All Nutrition Articles

Dietary Supplements for Back Pain

Some people may find herbs and supplements helpful in relieving back or neck pain.

Bone and Body Health

If you’re unsure how to translate the wealth of bone nutrition advice to your plate, focus on calcium, vitamin D, and magnesium.

Good to the Bone

Savory and satisfying broth made from slowly simmered meat is really an old-fashioned home remedy for almost anything that ails you.

Supplement the Smart Way for Spinal Bone Health

Strong healthy back and neck bones are part of your body's foundation. This article helps you understand nutritional supplements, specifically bone health boosters like calcium and vitamin D, and offers tips to help you get the most from them.

Calcium Is Essential for Strong Back and Neck Bones

Calcium supplements can help you reach your daily recommended amount of calcium, but they are not intended to replace calcium-rich foods.

Bone-Boosting Grocery List for Spine Health

Look at and beyond the dairy aisle when searching for bone-boosting foods that can help your back and neck bones stay strong.

Dietary Supplements: Questions and Answers

If you take dietary supplements to help reduce neck or back pain, you will be interested in the answers to 8 commonly asked questions about supplements.

Vitamin K

Vitamin K is necessary for blood clotting, specifically the production of prothrombin; a plasma protein. Additionally, it is needed for bone formation and building osteocalcin, an important protein in bone tissue.

Vitamin H

Vitamin H is also known as biotin and aids in metabolizing carbohydrates (energy), fats, and proteins. Additionally, it helps to produce fatty acids, promote healthy nerve tissue, bone marrow, and sweat glands. Biotin is needed for healthy hair and skin.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E may help protect the body in different ways, such as by slowing down age-related cell damage.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is necessary for normal growth and development of bones and teeth. Calcium cannot be absorbed into the body without vitamin D.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid. It is an antioxidant essential for tissue growth and repair. The body cannot produce vitamin C, and since it is water-soluble and not stored, it must be obtained from food and supplements.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 may be taken to help prevent anemia. It assists folic acid (vitamin B9) in regulating the formation of red blood cells, and aids the body utilize iron.

Vitamin B9

Vitamin B9 is also known as folic acid or folate. This vitamin is required for energy production, and formation of red and white blood cells (immunity).

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 (also known as pyridoxine) is involved in most bodily functions. It affects both mental and physical health.

Vitamin B5

Vitamin B5, also called pantothenic acid, plays an important role in production of adrenal hormones (adrenal glands). It is required for the formation of antibodies (immune system), and helps to convert carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into energy.

Vitamin B3

Vitamin B3 is also known as niacin, niacinamide, or nicotinic acid. A deficiency of this vitamin can cause a disease termed pellagra.

Vitamin B2

Vitamin B2 (also known as riboflavin) may help prevent and may be used to treat migraine headaches, cataracts, rheumatoid arthritis, and certain skin disorders such as acne (acne rosacea), dermatitis, and eczema.

Vitamin B1

Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, is important for the following bodily functions: breathing, carbohydrate metabolism, and enhanced circulation. It assists in producing hydrochloric acid—key for proper digestion.

Green Tea

Green tea comes from the leaves of a large shrub-like plant. Its antibacterial properties may make it useful in fighting infection (eg, colds, sore throats).

Zinc

Zinc is required for formation of collagen and bone, wound healing, a healthy immune system, and enhances the sense of taste and smell.

Vanadium

Vanadium is a metallic element found in the soil. It is important for cellular metabolism and development of bones and teeth.

Tyrosine

Supplemental L-tyrosine has been used for stress reduction, and may be helpful in treating chronic fatigue and narcolepsy.

Sulfur

Sulfur is an acid-forming mineral. It is used to treat diaper rash, eczema, itchy rashes, and hemorrhoids.

Spirulina

Spirulina contains a high level of protein, amino acids, and nucleic acids (RNA/DNA). This is a good nutrient source for vegetarians.

Psyllium

Psyllium is used to treat/relieve constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn's disease, hemorrhoids, and other intestinal disorders.

