Why Should You Take Supplements?

Why should you take supplements or vitamins? Should you take them even when you are feeling healthy? Is it safe to take any and all types of supplements? Do you really need them?  Are all supplements the same in quality and nutrition value? Do you need to consult with a doctor before taking any vitamins and supplements? There is a plethora of information available on the Internet to discuss these and many other related questions. These are  some important questions we need to address before we start using any supplements.

Health professionals and medical doctors seem to suggest that we should take supplements and/or  vitamins daily. More than half of all Americans take one or more nutritional supplements daily or on occasion. These supplements are available without a prescription and usually come in pill, powder, or liquid form. Common supplements include vitamins, minerals, and herbal food products, also known as botanicals.

People take these supplements to make sure they get enough essential nutrients and to maintain or improve their physical health. But does everyone need to take supplements?

The answer to the above question may need a detailed explanation. If you are healthy and have no health-related issues at all plus you are under 30, you may not take any supplements. However, you need to be watchful about your health at all times especially when you are not meeting any of the above-mentioned criteria.

“It’s possible to get all of the nutrients you need by eating a variety of healthy foods, so you don’t have to take one,” says Carol Haggans, a registered dietitian, and consultant to NIH. Yes, it is possible as nothing can beat a good diet. “But supplements can be useful for filling in gaps in your diet.”

You should definitely start using supplements if you are on the borderline; if you start feeling that your health is less than perfect or your overweight or your doctor has warned you about a medical condition which may appear if you are not careful enough now.

Why Should You Take Supplements?

There are quite a few reasons suggesting this. We are going to list them below in no specific order.

Junk Food

Most of us are now used to taking unhealthy junk food several times a week. These processed foods are harmful for our bodies. They do not give us any nutrition. They are not organic or even fresh. These foods are loaded with salt, fat, sugar, or unhealthy additives! According to a study conducted by the Journal of Nutrition published in the US in 2011, many people around the world are deficient in key nutriients essential for our bodies. Supplements fill the nutritional gap we may have arising from eating junk food.

More Toxins Around Us

Thanks to the industrial revolution in the 19th century and the hazardous chemicals and air pollution in the environment our bodies are now encountering toxins unheard of in the past. The world has now become much more complicated than it used to be. The air we breathe in is filled with toxins and harmful chemicals. 

Our Water Is Depleted of Minerals

Even the water we drink on day to day basis is not pure now.  In many cases, it is proccessed before recahing us. 

Commercial Farming

Commercial farming also largely destroys essentials minerals from the foods we consume. 

Long Distance Foods

As soon as food is harvested, the levels of certain nutrients begin to diminish. It can be weeks between when the food was picked, transported, packed, stored, and then finally eaten.

Nutrition absorption declines as you grow older

As you age, malabsorption becomes a problem because your body does not have the same capability to break down and absorb nutrients as it used to.

You may also be taking more medications than you did when you were younger. Most modern medications actually deplete essential nutrients. Supplements can help restore this imbalance.

Supplements help us avoid the harmful effects of chemicals in our food

Warning! Pesticides and herbicides used to farm our food, chemicals found in our water supply, and external environmental issues like pollution can drastically increase our need for extra vitamins and minerals. These chemicals create free radicals that attack our digestive and immune system.

Recommended Supplements: Antioxidants help fight harmful free radicals and protect our bodies against these dangerous toxins.

Exercise increases the need for useful nutrients

At least, some of us take exercise every now and then. When we exercise our bodies needs useful nutrients. Our regular foods may not be sufficient to meet the body needs. To compensate for the loss of essential nutrients we need to take supplements. 

May prevent expensive health issues

Generally speaking, we do not is happening inside our bodies most of the time unless we go visit a doctor. Our aim is to remain healthy all the time no matter which stage of life we are at. To avoid any healthy issues with our bodies, we need to take supplements and/or vitamins. 

Are All Supplements/Vitamins Equal in Value? 

Of course, not all supplements are equal in value. They are produced by different people and companies. Some of them are even harmful for your health. So, which one should you take? 

Health is the most important asset you have in your life. So, do not get lousy with it at any cost. Always buy the supplements or vitamins which were made by authentic research labs or pharmaceutical companies. The makers of these supplements must be known for their professionalism and integrity.