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.
Blueberries enjoy worldwide popularity thanks to their sweetness and antioxidant-rich nutrition profile. But the bounty of nature alone is not enough to keep pace with the heavy demand for this tasty, healthy fruit. There simply Read More
For the more than 38 million people who have type 2 diabetes, daily life consists of careful management of their condition. Monitoring blood sugar, daily medications, diet and exercise changes all support diabetes management, preventing Read More
Three new studies presented at the a recent Experimental Biology Conference in San Diego reveal strawberries may improve vascular health in at-risk adolescents, reduce inflammation in obese adults, and improve cognition in older adults. The Read More
Heal With Honey: Reasons To Add Honey to a First Aid Kit Honey has been a staple in natural medicine for centuries, revered for its versatile healing properties. From soothing sore throats to speeding up Read More
For many of us, the quest for optimal health turns our eyes toward the myriad benefits of vitamins, and among these, vitamin D holds a unique place as our bodies produce it with help from Read More
Junk foods, including heavily processed, fried, and artificial foods, produce serious negative impacts on the brain and emotions, similar to narcotic drugs. They stimulate short-term reward centers in the central nervous system. But over time, 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
Wellness chef and former restaurateur Monique Costello is a firm believer in the power of nutrition. While she always thought she ate well, it wasn’t until she started paying closer attention to her diet that Read More
Intermittent fasting has become somewhat of a buzzword in recent years but isn’t just a modern trend. According to some experts, it’s a return to how humans are naturally designed to eat–and it can be Read More
The cardiovascular system is at the “heart” of overall health and wellness–meaning it’s pivotal. And yet, nearly half (46%) of Americans suffer from some form of heart condition–be it abnormal heart rhythms, high blood pressure, 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.
