When vitamins were first created synthetically, their creators may not have foreseen the extent to which they would become a part of everyday life. It seems odd to consider that vitamin C, the first vitamin made in a laboratory, was actually synthesized in 1935. The world was an entirely different place then – most people cooked and ate nutritious, well balanced home meals. The pace of life was more orderly. Work was not the dominant and demanding force it is now. Images of bone thin women weren't plastered on the covers of magazines. In all, there seemed to be a more healthy relationship with the body, and what was needed to take care of it.
Fast forward to today, and vitamins are even available in the supermarket. They seem to fit well into the demands of our modern society too. We certainly need every little bit of help to keep up with what's required of us.
But some good things have come out of the development and acceptance of vitamin supplements. One powerful understanding is the effect that nutrients like vitamins can not only prevent diseases, but they can actually treat some. For example, way back in 1747, people knew that citrus fruits like lemons could help people with scurvy. But it wasn't considered very credible in the mainstream. Although those whose lives depended on it, those individuals on long sea voyages, knew this truth and used it well, even when it wasn't official policy.
Here are 4 more little known facts about vitamins:
- When A Vitamin Is Not A Vitamin
The supplement group often called Vitamin P are actually not vitamins. These are bioflavanoids, which help keep the capillaries and blood vessels healthy. They prevent vitamin C from oxidizing, and the bioflavanoids actually increase the effectiveness of vitamin C.
Bioflavaoids also help prevent bleeding and bruising, and support the immune system, preventing infection. They are often found in the same places as vitamin C, such as the skin and pith of citrus fruit, grapes, papaya, and cherries. They are also found in peppers, onions, and garlic.
- Our Intestines Do Double Time As A Vitamin Factory
We actually produce two vitamins in our intestines – biotin and vitamin K. They are made there by the 'good' bacteria that also keep harmful bacteria, yeast, and other microorganisms at bay. When our gut bacterial population is imbalanced, one of the things that is affected is our ability to make these vitamin. That's why probiotics are so important.
Biotin is stored in the skin, and when we're in the sun, it becomes a good source of vitamin D. Vitamin K is important for bone health.
- Energy Boosting Vitamin
Niacin, one of the B group vitamins, is great for tiredness, irritability, and digestive problems. This is due to the fact that it improves our ability to absorb nutrients from food. Niacin is found in cheese, peanuts, beef, liver, chicken, eggs, fish, and whole grains.
- Magnesium, Heart Health, And Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is a condition where people have high blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, high levels of fats in their blood,, and low levels of healthy cholesterol. Often it is challenging for people with metabolic syndrome to lose weight, but more seriously, if can develop into diabetes and heart disease.
But scientists found that having a diet high in magnesium lowered the risk of developing metabolic syndrome by as much as 31%. Magnesium can be found in green vegetables, avocados, whole grains. bananas, nuts and milk.
The body performs different functions at different times of the day. Many people suggest adding food supplements at varied times of the day to accommodate for the digestion and assimilation of these nutrients.
At night, many suggest taking calcium. This is because calcium is utilized at night, and also because calcium can help you get to sleep when taken at bed time. Remember the adage of a glass of milk before bed? Calcium absorption is the reason this makes sense. Magnesium is needed to work hand-in-hand with calcium. Many people take magnesium along with calcium, in the same supplements, at bedtime, although some suggest that magnesium is best absorbed in the day time. If the calcium supplement contains magnesium, taking both at the same time is appropriate.
Many vitamins are best ingested with food, so taking them at meal time is advised. It's easy to remember to take vitamins with meals, since you are eating and drinking at that time, anyway.
Fat-soluble vitamins need fat in order to be absorbed, so they should always be taken with meals that contain fat. Fat-soluble vitamins include vitamins A, vitamin D, vitamin E and vitamin K.
Vitamin C lasts only a few hours in the bloodstream. It should be repeated every three hours for best results, or the entire dose should be divided up to take a third with each meal.
Fiber is best ingested in the morning upon rising. That way it will do its work in the colon without being impeded by food. Fiber can cause vitamins to not absorb, as it can act as a coating to the intestines, so it is best to not take vitamins before fiber. Iron is especially not absorbed well with fiber.
Probiotics are taken with meals and sometimes before a meal, usually about 20 minutes. Digestive enzymes are taken with meals as well, for best effect.
Stimulating vitamins, such as vitamin C, should not be taken before bedtime, as it can keep a person awake. Some even suggest that citrus juice and vitamin C cause nightmares, but this is unconfirmed.
If you are taking many nutritional supplements you might want to organize them in a pillbox that provides a separate box for each time of the day. A few minutes preparation can ensure that you take the recommended doses and that you remember to get all your doses in, in a timely manner. Setting the box near your dining area will remind you to take the vitamins when you eat. Even if you don't take vitamins at the "appropriate" time, adding nutrients to your diet will build health at any time of the day.