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Do You Need Supplements? Maybe... But Health is About Doing the Work
Paula Gallagher on
In the quest for optimal health, supplements often take center stage with the hope of fixing whatever health issue you have. But do you really need supplements to be healthy? Maybe. However, it's crucial to understand that true health is about doing the work—maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise. Supplements should fill gaps, not replace healthy living.
The Foundation: Diet and Exercise
Before diving into the world of supplements, it's essential to establish a strong foundation of health through diet and exercise. These two pillars are the most effective and natural ways to achieve and maintain good health.
Balanced Diet
A balanced diet provides the necessary nutrients your body needs to function correctly. This includes macronutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, as well as micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals. Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats ensures that you're getting a wide range of nutrients.
- Fruits and Vegetables: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, they help protect against chronic diseases.
- Whole Grains: Provide fiber, essential for digestive health and sustained energy.
- Lean Proteins: Crucial for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
- Healthy Fats: Necessary for brain health, hormone production, and absorbing fat-soluble vitamins.
Regular Exercise
Exercise is equally important in maintaining health. It helps control weight, reduces chronic disease risk, improves mood, boosts energy, and promotes better sleep. A mix of aerobic exercises, strength training, and flexibility exercises ensures overall fitness.
- Aerobic Exercise: Activities like walking, running, and cycling improve cardiovascular health.
- Strength Training: Building muscle through weight lifting or body-weight exercises enhances metabolism and bone density.
- Flexibility Exercises: Yoga and stretching help maintain mobility and prevent injuries.
When Supplements Might Be Necessary
Despite your best efforts to eat well and exercise regularly, there might be times when supplements are beneficial. However, they should act as gap fillers to address specific deficiencies or needs, rather than the primary source of nutrients.
Identifying Nutrient Deficiencies
Nutrient deficiencies can arise from restrictive diets, health conditions, age, or lifestyle factors. For example, vegans might need vitamin B12 supplements since this vitamin is primarily found in animal products. Similarly, people living in northern regions with limited sun exposure might require vitamin D supplements.
sale
PATHWAY
Vitamin D-3 1000 IU
No reviews
$9.74
$14.99
Vitamin D plays a key role in helping to maintain bone density and bone strength. It also supports cardiovascular health, mental health, skin health, as well as immune system health. Even though the human body can manufacture Vitamin D under ideal circumstances, much of the American population suffers from a Vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D-3 is the more bioactive form of Vitamin D.Suggested Use: 1 softgel daily
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PATHWAY
Vitamin B12 Liquid
No reviews
$25.34
$38.99
Liposomal Formula Pathway Vitamin B-12 supports cardiovascular health by providing the active forms of vitamin B-12, folate, and B-6. This synergistic formula also contains TMG for homocysteine support. And, sunflower lecithin is added for enhanced absorption. A graduated pipette allows for dosages from 750 mcg to 3,000 mcg per serving. Suggested Use: 1 dropper (1mL) daily
The Role of Lab Testing
Lab testing can provide valuable insights into your nutrient levels, helping to identify any deficiencies or excesses. This personalized approach ensures you aren't taking unnecessary supplements, which can be harmful. Consulting a health care professional to interpret results and recommend specific supplements is very useful.
Choosing the Right Supplements
If lab tests indicate a need for supplements, choosing the right ones is crucial. Not all supplements are created equal, and quality matters. Village Green Apothecary strives to carry the safest and highest quality brands, including our own Pathway line. Here are some tips for selecting supplements:
- Third-Party Testing: Look for supplements that have been tested by third-party organizations for purity and potency.
- Reputable Brands: Opt for well-known brands with good reviews and transparent labeling.
- Avoid Over-Supplementation: More isn't always better. Follow the recommended dosages and consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Supplements can play a role in maintaining optimal health, but they should not be the cornerstone of your health strategy. A balanced diet and regular exercise are the foundations of good health. Supplements should be used to fill specific nutrient gaps identified through lab testing, under the guidance of healthcare professionals.
Remember, there's no shortcut to health. It requires dedication, effort, and a holistic approach. By focusing on diet and exercise first, you lay the groundwork for a healthier, happier life, with supplements serving as helpful aids when necessary.
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Paula Gallagher
Paula is a highly qualified and experienced nutrition counselor on the staff at Village Green.
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Dr. Barnard leads programs advocating for preventive medicine, good nutrition, and higher ethical standards in research.
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Dr. Joseph Pizzorno, ND is a pioneer of integrative medicine and a leading authority on science-based natural medicine.
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