Zinc is needed by each and every cell in your body and since our body is unable to produce zinc by itself, we must be sure to eat food that contains this mineral. Also a need to drink ample water or take the proper supplements so that our body’s need for zinc is completed.

 Zinc’s  Importance,  plays a crucial role within the human body.

 *The most important functions include support of the immune system, joints, tissues, along with aiding in cell growth.

  *Zinc  been proven to eliminate sexual dysfunction, boost sexual function, aid in the health of the hair, and help with skin wound healing.

 *Zinc plays an important role in the function of most of our senses, which includes the ability to taste, smell, and also sight

  *Research has indicated that zinc can counter vision loss in the event of macular degeneration.

 Facts About Zinc Deficiency

Hypozincemia is a condition where insufficient zinc is available.

About one-third of the population in this world is at risk of this deficiency. Zinc deficiency is the fifth leading risk factor for disease in the developing world. This being identified in the Copenhagen Consensus

Signs and Symptoms

 *The signs of zinc deficiency include hair loss, skin lesions, diarrhea, and wasting of body tissues.

 *One easily recognized sign which may be caused by zinc deficiency is white spots, bands, or lines on fingernails (leukonychia).

  *It is rarely recognised, that lack of zinc can contribute to acne.

   *Eyesight, taste, smell and memory are also connected with zinc.

   *A deficiency in zinc can cause malfunctions of these organs and functions.

    *Congenital abnormalities causing zinc deficiency may lead to a disease called acrodermatitis enteropathica.

     * Some women may have multiple parallel white bands or lines on the fingernails marking menstrual cycles when marginal zinc deficiency was present.

Too Much Zinc

Although zinc is an essential vitamin for our bodies, taking too much of it can be a bad thing. Research has proven that taking more than 100 mg daily for an extended period can cause damage in the immune system. .

Zinc Nutrition

Fortunately, a healthy daily diet can provide you with just enough zinc that you need. It is found in ordinary foods that we take such as red meat, sea foods and poultry. Oysters are the most excellent zinc sources. If you are not much into meats or seafood, other good sources include beans, whole grains, dairy products, cereals and nuts. However, zinc absorption is more effective if they come from animal proteins than from plant sources.

The Recommended Dietary Allowance of Zinc

  It varies, but generally about 9-11 milligrams is enough for adults. However, the truth of the matter is that only about 30% of the zinc that you intake can is absorbed by your body. Many factors can interfere with zinc absorption such as phytates in your brain and fibers. If your body cannot absorb as much as it needs, you may need to take zinc supplements in order to prevent zinc deficiency.

Side Effects of Zinc Supplement

The danger of taking zinc supplements is a zinc overdose. A zinc dose of 40 milligrams is approved safe to use by FDA and a zinc dosage more than this can pose certain risks. Zinc toxicity, excess zinc, is dangerous! Why, too much zinc will likely interfere with the metabolism and absorption of other essential minerals in your body.These are most likely to be iron, magnesium and copper. Zinc side effects can become potentially serious if you take doses from 150 to 450 mg a day. Taking this much can  reduce your body’s immune function, and reduce your HDL (good cholesterol) level..

Today’s Health Comments

 Zinc does play a crucial role in your body.Eating the proper foods can provide the necessary requirement to maintain the needed supply. However, each of us are definitely different in the amounts we absorb due to our particular health conditions. You  may need to supplement  the amount of zinc to maintain a healthy body.Zinc can be purchased online, or other nutrition stores. You should always consult with your doctor if you suspect that you have a zinc deficiency, so that he or she can tell you exactly how much zinc you need on a daily basis.

Related Sites:

Zinc Deficiency- very good article by Ananda S Prasad, Wayne State University School of Medicine. Dr. Prasad is one of the world’s leading authorities on zinc.One very interesting point he makes in this article is “phytate in cereals markedly impairs the absorption of zinc and also iron.”

Todays Health  Site

Sept.30th, 2010

        Vitamin K Deficiencies

 Rare to most adult people, it is fairly common to newborns, a Vitamin K deficiency. Vitamin K is routinely administered, or recommended to newborn babies. A rare problem of bleeding into the brain, VKDB that may occur in the first few weeks of the babies life. This may be treated by injection or orally. There has been several studies  regarding this treatment and should be considered carefully by you and your pediatrician. 

 Also those people  having intestinal conditions, or taking antibiotics for long term, may experience a vitamin K deficiency.In  these examples vitamin K supplements may be required. However, for most people, eating a diet that includes vitamin K rich foods should provide you with this important nutrient. If you think you may be at risk for Vitamin K deficiency, talk to your doctor for his recommendation for your particular needs.

