The syndrome of Gan Qi Yu Jie (Liver Qi Stagnation) is a common pattern in TCM liver diseases, often caused by the liver’s failure to regulate and the stagnation of Qi. The main symptoms include chest and hypochondriac distension and pain, chest tightness, lack of appetite, tendency to sigh, emotional depression, irritability, dizziness, wiry pulse, and a white, slippery tongue coating. This condition can lead to various diseases in clinical practice, such as menstrual irregularities in women, menopausal syndrome, breast diseases, and insomnia.
1．Menstrual Irregularities
①Gan Jing Yu Re Type: This is often due to long-term Liver Qi stagnation transforming into heat, causing blood to flow erratically, leading to menstrual irregularities. Symptoms include early menstruation, heavy flow, or irregular menstrual cycles, with dark red and thick menstrual blood, accompanied by pain in the chest and hypochondria, irritability, bitter mouth, dry throat, yellow urine, and dry stools. The tongue is red with a yellow coating, and the pulse is wiry and rapid.
Medication Choices: Dan Zhi Xiao Yao Wan, Jia Wei Xiao Yao Wan, Fu Ke De Sheng Wan, Gan Yu Tiao Jing Gao, etc.
Combined Medication:Dan Zhi Xiao Yao Wan+Duan Xue Liu Jiao Nang
②Gan Yu Qi Zhi Type: This is often due to abnormal liver regulation and insufficient Qi flow, commonly accompanied by blood stasis. Symptoms include late or irregular menstruation, light flow, dark red blood with clots, difficult menstruation, abdominal distension and pain, chest tightness, and irritability. The tongue is dark red, and the pulse is thin and wiry or thin and rough.
Medication Choices: Shu Gan Ke Li, Xiao Yao Wan, Tong Jing Tiao Li Kou Fu Ye, etc.
Combined Medication:Xiao Yao Wan+Yi Mu Cao Ke Li
2．Stomach Pain
①Gan Qi Fan Wei: Liver Qi stagnation and failure to regulate lead to dysfunction in the spleen and stomach, causing distension and pain in the stomach area. Symptoms include stomach distension and pain, pain radiating to both sides, frequent belching, relief after belching, increased pain with anger, chest tightness, acid reflux, tendency to sigh, red edges of the tongue, thin white coating, and a deep wiry pulse.
Medication Choices: Shu Gan He Wei Wan, Shu Gan Wan, Wei Yan Kang Jiao Nang, Tiao Wei Shu Gan Wan, Wei Tong Wan, Si Fang Wei Jiao Nang, Qi Zhi Wei Tong Ke Li, Chen Xiang Shu Qi Wan, Shu Gan Zhi Tong Wan, etc.
Combined Medication:Shu Gan He Wei Wan+Omeprazole Enteric-Coated Capsules
②Gan Wei Yu Re Zheng: Long-term Liver Qi stagnation transforms into fire, invading the stomach and causing burning pain. Symptoms include burning pain in the stomach, urgent pain, irritability, acid reflux, dry mouth, red tongue with yellow coating, and wiry or rapid pulse.
Medication Choices: Zuo Jin Wan, Jia Wei Zuo Jin Wan, Wei You Xin Pian, Wei Li Kang Ke Li, Jin Ming He Wei Jiao Nang, Wu Ji Wan, etc.
Combined Medication:Jia Wei Zuo Jin Wan+Wei U Dihydrocodeine Aluminum Capsules II
3．Dyspepsia
Gan Wei Bu He Type: Emotional distress and Liver Qi stagnation lead to liver failure to regulate and stomach failure to descend, resulting in functional dyspepsia. Symptoms include abdominal distension or pain, distension in both sides, worsening with emotional distress, accompanied by irritability, tendency to sigh, and belching. The tongue is pale red, with a thin white coating, and the pulse is wiry.
Medication Choices: Shu Gan Jian Wei Wan, Shu Gan He Wei Wan, Kuan Xiong Shu Qi Hua Zhi Wan, Shu Gan Pian, Kai Yu Shu Gan Wan, etc.
Combined Medication:Shu Gan Jian Wei Wan+Citrate Mosapride Tablets
4．Menopausal Syndrome
Gan Yu Qi Zhi Type: The liver and kidneys share a source; as women age, kidney essence decreases, leading to insufficient essence and blood, liver failure to nourish, and Qi disorder, resulting in Liver Qi stagnation, which transforms into fire over time, further damaging Yin and blood, leading to various symptoms. Symptoms include pain in the chest, hypochondria, and lower abdomen, belching, nausea, poor appetite, emotional depression, tendency to sigh, irritability, dry mouth, dizziness, tinnitus, thin white coating on the tongue, dark tongue, and thin wiry pulse.
Medication Choices: An Le Pian, Shu Shen Ling Jiao Nang, Geng Nian Ning, etc.
Combined Medication:Geng Nian Ning+Gu Wei Su Pian+Da Dou Yi Huang Soft Capsules
5．Breast Hyperplasia
Gan Yu Qi Zhi Type: Emotional depression damages the liver over time, leading to Liver Qi stagnation, causing obstruction in the breast channels and stagnation of Qi and blood, resulting in breast lumps. Symptoms include bilateral breast distension and pain, possible lumps, fluctuating with emotional changes, worsening before menstruation, pain radiating to both sides, accompanied by chest tightness, irritability, dry mouth, fatigue, frequent belching, etc. The tongue is pale with a thin white coating, and the pulse is thin and wiry.
