Vitamin A

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Intelligent Medicine: A Guide to Optimizing Health and Preventing Illness for the Baby-Boomer Generation Ronald L. Hoffman, M.D. See book keywords and concepts

We can do the same thing much less expensively by giving immune-boosting vitamins and nutrients to patients with allergies. vitamin a, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and selenium can help bring the immune system back into balance. In my office I sometimes use an asthma drip, an intravenous "cocktail" of nutrients that are particularly helpful.

A supplement has been shown to enhance immune response, though the RDA is 5,000. Some people don't easily convert beta-carotene to vitamin a, so it's important to have both in the diet or as supplements. • The B vitamins are essential cofactors in cell metabolism, and they may regulate the activity and rapid proliferation of the white blood cells of the immune system. Folic acid, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, riboflavin, and vitamin B12 all play an important role in sustaining immune function.

The carotenoids, including beta-carotene, are precursor nutrients, which are converted in the body to vitamin a as they are needed. By itself, beta-carotene enhances the cell-mediated side of the immune system, stimulating the production of T and B cells, macrophages, and natural killer cells. As an antioxidant, beta-carotene can also absorb the dangerous oxidized particles in the body called free radicals that can suppress the immune function by damaging the cell receptors that recognize foreign antigens.

The nutrients that specifically affect skin, hair, and nails are vitamin a, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B6, biotin, silica, calcium, zinc, and the amino acid L-cysteine. Topical vitamin E has long been used to prevent scars. Research has shown that vitamin E can help prevent the formation of scars only if it's used when the scar is forming, because what it actually does is prevent the overgrowth of collagen that causes the scar.

New Choices in Natural Healing: Over 1,800 of the Best Self-Help Remedies from the World of Alternative Medicine Bill Gottlieb See book keywords and concepts

He also says people with eczema may want to use the following nutritional regimen to help control outbreaks: 50,000 international units (IU) of vitamin a a day for three weeks, then reducing the dose to 10,000 IU a day; one tablespoon of flaxseed oil a day; 400 IU of vitamin E a day; and one milligram of copper a day. Flaxseed oil is available in most health food stores. ¦Ill Yoga Eczema can flare up when you're under stress, says Stephen A. Nezezon, M.D, yoga teacher and staff physician at the Himalayan International Institute of Yoga Science and Philosophy in Honesdale, Pennsylvania.

Manifesto for a New Medicine: Your Guide to Healing Partnerships and the Wise Use of Alternative Therapies James S. Gordon, M.D. See book keywords and concepts

Some of the promising results of antioxidant therapy—for example, the success of beta carotene, a precursor of vitamin a, in reducing the incidence of lung cancer—have been challenged by other, less favorable studies. Still, while we are waiting for more definitive work, I think the weight of evidence justifies supplementing our diets with antioxidants. Individual differences can be, as I've often pointed out, crucial. Nevertheless, I suggest that adults can usually take 1,000 milligrams of vitamin C and 400 international units (I.U.) of vitamin E twice a day; and 25,000 I.U.

The Natural Way to Heal: 65 Ways to Create Superior Health Walter Last See book keywords and concepts

A acid (retinoic acid) can be applied for about six weeks under professional supervision. It frequently causes redness and irritation at the beginning of the treatment. Ulcers and skin infections: Wash the area with warm diluted magnesium chloride or an Epsom salt solution and apply any of the following, alone or mixed with others: propolis as cream or solution, copper salicylate, garlic, or fresh cabbage-leaf or fresh green-vegetable inire Aloe vera crel is eyrellent fnr sealincr a wound; cover with unheated honey, mix with a few drops of hydrogen peroxide, and renew twice daily.

The One Earth Herbal Sourcebook: Everything You Need to Know About Chinese, Western, and Ayurvedic Herbal Treatments Alan Keith Tillotson, Ph.D., A.H.G., D.Ay. See book keywords and concepts

As you read the following suggestions, remember the three components of tears, and that: • vitamin a and carotenoids aid epithelial tissue and goblet cells in production of mucin. • The watery component of tears requires that you drink lots of water. • The oily component of tears is dependent upon adequate essential fatty acids. • Treating all of the above three represents holistic nourishment therapy, but removal of causes is equally important. Recommendations Use artificial tears.

