Supplementing a better lifestyle
HEALTH consciousness has never been higher, with more people taking an interest in their physical welfare and the lifestyles that affect and influence them. Awareness of how our diets influence health as well as mood is also growing thanks to public information campaigns to get people to improve their eating habits.
Despite this, we face an epidemic of obesity and simply getting people to diet is not always the solution as a great many diets can lead to a deficiency of key nutrients. One result can be the so- called yo- yo effect, where people come off and on diets because they are unable to stick to them. This is due, in part, to the fact that cutting out some food types will result in a drop in key nutrients and consequently lead to cravings.
Most nutritional and dietary experts insist that a well- balanced diet will provide people with enough nutrients to remain in good health without necessarily turning to supplements but modern pressures can make this difficult.
Dietary supplements work particularly well for people who are busy and do not have the time to cook a balanced meal. Sales figures suggest that there is a strong demand for supplements and people are taking them more regularly.
Despite the general improvements in the intake of vitamins and minerals, a recent report by the Food Standards Agency found that, on average, adults are eating 4.4 portions of fruit and vegetables a day – the consumption of Omega 3, mainly found in oily fish, remains below the recommended amount.
So although eating habits have generally improved in the past decade, many more people have also come to rely on supplements to meet their full range of nutritional requirements. The market has grown impressively and responded to this surge with suppliers now offering an incredible choice and variety. Most ranges are now also designed with specific life stages such as childhood, pregnancy or old age in mind. These are times when your body may struggle to produce or store the required levels of nutrients. You can also find a number of supplements that help with ailments and illnesses as well as ranges specially designed for men or women.
Vitamins are divided into two main groups, fat soluble and water soluble vitamins.
The fat soluble vitamins, which include A, D, E and K, are usually found in meat and meat products, animal fat and vegetable oils, dairy products and fish. These can be stored around the body in fat and any excess in the liver or fatty tissues.
The water soluble vitamins include vitamin B and C and can be found in fish, fruit and vegetables, meat and chicken and whole grains. Water helps to transport these nutrients around the body but they cannot be stored, daily intake of these vitamins is important for healthy living.
All of these vitamins have a variety of functions within the body. Vitamin A is a vital component for our eyes and it allows us to have better night vision, it also regulates the growth of other tissue such as skin cells.
Vitamin C has properties that help protect cells. It is used in the production of collagen, which is one of the main components of skin and connective tissue. It also plays an important role in maintaining a strong and well functioning immune system.
OMEGA 3, which is not a vitamin but important in your diet, contains the essential fatty acids EPA and DHA ( eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids.) They are needed to help keep the brain and the body in good working order and could play a role in the prevention of heart disease.
While a well- balanced diet should provide the recommended daily amount ( RDA) of these nutrients, additional vitamins in the form of supplements are available.
However, the fact that they are so easy to buy doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t be treated with caution. If taken in excessive amounts some vitamins can have a harmful effect. Too much vitamin B6 can lead to loss of feeling in arms and legs while overdoing vitamin C intake in the mistaken hope of staving off a cold can leave you with an upset stomach.
Make sure you read the label before you make any purchases and stick to the recommended dosage. If you are unsure about what to buy or have any questions you should consult a qualified healthcare or nutritional expert. The British Dietetic Association will have details of dietitians in your local area.
You can search online for websites such as the British Nutrition Foundation and NHS Choices, both offer a good source of information on health and nutrition. You can also visit your local pharmacist for
specific advice.