Supplements line the shelves at pharmacies and large retailers. Even online they boast great boosts to your energy, or overall health. There is never a time when a supplement can replace regular dietary nutrition. It can aid in it, but should never serve as a replacement.
As a woman, there are many things you should know about supplements. Research on their long-term effects are showing they may not be everything they're hyped to be.
It is not only about receiving too small amount of nutrition from the supplements, but is also about too high of amounts. Certain multivitamins boast such high levels of micronutrients that they exceed Dietary Guidelines for Americans from the government. It is never wise to take a heavy multivitamin if you only lack one micronutrient. That will leave other nutrients off-balance, which is not always harmful, but can be.
What Studies Tell Us
A study from the Women's Health Initiative showed a connection between women taking supplements and those not, and most health risks were not inflated in either grouping. Meaning, there is no substantial proof that taking multivitamins will give the recipient better health than someone not taking them.
Supplementation has been reasoned to women to help protect against cancer or heart disease. Further studies need done, but in beginning research no connection to lowering these diseases have occured. Adversely, many people were affected in negative ways from having an off-balance in the nutrients thanks to over-consumption.
Without enough information., or thorough studies on the matter, there is still no clear answer to whether supplements help women, outside of pregnancy. For an average person, a doctor will know whether a supplement is true to its claims.
Every Case Is Different
Many cases call for the use of multivitamins for women. Once becoming pregnant, they provide support to both mother and child. This is a time women are sharing their bodies and everything they eat with another growing human, so a few extra nutrients prevent many off-balance problems that can occur.
Protein is wonderful for athletes, and those building muscles. Omega 3 Fats are needed, but most people do not get enough of these healthy fats. To strengthen your immune system, probiotics are the go-to. Then you have Vitamin D which is absorbed simply by going out into the sun. It is never too late to learn what vitamins do what, and which will help on your journey.
Professionals Know Best
Before taking a supplement, always ask your doctor for details. They will know the exact micronutrients you need and how to appropriately take them. They could even give you details on how to improve your nutritional intake from your diet. If your diet cannot be changed enough to help, they will know when its time to take additional health supplements. Professional nutritionists are also a great resource.
If you are looking for food filled with nutrients, here are a few that contain large amounts of nutrition in comparison to how many calories they have:
Mushrooms
Baked potatoes
Bell Peppers
Chicken
Nuts like Almonds and Cashews
Eggs
Oats
There are many more nutrient-rich food items to add to your diet, so do not stop at a couple eggs. Once your diet is balanced, you could see an improvement in the things you want to improve with supplements. A healthy diet and the correct levels of micronutrients is the overall deciding factor on your longevity. Not every woman need supplements, so know which ones to use and when.