Microscopic examination shows major problems in (1) the daily renewal and shedding of the photoreceptor outer segments, (2) light energy transmission, and (3) vitamin a metabolism. There is also the presence of deposits in the retinal pigment epithelium. Though not deficient in the amino acid taurine, RP patients appear to have faulty cellular uptake of it. Both the red blood cells and the sperm of RP patients are deficient in the important fatty acid DHA. The cause of this is the inability to biosynthesize DHA even if dietary levels are adequate, so it must be given directly.

Large doses of vitamin a (up to 30,000 IU per day) and lutein 20 mg daily can help hereditary retinitis pigmentosa. Given this backdrop, there are three ways to deal with this: directly add the needed nutrients, add precursors to drive cellular uptake, and stimulate general metabolic energy through a variety of mechanisms. I hypothesize that all three need to be done simultaneously to maximally overcome the metabolic barriers, and with the third component herbal medicine has much to offer.

Prescription Medicines, Side Effects and Natural Alternatives American Medical Publishing See book keywords and concepts

Possible alternatives — Maintaining proper amounts of vitamin a and beta-carotene are essential for healthy lungs and the prevention of lung disorders. Vitamin E supplements can also prevent lung problems. Other important vitamins are the B's and vitamin C. Inadequate amounts of copper in the human body can lead to many and frequent problems with the lungs. Taking a selenium supplement is helpful. Optimal magnesium intake might prevent or treat a number of lung disorders that Atrovent is used to treat.

Bartram's Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: The Definitive Guide Thomas Bartram See book keywords and concepts

Daily. vitamin a 7500iu, Vitamin B2 lOmg, Vitamin C 3g, Vitamin E 400iu, Zinc 15mg. Referral to consultant ophthalmologist. EYE INJURIES. From blows, burns, chemicals or haemorrhage. Hospital treatment may be required. Petechial haemorrhage (Witch Hazel douche). For infection, add Echinacea. For shock, German Chamomile tea. Topical. Alternatives. Flashburns from welding etc - fresh juice Aloe Vera gave instant relief and speeded recovery. (New England Journal of Medicine, Vol 311, 6, p.413) Houseleek juice. Wounds that refuse to heal: cotton wool pad saturated with Castor oil overnight.

The Food Pharmacy: Dramatic New Evidence That Food Is Your Best Medicine Jean Carper See book keywords and concepts

Cod liver oil has lots of vitamin D and vitamin a, fat-soluble vitamins that can be soaked up and stored in toxic amounts by the liver. Some experts worry that taking too much omega-3 in capsules could boomerang, overloading the system so that it produces not help, but harm from hyped-up prostaglandins. Too much omega-3 can also block normal blood clotting and lead to excessive bleeding. Fish oil capsules are also commonly high in cholesterol, and those that are not may promote lipid peroxidation, a process destructive to cells. Dr. John E.

Permanent Remissions Robert Hass, M.S. See book keywords and concepts

The form of vitamin a that is found in animals, it is essential to growth, healthy skin and epithelial tissue, and the prevention of night blindness. Vitamin B, (thiamin): A member of the B complex of vitamins that is essential for the health of brain and nerve tissue. Vitamin B12 (cobalamin): A member of the B complex of vitamins that is particularly important in the brain and nerve tissues. It is a powerful water-soluble antioxidant that helps protect against cancer and atherosclerosis. Niacin: See Vitamin B3 (niacin). Oncology: The branch of medical science dealing with cancer.

Smart Medicine for Healthier Living : Practical A-Z Reference to Natural and Conventional Treatments for Adults Janet Zand, LAc, OMD, Allan N. Spreed, MD, CNC, James B. LaValle, RPh, ND See book keywords and concepts

PREVENTION ¦ A deficiency of vitamin a, the "eye vitamin," is a factor in the development of many eye problems. As a preventive, take 5,000 international units of this important vitamin daily. ¦ Using contaminated eye makeup can lead to infection. For example, every time a mascara wand is used and replaced in the tube, it picks up more and more bacteria, some of which is later transferred to the eyelashes. If you use makeup, minimize your risk of bacterial infection by replacing your cosmetics—especially mascara, eyeliner, and other forms of eye makeup—at least every three months.

