Keep Your Body Healthy With The Right Vitamins

The human body is not kept at perfect internal balance (homeostasis) without a lot of components. All of these work together in balance and at optimum efficiency. One such important group of compounds that the body requires is vitamins. Vitamins are organic compounds that are highly important for adequate nutrition and growth in the human body.

Typically, the body only requires vitamins in small quantities because most vitamins are already created inside the body. However, other vitamins will have to be obtained through a sufficient diet. Vitamins in the body are typically named by letters, and each specific vitamin serves a special purpose and are important to serve the body well.

1 - Vitamin D 

Vitamin D is a special vitamin in the body that primarily serves to help strengthen the bones. It is also a crucial factor in ensuring that the muscles, brain, lungs and heart function well. Research has also suggested that vitamin D has the capacity to help treat a number of infections and long term health issues. The body is capable of creating its own vitamin D when you are exposed to sunlight. However, vitamin D can also be adequately obtained through foods such as dairy products.

Vitamin D is directly related to calcium, as both are essential for developing not only structure, but strength of the bones. This vitamin is required in order to absorb minerals that are needed to maintain this stability. Having a deficiency in this kind of vitamin can predispose to having brittle bones, and in other severe cases, can put one at risk for a series of autoimmune diseases and cancers.

2 - Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 takes on a bit of a different role as this water-soluble vitamin is responsible for the production of DNA and red blood cells. This also helps your nervous system function normally. Without this vitamin, cells would be built incompletely, and therefore, cells would be unable to divide. The lack of cell division can lead to a health issue known as anemia. Large and fragile cells are produced in the bone marrow, and will be left unable to fully perform its job.

In terms of diet, Vitamin B12 can be found in a variety of meat products, eggs, fish and dairy. Certain bread varieties and plant-based milk contain this vitamin as well. Unfortunately, a common health problem, especially among the elderly. Vitamin B12 is a vitamin that requires adequate intake from one's diet.

3 - Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a special type of vitamin because it is essential. This means the body cannot produce this vitamin on its own, and must come from one's diet. This vitamin is very common in most fruits and vegetables, most commonly in citrus fruits.

In terms of what the body requires Vitamin C for, it is needed to repair tissues in the body, make skin, heal wounds and form scar tissue. Vitamin C also serves as an antioxidant, as it helps block the damage that can be caused by free radicals (material that is made when the body breaks down food or when exposed to tobacco).

Vitamin C is highly renowned for being a natural remedy to fight the common cold and helping to fight certain health issues such as high blood pressure.

4 - Multivitamins

As the name suggests, multivitamins are a form of supplement that contains a variety of minerals and vitamins with other ingredients incorporated. For most people, multivitamins are taken no more than twice a day. They are available in most supermarkets and pharmacies.

Multivitamins are commonly used for those who do not get sufficient vitamin amounts in their diet. Therefore, multivitamins are used to replenish those vitamin levels. While this can be beneficial in restoring certain vitamin levels, certain labeling can be misleading. Therefore, if one wants to purchase multivitamins, it is recommended to make a purchase from a trusted manufacturer.

5 - Vitamin Supplements

Vitamin supplements operate in a similar manner to multivitamins by restoring certain vitamins to optimal levels in the body. However, it should be noted that these are supplements and not replacements. It is recommended to eat a balanced diet to get vitamins, and only utilize supplements under the recommendation of a healthcare professional. It is also recommended to take supplements in conjunction with nutrient dense foods in a healthy diet. There are certain supplements that are available for certain health issues as well, such as omega-3 fatty acid supplements used for those with heart disease.