Ultramarine is a synthetic pigment derived from sodium aluminum sulfosilicate, which comes in a variety colors, including blue, pink, red, violet and green. Ultramarines bestow a brilliant color to many different types of cosmetic products, including eye shadows, hair dyes and some types of tattoo inks. Ultramarines are classified as color additives by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and approved for use in skin-care products, hair products and cosmetics that go around the eyes. Ultramarines are generally regarded as a safe additive by the FDA, but test any new cosmetic product containing them on a small patch of skin first because it’s possible to develop an allergic reaction.

Contact Dermatitis

If you develop an allergy to ultramarine dyes, it’s generally expressed as a local contact dermatitis, meaning it occurs only at the point of contact. A contact dermatitis can be caused by a substance that is irritating to your skin or one that triggers your immune system to release antihistamines. With a contact dermatitis, you may not have an allergic reaction the first time your skin is exposed to an ultramarine dye. Sensitization typically occurs over time with successive applications, eventually resulting in symptoms of an allergic reaction. However, once you become sensitized, you are allergic to that substance for the rest of your life.

Allergy Signs

Contact dermatitis causes an allergic reaction on your skin in the area that has come into contact with the ultramarine dye, such as the face, eyelid or scalp. Most contact-dermatitis reactions aren’t severe, resulting in milder allergy symptoms, such as itching and a red rash. A more severe reaction to ultramarine dyes causes severe itching, blisters that drain and crust over, dry patches that crack, as well as pain and tenderness in the area. Contact dermatitis typically develops within 12 hours of exposure, peaking within 48 hours. If you develop an allergic reaction to a product containing ultramarine dye, immediately wash the area with soap and water and consult your physician for treatment advice.

Serious Allergic Reaction

Although most allergies to ultramarine dyes result in a contact dermatitis, it’s conceivable that a more-severe, whole-body allergic reaction called anaphylaxis can occur in some. Anaphylaxis is an extremely serious allergic reaction that requires a call to 911 for medical support. Signs of anaphylaxis include anxiety, confusion, stomach cramps, diarrhea, nasal congestion, difficulty swallowing and breathing, heart palpitations, loss of consciousness and even death. Allergy UK says severe allergic reactions to permanent hair dye tend to be associated with hair dyes that contain ingredients that cross-react with other compounds, including other dyes, drugs and preservatives.

Considerations

Purchasing cosmetics that are labeled as hypoallergenic, organic and natural doesn’t protect you from developing an allergy to any of its ingredients. If you are allergic or sensitive to any ingredients used in cosmetics, such as ultramarine dyes, read the product label carefully before buying it. Consumers aren’t the only ones at risk of developing an allergy to ultramarine dyes. Cosmetologists, beauticians and hair dressers must also take care because they are also susceptible to developing an allergy to ultramarine dyes following repeated exposures.

L-glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in your body. Since it can be synthesized by your cells, it’s a non-essential amino acid. It plays a role in immunity, proper brain function and digestion. L-glutamine’s protein sparing effects might help people with myotonic muscular dystrophy; however, research has shown conflicting results. Consult your health care provider taking L-glutamine.

Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy

Myotonic muscular dystrophy, also called Duchenne muscular dystrophy, is a genetic disorder in which muscles contract, but have difficulty relaxing. Over time, myotonic muscular dystrophy can produce muscle weakness and lead to muscle wasting. Other symptoms of the disease include daytime sleepiness, gastrointestinal upset and severe cognitive problems. Myotonic muscular dystrophy can strike patients of any age, according to PubMed.

Whole Body Protein Breakdown

L-glutamine’s ability to inhibit muscle wasting and preserve muscle protein might help patients with myotonic muscular dystrophy. Researchers at Nemours Children’s Clinic studied the impact of oral L-glutamine on whole body protein breakdown, an indicator of muscle wasting, in young boys with myotonic muscular dystrophy. Subjects received flavored water with or without L-glutamine on separate days. Whole body protein breakdown was measured before and after treatment. Scientists found that those consuming L-glutamine experienced significantly less muscle protein breakdown compared with those without L-glutamine, according to research reported in the February 1998 issue of “Pediatric Research.”

No Effect

Although L-glutamine provides short-term gain for myotonic muscular dystrophy patients, its long-term effects are not beneficial, according to a study conducted by researchers at INSERM Centre D’Investigation Clinique in France. Scientists assigned young boys with the disease to L-glutamine or a placebo daily for four months. Whole body protein breakdown was measured before and after the study. At the end of the treatment, scientists found that both groups lost a similar amount of muscle mass. Researchers concluded that L-glutamine supplementation provided no additional benefit over a placebo. The findings were reported in the April 2009 issue of “PLos One.”