Prescription Medicines, Side Effects and Natural Alternatives American Medical Publishing See book keywords and concepts

Most experts recommend that vitamin a intake not exceed 10,000 IU for most adults or 8,000 IU for pregnant and nursing women. B. Vitamin B6 Neurologic toxicity, including ataxia (alteration in balance) and sensory neuropathy (changes in sensations due to nerve injury), is associated with intake of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) supplements at levels above 100 milligrams per day. As little as 50 milligrams per day has caused resumption of symptoms in an individual previously injured by higher intakes. The RDA for vitamin B6 is 2 milligrams.

The Herbal Drugstore Linda B. White, M.D. See book keywords and concepts

You need 10,000 IU of vitamin a (or 15,000 to 25,000 IU of beta-carotene) per day and 400 to 800 IU of vitamin E per day. þ Boost your fiber intake. þ Avoid smoking and coffee (including decaf). þ Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, and other anti-inflammatory drugs. Herbal Remedies Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) The premier ulcer-healing herb, licorice seems to work as well as ulcer-treating drugs, but with fewer side effects. Instead of inhibiting acid production, it strengthens the stomach's normal protective mechanisms and induces healing. It may even help eliminate H.

If you are at risk, check whether you're getting enough of the following daily nutrients, or consult your doctor about fashioning a supplement regimen. þ vitamin a (5,000 to 10,000 IU) þ Riboflavin (1.6 to 10 milligrams) þ Vitamin C (1,000 to 2,000 milligrams) þ Folic acid (400 to 600 micrograms) þ Vitamin E (400 to 800 IU) You Say Tomato Lycopene, a carotenoid found in both fresh and cooked tomatoes, seems to protect against dysplasia.

And dandelion is a good source of antioxidants, such as vitamin a, that may help repair some of the damage the festive activities wreaked on your body. Typical dosage: 2 cups of tea per day, morning and evening (steep 1 to 1 teaspoons of dried root in 1 cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes),- or 30 to 60 drops of tincture three times per day for the day or two that symptoms persist. Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) Typically used to improve circulation, improve memory, and decrease dizziness, ginkgo may help with hangover.

When phase 1 is very active, the body needs extra vitamin a, C, and E. Phase 1 requires zinc, copper, molybdenum, thiamine, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, folic acid, a host of amino acids, and sulfur. You can see by this list the importance of a nutritious, varied diet that supplies a wide range of vitamins and minerals. Many different factors and conditions affect liver function and lead to liver disease. These include viruses, metabolic disorders, hereditary conditions, cancers, exposure to toxins such as alcohol, and more.

Morning-after bloody Marys, made with tomato juice, may help hangovers because of their high levels of lycopene, a vitamin a relative. Just make your Mary a virgin —meaning blend it without the alcohol —and you've got a very healthful drink. Sweet Cure for a Splitting Head Honey contains as much as 40 percent fructose, a form of sugar that may speed the metabolism of alcohol and decrease the effects of a hangover. So if tea and toast is all your dicey stomach can handle, you can amply sweeten the tea with honey. High amounts of fructose can also be found in most fruits.

The Healing Power of Herbs: The Enlightened Person's Guide to the Wonders of Medicinal Plants Michael T. Murray, N.D. See book keywords and concepts

The leaves have the highest vitamin a content of all greens (14,000 international units [IU] per 100 grams raw greens) as well as ample amounts of vitamins D, B complex, and C, and minerals such as iron, silicon, magnesium, sodium, potassium, zinc, manganese, copper, and phosphorus.14 Dandelion also contains relatively high amounts of choline—an important nutrient for the liver.5 History and folk use While many individuals may consider the common dandelion an unwanted weed, herbalists revere this valuable herb. Generally regarded as a liver remedy, dandelion has a long history of folk use.