Medication Choices: Ru He San Jie Pian, Xiao Ru San Jie Jiao Nang, Ru Zeng Ning Pian, Ru Ji Ling Jiao Nang, Ru Pi Kang Jiao Nang, Ru Ning Pian, Ru Kuai Xiao Jiao Nang, etc.
Combined Medication:Ru Ning Pian+Xia Ku Cao Ke Li+B Vitamin Tablets
6．Insomnia
Gan Yu Hua Huo Type: Emotional distress damages the liver, leading to Qi stagnation, which causes blood stagnation, transforming into fire that disturbs the heart and causes insomnia. Symptoms include difficulty falling asleep, vivid dreams, tendency to sigh, emotional depression or irritability, dizziness, red eyes, dry mouth, lack of appetite, constipation, and dark red urine. The tongue is red with a yellow coating, and the pulse is wiry and rapid.
Medication Choices: Shu Mian Jiao Nang, Jie Yu An Shen Ke Li, An Le Jiao Nang, Shu Shen Ling Jiao Nang, etc.
Combined Medication:Jie Yu An Shen Ke Li+Long Dan Xie Gan Wan+Gu Wei Su Pian
The above is an introduction to six diseases caused by Liver Qi stagnation and their medication. Liver Qi stagnation can lead to various diseases; therefore, when dealing with such patients, in addition to recommending appropriate medications, correctly guiding the patient’s emotions is also a good way to promote recovery.
Chapter 3 Health Foods Since July 2005, health foods approved in China are mainly divided into two categories: one is nutrient supplements that provide vitamins and minerals. The second is health foods with specific health functions, which are divided into 27 categories, including assisting in lowering blood lipids, assisting in lowering blood sugar, assisting in lowering blood pressure, antioxidant, assisting in improving memory, promoting lead excretion, soothing the throat, promoting lactation, weight loss, improving growth and development, improving nutritional anemia, regulating intestinal flora, promoting digestion, relieving constipation, providing auxiliary protection against gastric mucosal damage, alleviating visual fatigue, treating acne, removing chloasma, improving skin moisture, improving skin oiliness, enhancing immunity, improving sleep, alleviating physical labor, increasing hypoxia tolerance, providing auxiliary protection against radiation damage, increasing bone density, and providing auxiliary protection against chemical liver damage. In June 2012, the National Food and Drug Administration released the “Adjustment Plan for the Scope of Health Food Functions” (draft for comments), proposing to cancel 4 of the existing 27 functions (improving growth and development, providing auxiliary protection against radiation damage, assisting in lowering blood pressure, improving skin oiliness), merging 4 functions related to gastrointestinal function into 1 (assisting in improving gastrointestinal function), and merging 3 functions related to improving facial skin metabolism into 1 (assisting in promoting facial skin health), resulting in a final determination of 18 functions. Nutrition refers to the total process of the human body digesting, absorbing, and utilizing nutrients from food to maintain growth, development, tissue renewal, and health. Nutrients refer to substances with nutritional functions, including water, carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), health is a state of well-being in physical, mental, and social adaptation, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. There are 13 universally recognized health indicators: vitality, cheerful personality, normal height and weight, smooth and shiny hair, strong and light pink nails, pink tongue, good appetite, normal body temperature, pulse, and respiratory rate, healthy skin, normal urination and defecation, resistance to disease, bright eyes, pink conjunctiva, and healthy gums and oral mucosa. Sub-health refers to a state of health overdrawn, where the body experiences various discomforts, manifested as easy fatigue, decline in physical strength, adaptability, and resilience, but without any organic lesions being found. Section 1 Protein (Amino Acids) Protein is the material basis of life; without protein, there is no life. Therefore, it is closely related to life and various forms of life activities. Every cell in the body and all important components involve protein. Protein accounts for 16.3% of body mass; for an adult weighing 60 kg, there is about 9.8 kg of protein in the body. There are many types of proteins in the human body, with different properties and functions, but they are all composed of more than 20 amino acids in varying proportions, undergoing continuous metabolism and renewal in the body. Amino acids are the basic units that make up proteins, formed by polypeptide chains through “dehydration condensation” that fold into a specific spatial structure. 1. Physiological Functions 1. Constructing the human body: Protein is the material basis of all life, an important component of body cells, and the main raw material for tissue renewal and repair. 2. Repairing body tissues: The human body consists of trillions of cells, which can be considered the smallest unit of life, constantly undergoing metabolism of aging, death, and rebirth. 3. Maintaining normal metabolism and the transport of various substances in the body: Carrier proteins are crucial for maintaining normal life activities, transporting various substances in the body. 4. Synthesizing immune cells and immune proteins: Used to synthesize white blood cells, lymphocytes, macrophages, antibodies (immunoglobulins), complement, interferon, etc. 5. Forming neurotransmitters: Acetylcholine and serotonin are used to maintain normal functions of the nervous system, such as taste, vision, and memory. 6. Forming collagen, which accounts for 1/3 of body protein, generating connective tissues that form the body’s framework, such as bones, blood vessels, ligaments, etc., determining skin elasticity and protecting the brain (a large part of brain cells are collagen cells, forming the blood-brain barrier to protect the brain). 7. Providing energy for life activities. 