Dummy's Guide To Dietary Supplements

Our body need nutrients to function well and we get nutrients from the food that we eat. 

Some people do not believe in dietary supplements as we can get all our nutrients from food. 

The question often is

"Do I need to take multivitamins if I eat well-balanced diet?"

In an ideal world, yes, we do not need supplements. But unfortunately, we do not live in an ideal world. 

We eat on the run, skip meals, eat processed, fried, convenient food that is often nutrient-poor. 

Most of us didn't get enough servings of greens/fruits daily.

Even if we do, the way we cook and prepare our foods can strip off their nutrients. 

Modern farming depletes soils of nutrients. So does shipping and storage of foods. 

Yes, we get our main nutrients from food but I personally think it is beneficial to supplement your diet with the right vitamins and minerals. 

That is why a supplement is defined as “something that completes or enhances something else when added to it.”

It enhances the food that we eat. 

But with so many supplements in the market how do I choose the best?

1. Buy from reputable manufactures to ensure safety and effectiveness. 

Supplements are something that you ingest into your body so you must be sure it does not have toxic ingredients. 

You must also make sure that the dosage and formulation is absorbable and effective. 

"It's so expensive! I would rather get a cheap one" says Miss A while rummaging through her LV bag looking for her latest iPhone. 

It is an investment for your health. Look at their value and not the price.

2. Choose the most convenient for you

If you have gastritis, choose a formula that is gentle to the stomach. Supplements also come in many forms. Liquid, capsules, tablets. 

Something to keep in mind. Supplements are not drugs. You cannot take it for a week and expect to see results right away. 

Besides consistent consumption, studies have shown that supplements can take up to 3 months to see the benefits and results also vary according to individuals. 

Some people are very skeptical about supplements. It's bad for my kidney, my liver etc.

It always baffles me when parents have no qualms about giving their children candies, chips, carbonated drinks, processed foods but are very skeptical about giving them supplements. 

With any supplements, it is also essential that you increase your water intake because it helps to improve nutrients absorption, distribution, and utilization. 

Even if you are not taking any supplements, adequate fluid intake is still essential for good health. 

Related: Basic Introduction To Supplements

I personally recommend you to go for something very basic like multivitamins and fish oil to fill in the nutrient gap. 

Especially for people who did not eat fruits, veggies and oily fish (salmon, tuna, sardines, mackerel) regularly. 

Additional vitamin C is beneficial to boost your immunity. If you are active, then you probably need more nutrients to support your lifestyle. 

And please, start your antioxidants before it's too late.