NUTRITIONAL HEALTH SUPPLEMENTS

Excelling in all fields is the need felt by every man. Excelling calls for physical stamina and endurance. The swift machine that is the human body needs proper power in the form of physical stamina to function in life. Raw power is got by fuel. Nutritional supplements are to the body what fuel is to the machine. Normally a good diet and exercise are enough to meet the nutritional requirements of the body. Imbalance in the diet creates deficiencies. Nutritional health supplements are necessary to correct imbalances and counter the effects of the stress and strain of daily life.

Proteins: Protein is the most essential nutrient required by the human body, for maintaining physical strength and stamina. Dairy and poultry products meet an average adult's protein requirements. Sportsmen, on the look out for that extra edge, should increase their intake of milk, eggs, poultry and soy.

Dangers of excessive protein or protein supplements: Protein, more than what the body needs, pose a danger to the kidneys and the liver. Urea that increases urine is the byproduct of protein metabolism and this puts a load on the kidneys. Moreover, protein rich diets are found in animal products that are rich in fat. These take their toll on the heart.

Vitamin and mineral supplements: Vitamin and mineral rich diet translates to a diet rich in fruit and vegetable content. Vitamins and Minerals are necessary to increase the volume of the blood, develop the immune system and to strengthen the nerves and muscles. Human body has thirteen different kinds of vitamins. These are split up into two broad categories. Water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins. Water-soluble vitamins have to be replenished while fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the fat tissues of the body and the liver.

Causes for vitamin deficiency: Vitamin deficiency may occur due to two reasons. The diet is not sufficiently rich in the necessary vitamin content. Habits like smoking and drinking prevent the body from absorbing vitamins from the diet.

Necessity of vitamins and minerals: Deficiency of different types of vitamins leads to serious complications. Rickets, Beri beri, Scurvy are caused by deficiencies of specific vitamins. Iodine deficiency is responsible for mental retardation. Even mild deficiencies cause a permanent damage. Therefore, proper intake of vitamins and minerals is a must.

Side effects of vitamin supplements : Vitamins in supplements are not exactly the same found in food. Some supplements may therefore cause side effects. Moreover the vitamin and mineral supplement are affected by external factors like how fresh and pure the supplements are. Vitamins and minerals are much needed by the human body. The benefits of the supplements far outweigh the side effects.

Side effects of excessive vitamin supplements Excessive consumption of certain vitamin supplements may damage the liver and cause tiredness.

Apart from protein, vitamin and mineral supplements we also need carbohydrates dietary minerals, essential fatty acids, or essential amino acids. Nutritional supplements are only supplements to balance a diet and should not be self prescribed as medicines for ailments.