Vitamins are classified several different ways, according to how they travel through your body and the various roles they play in keeping you healthy. If you eat a varied, well-balanced diet that includes foods from all food groups, you are likely to get all or most of the vitamins you need. If you are not getting all the different types of vitamins you need from your diet, vitamin supplements can help fill in gaps. Depending on their classification and how they are stored in your body, however, some vitamins are harmful in high doses. Speak with your doctor before you take any dietary supplements. We don't just make supplements. We make supplements better.www.nutraceutix.com Essential Nutrients First and foremost, vitamins are classified as essential nutrients that your body needs in specific amounts to maintain good health. There are 13 essential vitamins found in the foods you eat. Each vitamin has a specific job to do in your body, so it is important that you get enough of each to prevent a deficiency that could result in health problems. Water-Soluble Vitamins Nine of the 13 essential vitamins are classified as water-soluble vitamins. That means they are found in great abundance in watery foods such as fruits and vegetables and in the watery components of grains, nuts, seeds and animal products. The water-soluble vitamins include A in the form of beta-carotene, B6, B12, riboflavin, thiamin, niacin, folate, biotin, and C. Water-soluble vitamins are used immediately by your body or they are excreted in your urine. Unlike fat-soluble vitamins, they cannot be stored in your body so they should be replenished on a daily basis. Fat-Soluble Vitamins Four of the essential vitamins are classified as fat-soluble vitamins. Fat-soluble vitamins are found in fatty foods, such as vegetables oils, and the fatty components of meat, poultry, seafood, dairy products, grains, nuts, seeds and some fruits and vegetables. The fat-soluble vitamins include vitamins A, D, E and K. Fat-soluble vitamins that are not used right away are stored in the fatty tissue of your body. For this reason, they do not necessarily need to be replenished every day, but it is also easier to overdose on fat-soluble vitamins than on water-soluble vitamins. This is particularly true if you are taking vitamin supplements. Antioxidants In addition to their normal roles in the growth and maintenance of body cells, vitamins C and E and beta-carotene function as antioxidants. Antioxidants go a step further to protect cells from environmental damage that can lead to health problems such as cancer, heart disease and arthritis. Although the natural antioxidant action of vitamins that come from food is thought to be protective, antioxidants in the form of supplements may not have the same effect, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative medicine. Since some supplements may harm rather than help your body, speak with your doctor or other health care provider before you take antioxidants in supplemental form.
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Multivitamins are a combination of many different vitamins that are normally found in foods and other natural sources. Multivitamins are used to provide vitamins that are not taken in through the diet. Multivitamins are also used to treat vitamin deficiencies (lack of vitamins) caused by illness, pregnancy, poor nutrition, digestive disorders, and many other conditions. Multivitamins may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide. Never take more than the recommended dose of a multivitamin. Avoid taking more than one multivitamin product at the same time unless your doctor tells you to. Taking similar vitamin products together can result in a vitamin overdose or serious side effects. Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of vitamins A, D, E, or K can cause serious or life-threatening side effects. Certain minerals contained in a multivitamin may also cause serious overdose symptoms if you take too much. Do not take this medicine with milk, other dairy products, calcium supplements, or antacids that contain calcium. Calcium may make it harder for your body to absorb certain ingredients of the multivitamin. Many vitamins can cause serious or life-threatening side effects if taken in large doses. Do not take more of this medicine than directed on the label or prescribed by your doctor. Before you use multivitamins, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and allergies. In some cases, you may not be able to use multivitamins, or you may need a dose adjustment or special precautions. Your dose needs may be different during pregnancy. Do not take multivitamins without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Some vitamins and minerals can harm an unborn baby if taken in large doses. You may need to use a prenatal vitamin specially formulated for pregnant women. Multivitamins can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Men who suffer from impotence may find themselves worrying about developing an addiction to Viagra. Residential Rehab Center 28-90 Day Program in Napa Valley 18 Acre Retreat & 1-1 What Is Viagra?Viagra, also known as sildenafil citrate, is a prescription medication used to treat male erectile dysfunction. It was approved for sale in the United States in 1998, making it the first widely available impotence treatment. Today, sales of Viagra exceed more than $1 billion per year. The standard dose of Viagra is 25 mg to 100 mg taken 30 minutes to four hours before sexual activity. Side effects of Viagra include headache, sneezing, flushing, blurred vision, and heart palpitations. Prolonged erections may also occur in certain cases-a serious complication that requires immediate medical treatment. Is it Possible to Develop an Addiction to Viagra?The risk of developing an addiction to Viagra is minimal. In fact, Viagra is classified as safe and non-habit forming when used as directed. Viagra is not addictive in any medical sense because the drug causes no long term change in sexual function. It simply works by temporarily increasing blood flow to the penis to create an erection. Taking Viagra does not influence a man's ability to perform sexually in the future. However, a man who takes Viagra to treat impotence is likely to continue to need the drug in order to achieve an erection. If the underlying cause of the impotence remains, Viagra will be necessary to achieve an erection. The drug does not "cure" erectile function; it merely treats the symptom of the condition. Viagra AbuseAlthough developing an addiction to Viagra is highly unlikely, Viagra abuse appears to be a growing problem. In many cases, young men who do not actually suffer from impotence take the drug recreationally in order to enhance sexual performance. When Viagra is used in this way, the drug is known as "Vitamin V" or "the magic blue pill." Find a Doctor Near You Opioid dependence treatment in the privacy of a doctor's office www.opioiddependence.com Elite Rehab Placement Don't Know Where to Start? We do! Make the Call to Change Your Life. www.eliterehabplacement.com The confidence boost Viagra gives often leads to repeated use of the drug, thus developing a psychological dependency. Additionally, when Viagra is taken with ecstasy or other amphetamines, it appears to create a hyper-sexualized state often referred to as "sextasy." Viagra abuse typically becomes a problem when using the drug leads to risky sexual behavior, including unprotected intercourse that puts a man at risk for sexually transmitted diseases. Also, many men who abuse Viagra often miss work on a regular basis because of uncontrollable and persistent erections or exhaustion and sleep deprivation resulting from sexual overactivity. If you agree with one or more of the following statements, you may be abusing Viagra:
If you believe you may have a problem with Viagra abuse, Viagraholics Anonymous can help. This support group of men recovering from Viagra dependency offers information and encouragement to those in need.
*The funding process typically occurs within 24 hours or the next business day after receiving a loan approval. Loan requests processed before 7:00PM EST during non-holiday business days are usually funded the next business day. For example, a customer who’s loan request is received Monday before 7:00PM EST that is verified and approved by Check Into Cash, will typically receive the loan proceeds on Tuesday (if Tuesday is not a holiday). Do I Need to Send in Additional Documentation?Lending requirements vary by state. Some states require additional documentation, such as a bank statement, pay stub, social security card or state issued photo identification. A detailed description of terms by state can be found on our Rates & Terms page. What will you need to get started on your online loan application?