2. Hazards of Protein Deficiency Protein deficiency often occurs simultaneously with energy deficiency, known as protein-energy malnutrition. Protein-energy malnutrition can be divided into two types: wasting-type malnutrition and edema-type malnutrition. The former results from long-term dietary deficiency of energy, protein, and other nutrients; the latter is mainly caused by a lack of protein in the diet, with most affected children falling between the two types. Wasting-type malnutrition initially presents as no weight gain or even weight loss. In the early stages of malnutrition, if only the face is examined without a full-body check, it is difficult to detect wasting. Affected children often cry a lot, are irritable, and then become dull. Initially, their appetite is good, but it decreases to the point of disappearance, often accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea as acute gastrointestinal disturbances. Edema-type malnutrition is characterized by edema, which is symmetrical on both sides, initially seen in the lower limbs, especially the dorsum of the foot. In addition, affected children often show weakness and mental depression, dry and cool skin, dry and yellow hair that easily falls out, and slow nail growth. 3. Related Products Protein powder, whey protein powder, collagen powder, hydrolyzed protein tablets, amino acid oral solutions, etc. (not suitable for those with liver and kidney dysfunction, or nephritis patients). Section 2 Carbohydrates Carbohydrates are the most abundant and widely distributed class of important organic compounds in nature. They are mainly composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen; glucose, sucrose, starch, and cellulose belong to carbohydrate compounds. 1. Physiological Functions 1. Providing and storing energy: Each gram of glucose produces 16.8 kJ of heat; glucose is the main energy source for the nervous system; brain activity relies on aerobic oxidation of sugar for heat, with 2/3 of blood sugar consumed by the brain; glycogen in muscles and liver, etc. 2. Participating in the composition or forming important life substances: Glycolipids formed from sugars and fats are important components of cell membranes and nervous tissues; glycoproteins formed from sugars and proteins are components of antibodies, enzymes, hormones, nucleic acids, etc. 3. Participating in the metabolism of other nutrients: Anti-ketogenic effect—normal metabolism of fats in the body requires the participation of carbohydrates; insufficient carbohydrates lead to incomplete fat oxidation, producing excessive ketone bodies (acetone, acetic acid, etc.), resulting in ketosis; adequate carbohydrates have an anti-ketogenic effect. 4. Saving and protecting proteins: Insufficient carbohydrates in the diet force the body to use proteins to meet energy needs, which affects the body’s ability to synthesize new proteins and renew tissues. Therefore, the minimum intake of carbohydrates for weight loss patients or diabetics should not be less than 150 g of staple food. 5. Participating in the liver’s detoxification function: Sufficient liver glycogen enhances the liver’s detoxification of certain harmful substances such as bacterial toxins; when glycogen is insufficient, the body’s detoxification of harmful substances like alcohol and arsenic is weakened, and glucuronic acid directly participates in liver detoxification. 6. Maintaining normal function of brain cells: Glucose is an essential nutrient for maintaining normal brain function; when blood sugar levels drop, brain tissue may suffer from energy deficiency, impairing brain cell function, leading to dizziness, palpitations, cold sweats, and even coma. 2. Relationship between Sugar Intake and Diseases 1. Excessive intake of monosaccharides and sucrose can easily induce dental caries, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes. 2. Lactose intolerance. 3. Food Sources 1. Starch polysaccharides: Mainly found in plant-based foods. 2. Vegetables and fruits contain certain monosaccharides, disaccharides, as well as cellulose and pectin. Section 3 Unsaturated Fatty Acids Unsaturated fatty acids are a type of fatty acid that constitutes fats in the body and are essential fatty acids. In dietary fats, monounsaturated fatty acids include oleic acid, while polyunsaturated fatty acids include linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, and arachidonic acid. The body cannot synthesize linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid, which must be supplemented through diet. 1. Physiological Functions 1. Maintaining the relative fluidity of cell membranes to ensure normal physiological functions of cells. 2. Esterifying cholesterol, lowering blood cholesterol and triglycerides, reducing blood viscosity, and improving microcirculation. Regulating blood lipids, lowering blood pressure, and preventing cardiovascular diseases. 3. Enhancing brain cell activity, improving memory, preventing age-related forgetfulness, and enhancing memory and thinking abilities in adolescents. 2. Symptoms of Insufficient Unsaturated Fatty Acids in the Diet 1. Increased low-density lipoprotein and low-density cholesterol in the blood, leading to atherosclerosis and inducing cardiovascular diseases. 2. Omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids are important nutrients for the brain and brain nerves; insufficient intake will affect memory and thinking abilities, impacting intellectual development in infants and leading to dementia in the elderly. Excessive intake in the diet can interfere with the synthesis of growth factors, cytoplasm, and lipoproteins, especially excessive omega-6 unsaturated fatty acids can interfere with the utilization of omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids, easily inducing tumors. 