Vitamin K is commonly known for its ability for blood  to clot, something that most everyone has either come to know once they have experience a cut or scratch. Others are also aware of a  deficiency when that same wound just continues to bleed and bleed, requiring medical attention. This vitamin was associated with the German word, Koagulation, thus the letter ‘K’ became associated for this vitamin. Vitamin K is a compound makeup of 2-methl-1,4naphtoquinone, restricting bleeding in our bodies. Your body uses Vitamin K for the synthesis of liver protein called prothrombin ans is responsible for normal blood coagulation.

  The Vitamin K Group

 There is vitamin K1, K2 and K3. Vitamin K1 and K2 are  found in natural form. 

        *Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) is from vegetables.             

         *Vitamin K2 (menaquinone) can be synthesized by your intestinal microorganisms. 

         *Vitamin K3 (menadione) is not considered as a natural form of vitamin K, because it can be artificially synthesized by man in laboratories.

Health Benefits: Vitamin K

                              *Is Helpful in the absorption of important mineral calcium.

                               *Synthesis and storage of glycogen from glucose at the liver.  preventing the thickening of arterial walls

                               *Safeguards you from possible coronary heart diseases.

                                *Is prescribed to treat menstrual bleeding disorders, varicose veins and nosebleeds.

                                *It prevents miscarriages and birth defects.

                                *Plays an important role in the formation of bone

                                 *Reduces the severity of osteoporosis (loss of bone density) and prevention of slow bone loss.

                                 * Has key role in preventing cancer and also the medication while treating cancer.

Sources of Vitamin K

High dietary sources of Vitamin K is found in  leafy vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, kale, lettuce, mustard greens, spinach and sprouts.

Moderate amount of Vitamin K found in artichokes, avocados, celery, cucumbers, kidney beans, lentils, peas, red cabbage and plums.

Minimum amount of Vitamin K will be available in apples, apricots, bananas, blueberries, carrots, egg yolks, grapes, oats, peaches, sweet potatoes, tofu, and tomatoes.

Todays Health Comments

Although Vitamin deficiency may be rare to adults and common to newborns, this vitamin is essential for healthy living. It is available through healthy eating and should not require supplementing. Although as mention above supplementing Vitamin K, may be necessary in certain circumstances. Including at least three of the above vegetables and fruits  in your daily diet should provide the necessary Vitamin K needed for your body. Always when in doubt of your personal health situation consult with a professional nutritionist.

Todays Health Site is continuing to research the general needs effecting our health today. We continue to  provide articles that may bring  awareness, prompt questions, and perhaps  this information may lead us to healthier lives. 

We have examined several diets on this site, everything from…  some off the wall, to some that have become now fads, to actual diets that have been recognized as very practical. We had taken on the position that its our Mindset that allows us to become successful with weight loss, proper diet, and of course the needed exercise to become successful with fight against obesity. We know now that many sites including Todays Health Site have taken on the task of informing, supporting. and providing the necessary info, to lead or direct  those who seriously  need to loose weight can do so.

We do not propose to replace your Physician or professional help, but to bring the issues before for examination and questioning, for many people now days are using the internet for resources for their own personal health.

After reviewing the several articles that have been posted through out almost our first year, I personally learned that I had missed several key points…so I urge you to take the time and go back through the many articles if you have not read all of them.

I also found that through out the year that some of the predictions of new sugar supplements are now reality, though their names may not be highly recognized. These supplements  will become more well known as time passes, for those who are seeking to get away from the processed sweetners that are becoming targeted for adverse health conditions.

We also examined some of the more healthy drinks, my favorite, Milk, which I love to this day, perhaps growing up on a dairy farm had something to do with that. The liquid we consume is very important to our health matters. How much we drink, and what we drink.

We also found out that our foods contain so many fillers now days, sugars, and all those presevatives, It is Highly important to read the Fine Print on all those foods we choose to eat. By examining the foods we eat, you may actually bcome much, much more aware of what we are eating. Then take those ingredient names, the ones you can not pronounce, look them up and see if they are linked to advers health effects. Energy drinks… not all, but some… provide little if any health benefits, other than the buzz.

I am taking this time to thank you for all the visits, comments, and critics for the success of this first year. Thank you and look forward to another year.

The Search for Sugar Supplements… continues to be an ongoing research by man.

