There is a huge market when it comes to vitamins. Every Walmart and Walgreens across the nation are stocked with shelves and shelves of vitamins and minerals. Do you actually know what vitamins are and how they can help you? The word vitamin is from combining ?vital amine by a Polish chemist Casimir Funk in 1912. Vitamin B1 was first isolated by Funk. He determined that B1 is one of the vitamins that prevented beriberi. Not much beriberi going around these days thanks to Funk. Vitamins are organic and function as catalysts for reactions. If these catalysts or vitamins are missing such as in a vitamin deficiency, the body can begin breaking down and you can become sick.

We receive vitamins in our bodies three different ways; from food, beverages, and what our own bodies produce; such as Vitamin K and D. Everyone seems to agree that the B vitamins are needed for good health, and most seem to agree that getting vitamins from food instead of supplements is the way to go. Vitamins cannot replace food. They actually need food to work. What does our diet look like? If you are one of these people that lives on fast food, you most definitely could be lacking in the vitamin department. Eat living things such as fruits and vegetables more often and you will feel better. Make a concerted effort to improve your diet before you start popping a bunch of pills. Some people are afraid to take vitamins because they think too much of a good thing can become toxic to their body. To a certain extent there is some truth to this. Too much of vitamin A and D can become toxic so take them in moderation.

I don't like taking pills, but recently I have been looking into my body needing extra vitamins. As we age, we can't assimilate the vitamins in our body as much so supplements might be needed. Vitamins are becoming more suited per individual. There are pills for men or women over 50 and vitamins for children and everyone in between. There isn't a lot of information on the labels but read them just the same. Go with a brand you feel you can trust.

You might also want to talk to a naturopath or herbalist about adding herbs to your diet. There are also a great many of them and it may require some research before you know what you could take. Vitamins, minerals or herbs don't last forever so before to check the expiration date and throw away what is not current.

If you follow the labels and ask your physician and take any of the vitamins that you believe are good for your body, your energy level should pick up and you should feel great.

Beverly Marshall is a successful freelance writer, certified Aromatherapist and Feng Shui consultant. Her many articles offer guidance, suggestions and common sense ideas to change your life. If you are interested in products and information regarding alternative medicine, vitamins, osteoporosis, menopause, essential oils, insomnia, anti aging, dry skin and more; her many articles can be found at http://www.alternative-medicine-4u.com