Recently, there has been a surge in the supplement market. More people are taking supplements to keep themselves healthy than ever before. What many of these people do not realize is that with a proper diet, the supplements would not be necessary. This is because everything you are getting in the supplements can be found in the food you are eating. While your body cannot tell the difference between a supplement and the nutrients that come from your food, there are other reasons to get your vitamins from your diet rather than from a pill.
A Proper Diet Offers More than Vitamins
When you are eating a proper diet, you are giving your body everything it needs to function properly. This includes more than just the nutrients that are in the food. You will enjoy the fiber of a slice of bread as well as the grains and the nutrients that are added into the bread. Of course, you will probably not eat a piece of bread by itself. If you add peanut butter, you will get protein and more from that as well.
The food you are eating will give you the energy you need to get through the day and do the kinds of things you want to do. This will not be possible if you are just taking supplements to get what you need.
Another thing to keep in mind is that when you are eating a diverse diet filled with all of the vitamins you need, you will be able to maintain your weight better. Your body will function better and your digestive tract will function properly. When you are eating foods that your body needs rather than with the goal of getting full, your metabolism will be at the correct levels and you will utilize what it is you are eating.
How to Get the Vitamins You Need
One great way to get the nutrition you need from the foods you eat is to talk with a dietician. They will be able to evaluate the kind of life you live and the calories you will need in order to get through the day. They can make suggestions that will aid in meal planning as well as to minimize overeating in your life.
Keep in mind which foods you are eating and the kinds of vitamins that they contain. You will have a well-balanced diet as long as you are making sure that you are eating diverse foods. Always strive to create food combinations that will add in all of the different vitamins and nutrients that your body needs to function properly.
Supplements Are Still Useful
This is not to say that supplements are bad. In fact, everyone can benefit from supplements when used in addition to the foods they are eating. The point is that supplements are not intended to replace the vitamins you are getting from your food, but to fill in gaps you might be missing.
Some people will benefit from increased levels of certain vitamins that can only be attained from supplements. Additionally, if you have dietary restrictions for health problems, or self-imposed (vegetarianism), you can benefit from taking supplements to get the vitamins you are not getting from the foods you eat. Doctors always recommend to try to get all of the vitamins you need from your food and then add supplements in as needed to fulfill your dietary needs.
About Author : Dr. Michael Barakateis a pediatric and adult otolaryngologist located in Sydney, Australia offering health and wellness information at ENTWellbeing.com.au.
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