There are many questions revolving around supplements. Here are a few answers for you.
Question: Do I need to take supplements?
Answer: This is a question unique to each person. Ideally, nobody should need to take supplements. If you were to eat the way the Canadian Food Guide advises, in the proportions that they advise, you should not need any supplements. The Canadian Food Guide is the ideal way to maintain a healthy diet for a “normal” person. “Normal” meaning that you do not have any ailments which prevent your body from using the vitamins and minerals in food properly. No supplement will EVER take the place of food. In other words, the vitamins and minerals you receive in food are made for your body to digest and utilize. It is natural and in the form your body needs. What most people don’t realize is that the food that a certain vitamin/mineral is in is never on its own. It is surrounded by other vitamins/minerals that perfectly complement each other in ways that are not fully understood yet. What we do know is that in supplement form, the targeted nutrient is not surrounded by the same nutrients in the food and therefore may be less effective.
Question: What about protein powder?
Answer: I may sound like a broken record already but you will never get what you need from a supplement alone. Whey is the most common form of protein used in protein powder. It is also the main form of protein in milk. Milk is such a great food and is complete within of itself. The protein in it is great…but do you really need it? There is so much media surround protein powder that if you are an active person, you need it. NOT TRUE! The amount of protein you need is SO much less than you may think. Or it is as much as you think but you don’t think the food has as much protein as it does. One chicken breast has more than 25 grams of protein and you also get the added bonus of the iron, potassium, magnesium and many other nutrients. You may be thinking, what’s wrong with getting a little extra protein? Nothing, but if you don’t need it, it can be very hard on your system. Your body was designed so perfectly to use only what it needs and any more than that it goes into over-drive trying to find a place for the excess. Too much protein, among other things, can cause dehydration which is one of the VERY worst things you can have happen to your body (considering your body is made up of ~60% water).
Check out this website to help you determine how much protein you need.
Question: My doctor told me to take Iron supplements but they are very hard on my stomach. How can I know I’m getting my worth out of it and how would be the best way to take it?
Answer: Iron is a common supplement among women because we lose it every month during our menstrual cycle. Iron is hard on your stomach because it is IRON. It is a metal. Again, when it is not in food, it is taken out of its normal environment and put in supplement form. My best advice is to take your iron supplement with a good sized meal. You may need to play around with the schedule (morning or evening), depending on when your stomach is less sensitive. Also, make sure that you’re not taking your iron supplement with Calcium (milk, yogurt, cheese, etc) because Calcium blocks the uptake of iron in your body and after what the supplement may cause you, you want to make sure that it is being utilized properly.
Live Well…Kristy
Wed, May 19, 2010
Health & Lifestyle