Condition Spotlight
Recent research has demonstrated that diet alone may not be sufficient to supply the nutrients necessary for overall good health. While most experts agree that nutritional supplements are vital for a variety of illnesses, injuries, and age-related problems, vitamin and mineral supplements can also help to maintain optimal physical and psychological health, and promote longevity and chronic disease prevention.
Ever since the term vitamin was coined almost 100 years ago to describe the discovery of the essential life substances in foods, scientists have debated the issue of nutritional adequacy. Medical science has long held that healthy adults do not need supplementation if they consume a healthful, varied diet. Until recently, it was widely believed that supplements were only considered necessary if a person had an outright or “severe” nutrient deficiency, usually manifested by overt illness.
Many individuals strive to optimize their diet and lifestyle for overall well-being. While it is widely acknowledged that a nutritious diet forms the foundation of good health, there is a growing body of research that Read More
Eating too much salt can lead to high blood pressure, a risk factor for heart disease. Americans eat on average about 3,400 mg of sodium per day, most dietary sodium (over 70%) comes from eating packaged Read More
Did you know that people who follow a Mediterranean-style diet have a significantly lower risk of cardiovascular disease compared to those on a standard Western diet? The benefits of this approach to eating extend far Read More
As school and fall events pick up and schedules become hectic, the stress of a full plate of activities combined with the longer hours of darkness outside may be lowering your mood and raising your Read More
The low-fat diet trend is fading, and both experts and everyday folks are coming to recognize the importance of healthy fats in our diet. And amidst this change, olive oil stands out as a powerhouse Read More
We often talk about how diets rich in fresh produce are good for you. But how much do you need to eat each day to reap real rewards? Keep reading to learn how many servings Read More
The Mediterranean diet isn’t just famous for being heart-healthy. New research indicates there’s much more to the story, and embracing this diet might lower your risk of passing away from any cause by a significant Read More
Carrots are root vegetables that were first grown in Afghanistan around 900 AD. Orange may be their best-known color, but they also come in other colors, including purple, yellow, red, and white. Early varieties were Read More
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, well really vitamin D is a hormone, not a vitamin. It is naturally present in very few foods, but is added to many others (fortified with vitamin D), and Read More
The Mediterranean Diet has been getting a ton of recognition by health experts over the last few decades–and for good reason. Research shows it not only supports weight management but also reduces the risk of Read More
Nutrition has become an important segment in the natural and holistic healthcare practices. Due to current FDA labeling regulations for nutritional supplements and herbs, health food stores and/or pharmacies are not allowed to present information regarding dosage or treatment of health conditions, regardless of scientific support.
In addition to disease control, nutritional supplements can help people cope with specific lifestyle, environmental, and emotional/psychological factors. Today, an estimated 80% of adult Americans take nutritional supplements, many on a daily basis. It is no longer just a fad, but part of a growing trend as people start to take a proactive approach to their own health. Although researchers are learning more every day about the connection between nutrition and health, there is still no definitive scientific “how-to guide” for this very complex issue, especially since each individual’s needs are different.
While it is always recommended that a person try to obtain as many nutrients as possible through the consumption of a variety of nutrient-dense foods, this can be unrealistic for many, due to the following reasons: reduced calorie intake; the dislike of certain foods; loss of nutrients in cooking; the variable quality of food supply; lack of knowledge, motivation, or time to plan and prepare balanced meals; and nutrient depletion caused by stress, lifestyle, and certain medications. This is where nutritional supplements can play an important role in filling any nutrient gaps.
