Three Natural Supplements That Could Radically Improve Your Health
In 2012, over 82% of Americans saw a health care professional at a place like Sound Family Health. Even though prescription drugs are frequently relied upon for prevention and treatment of ailments, naturally-occurring plants, vitamins, and minerals can also effectively address problems. Here are three natural supplements that can help you prevent and minimize the symptoms of some of the most common medical problems.
Milk Thistle
About one in every ten Americans suffers from some form of liver disease. The most prevalent liver diseases include hepatitis B, hepatitis C, cirrhosis, and fatty liver disease. Alcohol abuse is a leading cause of some liver diseases, like cirrhosis, but abstaining from alcohol will not prevent all liver disorders. For example, fatty liver disease occurs in nearly all heavy drinkers, but a large number of people diagnosed with this disease never drink. No doubt, liver disease is a huge concern in the United States.
Evidence suggests that regularly taking milk thistle can reverse liver damage. Milk thistle can also serve as preventative measure. Studies within the last forty years strongly support milk thistle's amazing ability to ward off cirrhosis, combat alcohol and environmental toxins, and starve off fatty liver disease. As a matter of fact, milk thistle has proven so effective as a detoxification and prevention tool that in Europe, it is even offered in prescription doses.
If you are a heavy drinker or recovering alcoholic, consider adding milk thistle to your daily regimen. Even i f you are not at risk for developing a liver disorder, you can still use milk thistle to give your hard-working liver a little boost. Look for capsules consisting of 100-200 milligrams of silymarin, and for maximum benefits, take twice a day.
Niacin
Eight B vitamins, known as the "B complex," are absolutely essential for proper bodily functions. Side effects of B vitamin deficiencies include anemia, fatigue, hair loss, growth problems, birth defects, and cramping. Each B vitamin contributes to your whole-body health in a unique way.
Niacin, or vitamin B3, helps regulate your nervous system, skin tissue, and digestive system. One of the many side effects of niacin deficiency is depression. In the 1960s, doctors started using "suppressed vitamin therapy" to get patients' depression symptoms under control. Patients who took 3,000 milligrams of niacin a day reported a significant improvement in depression symptoms.
Even though no study conclusively states that niacin is a cure for depression, it is worth trying. You can consume it in a B complex vitamin, or take it singularly. Start slow; the most effective dose is one that gives you a slight flush. Usually, 100 to 200 milligrams is sufficient.
Magnesium
Two out of every three Americans do not receive enough of the mineral magnesium. Magnesium deficiency can lead to very serious health problems. Slight deficiencies can cause fatigue, mood swings, and headaches; severe and long-lasting deficiencies can lead to congestive heart failure, liver disease, and stroke.
One of the most noticeable side effects of insufficient magnesium levels is insomnia. This mineral affects your brain's GABA receptors, which are responsible for calming and relaxing your body. If you do not receive enough magnesium, your GABA receptors will not work properly and your ability to sleep soundly will be compromised.
Instead of turning to over-the-counter or prescription sleeping pills, which can be habit-forming, take a 500 milligram magnesium supplement about an hour before you go to sleep.