Lots of people are convinced applying vitamin e oil capsules on their scars or stretch marks will help prevent or fade them. But does it really work? And how about other benefits? Read on to find out about interesting facts about vitamin E. The topical use of vitamin E oil capsules is a very popular and supposedly effective scar removing treatment. Two major studies have been conducted on this matter. The largest clinical trial published in The Journal of Burn Care and Rehabilitation
Vitamin E oil
The so called effective remedy consists of opening vitamin E capsules and applying the content on the scar. But this topical use of vitamin E does not result in scar healing scientists say. The capsules can be used for far better purposes though.
In 1986 one of the largest studies to investigate the effect of vitamin E on scars was published in The Journal of Burn Care and Rehabilitation. The conclusion: the use of vitamin E did not lead to noticeable improvement in the size, thickness or appearance of scars.
Side effects
Another study from 1999 showed no improvement either. A significant part of the scars actually appeared worse than the control group’s scars. On top of that roughly 30 percent of the patients developed an allergic skin reaction (dermatitis) in response to the vitamin E treatment.
Not only are there no scientific examples of vitamin E resulting in scar improvement, many doctors and dermatologists advise against the topical use of vitamin E on scars.
Benefits
Vitamin E has powerful natural antioxidant properties protecting the body from free radical damage. It is an important component of the immune system, adds to the creation of red blood cells and is essential for DNA maintenance.
There is significant evidence vitamin E can protect against heart disease and it is thought to slow the aging process. Vitamin E protects artery walls and keeps the “bad” low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol from being oxidized. It also supports prostate and breast health and is good for your brain.
Vitamin E containing foods
This useful vitamin is especially found in seeds, nuts, cereals and vegetables. A few examples of foods high in vitamin e are; avocado, olive oil, almonds and spinach.
By: Mike Van Lint
Posts Tagged ‘Red Blood Cells’
Benefits of Vitamin E – Does Vitamin E Fade Scars?
April 23rd, 2010Fatigue Fighting Vitamins and Herbs
April 14th, 2010
Fatigue is mental and physical tiredness where the person has no energy or enthusiasm to do anything. Fatigue is often the result of continual illness, stress, overworking, worry or periods of emotional upheaval. It can be the symptom of many illnesses, including anaemia and infections. Chronic fatigue can be greatly improved by eating foods that increase the energy level and support the immune system. Removing the buildup of toxins from the body will reduce the energy drain and stress reduction methods may ease the symptoms. Gentle exercise will strengthen the muscles and stimulate the circulation and the production of antibodies to increase resistance to infection.
What to do about fatigue
As tempting as it is to do nothing when you feel very tired or exhausted, it is important to take action. Here is a simple list of things you can use to help relieve and reverse your fatigue.
Vitamins
The vitamins and minerals outlined below can be obtained as a part of a quality, balanced vitamin and mineral supplement. The balance of these vitamins and minerals is important as an overabundance of one can inhibit the absorption or utilisation by the body of another – thus causing a deficiency.
Vitamin A strengthens the immune system and helps to fight infections. It also plays an important role in general healing. Vitamin B1 improves the nervous system function and boosts energy. It is essential for converting food into energy and for the transmission of electrical impulses in the nerves and muscles. It can have a powerful effect on your mood and alertness. Vitamin B6 increases energy levels. It is essential for the breakdown of food and the production of energy in the body. It is also necessary for the formation of antibodies. Pantothenic acid reduces fatigue and relieves stress. It is essential for the conversion of food into energy and for the breakdown of fats. Folic acid is needed to form healthy red blood cells which are vital for energy as they carry oxygen to the muscles. It is essential for the metabolism of proteins and sugars. Vitamin C detoxifies the body and in the process makes energy more available. It helps the body absorb iron and folic acid effectively and turn food into energy. Vitamin E supports the immune system. It is a powerful antioxidant and is important for the production of energy from food.
Minerals
Calcium is needed for the muscles and nerves and improves sleep. Iron relieves fatigue that is associated with insufficient red blood cells. It is needed to release the energy in your body. It is also essential in maintaining a healthy immune system. Magnesium reduces weakness and tiredness. It is essential for turning food into energy. The nervous system relies on magnesium to work properly and it is valued for its stress relieving properties. Selenium is an anti-oxidant that reduces the energy drain caused by free radicals. It is essential in preventing a wide range of diseases. It is needed for healthy muscles including those of the heart. It boosts the immune system, increasing your ability to fight infection. Zinc assists in the detoxification of the body and also boosts the immune system. It is important for the brain and nervous system and mental alertness.
Other nutrients and herbs
Omega 3 fatty acids boost energy. Acidophilus and other friendly bacteria help to create a normal intestinal balance. This is important for improving energy if an overgrowth of Candida is thought to be a problem. Bioflavonoids enhance the action of vitamin C. Co-enzyme Q10 increases oxygen uptake in the cells and this can help to increase energy. Ginger and Siberian ginseng are herbs that if taken internally will increase your energy and balance digestive and hormonal systems. Ginger, red ginseng root, cardamom seed, artichoke leaf and gentian root are herbs for the digestive system. Digestive strengthening herbs increase your ability to digest food to release the energy from the food that you eat. Mate and green tea can give a temporary boost in energy.
Rosemary essential oil (3-4 drops) added to a bath is a good pick-me-up.
Foods to eat
The following foods will help you get a boost of energy that is achieved in a sustained way and not just the short term fix that is provided by sugar and caffeine which make you feel worse later. Try not to overeat.
