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