Category Archives: Food Supplements

You have probably heard of B-complex. Maybe youve even taken a few B-complex capsules now and again. But what is B-complex, and just how many B vitamins are there to form a whole complex?

The simple answer is eight. (No, they dont run from B1 through B8. The eight B vitamins are B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12).

Representational image. Image source: Getty Images.

Each of the B vitamins plays a crucial role in keeping us in brilliant health. While most of heard of folic acid and its benefits during pregnancy, few of us know about the other seven Bs.

In this second article in a two-part series on vitamin and mineral supplements, we take a close look at the role each of the B's plays in proper brain functioning, maintaining energy levels and promoting cell growth and whether we need to take supplements for any (or all) of them:

Thiamine is an essential vitamin which helps the body to change carbohydrates into energy at the cellular level.

Food sources:Plant foods that are rich in vitamin B1 are asparagus, sunflower seeds, green peas, flaxseed, spinach, cabbage, eggplant, whole grains, and legumes. Tomatoes and onions also have a small amount of vitamin B1 in them. Animal sources of B1 include pork and offal.

How much of it do you need in a day:For men: 1.2 milligrams (mg). For women: 1.1 mg. For pregnant women: 1.4 mg, and for lactating women: 1.5 mg. For children, 0.2-1.2mg.

Verdict on supplements:You get tiny amounts of vitamin B1 from practically every (healthy) thing you eat. So you dont need to take supplements if youre taking a proper diet or unless your doctor prescribes.

The coenzymes present in riboflavin play a major role in energy production (by breaking down carbohydrates), cellular growth and function and the metabolism of fats, drugs, and steroids.

Food sources:All the cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, cabbage, kale, garden cress, bok choy, broccoli and Brussels sprouts are rich in riboflavin. All these vegetables should be lightly steamed and not cooked to a pulp to extract the maximum riboflavin from them.

Other food sources of riboflavin include chicken, liver, meat, pork, dairy products, nuts, mushrooms and asparagus.

How much of it do you need in a day:For men: 1.3 mg. For women: 1.1 mg. For pregnant women: 1.4 mg, and for lactating women: 1.6 mg. For children: 0.3-1.3 mg.

Verdict on supplements:If you are lactose intolerant or if you have a gut infection, then you need to take B2 supplements. The reason: our intestines are not very good at absorbing it from food.

Niacin helps in cutting down bad cholesterol (LDL), thus lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Food sources:Grilled chicken breast, liver, turkey breast, red salmon, cooked brown rice, enriched breakfast cereals (muesli), dry roasted peanuts, grains and legumes are rich sources of niacin.

How much of it do you need in a day:For men: 16 mg NE. For women: 14 mg NE. For pregnant women: 17 mg NE, and for lactating women: 18 mg NE. For children: 2-16 mg NE.

NE stands for niacin equivalent. An amino acid called tryptophan does a similar job to this vitamin, but you need it in higher quantities: 1 mg NE = 1 mg niacin or 60 mg of the essential amino acid tryptophan.

One cup of cooked brown rice contains 5.2 mg NE whereas 84 grams of grilled chicken breast has 14.9 mg NE.

Verdict on supplements:One bowl of chicken and rice is enough to give you your daily dose, so avoid supplements unless your doctor recommends otherwise: high-dose niacin is sometimes prescribed by doctors to lower cholesterol levels. You should not take niacin supplements without a doctors prescription.

Vitamin B5 keeps our energy up by metabolising carbohydrates, fats and proteins. It is rich in coenzyme A which helps in the synthesis of fatty acids, which are required for energy production in the body.

Food sources:Mushrooms, avocados, broccoli, sweet potatoes, corn, cauliflower, yeast, peanuts, sunflower seeds, whole-grain cereals, dairy products, legumes and animal sources like pork, chicken and liver are rich in vitamin B5.

How much of it do you need in a day:For men: 5 mg. For women: 5 mg. For pregnant women: 6 mg, and for lactating women: 7 mg. For children, 1.7-5 mg.

Verdict on supplements:People must stick to dietary sources for meeting the recommended dose, as taking vitamin B5 supplements without prescription may cause harm to your body. An overdose of vitamin B5 can cause diarrhoea and increase the risk of bleeding.

Also read: Not just weight loss:An avocado a day keeps diseases away

Pyridoxine helps the central nervous system pass messages through neurotransmitters like serotonin - the happiness hormone. It also helps in improving brain function.

Food sources:Chickpeas, yellowfin tuna, chicken breast, tofu, avocados, brown rice, milk, potato, spinach, and whole-grain cereals are rich sources of vitamin B6.

How much of it do you need in a day:For men: 1.3-1.7 mg. For women: 1.3-1.5 mg. For pregnant women: 1.9 mg, and for lactating women: 2 mg. For children: 0.1-1.3mg.

One cup of chickpeas contains 1.1 mg of vitamin B6 whereas 84 grams of grilled chicken breast contains 0.5mg of vitamin B6.

