5 Simple Steps to Lower Your Cholesterol Level

You can lower cholesterol without drugs by following some basic steps that will not only change your cholesterol readings, but also improve your health today and in the future. So often we use a prescription drug and hope it will magically cure whatever ails us. The truth is prescription drugs for lowering cholesterol do work. The problem is both the short term and long-term side effects.

 

Even more dangerous than the side effects of prescription drugs to lower cholesterol is not getting cholesterol under control. Over time, high cholesterol can lead to numerous conditions of the heart and arteries, not the least of which are atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), stroke or heart attack. 

 

Here are 5 steps you can take today to lower your cholesterol without prescription drugs.

 

1. Eat right. May sound simple, but diet has such a significant impact on lowering cholesterol that it should be the number one factor you look at in determining if your high cholesterol is hereditary or a matter of dietary choices. A low fat and low cholesterol diet is the first step toward lowering cholesterol.

 

2. Exercise. Improving cardiovascular health is a step toward reversing the effects of high cholesterol. Exercise itself doesn’t directly lower cholesterol, but will strengthen the heart and entire circulatory system.

 

3. Quit smoking. If you smoke, the plaque build-up in the arteries due to high cholesterol is accelerated. When plaque blocks the flow of blood to the heart, the muscle has to work harder to get oxygen. This can lead to a heart attack. If the arteries get completely blocked with plaque from high cholesterol then a stroke can occur.

 

4. Relax. Chronic stress can affect cholesterol levels. If you are constantly stressed and eating a low cholesterol diet, you may not see any improvement in cholesterol readings until you learn to relieve stress.

 

5. Talk to your doctor. Not all doctors are quick to prescribe medications. In fact, the more enlightened doctors will help you form a diet and exercise plan that is suitable for your current overall health and abilities as a first step toward lowering cholesterol.  It is always important to ask your doctor if your decision to follow a specific diet or exercise plan is right for you. In addition, do not stop taking medications before consulting with your doctor. You can lower your cholesterol with diet and exercise, and under the care of your doctor, see about removing drugs from the process.

 

It does not take long to see significant improvements in your cholesterol. Lower cholesterol can be yours in just a matter of weeks.

5 Low Cost Ways to Soothe the Sting of Sunburn

Each of us most likely has at least one memory of nasty sunburn.  Whether experienced personally, or by a close family member or friend, the symptoms are likely to include anything from red hot skin - either tender or painful to touch, to nausea, dehydration, blistering and flaking or peeling of the skin.

 

As anyone who has experienced bad sunburn will verify, the amount of time spent causing the sunburn, is largely disproportionate to the length of time that can be spent suffering the consequences of its effects. In this respect, and depending on the severity of burning, pain and discomfort can persist for several days after the event, as the body works to heal and recover from the unprotected UV exposure.

 

Unless the symptoms are severe (in which instance you may need to consider medical treatment), here are 5 simple home remedies that will cost you next to nothing, and which will assist in soothing the sting and pain of sunburn:

 

1. Cool Baths: Soaking in a cool bath is one of the best ways to draw heat from the skin and soothe the pain and discomfort of sunburn. Avoid cold as this can cause the body to go into shock. Here are some additional things to add to your baths for further relief:

 

a. Add 10 drops of so of essential oil (chamomile or lavender) to the bath. Soak for 15 minutes or until relief is felt.
 
b. Adding baking soda (or oatmeal) to a lukewarm bath can also relieve sunburn pain. For this treatment to work best, try to make sure that all affected areas are submerged. Bath water can be poured over your body using your hands or a soft washcloth. Burned facial areas can be gently dabbed using the cloth, or alternately you can splash water directly onto your face. After soaking, lightly pat the skin dry with a soft towel (preferably cotton). If you’ve take an oatmeal bath, let the light coating of oatmeal that clings to your skin remain.
 
c. Adding vinegar to the bath water will help in taking the sting out of sunburn.

