Vitamin Learning

Summer Berries - Tasty and Good for You!

noreply@blogger.com (About Us) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:30:00 +0000

In the summer the first thing I want to do is start eating all the delicious berries that are in season. They are a better alternative than chips and ice cream. What I never realized is that I never get those nasty colds in the summer because I am taking in more vitamins in my diet. Berries contain a lot of vitamin C and lutein. Lutein is essential for eye health and also helps to improve skin, nails and hair. So maybe that summer glow has more to do with a change in our seasonal diets than we thought!

Canker Sores and Vitamins

noreply@blogger.com (About Us) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 20:13:00 +0000

Well if you are anything like me, summer becomes synonymous with fruit and lemonade and all sorts of acid-filled treats. This can also lead to very painful canker sores within your mouth. Turns out taking a multi-vitamin may help to reduce the time spent with canker sores as well as help prevent you from getting them. Vitamin B Complex, Vitamin C and Omega-3 will all help! So go ahead and reach for more salsa with extra jalapenos!

Cosmeceuticals

noreply@blogger.com (About Us) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 14:38:00 +0000

I can’t deny that a good Billy Mays ad doesn’t draw me in, because there is really no invention he is hawking that I don’t need. So it should come as no surprise for someone like me to be drawn into the world of cosmeceuticals. It is a wonderful world where cosmetology and pharmaceuticals come together to make you the most beautiful you possible. But as it turns out, it may not be a sham. There are actually vitamins and antioxidants that are being researched to prove their effects on certain aspects. I myself am addicted to the idea of anti-cellulite and wrinkle creams.

- Katherine

Vitamin D

noreply@blogger.com (About Us) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 14:37:00 +0000

If you are pale like me and crave the vitamin D that the sun naturally provides then you are probably already sunburned. The sun comes out and we automatically overdo it. One important thing to note is to look at the expiration date of your sunscreen (because, yes, it expires!) There are also some vitamins you can take that will keep you from being as susceptible to the sun’s harmful UV rays such as omega-3, C, E, and B3. Increasing your anti-oxidants will also help to protect you. So don’t forget your vitamins, sunscreen, and of course those killer sunglasses!

- Katherine

Sleep Easy

noreply@blogger.com (About Us) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 14:35:00 +0000

If you are anything like me you have a hard time sleeping in the summer. The days are longer and there is more to do. All that running around gets your blood going and before you know it your sleep goes from 8 hours a night to 5. So you reach for a caffeine drink or energy supplement. But what if instead you got better sleep? Melatonin is a great vitamin that can help you relax and rest at the end of the day. You can buy it over the counter and it has a low risk of dependency. It is great for getting some rest when you are ready.

Rest Assured, Supplements May Help

noreply@blogger.com (About Us) — Fri, 08 May 2009 19:05:00 +0000

I have never had sleeping issues. In high school I set my own bed time of 9:30. My college roommates use to make fun of me for my constant napping. And I cannot ride in a car for more than 30 minutes without dozing off. However, this time of year, with the sun coming up earlier and setting later, it is harder for me to get a solid nights rest. I have barley been getting my 9 hours a night! Although I have nothing close to insomnia, I have been reaching for an extra cup of coffee in the morning.

Insomnia is a medical condition where a person has a hard time falling or staying asleep and is usually a combination of many factors, including: anxiety, stress, depression, medications, herbs, caffeine, pain, or hormonal changes. Insomnia may require consulting a physician for prescription sleep-aids, but supplements may also be helpful.

Melatonin is thought to help control your body's internal clock. These supplements are most helpful for people experiencing jet lag or the effects of changing work hours. Melatonin may also help regulate circadian rhythm, or internal body clock. Your circadian rhythm dictates when you are naturally are more alert and when you are more sleepy. Optimal sleep can only occur when it is in concert with the body's circadian rhythm, so disruptions in the rhythm cause trouble in sleep patterns

Chamomile generally comes in the form of herbal teas full of numerous antioxidants. It also acts as a sedative and is thought to help relax muscles, to fall into efficient sleep if taken near bedtime.

The family of Vitamin B assist with reducing nervousness, anxiety and stress associated with sleeplessness. If the body is lacking in B12 the result can be confusion, memory loss, and an overall feeling of weariness. B5 specifically, has amino acids, which play an important role in the metabolism of serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for the regulation of sleep.