Plenty of fresh fruit and green, leafy vegetables. Whole grains, nuts and seeds. Chicken and tuna. You need to avoid any sources of food allergies from your diet, particularly wheat and dairy products. You also need to avoid alcohol, smoking, refined foods and sugars and caffeine. All of these foods deplete your energy levels. Remember, cakes, pastries, bread, indeed anything made from flour, are all refined foods. Eating the right foods will reduce the toxins that are put into your body, however, it is probable that your body is already overloaded and you need to cleanse your colon so that you are able to rid the body of its toxic load. Toxins are one of the main reasons for a reduction in energy. This is because the body’s resources have to be diverted into dealing with the unwanted material. To discover more about how you can deal with toxins, cleanse your colon safely and benefit from the increase in energy go to safecoloncleansing.com
While you are cleansing you also need to drink plenty of filtered water – so that the body is able to flush out the toxins.
Herbal remedies
There are two herbal remedies that can give you a more natural deep energy. You can easily make these herbal medicines yourself if you have the ingredients.
For the first, use 1 to 2 teaspoonsful of the following blend.
1 part asparagus root
1 part ginger rhizome
1 part red ginseng root
1 cup water
For the second, add the herbs according to the following.
1 part ginger rhizome
1 part cardamon seeds
1 part artichoke leaves
1/2 part genetian root
1 cup water
For each of them, place the water into an appropriately sized saucepan and bring to the boil. Add the herbs to the boiling water, turn off the heat and allow to stand for 10-15 minutes then strain the mixture.
Drink a cup of the mixture up to three times per day.
Exercise
Even if you feel tired, try to at least take short walks in the fresh air and practice breathing deep down into your lungs as you walk. Walk at least 20 – 30 minutes per day, but do start with shorter periods if you need to. The important thing is to start getting exercise. Gradually work up to longer and more frequent exercise, if possible including 20 minutes of aerobic exercise every other day.
Quit Smoking
If you smoke you need to stop. Smoking is a major drain on your health and energy and can undermine all your efforts in other areas. The Growerz.com quit smoking program can assist you to become smoke free.
Try to incorporate as many of these things into your lifestyle as you are able. Work out a plan for yourself about how you will manage your day and what you will achieve in it. While the above details are intended to be generally helpful and educational they should not be construed as a replacement for individual advice from a health professional. You should seek professional assistance if your fatigue is sudden, extreme, long-lasting or you fail to improve.
By: Dr Jenny Tylee
Lupus: Can Vitamins Help With Lupus?
April 13th, 2010
Lupus is an autoimmune disease where the immune system of the body produces antibodies which start attacking itself, producing inflammation of the skin, joints, blood vessels and other areas. Some of the first symptoms are similar to those common with arthritis, Lyme disease, and fibromyalgia such as swelling and pain of the joints, sometimes with a fever. Many cases also have a characteristic rash that appears across the nose and cheeks, which consists of pinkish to red coloration of the skin and raised red bumps.
The following vitamins and minerals have been shown to be beneficial in the management of Lupus and its many symptoms.
Vitamin A helps prevent eye disorders, skin disorders like acne, cancer, colds, influenza and other infections. It enhances immunity and acts as an antioxidant. Vitamin A is needed for skin and mucous membrane health, bone and teeth formation, and protein utilization. It helps slow the aging process.
The B vitamins promote healthy nerves, skin, eyes, hair, liver, gastrointestinal tract, and brain function. The B vitamins are also coenzymes involved in energy production. B complex is important for elderly people and a deficiency can mimic Alzheimer’s disease.
Vitamin C performs hundreds of functions in the body. It is crucial for the production of antibodies, strengthens connective tissues, helps reduce the duration and severity of a cold, assists with wound healing, and protects other vitamins from oxidation.
Vitamin E, or tocopherol, is an anti-oxidant that prevents the fats and fat-soluble Vitamin A stored in the body from breaking down and combining with other substances that may be harmful to the body. It also protects red blood cells from rupturing.
Zinc is required for the production of both RNA and DNA, the basic building blocks of the body. It assists the body in making the 200+ enzymes and is essential in the development and continuous normal functioning of the central nervous system. Zinc also plays a role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
Magnesium is essential for every major biological process. It is necessary for 300+ enzymatic reactions and is vital for calcium metabolism. Magnesium is not a trace mineral, but a major entity in our bodies.
Calcium performs numerous vital functions in the body. It combines with phosphorus to strengthen bones and is crucial for nerve conduction, muscle contraction and heartbeat. Calcium also helps prevent cramps brought on by exercise by avoiding lactic acid buildup.
Iodine is crucial for the health of the thyroid gland and is essential for the production of two key hormones that help regulate a host of body processes including resting metabolic rate, heart rate, heat production and energy levels.
Manganese is involved in protein, fat and energy metabolism. Its primary function, though, is as an antioxidant. Manganese is an essential part of biochemical reactions that affect bone, cartilage and brain function.
Copper is heavily involved in the production of hemoglobin. It is also involved in the production of collagen, the protein responsible for the integrity of bone, cartilage, skin and tendon, and elastin, a major component of large blood vessels.
Selenium is an essential trace mineral required by the body in small quantities. It is also a potent antioxidant. Selenium is necessary for proper calcium and vitamin C metabolism, helps convert blood sugar into energy, decreases platelet aggregation and helps promote cardiovascular health.
You should work closely with your physician in the management of Lupus, which includes discussing the vitamins and minerals listed above before beginning to take any of them. Some vitamins and minerals may have adverse reactions when taken in combination with certain over-the-counter and prescription medications.
Copyright 2006 PillFreeVitamins.com
By: Steven Godlewski
