Supplementation is an area of great confusion for many,
including health care professionals. Advice changes based on
the latest research study. Many individuals determine their own
treatment plan without appreciating that prescription drugs and
supplements need to be respected.
Before starting any supplement, it is important to talk to the
correct professional. Keep in mind that not all healthcare
practitioners are educated in this area.  If you are
looking for this information then consult a naturopathic
physician or pharmacist to ensure proper information is
presented. This information is not intended to replace medical
advice, so please consult your physician for all medical
concerns.
If you were told certain foods are required to live, would you
eat them? Better yet - if you were told your favourite foods
were killing you, would you stop eating them? Most of us would
and some would not.
Free radical formation in your body is taking place as you are
reading this. Free radicals and aging or disease processes are
strongly linked together. Overwhelming scientific evidence has
demonstrated that those people who eat diets rich in
antioxidants and antioxidant supplements have longer, healthier
lives. There are hundreds of antioxidants present in our foods;
however research has shown there are five that appear to work
in a network to help prevent disease processes. These include:
Vitamin C and E, glutathione, lipoic acid and Co Q 10. The body
does not make Vit C and E, so we must obtain these through a
food source. The other three are produced within the body, but
as we age and our levels of antioxidants increase and these
vital antioxidants are decreased. According to some research,
these amazing powerhouses can slow the aging process and boost
the body's ability to fight disease.
Free radicals are created in the body due to stress (emotional
and physical), ozone, auto exhaust, cigarette smoke,
inflammation, radiation, processed foods, and drugs.
Antioxidants protect your body in three ways: free radical
formation prevention, interception of free radicals, boosts the
immune system, and eliminates damaged molecules in our body.
Research suggests the antioxidant network keeps your body
youthful, bolsters your natural defenses against cancer,
prevents and even reverses heart disease and sharpens your
mental agilty.
There is growing knowledge in the benefits of antioxidants and
the disease treatment and preservation of health.
Because all antioxidants are needed to support the other, and
that diet alone usually proves to be ineffective,
supplementation may be required. So eat a diet high in fruits
and vegetables, eliminate sugar and decrease stress and
consider supplementation to support a healthy lifestyle.
"Most people do not consume an optimal amount of all vitamins
by diet alone. Pending strong evidence of effectiveness from
randomized trials, it appears prudent for all adults to take
vitamin supplements" - June 2002, Journal of the American
Medical Association.
Karen Hourtovenko RN(EC), is a health and wellness consultant from Sudbury who writes columns about healthy living for Northern Life.
