Choline is a macronutrient that’s important for liver function, normal brain development, nerve function, muscle movement, supporting energy levels and maintaining a healthy metabolism. Choline is present in the form of phosphatidycholine, a compound that makes up the structural component of fat, and thus can be found in different types of foods that naturally contain…
Do you have blurry vision when looking at far away distances, but see more clearly when looking at things up close? This is a sign that you might have myopia, or "nearsightedness." The number of people dealing with myopia has increased considerably in recent years. According to studies conducted by the National Eye Institute (NEI),…
Folate, also known vitamin B9, is one of many essential vitamins needed for copying and synthesizing DNA, producing new cells, and supporting nerve and immune functions. As a water-soluble B vitamin, it’s naturally present in some foods, added to others and available as a dietary supplement in the form of folic acid. Studies show that…
Worldwide, it's estimated that around 400 million people have the genetic disorder called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. G6PD deficiency almost always occurs in males and is most likely to affect people from parts of Africa, Asia, the Mediterranean, or the Middle East. In the U.S., about 1 in every 10 African-American males has the defective gene that…
As important as it is to comprehend the meaning of qi in order to fully understand Chinese philosophy as it pertains to health, there isn't a literal equivalent in the Western world or an easy way to explain what it represents. In the U.S. and other Western nations, qi is much like what we think of as…
I've talked about the best vitamins for women to take in general, but what about the prenatal vitamins a woman needs when she's pregnant? When you compare a woman's multivitamin to a woman's prenatal vitamin, the prenatal vitamin typically contains more folate and iron. A woman's increased nutritional needs during pregnancy are the result of two things: the…
Vitamin B12 deficiency is believed to be one of the most common nutrient deficiencies in the world, especially among people taking stomach acid-altering medications and antibiotics frequently, along with the elderly and sometimes vegetarians/vegans. (1) For this reason, B12 injections are sometimes used to offset the many symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency, such as fatigue and…
Anemia, also known as anaemia, occurs when your blood has a lower than normal number of red blood cells or if your red blood cells don't have enough hemoglobin. Because a side effect of anemia is low circulation of oxygen, anemia symptoms usually include muscle weakness, ongoing fatigue or lethargy, brain fog, and sometimes mood…
Blackstrap molasses is commonly used as a natural sweetener and sugar alternative. It has a unique, rich flavor, contains many micronutrients and has a moderate glycemic load, making it a good, more nutritious choice compared to refined sugar. As the health benefits of blackstrap molasses becomes better known, more and more molasses products are being…
Studies have shown that women’s nutrient intake is highly dependent on not only their diets, but factors like their economic status, social and cultural environment, personal habits, age, level of activity, and genetics. Experts believe that some of the most common (although certain other deficiencies are still possible and somewhat common) nutrient deficiencies in women…