For centuries, men have tried all sorts of natural remedies for erectile dysfunction (ED) -- the repeated inability to get or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. But do they really work? It is simply not scientifically known at this point. Furthermore, you take these remedies at your own risk, because their safety profiles have not been established. What follows are commentaries by experts and reviews in the field of alternative treatments that are available over the counter for erectile dysfunction. "Just because there is evidence doesn't mean it's good evidence," says Andrew McCullough, MD, associate professor of clinical urology at New York University Langone Medical Center in New York City, and one of the original clinical investigators for the ED drug Viagra (sildenafil). "And before men with ED start down the naturopathic route, it's smart to make sure that there isn't some underlying medical condition that needs to be corrected." Moreover, it is estimated that 30 million American men have erectile dysfunction, and 70% of cases are a result of a potentially deadly condition like atherosclerosis, kidney disease, vascular disease, neurological disease, or diabetes. Additionally, ED can also be caused by certain medications, surgical injury, and psychological problems. Experts feel that treating erectile dysfunction on your own, without consulting a doctor, is unsafe. "If you have ED, the first thing you need is a diagnosis," says impotence expert Steven Lamm, MD, a New York City internist and the author of The Hardness Factor (Harper Collins) and other books on male sexual health. He says men with severe erectile dysfunction probably need one of the prescription ED drugs, which include Levitra (vardenafil) and Cialis (tadalafil) as well as Viagra. But, he says, mild ED -- including the feeling that "you're not as hard as you could be" -- often responds to natural remedies. Acupuncture. Though acupuncture has been used to treat male sexual problems for centuries, the scientific evidence to support its use for erectile dysfunction is equivocal at best. In 2009, South Korean scientists conducted a systematic review of studies on acupuncture for ED. They found major design flaws in all of the studies, concluding that "the evidence is insufficient to suggest that acupuncture is an effective intervention for treating ED." Arginine. The amino acid L-arginine, which occurs naturally in food, boosts the body's production of nitric oxide, a compound that facilitates erections by dilating blood vessels in the penis. Studies examining L-arginine's effectiveness against impotence have yielded mixed results. A 1999 trial published in the online journal BJU International found that high doses of L-arginine can help improve sexual function, but only in men with abnormal nitric oxide metabolism, such as that associated with cardiovascular disease. In another study, published in 2003 in the Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, Bulgarian scientists reported that ED sufferers who took L-arginine along with the pine extract pycnogenol saw major improvements in sexual function with no side effects. Arginine can be helpful, says Geo Espinosa, ND, director of the Integrative Urological Center at NYU Langone Medical Center. Espinosa says that men with known cardiovascular problems should take it only with a doctor's supervision; L-arginine can interact with some medications. DHEA. Testosterone is essential for a healthy libido and normal sexual function, and erectile dysfunction sufferers known to have low testosteroneimprove when placed on prescription testosterone replacement therapy. Similarly, studies have shown that taking over-the-counter supplements containing DHEA, a hormone that the body converts to testosterone and estrogen, can help alleviate some cases of ED. But DHEA can cause problems, including suppression of pituitary function, and its long-term safety is unknown, says McCullough. For this reason, many experts discourage use of the supplements. Ginseng. Korean red ginseng has long been used to stimulate male sexual function, but few studies have tried systematically to confirm its benefits. In one 2002 study involving 45 men with significant ED, the herb helped alleviate symptoms of erectile dysfunction and brought "enhanced penile tip rigidity." Experts aren't sure how ginseng might work, though it's thought to promote nitric oxide synthesis. "I would recommend ginseng [for men with ED]," says Espinosa. Discuss with your doctor before taking it since ginseng can interact with drugs you may already be taking and cause allergic reactions. Pomegranate juice. Drinking antioxidant-rich pomegranate juice has been shown to have numerous health benefits, including a reduced risk for heart disease and high blood pressure. Does pomegranate juice also protect against ED? No proof exists, but results of a study published in 2007 were promising. The authors of this small-scale pilot study called for additional research, saying that larger-scale studies might prove pomegranate juice's effectiveness against erectile dysfunction. "I tell my patients to drink it," says Espinosa. "It could help ED, and