Verdict on supplements:You can get your daily fix of vitamin B6 from food. Take supplements only if your doctor recommends them, as an overdose may cause temporary peripheral neuropathy (loss of feeling in the arms and legs).

Good nails, hair and skin, and a great metabolism are the chief health benefits of vitamin B7. It also helps in metabolizing fats and carbohydrates for energy.

Food sources:peanuts, milk, cereals, beans, organ meats like liver, whole cooked eggs, sunflower seeds, sweet potato, almonds, wheat bran, cheddar cheese, mushrooms and cauliflower are rich sources of biotin.

How much of it do you need in a day:For men: 30 micrograms (mcg). For women: 30 mcg. For pregnant women: 30 mcg, and for lactating women: 35 mcg. For children: 5-25 mcg.

One large cooked egg contains 10 mcg of biotin. About 84 grams of cooked chicken liver contains 30.8 mcg of biotin.

Verdict on supplements:If you eat a balanced diet, it is unlikely that you will have a biotin deficiency. However, conditions like seborrheic dermatitis (a skin condition that causes a scaly, itchy rash), heavy drinking and surgical removal of the stomach can cause biotin deficiency. Supplements must be taken after seeking medical advice.

Just like the other B vitamins, folate helps in metabolising fats and proteins in the body. It also plays a major role in clearing out high levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that may lead to the development of various diseases including heart disease.

Folate is the naturally occurring vitamin B9, and folic acid is the synthetic or manmade form of vitamin B9.

Food sources:mushrooms, broccoli, lentils, beans, spinach, lettuce, avocados, beans, egg yolk, garden asparagus, beetroot and organ meat like liver are rich sources of folate.

How much of it do you need in a day:For men: 400 mcg. For women: 400 mcg. For pregnant women: 600 mcg, and for lactating women: 500 mcg. For children: 80-400 mcg.

Half a cup of boiled spinach gives you about 131 mcg of folate.

Verdict on supplements:Food should be your primary source of B9, unless youre planning to get pregnant or going through menopause - in both cases youll need to take supplements as prescribed by your doctor.

Vitamin B12 helps in energy production in the body. It is also essential for proper brain function and the synthesis of red blood cells.

Food sources:vitamin B12 is naturally found in fish, meat, eggs, and dairy products like cheese, milk, yoghurt.

How much of it do you need in a day:For men: 2.4 mcg. For women: 2.4 mcg. For pregnant women: 2.6 mcg, and for lactating women: 2.8 mcg. For children: 0.4-2.4 mcg.

Verdict on supplements:vegetarians, people above the age of 50 years, people with gastrointestinal diseases like Crohns disease and people who consume alcohol regularly are more prone to vitamin B12 deficiency. They must seek medical advice before starting any supplements.

This is the second article in a two-part series. Thefirst articlein this series talked about vitamins - A, C, D, and minerals like calcium and iron.

For more information, please read our article onVitamin B: Benefits, Sources, Dosage.

Health articles in Firstpost are written by myUpchar.com, Indias first and biggest resource for verified medical information. At myUpchar, researchers and journalists work with doctors to bring you information on all things health.

Updated Date: Dec 17, 2019 19:10:16 IST

Tags : b12 Deficiency, Folate Deficiency, Folic Acid, Health Supplements, NewsTracker, Riboflavin Uses, Should You Take Supplements, Thiamine Uses, Vitamin Deficiency, Vitamin Supplements, Vitamins For Pregnancy

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Do we really need vitamin supplements (Part 2): Everything you wanted to know about B vitamins, starting... - Firstpost

The number of households that include a four-legged, furry friend (or several) is at an all-time high. A whopping 68 percent of U.S. households have a pet, the American Pet Products Association (APPA) found in its 2017-2018 National Pet Owners Survey.

A 2011 Harris poll found that 90 percent of American pet owners consider their dogs and cat members of the family. This view is mirrored across the pond; 93 percent of pet owners in the UK say having a companion animal makes them feel happy, and 88 percent say it improves their overall quality of life.

People want to do right by their animals. This might explain why Christmas stockings designed for pets are now a thing, or why you can buy a two-story puppy penthouse on Amazon. But while some focus on spoiling their pets, many are unaware of the impact of the food they feed their beloved animals. And this lack of awareness may be the pet food industrys greatest deception.

Commercials and packaging often make pet food out to be carefully-cooked and lovingly-prepared, but thats rarely the case. PetMDs Dr. Donna Spector a veterinary internal medicine specialist explained that pet food relies on leftovers from the meat industry. When animals are killed for meat, the lean muscle is cut off for human consumption and the remaining body (including blood, bones, organs, and beaks) is made into pet food.

In addition to the carcasses described above, other leftovers from the human food industry (restaurant grease, out-of-date supermarket meat, etc) and 4D livestock animals (dead, dying, diseased, disabled) may also be found in pet food through a process called rendering, Spector wrote.

