Vitamins and probiotics are two forms of supplements that are commonly used to improve your nutrition. Each is designed to provide your body with essential nutrients that you may not be getting through your diet. When you choose to add a nutritional supplement, it is important to understand what the health benefits are and any risks associated with it.
Why Take Vitamins?
Vitamins are organic compounds found in foods that your body uses to run your metabolism, nervous system and to create new cells and tissues in your body. There are certain vitamins that nutritionists have determined to be essential to your health and the optimal function of your body. You should take a vitamin supplement if you do not eat a diet that supplies your body with the appropriate amounts of these vital nutrients. A poor diet that is deficient in high-vitamin foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds may increase your risk of developing heart disease, cancer, and osteoporosis. A good vitamin supplement will include vitamins A, C, D, E, K and the B complex, which can help you get the nutrients that you need to prevent these health problems.
What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms that are intended to replace the healthy bacteria that normally lives in your gut. The theory behind probiotics, is that healthy bacteria help your body digest and absorb nutrients when you eat food. It is also thought that they contribute to a healthy immune system. Over time, your body can lose these healthy bacteria and they can be replaced with fungi, disease-causing bacteria, yeasts and parasites according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Probiotics can be found in supplement form or added to foods such as yogurt and milk products.
Balanced Diet
Supplements are always intended to be taken in addition to eating a healthy balanced diet. They should not replace natural foods. Your diet should include a wide variety of foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans, lentils, whole grains, fish, lean meats, eggs and fortified dairy foods to ensure that your body has what it needs to function properly. Yogurt, juices and soy products are good dietary sources of probiotics.
Considerations
Vitamins and probiotics are natural supplements that do not usually cause side effects. However, if you are on medications, you should always discuss any supplements that you are considering taking with your doctor to avoid any contraindications. When choosing a vitamin supplement, avoid mega doses and instead stick to multivitamins that supply the recommended dietary allowance or RDA of each vitamin. Probiotic supplements should contain live and active cultures. One common culture used in probiotics is lactobacillus.
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