 

2. Rubbing Alcohol: Because it evaporates so quickly, dabbing on rubbing alcohol will quickly cool and ease the pain of sunburned skin.

 

3. Vinegar: Vinegar is an effective and cooling treatment for sunburn. Soak towels with it, and apply to the burned areas. Alternately you can fill a spray bottle and spray it directly on the skin as needed.

 

4. Egg Whites: If your burn is painfully hot, separating the white from the yolk of an egg, and then spreading the white over the affected area will help to cool the burning instantly. This can be repeated as often as needed.

 

5. Potatoes: Potatoes can also be used to relieve the pain of sunburn. Take 2 potatoes and wash them well. Cut them into tiny chunks and place in a blender to liquefy. If the result appears too dry, add some water. Pat the affected areas with potato juice. Wait until dry, and then rinse off in a cool shower or bath.

 

Remember that as well as causing varying degrees of discomfort and pain, repeated sun exposure and sunburn also accelerates the aging process and can increase the risk of cataracts and skin cancer. Prevention therefore should also always be considered more preferable than treatment!

 

DISCLAIMER: These are home remedy tips only, and should not replace your regular health care provider. If in doubt at any time in relation to your sunburn, please seek the appropriate health care assistance.

5 Big Reasons to Relieve and Prevent Thyroid Disorder

Medical studies have been done to determine what causes thyroid disorder. This article shines light on many new factors that are responsible for the causation of thyroid disorder. Learn the most important thing you can do to relieve and prevent thyroid disorder. It is probably not what you think.

 

Reason 1

 

The thyroid regulates the rate of energy production in the body’s cells. Thyroid disorder reduces the body’s metabolism and makes you feel sluggish. 

 

Reason 2

 

Thyroid disorder also increases your risk of degenerative diseases such as heart disease, cancer and arthritis and your risk of widespread infection. In severe cases, the energy level in the body’s cells cannot even sustain a basic level of metabolism, creating a life-threatening situation.

 

Reason 3

 

One major problem with thyroid disorder is that it’s often missed in diagnostic tests. Even if tests show that you do not have a thyroid disorder, you might still be at risk. If your body is highly acidic, your risk of thyroid disorder increases. 

 

Reason 4

 

Thus, even if you haven’t been diagnosed with thyroid disorder, it’s important to check your body’s overall pH level and take dietary and other steps to reduce the acid level in your body.

 

Reason 5

 

You will not only reduce your chances of developing thyroid disorder or making an existing thyroid disorder even worse. You will improve your health overall and reduce your vulnerability to degenerative disease.

 

The Risk

 

Accumulation of acids in your body, due to insufficient digestion of food, food allergies and consumption of acid-forming substances, can cause thyroid disorder. Acid-related causes of thyroid disorder also include exposure to heavy metals and toxic chemicals in the water supply and in highly processed food. When your body’s acid level rises too high, your thyroid function will be depressed and your metabolism will slow.

 

Lack of digestive enzymes, also caused by over-consumption of processed foods, further causes your thyroid disorder. Your body’s ability to neutralize acids is further reduced. As you get older, the more toxins you're exposed to, the more likely you will develop a thyroid disorder if you haven't already.

 

The Damage

 

With a thyroid disorder, your body’s cells and organs will not metabolize as quickly as they should. The presence of excess acid only makes the problem worse. Your cells and organs will become overrun with acid that they need to eliminate, but your thyroid disorder will reduce their ability to deal with these acids. The acid, in turn, will perpetuate or worsen your thyroid disorder.

 

For example, a sluggish thyroid reinforces the digestive problems that cause acid to accumulate in your body. Because a thyroid disorder slows your cellular metabolism, it reduces your body’s ability to eliminate acid waste. The more acid-forming substances you consume, the more this cycle repeats.

 

Thyroid disorder also reduces your immune system function, leading to chronic infection. With the accumulation of acid in your body, infection will spread quickly, further reducing your body’s ability to neutralize acids. 