The FDA confirmed this in 2016: Were going to allow animals that have died other than by slaughter that are further processed; we will allow those ingredients in pet food.

The FDA issued a warning to pet owners about the presence of pentobarbital, a drug used to euthanize livestock. The agency discovered the sedative in multiple dog food products. The discovery forced major pet food company J.M. Smucker Company to withdraw shipments of brands including Gravy Train, Skippy, and Ol Roy.

Veterinarians have been concerned about pentobarbital in pet food for decades. After veterinarians reported that the sedative was losing its effect on dogs, the FDA began looking into euthanasia drugs in pet food in 1990. Many of the FDAs tests for the drug came back positive.

Animal-based pet food can also leave its mark on the planet. According to the Guardian, pet food accounts for a quarter of the environmental impact of meat production. This is because of its land use, water use, fossil fuels, phosphates, and pesticides.

A 2017 study published in PLOS One found that U.S. pet food production generates up to 70 million tons of carbon every year.

Bioscience startup Because Animals wants things to change for your pets. The company is helping build a world where pet food production doesnt harm other animals or the planet. But most of all, it wants to make safe and healthy food for our furry family members.

Because Animals will debut its cultured cat food in 2021. Cultured mouse tissue, based on the ancestral diet of the cat, is used to make the food. Because Animals cultured meat will be grown without antibiotics, growth hormones, and without contributing to the animal cruelty of traditional animal agriculture.

Because Animals is the first company to create cultured meat technology in pet food without using fetal bovine serum (FBS).The inhumane practice of extracting blood from pregnant cows at slaughter is the source of FBS. Its the most widely used serum-supplement for the in vitro cell culture of eukaryotic cells.

Because Animals developed a proprietary media that provides the nutrients and growth factors needed for tissue growth, without the requirement of FBS.

The company makes certified organic dog cookies, too. The human-grade treats Noochies are made with peanut butter, banana, ancient grains, coconut oil, flaxseed, applesauce, and nutritional yeast (nooch). Nutritional yeast is a complete, sustainable protein that contains the 10 essential amino acids that dogs need. It also contains essential B vitamins. The treats also offer omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin E, and antioxidants. Theyre rich in fiber, which encourages healthy digestion.

Because Animals also offers two superfood and probiotic supplements: one for dogs and one for cats. The supplements contain more than 250 million probiotics per gram, assisting with digestive, cardiovascular, immune, and gut health. The supplements can also give your pets coat an extra shine. The organic ingredients include seven different species of seaweed, pumpkin, wheatgrass, and coconut flour.

Staying true to its commitment to the planet, Because Animals also uses entirely compostable, plastic-free packaging. We are creating the most sustainable pet food humanly possible, and so it only makes sense that we dont use plastic, Because Animals CEO Shannon Falconer, PhD, said in a statement. Our end goal is to nurture and protect all animals from those swimming in the ocean to our fellow humans. And for us that means a strict no plastic policy for any of our products.

You can find Because Animals Superfood & Probiotic Supplements and Noochies Organic Dog Cookies on its website.

This is a sponsored post.

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What the Pet Food Industry Doesn't Want You to Know

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What the Pet Food Industry Doesn't Want You to Know - LIVEKINDLY

SPRING, Texas, Oct. 25, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --For the majority of health care professionals, food will always come first, but supplements do still have a place. In Trust Transparency Center's 2019 Registered Dietitian Insights Survey of 200 US-based registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) released today, 66% of RDNs stated they recommend both food and supplements to their clients and 70% personally take supplements four times or more per week.

Dietitian personal supplement usageThe top 10 supplements dietitians reported they personally used were:

1. Multivitamins/multivitamin injections (50%)2. Vitamin D (43%)3. Fish Oil/Omega/Krill (26%)4. Calcium (25%)5. Probiotics (17%)6. Vitamin C (10%)7. Protein (8%)8. Biotin (8%)9. Minerals (7%)10.B Complex (6%)

These dietitians primarily rely on their own research when deciding to take supplements, with dietary deficiencies being the biggest concern (52%), followed by personal research (49%) and personal physician recommendation (31%). Other reasons for taking supplements include condition specific concerns such as inflammation, energy, GI issues, etc.

Dietitian Education and Knowledge of Supplements Most dietitians surveyed were formally educated on the use of supplements, generally while obtaining their nutrition degree (73%) followed through by continuing education (60%). They stay informed regarding supplements via continuing education, medical journals, and colleagues.

Regarding nutritional ingredients, the supplementation conversation may need to extend to functional foods in order to appeal to dietitians that prefer food solutions.

Supplement Recommendations to Patients and ClientsOver three quarters of dietitians recommend supplements to 25% or more of their clients, and dietitians who use more supplements themselves are more likely to recommend them to their patients. The most popular reasons for making recommendations include dietary deficiencies, poor nutrition, caloric needs, wound care, GI or renal problems, and old age. The top five supplements they recommend are:

Dietitians are also increasing their recommendations for specialty supplements such as prebiotics, CoQ10, curcumin/turmeric and collagen. These recommendations are being driven by an increase in research in these categories and dietitians being better informed.