Side Effects

L-glutamine supplementation may cause unwanted side effects, including gastrointestinal upset, coughing, loss of appetite and back pain, according to the Mayo Clinic. Consult your health-care provider before taking L-glutamine, particularly if you’re taking medication.

The term "interstitial lung disease" encompasses many types of diseases that cause scarring of the lungs. This scarring can eventually make it difficult to breathe. Unfortunately this scarring is also irreversible. There are many treatments for interstitial lung disease including medications and life style modification. One important factor in coping with this type of lung disease is knowing what foods you can and cannot tolerate.

Interstitial Lung Disease

Interstitial lung disease, also known as pulmonary fibrosis, includes about 200 different lung disorders. Many of these start with some type of inflammation and progress to irreversible scarring. Although each disorder is different, many have the same symptoms. These can include increased shortness of breath, fatigue, dry cough, loss of appetite, unplanned weight loss and chest discomfort. There are many medications to treat these symptoms, but the only way to cure interstitial lung disease is a lung transplant.

Food and Interstitial Lung Disease

Food plays an important role in the treatment of interstitial lung disease. Those who suffer this disease generally lose weight at a faster place. This is due to all the extra energy needed to breathe. Following a diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains is a healthy method to obtain calories. Consuming low fat, high protein foods such as salmon, lean meats and poultry is also effective for maintaining body weight.

Food Intolerance

Interstitial lung disease generally comes with a low tolerance for food. Eating not only takes up precious energy but there is also discomfort associated with eating. A full stomach puts pressure on the diaphragm and makes it even more difficult to breathe. It also increases fatigue. This can be avoided by eating many smaller meals throughout the day.

Suggestions

When coping with interstitial lung disease, food is not the enemy. There are many ways to alter your diet to make sure you are consuming those important calories. Consult your physician if you feel you have a food intolerance. He may suggest meeting with a registered dietitian to provide a healthy and effective diet for your condition.

Magnesium is an essential mineral your body requires on a daily basis for bone health, blood sugar and blood pressure regulation, energy metabolism and protein synthesis. According to MedlinePlus, magnesium is possibly effective for relieving bloating associated with premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, and is likely effective for treating heartburn, constipation, and eclampsia or pre-eclampsia during pregnancy. Topical magnesium treatments have also been used for treating varicosity, or varicose veins.

Sources

Magnesium is contained in certain foods, oral supplements and intravenous injections. Good sources of dietary magnesium include halibut, soybeans, nuts, spinach, baked potatoes, fortified oatmeal and some breakfast cereals. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, symptoms of magnesium deficiency are rarely observed in the United States. However, these symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, loss of appetite and weakness.

Magnesium and Bloating

Edema, or fluid retention, is often the cause of feeling bloated and is a common symptom of premenstrual syndrome in women. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, taking magnesium supplements may help relieve symptoms of bloating, and taking magnesium with vitamin B-6 supplements may be more effective than taking magnesium alone. However, if you’re taking magnesium supplements, don’t exceed the Institute of Medicine’s tolerable upper intake level for magnesium of 350 milligrams per day for all adults.

Magnesium and Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are dark-colored veins that usually protrude from your skin and commonly appear on the legs. If you have varicose veins, the condition likely isn’t due to your dietary magnesium intake. Epsom salt, commonly used as a home remedy for varicose veins, usually consists of a form of magnesium called magnesium sulfate. If you have varicose veins, ask your health care provider about possible treatments, which may include laser therapy, chemical injections or lifestyle changes such as losing weight if you’re overweight and not crossing your legs for long periods of time. Using Epsom salts on your varicose veins may not make them disappear.

Recommended Magnesium Intake

Making sure you consume adequate amounts of magnesium each day by means of foods or supplements may help minimize your chances of feeling bloated, although it likely won’t prevent varicose veins. The Institute of Medicine Food and Nutrition Board recommends adult men ages 19 to 30 consume at least 400 milligrams of magnesium per day, adult men over age 30 consume 420 milligrams per day, adult women ages 19 to 30 consume 310 milligrams per day, adult women over age 30 consume 320 milligrams per day, pregnant women ages 19 to 30 consume 350 milligrams per day, pregnant women ages 31 to 50 consume 360 milligrams per day, breastfeeding women ages 19 to 30 consume 310 milligrams per day and breastfeeding women ages 31 to 50 consume at least 320 milligrams of magnesium each day.

