The Vitamin BreakdownWritten by Ruth Stattmiller
Vitamins are organic compounds that human body cannot produce and therefore must acquire through diet. To help maintain good health, humans need 13 different vitamins. These include: vitamin A, various B and D vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin K. Deficiencies of these essential vitamins can cause body to enter a diseased state. Deficiencies of different vitamins manifest themselves with differing diseased states. For example, night-blindness is linked to vitamin A deficiency, while Rickets is linked to vitamin D deficiency. The relationship between foods and maintaining health has been recognized for centuries. For example, in 1747, Dr. James Lind discovered that citrus fruits prevented scurvy. Some stores of vitamins within body can last well over a year, as is case with vitamin B12. Others can deplete more rapidly—lasting only a couple of weeks. A vitamin can be either fat or water soluble. Water-soluble vitamins are not stored in body. Often they need to be replenished more frequently. Fat-soluble vitamins, however, are stored in body. Excessive intake of fat-soluble vitamins can cause toxicity in body. Fat-soluble vitamins include A, E, D and K. Today there is debate among experts over benefits of vitamin supplements. Some believe supplements must be taken in conjunction with daily diet. This is because many foods are processed and artificially enriched—which can reduce nutrient level naturally found in these foods. Moreover, even fresh fruits and vegetables are picked prematurely and shipped long distances before arriving on grocery shelves. For this reason, some physicians recommend taking vitamins.
| | Understanding an Ear InfectionWritten by Joe Miller
Ear Infection An ear infection is an infestation in ear, caused by either bacteria or by virus. The adult ear infection and inner ear infection are other names by which it is called. The scientific name is otitis media. Ear Infection Causes An ear infection may be caused by one or a combination of following factors. Within ear are tiny bones which help translate sound waves to brain. The sound waves travel to these bones through Eustachian tube, which in children is placed in more of a level position. When liquid is introduced to ear through swimming or bathing, and if liquid is not cleaned out by a swab, it may linger there and allow bacteria to fester. Though Eustachian tube is more slanted in adults, similar infestation may occur if water is not cleared. Even without water, ear wax may build up, also leaving ear open to bacterial infestation. Ear wax build up should be cleared regularly, especially because viruses may speed up possibility of infection. Ear Infection Symptom There are many ear infection symptom to be aware of. Feeling pressure in ear, or even an earache, is indicative of general build up of fluid or pus in infected area. The infection may cause dizziness, nausea, or a feeling of fatigue.
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