"Americans are generally failing with their diets and physicians have self-reported they're not equipped to address dietary concerns. Dietitians are the optimal conduit to educating people on nutritional needs and supplements have a clear place as part of other healthy lifestyle changes," said Traci Kantowski, Certified Health Coach and Trust Transparency Center's Communications Director. "This research shows that dietitians are taking supplements themselves and recommending them, but will benefit from more education."

TTC conducts this dietitian survey and other insight research on an annual basis. TTC will be sharing these insights and other information on behalf of the Global Prebiotic Association, Global Curcumin Association and the Coconut Coalition of the Americas at Booth #964 at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo (FNCE) in Philadelphia October 27 to 29, 2019. Learn more at TrustTransparency.com.

Media Contact:Traci Kantowski, 630-923-0211, 227950@email4pr.com

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/2nd-annual-survey-of-registered-dietitian-reveals-two-thirds-of-dietitians-recommend-food-and-supplements-to-their-clients-and-the-majority-take-supplements-daily-300945310.html

SOURCE Trust Transparency Center

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2nd Annual Survey of Registered Dietitian Reveals Two-Thirds of Dietitians Recommend Food and Supplements to their Clients and the Majority Take...

As is often the case with chronic health conditions, a large number of people with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) express interest in natural or alternative remedies that might help their condition. This is especially true when it comes to foods and dietary supplements, two areas that can have an impact on general health and inflammation throughout your body.

In many cases, there are valid scientific reasons to believe that certain foods or supplements could reduce the burden of your AS either by reducing inflammation that could affect the disease process, or by improving your general health in a way that makes your AS feel less stressful or fatiguing. Sometimes there are even studies of people with AS or other forms of inflammatory arthritis to support these potential benefits, while in other cases the evidence on a food or supplement is limited to effects seen in the general population.

And then there are claims that have little to no basis in science that still provoke widespread interest. The idea that apple cider vinegar can help treat or manage AS falls into this category.

But having no basis in science doesnt mean that a claim is necessarily completely without merit it just means that it hasnt been studied or provenyet. And while there are reasons to doubt that taking any type of vinegar would be helpful for AS, that doesnt mean certain people wont feel better if they do.

Heres where the evidence stands on apple cider vinegar and AS and some other dietary measures that may be more effective at lowering inflammation.

RELATED: 8 Touted Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar (and What the Research Says)

Lets start with the most important point: There really arent any reliable studies looking at the benefit of apple cider vinegar in joint disease, says Sheryl Mascarenhas, MD, a rheumatologist at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus.

Whats more, she says, there isnt even much of a theoretical reason to believe that taking apple cider vinegar would help AS or any type of inflammatory arthritis.

We know that when you have an inflamed joint, its a very acidic environment, she says. I think there was some thought years ago that [apple cider vinegar] has some ingredients that can alkalinize the joint, but this idea hasnt been supported by any published studies.

Still, Dr. Mascarenhas leaves open the possibility that apple cider vinegar could be beneficial to at least some people with inflammatory conditions. Thats because theres a lot we dont know about the role our gut bacteria plays in inflammation.

Theres a lot of growing evidence that our gut microbiome the bacteria thats naturally harbored in our intestines probably does play a role in our bodys inflammation, and may have a role in ankylosing spondylitis, says Mascarenhas.

But, she notes, I dont know what effect vinegar would have on that. There are probably more questions than answers.

Mascarenhas says that there are ongoing studies on the role of gut bacteria in ankylosing spondylitis, but these are still in fairly early stages, and it may be a while before we can draw any firm conclusions about how this factor affects the AS disease process or symptoms.

There is a tiny shred of evidence that vinegar could have anti-inflammatory effects in some animal models. For example, a study published in July 2017 in the journal Scientific Reports found that in obese mice that were fed a high-fat diet, consuming two different types of vinegar reduced storage of body fat and lowered certain measures of inflammation.

Of course, its beyond a stretch to suggest that a study of obese mice has any particular relevance to AS or joint disease more generally.

The good news is that while there isnt much evidence to support taking apple cider vinegar, several other dietary strategies are widely believed to help reduce inflammation.

One such strategy, says Mascarenhas, is to focus on consuming mostly whole, unprocessed foods.

What I usually tell people is, eating as naturally and as clean as possible is usually a good tip, she notes. Look at the outer edge of the store, and avoid foods that are processed and have a lot of preservatives.

In addition, you may want to focus on including foods in your diet that have known anti-inflammatory effects. These foods include:

If you also want to cook with apple cider vinegar for good measure, theres probably no good reason to avoid it just remember that vinegar can be corrosive.

The biggest side effect Id worry about would be on your dentition, says Mascarenhas. Vinegar really can wear away tooth enamel.

So with these warnings in mind, feel free to include some apple cider vinegar in your diet just dont expect much, if any, effect on your AS.

