Nutritional Supplements – What You Need to Know
People need nutritional supplements for several reasons. Some medical conditions, such as diabetes, increase the need for certain vitamins and minerals. Others can’t eat enough of some foods to meet their nutrient needs. Nutritional supplements can come in many forms including pills, capsules, soft gels, gummies, powders and bars. They can include water-soluble vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbs and live microbials.
Vitamins
Vitamins are organic substances that play essential roles in the body. They are available in food and are essential for good health, although they’re present only in small amounts. Deficiencies of certain vitamins can lead to serious health problems.
Most people get all the vitamins they need from a well-balanced, varied diet. However, if you have certain health conditions or eating restrictions, you may need nutritional supplements.
Water-soluble vitamins (like B6 and C) can’t be stored in the body, so your supply needs to be replenished daily. Fat-soluble vitamins, including A, D, E, and K, are stored in the liver and fatty tissues, and can be released over time to meet your daily need. These vitamins perform many important functions, including promoting healthy skin and blood vessels, helping to build bones, and protecting the eyes from disease.
Minerals
Minerals are the building blocks of the body and are as essential for sustaining life as oxygen. They are found in all tissue and internal fluids. They maintain physiological processes, assist in utilizing nutrients and aid in regulating the acid-base balance of blood. Minerals are divided into trace and major minerals (copper, magnesium, iron, potassium, calcium and phosphorus).
The best sources of dietary minerals come from fresh foods like vegetables, beans, whole grains and fruits. Our bodies can also get some minerals from processed foods and fortified products like cereals. You may get more information on nourishment by visiting nooLVL website.
Herbs
Adding nutritional supplements to your diet is a great way to get more vitamins, minerals and herbs into your body. These supplements, often called food additives, are available in pill, gummy or liquid form and usually contain vitamins, minerals, amino acids, or other substances that have a nutritional or physiological effect.
A high quality multivitamin and mineral supplement should be the foundation of any supplementation routine. Other supplements may include probiotics (friendly bacteria to promote digestive health), fish oil, colostrum, psyllium seed husks for fiber and medicinal herbs such as oregano oil or cinnamon extract.
Nutritional supplements can be helpful for people who have specific dietary requirements, such as athletes or those with inflammatory conditions. However, it is important to consult your physician before taking any new dietary supplements.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients that help keep your heart, lungs, blood vessels, and immune system working the way they should. They are a type of polyunsaturated fat that comes from nuts, seeds, and oily fish. The body can only get omega-3 fatty acids through food and supplements. Fatty acid chains have carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen atoms, with some having extra empty slots where hydrogen can latch on (which makes them unsaturated).
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is found in plant foods and dietary supplements. The human body converts ALA into docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). High-dose omega-3 supplements have been shown to increase bone density, reduce inflammation, and lower blood pressure. In addition, they may decrease symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Talk to your doctor about taking omega-3 supplements.
Nutraceuticals
Nutraceuticals are nutrient compounds and food additives that help prevent diseases and improve health. They are a powerful tool for preventive care and have been shown to increase life expectancy by reducing the risk of certain diseases and helping treat them.
Although a wholesome diet with fruits and vegetables and an adequate combination of macronutrients is essential for optimum health, not everyone gets enough of these important nutrients. This leads to oxidative stress which can lead to bigger health issues. Therefore, as people shift to self-medication, they are looking at a variety of options such as herbal supplements and dietary foods to prevent illnesses or at least ease their symptoms. However, while a prescription is needed for pharmaceuticals, a physician is not required for many nutraceuticals.