even if it doesn't, it has other health benefits." Yohimbe. Before Viagra and the other prescription erectile dysfunction drugs became available, doctors sometimes prescribed a derivative of the herb yohimbe (yohimbine hydrochloride) to their patients suffering from ED. But experts say the medication is not particularly effective, and it can cause jitteriness and other problems. "It's not a great drug," says McCullough. "And I suspect the herb is not as potent as the pharmaceutical version." What's more, evidence shows that yohimbe is associated with high blood pressure, anxiety, headache, and other health problems. Experts discourage its use. Horny goat weed. Horny goat weed and related herbs have purportedly been treatments for sexual dysfunction for years. Italian researchers found that the main compound in horny goat weed, called icariin, acted in a similar way as drugs like Viagra. Ginkgo biloba. Known primarily as a treatment for cognitive decline, ginkgohas also been used to treat erectile dysfunction -- especially cases caused by the use of certain antidepressant medications. But the evidence isn't very convincing. One 1998 study published in the Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy found that it did work. But a more rigorous study, published inHuman Pharmacology in 2002, failed to replicate this finding. "Ginkgo has come out of fashion in the past few years," says Ronald Tamler, MD, assistant professor of medicine and codirector of the men's health program at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. "That's because it doesn't do much. I can say that in my practice, I have not seen ginkgo work -- ever." No matter what erectile dysfunction treatment or treatments a man ultimately decides upon, experts say it's important to eat healthily and to avoidsmoking and heavy drinking. Moreover, adequate exercise, stressreduction, and sleep can improve erectile dysfunction in many. In addition, says Lamm, "A loving, receptive, and responsive partner is a home run. After all, this is still a couple's issue." REFERENCES: "Erectile Dysfunction." National Kidney and Urologic Disease Information Clearinghouse. Andrew McCullough, MD, NYU Langone Medical Center. Steven Lamm, MD, internist; author, The Hardness Factor (Harper Collins). Lee, M.S. BJU International, Feb. 23, 2009. Chen, J. BJU International, 1999, vol 83: pp 269-273. Stanislov, R. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 2003, vol 29: pp 207-213. Geo Espinosa, ND, Director, Integrative Urological Center, NYU Langone Medical Center. Ronald Tamler, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Co-director, Men's Health Program, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York City. Iron is a mineral found in many over-the-counter supplements. Iron overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medication.
Hypervitaminosis A, or vitamin A toxicity, occurs when you have too much vitamin A in your body. This condition may be acute or chronic. Acute toxicity occurs after consuming large amounts of vitamin A over a short period of time, typically within a few hours or days. Chronic toxicity occurs when large amounts of vitamin A build up in the body over a long period of time. Symptoms include visual changes, bone pain, and skin changes. Chronic toxicity can lead to liver damage and increased pressure on the brain. This condition can be diagnosed using blood tests to check your vitamin A levels. Most people improve simply by decreasing their intake of vitamin A. Part 2 of 8: Causes Causes of Hypervitaminosis AExcess amounts of vitamin A are stored in the liver, allowing it to accumulate over time. Most people develop vitamin A toxicity by taking high-dose dietary supplements, or by taking more than the recommended amount over a long period of time. This may be the result of megavitamin therapy, which involves consuming very large doses of certain vitamins in an attempt to prevent or treat diseases. It may also be caused by long-term use of certain acne treatments that contain high doses of vitamin A. Additionally, liver disease and alcoholism may increase a person’s risk for this condition. According to the Merck Manual for Health Care Professionals, acute vitamin A toxicity is often the result of accidental ingestion by children (Merck Manual, 2007). Part 3 of 8: Symptoms Symptoms of Hypervitaminosis ASymptoms vary based on whether toxicity is acute or chronic; however headaches and rash are common to both types. vitamin A toxicitySymptoms of acute include:
Part 4 of 8: Complications Potential ComplicationsThe correct amount of vitamin A is crucial for the development of a fetus, specifically the heart, ears, eyes, and limbs. However, excess vitamin A consumption during pregnancy is known to cause birth defects that may affect the eyes, skull, lungs, and heart. Other potential complications include:
