Apr 11

Only about seven percent of the population gets the proper nutrients from food that they need to survive. Vitamins and minerals are vital to our health, but only 40 percent of Americans take these supplements that are necessary to maintain good health. Many people who do purchase vitamins and minerals purchase them at the drugstore where they pay top price. They sometimes opt for name brands because they think these are better and somehow more effective. They are deluding themselves. You can get the same results with discount vitamins and minerals as you can with name brand products. The important thing is that you take the product regularly.
Discount vitamins and minerals can do the same thing that name brand vitamins and minerals can do, only for a lot less money. Vitamins and minerals can stifle or prevent a cold, can boost the immune system, can prevent blood clots, prevent diseases such as cancer, alleviate depression, boost the mood and increase energy, to name a few things. They are absolutely essential for health.
People often do not know which type of discount vitamins and minerals they need to take. They can usually begin with a multivitamin. There are many good discount multivitamins available on the market today, particularly online. Depending upon your gender, age and lifestyle will determine which type of discount multivitamin is right for you. Discount vitamins and minerals come in a variety of different formulas, including those or older people, men, women, active adults, children and even pregnant women.
Many older women need to take supplements that include calcium to ward off osteoporosis, a crippling condition. Discount vitamins and minerals include supplements that people need, such as calcium, that can greatly benefit anyone who is prone to the condition of osteoporosis.
Discount vitamins and minerals can not only save people money, but they can potentially save lives. Those who think they cannot afford to take expensive vitamins that they see at the supermarket or drugstore often skip these necessary supplements. By purchasing discount vitamins and minerals, they can get themselves into a healthier routine and give their body the nutrients for which it is starving.
There are many ways to purchase discount vitamins and minerals. The best way to do this is online. Not only is this convenient, but you can shop around for the best prices on the products that you want. You do not have to wait in a long line at the drugstore nor do you have to waste time and gas in traveling to the store to purchase these items. Best of all, you can get a substantial discount by purchasing discount vitamins and minerals online. Many companies offer free shipping while others give you extra bonuses and discounts on future purchases. The items are delivered to your front door without any problems.
Another benefit of shopping for discount vitamins and minerals online is that you have plenty of time to research which types of vitamins and minerals are right for you. Because there are so many from which to choose, the task can seem daunting. Many people stand around the drug store looking at the full row of vitamins and supplements and get frustrated at the different choices. When shopping for discount vitamins and minerals online, you can avoid that confusion as everything is clearly marked. If you have a question about the product, you can usually find he information right on the website.
It is advisable for anyone with any sort of medical condition such as diabetes, pregnancy, cancer or heart disease to consult a physician before using any supplements. While multivitamins are generally safe for everyone to use, certain supplements that are sold in drugstores along with vitamins can have adverse affects on medications that one is using to treat a condition. Prior to beginning a supplement or vitamin regiment, talk to your physician.
Purchasing discount vitamins and minerals is the best way to obtain the valuable supplements you need to boost your energy and maintain your health. You will be amazed at the results after taking vitamins for a while and will also be quite pleased at the money that you save by purchasing discount vitamins and minerals at one of the many reputable online discount vitamins and minerals dealers.

Mario Churchill is a freelance author and has written over 200 articles on various subjects. For more information on discount vitamins and minerals checkout his recommended websites.