3. Related Products Deep-sea fish oil soft capsules, wheat germ oil nutritional soft capsules (this product cannot replace medication. Not suitable for children, pregnant women, and those with bleeding disorders). Section 4 Minerals Minerals (also known as inorganic salts) are the totality of inorganic substances in the human body, natural compounds or elements that exist in the earth’s crust. Like vitamins, minerals are essential elements for the human body, which cannot be produced or synthesized by the body. The daily intake of minerals is also basically determined, but it varies with age, gender, physical condition, environment, and work conditions. Essential minerals for the human body include calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and chlorine, which are required in larger amounts, and iron, zinc, copper, manganese, cobalt, molybdenum, selenium, iodine, chromium, etc., which are required in smaller amounts. However, regardless of the element, they are present in very small quantities compared to the protein required by the body. 1. Calcium The calcium element in the human body mainly exists in the form of hydroxyapatite crystals in bones and teeth. Minerals in our body account for about 5% of body weight, with calcium accounting for about 2% of body weight. Most of the body’s calcium is distributed in bones and teeth, accounting for about 99% of the total amount, with the remaining 1% distributed in blood, interstitial fluid, and soft tissues. (1) Physiological Functions 1. 99% of calcium is used to maintain the health of bones and teeth. 2. 1% of calcium is distributed in blood, interstitial fluid, and soft tissues. Maintaining calcium concentration in the blood is crucial for normal life activities. 3. Calcium deficiency reduces the elasticity and toughness of soft tissues. Lack of elasticity in the skin can make it appear saggy and aged; lack of elasticity in the eye lens can lead to myopia and presbyopia; lack of elasticity in blood vessels can lead to hardening. 4. Reducing the excitability of nerve cells, making calcium a natural sedative. Calcium deficiency can lead to neurogenic migraines (10%-20% in women), restlessness, insomnia, and in infants, it can cause night terrors, night crying, and night sweats. Additionally, calcium deficiency can induce hyperactivity in children. 5. Strengthening the conduction function of the nervous system, aiding in the production and release of neurotransmitters. 6. Maintaining normal excitability of muscle nerves; elevated blood calcium can inhibit muscle and nerve excitability; when blood calcium is below 70 mg/L, excitability of nerves and muscles increases, leading to convulsions. Irritable bowel syndrome and dysmenorrhea are significantly related to calcium deficiency. 7. Reducing (regulating) the permeability of cells and capillaries. Calcium deficiency can easily lead to allergies, edema, etc. 8. Promoting the activity of various enzymes in the body; calcium deficiency weakens the secretion of gland cells. (2) Consequences of Calcium Deficiency Modern medical research has proven that calcium deficiency can cause physiological disorders in the body, leading to a series of serious diseases. Here are some major diseases related to calcium deficiency. 1. Hypertension: Calcium deficiency can cause abnormal calcium influx, leading to abnormal calcium accumulation in vascular wall cells and smooth muscle cells, causing vascular contraction, increased peripheral vascular resistance, and abnormal elevation of blood pressure. 2. Coronary heart disease: Calcium can also lower cholesterol levels in the blood, thus protecting the heart. High-calcium foods can reduce total cholesterol by 6%, with low-density lipoprotein decreasing by 11%, while the beneficial high-density lipoprotein remains unchanged. Scholars believe that long-term severe calcium deficiency can lead to coronary heart disease. 3. Osteoporosis: Long-term calcium deficiency in the body can lead to negative calcium balance, which is another serious consequence of osteoporosis. Many studies have shown that increasing calcium intake has a significant effect in slowing down bone loss and reducing the fracture rate caused by osteoporosis, especially when taken with vitamin D, the effect is particularly significant. Calcium supplementation should begin during puberty when bone mass is being formed for better results. (3) Related Products Liquid calcium soft capsules, calcium chewable tablets, collagen calcium, oyster calcium, etc. Section 2 Iron Iron is an essential trace element in the human body, with a total amount of 4-5 g, and is an important component of hemoglobin. It is needed throughout the body, existing in red blood cells that supply oxygen to muscles. Additionally, it is a component of many enzymes and immune system compounds. (1) Physiological Functions 1. Iron is one of the components of hemoglobin and myoglobin, significantly influencing oxygen transport, storage, and energy metabolism, and can prevent anemia caused by insufficient hematopoiesis. 2. Iron catalyzes the conversion of beta-carotene to vitamin A, the synthesis of purines and collagen, the production of antibodies, the transport of lipids from the blood, and the detoxification of drugs in the liver. 3. Iron is closely related to immunity; it can enhance the body’s immune response, increase the phagocytic function of neutrophils and macrophages, and improve the body’s resistance to infections. (2) Consequences of Iron Deficiency 1. Iron-deficiency anemia: Insufficient oxygen supply to cells leads to fatigue and weakness, significantly reducing the body’s work capacity, making it more susceptible to infections. Severe anemia can increase morbidity in children and mothers. 2. Behavioral and cognitive aspects: Iron deficiency can impair psychological activity and cognitive development, leading to behavioral changes. Iron deficiency (even before anemia occurs) can damage children’s cognitive abilities, and even after iron supplementation, recovery may be difficult. 3. Temperature regulation: Another characteristic of iron-deficiency anemia is impaired ability to maintain body temperature in cold environments. 4. Lead poisoning: Animal and human experiments have shown that iron deficiency increases lead absorption. 5. Impact on the immune system: Reduced ability to resist pathogenic microorganisms. (3) Related Products Iron folate tablets, heme iron supplements, etc. Section 3 Zinc Zinc is an essential element in the human body, playing an important role. An adult has about 2-2.5 g of zinc in their body, with the highest concentrations found in the eyes, hair, bones, and male reproductive organs; moderate amounts are found in the kidneys, liver, and muscles. About 75%-85% of zinc in the blood is in red blood cells, 3%-5% in white blood cells, and the rest in plasma. (1) Physiological Functions 1. A component of over 100 enzymes in the body: These enzymes play important roles in tissue respiration and the metabolism of proteins, fats, sugars, and nucleic acids. 2. Participating in the composition of salivary proteins: Zinc deficiency can lead to dull taste and decreased appetite. 3. Promoting normal development of reproductive organs and maintaining normal sexual function: Zinc deficiency can lead to delayed sexual maturation, underdevelopment of reproductive organs, decreased sexual function, reduced sperm count, and irregular menstruation. 4. Protecting skin health: Zinc deficiency can lead to rough, dry skin, epithelial keratinization, and slow wound healing, making it more susceptible to infections. 5. Maintaining immune function: Due to zinc’s role in DNA synthesis, zinc deficiency leads to reduced proliferation of immune cells and decreased thymic activity. Due to zinc’s role in antioxidant biochemical enzymes, zinc deficiency alters cell surface receptors. 6. Other functions: Zinc helps eliminate cholesterol from the body, preventing and treating atherosclerosis; it also helps inhibit cancer occurrence. (2) Consequences of Zinc Deficiency When children experience chronic zinc deficiency, the main manifestation is growth stagnation. In adolescents, in addition to growth stagnation, there may also be delayed sexual maturation, underdevelopment of reproductive organs, and underdevelopment of secondary sexual characteristics. If zinc deficiency occurs in pregnant women, it can affect fetal growth and development, leading to various deformities. Both children and adults with zinc deficiency can experience decreased taste and appetite, leading to pica. Common signs of zinc deficiency in humans include slow growth, poor wound healing, taste disorders, gastrointestinal diseases, and reduced immune function; thus, zinc supplementation is very important. (3) Related Products Zinc gluconate, licorice zinc preparations, etc. Section 4 Phosphorus Phosphorus is widely present in the human body, with a relatively high content, slightly less than calcium. It accounts for about 1% of total body weight, with adults containing 600-900 g of phosphorus. About 85.7% of phosphorus in the body is concentrated in bones and teeth, with the rest distributed throughout various tissues and body fluids, half of which is found in muscle tissue. It not only constitutes body components but also participates in very important metabolic processes in life, making it a crucial element for the body. (1) Physiological Functions 1. An important raw material for building bones and teeth. 2. Phosphate is a component of important life substances, promoting growth and repair of body tissues and organs. 3. Participating in metabolic processes, assisting in the metabolism of fats and starches, providing energy and vitality. 4. Participating in the regulation of acid-base balance in the body. 5. Patients with hyperthyroidism need to supplement phosphorus. (2) Consequences of Phosphorus Deficiency 1. Phosphorus deficiency can lead to rickets and purulent gingivitis. 2. Phosphorus deficiency can cause weakness, fatigue, muscle soreness, and loss of appetite. (3) Related Products Soy lecithin soft capsules, soybean phospholipid soft capsules, fish oil phospholipid soft capsules, etc. Section 5 Vitamins 1. Vitamin A Vitamin A is a collective term for all biologically active derivatives of beta-carotene, also known as retinol. Its best sources are various animal livers, fish liver oil, fish roe, whole milk, cream, and poultry eggs. Additionally, there are plant sources that can convert into vitamin A in the body, such as beta-carotene. The measurement unit for vitamin A is the international unit (IU). In 1965, the World Health Organization recommended discontinuing the use of international units and directly using retinol. 1 IU of vitamin A = 0.3 μg of retinol. (1) Physiological Functions 1. Maintaining vision: Vitamin A promotes the formation of photopigments in visual cells, adjusting the eye’s ability to adapt to varying light intensities, reducing the occurrence of night blindness and vision impairment, and maintaining normal visual responses, effectively preventing night blindness and dry eye diseases (such as treating dry eyes and conjunctivitis). 2. Promoting growth and development: Related to retinol’s regulation of genes, retinol also has steroid hormone-like effects, promoting the synthesis of glycoproteins. It promotes growth and development, strengthens bones, and maintains the health of hair, teeth, and gums. 3. Maintaining the integrity and health of epithelial structures: Vitamin A can regulate the growth of epithelial tissue cells, maintaining the normal morphology and function of epithelial tissues; keeping the skin moist, preventing dryness and keratinization of skin mucosa, making it less susceptible to bacterial damage, aiding in the treatment of acne, pustules, and skin ulcers, and helping to remove age spots; it helps maintain the health of the surface of tissues or organs. 