Diagnosing Hypervitaminosis ATo diagnose this condition, your doctor will perform a physical examination and ask questions about your symptoms and any medications or supplements you are taking. To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor will likely order blood tests to check the levels of vitamin A in your blood. Part 6 of 8: Treatment How Hypervitaminosis A Is TreatedThe most effective way to treat this condition is to stop taking high-dose vitamin A supplements. Most people make a full recovery within a few weeks. Complications, such as liver or kidney damage, must be treated independently. Part 7 of 8: Outlook Long Term OutlookOutlook depends on the severity of the vitamin A toxicity and how quickly it was treated. Most people make a full recovery once they stop taking vitamin A supplements. For those who develop complications, such as kidney or liver damage, outlook will depend on the severity of the damage. Birth defects caused by excessive amounts of vitamin A are irreversible. Part 8 of 8: Sources Sources of Vitamin AYou can get most of the vitamin A your body needs from a healthy diet alone. Foods that contain vitamin A include:
HistoryBe wary of large or chronic ingestions of all vitamins in children, especially the fat-soluble vitamins A and D. Nonspecific symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and rash, are common with any acute or chronic vitamin overdose. Vitamin-related symptoms may be secondary to those associated with additives (eg, mannitol), colorings, or binders; these symptoms usually are not severe. Vitamin AIn acute vitamin A toxicity, a history of some or all of the following may be present:
Do not forget to evaluate for ingestion of other potentially toxic substances, such as other vitamins, aspirin, and acetaminophen. Inquire about the intake of other supplements and evaluate for possible overdose accordingly. As previously discussed, isotretinoin (Accutane), a drug used for the treatment of severe forms of acne, is closely related to the chemical structure of vitamin A and therefore has similar pharmacologic and toxic attributes. A careful drug history to uncover possible isotretinoin use is important in patients presenting with manifestations suggestive of vitamin A intoxication. Vitamin CThe effects of vitamin C toxicity can include the following:
Vitamin EIt is likely that patients with vitamin E toxicity have been using vitamin E supplements; obtain the dose and duration of vitamin E usage. Assess concurrent use of anticoagulants or aspirin. A nutritional assessment for vitamin K deficiency is useful in patients who present with bleeding or an elevated PT. The effects of acute vitamin E toxicity include the following:
Vitamin KVitamin K toxicity is typically associated with formula-fed infants or those receiving synthetic vitamin K-3 (menadione) injections. Because of its toxicity, menadione is no longer used for treatment of vitamin K deficiency. The effects of vitamin K toxicity can include jaundice in newborns, hemolytic anemia, and hyperbilirubinemia. Toxicity also blocks the effects of oral anticoagulants. Sildenafil should be used in caution with:
STORAGE
Viagra (sildenafil) can cause several side effects including eye problems and blindness. Up to 3 percent of individuals taking this medication have reported vision problems that include:
Still, this potential side effect is enough to cause concern for the millions of men taking Viagra. In response to the heightened concern of the public, the FDA had asked Pfizer – the manufacturer of Viagra – to include a warning in the drug’s label about the possible side effect. What Studies Say?According to urologists, erectile dysfunction medications are generally safe. Reported cases of blindness due to Viagra are thought to result from a condition known as nonarteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). This rare eye problem causes poor blood flow in the blood vessels of the eye. This condition is more common among men over 50 years of age particularly those with certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and high cholesterol. Since erectile dysfunction (ED) and NAION share these same risk factors, it is difficult to actually determine whether Viagra is indeed the cause of blindness or it is just a coincidence. NAION usually affects one eye and can cause either temporary or permanent vision loss. If you have existing or history of vision problems such as optic neuropathy, retinitis, macular degeneration, and pigmentosa, be sure to inform your healthcare provider. These eye conditions likely increase your risk of developing NAION. The FDA does not specifically consider blindness as a “common side effect” of Viagra because of lack of well controlled studies. Furthermore, in over 100 clinical trials participated by over 13,000 men, vision problems was reported by only 2 to 10 of every 100,000 men taking Viagra. Most of these studies were funded partly by its manufacturer. Pfizer further stressed that it would continue to study this potential side effect. If you experience vision problems with Viagra, consult your healthcare provider for necessary treatment. Some patients may require dose adjustments, change in medication, or stopping use of Viagra altogether. You and your healthcare provider can come up with a shared decision that best meets your expecatations Source: Viagra Eye Problems, Blindness - Drugsdb.com http://www.drugsdb.com/rx/viagra/viagra-eye-problems-blindness/#ixzz3ZqPd682F |