Althealth
Vitamin & Mineral | Nutritional Benefit and Function | Relationships & Interactions |
---|---|---|
Vitamin A | Essential for the health of the skin | Works synergistically with Vitamins C and E |
Vitamin C | Contributes to the health of teeth and gums. Necessary for the proper functioning of the immune system Required for production of collagen | Enhances the absorption if Iron Enhances effectiveness of B-12, Folic, Acid, B-6 Works with Vitamin E |
Vitamin D | Necessary for the formation of strong teeth and bones | Occurs naturally with Vitamin A in fish oils. Regulates metabolism of Calcium & phosphorus |
Vitamin E | Antioxidant, free radical fighter | Works synergistically with Selenium and Vitamin A. Inorganic Iron can destroy Vitamin E when taken together |
Thiamine (B-1) | Necessary for carbohydrate metabolism | Interacts with other B-Vitaminns |
Riboflavin (B-2) | Helps maintain health skin and eyes | Interacts with other B- Vitamins |
Niacin | Involved in metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and protein. Involved in normal stomach fluid & bile secretions | Interacts with other B- Vitamins |
Vitamin (B-6) | Involved in carbohydrate, fat & protein metabolism. Needed for production of antibodies and red blood cells | Interacts with other B-Vitamin & Vitamin C Involved in metabolism of polyunsaturated fatty acids |
Folic Acids | Helps maintain healthy blood | Interacts with other B- Vitamins & Vitamin C |
panthothenic Acids | Involved in formation of hormones and vital compounds which regulate nervous system. Essential for the release of energy from carbohydrates | Interacts with other B-Vitamins |
Biotin | Involved in the normal metabolism carbohydrates, fats & proteins. Needed for maintenance of skin cells, nervous system & intestines | Works with Vitamin B-2, B-6, A & D for skin maintenance |
Cobalamin (B-12) | Required for the development of normal red blood cells. Necessary for normal function of skin cells, nervous system & intestines | Interacts with other B-Vitamins |
Calcium | Most abundant minerals in the human body. Essential for the strong bones and teeth. Essential for muscle contraction & heartbeat. plays an important nutritional role in preventing osteoporosis (fragile bones) | phosphorus |
Magnesium | Is found in bones and teeth | Calcium |
phosphorus | Aids Calcium in forming bones and teeth | Calcium |
Iron | Essential for transport of oxygen through the blood | Some inorganic Iron can destroy Vitamin E. Vitamin C enhances Iron uptake |
Zinc | Necessary for the proper functioning of the immune system. Involved in many enzymatic reactions including carbohydrate metabolism and the synthesis of protein and genetic material | Balances with Copper |
potassium | Works with Sodium to maintain proper muscle function. plays a role in the normal activity of the heart, muscle and nervous system | Balances with Sodium |
Iodine | Involved in production of thyroid hormones. Necessary for proper growth | Not to be taken if on medication for Thyroid |
Chromium | Involved in the conversion of blood sugar into energy | |
Manganese | Involved in metabolism of fats and proteins. Involved in energy production | |
Selenium | A component of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxides. Necessary for the proper functioning of the immune system. Antioxidant, free radical fighter |
Herb and Drug Interactions
Following is information not verified or researched by me. The apparent author source is listed below. This information suggests certain circumstances in which using herbs may cause concerns. Since this information was not confirmed please use it in an advisory manner. To me this information suggests caution if considering using herbs.
Feverfew: taken to reduce the severity of migraines. Do not take with other migraine medications, as, it may raise heart rate and blood pressure. Feverfew has the potential to react with anti-coagulants, increasing the thinning of blood.
Ginkgo: increases blood flow and circulation throughout the body, can also help improve memory. May interact with anti-coagulant medications such as Aspirin, Coumadin, heparin and warfarin, causing the blood to thin too much, and provoking a serious bleeding disorder. A recent report in the New England Journal of Medicine describes a case of a man who'd been taking Aspirin to prevent a heart attack and had spontaneous bleeding into the eye from the iris within a week of taking a daily dose of ginkgo.
Garlic: is thought to help lower cholesterol and prevent the formation of blood clots that could lead to heart attacks. Garlic capsules may increase blood thinning if you are already on anti-coagulants. Do not take with diabetes medication because it may cause a decrease in blood sugars.
