DineoOver the past month, I’ve shared and one of them is that supplements are still looked down upon and the evidence for their use is still controversial.
Personally, I’m still quite oblivious to their use entirely, nonetheless, while reading the book TOTALLY TERRIFIC SUPPLEMENTS – the good, the bad and the totally terrific, I came across
“In the face of new viral and bacterial threats, medical professionals now are advising people to do all they can to enhance their immune function as a
SOME KEY TERMS
Nutritional void: This means that there is a gap in human nutrition that is not filled up by the foods we eat, not only that but the food industry is filled with junk foods that have empty calories that we may be consuming but are not nutritionally adding to our bodies. Even the foods we consider “healthy” do not carry as much nutritional value as we may percieve. Hence the need to “add-in” or supplement where we fall short.
Nutrient: Chemical compounds found in food that are used by the body to function properly. Essential nutrients include vitamins, minerals and macronutrients.
Vitamin: Substances obtained naturally from organic foods and plants.
Mineral: Inorganic substances that are also absorbed through foods but not easily broken down.
Phytonutrient: Plant chemicals that are found in plants and give them their color, but also have been shown to beneficial to human health.
KEY THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND
Firstly, all nutrition should begins on your PLATE, ideally AT HOME, with HOME-MADE food. Supplementation should only fill in GAPS that we are otherwise unable to meet.
“FIRST, YOU NEED NUTRITIOUS FOOD ON YOUR PLATE, THEN YOU START LOOKING FOR THE MOST TOTALLY TERRIFIC
Totally Terrific SupplementsSUPPLEMEMT YOU CAN FIND.”
Then you can keep the following in mind:
- An Essential fatty acid supplement; You’re probably thinking ” I eat enough fish.” unfortunately we don’t get ENOUGH of this essential OMEGA-3 and OMEGA-6. We also tend to get more of OMEGA-6 through the diet so we still lack. Important for the integrity of your cell membranes and noted to be great for mental and heart health, this is ALWAYS a great supplement to have.
- A great supplement will always contain this- PHYTONUTRIENTS
- BIOFLAVONOIDS : Important for their anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine properties, for reduction of osteoporosis and more.
- CAROTENOIDS, Important for vision, protection of the skin against harmful rays of the sun amongst many other things.
KNOW THYSELF:
All differing age groups have differing needs for their age group and may need supplementation as such. Examples include:
Pregnant mothers: Folic acid and Iron supplements need to be your best friends for prevention of neural tube defects in the baby and prevention of anaemia in you.
Women in general: A vitamin B complex and a Calcium-magnesium- vitamin D complex.
Men in general: Phytonutrient specifically bioflavonoids, Vitamin C, D3, and a vitamin B complex.
Seniors: The elderly general need similar supplementation but in addition may need fiber supplementation to help maintain good bowel function.
CHILDREN: When it comes to children, it is advised to consult a healthcare provider. There is a WARNING that the book sends out though – for CHEWABLE VITAMIN C. To be careful when considering buying these as they may just be more harmful than good.
I follow this up with 10. questions to ask yourself and look for when you’re trying to find the ideal and totally terrific supplement!
My personal bottom line is this- seek professional help when you’re unsure, start by changing your own diet and getting better nutritional knowledge on what you consume, and then look for a TOTALLY TERRIFIC SUPPLEMENT- otherwise , ITS NOT WORTH YOUR MONEY!
Keep watch for the updated version of the post and please feel free to ask me any further questions.
Much Love
Dee