4. Enhancing immune capacity: Vitamin A helps maintain normal immune system function, strengthening resistance to infectious diseases, especially respiratory infections and parasitic infections; it also aids in the treatment of emphysema and hyperthyroidism. Vitamin A also has certain antioxidant effects, neutralizing harmful free radicals. (2) Vitamin A Deficiency Disease Vitamin A deficiency disease is a nutritional disorder caused by a lack of vitamin A in the body. In children, vitamin A deficiency first manifests as night blindness, followed by keratinization of the entire epithelial tissue and secondary infections. Causes include insufficient intake, poor absorption, excessive consumption, and metabolic obstruction (this disease is more common in infants and young children). Clinical manifestations include: 1. Decreased dark adaptation ability, night blindness, dry conjunctiva, and dry eye disease, leading to corneal softening and perforation, resulting in blindness. 2. Changes in mucous membranes and epithelium. 3. Growth and development are hindered, making one susceptible to respiratory infections. 4. Diminished taste and smell, decreased appetite. 5. Dry, rough hair, keratinization of hair follicles, decreased memory, irritability, and insomnia. (3) Related Products Multivitamin tablets, beta-carotene soft capsules, cod liver oil soft capsules, etc. 2. Vitamin D Vitamin D is a steroid derivative with anti-rickets effects, also known as the anti-rickets vitamin. The most important members of the vitamin D family are vitamin D2 and vitamin D3. They have the following two characteristics: they exist in some natural foods; after exposure to ultraviolet light, cholesterol in the body can be converted into vitamin D. (1) Physiological Functions Vitamin D exerts its effects mainly by promoting calcium absorption, thereby regulating various physiological functions. The main physiological functions of vitamin D include: 1. Increasing the body’s absorption of calcium and phosphorus, saturating the levels of plasma calcium and phosphorus. 2. Promoting growth and calcification of bones, ensuring healthy teeth. 3. Increasing phosphorus absorption through the intestinal wall and enhancing phosphorus reabsorption through renal tubules. 4. Maintaining normal levels of citrates in the blood. 5. Preventing the loss of amino acids through the kidneys. (2) Consequences of Vitamin D Deficiency Vitamin D deficiency can lead to rickets, tetany, osteomalacia, and osteoporosis. Some medications can also affect calcium absorption, such as phenobarbital, which can increase the metabolism of vitamin D, accelerating the excretion of its inactive metabolites and reducing the storage of vitamin D in the body. Phenytoin affects calcium-binding proteins, inhibiting calcium absorption. Long-term use of antiepileptic drugs can lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and lead to osteomalacia. Long-term use of certain sleeping pills in non-epileptic patients can also lead to osteoporosis. Patients should be supplemented with physiological amounts of vitamin D early. (3) Related Products Calcium plus D chewable tablets, calcium vitamin D soft capsules, etc. 3. Vitamin E Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin, also known as tocopherol, and is one of the main antioxidants. (1) Physiological Functions 1. Promoting the secretion of pituitary gland hormones; promoting sperm production and activity; increasing ovarian function, leading to an increase in follicles, enlargement of luteal cells, and enhancement of progesterone action. Deficiency can damage reproductive organs, making fertilization difficult or causing habitual abortion. 2. Improving lipid metabolism; deficiency can lead to increased plasma cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG), forming atherosclerosis. 3. Sensitive to oxygen, easily oxidized, thus protecting other easily oxidized substances, such as unsaturated fatty acids, vitamin A, and ATP, etc. Reducing the generation of peroxidized lipids, protecting body cells from free radical damage, and fully exerting the specific physiological functions of the protected substances. 4. Stabilizing cell membranes and intracellular lipid components, reducing the fragility of red blood cells, preventing hemolysis. Deficiency can lead to hemolytic anemia. 5. Anti-aging and beauty, can eliminate the deposition of lipofuscin in cells, improve normal cell function, slow down the aging process of tissue cells, keep skin elastic, and maintain body vitality. (2) Consequences of Vitamin E Deficiency Can lead to destruction of red blood cells, degeneration of skin and muscle, hemolytic anemia, and reproductive dysfunction. (3) Related Products Natural vitamin E soft capsules, wheat germ oil nutritional soft capsules, etc. 4. Vitamin B Vitamin B includes vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, niacin, pantothenic acid, folic acid, etc. These B vitamins are essential substances for promoting metabolism in the body, converting sugars, fats, and proteins into heat. (1) Physiological Functions 1. The energy required by the body’s muscles and nerves is mainly provided by carbohydrates, making them the most susceptible to stress. Sufficient B vitamins allow nerve cells to have abundant energy, alleviating anxiety and tension, increasing tolerance to noise, etc.; conversely, it leads to decreased ability to cope with stress, even causing neuritis. 2. Closely related to the metabolism of sugars, proteins, and fats, maintaining and improving epithelial tissues, such as the epithelial tissues of the eyes and digestive tract mucosa. Severe deficiency can lead to visual fatigue, corneal congestion, angular cheilitis, etc. When angular cheilitis occurs, doctors often recommend patients take vitamin B2. 3. Poor fat metabolism can lead to seborrheic dermatitis, acne, and supplementation with B vitamins can have good effects. 4. Deficiency of B vitamins can lead to intestinal motility disorders, poor secretion of digestive juices, causing dyspepsia, constipation, halitosis, and foul-smelling stools. 5. Niacin forms coenzymes for dehydrogenases in the body, playing an important role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats; severe deficiency can lead to neurological, skin, and gastrointestinal diseases, known as pellagra, also called the three D’s, manifested as dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia. 6. Helping body tissues utilize oxygen, promoting the oxygen supply to skin, nails, and hair tissues, and eliminating or improving dandruff. 