How Natural Diet Supplements Can Keep You Out of Trouble

Natural supplements don’t necessarily mean that they are safe and live up to their promise. A little advice from the doctor before you take them is always recommended. Dietary supplements are available in a wide variety in the market, such as, amino acids, vitamins, etc. They are also available in a variety of forms that can be consumed easily. Whether as a pill, powder, capsule or liquids or gel tablets.

Natural diet supplements are not only made from ingredients available naturally, but also treat other ailments. For example, a natural diet supplement like Hydroxycitrate or HCA is a salt derived from the rind of South East Asian plants. It is not only a primary ingredient in leading natural diet supplements, but is also used for treating stomach ailments and joint pains. Research backs the effective role of HCA in lowering the fat absorption and lowering the LDL cholesterol. Another ingredient derived from an Asian plant is the Glucomannan. It is a fiber extremely effective for lowering the blood sugar and diabetes, apart from weight control. The fiber helps in absorption of more water in the digestive tract along with carbohydrates, and aids in weight loss.

As mentioned, ingredients of natural supplements are extracted from nature, a part of a plant, the outer shell of aquatic animals such as crabs or soluble fibers from yeast, bacteria, etc. An ingredient like Chitosan comes from chitin, the main part of the shells of insects. This wonder of a supplement is great for dietary purposes as well as lowering the bad cholesterol of the body.  Whey protein is one of the main constituents of fitness supplements. It not only helps in building muscles and repair muscle tissues from minuscule damage caused by workouts, but also suppresses our appetite and aids in weight loss. Derived from the whey of the milk, it is easily digestible and contains high levels of cysteine, an amino acid.

Concentrated soluble fibers like Beta Glucan, derived from yeast, mushrooms and algae, help control diabetes. In addition to lowering the cholesterol, they are an excellent option for a dietary supplement. We all know that Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for our entire body, from brain to heart. One of them is a dietary supplement found in beef or dairy products, called Conjugated Linoleic Acid or CLA. For vegetarians, it is even more important to take this as a supplement as dairy products rich in CLA are still in the process of synthesis.

These naturally derived supplements not only help us control our diet and bring us back in shape but also have additional health benefits. Caution must however be taken in their consumption, as too much of anything is always bad.

3 Easy Ways to Get started on the Road to Good Health

Simple changes, go a long way. It is not only applicable to the world at a larger level, but also for a healthy living. Lifestyle medicine, as experts call it, are simple changes made in our diet, exercise and managing stress, that is the key to a lifelong good health.  There are many manageable ways to take care of ones’ health and we are here to list them out for you.

You can either hire a nutritionist later in your life to shed those extra pounds and get back to shape, or simply follow these 3 easy ways that will help you stay in good health.

1) Eat Right- Pick food over supplements, but make sure you are picking the right food. You should aim for at least 5 servings of vegetables and fruits a day. Raw, steamed or stir fried, have it your way. As far as vegetables and fruits go, you can eat it in small portions. You not only have a reduced risk of cancers, but also other health diseases related to heart, stomach, esophagus, colon, lung and pancreas. The most powerful phytonutrients can only be found in food such as broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, grapes and leafy vegetables. What, when and how much you eat can not only help you stay healthy, but also increases your metabolism and energy levels. A 5-meal (with small portions) a day plan helps you achieve the same.

2) Get some exercise- Walking and running are the most basic exercises one can get. If your busy schedule doesn’t permit you to frequent a gym, just get your exercise the easy way. Don’t keep sitting in front of a laptop for long hours, walk after every meal, climb stairs instead of taking the elevators, go for a morning/evening jog/walk. Studies show that even 10 minutes of exercise make a difference. Sign up for a swing dance lesson or a zoomba class, and make exercise more fun!

3) Get a good night’s sleep- a good 8-10 hours of sleep is required to rejuvenate the brain. If you have trouble sleeping, try relaxation techniques like meditation, therapy tapes or a nice spa. Sometimes a glass of warm milk with a nice hot water bath also helps you relax. A bedtime snack is also shown to push your body towards sleep mode. Snacks like oatmeal, chamomile tea or cherries, help your body to relax and switch on the sleep mode.

Peep Into the Constituents of Health Supplements for Kids

The nutritional requirements of children are fulfilled by minerals and vitamins. They are sufficiently provided by a balanced diet and are needed in small quantities by youngsters and adults. However, kids are prone to eating selective and have erratic eating habits. Supplements are available as chewable tablets, syrups or addable agents to milk. Excessive intake of certain supplements can also prove toxic, especially fat soluble vitamins.

Pediatricians recommend certain supplements that are easily available. It is always advisable to take the supplements in recommended dosages, which are best suggested by a doctor.

Following are the supplements that are needed and why, for the better health of your child:

1) Vitamin A - A nutrient that is needed for a healthy skin, tissue repair and also growth. Vitamin A helps in color identification and also night vision. While there are natural sources of vitamin A, supplement assists in easy consumption.

2) The B group of vitamins - The formation of red blood cells and development of metabolism depends on vitamin B and its various subgroups. It is important for the overall development of the child.

3) Vitamin C - Hastens the healing of bones and wounds, vitamin C is essential for a child not just for that. It also prevents cold and flu, strengthens muscles, tissues and skin.

4) Vitamin D - While vitamin D is available naturally by simply soaking the sun, the sun has its own ill effects on the skin. Vitamin D helps in bone and teeth formation and it also helps in the absorption of minerals such as calcium.

5) Mineral intake - Along with the above, supplements are also needed for the intake of minerals such as iron (required for building of muscles, production of blood and increasing susceptibility to infection). Calcium, which is an important mineral for bone development, is also quite often present in supplements recommended for children.

6) Certain dietary supplements like efalex omega 3+6 fish oil helps in the development of the brain and the nervous system in children. It contributes to the development of a healthy heart and skin, and hence is an important supplement for the growth of a child.