Supplements

It seems as though these days everyone takes some kind of dietary supplement. Whether it’s a multivitamin or creatine, supplementation has become so commonplace as to be taken for granted. This article will address a common concern about this confusing and misunderstood topic: Should I take supplements? If so, what kind?

First of all, supplements aren’t magic. Any supplement will only work as much as you work with it. Supplements are meant to supplement – that is,

not take the place of ­– a solid diet and exercise program. In fact, if you read the label on most products, especially those that are sports- and diet-related, it is clearly stated that they are meant to be used in conjunction with a good training and nutrition regimen. If you insist on having McJunk for each meal while half-assing your workouts and smoking a pack or three, then all you’ll get out of supplementation is an empty wallet and expensive pee.

It goes without saying that the answer to the above question depends on several factors, including your age, gender, goals and lifestyle. That said, there are three good supplements that could benefit anyone no matter what their goals or age: a good multivitamin, fish oil (or other essential fatty acid supplement), and protein.

While it’s a beautiful fantasy to think that a balanced diet could provide all the essential nutrients that your body needs to function optimally, the truth is that overfarming and overprocessing leave most foods – including produce – with a lower vitamin and mineral content than 100 years ago. Also, some vitamins and minerals are just plain hard to get through diet, for example vitamin E (makes you wonder why humans evolved needing a vitamin that they couldn’t easily get hold of, but that’s neither here nor there). Lower-quality foods, coupled with the traditional Western diet, make it a good idea to get into the habit of taking a good multi each day to ensure you’re not missing out on anything.

Fish oil contains essential fatty acids that are largely missing from most Americans’ diets. These fats are necessary for cell structure and regeneration as well as heart, skin, and brain health. In addition, fish oil is often a better idea than glucosamine-chondroitin formulas when it comes to keeping your joints healthy.

As for protein, there’s nothing really magical about all the different protein supplements and most Western diets aren’t missing this nutrient. Protein supplements are good mostly as a matter of convenience. Have you ever tried to eat a chicken breast in the middle of class or driving to work?

Also take into consideration what you expect from your supplements. If you’re in the market for a magic bullet, I’ve got a bridge in Brooklyn to sell you along with it. On the other hand, if you just want to improve your overall health or give yourself a little extra edge or motivation, then you’re more likely to benefit from dietary supplements.

Comments

Add New Search RSS

Write comment

Name: Email:  do not notifynotify Website: Title: UBBCode:         -color-aquablackbluefuchsiagraygreenlimemaroonnavyolivepurpleredsilvertealwhiteyellow -size-tinysmallmediumlargehuge     Please input the anti-spam code that you can read in the image.

Powered by !JoomlaComment 3.20

3.20 Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."