Potassium

Potassium is a mineral key to many of the body's important functions such as regulating heart rate and smooth muscle contraction.

Phosphorus

Although phosphorus is found abundantly in food sources, deficiencies can occur. Symptoms of phosphorus deficiency include weight loss, anemia, bone pain and fatigue.

Phenylalanine

Phenylalanine may be used to treat depression, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, menstrual cramps, and cancer (melanoma, tumor growth).

Selenium

Selenium is a metalloid element of sulfur found in the soil and food. It is a vital antioxidant.

Melatonin

People use melatonin to treat jet lag and insomnia. Melatonin may also prove helpful in the treatment of .....

Magnesium

Magnesium may help prevent osteoporosis, some types of cancer, heart disease, and complications of pregnancy (preeclampsia and eclampsia).

Lysine

Lysine is an amino acid and building block for all proteins. In children it is essential for skeletal (bone) development, and helps people of all ages to absorb calcium.

Iron

Iron, a common metallic element, is important to the body's production of hemoglobin and myoglobin.

Glutamine

Glutamine is an amino acid found in the muscles. It is also known as brain fuel because it easily passes the blood-brain barrier. .

Flaxseed Oil

Flaxseed oil may reduce the pain, inflammation and swelling of arthritis. It may also lower blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid (EDTA)

EDTA is a synthetic solution used in chelation therapy for disorders including heart disease and circulatory problems.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is the most abundant hormone in the bloodstream. It is produced by the adrenal glands.

Creatine

Creatine is an amino acid found in the muscles that can produce bursts of energy on demand. This is especially beneficial to people who want to improve stamina.

Copper

Copper is important to many bodily functions including bone formation, production of red blood cells and hemoglobin; a protein that transports oxygen to cells.

Chromium

Chromium is a mineral trace element and is essential to nutrition and physiologic processes. It is involved in the metabolism of glucose (sugar), which is necessary for energy.

Brewer's Yeast

As a rich source of B vitamins, brewer's yeast may aid in metabolizing carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA)

Alpha-lipoic acid enhances the antioxidant functions of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and glutathione (an enzyme key to preventing the breakdown of red blood cells resulting in anemia).

Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA)

Alpha-linolenic acid is the parent substance of essential omega-3 fatty acids, which helps to regulate blood pressure, blood clotting, heart rate, blood vessel dilation, immune response, and the break down of fats.

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is an amino acid that may be beneficial in treating depression, obesity and insomnia.

Recipes: Grease Free Cooking

Four grease-free cooking recipes with all the flavor of fried foods but not all the fat.

Eating Well for Happy, Healthy, Pain-Free Holidays

Expert advice about what and how much to eat and drink to help reduce back pain during holidays meals, celebrations and everyday gatherings.

Fiber: The Good Carbohydrate

The average American eats about one-third of the daily recommended amount of fiber. Fiber works to help prevent certain chronic diseases and can help lower cholesterol. Learn how to increase your fiber intake in this article.

Nutrition Myths and Fallacies

There are a lot of nutrition myths out there: the best thing to eat to lose weight, caffeine actually makes you hungrier, a candy bar will boost your energy. Read this article for the truth about what you eat.

Dining Out: Making Better Choices

It can be very difficult to eat right when dining out. Here are some great ways to avoid overeating when at a restaurant.

Guiltless Sweets

If you feel guilty eating sweets, here is a better way to approach your cravings for them.

Recipes: Guiltless Sweets

Recipes for three guiltless sweets: bran muffins, oatmeal applesauce cookies, and sugar free apple crisp.

Recipes for Kids and Busy Lifestyles

Three quick and healthy recipes for people with busy lifestyles.

Tips to Maintain a Healthy Diet

Searching for easy tips to healthy eating? Here are some tips on maintaining a healthy diet.

Cooking for Kids

Here are some tips for getting your kids to eat healthier foods and reduce fat, sugar and salt intake.

Putting on Pounds is a Pain in the Back!

