adequate vitamin intake Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Acid Reflux Medication Interferes with Vitamin and Mineral Absorption

The AHA! Team — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 05:15:21 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or acid reflux as it is often known, is one of the most common health complaints among adults. So much so that medications to treat the symptoms make up the third highest-selling class of drugs in the United States. It is estimated that a staggering 20% of the the U.S. population suffer with symptoms of acid reflux. While proton-pump inhibiting (PPI) drugs, such as Prilosec, Prevacid, and Nexium, bring welcomed relief from the symptoms of acid reflux, habitual use of these pharmaceuticals over time can be a health risk, increasing the likelihood of nutritional deficiencies, bone fractures, and heart disease. Understanding the cause of acid reflux Acid reflux is caused by the incomplete closure of the sphincter valve – located between the stomach and the esophagus. When this occurs, harsh stomach contents can splash back up across the delicate lining of the esophagus and the throat, nose, and other vulnerable tissues. Most commonly, acid reflux can cause pain in the center of the chest and, at times, an acidic taste in the mouth. While uncomfortable, the true concern is that – left untreated – symptoms of acid reflux will lead to esophageal cancer and other related changes down the road. But one thing should be made perfectly clear: toxic medications will never cure this problem. The dangers of PPI drugs and acid reflux What many acid reflux sufferers don’t realize is that medications to treat their heartburn and other symptoms come at a hefty price. There are Prilosec side effects, for example, that may go unnoticed for months or even years. Using PPIs to gain some control over symptoms may seem helpful, but these medications don’t stop the physical reflux of digestive enzymes, bile, and corrosive food/drinks flowing into the delicate esophageal lining. Continued exposure to the acids and protein-digesting enzymes in stomach fluid can bring about precancerous changes, such as the development of the condition known as Barrett’s esophagus. Reducing stomach acid is also likely to interfere with your body’s ability to extract vitamin B12 from foods. Research shows that most oral acid-suppressing medications, including PPIs, decrease the absorption of vitamin B12 from foods. In one study, 75 percent of PPI users were deficient in vitamin B12, compared with just 11 percent among non-users. Gut problems can be life-threatening Regular use of PPIs may also lead to low blood magnesium levels. Symptoms include fatigue, unsteadiness, numbness/tingling, seizures, and heart rhythm disturbances. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary. However, magnesium levels can return to normal when PPI medications are halted. PPI use can also lead to poor calcium absorption, increasing the risk of bone fractures. These medications are also associated with elevated risk for cardiovascular disease and even risk of death due to heart attack. PPIs inhibit the normal production of nitric oxide, a signaling molecule vital for normal blood vessel function. Lower your risk of disease with natural solutions Avoiding the use of PPIs in favor of natural solutions to acid reflux and heartburn results in fewer unwanted impacts on your health. Often, dietary and lifestyle changes hold the key to diminishing occurrence. Avoid processed and “rich” foods, particularly desserts. Do not overeat, and chew your food – very well. In terms of a plant remedy, check out this article about how slippery elm can help you. If you are a smoker, acid reflux is yet another reason to quit. If you still have acid reflux symptoms, consult a trusted holistic physician with experience in natural remedies – including essential oils and herbs – to help guide you toward a full recovery. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov Lifeextension.com To read the original article click here.

The post Acid Reflux Medication Interferes with Vitamin and Mineral Absorption appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Beriberi Plague Millions in East Asia – Until One Man Discovered it was a Vitamin Deficiency

The AHA! Team — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 06:34:35 +0000

