Vitamins for Stress

Stress is something we all come across at one time or another. We all have different levels of stress and different ways of dealing with it when it occurs. But it’s when we are exposed to long term stress that our bodies begin to suffer.

If not dealt with correctly, stress can lead to debilitating symptoms such as anxiety, tension, depression, digestive problems and even exhaustion. Long term stress can even cause our adrenal glands to become overworked and depleted, leading to adrenal exhaustion, which can in turn lead to chronic fatigue.

If we cannot prevent the stressful situations occurring, then we must take steps to prevent our bodies from suffering. Supplements containing minerals and vitamins for stress are a great idea in order to support the different systems in the body which come under fire. B vitamins for stress and anxiety relief are a popular supplement, but there are many other vitamins and minerals which are also important to consider. While B vitamins are often the best vitamins for stress and anxiety relief and to boost energy if taken in the short term, there are other vitamins and minerals that we need to consider for long term support.

When we are stressed, our bodies burn through many nutrients at an increased rate. Our hearts beat faster, using more calcium, magnesium and iron. Our adrenal glands release hormones to make our minds and bodies more alert, requiring increased amounts of B vitamins and magnesium. Our nervous systems work harder, which also uses more B vitamins and magnesium. We often burn through more minerals and vitamins for stress adaptation than if we are doing physical exercise. It’s no wonder we become run down over time if we are continually exposed to stressful situations.

It is important to support the nervous system. Any supplement containing minerals and vitamins for stress should contain high amounts of B vitamins, especially B3, to nourish the nervous system. Our nerves also need high amounts of magnesium in order to relax and calcium to help nerve conduction.

Choosing the right vitamins for stress relief can be a complex undertaking. It is important to get the correct balance of vitamins and minerals to support the systems of the body which are under strain, while providing energy to get through day to day life. The most important minerals and vitamins for stress should be available in the right balance in a premium quality multivitamin supplement.
The best vitamins for stress and anxiety relief are ones made from natural ingredients, as they are better absorbed by the body, even if the digestive system is not functioning at its best. For the best Australian supplement containing vitamins for stress, click here

Vitamin D and Weight Loss

Vitamin D has been in the news a lot recently. New studies are frequently emerging with new used for this essential vitamin. Vitamin D has been implicated in bone health, prevention of depression, cardiovascular health and more. The latest study which came out this week was conducted by the University of Minnesota in regards to vitamin D and weight loss.

The study on vitamin D and weight loss took 38 overweight men and women whose vitamin D levels were found to be low, and separated them into two groups. Both groups were placed on a low calorie diet designed for weight loss. One group was also supplemented with vitamin D while the other group was given a placebo.

The results of the vitamin D and weight loss study found a significantly larger amount of weight was lost in the group which received supplementation.

This study is extremely relevant to Australians as there is evidence to suggest that up to 40% of our population is vitamin D deficient. Also, because we are one of the fattest nations on earth, if there is a connection between vitamin D and weight loss, supplementation with this important vitamin may become an important part of weight management programs here.

This study on vitamin D and weight loss also gives weight to the theory that optimum vitamin D levels may play a role in the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes.

More studies with larger amounts of participants will need to be conducted before we can establish a firm connection between vitamin D and weight loss, but these early results are extremely promising.

While we wait to see the results of more research into vitamin D and weight loss, there are a few things you can do to protect your health. A simple vitamin D test at the doctor will tell you where your levels are at. If you are at all concerned as to whether you are getting enough vitamin D, a good quality multivitamin containing natural vitamin D is a great insurance policy.

Space multivitamins contain high levels of natural vitamin D. At Space Vitamins we have a commitment to quality ingredients and manufacturing standards. For more information on Space multivitamins, click here.

Health Supplements

With our busy and active lifestyles, good nutrition from diet alone is often not enough to prevent us from becoming depleted. This is where health supplements are useful as they can top up our stores and protect us from becoming run down.

