From ancient times people have been taking nutritional supplements. They started with natural herbs, often homegrown, which were usually brewed into teas and tonics. Now they have become more sophisticated and are available in all sorts of pills, capsules, liquids and of course teas of all sorts.
What are nutritional supplements?
Nutritional supplements refers to a wide range of products that are designed to enhance your health, improve athletic performance, or otherwise affect your physical or mental well-being. They are used to add nutrients to our diets that are missing or not taken in large enough quantities. They can include vitamins, sports supplements, weight loss products, teas, herbs, and antioxidants.
Nutritional supplements can be found in almost all health food stores and many traditional stores as well. They will generally contain one or more of the following ingredients:
- Vitamins
- Minerals
- Probiotics
- Herbs
- Amino acids
- Saccharides
Perhaps one of the most common forms of nutritional supplements is the vitamin. Many people take multivitamins, and doctors often recommend such use. Some vitamins can be risky if taken in excess, however, so an awareness of the safety of such vitamins is essential. That's why it's important to talk with your doctor before taking vitamin supplements.
Do we need to take nutritional supplements?
Throughout history, nutritional supplements have been used to treat a wide range of ailments and to help improve health. Many traditional medicines come from what may be considered supplements.
Nutritional supplements are not intended to replace meals, but rather to enhance our diet and prevent nutrient deficiencies.
Here are the top five reasons you may want to consider nutritional supplements:
• Environment
Our environment has deteriorated over the years and we are now getting more toxins from the air, the water, and even in the foods we eat, than ever before. Our bodies have to work more to protect and rid ourselves of these unwanted substances. Therefore, it makes sense for us to consider taking nutritional supplements to help our bodies in this detoxification process.
• Stress
Stress may cause your body to function less efficiently. This will put your body at risk for a number of things, including a compromised immune system, which could result in a low resistance for disease. Supplements, especially glyconutrients, have been shown to assist your body's immune system in getting stronger and also helping your body function better.
• Poor eating habits
Due to busy lifestyles, combined with our ways of growing food, we are not getting the important nutrients our bodies need to keep us in good health. Oftentimes we’re eating on-the-go or don’t even stop to eat proper meals. Therefore, taking supplements may be a good way to enhance our diets and add important nutrients.
• Athletic activities
When we engage in more exercise than normal, our bodies need more nourishment. A professional athlete, or even someone doing extra workouts, needs higher levels of nutrition to support muscle growth, strength, and repair. Dietary supplements often include proteins, minerals, vitamins, and saccharides (glyconutrients).
• Part of a weight loss plan
When you alter your diet in an effort to lose weight, you may be at risk of not getting enough of the essential nutrients your body needs. Therefore, it may make sense to consider taking nutritional supplements to help prevent nutrient deficiencies and support a healthy metabolism.
How do nutritional supplements benefit health?
Different supplements help you in different ways. The latest nutritional supplements to come on the market are the saccharides, which are known as glyconutrients. There are eight of these essential nutrients:
- Mannose
- Glucose
- Galactose
- Xylose
- Fucose (not fructose)
- N-acetylglucosamine
- N-acetylneuraminic acid
- N-acetylgalactosamine
These nutrients have only lately been researched with a technology known as glycobiology, and have been shown to be vital to our health, especially regarding our immune system and the ability of the body to heal itself.
Nutritional supplements are also commonly used by athletes to enhance performance and speed muscle recovery, as well as help shed unwanted fat, build muscle, and ultimately lead a healthier life.
Are there side effects of using nutritional supplements?
Not all supplements are created equal and there have been instances where nutritional supplements have been pulled from the shelves due to harmful side effects.
Ephedrine is one well known example. Used in many weight loss products, ephedrine caused serious heart problems for some users and is now a regulated substance.
Creatine is another supplement of possible unknown side effects. Some people claim that it causes liver damage, while others say that it is safe when used appropriately.
Some vitamins can also be risky if taken in excess, so an awareness of the safety of such vitamins is essential. This is a great article reviewing the safety of taking vitamins, as well as the side effects and potential risks associated with consuming high doses.
It’s important to consult with a doctor before taking supplements, especially if you are taking prescription medications, pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Are nutritional supplements safe?
One of the most important things to know about nutritional supplements is that they are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This is why many product claims on packaging labels and advertising materials include the message, "These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration" or something similar.
Since supplements are not regulated, the manufacturing, processing, and packaging methods can vary a great deal from one product to another. When using supplements, be sure to research the company and choose a reputable supplier. The safety of supplements may also be unknown due to the lack of regulation. Again, careful shopping is necessary.
Many producers and users of supplements claim they’re safe because they’re natural or made from "all natural" ingredients. While this may seem like a logical claim, consumers must use their best judgment when considering the use of supplements. Many substances found in nature are not safe, and are in fact toxic, poisonous, and even deadly. After all, poison ivy is "all natural," but you likely won't want to rub it all over your skin, even if a great sales pitch tried to convince you that it's the best moisturizer around.
Summary
Throughout history, nutritional supplements have played a role in treating a wide range of ailments and in supporting good health. Similar to any consumable, careful shopping and research is essential to ensure supplements are safe and supportive of good health. Be aware of product pitches and use good judgment before purchasing and using any nutritional supplements. Buy supplements from a reputable company and manufacturer, and remember to consult with your healthcare physician before beginning a supplement routine.
If you're ready to take control of your health and have more energy, sleep better, and slim down for life without dieting or prescription medications, schedule a free consultation with me to see how my proven program can help you accomplish your goals.
References:
National Center for Biotechnology Information: Glycobiology Of Immune Responses
Bio-Technie: What Is Glycobiology?
Healthline: Can You Overdose On Vitamins?
National Institutes of Health: Dietary Supplements: What You Need To Know