Nutritional Supplements - Are you getting your daily nutrition fix?

May 31
05:58

2012

Sharad Gaikwad

Sharad Gaikwad

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The world is witnessing a growing concern for health care. The importance of proper vitamin and mineral intake is gaining more importance as more and more people are opting for a healthy lifestyle as a means to deal with their hectic and stressful lives.

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Healthy living helps a person deal with the difficulties of a fast paced life better and gives them more energy to go about their day. Nutritional supplements are now being included into the daily diet of the masses. These supplements can be used to serve a number of purposes. They can be consumed in a bid to boost over all health and energy,Nutritional Supplements - Are you getting your daily nutrition fix? Articles to reduce the risk of certain illnesses, improve and protect the immune system and to treat age related conditions. It can always improve the performance of athletes and help speed up brain activity.

Keeping in the mind the average dietary needs and dominance of certain health conditions certain guide lines must be kept in mind while consuming nutritional supplements. An average human being should consume any broad spectrum multivitamin and mineral supplement at least once a day. This should provide them with a range of nutrients like B6, B12, B-complex along with folic acid, zinc, iron and copper which prevent heart diseases and improve and strengthen the immunity system. Essential fatty acids, particularly omega- 3 found in fish oil, are important as then help protect the retina and aid other brain functions. Calcium supplements are needed for those who have crossed a certain age group to strengthen their bones and prevent bone loss. These supplements are usually balanced with magnesium so that they can be better absorbed. In addition to the above, a daily dose of anti oxidants is very important and should be added to our daily supplement routine. These antioxidants include vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E and have several positive effects on the body. They slow down the ageing process keeping wrinkles at bay, reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer and boost the immune system. The dosage amount of these supplements varies depending on the product and individual needs. For most products manufactures’ guidelines, consumer information sources like magazines, websites and publications and health books can be consulted. However some supplements might require a doctor, nutrition or naturopathic physicians’ prescription.

Some Health supplements can cause allergic reactions like rashes, nausea, headaches, sweating, flushing and even stomach upset and dysentery. Sometimes herbal preparations, when taken with these supplements, react unfavorably with pharmaceutical drugs. A few things that can be kept in mind are that vitamin C should not be taken with aspirin as it causes irritation to the stomach lining and limits absorption and  minerals should only be taken only in proper proportions as too much of it can have adverse effects. Natural Supplements are best used to moderately supply the body with extra nutritional requirements and should not be taken in large doses at a time. Further consumers must be aware of false claims made by manufacturers of these supplements and reply on scientific information to validate their claims.

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