Showing posts with label Really. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Really. Show all posts

Wednesday, 7 March 2012

What's Really Causing Your Foot Pain?


Your feet bear the weight of your entire body and when they're not properly supported or they're expected to bear more than they're designed to carry, they react with pain. The delicate network of bones that make up the feet and allow us to walk and balance can get pushed out of alignment, which can irritate the joints, skin, nerves and connective tissue. 
Weight loss, proper hygiene, and the right shoes are among of the most common recommendations doctors make when their patients come in with painful feet and ankles. They might also look for medical conditions associated with foot pain like diabetes and heart disease, (which can cause nerve damage and circulatory problems in the lower extremities) or broken bones. But while those conditions do cause feet to become painful, the most common causes of foot pain are:
  • Fallen arches, flat feet, or high arches that don't get enough arch support in a shoe
  • Bunions, calluses and corns, often caused by poorly fitting shoes
  • Hammer toes that curl down into a claw-like shape
  • Arthritis, inflammation of the joints in the foot
  • Plantar warts, which form on the sole of the foot and become painful when stepped on
  • Bursitis or tendonitis of the ligaments, tendons and surrounding areas
  • Morton's Neuroma, a bundle of thick nerve tissue between the toes
  • Gout, a disease process caused by buildup of uric acid in the toe
  • Sprains, especially in the ankle
  • Plantar fasciitis, inflammation of the connective tissue in the bottom of the foot
  • Stress fractures, caused by pressure, impact, or trauma
  • Fungal infections like athletes foot

Foot Pain Prevention

How do you avoid becoming a foot-pain victim? Try these methods:
1. Wear good shoes with low to medium heels and good arch support. Make sure they're appropriate for the activities you engage in. Don't substitute tennis shoes for running shoes or wear your old Keds to play basketball. Instead, consult a sport shoe expert and invest in the right shoe for your sport. Wear high heel shoes and flip-flops as rarely as possible. 
2. Practice good foot hygiene. Wash and dry your feet thoroughly every day, wear clean socks, and contact your doctor if you see any rashes, cuts, sores, or abrasions. Always wear non-skid shoes on wet, slippery surfaces and locker room floors. 
3. Exercise regularly and cross train to keep all the muscles in your ankles, legs, and back strong and to prevent overuse injuries in your ankles and feet.
Have your feet checked as part of your regular physical examinations. If you have diabetes or heart disease, have your doctor examine your feet every time you see him/her and as soon as you notice any alterations.

Saturday, 21 May 2011

Your Saliva: What's It Really For?

What exactly is saliva, and what is its purpose? Could your saliva reveal secrets about your health? We've got your "saliva basics" (and beyond) right here. 

Saliva is the watery, sometimes frothy liquid that forms in your mouth.  Salivary glands in the cheeks and jaw produce between two and four pints per day.  Most of it is water, but saliva also contains enzymes, chemicals, proteins, and biochemical markers that help us digest our food, identify disease and decode genetics.

Saliva's primary function is as a digestive aid that moistens, softens, and partially dissolves food and lubricates your mouths so you can swallow the food  Without saliva, you'd scratch up the delicate lining of the mouth, tongue, and throat and choke on your food.  But saliva does more than just provide water. It also adds enzymes and proteins that start the digestive process. By the time food reaches the stomach part, the food is already soft and able to provide the body with nutrients.

Saliva helps keep the mouth and teeth clean and hydrated. It's no replacement for thorough brushing, but it helps keep oral hygiene under control until you can get to a toothbrush and sink. 

Saliva has important medical functions too. The field of "salivary diagnostics" has become one of the most promising areas of medical research.  Many diseases and genetic conditions can be detected more quickly, easily, and affordably by testing saliva instead of blood or tissue.  All it takes is a quick, painless swab of the mouth. While direct evidence of a disease isn't always present in saliva, it may contain specific biochemical markers or proteins that indicate (provide hints) that a disease is present.   

What can saliva detect? Scientists already use saliva to detect HIV/AIDS and screen for a variety of hormonal diseases and genetic conditions. They're currently studying how saliva can be used to diagnose a wide range of other diseases, including certain cancers and substance abuse. In 2010, the National Institutes of Health funded two new studies using saliva for early oral cancer detection and Sjogren's Syndrome (an auto-immune disease).  In some cases, saliva testing can be used to detect recent use of drugs and alcohol.  Saliva is also used to collect DNA for genetic screening tests.  If problems show up on a saliva screening test, doctors will order further diagnostic tests to verify or rule them out.

