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Heartburn symptoms can often be relieved if sufferers make a few lifestyle changes. Many people can significantly reduce the occurrence of symptoms by avoiding heartburn triggers and behaviors that contribute to acid reflux flare-ups. Not everyone suffers from heartburn, even when they eat spicy foods. For millions of people, however, heartburn is a chronic condition. There are several reasons an individual’s heartburn will occur. While these things can cause heartburn in people who only have occasional episodes, they can be big triggers for those suffering from chronic heartburn.

It isn’t just food that can cause heartburn. Sometimes it’s the medications we take to treat other conditions that can be the culprit. Some medications can cause heartburn by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach contents to reflux back up into the esophagus. For those who suffer from heartburn the symptoms can be unbearable at times. For some, prescription medication is necessary to treat heartburn. There are also vitamins that can be taken along with prescription medications to help provide some relief of the symptoms of heartburn.

Before discussing any vitamins and supplements that can be beneficial in relieving the symptoms of heartburn, I must stress that you talk to your doctor before adding anything new to your diet. Although it is rare, certain vitamins, supplements and herbs can react adversely with prescription medications. It is also important to research the vitamins you are interested in taking, as some are not well tolerated by those with stomach disorders and can be more harmful than good.

Below is a list of some of the most common vitamins, herbs and supplements that can be used to help relieve and manage the symptoms of heartburn.

Vitamin C: (250 mg to 500 mg twice per day) useful in temporarily reducing your stomach acidity.

B Vitamins: are essential for proper digestion and energy production. Choline, pantothenic acid, and thiamin are B-complex vitamins that can have long-term digestive benefits. Choline is an important element of the fat-digesting substance known as bile. Having too little choline in the body can interfere with the body’s ability to produce bile and digest fats properly, and increases the risk of developing gallstones Vitamin B-complex includes several different components, each of which has the potential to interact with drugs. It is recommended that you discuss the use of vitamin B-complex and your current medication(s) with your doctor or pharmacist.

Folic Acid: (400mcg per day) is a B vitamin needed for cell replication and growth.

Vitamin D: serves to maintain mineral homeostasis by regulation of calcium absorption in the gut.
Zinc: (30mg per day) is an essential mineral that is a component of more than 300 enzymes needed to repair wounds, synthesize protein, help cells reproduce, boost immunity, and protect against free radicals, among other functions.
Sodium helps maintain a healthy acid/ alkaline balance

Calcium: supplements can provide quick relief from heartburn. Calcium may also help the body in the long term: Calcium is not just stored in bones, but circulates the body in the bloodstream and helps to produce the hormones and enzymes that the body needs for regulate energy release, proper digestion, and metabolism.

Aloe Vera: is another fast-acting supplement that acts as an anti-inflammatory, and frequently helps soothe the irritation in the esophagus that can be caused by heartburn. Aloe Vera has been used in Europe and Japan to relieve heartburn and ulcers for many years.

Liquid Vitamins and Life Force International  

Cystic Fibrosis or CF is an inherited disease that affects the normal movement of salt (sodium chloride) into and out of certain cells, including those that line the lungs and pancreas. This results in thick, sticky mucus and other secretions. The mucus clogs the lungs, causing breathing problems. It also provides a breeding ground for bacteria to grow. This leads to frequent lung infections, which eventually damage the lungs and contribute to early death.

Thick digestive fluids also may clog ducts leading from the pancreas to the small intestine. This prevents the fluids from reaching the small intestine, where they are needed to digest food. This can cause digestive problems and slow growth.  Some CF patients also suffer from poor liver function which may eventually become chronic liver disease.

Malabsorption of fat soluble vitamins is likely in most patients with cystic fibrosis, especially for those who are pancreatic insufficient.  Vitamins A, D and E have been found to be deficient in early diagnosed infants as well as older patients.  Different levels of these vitamins are prescribed depending on the age of the patient, whether the patient is pancreatic insufficient or sufficient and other health factors that can be affected by cystic fibrosis.  Vitamin K may also be prescribed under certain conditions.

The recommended daily supplements which usually achieve normal plasma levels in infancy are vitamin A 4000 iu (120 mcg), vitamin D 400 iu (10 mcg) and vitamin E 37 - 75 iu (25 - 50 mg). The recommended doses for children over 1 year of age are vitamin A 8000 iu, vitamin D 800 iu and vitamin E 100 - 200 mg.