Arsenio Toledo via Natural News – Beriberi, or thiamine deficiency, used to be a disease that was endemic to many parts of the world, including Japan – until a Japanese naval physician discovered that the simple solution was a change in diet and an increase in the natural intake of vitamins. Beriberi used to be so prevalent all over East Asia that up to 40 percent of the Imperial Japanese Navy by the late 19th century was affected by it. Japanese naval physician Takaki Kanehiro became one of the first people in the world to discover that beriberi was linked to diet, specifically the Navy’s reliance on rice. Takaki proposed a change in diet to include more protein-rich foods, and this change successfully eliminated the disease within the Navy in just two years. Takaki’s work not only improved the health of Japanese sailors but also improved its military strength and advanced global understanding of nutritional diseases and epidemiology. Beriberi, or thiamine deficiency, used to be a disease that was endemic to many parts of the world, including Japan – until a Japanese naval physician discovered that the simple solution was a change in diet and an increase in the natural intake of vitamins. This is according to research from the 1962 book “The Vitamin Hunters” by Albert von Haller, which chronicles how many endemic diseases like beriberi, scurvy, pellagra and rickets were nearly wiped from existence following the knowledge that they were caused by vitamin deficiencies. The man responsible for helping solve the global problem of thiamine deficiency is Takaki Kanehiro, a Japanese naval medical officer who discovered the cure to beriberi around 10 years before Dutch physician Christiaan Eijkman won the Nobel Prize in Medicine for his work in identifying that beriberi was caused by a nutritional deficiency, namely the lack of thiamine or vitamin B1. (Related: B vitamins are CRUCIAL to heart health, brain health and eye health.) Beriberi, characterized by symptoms such as paralysis, heart weakness and swelling of the liver, was widespread in Japan and all-over East Asia during the 19th century. In the Imperial Japanese Navy, the disease reached epidemic proportions, with up to 40 percent of sailors affected. The illness severely compromised the Navy’s operational capacity, as many recovered sailors were left unfit for service. Takaki, who joined the Navy as a medical officer in 1872, observed the devastating impact of beriberi firsthand. At the time, the disease was widely believed to be caused by an infectious agent, a theory influenced by the recent discoveries of Louis Pasteur and Robert Koch. Takaki initially sought to identify the presumed bacillus but found no evidence to support this hypothesis. A change in diet was all it took to rid the Imperial Japanese Navy of its beriberi epidemic Takaki’s breakthrough came when he hypothesized that beriberi was linked to the sailors’ diet, particularly their reliance on polished rice. He noted that officers, who consumed a more varied diet were less affected than regular rank-and-file sailors who primarily consumed rice. Takaki proposed that the disease was caused by a deficiency of nitrogenous elements like protein in the diet – a theory that contradicted prevailing medical beliefs. To test his hypothesis, Takaki conducted a controlled experiment in 1884 using two naval vessels. One ship maintained the traditional rice-based diet, while the other was provisioned with a protein-rich diet similar to that of British sailors. The results were striking: On the control ship, over two-thirds of the crew developed beriberi, while on the other ship, only four cases were reported and all among sailors who had secretly consumed more rice than proteins. Takaki’s findings led to a radical overhaul of the Imperial Japanese Navy’s dietary provisions. By 1885, the new diet had been adopted across the fleet, and after just two years the Navy had effectively eradicated the disease from its ranks. This achievement not only improved the health and morale of sailors but also strengthened Japan’s military capabilities, contributing to its victory in the Russo-Japanese War in 1904. Takaki’s work extended beyond his research on beriberi. He founded the Sei-I-Kwai Medical Training School in 1881 and pioneered an emphasis on patient-centered care in Japan. He also established the country’s first nursing school and created a charitable hospital to serve the poor, which still stands today as the Jikei University School of Medicine in Minato, Tokyo. In recognition of his contributions, Takaki was appointed Navy Surgeon General in 1885 and became the first person in Japan to receive a Doctor of Medical Science degree in 1888. He was elevated to the imperial peerage in 1905 and awarded Japan’s highest honors, including the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Sacred Treasure and the Order of the Rising Sun. Kanehiro Takaki’s pioneering work on beriberi marked a turning point in the understanding of nutritional diseases. By demonstrating the link between diet and health, he not only solved a critical problem for the Japanese Navy but also advanced the field of epidemiology. His legacy continues to influence medical education and healthcare in Japan, underscoring the importance of empirical research and patient-centered care. Sources include: Brighteon.ai Journals.SagePub.com Brighteon.com To read the original article, click here

The post Beriberi Plague Millions in East Asia – Until One Man Discovered it was a Vitamin Deficiency appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Homocysteine Imbalance Connected to HIGHER Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease

The AHA! Team — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 06:20:15 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, currently affects about 60-70% of the nearly 55 million people diagnosed worldwide – while heart disease and stroke continue to claim too many lives, every year. As a possible way to help solve this health crisis, scientists are learning that high homocysteine levels can contribute to these life-threatening diseases. For instance, a recent study found that elevated homocysteine is associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Homocysteine is an amino acid, and high levels in the body, often due to deficiencies in vitamin B12 and folate, can lead to cognitive decline. Another study at Temple University highlighted the vital role of B-complex vitamins in controlling homocysteine. With vitamin B deficiencies currently widespread in the United States – and Alzheimer’s disease on the rise – the need for maintaining healthy levels of these essential nutrients has never been more apparent. How vitamin deficiencies and other factors contribute to Alzheimer’s disease In a recent review published in Disease-a-Month, researchers examined how vitamin deficiencies and other factors could be linked to Alzheimer’s disease in humans. They found that low levels of vitamin B12 and folate, along with elevated homocysteine levels, are associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s. These imbalances can contribute to cognitive decline and neurodegeneration, similar to what’s seen in other studies on dementia. The review also highlighted how oral bacteria, specifically those linked to dental infections like periodontitis, may play a role in Alzheimer’s. These bacteria can trigger inflammation in the nervous system, adding to the damage in the brain. Another key finding is that Alzheimer’s might be related to insulin resistance in the brain, sometimes referred to as “type 3 diabetes,” which disrupts glucose metabolism and worsens brain function. Diet-induced elevations in homocysteine damage the brain Researchers have also uncovered more about how tau tangles form. They found that elevated homocysteine levels trigger an increase in 5-lipoxygenase (5LO), a pro-inflammatory chemical responsible for the formation of tau tangles. The next step is to determine whether blocking the production of 5LO can prevent – or even reverse – the brain damage caused by high homocysteine, which had already been linked to amyloid beta plaques, another hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. Until now, however, the connection between homocysteine and tau tangles has been unclear. The statistics on elevated homocysteine are alarming Homocysteine, classified as a non-protein amino acid, exists naturally in the human body. It is produced as a byproduct of the metabolism of the amino acid methionine. High homocysteine levels, known as hyperhomocysteinemia, can have a genetic component. But they can also be caused by stress, improper diet – such as eating too many processed foods – and B vitamins and folic acid deficiencies. In addition, although coffee has received high marks lately from researchers for its association with lowered risk of degenerative disease, some experts believe that coffee consumption raises homocysteine levels. Research has shown that high homocysteine levels disrupt fragile arterial linings, promote inflammation and oxidative stress, and reduce blood flow to the heart and brain. All of these destructive processes can “prime the pump” for atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease – to such an extent that blood levels of homocysteine can accurately predict the risk of heart disease. Studies have shown that high homocysteine is associated with a 42 percent increase in the risk of narrowing of the carotid arteries. In addition, people with elevated homocysteine who have had a heart attack are at a 30 percent higher risk of experiencing another adverse event – for example, a second heart attack, stroke, or even death. Finally, high homocysteine doubles the odds of developing dementia (as compared to people with normal levels). Your doctor can check your homocysteine levels with a simple blood test. Levels under 10 umol/L are considered desirable, with 7 umol/L to 8 umol/L considered optimal. How do I avoid vitamin B deficiencies and fight high homocysteine? Unfortunately, vitamin B deficiencies are common, particularly in elderly people. One study showed that 40 percent of heart disease patients aged 80 and over are deficient in vitamin B12. As vitamin B12 is found only in animal products, vegans and vegetarians may be at risk, too. You can boost your intake of B-complex vitamins by eating healthy amounts of organic spinach, wheat germ, beets, and avocados. Wild-caught salmon, 100% grass-fed beef, and organic dairy products are particularly rich in vitamin B12. However, supplementation with B-complex vitamins may be the best approach – especially if you have hyperhomocysteinemia. Naturally, you should consult your holistic doctor before starting a supplement routine. For lowering high homocysteine, natural health experts often recommend taking 25 to 100 mg of vitamin B2 a day – along with 100 to 200 mg a day of vitamin B6, 1,000 to 10,000 mcg a day of vitamin B9 (folate), and 300 to 1,000 mcg of vitamin B12, or methylcobalamin. These B-complex vitamins, which all work together to detoxify homocysteine, should be taken along with the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA found in fish oil. One more bit of encouraging news: In one study, combining B vitamins and omega-3s reduced brain shrinkage by 40 percent! High levels of homocysteine can put you at risk for potentially life-threatening diseases. However, a safe, inexpensive B-complex vitamin routine can help you lower your levels. When preserving the health of your heart and brain, these “B” vitamins are the “A” team. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov ALZ.org Medicalxpress.com Europepmc.org To read the original article click here.

The post Homocysteine Imbalance Connected to HIGHER Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Discover How B Complex Vitamins Promote Healthy Skin, Hair and Fingernails