7. Detoxifying alcohol and nicotine, alleviating headaches, migraines, and protecting the liver. 8. Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anemia and neurological disorders. (2) Consequences of Vitamin B Deficiency 1. Loss of appetite, gastrointestinal diseases, dry hair, memory decline, and muscle cramps (spasms) may indicate a possible deficiency of vitamin B1. 2. Vitamin B2 deficiency can lead to inflammation and dysfunction of the mouth, lips, skin, and reproductive organs, known as vitamin B2 deficiency disease, also called riboflavin deficiency disease. 3. Lack of niacin can easily lead to oral inflammation, dermatitis, microvascular proliferation, and pellagra. 4. Vitamin B6 deficiency can prevent ingested food from being fully broken down, leading to ineffective absorption of nutrients, while a large amount of undigested food in the body can produce many toxins. (3) Related Products Compound B vitamin tablets, brewer’s yeast tablets, etc. 5. Vitamin C (1) Physiological Functions 1. The synthesis of collagen requires the participation of vitamin C; thus, vitamin C deficiency leads to abnormal collagen synthesis, resulting in cell connection disorders. 2. Preventing vitamin C deficiency disease (also known as scurvy): The strength of blood vessel walls is closely related to vitamin C. Microvessels are the smallest blood vessels, with walls that may be only one cell thick; their strength and elasticity are determined by collagen, which connects cells. 3. Preventing gum recession and bleeding. Healthy gums tightly surround each tooth. Gums are soft tissue, and when lacking protein, calcium, and vitamin C, they are prone to recession and bleeding. 4. Preventing atherosclerosis. It can promote the excretion of cholesterol, preventing cholesterol from depositing in the arterial walls, and can even dissolve deposited atherosclerotic plaques. 5. Vitamin C is a powerful water-soluble antioxidant. It can protect other antioxidants, such as vitamin A, vitamin E, and unsaturated fatty acids, preventing free radical damage to the body. 6. Treating anemia: It reduces trivalent iron, which is difficult to absorb and utilize, to divalent iron, promoting intestinal absorption of iron and improving the liver’s utilization of iron, aiding in the treatment of iron-deficiency anemia. 7. Protecting cells, detoxifying, and protecting the liver: In human life activities, ensuring the integrity of cells and normal metabolism is crucial. 8. Enhancing the body’s immunity: White blood cells contain abundant vitamin C; when the body is infected, vitamin C in white blood cells decreases sharply. Vitamin C can enhance the chemotaxis and deformability of neutrophils, improving their bactericidal ability. 9. Vitamin C can promote the dissolution of urate salts in the tissues of gout patients, reducing the uric acid content in the body and preventing kidney uric acid stones and other diseases. (2) Suitable Populations 1. Individuals with poor constitution, low resistance, easy fatigue, and prone to colds need to increase their vitamin C intake. 2. Those working in polluted environments: Individuals with high vitamin C levels in their bodies are almost never reabsorbed lead, cadmium, chromium, and other harmful elements. 3. Smokers: Consuming foods rich in vitamin C helps improve cell resistance, maintain vascular elasticity, and eliminate nicotine from the body. 4. Those engaged in intense exercise and high-intensity labor: These individuals lose a lot of vitamin C through sweating and should be supplemented in a timely manner. 5. Patients with vitamin C deficiency disease: This is caused by a lack of vitamin C in the diet, leading to poor connective tissue formation and increased fragility of capillary walls, requiring increased intake of vitamin C-rich foods. 6. Individuals with facial pigmentation: Vitamin C has antioxidant effects, and supplementation can inhibit the formation of pigmentation and promote its regression. 7. Individuals on long-term medication: Taking aspirin, sleeping pills, anti-tumor drugs, tetracycline, calcium supplements, contraceptives, antihypertensives, etc., can reduce vitamin C in the body and cause other adverse reactions, requiring timely supplementation. 8. Cataract patients: Vitamin C is a nutritional element for the lens in the eye; insufficient intake of vitamin C is one of the factors leading to cataracts, and patients should supplement vitamin C. (3) Related Products Vitamin C lozenges, natural compound vitamin C chewable tablets, cherry extract, etc. Section 6 Dietary Fiber Dietary fiber is a type of edible plant component that cannot be digested and absorbed in the human small intestine but can be partially or completely fermented in the human large intestine, including polysaccharides, oligosaccharides, lignin, and related plant substances. It can be divided into two basic types based on solubility in water: soluble fiber and insoluble fiber. Common foods rich in soluble fiber include barley, legumes, carrots, citrus fruits, flaxseeds, oats, and oat bran. Soluble fiber can slow down digestion and the rapid excretion of cholesterol, helping to regulate immune system function and promote the excretion of toxic heavy metals from the body. 1. Physiological Functions 1. Preventing and treating constipation: Dietary fiber has a large volume, promoting intestinal peristalsis and reducing the time food stays in the intestines, with moisture that is not easily absorbed. Dietary fiber is fermented by bacteria in the large intestine, directly absorbing moisture from the fiber, softening stools, and promoting bowel movements. 