Is Dietary Supplements Really Worth It?

Dietary supplements have become more common in Western cultures in recent years. However, in some countries such as Japan, they are used extensively and people often shun them as “uppers.” Although dietary supplements are commonly used, there is some debate about their effectiveness. The best way to decide for yourself is to get the facts from unbiased sources. Here are a few things to consider about dietary supplements and possible side effects:

Although supplements are usually taken in capsule form, large doses of any nutrient can cause adverse effects. Dietary supplements, particularly large doses of multivitamin and multimineral, don’t always guarantee full protection from disease. Many people are left wondering how to obtain necessary vitamins and other minerals, as an array of different options are available, such as whole food, vitamins and multivitamins. It is also important to consider that supplements can boost your nutrient intake, which may not lead to any health benefit.

One dietary supplement that is growing in popularity is “elements activated.” These contain ingredients like probiotics, digestive enzymes, prebiotics (an advantage because prebiotics keep the population of beneficial bacteria low) and other nutrients that naturally increase the amount of the vitamins and other nutrients your body needs. However, the ingredients are generally manufactured in “acidic” environments, which means that they are designed to kill off all bacteria in the stomach before the ingredients are absorbed. Because of this, people using these products must be careful about what they ingest, especially if they take medications such as antibiotics.

Another consideration is absorption rates. Most dietary supplements are fast to absorb, but others take time to do so. Some take longer, because of the process by which they are formulated. The slower rate of absorption prevents people from feeling dependent on them, which can lead to “doctor shopping.” This means buying vitamins you don’t need, just so you will keep taking them.

Dietary supplements that work faster generally have fewer adverse effects. This is because supplement manufacturers use sterile equipment to insert the active ingredients and process the liquids for absorption. In some cases, increased absorption is a side effect. If you are taking an antioxidant supplement to prevent cancer or decrease the likelihood of cataracts, a fast supplement may not be the best choice, because it is less effective in those areas.

One concern for the public has been regarding long-term use of dietary supplements and the risks associated with their use. Long-term use has been linked to certain health conditions, such as osteoporosis, heart disease and some cancers. However, there are no research studies that prove these claims. Most of the available research on folic acid supplements shows a decreased risk of certain types of cancers in pregnant women, although this benefit decreases as the pregnancy progresses.

Dietary supplements are not marketed as foods. They are only sold as supplemental nutrition. Many of these are sold under brand names that are “friendly”, but the manufacturers do not label the vitamins as foods. The reason they don’t is to avoid trademark infringement. Brand names are very expensive to get, and they also face stiff competition from generic versions of the same dietary supplements.

There are no serious adverse health reactions to consuming dietary supplements, but you should never take more than you should. Always talk to your doctor before starting a new supplement program. You should also read the directions on the package and look for any warning labels. Be sure to check with the BBB (Better Business Bureau) before purchasing dietary supplements to make sure the company does not have a long list of unresolved claims.

The post Is Dietary Supplements Really Worth It? appeared first on Conventional wellness.

source https://conventionalwellness.com/is-dietary-supplements-really-worth-it/

Eating a Healthy Diet Doesn

Eating a Healthy Diet Doesn’t Have to Be Difficult

What is the importance of having a healthy diet? It can either help you live longer or keep you from getting sick. It can keep you fit and fine without having to work out at the gym or sacrifice everything you love. The following are the Top 5 healthy foods and drinks you should incorporate in your everyday diet.

Superfoods are food items, which are so incredibly rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and nutrients that they actually help to maintain and promote your overall health. Researchers think that some seafood and dairy products may have the same effect as well. In essence, these foods are part of a healthy diet which helps to enhance and boost different processes within your body and brain. For example, superfoods like blueberries and strawberries have been found to inhibit fat absorption. Since losing belly fat genes is one of the reasons why people gain weight in the first place, having a good amount of these berries will do wonders for you.

Vegetables such as broccoli, peas, carrots, celery, beets, radishes, cucumbers, spinach, sweet potatoes and yams are excellent sources of fiber. Fiber is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which helps to regulate your digestive system. If you are having problems with constipation, then fiber can definitely help you out. In addition to fiber, vegetables are also high in folate. Folate is essential for building a healthy immune system.

Not only are fruits such as blueberries, strawberries, pomegranates, cranberries and raspberries healthy for you, they are also great to eat as snacks. But it’s better to go for the real, fresh kind rather than frozen. Fresh berries such as blackberries, strawberries and raspberries are rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants serve as a natural defense for our bodies against free radicals.

A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is also a healthy diet because they are heart healthy. Heart diseases are rampant today. The simple reason is that too much fat and cholesterol in the body clog the flow of blood throughout the body and lead to various cardiac problems. Too many calories and carbohydrates also lead to obesity. So if you want to live longer, then avoid fatty foods like fatty meats and processed and junk foods.

Oatmeal is a very good source of fiber. It is a good source of soluble fiber, which helps to lower cholesterol levels and prevent atherosclerosis. Oatmeal is also a good source of whole grains, which are high in fiber. If you don’t like the way that your breakfast is served, then add some of that oatmeal to cereal for a healthier and better breakfast choice. Oatmeal is also a good source of protein.

Green leafy vegetables are another good source of vitamin C. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps to fight off heart disease. It is also a good source of fiber, which can help you feel full without overeating. Fruits and vegetables are another good source of vitamin A. If you aren’t eating enough fruits and veggies, then take vitamin A with vitamin C to give you that boost of energy you need.

