My Fytness Journal

Many people I know think that they can replace meals and food with dietary supplements. This is not the way to go about being healthy though. There is no magic pill that gives you great health. It boils down to what you eat.

Vitamins and minerals are called micronutrients and our bodies are not capable of creating most of these. We need foods and if for some reason we do not have access to the proper foods then dietary supplements. For maximum health a small, steady intake of micronutrients is the proper path.

Dietary supplements can help with your meals if you find that you are not getting proper nutrition. However, it is not wise to base your diet on these supplements. Dietary supplements cannot fill the void of proper nutrition and they are missing many things that are found in the foods that we eat.

Whole foods are best and a proper diet should revolve around them. They offer your best solution for getting the proper micronutrients. Vitamin C pills do not contain the beta-carotene, calcium and other nutrients that an orange does. Pills do not contain the fiber our bodies need to prevent diabetes and heart disease. Pills also do not contain the very important phytochemicals which may help protect you against heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Not too mention all the antioxidants that whole foods contain.

If you are pregnant, nursing, nursing, have a medical condition that requires it, or eat badly you most likely require dietary supplements. It ia always best to speak to a doctor or dietitian about getting the proper nourishment.

Some things too watch for in supplements are the expiry date, (I have been burned by this before), recommended dose amount, and megadose supplements. Anything of the megadose variety is a waste of money and just a producer of expensive urine. Look for supplements that offer no more than 100% of the daily recommended intake. One of the best examples is calcium. Calcium pills come in huge quantities of calcium. This is not the best way to consume it. The best way is to consume small amounts of calcium several times throughout the day.

Remember, don't waste your money and health. Be smart and eat right.

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