The Niacin Rush

Your face turns flush and your skin starts to itch. Your heart begins to beat faster. The itching may be felt all across your face and extend down your arms to your fingertips.

What is going on? If you're like me you forgot what you learned in school and had to call ask-a-nurse to be reminded.

You may have taken a little too much niacin, or vitamin B-3. It's ok, you'll be fine, it will probably wear off in about half an hour.

But it can really make you scared if you don't know what is going on.

What happened? I took a niacin supplement plus brewer's yeast which itself contains lots of niacin. That was nine years ago but I still remember it like yesterday.

Niacin, also known as nicotinic acid is very necessary for your body. Niacin is needed at the cellular level. It is an important nutrient in cellular processes that create the ultimate energy currency of your body - ATP or Adenosine Triphosphate.

A deficiency in niacin can lead to pellagra, which has a number of manifestations. An inflamed tongue and irritated gastric track and colon as well as depression and hard rough skin are just some of the symptoms of this deficiency disease.

Anxiety and hallucinations are also possible symptoms of pellagra. Wide spread pellagra is no longer seen in the United States, though individual cases can still occur.

Dermatitis, dementia and diarrhea are considered the 3 Ds or the classic symptoms of pellagra.

Diets rich in meats, eggs and milk provide adequate amounts of niacin to the body. Alcoholics and diabetics are at greater risk for being deficient in niacin.

Niacin is a vitamin, it is necessary to the body for cellular processes.

Oral supplementation can reverse the less severe cases of deficiency. In severe cases there may be permanent consequences.

So the next time your face flushes and you get an itching burning sensation down to your fingertips, take a moment to reflect before you panic. Did you have too much niacin?

This article is for information purposes only. If you have or think you have a health condition, consult your physician for proper diagnoses and treatment.

Dave Snape is a health, fitness and wellness enthusiast. His website is http://tobeinformed.com

---

Got Soy? Milk, Snuff, and Soy Beans

Milk is highly underrated. Experts say, America finds itself in... Read More

3 Things You Want to Know About Cholesterol

You wouldn't judge a book by its cover, would you?You... Read More

Post Workout Nutrition: Secrets to a Hard, Lean Body

As you've probably heard before, your post-workout meal may very... Read More

Fluoride: A Plot to Dull the American Mind

During the Second World War, the Germans used fluoride as... Read More

Meal Planning: Your Ticket to Freedom

It's 5:30 p.m. and you're heading home after a long,... Read More

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a product of apple juice fermentation.... Read More

Tips to Avoid Trans Fats Hidden In Food

Recently, trans fats have risen to the forefront of the... Read More

There is No Miracle Cure for Arthritis, but Improving Your Diet can Help

Arthritis - if you suffer from this illness, I don't... Read More

Changing Your Eating Habits

Because all of us have been brought up eating junk... Read More

Foods to Fight Disease

When it comes to food, we can't ignore the facts... Read More

A Diet Deficiency Today is a Clinical Event Tomorrow

For those of us that understand nutrition and it's importance... Read More

Use Food and Focus to Gain Tons of Energy for Summer

While there are many effective ways to get more energy... Read More

Healthy Eating Myths Shattered

Salt does Not Cause High Blood Pressure. Some things you... Read More

Your Target of Health is Easy

Many of us, probably even you, want this thing called... Read More

How to Have Great Sex - Nutrition and Foods That Create Passion

Is the thrill gone? Has the thrill gone out of... Read More

What Colors Are on Your Plate?

Can the colors on your plate tell you what health... Read More

Vitamin and Mineral Facts

Vitamins & Minerals are essential to sustain life. Its what... Read More

REAL Summer Foods

Fire ElementAccording to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) there are five... Read More

The 7 Best & The 7 Worst Food For A Long Life

The above foods contain high antioxidant capacity. These foods were... Read More

Toxic Metal Removal Through Restored Protein Anabolism. Focus: Mercury Toxicity

Toxic metals exist in our environment as pollutants in our... Read More

The Best Protein Powder

What is the best protein powder to buy? I get... Read More

Chew Your Food

I am going to share with you possibly the most... Read More

How Good Is Your Health?

It is a question we must ask ourselves continually if... Read More

Protein, Carbs and Fat: Learn How to Diet with Macronutrients

Weight loss plans are almost always trying to get you... Read More

Death, Aging, Rejuvenation (Part 4)

Biological clockObviously you need biological clock to time and alarm... Read More

Healthy Eating Tips for Healthy Living

Eating healthy is fast becoming a way of life. American's... Read More

Omega 3 Fatty Acids: What are They, Really?

"The physician who knows only medicine, knows not even medicine."... Read More

Do You Know Your Bodys ph And Its Relation To Your Health

Do you know your ph? By getting ph strips at... Read More

Dietary Sources of Glutathione

DIETARY SOURCES OF GLUTATHIONE: Glutathione (GSH) is an antioxidant and... Read More

Functional Foods Are Becoming More Popular...

Established in 1989 by Stephen DeFelice, "Foundation for Innovation in... Read More

16 Quick Tips for Eating at Restaurants or Work

Most of us eat at restaurants for a variety of... Read More

Where Does Your Drinking Water Come From?

Have you ever thought about where your drinking water comes... Read More

Heart Friendly Foods

Heart disease results when plaque builds up inside the arterial... Read More