 

As with other organs, the thyroid needs glucose and oxygen to function. When acid waste accumulates in the bloodstream, these vital substances cannot get through. Without adequate oxygen and glucose, thyroid function is reduced. The resulting thyroid disorder further reduces the body’s ability to clear the bloodstream of these acids that prevent the oxygen and glucose from getting through.

 

The Benefits of a Balanced pH

 

Because thyroid discover causes so many other degenerative diseases, a thyroid that functions properly can restore health in so many other areas of your body. When you neutralize the acids in your body and eliminate acid-forming substances from your diet, you give your thyroid a chance to heal. Improved thyroid function will, in turn, help your other body organs function properly.

 

To neutralize acids and restore your body’s pH balance, you need to reduce or eliminate consumption of acidic foods and other acidic substances. Adding more alkaline foods and minerals to your diet can help restore thyroid disorder. As your acid level falls, you'll find that your thyroid function will increase. Your body’s metabolism will increase as a result, and you'll be able to neutralize acids even further. The end result will be restored health, higher energy, and a decreased risk of thyroid disorder.

4 Steps To Relieve Back Pain

This article explores the 4 major steps learned by Michael J. Homan in his search for relief from pinched nerves from degenerative disk disease. Mike discusses the importance of flexibility of the spine, and relieving pain with acupressure, and also strengthening the surrounding muscles in support of the spine and its health.

 

Michael J. Homan is a Reiki Master and studies natural healing methods such as Acupressure, Electro-Acupuncture, Reflexology, Crystal Therapy, Chinese Magnetic Cupping, has his own e-Book called 4 Steps To A Pain-FREE Back!, and has a health related web site devoted to health issues and natural healing techniques. 

 

I have studied and taken courses in acupressure. Studied some on chiropractic. I also have looked into psychological issues to do with pain and medical problems. And I am also a Reiki Master.

 

So now that you have a little about my background, and what fuels my  writing... let's get to the real content.

 

I am going to condense this article for convenience since it is a combination of four major studies in themselves, but you can get my e-book or read my full articles at my web site, which is healthgrowhealthier.com. 

 

I have found that 4 major things play an important part in your spines health.

 

First, there is posture. I know this is not the first time you have heard this, but it needs to be said again and again. 

 

Posture should be noted in sitting, standing, and sleeping. Start taking note of your posture at all times. If it is not straight, then start working on fixing it.

 

If you sleep in a position like I have in the past, with both hands under your pillow while you lay on your side, you can pinch a nerve in your neck if your shoulder of the arm that's up starts to relax and leans in toward your head or neck. It would be better to lay your arm of your upper hand down on your leg while one hand is under your pillow.

 

And if you can, buy a few different thickness pillows for throughout the night. I do not know about you, but I cannot have a high, fluffy pillow when I lay on my back. But a thin pillow gives me neck ache when I lay on my side. 

 

The second thing on our list is the flexibility of your back. 

 

What you want to do when you notice your back goes out a lot and you experience pinched nerves, is in getting your spine back into alignment and having it flexible.

 

Of course if you feel a chiropractor is your best choice, by all means seek one. But think about your progress if you could align your own back whenever you needed to. It's not all that hard!

 

If you are in pain at the present, put ice or heat on the spot until the pain seems to lessen. 

 

Do NOT, under any circumstances exercise while any of your nerves are inflamed or swollen!

 

To get your back more flexible you might want to learn kundalini yoga. Not all yoga styles are like those you may have seen on television, where they twist themselves up. Kundalini yoga has very good and useful spinal exercises developed to help flexibility. Kundalini Yoga is also a spiritual tool to help before meditation as well.

 

It is very important to strengthen your back and the surrounding muscles. This is the third step to a healthy back. 

 

Doing sit-ups is one such exercise, You do not have to do many sit-ups until you feel you can... step by step. 

