Do You Really Need Nutritional Supplements?

Do you need NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS? If you eat a diet that includes products made with sugar and white flour, the answer is absolutely yes. Even if you eat a healthy diet, the answer is yes.

FOOD CHOICES that include sugar, white flour, caffeine, sodas and not enough whole grains and fruits and vegetables don’t have the correct nutrients to begin with, and to make things worse, they deplete other necessary nutrients. Some of the nutrients simply are not in the soil as a result of modern farming techniques. Other nutrients are not in the food by the time we eat it, since nutrition declines during transit time from field to grocery store or during the process of freezing or canning.

With the PLETHORA OF PRODUCTS available, how do you decide what you need? I recommend some basic categories such as a multi-vitamin and an omega 3 oil. You will probably need other supplements depending on your health and your health goals. Some of the choices include support for brain and nerve health, good digestion, healthy joints, hormone balance, bone health, energy, immune function, healthy eyes, varicose veins, sound sleep, etc.

CHOOSING good products is the next challenge. As with anything, it is buyer beware. Look for companies with significant research behind their products along with quality raw materials. Cheaper is usually not better.

For a MULTI-VITAMIN, I particularly like “food based” supplements with lots of trace minerals. The vitamin should include the correct form of nutrients in good amounts and good ratios. For FISH OIL, I recommend those that are purified and tested for contaminants.

If you are going to take supplements, take the best that you can afford. Part of what makes the BETTER SUPPLEMENTS cost more is product quality and product testing. Quality ingredients are the correct form and have the proper array of nutrients and phytonutrients. Better companies test both raw materials and finished products.

If you don’t know what you need, GET HELP. One of the services I offer is helping people prioritize what supplements they need – other nutritionists provide similar services. Supplements are expensive, so shop wisely.