How do you know if your saliva is normal?  Saliva should be clear, watery and virtually tasteless.  If it's abnormally thick, has an unusual taste, odor, or color, contact your dentist or primary care physician for a quick check up.


View the original article here

Wednesday, 18 May 2011

Are You Really Suffering from Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder, a debilitating mood disorder, is often misdiagnosed, delaying appropriate treatment and even increasing the severity of a patient's illness.

People with bipolar disorder alternate between episodes of major depression and mania, sometimes with periods of relative stability in between. Physicians normally treat them with mood stabilizing medications.

Unfortunately, misdiagnosing bipolar disorder is common. The symptoms overlap with other psychiatric disorders, especially depression, and the line between different psychiatric disorders is somewhat blurry. Bipolar disorder often co-exists with depression, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, and Attention-Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children.

According to research, physicians initially diagnose 25 to 50 percent of bipolar patients with depression, since depressive symptoms are the most frequent initial symptom of bipolar disorder. A survey by the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance found that 69 percent of bipolar patients were initially misdiagnosed and, in one-third of the cases, it took 10 years before someone correctly diagnosed them.

Physicians often treat depression with antidepressant medications. However, when someone with bipolar disorder takes antidepressants, the medications do not work and may even make manic episodes worse. The delay in initiating appropriate treatment increases patients' risk for recurrence or long-term episodes of symptoms. Furthermore, instead of finding relief through treatment, patients have a lower quality of life and ability to function. Misdiagnosing bipolar disorder is linked to higher rates of psychiatric hospitalization and medical costs.

Bipolar disorder often begins earlier than depression and may affect children more severely than adults. When physicians misdiagnose children and treat them with antidepressant or other medications, it puts them at long-term risk for medication side effects. Unfortunately, there are no diagnostic criteria for pediatric bipolar disorder, so mental health professionals refer to the same criteria they use for adults. Children are often misdiagnosed with ADHD and bipolar disorder; the two frequently overlap.

Physicians and nurses need to be cognizant of the symptoms of these diseases, recognize the potential for misdiagnosis, carefully screen for current and past symptoms, and closely follow up with patients. The American Psychological Association is revising its diagnostic criteria, which may help.

In the meantime, having a family member provide input on patient behavior can give physicians a clearer picture of what's going on with patients, who may not remember or recognize certain significant behaviors. Lack of response, or unexpected response to treatment, should prompt the patient's physician to re-evaluate the diagnosis.

Sources

"CHILDHOOD-ONSET BIPOLAR DISORDER: THE DANGER OF MISDIAGNOSIs." Neuropsychiatric Reviews June 2000. Web. http://www.neuropsychiatryreviews.com/jun00/npr_jun00_Bipolar.html

Bowden, Charles L., M.D. "Strategies to reduce misdiagnosis of Bipolar Depression." Psychiatric Services 52 (2001):51-55. Web.   http://psychservices.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/full/52/1/51

"Managing Bipolardisorder: Misdiagnosis and Quality of Life. "The American Journal of Managed Care 11 (2005): S267. Web. 9 October 2005.

http://www.ajmc.com/supplement/managed-care/2005/2005-10-vol11-n9Suppl/Oct05-2150pS267

"Imaging Studies Help Pinpoint Child Bipolar Circuitry." Science Update. National Institute of Mental Health. Web. 8 April 2010. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2010/imaging-studies-help-pinpoint-child-Bipolar-circuitry.shtml

Stokowski, Laura A. RN, MS "Bipolar Disorder and ADHD in Children: Confusion and Comorbidity." Topics in Advanced Practice Nursing. Medscape Medical News. Web. 27 October 2009. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/711223

Busko, Marlene ."Adults Admitted to a Mood-Disorder Clinic are Often Misdiagnosed. Medscape Medical Nws. 16 October 2008. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/582125

"Bipolar Disorder  Misdiagnosed In A Quarter Of Cases." Annual Meeting of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, 2 -5 June 2009. Medical News Today. 07 Jun 2009. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/152814.php


View the original article here

Monday, 16 May 2011

A Really Good Reason to Floss

If you need one more reason to take good care of your teeth and gums, here it is. Periodontal disease is linked to breast cancer. In a recent study, researchers found that women were 11 times more likely to develop breast cancer if they were missing teeth or had gum disease. While we need more research to support this finding, it does reinforce earlier studies linking gum disease to other health problems.