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Apr 05

Many people use discount vitamins and dietary supplements, but few give them much thought. Nutritional supplements are available at many retail locations as well as online. Without much thought or preplanning, any person can get the vitamins and supplement products they desire. Discount vitamins and supplements are affordable, accessible, and available for everyone – for now. The Senate has already passed bill S.3546 and the House of Representatives has their own version HR.6168 on the docket. If Congress passes the Adverse Event Reporting bill as it pertains to vitamins, supplements, and over the counter medications, all that affordability, accessibility, and availability could become a thing of the past.
If passed, the Adverse Reporting Bill would require a reporting system in which any adverse side effects or health conditions attributed to dietary supplements would be recorded. Unfavorable reactions including but not limited to death caused by an overdose, any form of hospitalization, incapacitation, or effects caused by the drug not performing as expected will have 15 days to be passed along to the Secretary of Health and Human Services. It is very likely that many of the adverse reactions would be falsely attributed to discount vitamin or nutritional supplements, even if the reactions occurred completely independent of the supplements. Take, for instance, heart attack patients. It has been reported that 60% of heart attack sufferers take some type of dietary supplement. While it would be easy to conclude that the dietary supplements are causing the heart attacks, the fact of the matter is that individuals with heart problems are avid users of nutritional supplements as an effort to improve their health and live a healthier lifestyle.
The passing of the Adverse Reporting Bill would actually put nutritional supplements, discount vitamins, and over-the-counter medications under closer scrutiny than their prescription counterparts, despite the fact that many prescription medicines are known to have potentially severe side effects. One of the requirements of the Adverse Event Reporting legislation would be for all supplement manufacturers to have a toll-free number listed in each and every label for consumers to call to report adverse reactions, something not currently required by prescription drug manufacturers.
This bill will have serious financial effects on the entire vitamin and supplement industry. Because the Adverse Reporting Bill would open the entire industry up to lawsuits, the insurance companies will waste no time in jacking up premiums or dropping coverage altogether for the vitamin and supplement manufacturers. It could very well let the financial liability rest on the shoulders of the manufacturers, raising their overhead or driving them out of business altogether. Establishing the toll-free reporting hotline and staffing it will be another expense. And the operators on this hotline will not just be fielding calls from legitimate individuals calling in to report an adverse reaction, but will most likely have more calls coming in for reasons completely irrelevant to the situation. Manufacturers will also have the arduous task of keeping labels updated and complete on the possible side-effects of or allergens contained in each supplement. Such legislation could also lead to expensive recalls of products.
The Adverse Reporting Bill affects not only the manufacturers, but also the retailers and the consumers. Obviously, the additional cost to manufacture the supplements is going to be passed down to the retailers and the consumers. Many smaller mom-and-pop shops operate on minimal profit margins. Increasing their expenses is a near certain death sentence to their businesses. They simply will no longer be able to compete with the larger retailers. Not only that but the discount vitamins that consumers currently find so affordable, available and accessible may not be so easy to come by. Again, the manufacturers’ increased operating costs are going to be passed on to the consumer.
Supplement shoppers are going to see the cost of their favorite products skyrocket and what was once an affordable measure in maintaining a healthy lifestyle will become more of a luxury. It will also effect where consumers are able to purchase their vitamin and nutritional supplements. Currently discount vitamins can be purchased online; at the local pharmacy, grocery store, or discount merchant (such as Target or Wal-Mart); at the mall; a local health food store; or the little vitamin shops on the corner. As costs go up and profit margins decrease, many of these retailers will stop carrying supplemental products as it will no longer be a profitable product line. Shoppers will no longer have easy access to the supplements they want and will have to look harder and longer to find what they need. Many products may get pulled from the shelves altogether – not because they actually pose a health risk, but because the data may be skewed or misread. (Recall the previous example of 60% of heart attack sufferers being on some kind of dietary supplement.) It is very possible that many of the supplements that thousands of people use every day without problems could be recalled and production stopped altogether – forever.
Millions of people use discount vitamins and nutritional supplements every day as a more natural approach to maintaining good health and in a more holistic approach to treatment of certain ailments. Glucosamine is used to maintain healthy joints and/or treat stiff joints. Millions of women rely on calcium supplements for the prevention of osteoporosis. Multi-vitamin supplements help ensure balanced nutrition and to fill in the gaps that poor dietary habits can create. Protein supplements are vital to those who have chosen a vegetarian or vegan way of life. Adverse Effect Reporting will strip millions of the opportunity to take control of their own health and to avoid prescription medications.
This bill is a lucrative opportunity for the large pharmaceutical companies to drive out the smaller manufacturers and increase their monopoly over the health care industry. Many of these pharmaceutical companies have already entered the supplement industry and by getting rid of the competition, they can force consumers to buy their products at a largely inflated price, increasing their market share and their profits.
There is something that the citizens of the United States can do to prevent this bill from being passed by Congress. It’s time to let the representatives of the people know exactly how the people feel. The following Senators are proponents of the Adverse Event Reporting Bill. Opponents of the bill can write to the Senators – and write often – to let them know that the people are outraged at their efforts to take away discount vitamins and supplements!
Dick Durbin
Fax: (202) 228-0400
Tom Harkin
Fax: (202) 224-9369
Orrin Hatch
Fax: (202) 224-6331
Michael Enzi
Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions
Fax: (202) 228-0359
And it never hurts to contact the local representatives either. Important information about the Bill and its various forms is available at http://www.NHA2006.com. Concerned citizens can join the Nutritional Health Alliance for information on current activities and reports about relevant congressional bills.

By a freelance writer for http://vitanetonline.com/ who sells quality vitamins and herbs with a wide selection of Discount Vitamins that are in stock and ready to ship. Please link to this site when using article.

