As a nation we spend millions of pounds on them (nearly £400 million in fact in 2010!) & we all probably have at least one tub of something sat in the kitchen cupboard, but are supplements really that important to our health?
Research shows that supplementing a well balanced diet can be very benefical for all manner of reasons. It is true that a well balanced diet must also form the basis to anyone’s health but there are areas of nutrition were supplementing can fill a very important gap.
Despite trying to eat a well balanced diet, the stresses of modern society means that many of us pick up something in a rush & don’t think twive about eating something on the go which can be very stressful on the digestive system. Farming techniques & fast food also means that many of us are probably not getting enough of the vital nutrition through our food which our relatives of a generation ago would have done. Selenium levels for example have decreased considerably in the soils in the UK which means that selenium levels found in our food has also decreased.
To correct a nutritional deficiency can be rectified through dietary changes & supplementation & this is something that could be addressed through working with a nutritionist for example or other health practitioner. However, for the grand majority of us there are a few supplements which I would recommend to everyone and which I do for most of my patients in clinic.
Multivitamin & Mineral Supplement
High Strength Vitamin C (1000mg) to help boost the immune system
Essential Fatty Acids ~ so many people try & avoid fat as they think it is not healthy. That’s true for some fats but the “healthy fats” are vital for so many bodily functions & should be consumed on a daily basis. Eating oily fish 3 times a week aswell as nuts & seeds will add these essential fats to your diet but if you don’t eat these regularly you may be deficient. Flaxseed or concentrated fish oils providing EPA & DHA for omega 3 whilst for omega 6 this means supplementing a source of GLA such as borage oil (starflower oil) or evening primrose oil or borage oil.
I consider these are the building blocks for a supplement programme which can be added to accordingly such as more antioxidants for the immune system or supplements to help life your mood or deal with stress.
About The Author Rachel Foy is a homeopath & nutritional therapist and is the owner of www.TheNaturalRemedyCompany – proving homeopathic, herbal & nutritional supplements for all the family including pets.
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