Original post:

Does Apple Cider Vinegar Help Ankylosing Spondylitis? - Everyday Health

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The NBA on Thursday suspended Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton for 25 games due to the 71" center testing positive for a banned diuretic.

A diuretic, as explained by the Mayo Clinic, is sometimes referred to as a water pill. A diuretic can provide legitimate medical uses. One is to reduce blood pressure by facilitating the release of sodium into urine and increasing the rate of urine. Athletes, however, sometimes use diuretics to conceal cheating. To that end, diuretics have been used as masking agents to obscure the presence of steroids and performance-enhancing drugs (SPEDs) in an athletes urine. They have also been used to effect rapid weight loss. Those types of practices have occurred for decades in competitive sports. The International Olympic Committees World Anti-Doping Agency includes diuretics on its list of banned substances.

The NBA has not revealed which diuretic was detected in Aytons urine. This confidentiality is consistent with the NBA and National Basketball Players Associations collectively bargained drug testing policy. The policy is detailed in Article XXXIII of the CBA. It prohibits 24 named diuretics, as well as nearly 200 SPEDs. Per the policy, the NBA is not allowed to disclose the identity of the diuretic absent agreement by the NBPA or disclosure by the player or an authorized representative (in contrast, if Ayton had tested positive for a SPED, the substance would be publicly named, per the same policy).

The NBAs drug policy also specifies punishments. The first time a player tests positive for a SPED or diuretic he automatically faces a 25-game suspension. This is a substantial punishment: it reflects approximately 31% of the regular season. Here, such a suspension will cost Ayton $2.17 million, not to mention deprive the Suns of their starting center and, after guard Devin Booker, their top player. There are still other consequences for Ayton. His positive test ensures that hes now in the NBAs SPED Program, which will require him to provide various health care materials to the SPED Medical Director and be subject to additional testing. Should Ayton, 21, test positive a second time during his NBA career, he would face an automatic 55-game suspension; a third offense would warrant a two-year ban from the league.

Companies endorsed by Ayton will take notice of the drug result

Its possible that companies with whom Ayton has signed endorsement deals could review their options to suspend or void those deals. Endorsement deals almost always contain morals clauses. These clauses empower endorsed companies to cut ties with a playerand not pay him or herif the player engages in controversial conduct. Under an ordinary morals clause, a positive drug test would authorize (though not compel) the voidance of an endorsement deal.

Last year, Ayton signed a four-year, multimillion-dollar sneaker deal with Puma. Dont expect Puma to renege on its commitment. Ayton is one of the NBAs most promising young players. The former Arizona Wildcats star was the number one overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. He averaged 16 points and 10 rebounds a game during his rookie season. Ayton projects to have a long and successful NBA career. While a drug suspension is a professional setback and a source of some embarrassment, Ayton should be able to overcome it.

To mitigate the reputational fallout, Ayton has already apologized to his family, the Suns, teammates and fans. In a statement, Ayton expresses that he is extremely disappointed to have let his team down.

Puma, meanwhile, is attempting to carve out space in the competitive marketplace of athletic footwear endorsements. The company has signed several young players, including the first two picks from the 2018 NBA Draft (Ayton and Sacramento Kings forward Marvin Bagley III). It will surely stand by Ayton, who would be of immediate interest to Pumas rivals should he become available.

Legal strategy for Ayton and the NBPA to appeal the suspension

The NBPA, on Aytons behalf, will challenge the 25-game suspension. Article XXXIII contains a detailed procedure for advancing an appeal. The appeal will be heard by a grievance arbitrator, who is neutral and independent. Under Article XXXIII, a player must prove by a clear and convincing evidence that he bears no significant fault or negligence for the presence of a prohibited diuretic in his system.

Ayton will need evidence that shows not only that he didnt know or suspect he was ingesting a diuretic, but that he could not have reasonably known or suspected. Aytons apology explained his likely strategy. He stresses that this was an unintentional mistake and unfortunately I put something in my body that I was completely unaware of.

To be clear, Ayton will need to show more than a lack of intent to ingest a diuretic or unawareness that he was ingesting one. Proving that he made an innocent mistake will not, by itself, lead to a successful appeal. As mentioned above, Ayton must also prove that he could not have reasonably known or suspected.

Ayton will thus need to detail what he consumed and prove that the food, supplements and drinks he ingested would not have motivated an ordinary NBA player in that situation to check the ingredients before consumption. The more unusual and unsuspcecting the circumstances for Aytons consumption the more compelling legal argument he can raise.

The clear and convincing standard is a high one. In a civil lawsuit, a plaintiff must prove by a preponderance of the evidence, meaning more likely than not or anything more than 50% certainty. Although clear and convincing cant be quantified, it is appreciably higher than preponderance of the evidence. This means Ayton will need to thoroughly convince the arbitrator.