Bone absorption is the removal phase of your body’s bone remodeling process. This is a natural process by which your body absorbs and then rebuilds bones on a continuous basis. Stimulating acupoints with acupuncture needles can actually inhibit bone absorption, not cause it. Although the entire bone absorption process is healthy for people with normal bone density, inhibiting bone absorption may benefit people who suffer from conditions characterized by low bone density, such as osteoporosis. A reduction in bone removal, or absorption, can allow for a beneficial increase in bone density.

Acupuncture

Acupuncturists believe that people have lines of energy, called meridians, that run from the toes up to the top of the head. There are points along the meridians where energy blockages are common. These spots — called acupoints or acupuncture points — are where an acupuncturist inserts a sterilized needle to remove the energy blockage so that energy can again flow freely through that meridian. By stimulating particular points, an acupuncturist may be able to relieve pain or treat conditions like osteoporosis, but you should speak with your doctor before trying alternative medicine such as acupuncture.

Bone Remodeling

Acupuncture may have a positive affect on bone remodeling. Bone cells called osteoclasts remove and absorb bone and osteoblasts make new bone. If you have osteoporosis, or its precursor osteopenia, your bones lack density and cannot afford to have any portion removed by osteoclasts. According to a study published in the "Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine" in June 2004, acupuncture can inhibit bone resorption and reduce the number of osteoclast cells. Without the removal phase of bone remodeling, the cells only make new bone. This increases bone density, which is beneficial for people with osteoporosis and osteopenia.

Points Study

Acupuncture may prevent osteopenia, according to a study published in "The American Journal of Chinese Medicine" in 2004 that was conducted on rats. The rats given acupuncture treatments had heavier bones, a faster bone formation rate and greater bone volume. The study also found that certain points were more effective than others. The stimulation of acupoints ST-36, or stomach 36, and SP-6, or spleen 6, produced greater improvement than stimulating BL-20 and BL-23, or bladder 20 and bladder 23.

Ring of Earth

A particular set of acupoints may help with stronger bones. Dr. C. Norman Shealy named these the ring of earth points. Shealy says that stimulating these points elevates the levels of a hormone called calcitonin. This hormone inhibits bone resorption, or bone removal. It also contributes to the recalcification of osteopenic bone thereby making the bones stronger. These acupoints include bladder 54 and 60, kidney 1, liver 16, governing vessel 20, large intestine 16 and stomach 9. Calcitonin is also available as a prescription drug that your doctor may advise.

Both fish and flaxseed oils are rich sources of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These fatty acids have a protective effect against conditions such as cardiovascular disease, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. If you consume a diet that incorporates foods like fatty fish and flaxseeds, you probably don’t need supplemental versions of their essential fatty acids. Supplements may however be useful if you don’t regularly consume omega-3 and omega-6 rich foods. Side effects of these supplements are generally minor but in some cases, fish and flaxseed oils may lead to stomach upset. Check with your doctor before using any nutritional supplement.

Benefits of Fish Oil and Flaxseed OIl

Fish oil and flaxseed oil are sources of essential fats that your body is unable to produce without an outside source from food or supplementation. Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and some types of cancer. Foods like flaxseed and fish oils generally contain both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which occur in nature in an ideal ratio of anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory substances. This ratio provides a balance of these fatty acids that appears to maximize to their health benefits. Supplemental versions of essential fatty acids should contain both omega-3 and omega-6 fats.

Other Foods That Contain Essential Fatty Acids

Essential fatty acids are found in canola, soybean and walnut oils. If you’re more interested in essential fats in their naturally occurring form, they can be found in foods like walnuts, pumpkin seeds and some types of algae. Plant-based sources of essential fatty acids must be converted into a usable form by your body and some individuals may not be as efficient as others at converting these sources. This problem is a source of controversy in both the traditional and naturopathic medicine communities and requires more research to establish whether a person who is less efficient at converting plant-based fatty acids is at risk for a deficiency.