Taking calcium, magnesium and zinc each day can help you get to sleep and stay that way. These nutrients are also needed to tissue repair and for muscle relaxation, which is also critical for a good night’s rest. A lack of magnesium can cause nervousness and studies have shown that low levels can lead to lighter sleep, which may lead to more awakening at night.

For better sleep, the Mayo Clinic also suggests:
Go to bed and get up at about the same time every day, even on the weekends.
Don't eat or drink large amounts before bedtime.
Avoid nicotine, caffeine and alcohol in the evening.
Exercise regularly.
Make the bedroom cool, dark, quiet and comfortable.
Sleep primarily at night.
Choose a comfortable mattress and pillow.
Start a relaxing bedtime routine.
Go to bed when you're tired and turn out the lights.
Use sleeping pills only as a last resort.

-Community Assistant

Going bald?

noreply@blogger.com (About Us) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 18:28:00 +0000

Forty million men in the United States have male pattern baldness. A new study out of Malaysia researched vitamin E complex (tocotrienol) as a way to help reverse this phenomenon.

The Malaysian study from Carotech studied 28 participants with male pattern baldness.
When supplemented with this vitamin E complex, 42% of the participants experienced increase hair growth. This is the first research study to look into vitamin E complex and male baldness. More research is to come.

Vitamin E is an antioxidant. Vitamin E helps protect your body from free radicals. Free radicals play a role in certain conditions associated with aging.Vitamin E can be found in corn, nuts, seeds, asparagus, leafy greens, and vegetable oils.

Sunburn Supplements

noreply@blogger.com (About Us) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 19:40:00 +0000

I am leaving for a 7 night Caribbean cruise on Saturday. As I pack for my upcoming vacation I have make sure to grab my sunscreen- minimum SPF 45. Although I have often thought of myself as a sun worshiper, I burn easily. Whether it be the first day of my vacation, the first outing of the summer or just a long day on the boat, I must always remember to layer on the sunscreen for fear of being crispy the next day. I know, you feel bad for me having to go to the Caribbean and bake like a potato, but alas, I have found some supplements, in addition to my sunscreen, to help me get though the long days laying on the sun deck:

Omega-3: In one study, 13 patients received supplements of fish oil, which contains omega-3 fatty acids, for three months. Tests afterward showed that the patients were significantly less sensitive to UV rays.

Vitamin B3: Nicotinamide (a form of vitamin B3) may make a photosensitive reaction less likely.

Vitamins C and E: Antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, help remove free radicals and seem to work together to possibly reduce UV-induced skin reactions. When used topically, Vitamin C is well-known for its role as a collagen and skin tissue builder. Vitamin E is recommended by researchers for topical, after-sun use, to soothe your skin and prevent a burn after exposure.

Vitamin D: In animal studies, vitamin D helped trigger the effects of an antioxidant protein found in skin cells, and this protein helps to protect against damage from UVB rays.

Green Tea: Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG), the antioxidant properties in green tea, may provide protection against reddening of the skin caused by UV light. Tests on skin samples showed that EGCG does appear to inhibit redness, some cell damage associated with UVB rays.

Lycopene, lutein, beta carotene or other carotenoids, have been consistently shown to protect against sunburn. One controlled study found that taking a supplement of natural carotenoids, almost all of which was beta-carotene, gave progressively more protection against ultraviolet rays.

I am sure that as I am enjoying the sun and my vacation I will be mentally blogging about vitamins.

- Community Assistant

No more Jet-Lag?

noreply@blogger.com (About Us) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 16:59:00 +0000

My husband travels all over the world for his job. Jet-lag is his #1 enemy. In the April edition of Allure magazine, they mention an antioxidant supplement that may help with jet-lag. Pycnogenol is a natural plant extract from the bark of the maritime pine tree which grows exclusively along the coast of southwest France in Les Landes de Gascogne.

Pycnogenol has been known to help prevent blood clots when flying. However, recently pycnogenol, has been shown to potentially help decrease the severity and duration of fatigue, sleeping problems and headaches associated with jet-lag!

If you easily suffer from jet-lag, you may want to give this antioxidant a try....

