Reuters - Scientists have identified the brain circuits that play a key role in helping us pay attention, a finding that may help explain why things go wrong in diseases such as Alzheimer's and attention deficit disorders.

Did your doctor tell you that oral contraceptives can increase your hunger (so you eat more and gain weight!) and also that they can deplete your body of certain essential nutrients? As though refined foods and sugary treats weren't good at this too ! Have you been taking an oral contraceptive for more than 7 years?

If so, it is likely that you are deficient in some nutrients and should be taking a supplement. Research has shown that the B group of vitamins are the most commonly depleted nutrients when taking oral contraceptives. Vitamin B is critical to keeping your nerves healthy (hence they are often sold as executive 'stress' vitamins)

A high-potency, B-complex vitamin (with at least 50 -100mg of B6, 1,000 meg of B12, and 800 meg of folate) should be taken alongside contraceptive pills. An increased need for vitamins C (1-3g, yes, not mg), E,(400-600 IU's) and K may also result from the use of birth control pills- Vit. C calcium hmb benefits can help to reduce the chance of vaginal infections. Cells that are replaced frequently, like those in the mouth and gut can become ulcerated if folate is depleted. Folic acid is a relative of Vit B and is important for brain health as well as cell repair and development.

You may never have heard of Tyrosine but you've probably heard of amino acids. Tyrosine is an amino acid which has many 'jobs' in your body but one is to keep your thyroid healthy. Low tyrosine can also contribute to depression. Depletion of tyrosine is one of the reasons 'the pill' is often associated with weight gain and moodiness. AH! is that a penny dropping? OK , next time you collect your script for Alesse, pop into the supermarket and grab a tub of cottage cheese at the same time as this the highest food source of tyrosine: 1 cup provides 1.5 g. Or you can take a supplement (1.5 g daily), particularly during the second half of your menstrual cycle.

It is likely that we are all slightly short of magnesium anyway so women who take oral contraceptives are even more depleted. deficiency often shows itself as muscle cramps, weakness, insomnia, kidney stones, bone loss, depression, nervousness, anxiety and high blood pressure.Take 500 mg at bedtime in a liquid or powdered form for easy absorption.

Copper levels in the blood may be increased by the use of oral contraceptives which can lead to depression and emotional problems. Limit your supplement to 1mg. Whole grains, nuts, seeds, and vegetables will ensure that copper requirements are met. If you normally take an iron supplement you may not need it if you take oral contraceptives. Iron levels may increase when you are on the pill as there is often less blood loss. Iron needs are probably reduced from the usual 18 mg. to around 12-15 mg per day. However, if your periods are heavy or you have anemia then you may need a different dose of iron. Check with your doctor first.

Zinc is another essential mineral depleted by oral contraceptives and is important for wound healing and combatting depression; supplement with 20 to 50 mg daily, which will also help to reduce copper levels. "As if I don't have enough side effects to worry about!"- well, at least a quick blood test will show you exactly

where you stand with your body's nutrients and you never know- that tub of cottage cheese may be just the thing to banish those monthly moods!

Source: Nutrition and Vitamin Therapy, Michael Lesser, M.D; Elson M. Haas M.D. Staying Healthy with Nutrition; Better Nutrition

Carole Pemberton brings you up to date with the latest information on contraceptives to empower you to enjoy your sexuality while successfully managing your birth control.

For a FREE E-BOOK, lighthearted videos, useful guides and a 'no nonsense' website that tells it like it is, visit:http://www.contraceptivereviewer.com

Reuters - Obesity levels in China are rising fast, with more than a quarter of the adult population overweight or obese. As people add more meat and dairy products to their diet, serious health problems can develop, a new study says.

Student health insurance: Do you want to reduce your insurance costs? Then you're reading the right article. I'll give you a lot of guaranteed tips that will make you qualify for massive discounts. Furthermore, the tips I'll share will NOT compel you to make do with inadequate coverage all because of realizing savings. Here they are...

1. What amount are you willing to contribute out of your pocket each time you visit a doctor? This is referred to as your co-pay. Increasing your co-pay brings down your premium. This is seriously recommended for those who hardly have to see a doctor.

2. Shed excess weight and your rates will reduce. An insured's Body Mass Index (BMI) is a strong factor that determines how much a person pays as rate.

The higher an individual's Body Mass Index rating, the higher their premium will be. You're overweight for your height and sex if your Body Mass Index is high. And do not think that you will get savings only when you lose fifty pounds, just losing a few pounds will get you lower rates once it reduces your Body Mass Index rating.

3. Ensure a healthy life style and you will pay more affordable rates over time. If you can avoid eating junk food you will pay less with time. It will benefit you to stick to the right diet for you if you love a healthy life and more affordable premiums. Apart from your diet, your devotion to regular exercise will help you live a healthier life and likewise get you cheaper rates.

4. There are things that you would do well not to see a doctor about as it only adds to your health care cost without doing you any real good. Clear examples are viral infections like flu about which your doctor can't help. It is generally known that doctors cannot do you much good if you have a viral infection.

There is no way you can justify spending $100 for something you should have done by yourself. This is also relevant to simple first aid treatment. It pays to learn how to handle simple home emergencies. Most of those incidents would be well taken care of if you spend time learning a little about first aid and also have a good first aid kit.

But even in those situations if you're not certain of what to do go and see a doctor considering that it is better to lose money than to jeopardize your life. But, please, know your limits and know that there are situations you must refer to a doctor even if you know what to do. There are things you're not meant to even attempt if you're not a medical doctor. Having the right balance is important in this and such matters. You will pay less on health insurance without endangering yourself or yours if you do this.

I've prepared a free but high value 21-day ecourse that will show you over 120 sure-fire ways to cut down your insurance rates. Sign up for it here...

Save Up To 50% On Insurance With Over 120 Tips

As n acetyl l cysteine dosage reviews best you can cut down your rates now by getting quotes here...

Cheaper Insurance Quotes

Chimezirim Odimba writes on insurance.