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Apr 03

Doctors rarely suggest discount vitamins and herbal supplements as an option to lower cholesterol levels. Many within the medical community are sometimes too quick to prescribe expensive prescription medication for people having problems lowering their cholesterol through diet and exercise alone. These medications typically come with many troublesome side effects such as muscular and neurological problems, memory loss, personality changes like increased irritability and mood swings, fatigue, sleep problems and even erectile dysfunction. They are also damaging to your liver.
There are many natural ways to reduce elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) – the “bad” cholesterol or increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) – the “good” cholesterol. In this article we will examine some of these natural remedies and their effectiveness. We will also warn you of any associated side effects or interactions.
Niacin can be found in many B-complex discount vitamins and supplements. Food sources of niacin include: lean meats, poultry and fish, peanuts, dairy products and rice bran. Studies have strongly suggested that niacin has a modest effect on lowering cholesterol while also raising the good cholesterol, preventing heart disease and increasing longevity. Niacin can be used for patients that are unwilling or simply can’t take prescription statins to lower cholesterol. It’s strongly suggested that you consult with your physician first before increasing your intake of niacin. Your physician needs to monitor your liver functioning and blood sugar levels if you are taking high doses of niacin. It’s suggested that niacin be taken with food to avoid an upset stomach. Aspirin or ibuprofen can be used thirty minutes before taking niacin to reduce the potential for facial flushing and itchiness.
Combinations of grape seed extract and chromium have also been shown to lower cholesterol. Grape seed extract is a very potent antioxidant that has been used to treat deteriorating diseases. Studies have indicated that grape seed extract may help prevent cholesterol oxidation and the related cardiovascular conditions, particularly in smokers. Grape seed extract helps Vitamin C enter our cells resulting in strengthened cell membranes, which protect the cells from oxidative damage and blocks the deterioration of blood vessels.
Chromium is most often used linked to diabetes control due to its function in maintaining blood sugar levels but chromium has been proven to help lower total cholesterol levels and increase our HDL good cholesterol. Most of us do not suffer from a chromium deficiency but excess chromium is excreted and can’t become toxic. There should be little harm in taking a high dose of chromium and its cholesterol lowering qualities are enhanced when combined with grape seed extract.
We should all know by now the cholesterol lowering hype around fiber. We are reminded every morning when we reach for our cereal box or oatmeal and read the bold print telling us that we are lowering our cholesterol! And it’s not just cereal. Diets rich in beans, peas, rice bran, barley, oat bran, whole grains, citrus fruits and apple pulp can help lower cholesterol levels, especially when additionally cutting back on animal products and fats. You can also reach for your discount vitamins and supplements since studies strongly suggest soluble fiber supplements can significantly reduce your bad cholesterol if your diet is lacking the right fiber intake. Common types of fiber that you may read about are cellulose, lignin, pectin, gum and mucilage. The lipid-lowering effect of water-soluble fiber is related to the dose. When an adequate amount of water-soluble fiber is consumed daily, a 10 to 20 percent reduction in cholesterol should be expected.
At least 1 tablespoon of psyllium daily can lower resistant blood cholesterol levels due to its soluble fiber component. Psyllium can be found in products like Metamucil but you will have to adapt to its laxative effect. It is also recommended that you drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration since psyllium absorbs large amounts of fluid.
Garlic’s cholesterol lowering abilities have been well documented. There have been recent reports indicating that garlic’s ability to lower cholesterol is modest at best but the same reports still suggest that garlic is undoubtedly good for us. It’s just that large consumption or doses, somewhere around 900mg -1200mg daily, seem to have the greatest impact on lowering cholesterol levels. Studies have suggested that daily consumption of garlic might reduce the risk of certain digestive and prostate cancers and might reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels. A study where 900mg of garlic was taken daily, for a period of three months, found that the LDL lowered by at least 14 percent in most men participating. Of course, be aware that garlic, even in supplement form, may cause bad breath, body odor, heartburn, gas, nausea or diarrhea.
Artichoke extract may also reduce total cholesterol. Artichokes are generally viewed as being unhealthy due to their high fat content but 1800mg to 1920mg a day, divided into two to three doses, should help reduce your bad cholesterol by as much as 20%.
At least 4 grams a day of Flaxseed and Omega 3 Fish Oil can lower cholesterol, help prevent the blood clots that evolve into heart attacks and lessen the risk of dangerous irregular heartbeats that are often linked to sudden cardiac arrest deaths.
Hawthorn berries are most commonly used to lower blood pressure but researchers believe that hawthorn works to help the heart in many ways, like dilating the coronary arteries and improving blood supply, which will also help maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Hawthorn, juniper berries and rose hips are examples of herbs that contain anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are effective in inhibiting LDL cholesterol oxidation and platelet aggregation so these herbs should provide protection against heart disease.
Ginkgo Biloba is recognized for aiding memory but it also inhibits the development of atherosclerosis. Studies have indicated that Ginkgo can decrease LDL disturbances, inhibit plaque formation and increase HDL cholesterol.
There has been much emphasis in recent years on the role of green tea in maintaining good health. Added to its countless antioxidant benefits is the fact that green tea has been proven to mildly lower cholesterol levels by protecting against the damage to LDL cholesterol that eventually leads to hardening of the arteries.
Other antioxidants that have shown some results in lowering cholesterol and improving overall heart health are Vitamin E, Vitamin C, selenium, acetyl-cysteine, coenzyme Q10, carotenes and catechins. You may also find that discount vitamins like magnesium, vitamin B6, copper and l-carnitine are beneficial in lowering LDL and raising HDL. Drinking herbal teas like cayenne, chicory root, dandelion, fenugreek, red clover, skullcap, tumeric and ginger are also helpful. There are even FDA approved margarines, like Benecol, containing Sitostanol, available on the market now. The makers of Benecol state that 4 ½ teaspoons of the margarine each day may reduce total cholesterol.
As you can see there are many discount vitamins and dietary supplements with a proven history of lowering cholesterol. You don’t have to look very far for an alternative to prescription medication. Consult your physician to determine if any of these natural remedies could be combined with regular exercise and stress management to optimize your health.

By a Freelance writer for VitaNet Health foods, http://vitanetonline.com/ who sells quality vitamins and herbs with a wide selection of Discount Vitamins: http://vitanetonline.com/ that are in stock and ready to ship. Please link back to us!

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