Stomach Pain From Fish Oil or Flaxseed Oil

Some individuals may experience stomach pain, abdominal gas and bloating after consuming fish or flaxseed oil supplements. The National Institutes of Health explains that these gastrointestinal side effects appear to increase in severity in response to increasing dosages. Time-release versions of these supplements may help decrease stomach pain. Consuming fish or flaxseeds however does not appear to have the same effect. This may be attributed to the fact that eating fish or flaxseeds correlates with the consumption of less concentrated versions of these fats, along with delayed digestion caused by accompanying nutrients such as fiber.

Considerations

Taking a fish or flaxseed oil supplement should be done with the supervision and approval of your physician. Side effects of these supplements, aside from stomach pain, can include thinning of the blood, increased blood glucose levels and delayed absorption of medications and nutrients. If you’re concerned about getting enough essential fatty acids in your diet, consider adding a meal of cold water, fatty fish, such as salmon or mackerel, to your diet twice a week. Flaxseeds can be purchased whole and ground into foods such as salads, baked goods and vegetable dishes.

Gluten is a protein found in many popular foods. Some believe taking on a gluten-free diet can aid in weight loss. However, if you do not suffer from a gluten allergy removing gluten will not benefit you. Anorexia is a common eating disorder that causes a fixation on weight. Gluten allergies and anorexia may correlate with each other or act individually. Consult with your physician if you display signs or symptoms of either disorder.

Gluten Allergy

Gluten is found in bread, pasta, cookies and any other products that contain wheat, barley or rye. Those who suffer from gluten allergies or intolerance, actually have a digestive disease called celiac disease. If you have celiac disease you experience an immune reaction in your small intestine whenever you consume foods containing gluten. The most common symptoms associated with celiac disease are diarrhea, abdominal bloating and pain. If left untreated, celiac disease can lead to malabsorption which can lead to malnutrition resulting in anemia and weight loss.

Anorexia

Anorexia nervosa, commonly known as anorexia, is an eating disorder that causes the people who suffer from it to obsess about their weight and the foods they eat. According to MayoClinic.com people with anorexia attempt to maintain a weight that is far lower than normal for their height and age. Some may try to lose weight through severely limiting calorie intake or excessive exercise or a combination of the two. Signs and symptoms of anorexia are extreme weight loss, fatigue, depression, absence of menstruation and brittle nails. If you are concerned someone you know may be suffering from anorexia watch for them to skip meals, complain about weight and not wanting to eat in public.

Relationship

Gluten intolerance can cause psychological dysfunction that can merge with the psychological issues of disordered eating. According to a report published in the "International Journal of Eating Disorders," the daily dietary restriction involved with the treatment of celiac disease may trigger symptoms of anorexia. Also, the disordered eating associated with anorexia can worsen symptoms of gluten intolerance.

Treatment

Celiac disease can never be cured but can be controlled by removing gluten from the diet. Many brands offer gluten-free options of popular foods, such as cereals and breads. The removal of gluten will correct the imbalance of hormones and chemicals in the brain. If gluten intolerance is a contributing factor to anorexia, physiological function will improve. However, since anorexia is a psychological disorder, intense therapy is needed to aid in the recovery process.

If you experience stomach pain or other symptoms of indigestion every time you eat products with gluten, you may have gluten sensitivity. You can also have gluten sensitivity without having stomach pain. If you suspect that you have gluten sensitivity or you have symptoms of indigestion, consult your doctor to verify the cause and get appropriate advice for staying healthy.

Description of Gluten Sensitivity

You have gluten sensitivity, or gluten intolerance, if your immune system has an abnormal reaction when you eat foods with gluten, which is a natural protein in many kinds of grain. Celiac disease is a severe form of gluten intolerance. You are at higher risk for celiac disease if you have another autoimmune disorder, such as rheumatoid arthritis or type 1 diabetes, lactose intolerance, intestinal cancer or Down syndrome.

Typical Symptoms

With gluten sensitivity, an immune reaction occurs in your small intestine when you eat foods with gluten, such as wheat products and many processed foods. Common gastrointestinal symptoms include diarrhea, bloating and stomach pain. Additional symptoms may include pain in your joints, muscle cramps, skin rashes and lethargy. Individuals with gluten sensitivity may have different symptoms. You can have some of the symptoms of gluten sensitivity without having stomach pain.

Gluten-Free Diet

Gluten sensitivity does not have a cure. The only way to prevent symptoms of gluten sensitivity is to avoid products with gluten. A gluten-free diet excludes many grains, such as wheat, barley, farina, graham and rye. Quinoa, rice, corn and buckwheat are examples of gluten-free grain. Gluten may be in processed foods, such as beer, sauces, dressings, soups and processed meats. Gluten sensitivity does not cause stomach pain or other symptoms if you follow a gluten-free diet.

