Search Results for: blog do you need a multivitamin

Do You Remember To Take Your Prenatal Vitamins?

I had a doctor’s appointment yesterday and he reminded me of the importance of taking a daily multivitamin, even when you are not pregnant. He said even if you are only taking a children’s chewable vitamin, it is really beneficial. It got me thinking about how diligent we are when we are pregnant. Does everyone remember to take their prenatal vitamin every day? If you are already in the habit of taking a daily vitamin, it’s probably no big deal, but I always had a hard time remembering. I am ashamed to say that I probably forgot to take my … Continue reading →

Why Does My Body Need Selenium?

If you look at the list of vitamins and minerals on your multivitamin, you might find selenium there. Selenium is a “trace mineral” — one that your body needs, but only in very small amounts. What does selenium do for the body? This mineral is used by proteins in the body to make antioxidants called selenoproteins. Antioxidants are good things — they help prevent cell damage from free radicals. Selenoproteins also help the immune system function and assist in regulating thyroid function. Many people get their necessary selenium from foods — plant foods in particular. The selenium content of grains … Continue reading →

Tin in Your Vitamin?

I got caught up for a good twenty minutes at the drug store the other day, trying to decide on a new multivitamin. Usually, I take a vitamin B complex and a vitamin D supplement, and that’s it — the rest of the vitamin alphabet I can get from my diet, but I feel like I need some help with the D and the Bs. The problem began when the drug store was out of my usual brand of vitamin D. Oh no! Complicating the problem was the fact that all vitamins from the same brand were buy one get … Continue reading →

The Best Time of Day for Your Meds

I’ve mentioned before how it’s a good idea to take a multivitamin in the morning, with breakfast. Why? Because it gives your body fuel to use throughout the day! Other medications work best when taken at different times of the day, too. If you suffer from arthritis (especially osteoarthritis), your best bet is to take your long-acting painkillers in the morning. If you’re taking Celebrex or another time-release painkiller, the AM is the way to go. That way, the painkiller will be working when you need it the most — while you’re out and about during the day. If you … Continue reading →

The Best Time for a Multivitamin

Does it matter when you take your daily multivitamin? Yes, it does. Experts suggest taking a daily multivitamin in the morning: it gives your body vitamins and minerals it needs to get through the day. One word of warning, though — take your multivitamin with a meal. Certain vitamins (like vitamin A, vitamin D, and vitamin E) need fat and/or other nutrients in order to be fully broken down and absorbed. Taking your multivitamin with a meal also reduces your chances of feeling nauseous afterwards, or experiencing heartburn. Make sure you take your multivitamin after a balanced breakfast that includes … Continue reading →

Making Your Own Fish Food

Making your own fish food can be fun — if you like to make a mess in the kitchen. Homemade fish food can also be a less expensive alternative to flake foods. There are lots of recipes out there for homemade fish foods; most of them have similar ingredients in different proportions. Expect to mix up whole fish, vegetable matter, beef heart, and unflavored gelatin. This is an adaptation of a recipe I found at FishLore. Ingredients: Multivitamins (non coated) with vitamin C Unflavored gelatin Beef heart Spinach leaves without stems One small zucchini Several carrots Bait minnows or other … Continue reading →

How Do Vitamins Work?

Lately, I’ve been looking at different vitamins and what they do for the body. Vitamin A helps your vision; vitamin D helps build strong bones. Other vitamins promote healing (like vitamin C and vitamin E) or energy production (the B-complex vitamins). Every vitamin does something different… but how do they work? There are two different types of vitamins. Some vitamins are fat soluble — like vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K. This means the vitamins are stored in the fat tissues in your body — especially in the liver. They wait until your body needs them, and … Continue reading →

Why Does My Body Need Vitamin B6?

There are a lot of different vitamins and minerals listed on that multivitamin label — but do you know what each one does for your body? Vitamin B6 is found in three substances: pyridoxine, pyridoxamine, and pyridoxal. So what does this vitamin do for your body? Prevent heart disease — without pyridoxine, compounds in the blood can damage blood vessels. Pyridoxine also can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Relieve PMS — vitamin B6 can help reduce bloating, breast tenderness, and premenstrual acne. Reduce sensitivity to MSG — pyridoxine can relieve symptoms like headache, pain, nausea, and vomiting. Reduce … Continue reading →

Why Does My Body Need Vitamin A?

What’s number one on that multivitamin label? Vitamin A! It may be at the top of the list, but do you know why your body needs it? Vitamin A is critical for your vision — especially night vision. A deficiency of vitamin A is a major cause of blindness around the world. This vitamin (also known as retinol) also helps promote growth, skin cell regeneration, and reproduction. Vitamin A drops can help relieve dry eyes. Vitamin A also helps keep your mucous membranes healthy and your immune system functioning. The moistness of your mucous membranes helps your body trap and … Continue reading →

Do You Need a Multivitamin?

This week I threw out my multivitamin. It was partly due to the recent news of contaminants found in some vitamins. It was partly because if I don’t take them at the same time I eat a large meal they make me sick. It was also partly because I’ve been using them as a crutch. Let’s face it, it’s a lot easier to think “did I take my multivitamin today” than “did I have enough servings of leafy greens today”. You just swallow that little vitamin pill and call it nutritional eating for the day. Sadly, there really is no … Continue reading →