How to Choose the Right Supplements Vol. 1
Posted on March 02, 2020 by Jun Yun, One of Thousands of Health and Fitness Coaches on Noomii.
In this post I cover the criteria to choosing multivitamins and probiotics
“What kind of supplements should I be taking?”
Many health-conscious individuals (myself included) have pondered on that question. It’s perfectly normal to be meticulous about ways to optimize our well-being. Despite not having health problems at the moment, often times we feel like we have to take something. Maybe because of (positive) peer pressure, unexpected hospitalization of our close family members and friends, or from personal experience/beliefs.
More often than not, we religiously adhere to annual health check-ups and hope for good news. Like when the diagnosis is no worse than “due to aging.” Or a similar feedback that doesn’t find any imminent problems, so there is no need to lose sleep over it.
If the problem is blatant (for example broken bones, sudden dim vision, or loss of memory), a hospital visit is the obvious answer in order to receive an accurate diagnosis to be treated with prescribed remedies and/or surgery.
So, how do we make sure our health condition is in the best shape (which it usually is!) at every doctor’s visit? I suggest we put more weight and consideration into finding essential supplements for the 21st century diet.
__
They say food is the best medicine, but is it true?
It ideally is, of course! But even if we strive for a nutritiously perfect diet everyday, we still feel concerned over whether the ingredients healthily embody 100% of the nutritional elements. For example, would a food source that is grown in impoverished soil, contaminant-prone air, and exposure to antibiotics/herbicides profit or poison our body?
This is where nutritional supplements come into play. Hopefully, most of you who have read this far (thank you!!) are already aware and thinking about the necessity of nutritional supplements.
So, under the assumption that healthy meal planning is part of our lifestyle and given the perspective of health supplements as means to complement our diet, allow me to introduce some fundamental nutritional supplements that everyone should consider taking.
__
1. Comprehensive Nutritional Supplements Not to be confused with multivitamins!
While they are commonly known as multivitamins and mineral supplements, the actual ingredients are not only those but also basic antioxidants, nutrients that prevent aging, and sometimes even amino acids and fiber. Because of this they help (on a basic level) provide nutrients, reduce fatigue, and revitalize bodily flow of energy. The most important thing to consider when choosing CNS is to pick one that has high bioavailability, organic ingredients, and adequate amount of dosage.
To not fall into the trap of the industry’s marketing schemes, it is important to compare products in the market to see:
How much of CNS can be utilized in the body, whether it is safe to consume long-term,
Whether it is manufactured in a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) facility held to the standard of medicine/medical supplies, and
Whether researchers and scientists continually update the product, which should be tested by independent, objective third-party institutions
You may think the accumulation of dietary compounds (from CNS) in the body is harmful, but that’s a great deal of marketing lingo. In fact, dietary compounds are helpful to cellular metabolism and fight inflammation.
__
2. Probiotics
Ever heard of the phrase, “You are what you eat”?
Our current physical looks and health depend on how and when we eat. To be more precise, however, I prefer saying,
“You are what you can digest and absorb.”
That is, my body conditions change depending on whether the food I consume gets absorbed properly to aid in health, or excreted without much digestion. Digestive systems in our body execute this process to the T, and lactic acid bacteria (lactobacillus) play a critical role. They not only contribute to good digestion and promote gut health, but also are beneficial to immune system, emotional, reproductive, and brain health.
What kind of lactobacillus product is the best? The greater the number of strains and Colony-Forming Units (CFUs) in the container, the better! Make sure the supplement is taken in a capsule form with enteric coating, a layer that protects the bacteria from stomach acid. It would be ideal to have them make it to the intestines alive
Don’t forget to refer to the instructions on product label since each probiotic supplement has different methods of dosage (capsule or powder), which is determined by age and current intestinal health. The classic rule for supplements, that kids take in less dosage and adults take more, does not necessarily apply for probiotics.
Look out for volume 2 where I will explore more supplements!
