Shake it Baby

The vitamins that we receive from our food and the ones our body makes on its own are essential for our health and well being. The truth is, however, that we are not receiving nearly enough from these things. A lack of vitamins can cause problems such as acne, depression and can even lead to cancer. Understanding the vitamins that the body needs and how much will help to live a long healthy life.

Vitamin A

In its most potent form, vitamin A is called retinol. It is fat soluble like vitamins D, K, and E. Most adult men need about 1000mg daily and women need about 800mg.

Vitamin A directly impacts the eyes, hair, bones, immune system, skin, and teeth along with the soft tissues.  So look after your teeth and prevent the need for porcelain veneers.

Signs that you may have a lack of vitamin A are the appearance of acne, trouble sleeping at night (insomnia), dry skin and hair, allergies, sinus issues, night blindness, and loss of appetite. These symptoms may appear by themselves or together.

Not having the correct amount of retinol may also affect your immune system and leave you open to certain cancers.

Taking a daily multivitamin will help provide the body with the recommended dosage of vitamin A.  Also eating foods such as fish, liver, yellow and green veggies, carrots, garlic, apricots, and sweet potatoes will give your body a boost.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, unlike A, is water-soluble. The body cannot produce its own vitamin C so it must be obtained through diet.

Blood, bones, adrenal glands, cells, heart, nervous system, and teeth are some of the body parts directly affected by this vitamin.

Just as with retinol, there are signs that you may not be receiving a healthy dosage of vitamin C. Some of these symptoms are anemia, shortness of breath, poor digestion, stress, blood clots, bleeding gums, and nosebleeds.

Most people have been told to take vitamin C if they have a cold. It does have the ability to prevent infections and it does strengthen the immune system. Best way for it to work, however, would be to take it daily so the body can fight off the cold virus before it makes you sick.

Eating oranges or any citrus fruit will help increase the amount vitamin C you are getting. Also, strawberries, green vegetables, cantaloupe, tomatoes, and good old brussel sprouts are a few others.

Daily Needs

Taking a multivitamin really will make a huge difference. They are designed with all the recommended dosages of the various vitamins needed.

Consuming foods high in nutrients is very beneficial. The truth is that a lot of foods purchased at our local supermarket may not have the high levels of vitamins the body needs. If possible, try buying fruit and vegetables from local farms and buy them freshly picked. This will help to insure that the vitamin content is at its peak.

Making sure that your body has all it needs, will not only give you energy and overall good health but will also help guard against a lot of cancers and other ailments in the future.