How to survive "couch potato" recuperation time without tipping the scale.

Recipes: Meatless Meals

Three delicious recipes for meatless meals.

Recipes: Reducing Sodium (Less Salt)

Three delicious recipes for reducing your sodium intake.

Eating to Lose Weight

It is important to eat to lose weight. You need to eat to maintain muscle, which will in turn burn fat.

Recipes for Life: Taste Without Salt

Did you know the average American consumes over 15 pounds of salt per year? Interested in cutting down on salt ? Here's how!

Supplements: Chromium

Included in this article is a list of some of the health problems associated with low chromium levels.

Supplements: Flax Seed Oil

Included in this article is a partial list of illnesses that may be prevented or treated with flaxseed oil.

Thanksgiving Fare to Help Ease Your Back Pain

Thanksgiving Day marks the beginning of a joyful holiday season that involves lots of eating and drinking. Here’s how to indulge without overdoing it.

Soy Foods May Build Better Bones in Early Menopause: True or False?

A diet rich in soy with isoflavones may provide beneficial effects on bone health in older women, according to results of a recent study.

Weight Loss: Empowered to Change

Your body may be starving for nutrients if you have been trying to lose weight for a long time.

Make Healthy Food Choices: Fiber - Carbohydrates - Salt - Sugar

Healthy carbohydrates are found in fresh foods from unprocessed grains, fruits and vegetables.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is also known as retinol, which can be found in many products available today used to promote healthy skin. In fact, this vitamin is essential to the formation of skin and new tissue.

Supplements: Manganese

Manganese aids in forming connective tissue, fats and cholesterol, bones, blood-clotting factors, and proteins. It is also essential for normal brain function.

Tips for Healthy Shopping

Eat before you shop! The layout of grocery stores are designed for impulse buying. Ever notice all the candy at the check out stand? It is easier to avoid temptation if not hungry.

Supplements: Vitamin K

Vitamin K is best known for its role in helping blood clot properly and in maintaining bone health. Learn all about Vitamin K and how supplements may benefit you.

Supplements: Vitamin A (Retinol)

Vitamin A is needed for proper immune system function. Learn all about vitamin A and whether you could benefit from a supplement.

Supplements: Vitamin H (Biotin)

Vitamin H (biotin) enables the body to use the energy in food. Learn how a vitamin H supplement may benefit you.

Supplements: Vitamin E

Vitamin E protects the body against many disorders and helpd treat others. It helps slow down the cell damage that happens naturally as we age.

Supplements: Vitamin D

Vitamin D is essential to build and maintain healthy bones. Calcium can only be absorbed when vitamin D is present, so even if you're getting enough calcium, your body won't be able to properly use it to build bone unless you're getting enough vitam

Supplements: Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

Your body does not store vitamin C, so you must consume enough each day to maintain good health.

Supplements: Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

Vitamin B2 or riboflavin enables carbohydrates, proteins, and fats to release energy. It is also important to the immune system.

Supplements: Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)

Vitamin B12 is essential in maintaining normal bodily functions and growth. Not getting enough vitamin B12 leads to pernicious anemia which causes disorders of the nervous system.

Supplements: Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

Vitamin B1 or thiamine is needed in your diet to breakdown carbohydrates. Learn all about vitamin B12 and whether you could benefit from a supplement.

Recipes for Life: Too Busy to Cook?

Plan meals ahead of time and have the ingredients at your fingertips. Make a list before heading to the grocery store. A well-stocked pantry, refrigerator and freezer are essential for having last minute, healthy and tasty meals in minutes.

The Pillar of Salt is Crumbling

The amount of salt (sodium) Americans consume a year is 100 times more than we require. Here are some tips on reducing your sodium intake.

Recipes: Busy Lifestyles

Recipes for ginger chicken stir-fry, linguine & clams, and shrimp saute.

Meatless Meals

Red meat has a high content of fat and the average American diet contains far too much red meat. Here are some tips and recipes for meatless meals.

Recipes for Life: A Grease Free Fare

The importance of cutting down on fat intake and some tips on how to reduce fat in your cooking.

