Thursday, March 6, 2008

Can Vitamins Help With Lupus

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.

Copyright 2006 PillFreeVitamins.com

Steven Godlewski is a self-made millionaire and is currently working with the staff at PillFreeVitamins.com. He has an extensive background in nutrition as well as other health related fields. For more health-related articles see their website at: http://www.pillfreevitamins.com

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How to Make Shopping For Low Cost Family Health Insurance Less "Painful"

Shopping for low cost family health insurance does not have to be an overwhelming process. Granted, it's no day at the beach; but if done with some careful planning, the process can be less "painful."

First, it's important to understand the "jargon." That is, a family health insurance policy is actually an individual policy, as opposed to a group policy, that has been issued for a family. Therefore, when shopping for low cost health insurance for your family, you're actually searching for an individual policy that will be issued for you and your family.

Second, when shopping for low cost health insurance, it is important to realize that there are ways to keep costs down.

For example, if your family is generally healthy, you may want to choose higher out-of-pocket options for items such as deductible, copayments, and coinsurance. By doing so, you can expect to see a significant reduction in your premiums.

Another way to reduce your health insurance costs is to pay your premiums annually. Since it requires a significant initial payment, this may not be a realistic option for some. Nevertheless, if you can afford to prepay your premiums, you may be able to avoid paying service fees and possibly realize a prepayment discount. Be sure to ask your insurance agent about this possibility.

In addition, you may want to think twice about buying supplemental health insurance. In many cases, supplemental insurance offers coverage for items that are already included in your main plan. If you think you way need a supplemental health policy, be sure to discuss this with your agent thoroughly before making any final decisions.

Third, and last, whether you're just trying to get the best deal for health insurance and finances are not a significant limiting factor, or price is a significant limiting factor, you should know is that the health insurance industry in the U.S. is heavily regulated. While regulations may vary from one state to another, health insurance premiums are regulated by each state Department of Insurance.

What this means to you is that you will pay the same monthly premium for the same plan whether you buy from a local agent, an Internet company, or the insurance company itself. Logically then, the best way to end up with the policy best suited for you and your situation is to obtain and then review multiple health insurance quotes.

Shopping for low cost family health insurance can be quite a shock for the unprepared. So, to be ready, educate yourself by using the volumes of information available on the Internet. Look for ways to keep costs to a minimum, such as prepaying premiums, selecting a higher deductible, and not purchasing insurance you will not use, . By working smarter, not harder, you will be maximizing your odds of ending up with a quality and affordable health insurance plan.

Jonathon James has been working in the health insurance industry for nearly twenty years. For additional tips and information about low cost family health insurance, please be sure to visit http://LearningAboutHealthInsurance.com.

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