Facts On Dietary Supplements

By Andy G Smith


Several years ago I thought that all nutritional supplements were produced to the same standards, but I have since learned that this isn't the case. From personal research, I've found that there are a lot of factors, which affect the quality and hence, the effectiveness of nutritional supplements. I will outline many of these now and will explain the relevance of each of the factors discussed.

The first factor is whether a dietary supplement dissolves and disintegrates completely and how easily available it is for use in the body. The nutrition in the product must be in a suitable form and in correct ratios for optimum ingestion into the body's cells. This is called the bioavailability of the product. As the bioavailability of a product is mainly determined by the ratios of elements, it is essential that the manufacturer cautiously monitors and controls the necessary balance of ingredients during research and production.

In addition, your lifestyle may play a major role in determining what levels of vitamins and minerals you require on a day-to-day basis. As an example, if you smoke your needs may be increased. In addition, are you aware that if you train consistently, at high heart rates, then your body's requirements are also higher? This is due to the fact that vitamins (or antioxidants) are required to remove the harmful waste products created as we process oxygen. Heavy physical exercise increases oxygen usage and hence, boosts potentially harmful waste prducts known as free radicals.

Our demand for vitamins and minerals is now larger than ever due to the excessively harmful environment that we live in. Environmental pollution, toxins in the water supply and greater levels of radiation from the sun contribute to our increased need for anti-oxidants. Also, stress, lack of sleep and bad food choices will add to free radical occurance. The food choices that we make today are regularly devoid of the important antioxidants and minerals that we require for our bodies to function optimally.

Low Glycemic Foods - Conditions such as Obesity and Diabetes are commonly a result of bad food choices. Typically, high calorific foods encourage Obesity, but the role of high glycemic foods cannot be disregarded. High glycemic foods (high GI) are the ones that sugar fastest once inside your body, such as sweets, cakes and refined carbohydrates (white bread, white pasta, etc). These kinds of foods cause rapid increases in blood sugar levels. As blood sugar levels return, you will experiences a lack of energy and urges for high glycemic foods (carbohydrate cravings). If you regularly succumb to your cravings, this will increase your food consumption. Over a long period of time your body becomes less capable to regulate after dramatic increases in blood sugar levels, which can in turn lead to the onset of type 2 Diabetes.

In summary, you are best using pharmaceutical grade nutritional products, which have advanced levels of micro-nutrients.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment