RETINOL

Also known as: Vitamin A, Retinal, Beta-Carotene, Pro-Vitamin A.

Every tissue in your body needs retinol for growth and repair.

Retinol is a fat-soluble vitamin that is a compound of Vitamin A. Some foods that contain retinol are:

Apricots, broccoli, butter, carrots, cantaloupe, cheese, chicken liver, cod liver oil, dark green leafy vegetables, egg yolks, mangoes, peaches, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, whole milk, whole-milk cottage cheese and whole-milk yogurt.

Home Remedies using Retinol:

Benefits and Uses of Retinol:

Retinol is needed for a wide array of functions in your body. Some of which include:

• Promoting healthy skin
• Preventing infections
• Helping to fight cancer and aging
• Boosting your immune system
• Helping your eyes process light
• Promoting healthy reproduction

Retinol is a natural alternative to harmful medications. Retinol is thought to be a home remedy for the following diseases and ailments:

• Acne
• Aging
• Alcoholism
• Anemia
• Autoimmune disorders
• Burns
• Cancer
• Cataracts
• Cervical dysphasia
• Conjunctivitis
• Detoxification
• Diarrhea
• Fibrocystic breasts
• Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism
• Immune system
• Macular degeneration
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Psoriasis
• Sinusitis
• Skin
• Tinnitus
• Vision
• Warts

Acne:

Studies suggest that taking 300,000 IU of Vitamin A daily may temporarily treat acne.

However, high doses of Vitamin A are not recommended since the benefit it provides does not outweigh the risk.

Consult with your doctor to determine if Retin-A (a prescription medication derived from Vitamin A) is appropriate for you.

Burn:

Antioxidants such as Vitamins A, C and E play an important role in preventing burns by protecting the skin against ultraviolet rays.

Either applied topically or taken orally, these powerful antioxidants have been shown to reduce sunburn severity if taken daily.

• Vitamin A: take 20,000 IU
• Vitamin C: take 2 to 3 g
• Vitamin E: take 400 IU

Metaplasia:

Studies indicate that a deficiency of Vitamin A may increase the risk of precancerous changes in the body.

Maintaining adequate levels of Vitamin A may be an important way to prevent metaplasia and thus to prevent cancer.

• Adults 14 years and older:
• Males:  Take 3,000 IU daily
• Females: Take 2,300 IU daily

Side Effects of Retinol:

Taking large amounts of Retinol (over 100,000 IU) for extended periods of time can be toxic to the body.

Toxic levels of retinol are associated with the following side effects: headache, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, dry skin and lips, dry or irritated eyes, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea and hair loss.

Too much vitamin A can contribute to bone loss and increase triglyceride levels in the blood, thus increasing the risk of heart disease.