When we eat foods with sugars or starches, our body creates a sticky film of bacteria on our teeth called plaque. Plaque causes gum disease and inflammation, which can lead to tooth loss if not treated. This inflammation can affect other areas of our health, including increasing our risk for developing breast cancer.

Tooth decay is primarily a phenomenon of developed countries, where residents eat diets high in sugars and processed foods. Studies of primitive populations where people eat a diet based on whole foods find they have little or no tooth decay. These societies are also free of the many degenerative diseases that plague developed nations.

Thomas Rau, MD, director the Paracelsus Klinik (an alternative cancer treatment center in Switzerland) reviewed the records of 150 of his breast cancer patients. He found that 99 percent had one or more root canals in the same acupuncture meridians as their original cancer tumor, further evidence of the link between the two diseases.

Many holistic dental practitioners believe that root canals are actually the root cause of many cancers. According to the Independent Cancer Research Foundation, root canals are safe havens for microbes, keeping them far from the reaches of our immune system and from antibiotics. They believe microbes can seep out of our teeth and wreak havoc on our health.

Like so many of our modern day health problems, the key to controlling tooth decay is diet and nutrition. Limit sugar and processed foods. Eat a balanced diet with plenty of whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables.

The American Dental Association recommends brushing twice and flossing once each day to remove plaque-forming food remnants from your mouth. Have your teeth professional cleaned once or twice a year.

Be aware of changes that may signal periodontal disease: inflamed gums; gums that are red, swollen, or bleed easily; an unpleasant taste in your mouth; bad breath; loose teeth; or mouth infections.

Sources:
Medical News Today. "Potential Tooth Loss Link To Breast Cancer." Web. 13 February 2011.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/216324.php

American Dental Association. "Tooth Decay (Caries)." Web.
http://www.ada.org/3031.aspx?currentTab=1

New Cancer Treatments. "The Relationship Between Root Canals and Cancer." Web.
http://www.new-cancer-treatments.org/Articles/RootCanals.html

Mercola, Joseph Dr. "Root Canals Pose Health Threat: An Interview With George Meinig, D.D.S." Cure Zone. Web.
http://curezone.com/dental/root_canal.asp

No One Dies of Cancer. "Root Canals and Breast Cancer." Web. 4 November 10.
http://noonediesofcancer.com/root-canals-and-breast-cancer/


View the original article here

Friday, 6 May 2011

Does Spinal Manipulation Really Work?

Spinal manipulation is no longer considered an alternative medical practice. Now it has become a common treatment for many patients with chronic pain. In fact, as many as 60 percent of patients who see a traditional doctor for back pain will also see a chiropractor for spinal manipulation. But does it really work?

Spinal manipulation is most commonly practiced by chiropractors; doctors with advanced training in normal body function and the body's natural power to heal itself.  Chiropractors promote healing by helping the body maintain proper alignment of bones and muscles so all its neural pathways communicate properly. This is done with spinal manipulation, also called chiropractic manipulation. Some traditional doctors, osteopaths and physical therapists also perform spinal manipulation.

Spinal manipulation moves a joint (frequently in the back, neck or pelvis), beyond its usual range of motion, but not beyond the range of motion the joint is anatomically designed to move. For example, people with neck pain frequently have limited range of motion. A chiropractor is trained to grip the neck (or another joint) and move the joint by force in order to free up mobility. The force they use may be surprising, but it isn't painful and does not cause joint damage.

It's common to hear a pop or crack sound when a joint is manipulated. This is entirely normal and does not mean anything is breaking. It's caused by a release of gas bubbles into the synovial fluid surrounding the joint. Once a joint is manipulated back into its' proper position, its' natural lubricating fluid is allowed to circulate. When bones, muscles, nerves and tendons are no longer misaligned; many people feel relief from their pain.

