A supplement, by definition, is something that accompanies
something essential. But, in some cases, nutritional
supplements can themselves be an essential part of a healthy
nutrition regimen.
Whether because of a busy life style, or an individual genetic
or physiological condition, there are those who benefit from
nutritional supplements.
Everyone requires a certain amount of vital biochemicals, with
the proportion varying within a narrow range for almost
everyone.
But diet doesn't always supply those amounts, even when a
sincere effort is made to eat properly. Some have rigorous
exercise routines, others are forced to a more sedentary
lifestyle because of work and family life.
Most importantly, every individual is unique and therefore
requires a particular amount of nutrient that differs slightly
from others.
B-complex vitamins, for example, are essential for everyone.
But the proper amount will vary depending on weight and unique
physiology.
For some, an all-purpose daily vitamin pill is enough to supply
any needed amount that doesn't come from a balanced diet. The
body has a well-tuned ability, in most cases, to absorb what's
needed and slough off the rest.
For others, added amounts or specialized types are a
requirement for good health.
Vitamin C is eliminated in the urine when consumed in excess
amounts. But what is excess one day may not be enough the next,
requiring tomorrow's deficit to be made up through diet or
supplements.
Taking Vitamin C once helped eliminate the dangers of scurvy
and rickets. That's rarely a problem in developed countries
today, but there is strong evidence that it helps boost the
immune system, leading to fewer colds and infections. Past
claims overstated the facts, but Vitamin C remains a needed
element.
Many people as they get older consume much less calcium. To an
extent, that's normal and healthy. Young adults don't require
anywhere near the amounts that they did when they were infants
or young children.
But the curve picks up again later in life, as bones become
less able to manufacture the appropriate amount.
For many who are lactose intolerant, or simply don't care for
the taste of cow's or goat's milk, getting calcium in the form
of a supplement is a great way to get that essential mineral.
Omega-3 are essential fatty acids that help reduce inflammation
and prevent heart disease, to name only two benefits.
But one of the main dietary sources - fish - isn't to
everyone's taste. It's also unfortunately the case that
sometimes the local fish supply is temporarily unsafe. In those
circumstances a nutritional supplement is an excellent
alternative.
There are dozens of supplements that can help balance out
hormonal deficiencies that many women and some men suffer from.
Soy is one that can smooth out imbalances and help reduce PMS
(Premenstrual Syndrome) or menopause symptoms. Others are
helpful for thyroid imbalances.
Cortisol is another example. Naturally produced by most people
in the proper amount, some people have a deficiency due to a
gland weakened by disease, age or genetic condition.
Those low in cortisol can suffer from fatigue, aching joints
and other symptoms. Taken in the proper amounts, it can make a
huge positive lifestyle difference.
Each person should undergo rigorous testing before taking
anything more than an average daily vitamin or one of the more
common supplements.
Ginko, for example, can lead to excessive bleeding in some. You
need to know which are safe for you. But once you have the
results, taking nutritional supplements can make the difference
between mediocre and optimal health.
About The Author: http://Ydiets.
find weight loss and diet resource, links and articles. For
more information visit:www.ydiets.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Everyone Benefits From Nutritonal Supplements But Just How Much.
Choosing The Best Multi Vitamin
Choosing the best multi vitamin
Browsing any drugstore or super market to buy multi vitamins,
you will know they come in all shapes and sizes, as well as a
range of prices. Which multi vitamin is best for you? Finding
out takes time and research, especially if you want to
supplement for a vitamin deficiency brought about by disease or
illness. In this case it is worth consulting a physician and
nutritionist together to get the best vitamin advice and
nutrition plan for you. An off-the-shelf multi vitamin may not
contain the required nutrients in sufficient quantities. You
probably want a supplement that is preservative free and color
free, yet many store-bought vitamins contain these. Therefore,
one of the best tips for personal health, or in creating a
healthy eating plan, is to get custom-made multi vitamins.
Get Professional Advice and Get Informed
The first port of call should always be your physician, but you
can also see a dietician and do some research prior to visiting
the doctor's office so you will know the right questions to
ask. Due to lack of training in medical school, there are gaps
in herb and nutrition information within the medical community
so it may be useful to present the reasoning behind your
supplement needs. If you already know the predicted supplement
action, this is also useful, so the doctor is better able to
know how the supplement may act in the treatment of illness.
Most healthcare professionals will tell you to take a standard
pill, which may not be the best multi vitamin for your health,
so some evidence based research is required to find the best
vitamins, herbs and minerals for your particular situation or
health concern. Mitamins has a wealth of nutrition advice and
vitamin information from trained nutritional experts in our
Library.
Follow the Mass Market Approach or Create Your Own Nutrition
Plan?
Generally most people will take a daily multi vitamin, and
these often come as a customized formula, targeted for women's
health, senior health, or a particular health concern. It is
worth noting that formulas usually only contain the Recommended
Daily Amount (RDA) of a specific vitamin, mineral, or herb, and
that this value is the minimum dosage needed as part of a
healthy diet. Often, an illness or disease can induce a vitamin
deficiency in the body, so a dosage higher than the FDA approved
value is needed in many cases to replace vitamins, minerals, and
essential amino acids. Of course this introduces the risk of
vitamin overdose, so it is very important to seek professional
advice. Mitamins is able to use your personal health profile to
check drug-vitamin interactions, possible deficiencies, and
avoid vitamin overdose.
Choose a Method of Delivering the Nutrients
Multi vitamins now come in many forms such as gel, capsule,
chewable caps, drinks or tablets. Choosing the best vitamin
delivery method is important. Time release multi vitamins may
have some value in giving the supplement a high
bio-availability compared to tablets because they provide a
slow release of nutrients by being in the blood-stream for
longer. Mitamins' multi vitamins come in natural vegetable
capsules that are artificial color-free. Capsules are superior
to tablets in a number of ways. Mitamins easy-to-swallow
capsules dissolve quickly and are easier to digest than
tablets, providing a high bio-availability of the supplements
you need.
Taking your Multi vitamin - Get Used to it!
Less than 30% of people who buy vitamins, multi vitamins or
other supplements stick to their vitamin regime. Too many
supplement bottles end up expiring on bathroom shelves. An easy
way to solve this problem is to create an all-in-one supplement
that contains vitamins for all your health concerns,
nutritional needs, and personal health profile in a single
bottle. Mitamins is the only company now that can provide a
custom-made formula addressing all your nutritional
requirements in a single capsule supplement.
Once you create your all-in-one vitamin supplement, there are
other ways to improve "supplement compliance." Taking a multi
vitamin with meals can also help: if you get into the habit of
taking a multi vitamin with your breakfast, the supplement
routine will likely stick.
Yet Another Miracle Cure
If you are considering a multi vitamin regime, then you have
probably heard of the benefits that certain nutrients can bring
to the body. Practically every day new research is presented
telling us how certain nutrients can prevent or cure disease
such as cancer or diabetes, help weight loss, or high
cholesterol. It is always worth actually reading these
published studies yourself as results may not be repeatable
with differing dosage and personal health profiles. There is
plenty of specialist multi vitamin advice available on the
internet, so make sure your information is from a trusted
source. Try the Mitamins Blog (http://blog.
Health Forums(http://forum.
from a range of sources.
About The Author: Author Bio: Lac Tran lactran@mitamins.
Mitamins' aim is to custom-made the best natural remedies to
complement the treatment of your concerns.
http://www.mitamins