Why are supplements important?
When you reach for a bottle of vitamins, you may wonder if they will work, if they are safe, or even if you need them at all. We will discuss why your body needs them and why we recommend supplements.
When we talk about dietary supplements we mean “in addition to the diet.” A nutrient is any substance that provides nourishment that is essential for growth and maintenance of life. Our bodies need vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids and other types of nutrients to live, grow and heal, but often our diets lack those nutrients, so we may need to add them in or “supplement.”
It is widely established that the best way to receive these nutrients is through a diet with lots of the right fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and proteins (meats, nuts and beans). However, many of the foods we choose to eat are processed in ways that strip away the nutrient value or add unnecessary chemicals to the finished product. Soils depleted from overproduction may also contribute to fruits, vegetables, and grains not having as high of a nutrient content as they once did. What we may not realize is that stress can also use up certain vitamins and minerals more than if we were not stressed. Other lifestyle choices can lead to depleted levels of nutrients such as too much caffeine or alcohol. Certain types of medications may rob the body of essentials. Aging reduces our body’s ability to make certain nutrients or convert them to their best-absorbed version (i.e. bio-available active forms).
With this in mind, we can understand that adding in these nutrients from a dietary supplement may be necessary, but how do we choose? It is important to know that not all supplements are made the same.
Some Simple Guidelines to Help You include:
Choose supplements from manufacturers that are science based and Certified GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices).
Choose the more bioavailable forms: activated for vitamins and chelated for minerals. This allows for better absorption and use by the body.
Don’t just choose the most expensive! While the best ones are sometimes is a little pricier, it doesn’t have to be.
It’s also important to know what your overall goal is for taking supplements because dosing can vary for each individual and goal. That’s where your pharmacist or healthcare practitioner can help guide you in what is most appropriate for you and your specific needs.
Final Tips:
Verify your supplement source is a good one, someone you trust. Using the best absorbed version can make a difference!
Store your supplements in a clean, dry, temperature stable environment. Do not store them in the bathroom! This is one of the worst environments in the home for medications. Check expiration or packaging dates on the bottle, and discard if appropriate.
Check with your pharmacist or healthcare provider for drug interactions! They are well prepared to guide, direct and counsel. Even with supplements interactions can be a big concern, so make sure it works for you before you start.
Active Life Nutrient Capsules, Vital EPA/DHA 1300 EC, Vital D3 5000 IU, Extra Strength Probiotic, Vital Magnesium