These doses are considerably higher than the usual dietary intake and generally are adjusted to meet the needs of the patient as they get older.  Vitamin K is generally prescribed for those cystic fibrosis patients who suffer from liver disease or who are going to undergo a surgical procedure, or whose blood tests do not me certain standards. 

* Vitamin A: Vitamin A deficiency may cause night blindness in older patients and can progress to severe xerophthalmia if not checked.

* Vitamin D: Vitamin D deficiency may cause rickets which is very rare and osteomalacia. Although in the past there is little clinical evidence of vitamin D deficiency is rare in cystic fibrosis new research and studies osteoporosis, osteopenia and low levels of vitamin D metabolites are being increasingly recognized in children and adults with cystic fibrosis.

* Vitamin E: Vitamin E deficiency may cause neurological problems in older CF individuals. Correction of vitamin E deficiency improves hemoglobin levels. Vitamin E is an antioxidant and protects cell membranes from oxidative damage. Because of this role vitamin E may be important in controlling the progression of lung disease in cystic fibrosis. 

Recent studies have suggested that cystic fibrosis patients have inadequate antioxidants defenses to cope with certain stresses on their system. Pulmonary dysfunction in cystic fibrosis is associated with oxidative stress and higher levels of supplementation may be required.

* Vitamin K: Regular vitamin K supplements are not given unless there is chronic liver disease, a prolonged prothrombin time or an upcoming surgical procedure.  Given any of these conditions an oral daily supplement of 5-10mg is given for a week prior to the procedure.  Vitamin K is required for the formation of osteocalcin which is involved in bone metabolism.

As you can see vitamin supplementation is essential for Cystic Fibrosis patients.  It is crucial for you to discuss any changes to your current vitamin regimen with your physician prior to adding, removing or changing the doses of any vitamins.  The balance of vitamins in your system can be very delicate and should be closely monitored by your physician.

Steven Godlewski - Liquid Vitamins and Life Force International

Epilepsy is the name given to any of a variety of neurological disorders that are characterized by sudden recurring attacks of motor, sensory or psychic malfunction that may occur with or without loss of consciousness or convulsive seizures.  For some with epilepsy treatment with drugs in necessary at all times while others may not need or desire to use prescription medication to assist with the management of the disease.  No matter which of these two categories you may fall under, vitamins may be a very appealing addition to managing the disease.

There are a number of vitamins and minerals that have been shown to be helpful in the management of epilepsy and its many symptoms and affects.  The key to vitamins working to treat or manage any condition you may have is to have the correct balance among the vitamins you’re including in your diet so that your body can absorb the necessary amount in order to do your body any good.  There are certain vitamins that will only be absorbed when taken in combination with other vitamins, so it’s crucial to have the correct combination.

The vitamins listed below were selected for their ability to have the optimum benefit to persons with epilepsy based on the facts that they assist in the maintenance of key areas of the body that are impacted the most by the disease or because they are necessary in the proper absorption of other vitamins listed.

Bioflavonoids - prevent and treat cataracts, promote circulation, lower cholesterol, have antibacterial properties, and help relieve pain, bumps and bruises associated with athletic injuries. Bioflavonoids also enhance the absorption of vitamin C.

B12 - prevents anemia by regulating red blood cell formation and iron utilization. It aids in digestion and cell formation and also prevents nerve damage by maintaining the sheaths that cover them.

Coenzyme Q10 - an antioxidant similar to Vitamin E, stimulates the immune system, is pivotal in cellular energy production, aids circulation and tissue oxygenation, acts as an antihistamine, and has anti-aging properties.

B9 - works with Vitamin B12 and C as a co-enzyme in the breakdown and utilization of proteins. It is important for the formation of red blood cells and processes of growth and reproduction.

B3 - lowers cholesterol, enhances memory, aids the nervous system, helps the metabolism, is necessary for digestion and improves circulation.

B6 - aids in the metabolizing of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins; helps in the formation of red blood cells, helps maintain good vision and also helps regulate the central nervous system and helps protect against stress.

B1 - important for digestion, carbohydrate metabolizing, blood formation and brain functions.

