What aspects can we consider when looking for supplements because we have a deficiency of an element? How to choose supplements that are beneficial for our health, for our wallet, but also for our environment?
First of all, you must be certain that you have a deficiency at all. This might seem to state the obvious, but even though supplements are no medicines, they shouldn’t be taken lightly.
So make sure you base your choice on a medical test or blood analysis.
Are we aware of the health benefits of magnesium? Do we consume enough magnesium or is it sensible to take a supplement as well?
To support our immune system, our body needs to ingest the following: Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C, vitamin D3, vitamin K, iodine, zinc, selenium, and magnesium.
Most fresh foods, let alone processed foods, do not contain enough nutrients. On the one hand, this is caused by the depletion of the soil and the use of pesticides. On the other hand, we rarely eat according to the recommendations of the national health organizations.
“How is that even possible? I just got back from 3 months at the South coast of Spain?”
At that time I was living in the Netherlands and had been traveling to the sun in winter time. I was in the GP’s office to get the results of my general medical test and just didn’t understand how I could have a Vitamin D deficiency despite a lot of sun I had been in.
The doctor explained to me that an aging skin does not absorb as much Vitamin D as a younger skin and suggested taking supplements. Until then, I was very reluctant to take any supplement at all. I thought that a healthy diet should be sufficient.
Well, it was my choice; to stubbornly follow my original beliefs or to look at the scientific results and act accordingly.
One of the best methods to increase our immune system is to take care of hygiene. Equally important is to make sure we eat and drink healthy stuff, like organic produce and clean water.
Sometimes our body demands extra, so the question is: does Vitamin C boost your immune system?
Linus Pauling is the only scientist so far that received 2 Nobel prizes in 2 different areas (Chemistry and Peace) not shared with somebody else. In 1970 he wrote Vitamin C, the Common Cold and the Flu. In this book he emphasizes the importance of Vitamin C. Grams of it.
Every country has a food agency that hands out lots of recommendations. The recommendations are based on averages. Averages of quantities they know will be sufficient. But also averages of quantities they suspect will be most followed.
In Dutch we have an expression “I can’t make chocolate out of it”, which basically means I don’t get it. Well, I couldn’t make chocolate out of the difference between chocolate and cacao. And then I discovered there is also cocoa. Time for some investigation!
Women and chocolate are an infamous combination. It’s our favorite comfort food. And given all the rave articles in the women’s magazines in recent years, most of us no longer feel guilty about being addicted to chocolate.
In recent years, the properties of chocolate have also been scientifically researched. Sometimes it is said that you should eat more chocolate because of all the benefits. What are those benefits?
I always thought it was collagen, just that one word. I hadn’t the faintest idea there is a difference between animal collagen vs plant collagen.
Moreover, collagen had a bad reputation in my mind because of the ads. You might know which ads I mean: Look 20 years younger by using our product with Collagen XXL. I distrusted the claims and I hated the implication I didn’t look good the way I was.
The worst one was a promo on TV. Imagine the scene: a grandmother is happily playing with her grandson who is laughing and having fun as well. All of a sudden he stops in mid play, points an accusing finger at her face and says: Gran, why does your skin look so awkward?
For a lot of habits we develop routines. That way we build in a control system so we don’t forget to do what we planned. Usually we take supplements when we have a meal. We won’t forget to take them then, and often the effect of supplements is better when they are taken with food. Is there a best time for supplements, water and food?
Much of this article is about how I handle supplements, food and water. Although my behavior is based on scientific research, you can say that these texts are my opinion.
As I often say on this website, for any scientific research that is positive about something, there is research that is negative. That’s why I try everything and see how my body reacts. I let that guide me in my decisions.
This review of Solgar is about my preferred quality brand for the supplements I take.
Our Green Health is about additions to your food that are beneficial. Usually we think of capsules and tablets when we think about supplements. Yet, I consider spices, herbs and the vitamins and minerals in food as much a supplement as those ones.
In some situations, it is advisable or necessary to take a capsule or another form of supplement. In How many different forms of supplements are available? you can read about the different types of supplements.
In How to Choose Supplements that are Beneficial I wrote how you can make your personal choice of supplements.