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Dietary supplements: Nutrition beyond meals
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Saturday, 24 April, 2021, 16 : 00 PM [IST]
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Priyanka Kaul Lakdawala
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These are unprecedented times. Never in living memory has mankind felt so helpless and worried. Covid-19 has wreaked havoc across the world. Vaccines have been invented but they couldn’t stop phase 2 of Covid. The virus came back deadlier and in new more complex avatar.
The world has realised that the best way to fight the pandemic is to attain and maintain good immunity. While eating fruits and veggies are the best way to fill up on your nutritional needs, studies suggest that the nutritional value in meals across the world is below optimal. Hence it becomes important to seek help from dietary supplements that can make up for the deficiencies in our diet.
There’s a hard truth about our health. Over 70% of Indians are protein-deficient, which means that our immune system is weak and are vulnerable to attacks from viruses. A very small portion of the population (mostly into intense sport or body building) consumes protein supplements to meet their body's nutritional needs.
There are a number of clean protein supplement brands available in the market. They contain lactoferrin and immunoglobulins that build a strong immune system and defend the body against deadly viruses.
Health support
In addition, one can also get dietary supplements for minerals, vitamins, fibre, omega-3, enzymes and so on. However, one should always keep in mind that dietary supplements are not an alternative for medical treatment, nor a replacement for food. Their sole purpose is to provide health support and contribute to better well-being.
Dietary supplements can help meet the higher nutritional needs of your more demanding lifestyle. Here are a few more reasons on why it's beneficial to have them:
To bridge the nutritional gap
Studies show that our plates are lacking in a number of essential nutrients, including protein, minerals, vitamins and fibre. Therefore most of us fail to meet the recommended nutrition intake for our bodies. Dietary supplements are there to fill this gap. They help improve the nutrient density of our diet and make sure we are obtaining the right amount of nutrients tailored to our dietary needs.
Nutrient absorption declines in older adults
Making a habit to eat healthy is essential for everyone, but even more so for the elderly. As we grow older, the production of digestive enzymes, which helps in breaking down and absorbing nutrients from our food, naturally begins to decline, this leads to an increased risk of physical and mental health problems. Digestive enzyme supplements can aid the digestive system and can restore the imbalance.
Working out increases nutritional needs
Are you one of those who loves working out? Then your body requires an abundance of energy and nutrients to stay in shape. Exercise and nutrition are two peas in a pod. When you exercise, your body uses a lot of energy and nutrients. Therefore it is vital to replenish these essential nutrients and fuel your body to promote a speedy recovery after an intense workout session. Protein supplements help fulfil this requirement and thereby help in building muscles & repairing the damaged tissues.
Unhealthy eating habits
Processed food, erratic eating habits and stress contribute to a poor nutritional status and poor digestive system. Excessive intake of high fat and high sugar foods and drinks results in an excess of unwanted calories but not the essential nutrients our bodies need for optimal functioning. A high intake of empty calories results in nutritional deficiencies namely proteins, minerals and fibre, and though just taking nutritional supplements is not the answer or a substitute to a poor diet, they definitely help to restore the body from its deficiency quicker which would otherwise take a longer time to restore through just diet resulting in a chronic state of malnutrition.
Prevent health problems
We all have heard the saying, "Prevention is better than cure" & dietary supplements are a way to do it. While dietary supplements are not a substitute to medical treatments, they do help as an adjunct to the treatments and taking them will ensure you get the essential nutrients your body requires to maintain or improve your health. Dietary supplements taken along with a healthy diet, regular exercise and routine health check-ups is the best way to avoid any major health issues.
In recent years, leading a healthy lifestyle with proper diet and exercise has become the new cool, and because of that, the health market has boomed exponentially. With many brands bringing in various supplements with a promise of a healthy and fit lifestyle, dietary supplements now play an important role in today's health market.
Now the question that arises here is whether you should consume dietary supplements or not?
In an ideal world, where you get plenty of sleep, eat chemical-free fruits & vegetables and stay hydrated, exercise regularly and are free of both environmental or mental health you might not need dietary supplements. But the reality is different, and we all know it.
If you do have a nutritional deficiency, are unable to eat a wholesome diet or lead a stressful lifestyle you probably do need dietary supplements. However, we would advise you to consult your healthcare professional before starting on any supplements.
(The author is founder, SoulFuel)
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