Diet is the fundamental element of good health, and good vitality. In an ideal world, dietary supplements would not be necessary. If our diet was healthy and varied. But here it is: Already, what is a healthy and varied diet? And who really follows such a diet? Apart from a nutritionist or a naturopath?
Hippocrates (400 BC)
“May your food be your medicine”
Why are dietary supplements necessary?
1- A modern diet low in vitamins and minerals.
An estimate shows that only 2% of people maintain a balanced diet.
Similarly, even if we follow our diet nowadays, it is no longer so rich. Nutrients, which we ingest today, no longer provide as many vitamins and minerals as before. Indeed! Because of the industrialization of crops, the land is too much in demand! Overproduction, monoculture, pesticides, pollution… Like Ploughing for example. Turning over the land prevents weeds from growing back. Yes, but here it is, at the same time, ploughing kills all the biological life that exists under this layer of earth. While this same biological life participates into the construction of organic matter…
As a result, the land is completely impoverished. They can no longer provide the same amount of vitamins and minerals as before. 25 to 40 tons of land are lost every year, on a global scale. This results in cereal production losses of 7.6 tonnes (FAO, 2015). For instance, today, 40 oranges should be consumed. This is to get the same amount of vitamin C from a single orange, 50 years ago!
2- Variable lifestyles and seasons.
The same goes for our lifestyles, as well as the changes in seasons. They don’t always promote our necessary nutrient intake, either.
Indeed, working indoors, in an office for example. This prevents us from assimilating vitamin D, from the sun, as well as from the sun. This adds to the lack of light, during the winters, in our region of the globe.
Also, of course, we must protect our skin from the sun. But, unfortunately, these sunscreens prevent us from assimilating this vitamin, good mood. Moreover, we also assimilate it more slowly, with age.
In addition, another harmful aspect of our current lifestyle, is constant stress. And yes, that too. When we are in a situation of physical stress, and psychological. Our body consumes even more vitamins, to compensate. Hence our even more crucial need today.
Under such conditions, we can understand that the majority of our society is in short need. In deficiency of vitamins, and minerals, essential to our well-being. Hence the need for dietary supplements.
You may then ask me, basically, what is a dietary supplement?
Above all, be careful, a dietary supplement is not a drug. There is no need for a prescription to consume it. And therefore, they are not reimbursed by the health insurance fund.
Then, a dietary supplement usually contains either vitamins and minerals. Or either plants and amino acids. In other words, its purpose is to supplement a normal diet. Thus, it contributes to the proper functioning of the organism. This will help us to better immunize ourselves, against diseases and viruses. They will also recharge us with energy, and therefore avoid pump blows, or depressions. Or even, help us relax, in the face of daily stress.
Finally, know that it is important, when consuming dietary supplements, to check your daily intake, for an optimal effect. On each box, each company is obliged to mention the capacity of each tablet. As well as its concentration. If the intake is not optimal, the desired effects will not be achieved. This can disappoint and discourage consumers.
Which dietary supplements would suit my needs?
Finally, to find out which supplement we really need, a blood test is recommended. This can often help to identify our shortcomings.
Moreover, our body regularly sends us certain signals (pain, fatigue, anxiety…). By listening to our bodies, we can often identify ourselves, our small ailments. Several tips are shared in this blog. They can help you identify which add-on is right for you. If necessary, I remain at your disposal. Contact me.
Also, for any consumption, do not hesitate to discuss it with your doctor as well.
In the meantime, there are a number of nutritional supplements, which most of us can take advantage of:
- Magnesium: It supports you during periods of stress, as well as during the practice of a sport.
- Omega 3: it helps the brain, heart, blood circulation, hormonal regulation, and mood.
- Vitamin D: strengthens the immune system, and fights against winter depression.
- B vitamins: for an energy metabolism.
- Antioxidant complex: It protects your cells from “oxidative stress”.
- Digestive enzymes: They promote difficult digestion.
- A complex of vitamins, minerals and herbs: They preserve the glycemic balance.
After all
To sum up, dietary supplements are necessary. Because, nowadays, the foods we consume are impoverished of vitamins and minerals. Also, our current lifestyles, in addition to the changes in seasons, draw even more from our reserves. Do not hesitate to discuss it with your doctor, in order to make a blood test, to identify your deficiencies. Also be aware that a prescription is not necessary to consume dietary supplements. A multitude of supplements are available, depending on the needs of each one. You will find examples of this in the articles How to improve your sleep capital? or How to boost your energy in winter?.
My father, at 65, makes doctors jealous of his blood test results. Farmer, He knows how much supplements are needed. He brings as much to his body, as he brings to his cattle and his land.
Take care of yourself!
