When talking about food, you’ll often hear people refer to the word nutrients. Nutrients are the substances in food that our bodies process to enable them to function. They are the building blocks for the repair and growth of our body and provide us with energy to carry out life processes. There are six major nutrients that our body needs; viz Carbohydrates, Fats, Proteins, Vitamins, Minerals, Water.
When the body does not get or is not able to absorb the required amount of nutrients from food, it leads to a variety of health problems. And to avoid this, these nutrients are supplied to the body in various other forms.
Dietary supplements can provide adequate amounts of essential nutrients when taken under expert guidance.
Generally, people with the following conditions are advised to take dietary supplements:
- Pregnant and breast-feeding women
- Women during their post-menopausal state
- Women suffering heavy menstruation bleeding
- People having chronic diarrhoea
- People are allergic to certain kind of food group or those who have food intolerances
- People who have removed dairy products from their diet
If you are not falling under any of the above categories, and are eating all the fruits and vegetables, getting enough rest and staying hydrated, why would your body need supplements?
People take dietary supplements to maintain their general health, support mental and sports-related performance and provide support to the immune system.
Let us understand how dietary supplements when administered under expert guidance can benefit our lifestyle.
Extensive physical activity can increase our nutrient needs
Athletes or people who exercise extensively, require a lot of nutrients to match up the activity level. The nutrients used by the body during excessive physical activity needs to be restored to promote recovery after an intense workout. That’s why athlete’s diets include TONS of carbs and protein.
The body does not meet the dietary recommendations
If our diet is not able to fulfil the nutritional requirement or due to strict dieting, poor appetite or the body’s changing nutritional requirements, dietary supplements can bridge this nutritional gap.
Supplements together with food can provide a proper balance of nutrients.
Ageing affects nutrient absorption capacity
Ageing affects the body’s capability to break down and absorb nutrients from food. Supplements like digestive enzymes can help break down carbohydrates, fats and protein and optimize nutrient absorption.
Wrong Food Choices
Wrong food habits like eating junk food or avoiding a certain type of foods can make it difficult for our bodies to get all the nutrients it needs from food. Although supplementation cannot replace a healthy diet, it can help prevent the damage poor eating habits are causing.
Food grown or treated chemically can lose some necessary nutrients
Pesticides and herbicides used in farming deplete the food of its natural nutrients. These chemicals create free radicals that attack our digestive and immune system. Supplements like antioxidants help fight harmful free radicals and protect our bodies against these dangerous toxins.
Dietary supplements are meant to augment your daily intake of nutrients, including vitamins and minerals. Many are safe and offer significant health benefits, but some possess health risks, especially if overused. Therefore, it is recommended not to take any supplements without consulting a nutrition expert.
If you want to check if your diet is fulfilling all your nutrient requirements according to your age and lifestyle, talk to our expert today!