Vitamin C - performs hundreds of functions in the body, 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 D - helps the intestines absorb and use calcium and phosphorus, regulates heartbeat and is necessary for blood clotting and thyroid function.

As always it is essential that you discuss any changes to your diet or methods of treating your epilepsy with your physician prior to making the changes.  Certain vitamins, minerals and nutrients make react adversely with medications you are currently taking or may be prescribed in the future.  You should make a list of the vitamins mentioned above and discuss their benefits and/or risks associated with current treatment methods you’re receiving or that may be prescribed to you in the future.
Steven Godlewski - Liquid Vitamins and Life Force International

Millions of people around the world suffer from headaches.  For many of these people frequent headaches disrupt their daily routines and tap the enjoyment from their days.  Often the over-the-counter headache medicines do not do enough to provide relief and don’t prevent the recurrent headaches they suffer from.  More often than not a combination of vitamins and supplements will prevent the constant recurring headaches many people experience.

Below is a list of the most common vitamins and supplements shown to provide relief for people who suffer from headaches.  It is best to consult your physician prior to adding any of these to your diet as certain vitamins and supplements may have an adverse reaction when taken in combination with certain prescription and non-prescription medications.

5-HTP:   is used by the human body to make serotonin, an important substance for normal nerve and brain function. Serotonin appears to play significant roles in sleep, emotional moods, pain control, inflammation, intestinal peristalsis, and other body functions. 5-HTP is not present in significant amounts in a typical diet. The human body manufactures 5-HTP from L-tryptophan, a natural amino acid found in many dietary proteins. However, eating food that contains tryptophan does not significantly increase 5-HTP levels.

B-Complex vitamins:  consist of all the known water-soluble vitamins except for Vitamin C. Each member of the B-complex is unique in structure and function but they will often work together. Among the many functions of B-complex are energy production, metabolism and cell division. A deficiency in one B vitamin often means that intake of all B vitamins is low.

Calcium and vitamin D:  is the most abundant mineral in the human body. Calcium is needed to form bones and teeth. Calcium helps as well with blood clotting, transmission of signals in nerve cells and muscle contraction. For calcium to be properly absorbed the body must have sufficient levels of vitamin D.

Ginkgo Biloba:  is divided into two active components. The first component of ginkgo biloba, flavone glycosides, are bioflavonoids responsible for antioxidant activity and inhibiting platelet aggregation. The second ginkgo biloba component, terpene lactones, are associated with increased circulation to the brain as well as protecting nerve cells.

Vitamin B2:  is needed to process amino acids and fats, activate vitamin B6 and folic acid, and help convert carbohydrates into ATP, the fuel the body runs on. Under some circumstances, vitamin B2 can act as an antioxidant.

Lecithin: is an essential natural compound found throughout the body. Lecithin is one of the main components of cell membranes and helps prevent those membranes from hardening. One of the elements that make up Lecithin is Choline, which helps the nervous system, liver and kidneys to function properly.

Cod Liver Oil:  contains EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid); both are omega-3 oils. These special omega-3 oils, unlike other omega-3 oils, keep blood triglycerides in check (high triglycerides are generally linked with increased risk of heart disease). EPA and DHA keep blood from clotting too quickly. They also have anti-inflammatory activity. As a result, Cod Liver Oil is used to help people with various inflammatory conditions, including Crohn’s disease. Cod Liver oil may help people with a wide variety of disorders, including chronic kidney diseases. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may be less likely to develop in those with a greater intake of omega-3 fatty acids.

 Steven Godlewski - Liquid Vitamins and Life Force International

When someone says they are using sea vegetation for dieting or health eating, what do you think of? Does your mind suddenly picture them eating a big glob of see weed? Or do you see them making a salad out of coral reef?

Sea vegetation is actually one of the few types of plants on earth that is still perfectly healthy. Sea vegetation has more things in it, such as vitamins, elements, and irons then most of the vegetation grown on land does.

There are three main groups of sea vegetation too, but instead of being classified by hard to pronounce words, they are classified by the color of them. The red sea vegetation has three different types, the green sea vegetation has two different types, and the brown sea vegetation has four different types in it.