When choosing the right health supplements for your needs, there are a few things you should take into consideration.
•Do you eat at least 3 serves of red meat per week? (And ham sandwiches don’t count – we’re talking about steak here!) Red meat is a valuable source of iron, zinc and B vitamins. Vegetarians and vegans often worry about low iron levels, but it is actually zinc and B vitamins which can become more rapidly depleted.
•Do you eat at least one serve of dairy food per day? A good nutrition consultant can advise us on non-dairy sources of calcium, but how many of us are eating enough calcium-rich foods on a daily basis? Dairy is also a rich source of other nutrients such as magnesium and vitamin D, so if we are not consuming milk-based products we might also need to find other sources of these nutrients or choose health supplements high in these ingredients.
•Are you physically active? Good nutrition and diet can only get us so far if we are burning through vitamins and minerals at an increased rate. Physical exercise can deplete our bodies of B vitamins, magnesium, calcium, iron and zinc to name just a few. Health supplements containing these nutrients can help to top up our stores prior to exercise and prevent serious losses.
•Are you stressed? When we are stressed or busy our bodies have an increased need for B vitamins and magnesium. Low stores of these nutrients may lead to symptoms such as anxiety and nervous tension. If we are burning the candle at both ends or going through a stressful period, even those with a good nutrition regime may benefit from topping up with health supplements.

But there are so many health supplements available – how do we choose a good one?

Many people don’t know that health supplements contain different types of vitamins and minerals which can vary greatly in both quality and effectiveness. Many multivitamins contain vitamins produced from 100% synthetic ingredients and inorganic minerals produced solely from rock or metal. These health supplements may be poorly absorbed, and what seems like good nutrition levels on the label are pointless if the product cannot be effectively absorbed into the body where it is needed.

The best option is to choose health supplements made from natural vitamins and organic minerals. These ingredients have higher absorption rates, resulting in increased amounts reaching the bloodstream. For more information on natural vitamins and organic minerals, click here.

Vitamin B complex for women in Australia 

Vitamin B complex is a well known supplement that many people take to get some extra energy and make the most of their busy day.  But what these people may not know is that there are many other important roles vitamin B plays in our body. 
What does this group of vitamins do for the body?
A healthy nervous system doesn’t come about without a good supply of vitamin B complex. For those people who are experiencing stressful times or bouts of anxiety, the body may need increased amounts of vitamin B complex to cope.  If the body does not get sufficient amounts of B vitamins, fatigue, depression and sleep disturbances can often result. 
In fact, low amounts of B2 in the body can lead to dermatitis, hair loss, cracked lips and longer wound healing time.  The B6 vitamin is needed for hormonal balance and is often important for women to take as a supplement when experiencing PMS and menopausal symptoms. B6, along with folic acid and B12 is often used to assist in the reduction of increased homocysteine levels, a serious imbalance that can lead to inflammation and cardiovascular problems.
Vitamin B complex also plays a role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats and also assists in the balance of blood glucose levels.
If your diet consists of a lot of tea, coffee or alcohol, this could also lead to reduced levels of vitamin B complex.  It’s important to moderate the consumption of these beverages to ensure your body is not overloaded with caffeine – while you may be drinking these particular drinks to get some energy, it will only make your body more exhausted after the caffeine has run its course.
What foods are vitamin B Complex found in?
Whole grains, nuts and seeds, meat, yeast products and legumes are all great sources of vitamin B complex – it’s just a matter of ensuring that they are used in many of your meals for your body to benefit from their nutrients.  It doesn’t take much to incorporate them into your diet though.  Things like chicken and three bean salads are great in summer, while in the winter months making hearty stews and soups are the perfect way to include vitamin B complex rich foods into your diet.
All in all, if you are feeling lethargic, drinking lots of caffeine loaded beverages or simply under a bit of stress, maintaining optimum levels of vitamin B complex can be problem.  By simply loading up your diet with vitamin B complex rich foods or taking a supplement should your diet not suffice, you’ll be on your way to having a spring in your step in no time.
For more information on premium quality vitamin b complex supplements for women in Australia click here