The NBPA will advocate for Ayton not only for his sake but also for the sake of precedent. The union wants to ensure that players who test positive due to an (allegedly) understandable mistake should not suffer the same consequence as players who deliberately or recklessly consume foods and drinks that contain prohibited substances. This goes to the heart of Article XXXIII allowing a player and the NBPA to argue that there was neither significant fault nor negligence by the player.

If the arbitrator rules for Ayton, the arbitrator would either reduce the suspension from 25-games to a smaller number of games or rescind the suspension outright. A reduction would be more likely than a rescindment.

Ayton joins a tiny group of NBA players on an ignominious list

Fewer than one percent of NBA players have tested positive SPEDs or diuretics. In fact, over the last dozen years, only nine players have tested positive for SPEDs. Brooklyn Nets forward Wilson Chandler, who in August was suspended 25 games after testing positive for Ipamorelin, is the most recent. No player had tested positive for diuretics until Ayton.

The scarcity of positive SPED and diuretic test results does not appear to be caused by an infrequency of testing. NBA players can be randomly tested (meaning no advance notice) as many as six times during the year. An independent, third-party testing company determines which players are tested and when, meaning neither the NBA nor the NBPA plays any role. Should there be reasonable suspicion that a player is using a prohibited substance, he can be subjected to additional tests.

There are suspicions that the rarity of NBA players testing positive reflects microdosing. This refers to a player ingesting a small enough amount of a prohibited substance that it leaves the body quickly and thus goes undetected in a urine test. The amount, however, is still large enough to provide some degree of competitive advantage. Those suspicions have not been proven.

Michael McCann is SIs Legal Analyst. He is also an attorney and the Director of the Sports and Entertainment Law Institute at the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law.

Read more:

Analyzing Deandre Ayton's Suspension and How He Will Fight It - Sports Illustrated

Vitamin D deficiency can develop if a person isnt getting enough of the vitamin from sunlight. The body creates vitamin D from sunlight on the skin when outdoors, and from late March and early April to the end of September, most people should be able to get all the vitamin D they need from sunlight.

But between October and early March, when the weather changes and daylight hours are shorter, some people risk not getting enough sunlight.

Vitamin D is an essential vitamin responsible for the regulation of calcium and phosphate in the body - nutrients needed to keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy.

A lack of vitamin D can lead to bone deformities, such as rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults.

But spotting symptoms of vitamin D deficiency early enough can avoid these complications.

READ MORE:Vitamin D deficiency symptoms: Four signs in your teeth that could indicate the condition

Nutritionist Karen Langston, a spokesperson for the National Association of Nutrition Professionals, told Arthritis Foundation you may have a vitamin D deficiency if you feel pain when you press your breastbone also called the sternum, located in the middle of your chest.

Karen explained what else vitamin D deficiency can cause: The biggest concern is osteomalacia, or the softening of the bones. In children, its called rickets.

It also can cause brittle bones, weak muscles.

Other symptoms are fractures of the hip and pelvis, bone pain and tenderness, tooth decay and hearing loss because the bones in the ear become soft.

DON'T MISS

Vitamin D is found in a small number of foods. These include:

But its difficult for people to get enough vitamin D from food alone, so the Department for Health advises people consider taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D during the autumn and winter months.

Some people may not get enough vitamin D from sunlight because they have very little or no sunshine exposure.

The Department of Health recommend you take a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D throughout the year if you:

If you have dark skin, for example if you have an African, African-Caribbean or south Asian background, you may also be at risk of not getting enough vitamin D from sunlight.

If you take too many supplements over a long period of time it can cause too much calcium to build up in the body, causing hypercalcaemia.

The NHS warns of the implications: This can weaken the bones and damage the kidneys and the heart.

If you choose to take vitamin D supplements, 10 micrograms a day will be enough for most people.

Don't take more than 100 micrograms of vitamin D a day as it could be harmful. This applies to adults, including pregnant and breastfeeding women and the elderly, and children aged 11 to 17 years.

Children aged 1 to 10 years shouldn't have more than 50 micrograms a day. Infants under 12 months shouldn't have more than 25 micrograms a day.

Some people have medical conditions that mean they may not be able to safely take as much. If in doubt, you should consult your doctor.

Continued here:

Vitamin D deficiency symptoms: Pain when you press this part of the body could be sign - Express

High blood pressure affects one in four adults in the UK, but many people dont know they have it. This is because symptoms are rarely noticeable. The best way to find out if you have high blood pressure is to have your reading regularly checked, either by your GP or local pharmacist or using a blood pressure monitor at home. High blood pressure can often be prevented or reduced by some simple lifestyle changes, such as eating healthily.

The NHS advises: Cut down on the amount of salt in your food and eat plenty of fruit and vegetables.

It adds: Salt raises your blood pressure. The more salt you eat, the higher your blood pressure.

Aim to eat less than 6g (0.2oz) of salt a day, which is about a teaspoonful.

Eating a low-fat diet that includes lots of fibre, such as wholegrain rice, bread and pasta, and plenty of fruit and vegetables also helps lower blood pressure.

