Why take supplements
Why Take Dietary Supplements?
There is no question that as we enter the new millennium, the fast-paced, stress-producing lifestyle and micro-nutrient-depleted diet of the 21st Century sets the stage for chronic disease.
Research documents nutrient deficiencies through over-consumption of refined foods and a lack of specific nutrients in virtually every age group. Nutritional supplements may help prevent these deficiencies, possibly reducing the risk to chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, cataracts, diabetes, hyperinsulinism, inflammatory disorders and osteoporosis. These chronic diseases will increase with our aging population and will continue to stress our over-burdened health care system into the new millennium and beyond.
Research suggests taking certain nutrients may help reduce the risk to several common diseases, including:
· Birth Defects - Folic acid in particular and to a lesser degree vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and antioxidants are important in reducing the risk to birth defects, especially neural tube defects.
· Bone Loss - Osteoporosis is the end stage of bone loss. Osteopenia is the process of losing bone mass and occurs in both men and women, beginning as early as adolescence. Peak bone mass occurs between 20-30 years of age. Nutrients important in slowing or reversing bone loss are calcium, magnesium, copper, boron, silicon, manganese, zinc and vitamins B6, B12, C, D and K and omega-3 fatty acids.
· Blood Sugar Abnormalities and Hyperinsulinism - When there is too much blood sugar (diabetes) or insulin (the hormone that puts sugar into the cell to be used for energy = insulin resistance), there is an increased risk to eye, heart, inflammatory, kidney and nerve problems as well as obesity. Reducing the consumption of high-glycemic-index foods (foods that rapidly convert to glucose, and elevate blood sugar), weight loss and intramyocellular fat (fat in the cell), along with exercise and tailored nutritional supplementation, including antioxidants, chromium, magnesium and vanadium, may help normalize blood sugar and insulin levels, reducing the risk to the adverse effects of poor blood sugar control.
· Cancer - Antioxidants previously mentioned, along with vitamin D and omega-3:6 fatty acid balance, may help reduce the risk to cancer.
· Cardiovascular Disease - Antioxidants, in conjunction with vitamins B1, B6, B12, D, K, folic acid, chromium, potassium and especially magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids, appear to have cardioprotective properties.
· Homocysteine Elevation - Elevated levels of homocysteine (a sulphur-containing amino acid) are associated with heart disease, stroke, birth defects, gynecologic and neurologic disorders. The levels of vitamin B6 (40 mg), B12 (300 mcg) and folic acid (400 mcg) in the Daily MultiVitamin/Mineral can help lower homocysteine levels. It has not been proven yet that normalizing homocysteine levels will limit these diseases.
The best way to use the Daily MultiVitamin/Mineral is in conjunction with a regular exercise program and a whole food diet. Exercise helps control blood sugar, maintain weight and improve mood. It is also important to consume a diet rich in plant-based foods, including vegetables, fruits and low glycemic complex carbohydrates (legumes), nuts and seeds, which contain many additional micronutrients not found in nutritional supplements. An attitude that acknowledges that there are some things that cannot be changed, and looks for the positive aspects of life’s experiences, and, a daily sense of purpose are present in many healthy aging individuals.