Considerations

Following a gluten-free diet is critical for staying healthy with gluten sensitivity even if you do not have stomach pain. Your immune response to gluten consumption damages cells in your small intestine. Over time, too much gluten can lead to nutrient malabsorption and conditions such as osteoporosis and anemia. A wheat allergy may lead to similar symptoms as gluten intolerance when you eat wheat, but the two conditions are distinct. Consult your doctor if you experience any digestive troubles.

Everyone experiences anxiety at some point in their lives — it is the normal reaction you have to a stressful situation. When anxiety increases to levels that interfere with your daily life, you may need to see a physician. Your doctor may prescribe natural supplements, such as methionine or selenium, to help fight your anxiety. However, never take these supplements for this purpose without consulting your health care provider.

About Methionine

Methionine is an essential amino acid, or an amino acid your body requires but does not produce. You can get this amino acid in dairy products as well as meat, fish, whole grains and beans. Physicians may prescribe a methionine supplement to treat a range of diseases, including anxiety, although the form of this amino acid usually prescribed for this purpose is called S-Adenosyl methionine, or SAMe. Methionine converts to SAMe when the amino acid reaches your liver.

About Selenium

Like methionine, your body requires selenium to function. Only small amounts of this mineral are found in your body, so you must eat selenium-rich foods such as oysters, lobsters, halibut, herring, mackerel, butter, garlic, sunflower seeds and whole grains to get the quantity you require each day. Note that the selenium in these foods may vary depending on where they are grown; to get a more exact amount of this mineral, you may wish to take a selenium supplement. The selenium in your diet is critical for a range of health functions and disease prevention, anxiety being among them.

Evidence

Taking SAMe supplements or eating foods high in methionine may support the effectiveness of anxiety drugs because it improves methylation pathways. This may speed the journey that anxiety medications take to get your brain, according to Richard N. Podell, M.D., M.P.H., medical director of the department of family medicine at UMDNJ – Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Ensuring you get adequate amounts of selenium may also help with anxiety, because a study published in the April 2008 issue of the journal "Minerva Pediatrcia" indicates that selenium deficiency may play a role in anxiety and depression, especially when paired with alcohol abuse.

Considerations

Large doses of SAMe and selenium may trigger neurological problems. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests a dosage of 800 to 1,600 milligrams of SAMe per day for anxiety, but taking in more than this may cause mania. Temple University researchers who carried out a study in 2009 that looked at high doses of selenium warn that taking too much of this mineral may increase your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Adults require 55 micrograms of selenium daily.

Varicose veins develop when your blood vessels cannot efficiently move blood throughout your body. The veins might twist, or the internal structure of the vein might become damaged. This prevents proper blood flow and causes an abnormal pooling of blood within your veins. Caffeine might have an effect on some risk factors that help determine your chances of developing varicose veins.

Symptoms of Varicose Veins

Varicose veins cause a number of symptoms, perhaps the most noticeable of which is the obvious appearance of veins, usually on your lower legs, that develop when blood pools close to the surface of your skin. In addition, individuals with varicose veins might experience swelling, a feeling of heaviness in the affected area, or might even develop ulcers due to disruption of blood flow.

Risk Factors

A number of factors can affect your risk of developing varicose veins. Your gender and age play a large role in varicose veins. Older women face the highest risk of developing the condition, and men and younger women face a lower risk of varicose veins. In addition, weight plays a role in predicting your risk of varicose veins, and individuals with a high body mass index, or BMI, of at least 30 are more likely to develop varicose veins.

Beneficial Effect of Caffeine

One way caffeine might reduce your risk of varicose veins is by aiding in weight management. Caffeine acts as a thermogenic and aids in fat metabolism, according to a study published in "Obesity Reviews" in 2011. As a result, moderate caffeine consumption might help you achieve or maintain a BMI below 30 and lower your risk of developing varicose veins later in life.

Considerations

Some data suggest that caffeine consumption might affect a risk factor for varicose veins. However, as of September 2011, clinical trials linking caffeine consumption to incidence of varicose veins have not yet been performed. As a result, you should not rely on caffeine consumption to help reduce the appearance of varicose veins, or consume caffeine thinking it will affect your chance of developing the veins as you age. If you’re concerned about whether your current lifestyle increases your risk of varicose veins, consult your doctor or another medical professional.