READ MORE:High blood pressure: Best tea to drink for breakfast to lower your reading

But some experts believe the addition of supplements in a persons diet can also help control blood pressure.

One supplement proven to have a positive impact on blood pressure is garlic extract.

In 2014, Australian scientists found certain nutrients in garlic, particularly a compound called allicin, release chemicals into the bloodstream that help blood vessels relax, reducing blood pressure.

High blood pressure is recorded with two numbers - the systolic and diastolic pressure.

DON'T MISS

The systolic pressure, the higher number, is the force at which the heart pumps blood around the body.

The diastolic pressure, the lower number, is the resistance to the blood flow in the blood vessels.

In a 2012 Cochrane review on the effects of garlic on high blood pressure, researchers concluded (based on two trials in 87 patients with high blood pressure) garlic reduces mean supine systolic and diastolic blood pressure by approximately 10-12mmHg and 6-9mmHg.

While garlic can be eaten in its natural form, its also available as a supplement.

Studies have also demonstrated the positive effect garlic supplements can have on blood pressure.

In one study, 600 to 1,500mg of aged garlic extract was just as effective as the drug Atenolol at reducing blood pressure over a 24-week period.

Before taking supplements to lower high blood pressure you should speak with your GP.

Other ways to lower blood pressure

Another way high blood pressure can be reduced or prevented is by regularly exercising.

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Best supplements for high blood pressure: Taking this supplement could lower your reading - Express

Is it just me or hasbloating become a common denominator for so many of us? Admitting to a friend "I feel so bloated today" will almost always result in the other person commiserating with a disgruntled, "Same." I can't tell you how many conversations I've had with friends wherein we commiserate about the seemingly random moments bloating occurs. During a week where I'm eating a lot of salads and drinking water nonstop, I'll wake up one morning with a swollen waistline, but then after a few consecutive days of consuming pizza and beer, I'll feel fine. Frustrating, right? I swear sometimes if I just think about being bloated, it will happen.

After testing out a diet and lifestyle that I deemed to be bloat-resistant, it persisted nonetheless, so I decided it was finally time to do a deep dive into the world of health and wellness to finally banish it once and for all. It was time to turn to the experts. I chatted with diet wellness expert Kelley Hoag about the best de-bloating products, foods, and general tips.

Like I said, I was already aware of the more obvious ways to avoid the painful feeling of bloating, like generally avoiding salty and processed foods and eating enough fiber. But according to Hoag, when it does (inevitably) happen, dealing with it comes down to focusing on the health of your gut. She recommends a handful of supplements and tips (read: yoga poses) to do so. Keep reading to discover and shop them all.

Bulletproof Charcoal Coconut ($19)

"Charcoal can bind to what is in our gut causing discomfort and help flush it from our body. Take them when you've eaten something extra greasy, or even when you've had a bit too much to drink."

Pure Encapsulations Digestive Enzymes ($28)

"We already have digestive enzymes, but sometimes we need some extra help with hard-to-digest foods such as dairy or gluten. Not to mention, they help with nutrient absorbency as well."

Culturelle Daily Probiotic ($16)

"Bad bacteria in our intestine can lead to digestive issues like bloat and pain. Regulating this with aprobiotic can help not only bloat but brain health, too."

"My favorite free tip to de-bloat is a yoga pose. Lie face-down on the floor with either two blocks or a rolled blanket under your belly. This allows the bloat to release and pain to subside."

Traditional Medicinals Organic Ginger Herbal Tea ($4)

"Ginger can reduce inflammation in your gut. All you have to do is cut a slice and let it simmer in boiling water for five to 10 minutesjust keep the top on the pot so you don't lose the oils."

"Sometimes we experience bloat purely from eating too quickly. Take a breath before you dive in and don't forget to chew!"

Simply Organic Fennel Seeds ($4)

"You might not have fennel seeds in your cabinet right now, but it's worth looking into. The oils in these tiny seeds help digestion, which can improve belly pain or bloat."

Gaia Herbs Gas and Bloating Dietary Supplement Capsules ($18)

According to one Amazon shopper, this supplement starts working within minutes. "I've suffered from IBS for more than seven years now, and this product is a life saver. I usually get a lot of bloating, and when this happens at night, this is the only product that helps me get a better night's sleep. It usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes before I start to feel relief."

If you're looking for more products to try, here are some of our editors' favorites below. But remember to read the labels carefully and check with your doctor before taking any new supplements.

Hum Nutrition Flatter Me ($25)

Our editors love Hum supplements, and this one is no exception. These capsules contain 18 enzymes to support healthy digestionthey help to break down fiber and fats, absorb nutrients, and offer relief from indigestion and bloating.

Love Wellness Bye Bye Bloat ($25)

These capsules contain digestive enzymes and organic ingredients like fenugreek seed powder, dandelion root powder, and fennel seed powder. It's recommended to take two after a meal or before bedtime.