Sea vegetation has been known to have as many things as vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B 12, C, D3, E, K, phytohormones, pigments, proteins, polysaccharides, alginic acid, carrageenans and cellulose, a high concentration of potassium, chlorine, sodium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur phosphorus, iodine, iron, copper, manganese, and others.

You don’t see that type of combination in your every day garden salad. Another great thing about sea vegetation is that it is almost completely untouched. It sits there out in the ocean, growing, and when it is done growing, it just survives until it is washed up or taken out of the water.

Even sea animals feed off the vegetation down there. Sea vegetation has been known to help with carb diets, maintain a good percent of calcium, and the best part, it has been used by other cultures for hundreds of years.

Sea vegetation has been used for healing, heart problems, as a food source, and more. So when you put it all together and get down to it, eating sea vegetation, which you usually picture as slimy and green, is better for you then eating a hamburger and fries.

Steven Godlewski - Liquid Vitamins and Life Force International

For millions of people living with depression there may be a simple, yet very effective, non-medicinal treatment for their depression.  There are a number of vitamin deficiencies that can be responsible for depression.  Likewise the addition of these vitamins and/or minerals to the diet of a person suffering from depression can be just what they need to start down the path to a happy, balanced life.

Before I go any further it’s necessary that I mention vitamin supplements are not a cure-all for all types of depression.  For some people prescription drugs are necessary to manage their depression.  However, vitamin supplements can still be very beneficial to those people, as well.  It is always best to discuss the addition of any vitamins to your diet with your physician prior to making any changes.  The balance of vitamins in your diet can sometimes be a delicate one.  Add to that the fact that some vitamins may have an adverse reaction with certain medications and you can see why it’s imperative to discuss the matter with your doctor.

Below is a list of vitamins that can be very beneficial for people suffering from depression.
 * Vitamin B1 (thiamine): The brain uses this vitamin to help convert glucose into fuel, and without it the brain rapidly runs out of energy. This can lead to fatigue, depression, irritability, anxiety, and even thoughts of suicide. Deficiencies can also cause memory problems, loss of appetite, insomnia, and gastrointestinal disorders. The consumption of refined carbohydrates, such as simple sugars, drains the body’s B1 supply.

 * Vitamin B3 (niacin):  Pellagra-which produces psychosis and dementia, among other symptoms-was eventually found to be caused by niacin deficiency. Many commercial food products now contain niacin, and pellagra has virtually disappeared.
 
  * Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid):  Symptoms of deficiency are fatigue, chronic stress, and depression. Vitamin B5 is needed for hormone formation and the uptake of amino acids and the brain chemical acetylcholine, which combine to prevent certain types of depression.

 * Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine):  Aids in the processing of amino acids, which are the building blocks of all proteins and certain hormones. It’s necessary in the manufacture of serotonin, melatonin and dopamine. Vitamin B6 deficiencies, although very rare, cause impaired immunity, skin lesions, and mental confusion. A marginal deficiency sometimes occurs in alcoholics, patients with kidney failure, and women using oral contraceptives.

 * Vitamin B12:  Because vitamin B12 is important to red blood cell formation, deficiency leads to an oxygen-transport problem known as pernicious anemia. This disorder can cause a variety of symptoms including mood swings, paranoia, irritability, confusion, dementia, hallucinations, or mania, eventually followed by appetite loss, dizziness, weakness, shortage of breath, heart palpitations, diarrhea, and tingling sensations in the extremities. Deficiencies take years to develop, since the body stores a three to five year supply in the liver. When shortages occur, they are often due to a lack of intrinsic factor, an enzyme that allows vitamin B12 to be absorbed in the intestinal tract. Since intrinsic factor diminishes with age, B12 deficiencies are more common in older people.

 * Folic acid: This vitamin is needed for DNA synthesis and is also necessary for the production of S-adenosyl methionine. Poor dietary habits, illness, alcoholism, and various drugs, including aspirin, birth control pills, barbiturates, and anticonvulsants all contribute to deficiency of Folic acid. It is usually administered along with vitamin B12, since a B12 deficiency can mask a folic acid deficiency. It’s advised that women take this vitamin prior to and during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects in the developing fetus.
 

