WHY DO WE NEED TO TAKE VITAMINS AND MINERALS?
Last week, I was invited to give a talk to the Butterfly course at StudioBelle last sharing some basic information about vitamins and minerals and when you might need them. I’m sharing some of the highlights below in the hope it helps you understand when and why you might need a nutritional top-up.
WHY AND WHEN TO USE THEM
Supplements – they literally supplement and complement your life style. Use them as a top-up to help maintain optimum vitamin and mineral levels.
BUT WHY WOULD YOU NEED A TOP UP?
Always times when our body needs a helping hand. Whether it be knowing there are lots of germs flying around and reaching for the Vitamin C and Echinacea, or knowing that you’re juggling multiple things and need an energy boost with some vitamin B.
Mineral and vitamin levels in foods have decreased over the years hence rise in organic farming. Selenium for example is a mineral previously abundant but now virtually untraceable in soil used to grow your vegetables.
Eating a healthy rainbow diet full of protein, fruit and vegetables is a great way to kick start your health. Increasing your water intake (yes I know you must hear it all the time but as our body is made up of 70% water it is rather vital!) is a great way of maintain healthy cells.
Fun fact: did you know that you can survive for a few weeks without food but only a few days without water?
ARE THEY ALL THE SAME?
Unfortunately not – that would make life too easy!
To ensure you get the maximum benefit and cost efficiency, try to look for the purest form available, ideally in a food soluble variety to allow maximum absorption. This may mean a change from your traditional high street brands but I am confident you will see a difference.
I recommend 5 high quality companies:
Neals Yard Cytoplan Nutri Advanced Metabolics BioCare
Very happy to help you choose the best supplements for you, just contact me.
WATCH OUT FOR:
There are some ‘fillers’ that are best to watch out for:
- Bulking agents – to top up the content of the pills or capsules
- Binders – used to stick ingredients together in a tablet
- Anti-caking agents – to stop the ingredients clogging up machines
- Carriers – to maintain a powder consistency
- Coatings – to make swallowing easy
- Preservatives – to save ingredients from spoiling
- Emulsifiers – to bind water to fats
- Colours – to look more appealing to the consumer
- Flavours – to alter the taste, even in tablets that are swallowed whole
- Sweeteners – to add flavour. Look for words ending in -“ose”
SO WHAT I SHOULD USE FOR HOW I AM FEELING?
Below is a little list I’ve created to give you an idea of the vitamins and minerals that often show up with these conditions. It’s not an exhaustive list but hopefully it gives you an idea of what to look for. Please note, I am not recommending you take all of them, but do some research yourself and have a think about which elements you feel would be appropriate. Also please do check with a health practitioner if you have a pre-existing medical condition or are taking medication.
Want to know what could help you? Kinesiology can help you with nutritional testing, assessing your body and identifying areas that could do with some support. If you would like to have your vitamin and mineral levels checked with Kinesiology testing, do get in touch.
BASIC HEALTH:
Good starting point: Multi mineral and vitamins, fish oils
STRESSFUL LIVES:
Vit B, zinc
‘Adrenal support ‘ (B5, selenium, chromium, kelp) NB: Do not take additional B vitamins with this
TIREDNESS:
B vits
Adrenal support
Fish oils with Co Q10 (for energy)
PMS
Calcium
B6
Magnesium
Maca powder
Herbal: Agnus Castus
IBS SYMPTOMS:
Probiotics
Digestive enzymes
Avoid trigger foods
FEELING LOW:
Vit D
Fish Oils
Multi min and vit
Selenium
SUGAR CRAVINGS
Vit C
Chromium
Tapping and positive statements e.g. I feel better if I eat healthier food.
MENOPAUSE:
Multi (B,C E)
Calcium
Vit D
Fish Oils
Co Q10 (for energy)
Herbal:
Black cohosh
St Johns Wort
Aromatherapy Womens Balance
OVERINDULGING OVER XMAS:
Digestive enzymes
Vit B for energy
Vit C and zinc for immune system
Milk thistle for to help your liver!
Health disclaimer: this is general advice please do consult with a health practitioner if you have any existing medical condition or are on medication.
