Nutritional Supplements: What? How?
Last issue, we established the importance of supplements as part of a healthy lifestyle. This issue we will address the barriers to supplement use.
The most common challenges are confusion (knowing what to take), compliance (sticking with it), and quality (getting your money's worth).
Confusion: What do I need?
- A good multi-vitamin/mineral is the bedrock of any regimen. But vitamins alone are not enough.
- The body ages and deteriorates largely as a result of cell damage caused by compounds called free radicals. Antioxidants offer the most promising defense and continue to be studied for their anti-aging and anti-cancer potential especially. Antioxidants including vitamins C and E have been linked recently to lower risk of Alzheimer's (Reuters, 24/1/04). But we need a wider range and higher doses than a multi-vitamin can provide. Hence, the antioxidant supplement.
- All adults, but particularly over the age of 35, should take a gender-specific supplement. A good women's formula can help with hormonal, urinary, and bone density issues through extra calcium, cranberry extracts, and isoflavones, for instance. A good men's formula can help with prostate, blood pressure, and heart health issues -- the primary concerns for men -- thanks to zinc, selenium, saw palmetto and other nutrients.
- Essential fatty acids such as Omega-3s are used by our bodies for tissue repair and have also been shown to benefit brain function and protect against cardiovascular disease. In addition, they are a natural lubricant. Salmon is an especially good source but with the recent news of cancer-causing pesticide levels in farm salmon (the journal Science, 9/1/04), a well-sourced and tested supplement is the smart way to go.
Compliance: How can I stick to it?
- Many people invest in supplements but fail to take them on a regular basis. In our often hectic lives, it's easy to forget or simply neglect to take them, especially when it involves juggling 3 or 4 bottles. The use of a pill organizer can help. They are available at most department stores and drug stores and can be filled once a week to make the daily routine run smoother.
- Even better, a few companies offer their supplements in packet form. Each packet contains the day's supplements sealed for freshness. Also, since the supplements in these packets were designed to work together and complement each other, we don't have to worry about the risk of overdosing on any particular vitamin or mineral. It doesn't get any simpler.
- The other major compliance issue is forgetting to restock which may even lead to losing the habit entirely. Some companies offer an Autoship service that ensures you or your family receive your supply of supplements every month.
Quality: Where do I get it?
- The nutritional supplement industry is poorly regulated. Too often, what you read on the label isn't even present in the bottle! One study showed that off-the-shelf supplements contained anywhere from zero to 140% of what was reported on the label. That means you may be throwing your money away! Or getting more than you want. The solution is to go with a manufacturer that offers pharmaceutical grade supplements. That means that what's on the label is in every capsule to within 2%.
- Regardless of how accurate the label is, it doesn't make a difference if the ingredients aren't bio-available. Some supplements won't even dissolve completely in your digestive system. Others will break down but the nutrients aren't in a form that can be absorbed by the body. In both cases, you're wasting your money. Already taking vitamins? At the very least, drop one of each into a glass of vinegar. If they don't dissolve within 20 minutes, return the bottle for a refund or throw it away. Better in the garbage than in your intestines.
- Quality raw materials are important. The nutrients should come from organic sources and tested for purity. Look for a company that is meticulous in selecting sources and does independent testing of both raw materials and their finished product for quality, purity, and no contamination.
Recommendation:
I was asked after last issue to make some recommendations. I'll keep it short but feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
I work with a well-respected developer and manufacturer of wellness products founded in 1975. They're constantly researching and improving their nutritional products and satisfy all of the criteria mentioned in this article. Thanks to an innovative Whole Foods approach, their supplements contain all of the essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients listed above. That also means means that instead of a mere collection of vitamin extracts, you gain the benefits of the hundreds of co-nutrients present in whole foods in nature (such as amino acids and enzymes). Their Autoship program can save you 10-20% per month while making it simple to stick with the program.
You can start today on a nutritional program that ensures your body gets what it needs every day. By going through a Wellness Consultant like myself, you can easily save 20% or more. Contact me for details.
Friend, I only recommend products that I use myself and believe in. Regardless of which product you choose, make a wise choice... just make sure you make one.
Keep Well,
Rob VH
P.S. If you knew that your present vehicle was your last -- the only one you would have for the rest of your life -- would you take better care of it? That vehicle is your body! Think about it.
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