| A supplement, by definition, is something | | | | healthy. Young adults don't require anywhere |
| that accompanies something essential. But, in | | | | near the amounts that they did when they were |
| some cases, nutritional supplements can | | | | infants or young children. |
| themselves be an essential part of a healthy | | | | |
| nutrition regimen. | | | | But the curve picks up again later in life, |
| | | | as bones become less able to manufacture the |
| Whether because of a busy life style, or an | | | | appropriate amount. |
| individual genetic or physiological | | | | |
| condition, there are those who benefit from | | | | For many who are lactose intolerant, or |
| nutritional supplements. | | | | simply don't care for the taste of cow's or |
| | | | goat's milk, getting calcium in the form of a |
| Everyone requires a certain amount of vital | | | | supplement is a great way to get that |
| biochemicals, with the proportion varying | | | | essential mineral. |
| within a narrow range for almost everyone. | | | | |
| | | | Omega-3 are essential fatty acids that help |
| But diet doesn't always supply those amounts, | | | | reduce inflammation and prevent heart |
| even when a sincere effort is made to eat | | | | disease, to name only two benefits. |
| properly. Some have rigorous exercise | | | | |
| routines, others are forced to a more | | | | But one of the main dietary sources - fish - |
| sedentary lifestyle because of work and | | | | isn't to everyone's taste. It's also |
| family life. | | | | unfortunately the case that sometimes the |
| | | | local fish supply is temporarily unsafe. In |
| Most importantly, every individual is unique | | | | those circumstances a nutritional supplement |
| and therefore requires a particular amount of | | | | is an excellent alternative. |
| nutrient that differs slightly from others. | | | | |
| | | | There are dozens of supplements that can help |
| B-complex vitamins, for example, are | | | | balance out hormonal deficiencies that many |
| essential for everyone. But the proper amount | | | | women and some men suffer from. |
| will vary depending on weight and unique | | | | |
| physiology. | | | | Soy is one that can smooth out imbalances and |
| | | | help reduce PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) or |
| For some, an all-purpose daily vitamin pill | | | | menopause symptoms. Others are helpful for |
| is enough to supply any needed amount that | | | | thyroid imbalances. |
| doesn't come from a balanced diet. The body | | | | |
| has a well-tuned ability, in most cases, to | | | | Cortisol is another example. Naturally |
| absorb what's needed and slough off the rest. | | | | produced by most people in the proper amount, |
| | | | some people have a deficiency due to a gland |
| For others, added amounts or specialized | | | | weakened by disease, age or genetic |
| types are a requirement for good health. | | | | condition. |
| | | | |
| Vitamin C is eliminated in the urine when | | | | Those low in cortisol can suffer from |
| consumed in excess amounts. But what is | | | | fatigue, aching joints and other symptoms. |
| excess one day may not be enough the next, | | | | Taken in the proper amounts, it can make a |
| requiring tomorrow's deficit to be made up | | | | huge positive lifestyle difference. |
| through diet or supplements. | | | | |
| | | | Each person should undergo rigorous testing |
| Taking Vitamin C once helped eliminate the | | | | before taking anything more than an average |
| dangers of scurvy and rickets. That's rarely | | | | daily vitamin or one of the more common |
| a problem in developed countries today, but | | | | supplements. |
| there is strong evidence that it helps boost | | | | |
| the immune system, leading to fewer colds and | | | | Ginko, for example, can lead to excessive |
| infections. Past claims overstated the facts, | | | | bleeding in some. You need to know which are |
| but Vitamin C remains a needed element. | | | | safe for you. But once you have the results, |
| | | | taking nutritional supplements can make the |
| Many people as they get older consume much | | | | difference between mediocre and optimal |
| less calcium. To an extent, that's normal and | | | | health. |