipation, fever and a host of other ailments. Taking Vitamin at more than 1,000 IU daily for an extended period of time may possibly result in high blood pressure, premature hardening of arteries, weaken bones, calcium buildup in the muscles and kidney damage.

In order to get the most vitamin D, expose yourself between 10 to 15 minutes of sunlight from 8 A.M. to 3 P.M. twice daily can give you all the vitamin D you need. Do not take more than 800 IU of vitamin D supplements per day. For faster absorption, take fat-soluble vitamin with food that has some fat. Vitamin D should be taken with antacids that have magnesium as this can cause high levels of magnesium. Do not take Vitamin D with thiazide diuretics as this can cause toxic levels of calcium that causes kidneys to fail.

Calcium

There are so many important ideas about calcium. We all know that calcium is an essential mineral in the human body, and generally, it is there to maintain the total body health. In fact, calcium is badly needed everyday for a certain structural function, and that is basically to keep our bones and teeth strong over a lifetime.

According to some studies, about 99 percent of the body’s total calcium is present in the bones and teeth, where calcium definitely plays a large structural role. The remaining 1 percent then is in the body tissues and fluids where calcium is also important for the purpose of cell metabolism, muscle constriction, and nerve impulse transmission. Thus calcium also guarantees the proper functioning of the muscles and nerves in the body. And essentially, calcium aids blood clotting.

As calcium plays a vital structural role, it is considered that in the process, there is basically a continuous movement of the mineral between the skeleton and blood as well as the other parts of the body. Such movement is finely monitored by the hormones. And in this case, the metabolites of vitamin D is said to be important specifically to enhance the re-absorption of this mineral by bones.

And since calcium also plays an essential part in cell metabolism, it is found out that this mineral can join to large scope of proteins that are altering the biological activity inside the body. Such movement is then significant in the nerve impulse transmission as well as for muscle constriction. In addition, calcium in this sense is needed for blood clotting, as it is mentioned earlier, since it activates clotting factors.

Calcium is very important in the body for the fact that an inadequate intake of it may cause certain calcium deficiency which may lead to osteomalacia or softening of the bones in adults and rickets in children. The calcium deficiency in adults may also be related to repeated pregnancy with lengthy breast feeding.

Aside from that, the deficiency of this mineral may result to osteoporosis which include loss of calcium from the bones and decreased bone density. Such disorder may cause the bones to frail and responsible to fracture. This bone loss usually occurs with age in all human beings. This is accompanied with the shrinking of the skeleton and this typically occurs after 35-40 years. It is also interesting to know this deficiency is mostly common in women following the menopause due to the decreased level of hormone estrogen.

Calcium is generally present in a wide variety of foods. The good sources of this mineral are dairy products, leafy green vegetables, nuts and seeds like almonds, brazils, and sesame seeds, tofu, and dried fruit. And since most flour is prepared with calcium carbonate, the experts suggest that cereals are also good source of this mineral. In addition, hard water may also give certain amounts of calcium, but meat is a very poor source of this important mineral.

Today, there is the Reference Nutrient Intake or RNI, which is the amount of nutrient that is adequate for at least 97 percent of the population suggesting that during pregnancy, the calcium absorption from the gut enhances and no supplementary element of this mineral is generally needed. Those breast feeding women need an extra 550 mg of calcium for better health, and since the absorption of this mineral decrease with age, it is therefore necessary for the elderly to acquire adequate dietary calcium.