 

Take all of these things slow and at the pace of your body. Your body will let you know what it is feeling. Pain is a warning sign.

 

Just remember... taking pain pills is okay when you really need them. But also remember that they do not heal the problem, they only mask the warning sign, they simply stop the warning sign, but not the underlying problem.

 

Health is more than just eating right. One has to consider mental health, environmental, and many other factors. It is not all that easy for a doctor to diagnose the complete problem and cure it, especially if it has roots in psychological issues and has gone a long time unchecked, and became a physical problem.

 

The fourth and last step in back health is to start a daily stretching routine. You have seen cats and dogs stretch when they get up, try it for yourself!

 

The key to back health is in keeping it actively flexible and strong, or well supported by the stomach and back muscles. You may have to find that happy medium in between like I have, being too much strength in one area will pull out another.

 

Each person is uniquely different in many areas. So never think what worked for someone else is going to work for you. You may have to build on someone else's information and work it into your own, personal program.

 

I recommend you learn a little about acupressure as well to maintain your pain when it flares up.

 

I have found that I can manage pain by using acupressure, simply by putting pressure on certain areas of the body. But that is something I suggest you seek a professional for help, or look for someone who does acupuncture, or take a course in acupressure like I did.

4 Natural Home Remedies to Ease the Pain of Sunburn

At some time or another, we’ve all experienced the effects of sunburn - be it a light burn or a more heavy burn.

 

Although the sting of regret of inadequate protection (from UV exposure) can be an excellent incentive to plan more carefully on future occasions, it’s of little help in soothing the immediate physical sting (i.e. pain) accompanying sunburn.

 

However if you have found yourself having spent a little too much time in the sun, here are 4 natural home remedies to help ease the pain of sunburn, and assist in the body’s healing process:

 

1. Cool Milk Compresses: The fat and lactic acids in milk are known to have soothing qualities for sunburned skin. Soak a soft cloth or cotton gauze in cool whole milk, and dab carefully onto the burned skin. Do this for around 20 minutes, and follow by rinsing off with cool water. (Due to the importance of the milk’s fat content, it’s important that whole milk be used in this treatment).

 

2. Cool, sugarless tea: The tannin in tea is the active ingredient here, which helps to soothe and relieve some of the discomfort of sunburned skin. After brewing a big pot of tea, and allowing it to cool completely, slosh the affected areas with a soft sponge or washcloth. As with the vinegar (4), you could also fill a spray bottle, and spray the tea directly on the skin. And don’t throw away the used (cool) teabags. These are especially good for sensitive areas around the eyes - simply place the teabags over your eyes if they feel hot and tired. (If you have St. John’s Wort’s, consider using this as it contains cooling properties, which can help tone down some of the heat in your skin, as well as soothing the nerve endings damaged by the sunburn).

 

3. Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera is commonly used to treat sunburn. As well as providing soothing relief, it may also assist in the healing process. Apply to the affected areas as needed. Although the gel extracted directly from an aloe Vera plant works best, if you don’t have ready access to one, you may use an over-the-counter Aloe Vera Cream that contains the gel. For this to be effective, just ensure that the cream contains a high concentration of Aloe Vera than it does water or other solutions.

 

4. Water: When exposed to the sun, your body loses water and essential body salts. Dehydration occurs when your body loses too much fluid, and begins to reabsorb fluid from the blood and other body tissues. To prevent the consequences of dehydration, increase your fluid intake to ensure you adequately re-hydrate your body for optimum recovery and health.

 

Sunburn should of course be avoided where possible - particularly as it’s adverse effects not only include damage to the skin, but also the increased risk of skin cancer. Prevention and protection should always be considered the best treatment for sunburn, and will assist in ensuring your optimum long-term health!

 

DISCLAIMER: These are home remedy tips only, and should not replace your regular health care provider. If in doubt at any time in relation to your sunburn, please seek the appropriate health care assistance.