Weight Loss: Suggestions for Success

Good food and eating right combined with regular exercise can help you meet your weight loss goals.

Cholesterol and Arterial Corruption

Cholesterol is vital for many important functions in the body but can be deadly when our level gets to high. Learn all about good and bad cholesterol in your diet.

Nutrition Facts and Fallacies

Optimal nutrition is the product of eating a wide variety of nutrients from a wide variety of foods.

Supplements: Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)

The level of DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) in your body decreases as you age. DHEA deficiencies make individuals more susceptible to some cancers, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, and many more diseases.

Supplements: Zinc

Zinc is an essential trace mineral that boosts the immune system and helps prevent many ailments from cancer to the common cold.

Supplements: Vanadium

Vanadium is an essential trace mineral. It is necessary for bone and tooth development.

Supplements: Tyrosine

Tyrosine aids in the function of the adrenal, thyroid, and pituitary glands. A deficiency of tyrosine can result in depression, hypothyroidism, low blood pressure, low body temperature, and restless leg syndrome.

Supplements: Sulfur

Sulfur is a naturally occurring mineral used to treat red, itchy rashes and also helps to protect your body from toxins in the environment. People with arthritis may find pain relief from sulfur baths.

Supplements: Spirulina

Spirulina is a blue-green algae that is a rich source of nutrients, especially protein, and thus is an important food for vegetarians. It has anti-viral and anti-cancer properties.

Supplements: Selenium

Selenium is a trace mineral found in soil and food. It is an important antioxidant and most of us do not get enough selenium in our diets.

Supplements: Potassium

Potassium is a mineral that helps the kidneys function normally as well as aiding in normal heart function. Learn all about potassium and its uses.

Supplements: Psyllium

Psyllium is a soluble fiber used primarily as a gentle bulk laxative. Psyllium helps relieve constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids, and other intestinal problems.

Supplements: Phosphorus

Phosphorus is one of the most important minerals in the human body. It has many important functions particularly working with calcium to build strong bones and teeth.

Supplements: Phenylalanine

Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid that you need to get from food because your body cannot make enough of it. Learn all about phenylalanine, its uses, and what foods provide it for you.

Supplements: Melatonin

Melatonin is an important hormone secreted by the pineal gland in the brain. Melatonin helps to regulate our sleeping patterns and can be used to treat sleeping disorders.

Supplements: Lysine

Lysine helps your body process fatty acids and is important for proper growth. Find out what foods provide lysine and if you could benefit from a supplement.

Supplements: Magnesium

The mineral magnesium is important for your heart, muscles, and kidneys. Most Americans do not get enough magnesium in their diets.

Supplements: Lipase

Lipase helps your body digest fats to be used more easily. Lipase can be used to treat digestive problems.

Supplements: 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)

5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is an amino acid. 5-HTP dietary supplements help raise seretonin levels in the brain which may have a positive effect on sleep, mood, anxiety, aggression, appetite, temperature, sexual behavior, and pain sensation.

Supplements: Iron

Iron delivers oxygen from the lungs to all parts of your body, helps your muscles work, and helps break down substances that can cause damage to your body.

Supplements: Glutamine

Glutamine plays an important role in all parts of the body. It speeds recovery and healing, helps curb cravings, and can improve mental acuity.

Supplements: Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid (EDTA)

EDTA chelation therapy is a nonsurgical treatment for heart disease. It can help you avoid heart and artery disease or could be an alternative to bypass surgery.

Supplements: Creatine

Creatine is an energy enhancing supplement for athletes. If you are looking to increase strength, improve endurance, and delay fatigue for high intensity, short duration sports, then creatine supplements may benefit you.

Supplements: Copper

Copper is an essential nutrient that helps make hemoglobin, the main component of red blood cells. Copper may make your immune system stronger and may help relieve the pain of arthritis.

What's in a Food Label?

Judging whether or not a particular food fits into your diet has become easier today because of the information avaliable on product labels.
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