Chiropractic is a natural, drug-free approach that has proven successful for many patients with osteoarthritis, migraines, chronic and acute back, hip, neck and shoulder pain as well as other non-pain related medical issues. In fact, some studies say that spinal manipulation is as effective as physical therapy, exercise and pain medicine in providing relief for back pain.

Spinal manipulation is real therapy provided by real doctors. Chiropractors use state of the art diagnostic tools and methods (including x-rays, CT scans and lab tests when necessary). If a chiropractor determines spinal manipulation isn't appropriate or the patient has something more complicated going on with their health, they'll refer their patient to a traditional medical expert. 

Sources:

American Chiropractic Association

http://www.acatoday.org/index.cfm

National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine

Review of CAM Practices for Back and Neck Pain Shows Modest Results

http://nccam.nih.gov/research/results/spotlight/100110.htm

Chiropractic - An Introduction

http://nccam.nih.gov/health/chiropractic/introduction.htm


View the original article here

Tuesday, 3 May 2011

Are Brown Foods Really Better?

Whether it's an egg, a loaf of bread, or a type of sugar, brown foods somehow seem healthier, more natural. But are they?

If a baked good is brown because it is made with whole-grain flour, rather than all-purpose white, then brown is usually better. Whole-grain foods are naturally rich in fiber, B vitamins, and minerals such as iron and zinc. Thanks to the government enrichment program, which requires food processors to add back nutrients that are lost in the milling of white all-purpose flour, white flour often contains as much if not more vitamins and minerals than whole-wheat. The main nutritional difference is the fiber that is lost when white flour is used to make bread products and other baked goods both commercially and at home.

But some dark-colored breads, such as pumpernickel or "brown bread" and other baked goods, including cereals, are browner than others because of added food coloring or dark colored sweeteners, such as molasses or dark corn syrup. They are not necessarily higher in fiber. You have to read the ingredient list on the product's label to be sure.

Brown rice tops white on the nutrition scorecard because it is naturally higher in fiber, but thanks again to the enrichment process, both brown and white rice are good sources of vitamins and minerals.

In spite of similar numbers on the nutrition facts label, however, most health experts recommend getting your vitamins and minerals naturally, whenever possible, rather than through enrichment, which puts lost nutrients back in the food, or fortification, which adds extra nutrients that were never in the food to begin with. That means, in many cases, choosing whole-grain baked goods and pastas, brown rice and other grain and cereal foods that are natural shades of brown.

There are reasons for this. The first is that added synthetic vitamins and minerals may not be as readily absorbed and used by your body as those that occur naturally in foods. So many foods are now enriched and fortified that it is becoming more likely you can ultimately get more of a nutrient than you need from food alone, which, like getting too much from supplements, can throw off the balance of nutrients in your body. Also, when nutrients are added to foods, they sometimes add a bitter taste. If that's the case, that taste has to be covered up by the addition of sugar or other masking flavors, or the product will never sell. These additions may add up to a food that actually isn't all that healthy for you.

White sugar is brown sugar that has had the molasses removed. While a few nutrients are lost during that process, the difference between white and brown sugars in not at all significant. Honey, maple syrup and agave nectar are examples of naturally dark sweetening syrups and, in some cases, they do contain trace amounts of vitamins and minerals not found in white sugar. But, like brown granulated sugars, there is not much reason, other than taste preference or specific use, to choose one over the other. What is most important is not to overuse any sugar, brown or white.

When it comes to eggs, the only difference between brown and white is the color of the shell. Different breeds of chickens lay different color eggs and even within the same breed, shell color may vary, depending on the diet and other circumstances of the chicken. There is no nutritional difference between a brown egg or white, and one is no more "natural" than the other.

Sources:

Hermann, JR; "Vitamins and the Body." Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension
http://pods.dasnr.okstate.edu/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-2448/T-3156web.pdf

University of Maryland Medical Center: Carbohydrates. 2008. Web. 24 March 2011
http://www.umm.edu/ency/article/002469fod.htm


View the original article here

Tuesday, 26 April 2011

A Really Good Reason to Floss

If you need one more reason to take good care of your teeth and gums, here it is. Periodontal disease is linked to breast cancer. In a recent study, researchers found that women were 11 times more likely to develop breast cancer if they were missing teeth or had gum disease. While we need more research to support this finding, it does reinforce earlier studies linking gum disease to other health problems.

