The Supplement Saga: Unraveling the Truth About Dietary Supplements 💊
Are dietary supplements necessary?
Why can't we rely on our food to fulfill our nutritional needs? The dilemma surrounding the need for supplements versus a diverse diet is real.
Decoding the Need for Supplements
Let's start by understanding why supplements might be OK. Health, restrictions, age, or lifestyle choices can factor for a supplement boost (cheat?).
Vegans must take more supplements than other eaters if they don't want to shorten their lives.
Some vitamins are mostly found in animal products. Pregnant women gulp folic acid (B12). Seniors are taking vitamin D. Calcium supplements is good for maintaining strong bones.
The Food Factor
But is it necessary, or is it all a marketing trick? Can't we get all through everyday diversified food?
It seems it's a bit complicated.
Nutrient depletion in soil affects the nutritional value of our fruits and vegetables. For example, Iodine is not present in the ground in some parts of the world. So you have to get it elsewhere. Somewhere, there is a lack of iron.
Processed foods, unfortunately, often lack vital nutrients. Unless "fortified," which is then nothing more than added vitamins and minerals to food. The question of quality and bio-availability remains.
Also, some vitamins and minerals are a bit tricky. They are not easily absorbed by our bodies. This reduces their bioavailability.
Basically, you need to have them either in a specific form. Or take them in combination with something else that improves this bio-availability. Or adjust the appropriate dosages and frequency of taking it.
Sounds complicated? Sometimes it is.
The Supplement Solution
The magic pills/gummy/powders to the rescue. Modern supplement forms offer more convenience and adjusted dosage.
So you need to think less about it.
Some premium services even adjust the dosage specifically for you.
Based on some expensive urine tests, blood, bone density, weight, sex, etc.
Is a Personal Chef or Dietitian Necessary for All?
Some may argue that one could plan a perfect diet with a personal chef or a dietitian. Or, to be fair, the expert would prepare it for you. While that may be true, it's not affordable for everyone. Money matters in health, unfortunately.
So, we have to rely on ourselves. A basic understanding of nutrition and developing the ability to listen to our bodies can go a long way.
Weighing the Costs
If you take money into account, supplements are a good solution. The quick and dirty solution, probably.
There are premium supplements also. But the average cost of an average quality might just be lower than the alternative. The alternative is forcing your wallet to buy that much of a diverse diet.
Particularly considering buying some organic foods and seasonal availability. You can get strawberries in winter, but at what price (money and nutritional value).
Proceed with Care
One thing you must pay attention to is the supplement ingredients. More of some stuff can be bad for you. Overdosing can cause harm.
Some overdoses are mild (diarrhea) and severe (toxic, cancer risk, etc.). Also, some cannot be (or are not advised to) taken together or simultaneously. Some are more beneficial in the morning, some in the evening.
We try to cheat ourselves out of a completely diverse diet with supplements. But that does not mean we shouldn't try to eat healthily if we have the choice. Seasonal local veggies, fruits, and meat can go a long way. Don't forego the local market yet.
The Question of Quality
Check the manufacturer before buying. Some countries have stricter policies than others. If a label seems fish, don't buy it.
There have been cases where people got sick from taking supplements. One of the cases was because the dosing machine was not cleaned, and the whole series was infected with E.Coli.
Try to get supplements from reputable brands. Not necessarily from the most expensive, but from a known brand. Like companies that are locally present.
They are usually performing in-house testing of quality and safety. They don't want to kill you because it is terrible for business :)
The Final Verdict - Striking a Balance
Should we gulp all those pills every day?
It depends.
On who? On you!
What are you willing to do. What do you need? What do you want? What are you ready to trade off?
Finding balance—a diverse and nutritious diet supplemented appropriately based on individual needs.
It's all about you and your decisions and needs.
It may seem like an eternal question, but it doesn't have to be perplexing. A diverse diet remains crucial. Supplements can be valuable allies in our pursuit of optimal health.
It's probably not rational to see them as adversaries. See food and supplements as partners (symbiotic and perhaps parasitic relationships).
Each plays a vital role in nourishing our bodies.
Achieving good health doesn't require a personal chef or dietitian. Although it would help :)
Being well-informed, proactive, and maintaining a balanced approach to our nutrition is the first step.
You make the second step as you wish.
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