Eat your Asparagus?

noreply@blogger.com (About Us) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 17:16:00 +0000

When I was little I hated asparagus! Now as an adult I've come to grow found of the strange looking vegetable. As I am currently steaming asparagus to eat I wonder what kind of vitamins asparagus holds that I used to be missing out on.

Asparagus is low in calories and very high in vitamins. They are loaded with folic acid and vitamins A, B and C. You can also get a good amount of your daily calcium and fiber from asparagus. In addition, asparagus has been known to help clean out your GI tract.

So go ahead and eat green (asparagus!).... it is St. Patrick's Day today!

Go Green for St. Patrick's Day

noreply@blogger.com (About Us) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:38:00 +0000

In addition to the regular festivities surrounding St. Patrick's Day this month, consider adding a new tradition of green foods to your diet, besides green beer. Green foods are healthy in terms of their vitamin, mineral, water and antioxidant content.

1. Increase fiber with broccoli. Broccoli provides many health benefits, including both soluble and insoluble fiber; vitamins A, C, E and K Vegetables like asparagus, green/herbal teas, spinach, kale, turnip, collard and mustard greens, cabbage, endive and brussel sprouts are also high in vitamin K.

2. Vary your leafy greens. It’s important to remember that leafy green vegetables, such as lettuces, come in varying shades of green. The lighter the green, the less vitamins and minerals they contain. The darker the green, the higher the concentration of vitamins and minerals they contain. Spinach, a dark leafy green, contains lutein, which is good for eye health.

3. Improve cholesterol with avocado. Avocados are a good source of monounsaturated fats, which can help lower your cholesterol. It's also a good source of vitamin E.

4. Alternate oranges with kiwifruit. Kiwifruit contain even more vitamin C than oranges and they're a great source of dietary fiber.

5. Snack on green apples. While green apples offer about the same benefits as red or yellow apples, green apples are a great source of soluble and insoluble fiber, which aid in digestion and heart health.

6. Drink tea green tea. If you like to drink tea, consider choosing green tea instead of black, oolong or other darker teas. Green tea packs the biggest punch when it comes to antioxidants. It also contains flavonoids that are good for the heart.

As for those people sticking to the green beer, I wasn't able to find any health benefits from green beer specifically, but it sure makes it more fun to drink!

-Community Assistant

You Gout-a Take Your Vitamin C

noreply@blogger.com (About Us) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 16:22:00 +0000

With St. Patrick’s Day around the corner many people may be partaking in adult beverages and eating traditional Irish foods like corn beef and cabbage. However, those prone to gout should watch both their alcohol consumption and their diet. Gout flair ups, most prevalent in men over the age of 40, can be induced by foods containing purines. Purines, part of all human tissue and found in many foods, can raise uric acid levels in the blood or the under-elimination of uric acid by the kidneys, and precipitate gout attacks in some people.

According to findings published in the new issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine, vitamin C may reduce levels of uric acid in the blood, thereby preventing the formation of the urate crystal. Vitamin C could also increase the speed at which the kidneys work or protect against inflammation, both of which may reduce gout risk, which would be very lucky.

-Community Assistant

Monitor Your Eye Health

noreply@blogger.com (About Us) — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 20:55:00 +0000

Myself, like most people, sit at a computer 8 or so hours a day. Then, I go home, probably my check my e-mail, maybe log on to Facebook and then watch TV. By the end of the day my eyes, not to mention the rest of me, is exhausted!

Lutein, a nutrient found in various foods including green leafy vegetables and egg yolk, has a history in the dietary supplement market as a nutrient to reduce the risk of age related macular degeneration (AMD). A new study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, noted improvements in the sensitivity to contrast on a computer monitor in subjects taking lutein. 37 healthy subjects were between the ages of 22 and 30, with long-term computer display light exposure, were studied. The subjects were observed following 12 weeks of lutein supplementation. There was a trend towards improved visual acuity and measures of contrast sensitivity in the subjects taking lutein verse the placebo group. “A higher intake of lutein may have beneficial effects on the visual performance,” wrote the researchers from Peking University.

Lutein may also increased skin hydration and elasticity. Keep your eye out for news about lutein, as more and more benefits are being recongnized in this supplement.