4 Easy Ways To Relief Headache

Having headache is annoying and sometimes it is difficult for us to avoid. Mostly when we are under pressure, headache appeared automatically. If it gets worse, we might faint due to the pain we felt.

 

A headache is a condition of mild to severe pain in the head. It can also attack at our upper back or neck. There are different types of headache, but most of the time headache brought on by stress, too long in front of computer, noise and others. 

 

One of the main causes of headache is tension in the muscles of the neck, scalp and jaw. We usually deal with it by taking some sleep or consume over-the counter aspirin to release our pain. However, can we do this at any place? 

 

Obviously, we cannot sleep at the office or at the mall. In addition, we might run of aspirin when headache strike us.

 

Do not worry! The easiest way to handle headache and we can do it everywhere is through massage. Massage is the practice of applying pressure or vibration to the soft tissues of the body, to heal injury, relieve psychological stress, manage pain, improve circulation and relieve tension.

 

When we suffer from headache, we can help ourselves with self-massage. Simple and everybody can do it, either at work or home.

 

Here are four easy ways in massage to heal our headache:

 

1. Eyes Area Massage. Close your eyes. Place your middle fingers to your eyes that are above cheekbones. Massage that area gently but firmly in circular motion for 1 minute,

 

2. Eyes to Nose Massage. Using thumb, go along the underside of eyebrows (along the bone on top of eye socket). Feel where this bone meets the bridge of your nose and eyes and find a point where there is a small indentation. Very gentle pressure, press your thumbs into the points. You can do it four times by holding and press that area for 10 seconds in each press.

 

3. Neck Massage. Massage a point where you can feel it by moving the middle fingers of your hands to the back of your head and feel the base of your skull. Specially, at the tops of your neck that meets the base of your skull. Massage for a minutes using finger tips gentle in circular movement.

 

4. Scalp Massage. Let your palms of your hands massage your scalp on the top of your skull for a minute gently. 

 

Once you have done all those massages, start taking a deep breath. Lift your shoulders towards your ears for five to 10 seconds to relief remaining pain, and then let them drop back down into their natural position. 

 

You are going to feel better when you can do that for a couple of times. Your massage will relief your headache and your head will feel less weighty.

Supplements That Can Help Boost Brain Power

 

Would it not be great if you could just pop a pill and remember everything for an exam? Realistically, there are no supplements that can boost your brain power to such astounding levels. But, studies have shown that regular intake of certain supplements increases the ability to memorize. There are many herbs, supplements and foods that can improve your brain; the effect of which can mean improvement of memory, learning, concentration, attention, reasoning, social skills, decision making, and focus. If you can combine these brain foods with sufficient rest and exercise, you will have boosted your brainpower in no time. 

 

The brain requires a variety of nutrients to produce neurotransmitters - these are substances that control mood, behaviour, and mind. Studies have proved beyond doubt that nutritional supplements increase IQ and enhance learning ability. Smart nutrients (cognitive enhancing supplements) are natural substances that improve human intelligence. 

 

Ginkgo Biloba:

 

This substance has been used for thousands of years in Eastern cultures and is perhaps the most well-known of all memory enhancing herbs. It works by diluting the blood vessels in the brain and enhancing blood flow to the brain; thus supplying lots of oxygen to the brain. It also gets rid of harmful free radicals that damage brain cells. However, the results are not immediate. Taking the supplement continuously for a few weeks will start yielding results. 

 

Green Tea and Black Tea:

 

Recent research has shown that these common constituents of the kitchen are very effective in combating the dreaded Alzheimer’s disease. The most significant result seems to be that these prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine. This is a key chemical involved with memory and is lacking in Alzheimer’s patients. The effect of green tea is more lasting than that of black tea, which lasts only for a day.

