SUPPLEMENTS

While supplements are not meant to replace food, the reality is that most Americans do not even get the RDA of some nutrients in their diets. Stress, poor lifestyle choices, and exposure to enviromental chemicals on a daily basis are just a few of the reasons our bodies may have increased nutritional needs. But, how do you know what to take?

First, learn to read labels. Not all dietary supplements are created equal. As with food, it pays to read labels and see what you are getting in a product. A number of companies in the marketplace offer inexpensive supplements, but do so by using less expensive synthetic ingredients, cheap form of minerals, and artificial flavors, fillers, and binders. Many of these also have extremely low potencies. Natural foods stores carry supplements that not only have the best ingredients available, but they also have potencies that reflect more truly what people need to have on daily basis. To help you get started, here are suggestions for a few basic supplements that everyone should consider:

Take a High Quality Multivitamin!

A multi-vitamin is an insurance policy that you will meet at least the basic vitamin mineral needs on a daily basis. All ages benefit from a good multivitamin supplement, and many dietary supplement manaufacturers offer gender and age specific multi-vitamins that target special dietary needs of those groups.

Take Extra Vitamin C and E!

Taking extra vitamin C and E has been shown to be very important for the prevention of a number of health conditions. Vitamins C and E are antioxidants, which are substances that help prevent the breakdown of cells. Vitamin C supports the immune system, maintains and improves collagen in the body (responsible for making skin, bones, teeth and connective tissues strong), and helps the body deals with the stress and inflammation. Vitamin E has been shown to be an essential nutrient for protection against heart disease and cancer. It also has been shown to be beneficial for the skin and for women with fibrocystic breast disease.

Add some garlic!

Garlic not only adds flavor to what you eat, but it is known to be one of the most powerful foods in the world. Numerous studies have shown garlic to be beneficial for reducing cholesterol and inhibiting blood platelet aggregation. It also has powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties.

For Women: Take Extra Calcium with Magnesium!

Because they are at greater risk for osteoporosis, women need to suppleent with extra calcium coupled with magnesium. It is essential to take magnesium with the calcium because the two work together in the body. make sure the mineral forms you take are "chelates", which means they are bound to substances that transport the mineral more effectively into the cells. An example of this is calcium citrate, which is calcium bound to citric acid.