-Community Assistant

Prenatal Supplements

noreply@blogger.com (About Us) — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 19:53:00 +0000

Recently close friends of mine discovered they were pregnant and have shared the good news with their friends and family. After the typical questions "when are you due?" and "do you know if its a boy or a girl?" I asked "are you taking vitamins?" and "what kind?" Multivitamins, including folic acid, are essential during pregnancy and even after the baby is born, for nursing mothers.

Vitamin A- helps bones and teeth growth.

Vitamin D- Helps body use calcium and phosphorus; promotes strong teeth and bones.

Vitamin E- Helps body form and use red blood cells and muscles.

Vitamin C- An antioxidant that protects tissues from damage and helps body absorb iron; builds healthy immune system.

Vitamin B- B1 (Thiamin)- Raises energy level and regulates nervous system; B2 (Riboflavin)- Maintains energy, good eyesight, healthy skin; B3 (Niacin)- Promotes healthy skin, nerves and digestion; B6 (Pyridoxine)- Helps form red blood cells; helps with morning sickness.

Folic Acid- Helps support the placenta, and prevents spina bifida and other neural tube defects.

Calcium- Creates strong bones and teeth, helps prevent blood clots, helps muscles and nerves function.

Iron- Helps in the production of hemoglobin; prevents anemia, low birth weight, and premature delivery.

Protein- Helps in the production of amino acids; repairs cells.

Zinc- Helps produce insulin and enzymes.

I don't know much about babies and even less about pregnancy, but I do know how important vitamin supplementation is during pregnancy. If you have questions about which brand to take during pregnancy talk to you health care physician, who can recommend the best prenatal supplement for you.

-Community Assistant

Zinc About Diabetes

noreply@blogger.com (About Us) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 18:06:00 +0000

Recently, a sleeve of Girl Scout cookies appeared in the break room at work. Although I was in my glory, I questioned my suite mate about why she left the cookies. She said that she would have happily eaten both sleeves of the delicious cookies she has to "watch her sugar."
And so, I write another blog: Type 2 diabetes has become increasingly more common. Type-2 has a strong genetic link and risk factors including: high blood pressure, high alcohol intake, obesity, sedentary lifestyle and age. New research shows that an increase in zinc supplementation may decrease the risk of type-2 diabetes in women by 28%. Zinc, one of the most plentiful trace elements in the body, second only to iron, mediates many physiological functions. It is believed to possess antioxidant properties, which protect against premature aging of the skin and muscles of the body. Also, zinc is believed to speed up the healing process after an injury, maintain a healthy immune system and even influence memory. The supplement has even shown to be part of an effective treatment for age-related macular degeneration. According to American Diabetes Association 7% of the US population suffers from type-2 diabetes. The total costs are thought to be as much as $132 billion.

But not to worry, my suite mate is safe, the cookies are gone. I did what I had to do to help a friend stay healthy.

-Community Assistant

IBS

noreply@blogger.com (About Us) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 16:06:00 +0000

No one likes to talk about stomach problems. One in five Americans though is said to have Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is a "disorder characterized most commonly by cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea." Those with IBS may try to control it with what they eat, managing their daily stress or by medication.

In the article "10 Drugs with Great Alternatives," Gale Maleskey suggests that a natural remedy for people with IBS, peppermint oil. Peppermint oil helps to smooth gastrointestinal muscle spasms, reduce abdominal pain and gas, and decrease diarrhea. Those with IBS may also want to take fiber supplements.

Did You Hear The Good News?

noreply@blogger.com (About Us) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 18:31:00 +0000

I love live music and going to concerts, but hate the “party noises” I hear for days afterwards. Good news for concert go-er everywhere: Studies using guinea pigs and mice found that supplements of beta carotene and vitamin C and E, and the mineral magnesium taken prior to exposure of loud noise could prevent both temporary and permanent hearing loss. Previous studies using these same supplements have shown that they are safe for long term use. Researchers report that the animals who consumed the vitamins did not suffer from temporary hearing loss, even after being exposed to four-hours of 110 decibel (dB) noise, similar to those reached at a loud concert. This cocktail of antioxidants is reported to prevent cell loss in an inner ear structure called the lateral wall. This structure is linked to age-related hearing loss caused by free radicals. There is also on-going research into the effect of MP3 headphones on college students, noise-exposed military troops and factory workers.

I am relieved to know I can prevent some of the damage done to my ears, and that both guinea pigs and mice can be protected from hearing loss.

