Wednesday, 19 March 2014

Reasons Necessitating the Inclusion of Health Supplements in your Daily diet

Experts in nutritional balancing are usually uncomfortable in adding health supplements to their dietary plans and insist on the inclusion of natural sources of proteins, vitamins and minerals-- in the meals of children and adults alike. However, there are many reasons that attribute to the important role of these products and their recommendation for a healthier you, take a look.

Why are Nutritional supplements Important for just about everyone?
  • Lack of nutrient content in regular food supply: With overgrazing and over-farming being an order of the day worldwide, there has been an increase in the levels of soil depletion. This in turn has led to food production that is low /lacking in minerals, vitamins and other vital nutrients.
  • Lower Nutrition in Hybrid Crops: Hybrid crops: do yield more per hectare but boast of lower nutrient value than the food grown in the years gone by. For instance, the wheat produced today contains 6 percent of protein while that produced about ten decades ago contained a whopping 12-14 percent. The presence of trace minerals in contemporary crops is also lower.
  • Contemporary fertilizers are lacking in trace elements: In comparison to manures, superphosphate fertilizers of modern times contain higher levels of potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus but are deficient in trace elements. This makes it essential for you to include health suppliments such as those supplied by Himalaya products in your diet.
  • Requirement of extra nutrients by the body: The deadly chemicals contained in the pesticides that reach our blood stream, require higher levels of nutrients for combating /processing the same.
  • Long-distance transportation of food products diminishes nutritional content: After being harvested, food products start diminishing in their nutritional value and content. In contemporary times, vegetables, fruits and cereals are usually transported through long distances before reaching your town or city; thus rendering them lower in minerals and vitamins content.
  • Spraying, irradiation or processing of fruits: A large percentage of agricultural produce of the world is concentrated in countries like Asia, South America and China. These places are often miles away from the areas in which their products (especially fruits) are sold. As transportation is often slow in nature, these food products are treated in various ways to retain their freshness and look. However, in spite of best efforts, they end up getting moldy or losing their intrinsic worth –without you knowing.
Along with the various reasons stated above, food refining and processing methods also take a toll on the nutritional content of common foods like rice, wheat flour, dairy products and so forth. While freshly canned sardines and fresh frozen vegetables are preserved quickly after being harvested, homogenization and pasteurization of dairy products reduces the bioavailability of phosphorus, calcium and some proteins–necessitating the inclusion of health suppliments and Himalaya products in your lifetime.

However, do remember to consult your physician or health advisor before you go ahead and pop in these pills/ tablets or reach out for a spoon to mix your supplements in a glass of water, juice or milk. This is important to avoid any complications in future.

Fish Oil for Children—the Big Catch

Thomas was hyperactive and very frivolous with his chapters. At 12 years of age, his parents started noticing a slight transformation in him.He started becoming more organized than before--the reason being attributed to a regular dosage of fish oil for children. There were differences in his keenness to perform, overall attention span and the ways in which he behaved with his peers and teachers alike. Going a long way in alleviating the signs of autism, dyslexia and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD); the role of kids fish oil is quite promising.

Is fish oil the right source for Omega -3?

Oil fish like sardines, mackerel or salmon are high in natural Omega-3 fatty acid—a vital ingredient for brain functions and overall cardiac health. In today’s time, the diet presented to your child boasts of paltry levels of oily fish, thus leading to a deficiency of omega-3. Reputed brands are now promoting the goodness of omega-3s in their kids fish oil products. Whether it is about delivering burned omega-3 in specially manufactured sliced bread or yoghurt or offering it in the form of strawberry-flavored, chewy, fish oil supplements—inclusion of fish oil in your child’s diet is important.

How do I believe that Omega -3 will help my/my child’s mental and physical state?

Well, here is what we can tell from research studies conducted by scientists. They have managed to establish that healthy adults with lower levels of omega-3 are more likely to be pessimistic, depressed and impulsive than their counterparts. Presence of adequate levels of Omega-3 also helps patients with a history of borderline personality disorder and schizophrenia. However, when it comes to a child’s academic performance and behavior, the evidences are slightly mixed. It’s true that omega-3 supplements are helpful for children with certain developmental disorders like ADHD, autism, or dyspraxia. However, parents stuffing their healthy kids with fish oil pills at the breakfast table should be aware that behavioral problems with kids are generally multi-factorial in nature and cannot be treated by fish oil alone.

