My Nutritional Supplement Program

Recently a friend was staying with me and was curious about my
supplements. I take a basic "wellness" program plus enhancers. I
recommend the basic wellness program to people who are happy with
their health and wish to maintain the status quo. For others who wish
to prevent certain health issues, then a program can be tailored
taking into account their nutritional requirements and their budget.
As we age, I feel that we need extra nutritional support for our
long-term health.I would like to stress that taking supplements is no
substitute for a healthy diet - we must avoid processed foods and eat
lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. Exercise and getting out into the
fresh air and sunshine is important for our good health.There are many
more toxins and chemicals in our environment now compared to pre World
War Two and our bodies require high-quality and optimum nutrition to
combat these onslaughts.The basic wellness program:1. Antioxidants and
multi-vitamins - whilst it is important to eat a variety of fresh
fruits and vegetables, we have no way of knowing how much nutrition is
available or how fresh the products are that we purchase. Plus we do
not know how much free radical damage is occurring in our bodies. So
we need to keep our body's cells 'oiled' to prevent the internal
'rust'.2. Multi-minerals - Vitamins and enzymes cannot function
without minerals. Minerals are missing from our soils, and thus our
food. Minerals must be in a form that is readily absorbed by the body
(i.e. bioavailable).3. Calcium/magnesium/vitamin D3 - vital for our
bone health. Calcium supports strong bones, tissues and teeth, as well
as healthy cartilage, joints and muscular activity - keeps you
standing tall. All three nutrients work in synergy and keep our bones
strong. Calcium and magnesium are also necessary to support healthy
blood pressure.4. Omega-3 - from fish oil or flaxseed oil. Much
research has been done on this nutrient. All cells in our body require
omega-3.5. Fiber - An added option to the basic wellness program is a
Fiber product. Fiber is necessary for our indigestion, and many people
with health issues do not get enough fiber in their diet.Enhancers I
add to my program:Glucosamine sulfate/Vitamin C/Manganese/TurmericBoth
my parents suffered from arthritis. This product is the building block
of healthy cartilage. The body does repair damaged cartilage but if
the building blocks are not available then joint pain and
osteoarthritis may result.Grape Seed ExtractBefore I started taking
supplements, I used to get 3-4 colds/flu a year plus I suffered from
hay fever and sinusitis. Grape Seed Extract helps in relieving the
symptoms of colds plus is an excellent source of health-assisting
antioxidants. Grape Seed Extract is naturally high in silicon, a
mineral essential for healthy, soft, smooth skin. Grape Seed Extract
may keep collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid within the skin in good
shape by blocking enzymes that might disrupt their chemical structure.
Its flavonoids also inhibit allergic reactions that can generate skin
problems.Phytoestrogens and soy isoflavonesThese provide a natural
approach to maintaining health before and after menopause.
Phytoestrogens in the diet are believed to be a stabilizing factor
throughout hormonal cycles. This stabilization may help to maintain
bone mass into the mature years. Always check the source of soy
products because many these days are GMO.Vitamin CVitamin C is
essential for collagen synthesis. Collagen is essential for
strengthening muscles, teeth bones, skin and blood vessels. Human
bodies are incapable of manufacturing vitamin C so we must rely on our
diet to satisfy our daily requirement.Vitamin D3Vitamin D3 plays an
important role in helping the body absorb calcium and in bone
mineralization, supports a robust and healthy immune system, important
for the maintenance of muscle strength to prevent body sway and
increased risk of falling. Accumulating scientific evidence is proving
that Vitamin D provides more health benefits than simply bone health.
Deficiency has been associated with increased risk of common cancers,
autoimmune diseases, hypertension, and infectious diseases. Evidence
is emerging that there is wide spread vitamin D deficiency in the
broader population. People are covering up when outside in the sun to
prevent skin cancer and many others are their spending days inside,
and not getting any sun exposure at all. We need sun exposure for the
body to make Vitamin D. Vitamin D is currently heavily researched -
for up-to-date information visit the Vitamin D Council. Get your
Vitamin D levels tested by your doctor to ensure that you are not
deficient ("25 OH Vitamin D" blood test (also known as "25 hydroxy
vitamin D") and you want to be in the 50-80 ng/ml range).From time to
time, I will take these two extra products to ensure good digestive
health:ProbioticsProbiotics help to maintain healthy gut flora.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common diagnosis in
gastroenterology. Reduced quality of life caused by IBS affects
approximately 20% of adult Westerners. Studies suggest certain
probiotics to be beneficial, and provide a promising therapeutic
alternative.Milk ThistleTo help support healthy liver function and
normal detoxification processBoth my parents suffered from heart
disease. My mother died from a heart attack after many years on blood
pressure medication. My mother also suffered from diverticulitis for
many years. My father had a triple bypass heart operation and
eventually died as a result of prostate cancer. My parents never
discovered the benefits of nutritional supplementation. My aim is to
stay healthy until the day I die, which is why I am being proactive
now.