-Community Assistant

Supplements to Think About

noreply@blogger.com (About Us) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 19:00:00 +0000

In this world of hyperboles it seems like no one just has a headache any more, everyone has MiGrAiNeS! Being an infrequent sufferer, I have a hard time sympathizing. I know that for some people the condition is debilitating and a constant threat. Migraineurs, as they are called, suffer from a neurological condition, which is more common to women than to men. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light. Often, the cause of these headaches are unknown and medications are considered effective if they reduce the frequency or severity of migraine attacks by 50%.
There are some supplements to lessen the frequency and severity of migraine headaches. A few of the more popular supplements are Magnesium, Coenzyme Q-10 (CoQ10) and Riboflavin (B2).

Magnesium- It helps maintain normal muscle and nerve function, keeps heart rhythm steady, supports a healthy immune system and keeps bones strong. Magnesium also helps regulate blood sugar levels, promotes normal blood pressure, and is known to be involved in energy metabolism and protein synthesis
CoQ10- is necessary for the basic functioning of cells. It helps decrease high blood pressure and prevent age-related macular degeneration among a list of other conditions.
B2- is vital to the metabolic processes in the body and is necessary for normal cell function, growth, and energy production.

These agents can be found in most multivitamins, although those suffering from migraines may want to up their dosage based on physician recommendations.

-Community Assistant

Vitamin D and MS

noreply@blogger.com (About Us) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 19:00:00 +0000

I recently read an article yet again boasting the attributes of vitamin D. This supplement is getting more credibility and attention. Oxford researchers report that vitamin D may interact with a specific genetic component that is known to increase the risk of multiple sclerosis and taking vitamin D at critical time periods may reduce the risk of MS. Supporting this study, Harvard researchers report that higher levels of vitamin D in the body may reduce the risk of developing MS by as much as 62%. Multiple sclerosis is among the most common neurological diseases in young adults, affecting 350,000 individuals in the United States and 2 million worldwide. The disease is cause by a loss of nerve cells and the myelin sheath of the spinal cord that is vital to the transmission of signals around the body.

Vitamin D can be found in most multivitamins and also in fortified milk, cheese or orange juice. Another way to get the daily recommended allowance of vitamin D is to spend 15-20 minutes outside, in the sunshine.

-Community Assistant

Name That Vitamin

noreply@blogger.com (About Us) — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 19:29:00 +0000

I was recently asked “How did vitamins get their name?” There are two ways to answer this question:

1. The word “vitamin” comes from Polish biochemist Kazimierz Funk who, in 1912, isolated a water-soluble complex of micronutrients and proposed the complex be named "Vitamine" (a combination of "vital amine"). By the time it was shown that not all vitamins were amines (derivatives of ammonia), the word was already universal. The “e” was dropped in 1920.

2. The naming of vitamins began with assigning the next available letter of the English alphabet as the new vitamin was identified. One notable exception is Vitamin K. Discovered by German researchers for its blood clotting ability, designation of K was available at the time and the letter tied in with the German word koagulation. In some cases, vitamins were originally assigned a letter as part of the title, but later moved to be included in the family of another vitamin. This is true of riboflavin, which was originally identified as Vitamin G, but later reclassified to B2; Biotin, identified at Vitmain H, but is now B7; and Folic Acid, identified as Vitamin M which is now B9. Other vitamins also have common names- Vitamin A is commonly known as retinol, Vitamin C is called ascorbic acid, and the common name of vitamin E is tocopherol.

-Community Assistant

You Say Tomato

noreply@blogger.com (About Us) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 20:25:00 +0000

I know many people who won't enjoy a good old fashion BLT sandwhich because they don't like tomatoes (and really, a BL just isn't the same.) Well, I have found a reason, other than BLT's, to eat tomatoes. Lycopene, a carotenoids found in tomatoes, as well as watermelon, pink grapefruit and red bell peppers, has been associated with some level of protection against losses in bone mineral density at the lumbar spine in women and at the hip in men. The carotenoids may play a protective role in skeletal health via their antioxidant activity. As the population ages and waistlines continues to grow, so does the number of people affected by osteoporosis, increasing the necessity of agents such as lycopene.
Lycopene has also been associated with reduced incidence of cancer, cardiovascular disease and macular degeneration.

