Food Supplements a support not a substitute

Nutritional deficiency is almost impossible to avoid in these modern times. With our busy lifestyle, the ever-tempting convenience of fast food, it is now very difficult to enjoy excellent daily nutrition. Do you remember the food pyramid, and just how much of each food group you have to take? Well, except if you are one of the rare species of health buffs left standing.

This is not to say, though, that health supplements should replace proper nutrition. We agree with the article when it states that “Vitamin and mineral supplements are no substitute for good eating habits.” Besides, nutritional supplements are still supplements. They work by complementing your diet to make sure you get the right nutrients that you need.

I admit that it is difficult, to stay away from fast foods or non-fresh foods. If lifestyle and work conditions prevent people from having a nutritious diet, then their only hope for better illness-free health is a good dietary supplement.

First of all, supplements help overcome nutritional deficiencies. We need all the nutrients in their proper amounts for optimum health. Since modern diets most likely cannot provide all of them, nutritional supplements can fill in those gaps.

Nutritional supplements also help boost our immune system. The stronger your immune system, the more resistant your body can be against disease. You probably know that popping a tablet or two of Vitamin C can help you avoid colds and related illnesses. This is exactly how useful supplementation is.

Nutritional supplements are also useful in getting rid of the toxins which we horrendously take in everyday. The environmental stresses we go through, chemicals we are in touch with, as well as our lifestyle - these all subject us to harmful toxins which can lead to serious health problems. Supplements, most especially anti-oxidants, can help our body keep toxins to a minimum.

Nevertheless, the article is not all that negative has Dietician Dr Carrie Ruxton added she “... would never encourage anyone to say don’t bother with the healthy diet and just take a pill, but it is good to use them in partnership.” And we agree!

A healthy balanced diet is the best way of getting all the nutrients the body needs, however this is not always possible, and this is where food supplements have a vital role to play. Food supplements are a simply way of supporting your body's defences not to substitute a good and healthy diet.