So, what is the way forward?

Fish oil supplementation for kids is a raging topic among parents and health care advisors alike. Expensive and often beyond the reach of some families, fish oil pills and add-ons are known to be good for your child’s heart too. So, if you are not being able to serve at least two portions of fish to your child every week (one of which should definitely be oily: tuna (fresh), trout, sardines, salmon, mackerel and herring); you may rely on cod liver/fish oil for their omega-3 intake for the required nutritional worth.

In a nutshell, fish oil is an important part of your child’s diet—in its natural form or through supplements and pills. Are you ready for the big catch—in the form of fish oil for your kid?

Advantages of Turning to Health Medicines and Products

Herbal products and medicines are fast becoming an important choice for people globally. The popularity of these products is fueled by their healthier ways of healing and preservation of body’s natural resources. Easily grown in your own backyard or found in the wild, herbs are now making their way into laboratories and via the products sold in your local pharmacy.

What are herbal products and medicines and how can you benefit from them?

Oft serving as an alternative for medicines manufactured commercially, herbal medicines and supplements are produced from100 percent content of natural resources and plant extracts. Their medicinal values are akin to those contributed by modern drugs, minus their heavy cost and side effects. For instance herbs like bayabas, sambong, ampalaya, banaba and many others are being used widely in Philippines to treat various illnesses and health conditions.

The other countries are not far behind—with health experts and governmental authorities recommending and approving most of these health care products and medicines manufactured from natural ingredients. Read on for the many benefits that affirm the effectiveness of herbal medicines-- in more ways than one.

Natural Qualities Galore

In the contemporary scenario, when quite a few commercially available products are having an adverse effect on the health of their consumers and inflicting unwarranted side effects; these natural products are proving to be the safest best for health experts and patients alike. For instance, Bio-strath Elixir, a herb based formula, reduces health risk to a great extent and is favored by people looking for that little bit extra for a healthier life. Bio-strath Elixir is yeast based and effective in providing extra support for better bodily constitution and metabolic activities alike.

Easily Available

Plants and herbs required for manufacturing these health products are easily available in various parts of the world. In addition, the raw materials required for these preparations and concoctions are relatively inexpensive and do not require rigorous procedures for their growth.

Very Effective

The herbs and plant extracts used in medicines are well researched upon, recognized and approved by the medical community. They have been proved to be effective in treating a multitude of illnesses. For instance Ampalaya is known to contain medicinal properties required for lowering a patient’s level of blood sugar and keeping the other symptoms of Diabetes under control—to quite a large extent.

Cost Effective and Practical

Apart from those mentioned above, there are other reasons for patronizing these easy-to make therapies; they are practical and cost –effective as well. Considerably cheaper than commercially manufactured drugs, they often produce similar or more effective results!

Sp, if you are looking towards other solutions for reducing the signs of your health concerns or desirous of affordable and proven measures to treat the same, then do seek an appointment with an expert in natural health medicines –you will not be disappointed.

A Peep into the Constituents of Health Supplements for Kids

Minerals and vitamins are the two essential elements linked with the overall nutritional requirements of your children. These are needed by the body in small quantities and are sufficiently provided by the balanced diet that is served to your youngsters. In general, health supplements and multivitamins are rarely needed during middle childhood—but then there are exceptions. Pediatricians may recommend a regular dosage of the same for some kids—especially if they are prone to eating highly selective diets or suffer from erratic eating habits or a poor appetite. Chewable tablets in multi flavors are also available on the racks and are appropriate for those who have difficulties in swallowing pills.

Before we go into the various benefits linked with health supplements and multivitamins, do remember that excessive intake of these over-the-counter tablets, capsules and other forms of these products—especially fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, & K) can prove to be toxic. However, these important contributors to your child’s health come packaged with some essential minerals and vitamins. These are :

Vitamin A

Promoting healthy skin, normal growth, and tissue repair, Vitamin A also helps in aiding color and night vision. The natural sources include dairy products, yellow vegetables, and liver.

B Vitamins

Vitamin B and its various other sub groups of vitamins are useful in promoting the formation of red blood cells and also assist in many metabolic activities. Found in their natural form in soybeans, milk, eggs, whole grains, cereals, meat, poultry, fish and enriched breads; Vitamin B is one of the most important ingredients for your child’s overall development.

Vitamin C

Functional in strengthening muscles, connective tissue and skin, as well as hastening the healing of bones and wounds, increasing resistance to colds and infections; Vitamin C is present in strawberries, tomatoes, citrus fruits, potatoes, spinach, Brussels sprouts and broccoli.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D promotes bone and tooth formation and is effective in regulating the absorption of minerals such as calcium. Its valuable sources include fortified margarine and dairy products, egg yolks and fish oils. Sunlight is also an excellent source of vitamin D.

Along with the above, these supplements also contain iron (required for building of muscles, production of blood and increasing susceptibility to infection) and calcium (needed for healthy bone development). While calcium is found in vegetables like and broccoli and spinach, yogurt, sardines, cheese and low-fat milk; the good sources of iron include beef, liver, cereals, turkey, pork, beans, spinach and prunes.

Before going ahead and prescribing supplements like haliborange kid multivitamins to your kids, you must seek the advice of your family health and act likewise. If taken in large doses or at irregular intervals, these products can end up being more harmful than beneficial.

So, are you ready to say “hello” to your more energetic and healthier child –the right way?

Thursday, 13 February 2014

When do you need to give Nutritional Supplements to your Kids

It is often said that children who consume a healthy diet complete with fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains do not essentially need to take any multivitamins on a daily basis. However, how many children in reality fit this description?

Even if a child is residing in a household that is conscious about whole foods and cooking practices that are nutritious, children tend to be quite finicky when it comes to eating. On the other hand, chances are that households that follow standard western diets often consume high qualities of processed or junk food.

Can consumption of nutritional supplements equal to eating a healthy diet?

The answer to this question is evidently, no. However, with the right combination of whole foods and great quality kids vitamin and food supplements, parents are able to help maintain high nutrition levels for their children. Such combinations can help prevent nutrient deficiencies that they are in a risk at due to the consumption of processed foods. 

Giving your Child Multivitamins

Even though well-nourished children do not require any multivitamins, there is no harm in giving them some good supplements. In fact, many parents have noticed significant benefits in giving their children multivitamins from the perspective of making sure they meet their recommended dietary allowance.

Also, children from low income households are at high risk of experiencing nutritional deficiencies. These groups of children are able to significantly improve their brain function, immune system and attention levels by consumption of essential vitamin supplements. This further helps prevent diseases such as anemia.

Is your Child getting Enough Fluoride?
Fluoride is an important nutrient that helps reduce the occurrence of dental cavities. If you are residing in areas where the drinking water is not fluoridated, it is important that you give your child sodium fluoride supplements. The amount to take can be prescribed by your doctor, and will depend on the weight of the child. However, if your child is drinking fluoridated water, it is important that you do not give your child supplements since it can result in dental fluorosis; the permanent discoloration of the enamel of the teeth.

Is your Child Getting Enough Vitamin B12?

Deficiency of vitamin B12 can result in serious as well as irreversible damage of the nerve as well as anemia. One can find reliable quantities of this vitamin in fish, meat, milk, eggs and poultry. However, if you and your family are following a vegan diet, one that does not contain any animal products, you may require to provide your child with B12 supplements.

Is your Child Getting Enough Calcium?

Calcium is a critical element that helps your child or teen reach his or her peak bone mass. This helps prevent a future risk of the development of osteoporosis. Poor dietary choices, especially among adolescent girls, result in low intake of calcium. By providing your child with calcium kids vitamin and food supplements, you can help prevent a range of bone related problems. 

In addition to this, as a parent you need to assess the presence of Vitamin D, Fatty Acids, Iron and other vitamins and minerals in your child’s day to day routine. Get help from a doctor for correct prescriptions and guidance.

Sunday, 9 February 2014

Frequently Asked Questions on Fish Oil Supplements

With radical diets and questionable quality of foods that we consume, a growing number of doctors are recommending the use of supplements to meet with the body’s dietary requirements. Fish Oil Supplements contain Omega 3 fatty acids and are found to be beneficial for strengthening of bones, managing the heart and some time even to solve minor infertility problems in men.

Here are a few commonly asked questions about fish oil answered.

Where do we find Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Nature?

Typically, Omega-3 Fatty acids can be found in the green leaves of plants such as algae, phytoplankton, grass a seaweed. This is food that we as humans aren’t typically designed to eat. However, this makes grass-fed beef, certain types of fish and pastured organic eggs a great source for Omega-3’s. Unfortunately, poor meat quality and over-consumption of fast and processed foods result in the lack of these essential fatty acids in our diet.