Ginseng: used to help reduce stress, boost energy and improve stamina, and may also help lower cholesterol. Can cause nervousness and excitation, and overuse can lead to headaches, insomnia and heart palpitations. Can increase blood pressure. Should not be used if you are taking prescriptions for high blood pressure or Coumadin.
Hawthorn: claimed to be effective in helping reduce angina attacks by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Should not be taken digoxin, a heart medication. The mix may lower heart rate too much.
Licorice: used to treat coughs, colds and peptic ulcers. High doses can lead to increased blood pressure, water retention and potassium loss. Do not use with diuretics or digoxin because it could lead to further loss of potassium, essential for heart function.
St. John's wort: a natural anti-depressant for mild to moderate depression. Do not take with other anti-depressant medications.
Valerian: a mild sedative with hypnotic effects, used to promote sleep, Should not be taken with alcohol or Valium.
Feverfew, featherfew, bachelors button, featherfoil, febrifuge plant, midsummer daisy
Uses: This herb has been used as an anti-inflammatory. It can also help the pain associated with migraine headaches. Feverfew can also help to soothe menstrual cramps. It may help as a digestive aid.
Route: This herb should be taken by mouth only.
precautions: If you are pregnant, do not take this herb due to its folk history as a menstruation promoter. Feverfew can cause mouth sores and sometimes abdominal pains. If you are taking blood thinners, do not take this herb.
Do not give feverfew to children under the age of two. Feverfew should be used in medicinal amounts only in consultation with your healthcare provider.
Availability: for migraines or as an anti-inflammatory 100-200mg a day
May also use 1/2 to 1 teaspoon per cup of boiling water. Steep for 5-10 minutes, drink up to 2 cups a day
Chew two fresh or frozen leaves a day
Turmeric, curcuma, Indian saffron
Uses: This herb has been used as an anti-inflammatory. It can decrease inflammation caused by arthritis. It works like ibuprofen but does not decrease the pain as effectively. It will decrease the inflammation. This herb has also been use to decrease intestinal gas, and as a poultice for pain or ringworm.
Route: please take this herb by mouth only. It is available in tablet form and also as a spice. If taken in tablet form, please take once a day.
precautions: If you are taking any blood thinners, do not take this herb without first discussing it with your physician, pharmacist, or nurse. Report any bleeding gums nosebleeds, or increased bruising to your healthcare provider. please anytime you take any additional therapies check with your healthcare provider first. If you are taking chemotherapy, do not take this herb. If you are pregnant, please discuss this with your physician before taking this herb or any herb. Do not give to children under the age of two.
Availability: 400-1200 mg daily
For an infusion, use 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder per cup of warm milk. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Ginger, Jamaica ginger, African ginger or Cochin ginger
Uses: This herb has been used as an anti-inflammatory, for motion sickness, for nausea and vomiting.
Route: please take this by mouth only.
precautions: Do not take this herb if you are pregnant, have a history of congestive heart failure, or are taking blood thinners. If taken with other anti-inflammatories that cause stomach upset, ginger could make this worse. Do not take if you have a history of an ulcer or renal failure. Ginger is on the Food and Drug Administration's list of herbs generally regarded as safe. For healthy adults, ginger is safe in amounts typically recommended. Ginger should be used in medicinal amounts only in consultation with a healthcare provider.
Side effects: heartburn
Availability: 1500mg daily for as an anti-inflammatory
1500mg 30-60 minutes before travel for motion sickness
Ginger tea- 2 teaspoons of powdered or grated root per cup of boiling water, steep for 10 minutes
If You Are pregnant Or Lactating Do Not Take Any Herbal products Without Consulting Your HealthCare provider.
Categories
Biopharmaceutic
Therapeutic
Anecdotal Interactions
If you are taking the antihistamine Terfenadine (Seldane) you should avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice. Grapefruit and some other citrus fruits contain chemicals that inhibit enzymes involved in the metabolism of this drug.
We ship out to the UK, EU and all over the world. In the UK, and reduced shipping on all orders over £35. We have a special offer of 'Buy 5, get 1 free' some of our special offers are even better than this with 'Buy 3 get 1 free', 'Buy 2, get 1 free' and even 'BOGOF' (Buy 1, get 1 free) on selected products. View our special offers page for full details.