Smart Medicine for Healthier Living : Practical A-Z Reference to Natural and Conventional Treatments for Adults Janet Zand, LAc, OMD, Allan N. Spreed, MD, CNC, James B. LaValle, RPh, ND See book keywords and concepts

Take 15 milligrams of zinc daily, preferably at the same time as you take vitamin a and beta-carotene. Take zinc with food to prevent stomach upset. HERBAL TREATMENT ¦ Boswellia is an herb that has noted anti-inflammatory effects. Take 200 milligrams of standardized extract three times a day. ¦ Horsetail is rich in silica, which increases circulation and strengthens tendons, ligaments, and bones. Research shows this herb can hasten healing. Take 500 milligrams two or three times daily. ¦ Turmeric also is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

The Origin Diet: How Eating Like Our Stone Age Ancestors Will Maximize Your Health Elizabeth Somer, M.A., R.D. See book keywords and concepts

Because there was no understanding of how diet affects health, nutrient deficiencies became the plague of most households: • Bodies accustomed to a wide variety of foods rich in vitamin a developed blindness and skin conditions as people ate fewer dark green vegetables and liver. • Beriberi, pellagra, and other B vitamin—deficiency diseases developed and persisted into the 1800s. • Protein and mineral deficiencies became common and continued into the twentieth century. • Compromised nutritional status suppressed immune systems, which were accustomed to higher-nutrient diets.

Dr. Cass Ingram's Lifesaving Cures Dr. Cass Ingram See book keywords and concepts

Animals fed vitamin a deficient diets became so frail that they looked as if they were starvation victims compared to the normally fed animals. Thus, during early research on this vitamin it became famous as the "growth factor." Indeed, now it is known that the growth of every cell in the human body is dependent upon it. Vitamin C In the early 1900s Dr. Szent-Gyorgi, a Hungarian biochemist, discovered that a crude extract from the adrenal glands of animals cured a variety of disorders. He also produced a similar curative extract from paprika.

Permanent Remissions Robert Hass, M.S. See book keywords and concepts

You're probably familiar with beta-carotene, the plant form of vitamin a. But the most powerful cancer-clobbering carotenoid is actually a compound called lycopene. Lycopene is the carotenoid most efficient at quenching the type of free radicals caused by cigarette smoke and air pollution. The foods with the highest concentration of lycopene in the ordinary American diet are tomato sauce (including ketchup and tomato-based barbecue sauces), guava, watermelon, and pink grapefruit.

Here's why: • Carotenoids keep cells in the breast healthy by curbing their growth when exposed to the estrogen-related sex hormone estradiol. vitamin a and related compounds also enhance the immune system and direct it to release hormonelike substances that seek out and kill cancer cells. • Carotenoids inhibit carcinogenesis in animals exposed to chemicals and the sun's UV (ultraviolet) radiation. • Carotenoids destroy malignant cells but leave healthy cells intact. Cancer cells appear to have a leaky cell membrane, whereas normal cells have an intact one.

That's why I tecommend that if you take dietary supplements, they contain what I call a carotenoid complex, including alpha- and beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene, zeaxanthin, and preformed vitamin a. More research in this area is needed before we can draw any definitive conclusions about the effectiveness of carotene supplements, but one thing remains clear: dietary supplements can be used to augment a phytonutrient-rich diet but never to supplant it.

The Super Anti-Oxidants: Why They Will Change the Face of Healthcare in the 21st Century James F. Balch, M.D. See book keywords and concepts

Beta-Carotene, vitamin a, Vitamin c, and Vitamin E: These nutrients, known collectively as "protectors," provide the body with important antioxidant protection. These protector nutrients are the body's first line of defense against oxidative damage. Can People Get Enough Antioxidants from Food? Many doctors doubt you can get enough vitamin E without supplements unless you consume too many fatty foods such as oil and salad dressing, but you can get the recommended 30 milligrams of beta-carotene and vitamin c in a healthy diet if you choose your foods wisely.

Carotenoids are not officially recognized as essential nutrients, but rather as a source of vitamin a. For this reason, there is no official RDA. However, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Cancer Institute suggest one to two servings of caro-tenoid-rich foods daily. How do I know if I'm getting enough? There are a number of lifestyle factors that may increase your need for carotenoids. These include smoking, using oral contraceptives, and spending a lot of time outdoors where you are exposed to environmental pollutants and ultraviolet light.

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