With so many vitamins, minerals, herbs and other supplements on the market today, it can be easy to become misinformed. Be sure to purchase from only reliable companies.
Supplements may be beneficial if your diet lacks certain essential nutrients, especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or with chronic health conditions; however, whenever possible it’s better to meet nutritional needs through whole food sources first.
Vitamins
Vitamins are vitally important to overall wellness. They keep your body running efficiently and help repair cells and tissues; as well as aiding growth and development. Most vitamins can be obtained through food sources; however, to be safe it’s a good idea to consult your physician prior to taking any kind of dietary supplement (including nutritional ones ) such as nutritional pills so they can ensure you’re meeting all your body’s requirements without interfering with any medications taken by yourself or anyone else.
Healthy foods are an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals. Fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans and nuts all offer rich sources of these vital elements – you can learn more about their nutritional values at Food Standards Australia.
Minerals
Minerals are inorganic substances formed through natural geological processes. They may consist of just one chemical element (such as copper) or multiple substances combined together ( such as salt).
Most people get all of the vitamins and minerals they require through diet alone; however, if taking certain medications or living with health conditions that limit absorption may require supplementation with vitamins and minerals.
These nutrients support proper body functioning. Antioxidants help protect cells against damage while enzymes play an integral part of biological functions in our bodies.
Iron is an essential mineral essential for building red blood cells and carrying oxygen through the body, as well as maintaining energy levels and focus. Thorne’s Trace Mineral complex delivers highly absorbable mineral chelates for hormone and neurotransmitter function as well as cofactors to support balanced blood pressure and cardiovascular wellbeing. Furthermore, there’s no sodium, sugar or artificial flavors or colors added – making this supplement completely safe.
Herbs
Herbs contain phytochemicals – chemicals that promote health – which may help with blood sugar control, cardiovascular health, weight management and reducing inflammation. Chile pepper, cinnamon and ginger are three examples of such herbs with many health advantages.
Herbs have long been used in traditional systems of medicine such as Ayurveda, Sidha and Unani for their medicinal properties including carminatives, diuretics, anti-inflammatories, digestive stimulants and cholesterol reducers. Furthermore, herbs may be taken as supplements through infusions, decoctions, macerations, tinctures, nutraceuticals or fluid extracts.
Though many rely on herbal supplements, it’s important to remember that research into them remains limited and results often vary widely. Furthermore, supplements may interact with medications prescribed to you – before taking any dietary supplement consult your physician first to make sure it’s safe for use; look for a supplement certified by an organization like U.S. Pharmacopeia ConsumerLab or NSF International as this indicates safety for use.
Homeopathics
Homeopathy is an alternative form of medicine based on the philosophy that similar things heal similarly. Highly diluted homeopathic remedies (like Aconite for labor pains) are believed to activate your body’s natural healing response and prompt its repair mechanisms.
Homeopaths believe that physical symptoms often have psychological and emotional aspects. Therefore, when prescribing remedies for diseases like hay fever they take into account personal factors like personality, lifestyle and hereditary traits; that way the same remedy could treat different people differently.
Some homeopathic remedies have been shown to be safe and effective in clinical trials, though most homeopathy studies are of poor quality; thus it would be wiser to get medical advice from an appropriately qualified health care provider rather than use these products on yourself. Furthermore, homeopathy may interfere with other prescription drugs or supplements; nosodes, homeopathic vaccines that mimic measles, mumps, rubella and polio viruses — may cause serious and sometimes life-threatening childhood illness and vaccination is the best way to protect them against this threat.
