Can an Anti-Aging Vitamin Really Work

As the saying goes, you are only as old as you feel, so does the face you see in the mirror reflect the youthful you? If not, the next question is do the anti-aging solutions or vitamins you are popping promise to deliver what you want. The vitamin based products available in the market enjoy a lion’s share in the market of cosmetics.

The answer to the above questions is mostly Yes and a skeptical, maybe, but never NO. The basic question that arises now is why vitamins? The reasons are two-fold. Many vitamins are powerful anti-oxidants and they boost healthy collagen production, which leads to firmer skin. One of the wonder vitamins belonging to this category is vitamin C. The second reason is vitamins have repairing properties and can reverse the damage to the skin structures.

So what are the various vitamins and their effects on the skin?

Vitamin C

As mentioned earlier Vitamin C boost the production of collagen. It is a potent antioxidant as well and reduces the sun damage and brown spots. It also reduces skin irritation and inflammation and fade the post breakout red marks. For your sunscreen to work on your skin in a better way, the intake of Vitamin C will boost their performance.

Vitamin E

Also called the great defender, Vitamin E regulates collagen breakdown and protects cell walls. It works better with antioxidants or its sources such as Vitamin C. Swallowing the supplements that have Vitamin E (and Vitamin C), one can counter the ill effects of the sun’s UV rays.  Sun, the prime skin ager, can be harsh on the skin and vitamin E protects us from the same.

Vitamin A

A derivative of Vitamin A, Retinoid, have a great track record of reversing the signs of sun damage and aging. The application of a cream that contains retinoid, in the night, makes our skin thicker and build more supporting collagen. It also softens rough patches and reduces dark spots. The effect of Vitamin A is, however, slow. It may take about 3-4 months to actually show any change. Caution must be taken in its application as it can irritate some skin type.

A non-prescription, vitamin A (retinol) is less expensive than retinoid, but also have less research to back them up.

Vitamin B3

Niacin amide or Vitamin B3 is available in many products. It significantly improves the skin elasticity and reduces wrinkles and blotches. It also doesn’t cause any skin irritation and is good for all skin types.

Are you always tired? Know why

Do you embrace the morning sun with open arms or lay low and find it hard to get up? If the answer is the latter, you are not the only one with that complaint. We may account for the fatigue because of the lives we lead. We work hard, we have families to take care of, a social life, the diet and so on and so forth.

According to The Royal College of Psychiatrists, “About one in ten people suffer from fatigue.” While it may be a common problem with common reasons that can be taken care of, but this problem exists in most of our lives with no solution at hand.

Let us start by helping you to find the reason behind those droopy eyes.

Medical Reasons

There are many common diseases that cause fatigue in a person. We might not even know that the disease is also causing the tiredness. For example, UTI is identified with a burning sensation and discomfort, but fatigue is also one of the symptoms of it. When the body doesn’t have enough red blood cells to carry sufficient oxygen to the cells, it is the reason for anemia and also fatigue. It is not the cause of much worry as most of the medical reasons are treatable and can be taken care of with antibiotics.

Lack of sleep

One of the most common reasons for fatigue, lack of sleep sounds simple but really isn’t. Our body needs at least 10 hours of sleep to function well. While 7-8 hours of sleep are also good enough, some adults can function with as less as 5 hours of sleep. Babies, on the other hand, need 16 hours! It is important to acknowledge the minimum sleep requirement of your body.

Not eating enough

While eating sweets may result in peaking your blood sugar and give you the necessary rush to work, it falls as easily as well. Hence it is important to eat right, in the right quantity, and also eat the right things at the right time. Have a well-rounded diet with enough carbohydrates, fats and proteins in your diet. Fibers also help to maintain the digestive system, which is why it is important to include that as well in your diet.

Intolerance to food

Not all food is agreeable to our body. We may be allergic to some and also be intolerant to some. One example is the intolerance to gluten (in the case of celiac disease). In this case one must have a supervised elimination diet which helps you to have the right food.

Peep Into the Constituents of Health Supplements for Kids

The nutritional requirements of children are fulfilled by minerals and vitamins. They are sufficiently provided by a balanced diet and are needed in small quantities by youngsters and adults. However, kids are prone to eating selective and have erratic eating habits. Supplements are available as chewable tablets, syrups or addable agents to milk. Excessive intake of certain supplements can also prove toxic, especially fat soluble vitamins.

Pediatricians recommend certain supplements that are easily available. It is always advisable to take the supplements in recommended dosages, which are best suggested by a doctor.

Following are the supplements that are needed and why, for the better health of your child:

1) Vitamin A - A nutrient that is needed for a healthy skin, tissue repair and also growth. Vitamin A helps in color identification and also night vision. While there are natural sources of vitamin A, supplement assists in easy consumption.

2) The B group of vitamins - The formation of red blood cells and development of metabolism depends on vitamin B and its various subgroups. It is important for the overall development of the child.

3) Vitamin C - Hastens the healing of bones and wounds, vitamin C is essential for a child not just for that. It also prevents cold and flu, strengthens muscles, tissues and skin.

4) Vitamin D - While vitamin D is available naturally by simply soaking the sun, the sun has its own ill effects on the skin. Vitamin D helps in bone and teeth formation and it also helps in the absorption of minerals such as calcium.

5) Mineral intake - Along with the above, supplements are also needed for the intake of minerals such as iron (required for building of muscles, production of blood and increasing susceptibility to infection). Calcium, which is an important mineral for bone development, is also quite often present in supplements recommended for children.

6) Certain dietary supplements like efalex omega 3+6 fish oil helps in the development of the brain and the nervous system in children. It contributes to the development of a healthy heart and skin, and hence is an important supplement for the growth of a child.