The Nue Co. Debloat Food + Prebiotic ($55)

This supplement can decrease IBS symptoms, relieve bloating and upset stomach, and also reduce gas retention. It contains cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, maqui, and organic inulin.

Sakara Life Metabolism Super Powder ($45)

This powder, which beauty editor Erin Jahns was a fan of, helps with digestion, weight loss, and bloating. Some of its ingredients include celery seed, kelp, and Gymnema Sylvestre (an Ayurvedic herb). Take one serving per day and mix with eight to 12 ounces of coconut water or nut milkthe brand says you'll start to expect results in two weeks.

Next up: How to Beat Belly Bloat Once and for All, According to a Gut Expert

This post was updated by Sarah Yang.

This article originally appeared on The Thirty

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These Are the Only 8 De-Bloating Products and Tricks a Health Advisor Recommends - Yahoo Lifestyle

You eat your yogurt, exercise daily and chew that calcium supplement like a champ. Osteoporosis doesnt stand a chance youre a calcium superstar!

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services.Policy

But, when it comes to calcium, its actually possible to have too much of a good thing: Calcium can build up to unhealthy levels in the bloodstream. And this hypercalcemia can cause a variety of problems ranging from not great to very serious.

Dont toss your calcium supplements just yet, though. Endocrinologist Susan Williams, MD, explains what happens when calcium levels creep too high and how to strike a healthy balance.

Calcium is key to a sturdy skeleton. Calcium is so important for the bones and teeth of growing children, but as adults, we sometimes forget how important it is throughout our lifetime, Dr. Williams says.

Besides beefing up bones, calcium is critical for the healthy function of nerves and muscles, including the heart.

Guidelines recommend a total of 1,000 milligrams per day for women until age 50 and for men until age 70.

Past those birthdays, men and women should aim for 1,200 mg per day. (For context, a cup of milk or a serving of yogurt each has about 300 mg of calcium.)

More is not better, however. Problems linked to excess calcium include:

Soaring calcium levels can be triggered by a variety of diseases,including parathyroid problems and a number of cancers. Hypercalcemia can alsobe a side effect of certain prescription meds.

But over-the-counter calcium medications can push you over the edge, too. Its surprisingly easy to overdo the calcium supplements especially if you consume a lot of dairy or otherwise get plenty from your food. Over-the-counter antacid chews and tablets pack a big calcium punch as well.

On top of all that, high doses of vitamins A and D can also cause calcium levels to rise.

Many people dont have obvious symptoms of hypercalcemia. But thesesigns hint that your calcium levels might be flying high:

Luckily, hypercalcemia caused by supplements and antacids usuallyreverses quickly when you stop taking them, Dr. Williams says. Untreated,though, long-term hypercalcemia can be serious maybe even life-threatening.

How can you make sure youre getting enough calcium withoutgoing overboard?

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Are You Taking Too Many Calcium Supplements? - Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic

For a person being diagnosed with high cholesterol, taking medications such as statins or changing ones diet is likely to be the next steps to managing the condition. The liver makes cholesterol. You can also get it from certain foods that contain it but not as much as from foods that contain saturated and trans fats. These types of fat cause the liver to produce extra cholesterol and makes it dangerous to the health. There are foods, and supplements derived from foods, that can help lower a persons cholesterol. What are they?

Psyllium is a type of fibre commonly used as a gentle, bulk-forming laxative Being a soluble fibre, psyllium is able to pass through the digestive system without being completely broken down or absorbed.

Instead, it absorbs water and becomes a vicious compound that benefits constipation, diarrhoea, blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol and weight loss.

Psyllium is used as a dietary supplement and is usually found in the form of husk, granules, capsules or powder.

It can also be obtained through fortified breakfast cereals and baked goods.

Due to psylliums resistance to digestion, the supplement allows proper regulation of high cholesterol, triglycerides and blood sugar levels.

Psyllium can be found in various forms and has many health benefits.

Psyllium also helps relieve constipation and works by increasing stool size due to its bulk-forming laxative.

Initially, it works by binding to partially digested food thats passing from the stomach into the small intestine.

It then helps with the absorption of water, which increases the size and moisture of stools.

The end product is bigger and more easily passable stools.

This aids in weight loss which in turn helps lower cholesterol.

In one study, 47 healthy participants experienced a 6 percent reduction in LDL 'bad' cholesterol after taking 6g of psyllium each day for six weeks.

For anyone with high cholesterol, taking supplements is highly recommended to help lower levels.

Its also advised to pay attention to the saturated and trans fats on food labels, as well as added sugars.

Its recommended that no more than 10 percent of daily calories should come from either saturated fats or added sugars.

It is also recommended to replace butter with extra virgin olive oil when cooking, to buy lean cuts of meat and to snack on nuts and seeds instead of french fries or processed snack foods.

Speak to your GP and about the best method to help lower cholesterol levels.

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Best supplements for cholesterol: The plant-based supplement proven to lower cholesterol - Express