What are Nutritional Supplements?
Nutritional supplements include a diverse range of nutrients that nourish and sustain the human body. They are also formulated for pets and domesticated animals. They are utilized in a variety of applications for health and well-being. While it is always best to get your main nutritional needs met through the diet, even healthy diets may be lacking in certain essential nutrients. Specific supplementation can be very helpful in fulfilling certain dietary requirements for people of every age, from children to the elderly.
Inclusive of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, essential fatty acids and other naturally-derived nutrients, nutritional supplements also include a wide array of plants and botanicals. These phytonutrients are inherently full of their own vitamins, minerals and other beneficial ingredients to provide a larger base of complete and whole nutrition that is more easily assimilated and absorbed by the body.
Why Use Nutritional Supplements?
With more people on the planet turning to natural approaches to health, it is no surprise that the business of natural and nutritional supplementation has skyrocketed. While there are certainly some dangers and risks to be aware of with nutritional supplementation, prescription drugs are still hurting and killing too many people every year, which may be one reason that more individuals are trying more natural options. However, it is ALWAYS recommended to seek out the advice of a healthcare professional before using any nutritional supplements.
While many of us grew up taking supplemental vitamins and minerals for general health, nutritional supplements are often used more specifically to either prevent certain health issues from occurring, or to help treat existing health problems. They can be used to boost and/or normalize immune system function, and to diminish age-related health conditions. Many people take supplements for specific purposes, such as for insomnia, stress, lack of energy and fuzzy thinking. Indeed, they are employed for every health problem, from digestive issues and colds to serious diseases like cancer and HIV/AIDS.
Athletes of every type often incorporate specific nutritional supplements into their daily regimes to enhance strength, energy and endurance, while a myriad of health practitioners use and recommend specific supplementation for a host of conditions, illnesses and injury rehabilitation. Many people use supplements to regain health and wellness from short or long term illness and disease, while others use them to help prevent these issues. Specific liquid forms of nutrition are often appropriated for usage by people with malabsorption issues.
While many people try supplements, not everyone gets the same results. Because they are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the quality and efficacy varies widely among natural supplement brands. Sometimes, what is inside the bottle may not even come close to what the label describes, and there may be other contaminants like lead, arsenic and insects. It is always highly recommended to use a good quality brand when purchasing supplements, and to check out the company’s quality control program and safeguards to ensure quality and safety. Rehabmart is proud to offer nutritional supplements that meet the highest standards of quality and efficacy.
Another reason two people with the same health problem may not respond alike to taking the same supplement is because everyone is different. One person may get great results while another does not simply because that specific nutrient is what that person required, while the other needs something else. Creating and attaining good health is a complicated endeavor, and there is no “one size fits all” when it comes to natural supplementation. To better find the right supplementation program for you, consult with your doctor, or consider consulting with a Naturopathic physician or another type of professional holistic healthcare provider.
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CEO
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