 

Sage and Rosemary:

 

A recent study shows that students who took sage performed better at a memory recall test. Scientists believe that sage contains substances that may increase levels of a chemical that transmits messages to the brain. Rosemary also helps stimulate the memory and alleviate mental fatigue. It also strengthens mental clarity. How exactly these substances help the brain remains ambiguous. 

 

Vitamin B Supplements:

 

A healthy diet should provide you with all the vitamins that are needed by the body. But at times of stress and fatigue, the body gets depleted of Vitamin B. This deficiency prevents the functioning of acetylcholine. Vitamin B also helps carry oxygen to the brain and this does away with harmful free radicals. Some natural foods like liver, eggs, soybeans, lentils, and green beans are rich in Vitamin B. Vitamin B Supplements also help to boost the level of these vital vitamins in the body. 

 

Iron Deficiency:

 

The most common deficiency in most parts of the world is linked to iron deficiency. Poor concentration, diminished intelligence, and a short attention span are all attributed to iron deficiency. Iron helps carry oxygen to the blood and its deficiency leaves the brain sadly lacking in oxygen. Iron deficiency can be detected by a simple blood test. Iron-rich food like lean meat, beans, iron-fortified cereals, and iron supplements help raise the levels of iron. But absorption of iron becomes possible only in the presence of vitamin C. Garnishing iron-rich food with lime juice is one of the most effective and natural ways to ingest Vitamin C with iron. 

 

Water is an often overlooked but important necessity of the brain. The brain is 70% water, and a dehydrated brain works at a slower pace. Therefore it is necessary to keep the brain hydrated with plenty of water.

Supplements for Athletes in Training

One common misconception that people have regarding exercise is that performing it on a regular basis will prevent them from developing any health problems. When you exercise, your body uses its nutrients to fuel the energy necessary to perform the exercise. Depending on the intensity of your workout and the amount of nutrients in your body, you can actually put yourself at risk for nutrient deficiency, which can result in infections. This is especially true for athletes during training.

 

Consuming sufficient amounts of nutrients is an important concern for everyone. The more physical demands you place on your body the more nutrients it requires. Consuming more foods that contain essential vitamins and minerals to compensate for the stress on the body may seem to make sense. However, the demands of a strenuous training routine make it nearly impossible to consume a sufficient amount. Vitamin supplementation can help create the stores of nutrients that you need to achieve your training goals successfully. 

 

Many of the vitamins that your body uses during an intense workout are antioxidants. It is important that you maintain adequate amounts of these in your system because they keep infections at bay. Vitamins C and E are two of the most beneficial antioxidants for athletes in training. These vitamins not only prevent infection, but they help to enhance your stamina so that you can endure the intense workout. In addition, vitamins C and E can help rebuild muscle tissue that suffers minor damage during a hard workout. You should not rely on vitamins alone, but be sure to eat protein and carbohydrates in between your workouts, which can also help to rebuild the amount of glycogen you lose during your workout. 

 

The amount of vitamin C supplements an individual should take varies, but should not exceed 1000 milligrams. Excessive amounts of vitamin C are not considered toxic because the nutrient is water-soluble and excess is excreted in the urine. However, consuming more than 1000 milligrams can cause nausea and diarrhoea. If you are considering taking vitamins E supplements, you don't want to take more than 200 milligrams. There are varying reports on the effects of excessive vitamin E so you should discuss taking this vitamin with your doctor.

Supplements And Nutrition

A well-balanced diet and affinity for all food groups ensure right amounts of much-needed nutrients. However, not all people are blessed with a liking for vegetables or tolerance for milk. There are also people with allergies to nuts and poultry which are excellent sources of protein and good fat. What if you are one of them? How can you be sure that you get proper nutrition without force-feeding yourself broccolis? This is why supplements and nutrition should work together.

