Vitamin B1 In The Body And The Brain

Vitamin B1, also called thiamine, is one of the eight vitamins that make up the powerful Vitamin B complex. Like all of the B vitamins, this nutrient plays a great role in the health of the body and the health of the mind. Care should be taken to maintain the recommended daily intake levels of this essential nutrient, as the results of deficiencies can be devastating in nature.

Vitamin B1 serves many purposes in the body. It is an essential part of converting carbohydrates to energy, and necessary to the proper functioning of the nervous system, the heart and the musculature system of the body. Thiamine is very important to the brain, particularly in terms of emotional health and well being, as well as being useful for focus and concentration.

There are a variety of physical conditions and diseases associated with deficiencies in Vitamin B1. Symptoms include pain, numbness and tingling in the extremities, muscle weakness and a lack of physical coordination, particularly in the larger muscle masses that make up the leg muscles.

A deficiency in thiamine can cause enlargement of the heart, which can itself lead to congestive heart failure, and lung congestion. A severe deficiency in Vitamin B1 can lead to nerve damage, brain damage and even death. Mental symptoms associated with a serious lack of Vitamin B include fatigue, psychosis, and confusion.

These are a few serious diseases specifically associated with a deficiency of Vitamin B1, including the notorious beriberi disease. There are also two specific types of brain damage associated with severely low levels of Vitamin B1. One, Korsakoff syndrome, results in confusion and short term memory loss. Another, Wernicke’s Disease has symptoms that include vision disturbances and irregularities, an unsteady walk, and mental confusion.

Despite the obvious importance of Vitamin B1 to many of the body’s important functions, a great deal of people regularly fail to meet the recommended daily intake levels. Alcoholics are particularly vulnerable to being deficient in Vitamin B1, because alcohol ruins the B vitamins.

Illnesses that force bodily fluids from the body, such as chronic diarrhea, can deplete the body’s levels of thiamine, because it is a water-soluble vitamin and the body needs to have its supply renewed every day. There are also rare conditions that interfere with the body’s ability to use Vitamin B1 properly.

Dietary supplements are an affordable, safe and effective way to consistently meet the recommended daily intake levels of Vitamin B1. It is especially important, however, when taking supplements to use them with care and attention, because taking too much Vitamin B1 can cause adverse side effects and even serious health problems.

As with all substances, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. While there are certain health situations that do call for higher than average doses of this powerful B vitamin, high dosages should only be taken while under the direct care of a qualified health care professional. Like any other medication or dietary supplement, Vitamin B1 supplements should always be kept well out of the reach of children.

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Vitamins and Minerals Important To A Beautiful Smile and Healthy Mouth

A beautiful smile and healthy mouth come from, in addition to regular brushing and flossing, a daily diet that does not lack the vitamins and minerals that make vital contributions to oral health. Many people overlook the importance of good nutrition in keeping their smile beautiful and their mouth healthy.

The mineral calcium and Vitamin D are of particular importance to healthy teeth. These two substances work together, as calcium absorption is enhanced by Vitamin D. Sufficient calcium is essential to the very structure of the teeth, as are phosphorus and magnesium.

Vitamin A is an essential part of the production of tooth enamel. A deficiency in Vitamin A can cause overgrown gums, bleeding gums and gum disease. Vitamin C, because of its role in the health and function of the small capillaries that bring oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, is important to oral health.

Vitamin C deficiencies can result in bleeding gums and loose teeth, as well as mouth sores The Vitamin B complex is also essential to mouth health, as deficiencies can cause cracking and bleeding of the lips, as well as open sores and lesion on both the inside and outside of the mouth. These open sores, aside from the discomfort they cause, offer an opportunity for a wide variety of bacteria, viruses and other contaminants to enter the blood stream.

Fluoride is widely known as an important agent in the prevention of tooth decay and is the active ingredient in the vast majority of toothpastes. In addition to acting to prevent tooth decay, it strengthens tooth enamel, working in partnership with calcium and phosphorus. Copper, zinc, iodine, iron, and potassium are other minerals that are essential to oral health.

It is unfortunate, but true, that most people do not eat well enough to obtain all of the vitamins, minerals and other necessary nutrients through diet alone. Failing to meet the recommended daily intake levels of vitamins and minerals can result in significant health problems.

Therefore, if you find that you are consistently not achieving these intake levels in your day-to-day diet, you may want to consider using dietary supplements to meet your nutritional needs. Dietary supplements are safe when used properly. However, they should not be used as a substitute for healthy food, as they are meant to complement the diet, and work best when they have feel food to attach themselves to.

If you find yourself unsure of which daily supplements you should include in your day-to-day nutritional plan, a consultation with your healthcare professional or a licensed nutritionist can help you to make the selections best suited to your individual dietary needs and health goals.

While a beautiful smile and healthy mouth are certainly aesthetically pleasing and uplifting to the self-confidence, attention to oral health serves a practical purpose as well. Strong teeth mean that a wide variety of foods can be eaten, a healthy mouth means that there are no open sores in the mouth that serve as an invitation for bacteria, viruses and other contaminants to enter the bloodstream to cause illness, infection and disease.

Making sure that your daily intake of the vitamins and minerals associated with oral health is sufficient, in addition to daily dental care, will ensure that you can have a lovely smile.

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