Trending
Dear Heloise: People spend money on vitamins without knowing when and how to take them. Certain vitamins will do their job best when they are absorbed or ride along with certain foods. For example:
-- Fat: Soluble vitamins A, E, D and K are best absorbed when they are taken with fat-rich foods such as whole milk, butter, oil and yogurt. If at all possible, take them with your largest meal of the day.
-- Vitamins B and C are water-soluble and can be taken without food. When taken with food, they’re absorbed slower. What your body can't use will be eliminated through your waste product.
-- Vitamin C will have the best effect if taken little by little all day long.
-- Calcium tablets work best with vitamin D, but be very careful because excessive amounts of vitamin D can be harmful.
-- Zinc and folate tablets work well when taken together.
However, a word of warning: Before taking any of these vitamins, please consult with your doctor about whether you should be taking any vitamins at all. While vitamins can provide a benefit, they can also cause harm if they’re not taken correctly or not taken in moderation. -- Brent K., in Fayetteville, Tennessee
HAIRCARE HINTS
Dear Heloise: I have so many women tell me that their hair doesn't have any bounce. As a hairdresser, here's a hint to help you regain some volume and bounce:
Bend over at the waist and let your hair go forward. Use you hair dryer to dry the roots of your hair. Leave the ends for last, and don't overdry your hair. If you have trouble keeping the curl in your hair, just give it a very light spritz of hairspray and let it dry. Then use your curling iron to curl your hair. You'll find that your hair will grab the curl much better.
Want a little more shine to your hair? In a plastic container, squeeze out enough shampoo to wash your hair, then add the yolk of one egg, and mix it together. Wash your hair the way you usually do and rinse. The yolk will add a little extra shine. -- Sherry H., in Maryland
FADING FRECKLES
Dear Heloise: I have freckles, and I don't like them. My grandmother recommended putting lemon juice on my freckles, then sitting in the sun to fade them. But somehow this just seems too old-fashioned, and it worries me that my freckles will be too sensitive for this routine. How do I hide my freckles? -- Carrie W., in Alpena, Michigan
Carrie, you can't fade freckles, and sitting in the sun with lemon juice on your face will not do your skin any favors. Try using a sunscreen lotion with 50 SPF or above when going outside. This will at least help keep them from getting darker. Lemon juice will increase your skin's sensitivity to sunlight.
There’s also makeup that's designed to hide skin imperfections, but many people find freckles to be charming. If you can't change it, then you should try to make the best of it. Be proud of your special brand of beauty! -- Heloise
Send a money-saving or time-saving hint to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can't answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.