When we eat foods with sugars or starches, our body creates a sticky film of bacteria on our teeth called plaque. Plaque causes gum disease and inflammation, which can lead to tooth loss if not treated. This inflammation can affect other areas of our health, including increasing our risk for developing breast cancer.

Tooth decay is primarily a phenomenon of developed countries, where residents eat diets high in sugars and processed foods. Studies of primitive populations where people eat a diet based on whole foods find they have little or no tooth decay. These societies are also free of the many degenerative diseases that plague developed nations.

Thomas Rau, MD, director the Paracelsus Klinik (an alternative cancer treatment center in Switzerland) reviewed the records of 150 of his breast cancer patients. He found that 99 percent had one or more root canals in the same acupuncture meridians as their original cancer tumor, further evidence of the link between the two diseases.

Many holistic dental practitioners believe that root canals are actually the root cause of many cancers. According to the Independent Cancer Research Foundation, root canals are safe havens for microbes, keeping them far from the reaches of our immune system and from antibiotics. They believe microbes can seep out of our teeth and wreak havoc on our health.

Like so many of our modern day health problems, the key to controlling tooth decay is diet and nutrition. Limit sugar and processed foods. Eat a balanced diet with plenty of whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables.

The American Dental Association recommends brushing twice and flossing once each day to remove plaque-forming food remnants from your mouth. Have your teeth professional cleaned once or twice a year.

Be aware of changes that may signal periodontal disease: inflamed gums; gums that are red, swollen, or bleed easily; an unpleasant taste in your mouth; bad breath; loose teeth; or mouth infections.

Sources:
Medical News Today. "Potential Tooth Loss Link To Breast Cancer." Web. 13 February 2011.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/216324.php

American Dental Association. "Tooth Decay (Caries)." Web.
http://www.ada.org/3031.aspx?currentTab=1

New Cancer Treatments. "The Relationship Between Root Canals and Cancer." Web.
http://www.new-cancer-treatments.org/Articles/RootCanals.html

Mercola, Joseph Dr. "Root Canals Pose Health Threat: An Interview With George Meinig, D.D.S." Cure Zone. Web.
http://curezone.com/dental/root_canal.asp

No One Dies of Cancer. "Root Canals and Breast Cancer." Web. 4 November 10.
http://noonediesofcancer.com/root-canals-and-breast-cancer/


View the original article here

Sunday, 17 April 2011

Which Vitamins Are Really Essential?

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Nearly every "health-conscious" food product or dietary supplement comes with the same catchphrase: "Packed with essential vitamins and minerals." But with a vitamin existing for almost every letter of the alphabet, which ones are really essential for you?

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), there are 13 vitamins that are crucial to proper body function. The list includes:

Vitamin A: Found in dairy, meat, and seafood, vitamin A helps promote healthy teeth and skin.Vitamin C: Works to maintain healthy teeth and gums and promotes the healing of wounds. Eat plenty of berries, citrus, and melons for this antioxidant.Vitamin D: Known as the vitamin that the body produces after exposure to sunlight, it can also be found in dairy, fish, and oysters. It also works to maintain bone health.Vitamin E: Found in seeds and leafy greens, such as spinach and kale, vitamin E plays a role in the formation of red blood cells.Vitamin K: Rarely listed as an essential vitamin, but without it our blood cells would turn into jelly. It can be found in cereals, cabbage, and spinach.Vitamin B1 (thiamine): An excellent aide to heart health, thiamine helps convert carbohydrates into energy. B1 can be found in foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and fish.Vitamin B2 (riboflavin): Promotes proper body growth and function of red blood cells. Dairy, leafy green vegetables, liver, kidneys, legumes, tomatoes, and mushrooms can help you get your daily dose of B2.Vitamin B3 (niacin): Known for its ability to lower cholesterol, niacin also helps maintain healthy nerves and skin. Eat dairy, eggs, or lean meats for your daily helping of this essential vitamin.Pantothenic acid: Found in lean meats, dairy, eggs, potatoes, and beans, pantothenic acid works to metabolize food.Vitamin H (biotin): Vitamin H helps the body process protein, fats, and carbohydrates. Reach for onions, cabbage, cucumber, and cauliflower.Vitamin B6: Try some tuna, chicken, or bananas to aid brain function and help the body utilize protein.Vitamin B12: Want a fully functioning metabolism? Eat meat, fish, and shellfish for your daily dose.Folate (folic acid): Essential for the production of DNA, which controls tissue growth and cell function, any woman who may be pregnant should get plenty of this vitamin. Not only is folate found in fortified foods, but it's also in leafy greens. 

