Replenishing or adding to the nutrients we have stored in our bodies is very important to continued health. These stored nutrients will be used to remove toxins from the body, fight disease, assist you in feeling your best and to slow the affects of aging.
In the last issue we discussed the quality and the amount of the foods we eat, as well as, when we eat. To re-cap, the higher the nutrient value of the foods we eat, the better we will look, feel and function. Also, practicing moderation in regards to the amount we eat is a key ingredient in a balanced diet. This is helped by our consumption of highly nutritional foods. The higher the nutritional value of the foods we eat, the less we are driven to eat. Lastly, never skipping breakfast, eating your largest meal of the day at lunch and not eating too late in the evening, will help to keep you looking and feeling your best.
When we eat junk foods which are high in sugars, salt, fat and chemicals, when we consume too much alcohol and coffee, smoke cigarettes, take certain medications and have high stress levels, we deplete the stored vitamins and minerals in our bodies. In addition, studies have revealed that moderate to excessive exercise depletes the body of it’s nutrients through perspiration and the high physical demands placed on it. This depletion of vital nutrients robs us of energy, lowers our immunity, hinders our ability to remove toxins, impedes healing, speeds up the aging process and in general, robs us of our health.
Most of us have vitamin and mineral deficiencies resulting from the above mentioned things, but also because today’s food supply simply doesn’t give us everything that we need. The older we get and the longer we wait to change our diet and lifestyle, the greater these deficiencies become. Therefore, the use of supplements is very important to good health now and as we age.
Supplements come in the form of pills, capsules, liquids and powders. Some supplements are more readily absorbed than others. In choosing the supplementation that you will use, be sure to buy the highest quality products. Ones that your body can actually breakdown and utilize.
Supplementation in the form of pills is very popular and the choices are sometimes overwhelming. However, many pills do not completely breakdown in the body and are eliminated as a waste product, without having supplied you with all the necessary nutrition. Often times you are truly flushing money down the toilet.
Capsules are powdered vitamins and minerals that are encapsulated in gelatin. Without the binding agents that are found in pills, capsules offer a greater rate of absorption. Many times, capsules offer you more for your money.
Fresh juices, made from a combination of organic fruits and vegetables are a tremendous source of essential vitamins and minerals. This type of supplementation is easily absorbed by the body, and also supplies you with another vital nutrient, water. A good in home juicer isn’t very expensive, is easy to use and may come with a recipe book for some different juices that you can try. There are endless varieties of juices that you can create. It is important to experiment with different combinations of fruits and vegetables so that you can come up with a juice that you enjoy drinking. Be sure to include some type of green leafy vegetables in your particular juices.
Another option is powdered formulas. You can mix these with soy or rice milk, cow’s milk, juices, yogurt or a combination of these things. This type of supplementation often contains a compliment of proteins which also contribute to one’s health. They come in a variety of flavors, and are a great way to get the nutrients that you need when you just don’t have the time to eat a meal.
When creating your own health plan try to keep these things in mind. Reduce the amount of abuse you put your body through. Eat the freshest and healthiest foods that you can. Be moderate in both the amount that you eat and how much you exercise (the body needs time to recover), and eat regularly. When adding supplements to your diet, work to educate yourself on what formulations will be the easiest for your body to breakdown and use. Remember, the most expensive supplements aren’t always the best.
By: Marcus Straub
Copyright 2005
Courtesy of Life Is Great Inc.
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