AHA Publisher — Mon, 11 Jul 2022 07:00:55 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – While radiant skin, thick, shiny hair and perfect fingernails are inherently attractive, paying attention to their condition isn’t just a matter of personal vanity. The appearance of complexion, hair, and nails can often provide important clues as to the overall state of health – and even indicate issues such as thyroid problems, anemia, hormonal imbalances, or nutrient deficiencies. If you suddenly develop dry, scaly skin, thinning hair, and brittle nails, you should promptly consult your integrative doctor or dermatologist to rule out illness. But – in the absence of a medical condition – you can often address minor beauty “glitches” such as fragile nails, thinning hair, and dry, dull skin with proper nutrition (including adequate amounts of B complex vitamins). In fact, in a recent systematic review, vitamin B7 (also known as biotin) impressed researchers by causing improved growth of hair and nails in virtually all study participants. So let’s see what else the B complex vitamins can do for your well-being and appearance. B Complex Vitamins, Such as Biotin, Promote Skin and Nail Health Biotin, or vitamin B7, is a water-soluble vitamin essential for keratin production, an important component of fingernails and hair. Biotin has long been a popular beauty supplement – and now scientists are finding evidence of its clinical effectiveness. In a review of studies published in Skin Appendage Disorders, investigators evaluated 18 controlled trials and case studies to assess the effectiveness of biotin for participants with alopecia (thinning or missing hair), “brittle nail” syndrome, and poor hair or nail growth. The review authors reported that patients with brittle nail syndrome displayed improvement in nail growth. And participants with alopecia saw their symptoms resolve. (In all cases, however, the patients had an underlying biotin deficiency). The Institutes of Medicine lists the adequate intake of biotin for adults as 30 micrograms a day. Clearly, it can’t hurt to ensure adequate dietary intake – which you can do by nibbling on nuts, legumes, and whole grains. Grass-fed beef liver, organic egg yolks, and wild-caught salmon are also great sources. Biotin is available in supplementary form as well. However, check with your integrative physician before trying this nutrient to promote hair and nail health. Vitamin B5 Precursor Protects and Moisturizes Skin and Hair Panthenol is a provitamin or precursor, meaning that the body converts it to a specific vitamin (in this case: vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid). And the conversion occurs even when panthenol is applied topically to the skin or hair. Experts say that panthenol is both a humectant – a substance that helps draw water to the skin – and an emollient that helps seal moisture into the skin. This means that panthenol protects and promotes the healthy skin barrier function that keeps out toxins, pollutants, and pathogens that can cause infections. It is also anti-inflammatory – allowing it to reduce redness, itching, and swelling – and helps to support speedy wound healing. In addition, according to board-certified dermatologist Suneel Chilukiri, MD, panthenol’s various properties help the skin maintain elasticity, suppleness, and softness. (Panthenol also extends its “favors” to hair, promoting healthy condition, shine, and gloss). All in all, panthenol sounds like a “win” for supporting healthy hair and skin. You can find panthenol in skin care creams, moisturizers, conditioners, and shampoos – sometimes in combination with other skin-pampering ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides. (Pro tip: Panthenol has many “aliases.” If you want to make sure a product contains panthenol, check labels for its alternate names: provitamin B5, butanamide, and d-pantothenyl alcohol). Don’t Forget the Other B-Complex Vitamins Experts say that getting adequate amounts of the B complex vitamins is key for hair and nail health. Deficiencies in vitamins B1(thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), and B5 (pantothenic acid) can all cause undernourished follicles, which can slow hair growth, while shortfalls in vitamin B9, or folate, can cause nails to be brittle, thin and discolored. Finally, vitamin B12 is needed for iron absorption. Low iron levels, in fact, can directly impact nail health and appearance, with white, thin, fragile nails serving as a symptom of vitamin B12 deficiency. As this important micronutrient is found primarily in animal foods such as meat, poultry, fish, dairy, and eggs, vegans and vegetarians often need to seek out B12-fortified foods or take supplements. Consult your integrative doctor or dietitian for guidance. Promote Healthy Nails, Skin, and Hair With Proper Nutrition It’s not only deficiencies of B complex vitamins that can contribute to brittle nails and dry skin. Shortfalls in vitamin C – which facilitates the production of collagen – can contribute as well, while deficiencies in vitamin D are linked with skin problems such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and eczema. Also, getting adequate amounts of protein and omega-3 fatty acids is essential. In addition to getting proper nutrition, many experts advise wearing gloves to protect nails from excess moisture and harsh chemicals. Also, avoid processed foods, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats, which nutrition experts say can worsen skin inflammation, irritation, and breakouts. Good sources of B complex vitamins include grass-fed beef, cage-free poultry, pastured eggs, dairy products, legumes, leafy greens, cereals, and nutritional yeast. If you want to supplement, many natural health experts advise taking a high-quality B complex formulation. Check with your trusted integrative doctor to find a formulation that’s right for you. There’s really nothing “complex” about it. Avoiding B vitamin deficiencies can help you keep your skin glowing, your hair shining, and your nails growing. Sources for this article include: Healthline.com Byrdie.com Karger.com Heathline.com FoodInsight.com To read the original article click here.

The post Discover How B Complex Vitamins Promote Healthy Skin, Hair and Fingernails appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.