The word Supplement, it’s definition, something added to complete a thing, make up for a deficiency, or extend or strengthen the whole. 

By all the demands, the needs, or a criteria for a healthier life style, man has used several natural supplements or the word replacements, may better describe them.

Yet it seems we have this unsatisfied desire for something sweet, and  lots of it, since it is really difficult today to find a food product that does not have sugar in it.  Our crave for sweetness has led this movement now for generations, with little thought to the consequences of our actions.

Then by some strike upon mankind,  we woke up , and if you look at when all the the so called SUPPLEMENTS, sweeteners (artificial), all have been created in the last 50 years.

Why are we to Continue on this endless path to replace what comes naturally… is the so called supplements are just not satisfying our taste buds… or the  adverse effects of its use, are becoming known through a period of time.

Through continuous studies of these products which will be listed shortly, you can find endless pros and cons on each one of the products. If this is indeed the case, and you are seeking a need to supplement your sugar intake and not have adverse health effects, how do you make the right decision?

For that very same question is why man is still seeking…to have his sweet, without no limitations, and no health effects.

 I have listed some  ingredients… that have been  used to supplement  sugar or replace where sugar is normally used .

I have  included artificial sweeteners (they have variety of chemical and brand names).

Some other replacement ingredients, example, licorice is a natural sweetener that adds no calories and may be consumed by diabetics. 

 You may find some may still contain sugar in a different form, changing the  flavor or digestibility of the food.

  Also another form of sugar mayprovides fewer calories or more sweetness per calorie.

Sugar supplements may be placed into these groups

• non-sugar sweeteners
• sugar substitute

• artificial sweeteners

The list below is a partial list to give you an idea of some of sugar substitutes:

• sorbitol
• xylitol
• honey
• licorice
• stevia
• saccharine
• aspartame
• sucralose
• neotame
• acesulfame potassium

In Conclusion, ” Moderation and consumption of sugar may be the first step to a healthier life.

Next know your intake, and take the actions to have your blood sugars tested and seek professional advice regarding the change in your diet.

This concludes the second series on Sugar, stay close by for The Unknown Sugars.

Today’s Article… Three  Articles Covering …

1. SUGAR’S Basics

2. SUGAR … Supplements

3. SUGARS… UNKNOWNS

Sugar…

 * Has been defined as an edible crystalline substances such as a sucrose, lactose,and fructose, and now ? (to follow, the sugar you need to know about)

 * Is  defined as a carbohydrate that is found naturally in every fruit and vegetable.

 * Is the major product of photosynthesis, the process by which plants transform the sun’s energy into food.

 * Occurs in the largest quantities within sugar cane and sugarbeets.

Facts 

 Refined sugar is 99.9 percent pure. It contains no preservatives or additives of any kind.

 White sugar is pure sucrose, a carbohydrate. Carbohydrates provide energy, contain no fat, and like protein contribute 4 calories per gram in your diet (as opposed to the 9 calories per gram contributed by fat).

Your body treats sucrose in the same way regardless of its source. In fact, your body uses all sugars in the same way, so eating refined sugar, or honey, or sugars from any other source has the same effect on your body — it is converted into glucose and used by the cells for energy. Remember this fact for later reference.

Brown Sugar
Brown sugar is crystals in specially prepared molasses syrup with controlled natural flavor and color components.

A lso several of  the sugar refiners produce brown sugar by preparing and boiling a  special recipe, a syrup containing these components, until brown sugar crystals form.

Others produce brown sugar by blending special flavored syrup with white sugar crystals.

Sugar Uses

Our  tastebuds  interpret its flavor as sweet in taste and we now find sugar in just about everything we choose to eat or drink. As suggested in earlier articles, we have become so attracted to this sweet substance.

Some of the other uses sugar has been used for…that may not be so common.

 Keeping your flowers fresh by placing a 1/2 teaspoon in a gallon of water.

Improve your plants health by sprinking or feeding with water…we use to feed our watermelon and cantelope sugar water to improve their sweetness.

Cooking your fresh ears in sugar water improves the taste as well.

Sugar can be used as a hand cleaner, since its abrasive, works on greasy hands.

Sugar can help to start stubborn wood, by sprinkling on .

Sugar use for catching your favorite insects and bees by the use of traps

By Sprinkling sugar on top of your favorite recipe, cakes or pies when warm, keeps freshness.

It can also be used to your burnt tongue or skin blemishes.

These are just a few things that sugar can be useful for and not always is sugar associated with what we put in our body.

This completes the first series on Sugar. To healthier life.

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