
Nutritional Supplements have become a
global multi-billion pound industry.
Many people know that good nutrition and
well- balanced diets are important for the overall good health, but believe
that they need supplements in order to achieve the best results.
The truth is, healthy foods can supply the
key ingredients nutrients needed in your body, in a way that cannot be
duplicated by any one supplement or a combination of supplements.
According to the 2015 Dietary Guidelines
for Americans, people should meet their nutritional needs primarily from
nutrient-dense foods, which contain essential vitamins, minerals, fibre, and
other naturally occurring substances.
So Should You Take Nutritional Supplements? Do they do any good?
While a well-balanced diet is the
cornerstone of good health, Research finds our plates lacking some of the essential
nutrients, including magnesium, calcium, potassium, and vitamins A, C, and D.
Also, some people cannot reach the recommended nutrient amounts without using
supplements.
Such people may need nutritional
supplements depending on their health needs. For example, pregnant women, the
elderly and people who are food insecure, facing a risk of nutrient
deficiencies.
Not everyone needs them
Always keep in mind that not everyone
needs to take supplements. Many of the supplements out there have very active ingredients
that may have side effects in the body, especially if taken with other
medicines or before surgery. Additionally, they can easily cause problems if
you have an existing health condition.
Since the manufacturers and distributors
are the ones responsible for making sure the dietary supplements are safe
before they are ready for use, it’s always best to know what you’re taking.
These 4 simple guidelines will help:
·
Read
and follow all the instructions carefully. Exceeding your dose than what is recommended
can cause harsh side effects.
·
While
some dietary supplements are well understood and established, they do not go
through a thorough testing procedure as prescription drugs, so you should
research and understand the risks and advantages of any supplement you intend
to take.
·
If
you are about to undergo any type of surgery, make sure you disclose all the
information about your dietary supplements to the doctor.
Always seek professional advice from your
professional health care provider, nutritionist or dietician before making
decisions about whether to take a supplement.
They can help determine if taking the
supplement would benefit you. In fact, they can easily help you achieve the
right balance between nutrients and foods you need.
In summary
Some nutritional supplements can help you
get enough vital substances the body needs to function. However, they should be
viewed as primarily bridging small nutrient gaps, and not as taking the place
of real foods. And before considering the supplements, ensure to consider your
individual situation and consult a doctor.
And Remember, Mayfair Cares.
Statistical Sources
https://ods.od.nih.gov/HealthInformation/DS_WhatYouNeedToKnow.aspx
http://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/dietary-supplements-do-they-help-or-hurt
https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/who-takes-dietary-supplements-and-why/
http://www.eatright.org/resource/food/vitamins-and-supplements/dietary-supplements/vi