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Have you ever experienced the Niacin Flush? Let me tell you all about it!
The first time I took Niacin 500 mg I had the strangest experience! I have come to find out that this experience is very common among niacin users. First I felt little pin pricks all over the top of my head, next my ears were on fire!!! My face turned bright red including my ears and neck. The redness slowly crept down my chest all the way to my arms and legs. I felt heat all over my back and face. I can honestly say I did not like this at all and didn’t plan on taking niacin ever again. However, after much thought, I decided to give it another try. I took niacin 500 mg again, first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach and had the same experience however this time I was more accepting of the reaction. When I thought about what was happening, all my capillaries opening up and releasing toxins, I started to enjoy the feeling. I had a feeling that this was actually a good thing, getting blood flowing and moving through out the body, sending oxygen to my organs and creating heat in the body. Curious about this reaction, I decided to do some research and I found out that niacin does open up the capillaries and push blood through out the body releasing toxins. In fact, the detoxing affect is great for weight loss and also helps elevate ones mood.
Niacin has been found to be very helpful in treating the following conditions; Arthritis, high cholesterol, heart disease, senility and memory loss, Insomnia, sun sensitivity, motion sickness and more… For detailed information please see this post by Dr David Williams.
To combat the symptoms associated with Niacin, there are a few alternatives. First there is a non-flushing type of niacin available, however from what I have read this seems to be not as effective and may not have the same benefits. Another option is to take a regular aspirin 1/2 hour before taking niacin, this should help lessen the reactions. However, according to Dr. David Williams, the effectiveness of the niacin might be significantly reduced. A third option is to take niacin with food or after eating a meal. This did alleviate the symptoms for me but again I question the absorption and effectiveness of niacin when combined with food. There is good news though according to Dr David Williams “as you continue to take niacin on a regular basis, the flushing action subsides.”
As always, Please consult with your physician before taking any supplement.
Source=Dr David Williams The many Benefits of Niacin, viewed Jan 30, 2014