Niacin (Vitamin B3)
Also known as: Vitamin B3, Nicotinic Acid, Niacinamide, Inositol Hexanicotinate
Niacin is a component of Vitamin B3, one of the eight B vitamins.
Niacin Deficiencies:
Pellagra is a disease caused by advanced niacin deficiency which rarely happens in developed countries and could lead to death if not treated.
It is also characterized by the 3D’s:
- Photosensitive Dermatitis
- Diarrhea
- Dementia
Symptoms of Pellagra include cracked, scaly skin, irritability, confusion, memory problems, possible dehydration caused by diarrhea, some people may experience hallucinations.
Cases of Pellagra can be seen in patients with long-term alcoholism, food faddists, illegal-substance users and those who suffer from malabsorption.
Pellagra is generally treated with a well balanced diet and niacin supplements. Niacin deficiencies can also result in a burning in the mouth and a swollen, red tongue.
Other symptoms of niacin deficiencies include:
- Canker sores
- Depression
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Halitosis
- Headaches
- Indigestion
- Inflammation
- Insomnia
- Limb pains
- Loss of appetite
- Low blood sugar
- Muscular weakness
- Skin eruptions
- Vomiting
Niacin Flush:
Usually this harmless reaction occurs after the ingestion of niacin supplements.
Niacin expands blood vessels on the surface of the skin, causing a warm, itchy feeling of the skin often accompanied with redness.
A niacin flush can be very uncomfortable, often asting several minutes and is often severe enough for people to stop taking niacin supplements altogether.
While a niacin flush may be annoying, it is a very healthy and normal reaction from your body!
During the niacin flush increased blood flow to cell’s occur allowing toxins to be removed from your body. In turn, histamine is sent to the cells (causing the itching sensation) which allow the body to send more water, blood and nutrients to areas that are in need.
So you see, when you are experiencing a niacin flush, it is actually your body removing toxins from your body to make you healthier!
Home Remedies using Niacin:
Benefits and Uses of Niacin:
Reducing Cholesterol:
Niacin is excellent for raising your high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or “good” cholesterol levels while depleting the your low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol levels as well as triglycerides.
High levels of LDL cholesterol frequently accompany high triglycerides levels, in turn increasing the risk of heart disease.
Niacin is so effective, the American Heart Association reports that niacin reduces cholesterol more effectively than certain prescription medication. I can't think of a better endorsement than that!
Migraines:
Doctors have been known to administer niacin intravenously as a migraine begins.
During a migraine, the brains blood flow is reduced. This causes constriction in the blood vessels, resulting in pain. Lucky for us, vitamin B3 is known to renew the brains blood supply, which is why niacin is so effective in reliving migraine pain.
Niacin is commonly used as a natural home remedy for:
- Lowering cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood
- Lowering the risk of heart attack to those who are susceptible
- Treating coronary artery disease
- Helping the nervous system function properly
- Increasing circulation
- Producing hydrochloric acid for the digestive system
- Converting carbohydrates into glucose
- Metabolizing fats, proteins and carbohydrates more efficiently
- Producing the secretion of bile and stomach fluids
- Producing healthy eyes, skin, hair, and liver
Side Effects of Niacin:
Do not use niacin if you have gout as it may worsen the condition. If you are taking other medications, it is always recommended to check with your doctor prior to use.