I think I have decided what to have for lunch!

-Community Assistant

The Winter Wall

noreply@blogger.com (About Us) — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 22:23:00 +0000

Many long distance runners will reference "The Wall." Hitting this Wall basically means running out of energy. Well, I have hit Winter's icy wall. This time of year many of us notice tiredness, a bit of weight gain, difficulty getting out of bed and bouts of "the blues." The holiday cheer is over and for some reason February feels like the longest month of the year.

Referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder, some treatments include using a light box, exercise and supplementation. In severe cases medication is necessary. Last year, researchers from Norway reported that regular and long-term intake of omega-3 fatty acid-rich cod liver oil may protect people from symptoms of depression. They help nerve cells communicate with each other, which is an essential step in maintaining good mental health. Other studies suggest that diets supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids can enhance the activity of serotonin and dopamine pathways in the brain.

Unfortunately, for those of us ready for spring, the groundhog saw his shadow this year...still 6 week of winter to go!

-Community Assistant

Vitamin D: A Strong Supplement

noreply@blogger.com (About Us) — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 21:47:00 +0000

As a long time gym-goer, I recently enrolled in a "Fitness Challenge" at my gym. Over a 90 day period I will be tested on, amoung other things, my strength and endurance. Not knowing if my multivitamin alone would be enough, I started looking into other vitamins that might help me in this challenge.
An ever-growing body of science supports the benefits of adequate vitamin D levels throughout life. A deficiency of this vitamin is linked to osteoporosis, muscle weakness, fractures, common cancers, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases and cardiovascular diseases. One particular study found that vitamin D is positively related to muscle power, force, velocity and jump height in adolescent girls. There are similar findings in people over the age of 65. Seniors with too little vitamin D were found to have differences in both a physical performance, which includes things such as walking speed, chair stands and a balance test, as well as differences in grip strength.
Vitamin D can be obtained from sun exposure, food, and supplements.

-Community Assistant

Supplements are for the Dogs

noreply@blogger.com (About Us) — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 20:56:00 +0000

Watching my parents 8 year old Golden Retriever, Wylow, try to walk up the basement steps is heart breaking. She takes one step at a time and pauses before taking her next step, almost like she is preparing for the pain. Like many Golden’s and dogs her age, she has hip problems and the beginnings of arthritis. This time of year cold weather makes it more difficult for arthritic pets to get around and icy, slick surfaces make it more difficult to get traction. Much like the supplements that humans take for arthritis, some veterinarians recommended similar supplement for pets. Glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM are supplements that help to protect the lining of the bones inside joints and maintain the proper amount of joint fluid for lubrication and aid in flexibility and mobility. Fish Oils provides Omega-3 acids that help reduce inflammation. In the case that your dog spits out any pill given to them (how do they know?!)most Omega-3 Fish Oil supplements come in a soft gel that can be broken and drizzled over your pet’s food. Supplements are best started early because they act more as a preventative measure rather than a cure. As with humans, proper nutrition and regular exercise is key in maintaining pet health. Always tell your veterinarian what supplements, as well as any medications that your pet is taking.

As for Wylow, I'm sure after the cold weather breaks she will have no problems chasing tennis balls around the yard.

-Community Assistant

Ginger & Motion Sickness

noreply@blogger.com (About Us) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 19:50:00 +0000

In a couple weeks I am going on a trip to Antarctica! (Really I am!) To travel there we take a cruise boat from the tip of Argentina to Antarctica through the Drake Channel. They tell us it will be very rocky and that we should prepare for motion sickness. I am getting ready to bring the patch (transderm-scop) that you wear behind your ear (a pharmaceutical drug). However, I had a memory of something I used for motion sickness once before.

Before my "vitamin" days, I was in Australia on a boat on the Great Barrier Reef and we were all seasick. Someone handed me a ginger pill and I instantly felt so much better.

After doing some research I found that ginger has historically been used to help prevent motion sickness. One study in Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology found that ginger "helps prevent the development of gastricdysrhythmias and the elevation of plasma vasopressin." A number of other studies also recommend 1 g of ginger for motion sickness.

It all makes sense to me now that growing up when I was nauseous my parents would tell me to drink Ginger Ale! Taking ginger tablets, however, is a much more potent and pure form. I'm definitely going to try this natural route on my trip!