2. Beneficial for weight loss: Generally, obesity is related to increased caloric intake or decreased physical activity. Increasing the dietary fiber content can reduce caloric intake, and dietary fiber can prevent the absorption of some sugars and lipids in the small intestine, ultimately leading to fat consumption and weight loss. 3. Preventing and treating hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids occur due to constipation, causing prolonged blood stasis and accumulation. Due to the laxative effect of dietary fiber, it can reduce pressure around the anus, promoting smooth blood flow and thus preventing and treating hemorrhoids. 4. Lowering blood lipids and preventing coronary heart disease: Some components of dietary fiber, such as pectin, can bind to cholesterol, while lignin can bind to bile acids, leading to their excretion in feces, thus consuming cholesterol in the body to replenish the cholesterol used in bile, thereby lowering cholesterol and preventing coronary heart disease. 5. Improving symptoms of diabetes: Pectin in dietary fiber can extend the time food stays in the intestines, reducing the speed of glucose absorption, preventing rapid spikes in blood sugar after meals, which is beneficial for improving diabetes. 2. Suitable Populations 1. Individuals with irregular bowel movements and constipation. 2. Obese individuals needing to control their weight. 3. Diabetic patients. 4. Individuals with pigmentation and dull facial complexion. 3. Related Products Dietary fiber tablets, etc. Section 7 Plant Extracts 1. Anthocyanins Anthocyanins are widely found in the tissues of purple sweet potatoes, grapes, blood oranges, red cabbage, blueberries, eggplant skin, cherries, red oranges, red raspberries, strawberries, mulberry skin, perilla, black (red) rice, and morning glories. Fundamentally, anthocyanins are powerful antioxidants that can protect the body from damage caused by harmful substances called free radicals. Anthocyanins can enhance vascular elasticity, improve the circulatory system, and enhance skin smoothness; they help prevent various diseases related to free radicals; enhance the immune system’s ability to resist carcinogens; reduce the frequency of colds and shorten their duration; have anti-inflammatory effects, thus preventing inflammation, including arthritis and swelling; alleviate pollen allergies and other allergic symptoms; maintain the normal flexibility of blood cells, helping red blood cells pass through small capillaries. Therefore, they enhance overall blood circulation, benefiting various organs and systems in the body and enhancing cell vitality. Suitable for those needing antioxidants, anti-aging, beauty, maintaining skin whiteness, moisture, and elasticity, urban white-collar workers who spend long hours on computers and mobile phones, and individuals with cardiovascular diseases. 2. Soy Isoflavones Soy isoflavones are a type of flavonoid compound mainly found in leguminous plants, formed as secondary metabolites during soybean growth. Due to their similar structure to estrogen, soy isoflavones are also known as phytoestrogens, which can compensate for the deficiency of female estrogen secretion after the age of 30, improving skin moisture and elasticity, alleviating menopausal syndrome, and improving osteoporosis, allowing women to regain youthful charm. The estrogenic effects of soy isoflavones influence hormone secretion, metabolic biological activity, protein synthesis, and growth factor activity, making them natural cancer chemopreventive agents. Suitable populations: adult women who wish to delay aging (skin sagging, roughness, lack of luster, increased pigmentation), and peri-menopausal women experiencing symptoms such as menstrual irregularities, insomnia, and dry skin. Not suitable for children and pregnant women. 3. Allicin Allicin has various biological activities and is known as a natural broad-spectrum antibiotic, with antifungal and antibacterial properties, and has good anti-cancer, cancer-preventive, and immune-enhancing effects. Clinically used for fungal infections of the lungs and digestive tract, cryptococcal meningitis, and acute and chronic bacterial dysentery and enteritis. It also lowers blood cholesterol, triglycerides, and lipoproteins, improving cardiovascular health, lowering blood lipids, blood pressure, and preventing and treating atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases. Suitable for individuals with low immunity; middle-aged and elderly individuals with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and coronary heart disease; those needing to resist viruses and eliminate blood and intestinal toxins. Not suitable for children. 4. Spirulina Spirulina, also known as blue-green algae, is a spiral-shaped algal plant with extremely high nutritional value and good health benefits. Spirulina is rich in gamma-linolenic acid, beta-carotene (10 times that of carrots), phycocyanin, polysaccharides, and other nutrients, which have good auxiliary effects in treating diseases. Spirulina is an alkaline food (pH 7-9), and many stomach diseases are caused by excessive stomach acid; it can effectively neutralize stomach acid and improve gastritis and gastric ulcers. It is rich in vitamin B1, B2, B3, pantothenic acid, and zinc, promoting the synthesis and secretion of insulin, making it a nemesis for diabetes; it contains over 60% high-quality protein and various vitamins and minerals, which can assist in improving liver diseases; 1 g of spirulina has the nutritional value equivalent to 1 kg of various vegetables. Suitable populations: children and adolescents in growth and development; elderly and weak individuals with insufficient nutrient absorption; dieters; those with unreasonable dietary combinations; individuals with anemia and calcium deficiency due to unbalanced nutrient absorption; and those recovering from illness. Related products: grape seed soft capsules, soy isoflavone capsules, allicin soft capsules, garlic treasure soft capsules, spirulina nutritional tablets, etc.
>> The above information is sourced from the internet, organized by the Pharmacy Education Network, and is for reference by professionals only.
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