Why Can’t we Eat Seaweed or Grass?

The human body is not designed to digest grass properly. The parent molecule of Omega-3 is known as alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). This molecule is converted from plants by animals or fish into the potent and anti-inflammatory omega-3 known as EPA and DHA through a long conversion process. Fish and to a certain extent, land animals, perform some metabolic work that helps convert the plant based ALA into concentrated DHA and EPA. Since Fish Oil comes with such concentrated sources of EPA and DHA, it is considered to have potent anti-inflammatory properties.

Why isn’t it possible to get Omega-3’s from Flax?

There are a number of problems when it comes to getting your omega-3’s from a plant source. Doing so requires a rather inefficient conversion process. This means that you body is compelled to do a lot of work just so that you get the DHA and EPA out of the fat that you find in flax. This process is full of difficulties that most often lead to more inflammation. Even if the conversion process is successful, the amount of EPA and DHA that the human body is able to convert from flax is rather miniscule.

Why does by body need DHA and EPA?

Fish Oil Supplements that are rich in DHA and EPA come with a number of well proven benefits for a range of lifestyle diseases and conditions. These two molecules are essentially specific types of polyunsatured Omega-3 fatty acids. Since your body is not capable of producing them, you need to acquire them through your diet or through supplements. These natural anti-inflammatory agents are great for the health of your brain and heart. In addition to this, they also provide sufficient protection against depression, Alzheimer’s and cancer. This supplement is often recommended for skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, fetal brain development, bowel disorders and arthritis.

When purchasing fish oil make it a point to buy from a brand that is free of diary, wheat, soy, sweeteners or any other artificial ingredients. Also look at the EPA and DHA amounts per serving to purchase on that is most effective.

Monday, 27 January 2014

Should I be giving my Child Dietary Supplements?

This is a question that has been worrying parents all over the world. On one side, there are studies that show a well balanced diet is all it takes. On the other hand, there are a number of studies which show enhanced IQ levels and improved attention spans with the use of supplements containing essential minerals, fats and vitamins.

What does one mean by a “Well Balanced Diet”?
The conventional definition of consuming a ‘well balanced diet’ involves achieving what is known as the recommended daily allowance (RDA). But having said that, your RDAs have not been calculated keeping in mind the need for maximizing the mental performance of your child. This allowance is essentially designed to prevent physical deficiencies such as the likes of scurvy.

Intake of Vitamins and Minerals
There are a sufficient number of studies that test the influence of vitamin and mineral supplements on the mental performance of your child. These studies show significant increase in IQ levels. However, experts are yet to gain clarity on the optimum level of minerals and vitamins that need to be supplemented for kids. However, higher amounts have shown signs of achieving more significant effect.

Intake of Essential Fats
There are two kinds of essential fats that are recommended for children – Omega-3 and Omega-6 fats. Easily found through supplements such as Efalex Omega – 3+6 Fish Oil for kids, these fatty acids are known to be critical for brain function. Children who supplement these on a daily basis have exhibited clear cut benefit. It is often recommended that your child consume these supplements two or three times a week.

Facilitating Smart Supplementation
By supplementing, you are essentially adding essential vitamins, minerals and fats to a basic healthy lifestyle and diet. With questionable food qualities and the overpowering fad of junk foods, it is critical for parents to equip their children with the right kinds of dietary supplements which allow them to grow physically and mentally on the right path.

Efalex Omega- 3+6 Fish Oil for kids helps in the proper development of the brain and the nervous system. In addition to this, it also contributes to the health of the skin and heart. Children who have a diet that is low of nuts and fish can rely on high quality fish oil supplements for compensating the loss.
Finally, before planning a supplementary diet for your child, ask the following questions-
  • Does my child really need this supplement?
  • Am I confident that this supplement is safe for my child?
  • Does the supplement I am giving my child interact with any other food or drug that he or she is consuming?
  • Am I sure that this supplement will give the results I expect?
  • Am I able to afford the supplement?
  • What else do I know about this supplement?
Before purchasing any supplements for your child make sure that they are free of contaminants such as pesticide residues and heavy metals such as mercury. Always purchase from a company that is known for its high standards in purity.