Yogurt is another good source of calcium. It is a good source of vitamin D and potassium, which are both minerals that strengthen the bones and muscles. If you like the taste of yogurt, then drink it on its own or add it to your salad. Or, you can eat plain yogurt. Remember, plain yogurt is low in fats, sugar and salt, while the flavored varieties are loaded with fatty acids that will lead to obesity.

The post Eating a Healthy Diet Doesn appeared first on Conventional wellness.

source https://conventionalwellness.com/eating-a-healthy-diet-doesn/

Introduce Yourself (Example Post)

This is an example post, originally published as part of Blogging University. Enroll in one of our ten programs, and start your blog right.

You’re going to publish a post today. Don’t worry about how your blog looks. Don’t worry if you haven’t given it a name yet, or you’re feeling overwhelmed. Just click the “New Post” button, and tell us why you’re here.

Why do this?

• Because it gives new readers context. What are you about? Why should they read your blog?
• Because it will help you focus your own ideas about your blog and what you’d like to do with it.

The post can be short or long, a personal intro to your life or a bloggy mission statement, a manifesto for the future or a simple outline of your the types of things you hope to publish.

To help you get started, here are a few questions:

• Why are you blogging publicly, rather than keeping a personal journal?
• What topics do you think you’ll write about?
• Who would you love to connect with via your blog?
• If you blog successfully throughout the next year, what would you hope to have accomplished?

You’re not locked into any of this; one of the wonderful things about blogs is how they constantly evolve as we learn, grow, and interact with one another — but it’s good to know where and why you started, and articulating your goals may just give you a few other post ideas.

Can’t think how to get started? Just write the first thing that pops into your head. Anne Lamott, author of a book on writing we love, says that you need to give yourself permission to write a “crappy first draft”. Anne makes a great point — just start writing, and worry about editing it later.

When you’re ready to publish, give your post three to five tags that describe your blog’s focus — writing, photography, fiction, parenting, food, cars, movies, sports, whatever. These tags will help others who care about your topics find you in the Reader. Make sure one of the tags is “zerotohero,” so other new bloggers can find you, too.

Introduce Yourself (Example Post)

This is an example post, originally published as part of Blogging University. Enroll in one of our ten programs, and start your blog right.

You’re going to publish a post today. Don’t worry about how your blog looks. Don’t worry if you haven’t given it a name yet, or you’re feeling overwhelmed. Just click the “New Post” button, and tell us why you’re here.

Why do this?

• Because it gives new readers context. What are you about? Why should they read your blog?
• Because it will help you focus your own ideas about your blog and what you’d like to do with it.

The post can be short or long, a personal intro to your life or a bloggy mission statement, a manifesto for the future or a simple outline of your the types of things you hope to publish.

To help you get started, here are a few questions:

• Why are you blogging publicly, rather than keeping a personal journal?
• What topics do you think you’ll write about?
• Who would you love to connect with via your blog?
• If you blog successfully throughout the next year, what would you hope to have accomplished?

You’re not locked into any of this; one of the wonderful things about blogs is how they constantly evolve as we learn, grow, and interact with one another — but it’s good to know where and why you started, and articulating your goals may just give you a few other post ideas.

Can’t think how to get started? Just write the first thing that pops into your head. Anne Lamott, author of a book on writing we love, says that you need to give yourself permission to write a “crappy first draft”. Anne makes a great point — just start writing, and worry about editing it later.

When you’re ready to publish, give your post three to five tags that describe your blog’s focus — writing, photography, fiction, parenting, food, cars, movies, sports, whatever. These tags will help others who care about your topics find you in the Reader. Make sure one of the tags is “zerotohero,” so other new bloggers can find you, too.

Introduce Yourself (Example Post)

This is an example post, originally published as part of Blogging University. Enroll in one of our ten programs, and start your blog right.

You’re going to publish a post today. Don’t worry about how your blog looks. Don’t worry if you haven’t given it a name yet, or you’re feeling overwhelmed. Just click the “New Post” button, and tell us why you’re here.

Why do this?

• Because it gives new readers context. What are you about? Why should they read your blog?
• Because it will help you focus your own ideas about your blog and what you’d like to do with it.

The post can be short or long, a personal intro to your life or a bloggy mission statement, a manifesto for the future or a simple outline of your the types of things you hope to publish.

To help you get started, here are a few questions:

• Why are you blogging publicly, rather than keeping a personal journal?
• What topics do you think you’ll write about?
• Who would you love to connect with via your blog?
• If you blog successfully throughout the next year, what would you hope to have accomplished?

You’re not locked into any of this; one of the wonderful things about blogs is how they constantly evolve as we learn, grow, and interact with one another — but it’s good to know where and why you started, and articulating your goals may just give you a few other post ideas.

Can’t think how to get started? Just write the first thing that pops into your head. Anne Lamott, author of a book on writing we love, says that you need to give yourself permission to write a “crappy first draft”. Anne makes a great point — just start writing, and worry about editing it later.

When you’re ready to publish, give your post three to five tags that describe your blog’s focus — writing, photography, fiction, parenting, food, cars, movies, sports, whatever. These tags will help others who care about your topics find you in the Reader. Make sure one of the tags is “zerotohero,” so other new bloggers can find you, too.