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