 

Before taking supplements, it would be wise to seek your doctor's advice. After all, you want to be sure to have the proper supplements and nutrition. The wide variety of supplements include multivitamins, protein supplements, minerals, and specialized supplements. Multivitamins are the most prescribed supplements. Regulated and concentrated amounts of essential vitamins are packed in a tablet or gels. Protein supplements are commonly used by people who want to build more muscle such as athletes. Mineral supplements include calcium for bone growth. Dietary supplements and memory enhancers are commonly classified as specialized supplements.

 

Supplements and nutrition must be complementary. For example, a person who consumes large amounts of carrots and squash need not take a supplement of Vitamin A. This is because too much of Vitamin A can cause a yellow or orange tinge to the skin. Other overdoses on minerals and vitamins can even disrupt normal hormonal function. After all, even too much of a good thing can be hazardous to health.

 

Hence, a proper supplements and nutrition scheme must be discussed with the doctor in order to prevent overdoses or taking unnecessary supplements. The US FDA in recognition of the growing market and need for supplements has taken steps to regulate the production, dosage, and sanitation of supplements. This was done to ensure good-quality products. This move is also partly due to rising number of unprescribed supplement use among consumers. The agency also stressed the importance of informed use among supplement users. It is not enough to know the name of your supplements. You should know what deficiency it corrects and how it works. Studies show that many use different supplements whereas tests done to them indicate only a minimal lack which can be corrected by a single kind. Also, despite the supplement rage, doctors and health experts still stand by natural correction of deficiencies by means of a proper diet. They suggest eating alternative sources of nutrients found in allergy-inducing foods. Hey, real food tastes better than capsules anyway.

Supplement Your Diet With Vitamin B12

Lack of a proper blood level in human beings is the major cause of the condition known as anaemia.

 

Shortage of blood means erythrocytes or red blood cells will not be produced in the correct quantity.

 

The anomaly can be rectified with diets. Specifically, diets containing large amount of Vitamin B12 (cobalamin).

 

Studies show that some cases of Vitamin B12 anaemic condition can lead to permanent brain damage.

 

The good news however, is vitamin B12 is present in almost all varieties of foods.

 

So long as you eat meat regularly, even just once a week, you are getting vitamin B12 in your diet.

 

Eggs, cheese, and dairy products are other examples of foods that contain this essential nutrient.

 

For vegetarians, fortified cereals and soy products offer plenty of vitamin B12.

 

But tarry a while, experts say the class of people most susceptible to low level of vitamin B12 intake are vegetarians.

 

The reason?

 

These people do not eat any kind of animal products. And some, apart from their disdain of animal products, do not eat fortified grains or cereals.

 

It is highly recommended that vegetarians should take vitamin B12 supplements regularly to compensate for its absence in their diets.

 

Don't be among those who live under the illusion that certain vegetables have vitamin B12. The fact is only one plant has been proven to have a form of vitamin B12 that can be utilized by humans.

 

That plant is a Chinese herb known as Dang Guy. And it is not available in appreciable quantity everywhere.

 

So most vegetarians don't really have any option than to take supplements.

 

The decision to change your diet to that of a vegetarian is not one only you can make. It's a good idea to talk it over with your physician.

 

If you've been a vegetarian for some time and haven't had a medical check-up and a blood test, then it's about time you go in for one as soon as possible, even if you are feeling fine.

 

This is because vitamin B12 deficiency can take years to develop, and by the time you start to experience the anaemia symptoms, you might already be in danger of permanent brain damage.

 

People, who due to surgery have had parts of their stomach removed are also very susceptible to deficiency of vitamin B12.

 

The parietal cells in your stomach (the same one that produces the acid which aids digestion) also produces a glycoprotein called "intrinsic factor". This "factor" must be present in the body for vitamin B12 to be absorbed.

 

In the absence of the intrinsic factor, you will require diets that contain a large quantity of vitamin B12 to avoid anaemia.

 

People in this situation should also take vitamin B12 rich foods like liver for instance, to get the right amount of the nutrient.

 

If these suggestions don't appeal to you, then you can take vitamin B12 injections.