According to the Institute of Medicine, the best and easiest way to ensure you're receiving the appropriate amount of essential vitamins is through a balanced diet. As a basic guide, fill your plate with approximately half fruits and vegetables, a quarter dedicated to lean meat or seafood, and a quarter given to whole grains.

If your doctor finds that you have a deficiency or a condition that requires more of a particular vitamin (e.g. osteoporosis, which requires more vitamin D than the average daily serving), she may suggest supplementation. It is essential that you follow your physician's suggestions. When it comes to vitamins, there can be too much of a good thing.

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Sources:

Institute of Medicine, Dietary Reference Intakes: Vitamins
http://iom.edu/Activities/Nutrition/SummaryDRIs

National Institutes of Health (NIH), Vitamins
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002399.htm


View the original article here

Thursday, 14 April 2011

Which Vitamins Are Really Essential?

See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page!Facebook

Nearly every "health-conscious" food product or dietary supplement comes with the same catchphrase: "Packed with essential vitamins and minerals." But with a vitamin existing for almost every letter of the alphabet, which ones are really essential for you?

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), there are 13 vitamins that are crucial to proper body function. The list includes:

Vitamin A: Found in dairy, meat, and seafood, vitamin A helps promote healthy teeth and skin.Vitamin C: Works to maintain healthy teeth and gums and promotes the healing of wounds. Eat plenty of berries, citrus, and melons for this antioxidant.Vitamin D: Known as the vitamin that the body produces after exposure to sunlight, it can also be found in dairy, fish, and oysters. It also works to maintain bone health.Vitamin E: Found in seeds and leafy greens, such as spinach and kale, vitamin E plays a role in the formation of red blood cells.Vitamin K: Rarely listed as an essential vitamin, but without it our blood cells would turn into jelly. It can be found in cereals, cabbage, and spinach.Vitamin B1 (thiamine): An excellent aide to heart health, thiamine helps convert carbohydrates into energy. B1 can be found in foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and fish.Vitamin B2 (riboflavin): Promotes proper body growth and function of red blood cells. Dairy, leafy green vegetables, liver, kidneys, legumes, tomatoes, and mushrooms can help you get your daily dose of B2.Vitamin B3 (niacin): Known for its ability to lower cholesterol, niacin also helps maintain healthy nerves and skin. Eat dairy, eggs, or lean meats for your daily helping of this essential vitamin.Pantothenic acid: Found in lean meats, dairy, eggs, potatoes, and beans, pantothenic acid works to metabolize food.Vitamin H (biotin): Vitamin H helps the body process protein, fats, and carbohydrates. Reach for onions, cabbage, cucumber, and cauliflower.Vitamin B6: Try some tuna, chicken, or bananas to aid brain function and help the body utilize protein.Vitamin B12: Want a fully functioning metabolism? Eat meat, fish, and shellfish for your daily dose.Folate (folic acid): Essential for the production of DNA, which controls tissue growth and cell function, any woman who may be pregnant should get plenty of this vitamin. Not only is folate found in fortified foods, but it's also in leafy greens. 

According to the Institute of Medicine, the best and easiest way to ensure you're receiving the appropriate amount of essential vitamins is through a balanced diet. As a basic guide, fill your plate with approximately half fruits and vegetables, a quarter dedicated to lean meat or seafood, and a quarter given to whole grains.

If your doctor finds that you have a deficiency or a condition that requires more of a particular vitamin (e.g. osteoporosis, which requires more vitamin D than the average daily serving), she may suggest supplementation. It is essential that you follow your physician's suggestions. When it comes to vitamins, there can be too much of a good thing.

See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page!Facebook

Sources:

Institute of Medicine, Dietary Reference Intakes: Vitamins
http://iom.edu/Activities/Nutrition/SummaryDRIs

National Institutes of Health (NIH), Vitamins
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002399.htm


View the original article here