 * Vitamin C:  Subclinical deficiencies of this vitamin can produce depression, which requires the use of supplements. Supplementation is especially important if you have had surgery or an inflammatory disease. Stress, pregnancy, and lactation also increase your body’s need for vitamin C, while aspirin, tetracycline (a common antibiotic), and birth control pills can deplete the body’s supply.
Steven Godlewski -  Liquid Vitamins and Life Force International 

Anxiety Disorders are one of the most common types of psychiatric disorders in the United States. There are a variety of types of anxiety disorders, all with different symptoms, but they each share the underlying symptom of irrational fear. Panic Disorder is one of the most severe forms of anxiety disorder and is often classified as its own illness. It affects more than 2 million adults in America every year, but it seems to affect twice as many women as men. Panic disorder also accounts for about 70% of all anxiety disorder cases.

There are actually a number of different types of anxiety or panic disorders, but they are all linked by the underlying symptom of an irrational fear or anxiety. People with anxiety disorders worry about things that shouldn’t cause excessive worry. Sometimes, this worry gets so great that it cause intense and debilitating fear. Many anxiety disorder sufferers can’t go to work, attend social events, or even be seen in public because of their anxiety. Overcoming anxiety can be challenging but also extremely rewarding. Depending upon your anxiety disorder, there are numerous available treatments to reduce your symptoms. Anti-anxiety medications, panic attack treatments, and natural treatments for anxiety are all beneficial. Before trying any treatment, though, it is important for you to speak with your health care provider to ensure that it is the right choice for you.

Below is a list of some of the most common and effective vitamins that can be used to help manage and relieve the symptoms of Anxiety and Panic Disorders. Be sure to consult your physician before adding anything new to your diet.

 * B vitamins - Biotin, niacin (100mg per day), thiamine, pantothenic acid, riboflavin, B6 (100mg per day), B12, folic acid are all important for the production of the key chemical messengers in the brain called neurotransmitters. Thiamine is very important for those prone to panic, anxiety and depression. Every time you become angry, cry or feel run down - you are burning thiamine. A daily B-Complex (50 to 100mg per day) supplement is a great way of getting the B vitamins your body needs.

 * Tryptophan is a calming agent, which also helps bolster the nervous system.

 * Calcium (600mg + Vit. D per day) is a muscle relaxant. It helps calm you down during an anxious period. Vitamin D allows your body to absorb Calcium properly.

   * Alpha-linolenic acid There have been quite a few studies that have focused on alpha-linolenic acid and anxiety disorder. A good percentage of individuals suffering from panic attacks for a decade have reported back a significant improvement within 2-3 months of consuming additional amounts of alpha-linolenic acid.

   * Magnesium (200mg 2 to 3 times per day) may be beneficial during anxiety and panic because it assists with muscle relaxation.

   * Vitamin C (250 to 500mg per day) reduces swelling and helps your immune system function better.
 
  * Coenzyme Q10 (50 to 100mg one to two times per day) improves oxygen delivery to tissues and has antioxidant activity.

Depending on your symptoms and their severity, the above list can be used as a guideline of vitamins that you can consider adding to your diet. The vitamins listed above should be used in conjunction with your other medications and over time you may find that other medications can be reduced or possibly stopped. This is a decision that should only be made under medical supervision.

 Steven Godlewski -  Liquid Vitamins and Life Force International 

Finding the right Supplement
Finding the supplement that is right for you can be hard. There are so many different supplements out there today that all promise to do one thing or another and when you actually try them you find that they don’t do what they say they do.

Finding a supplement that does what it says it does is hard work, but it is possible. The problem today with buying supplements is that you can never seem to find one that fits what you need.

Or you find one that does, but it ends up putting you at too much calcium. Asking friends relatives and your doctor can help you find the supplement that is right for you. A common problem with looking for supplements that are right is that you also need to be careful of supplements that give the same thing something else you are taking does.

This is usually a problem for older people, but no matter what age it can be frustrating. You have to know exactly what all you are taking and exactly how much of it you are taking, and if you can’t remember you have to carry your other supplements with you when you go to buy a new supplement.

Finding the supplement that is right for you is important to do so that you are able to get exactly what you need. By know you know what you need and you are simply trying to find a supplement that fits in with the description.

While finding a supplement that fits you may be hard, finding a place that sells supplements is not as hard. Supplements can be found at any pharmacy in your town. The pharmacist there can help you look for what you need.

