Vitamin Supplements

METHIONINE

Like cystine, this is another sulphur-containing amino acid. Methionine helps in some cases of schizophrenia by lowering the blood level of histamine, which can cause the brain to relay wrong messages. When combined with choline and folic acid, it has been shown to offer protection against certain tumours.

An insufficiency of methionine can break down the body’s ability to process urine and result in oedema (swelling due to retention of fluids in tissues) and susceptibility to infection. A methionine deficiency has also been linked to cholesterol deposits, atherosclerosis, and hair loss in laboratory animals. Read the rest of this entry »

Arginine

This amino acid is necessary for the normal function of the pituitary gland. Along with ornithine, phenylalanine, and other neuro chemicals, arginine is required for the synthesis and release of the pituitary gland’s growth hormone. The need for arginine is especially great in males, since seminal fluids contain as much as 80% of this protein building-block, and a deficiency could lead to infertility.

WHAT IT CAN Do FOR You:

• Increase sperm count in males.
• Aid in immune response and healing of wounds.
• Help metabolize stored body fat and tone up muscle tissue. Read the rest of this entry »

Vitamins for Hands and Feet

Your hands take lots of abuse. Detergents strip away natural oils, and water and weather alone can cause chapping. Rubber gloves are a good idea, but if you already have splits in your skin or some sort of dermatitis, they should not be put directly on your hands. [A pair of cotton gloves beneath the rubber ones will absorb perspiration and prevent reinfection.] Also, do not use cornstarch in the gloves; it can promote the growth of micororganisms. If you want to use something to absorb the moisture, try plain, unscented talcum powder.

As for toenails and fingernails, the best remedy for problems is diet. Gelatin is commonly accepted as the cure for weak nails, but this is a misconception. The nails do need protein, but gelatin is a poor supplier. Not only are two essential amino acids missing, but another amino acid, glycine, is supplied in amounts you do not need. Foods rich in sulphur, such as egg yolks, should be part of your diet, and desiccated liver [powder or tablets] should be taken as a supplement. Read the rest of this entry »