Millions Of Americans Take Supplements For Optimal Health
by Sheila McCormick on November 4th, 2009
Loading ...Although the swine flu pandemic has cast a dark shadow on our country in many ways, there has been one silver lining – people are becoming more proactive in protecting their health. People who once scoffed at the idea of using nutritional supplements are now heading to their local pharmacies and health food stores in search of natural immune system boosters. As a country we have become more aware of the importance of healthy living habits such as adequate rest, exercise, proper nutrition and hand washing to prevent the spread of germs.
Proper nutrition is our number one defense against illness. Ideally, we should get the majority of the vitamins and minerals we need from the food we eat, but very few people get the recommended amounts in their diets. There are several reasons for this including erratic eating habits driven by hectic lifestyles and poor food quality. Many of the fruits and vegetables we consume are grown in nutrient-depleted soil. Modern farming methods utilize frequent crop rotations in order to maximize productivity. As a result, vital nutrients and especially minerals in the soil are rapidly depleted. According to one recent study, the foods we eat today contain only half as many vitamins and minerals as the foods that were consumed forty years ago.
Most of the foods we eat also lose vital nutrients as they are processed, cooked and preserved. In order to assure proper nutrition, more than 150 million Americans take nutritional supplements every day. The number is rising rapidly as an increasing number of people become aware of the relationship between proper nutrient consumption and optimal health. By ensuring adequate levels of nutrients, people find that they feel better, have more energy and cope better with everyday stress. Others find they have fewer infections and a decreased number of aches and pains.
The type of nutritional supplement you need will vary depending on your age, activity level and overall health. As we age our bodies find it more difficult to absorb adequate nutrients from the foods we eat. Pregnant women need essential nutrients to nurture their unborn children and people with health conditions such as diabetes, heart problems or chronic respiratory illnesses have unique nutritional challenges.
The best way to determine the supplement that is best for you is to educate yourself about the supplements that are available and then talk to your holistic practitioner. Our immune systems rely on nutrition for fuel and support. With the swine flu pandemic affecting our country and the hectic schedules associated with the upcoming holiday season, it is more important than ever to keep our immune systems at peak performance. Make sure you include nutritional supplements in your family’s overall health regime so that you and your loved ones can enjoy a happy, healthy holiday season.
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