So after getting everything in order and finding the supplements that don’t work you will be left with the one that you want. The supplement that is right for you.

Aches, Pains, and Calcium

As we all know, calcium is responsible for our bones teeth muscles and blood stream. What we don’t know is that some of our pains and aches at the end of the day happen because of calcium.

Calcium keeps our bones strong as long as we keep a good supply of calcium in our bodies. How ever, when we don’t take care of our bodies and our calcium levels get low, our body takes the calcium it needs right from our bones.

This can cause weak bones and the calcium is not replaced until we eat something that has a lot of calcium in it. The problem is that we usually don’t eat something to make up for the lost calcium until the next day.

When this happens our bones are weak, and suffer from stiffness, throbbing pains, and other damage causing pressure. Our muscles go through it as well. Unless we keep ourselves well fed and maintain a good calcium balance in our diets these pains will continue to occur.

Arthritis is caused by this, and it can lead to osteoporosis. Keeping your body in shape can help prevent all of these problems. When you come home from work don’t immediately plop down on the couch and turn on the TV, if you are like most people, your idea of lunch was fast food or no food.

Get a glass of milk, or something that is high in calcium, because you may be tired from work, but you will be hurting from low calcium later if you don’t. Sometimes the pains can be caused by having too much calcium.

The extra build up has to escape or be used somehow, and which ever way it chooses, the extra build up is causing pressure to nerves. Low calcium can also cause head aches, and can make your entire body hurt.

Steven Godlewski -  Liquid Vitamins and Life Force International 

 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.

Steven Godlewski -  Liquid Vitamins and Life Force International 

Anyone who suffers from diabetes knows that the effects it has on your body can be many and vary from person to person.  For many people the effects are few, but for some they can be severe.  Some diabetes sufferers must rely on insulin to manage their diabetes, while others can manage the disease with a proper diet and exercise regimen under the supervision of their physician.  In either case proper diet, including vitamins and other supplements shown to be beneficial to people with diabetes, and exercise can help sustain the body and prevent unnecessary damage to the body.

As is always the case, be sure to discuss any vitamins or other supplements you would be interested in adding to your diet with your physician before making any changes.  While vitamins and supplements can be very beneficial they can also have adverse affects when taken in combination with certain drugs or in too high a dose.  Your doctor is your partner in managing your diabetes and can help you make the best possible choices where your health is concerned.

Below is a list of vitamins and supplements that have been shown to be beneficial in the management of diabetes.

Folic Acid - has been attributed to helping with vascular disease in people with diabetes.  It is said to act upon homocysteine levels in the body. Homocysteine is a substance normally metabolized into amino acids by the body but in high levels it can cause vascular problems and heart disease. Two groups of people are known to have problems metabolizing homocysteine, those with a rare genetic problem that causes early heart attacks and people with diabetes.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids - found in fish, flaxseed and canola oil, omega-3 fatty acids have been found to lower triglyceride levels, but the final word on their effect on glucose control still eludes researchers.

Alpha-lipoic acid - aids in glucose control and has been shown to act as a very strong antioxidant in the fight against diabetes.

Gamma-linolenic acid - has been shown to improve nerves that have been damaged from diabetes. 

Selenium and vitamin E taken together could play a role in controlling some negative affects diabetes has on the liver.

Chromium - The ability of the element chromium to improve blood sugars is a hotly debated diabetes topic. There is some evidence that it has a role in glucose homeostasis [equilibrium] and when taken correctly under doctor’s supervision, can do no harm.

Vitamin B6 plays a role in a variety of biochemical reactions in the human body including the metabolism of amino acids and glycogen, the synthesis of nucleic acids, hemoglobin, sphingomyelin and other sphingolipids, and the biosynthesis of neurotransmitters including serotonin and dopamine.

Vitamin D plays a role in strengthening the body’s immune system, assisting blood cell formation, and may support processes that reduce the risk of developing some forms of cancer. It is believed that vitamin D may protect people from a number of other conditions including multiple sclerosis, autoimmune arthritis and diabetes.

This list may seem a bit overwhelming, however many of these vitamins and other supplements can be found in combination with one another making it much easier for you to take them.

Steven Godlewski -  Liquid Vitamins and Life Force International