Are supplements as healthy as we think?
Recent studies suggest that even the most helpful supplements may often be detrimental to one’s health when taken in large doses. Supplements are not food. If these little pills aren’t stuff meals are made of, what are they?
Supplements include substances that are essential for human life — vitamins and minerals. This was explained by Dr. Oakes, who recently published a study analyzing the beliefs on and the reputation of vitamin supplements among grocery shoppers. But can supplements be defined as healthy substitutes for certain foods?
The answer is, “No.”
Often, when we take in vitamin supplements, the idea of skipping a meal or omitting certain foods in our diet becomes unforgivable. However, the truth of he matter is, the body becomes less efficient when supplement pills are taken in place of meals.
If so, why are women being told to monitor their intake of daily supplements? Perhaps, it is because too much of anything can be harmful, and replacing food with daily pills may often result in a lack of proper nutrition. Any national authority worth their salt would say that it is most healthful to get vitamins from foods rather than from supplements. But for whatever reason, many women apparently do not consume adequate amounts of certain minerals, such as zinc, calcium and iron, as well as the vitamin folic acid.
Perhaps, this increase in vitamin and mineral deficiencies was caused by the taking for granted of — important nutrients. Lack of calcium for example, may cause osteoporosis and even high blood pressure. To ensure you consume the recommended daily dose, look in your refrigerator for calcium-enriched foods instead of reaching for the pill box in the medicine cabinet. Take note: the body absorbs calcium in food much better than through a supplement.
Age fits in with supplement concerns as well. There is debate over the use of calcium supplements among younger women. Some experts suggest that calcium in supplements is not readily available for young women and is not used by the body. That said, there is stronger agreement that for older women going through menopause and taking home replacement therapy, a calcium supplement works well. Meanwhile, many elderly patients are often advised to consult their physicians before trying out new supplements, as they are more susceptible to vitamin and mineral toxicity.
It is a good measure to eat at least three (3) calcium-rich foods (cheese, low-fat yogurt, milk, etc) a day. Also, look for foods with added calcium such as rice, breakfast cereals, and calcium-fortified fruit juices.
For the lactose-intolerant, non-dairy sources of calcium include almonds, baked/steamed beans, Chinese cabbage, and the like. However, a supplement may be required to ensure your body gets sufficient amount of calcium. Relying on supplements won’t give your body all the nutrients it needs; accompanying a supplement with your meal will do you good.
Inasmuch as we should ensure that we do no get insufficient supply of the said nutrients; also keep in mind that there is such a thing as vitamin overdose. The body can only tolerate so much of one vitamin and consuming high amounts may have harmful side effects.
Understanding the benefits and disadvantages of supplements is key to maintaining a healthy body. Again, too much can be bad, while too little may be every bit as detrimental.
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