- "Persistance is what makes
the impossible possible,
- the possible likely, and the
likely definite."
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-
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Robert Half
Hard-to-Get Nutrients
Many
Americans are deficient in some of the most vital nutrients they need to
keep their bodies healthy and strong. More than 35 percent of women
don't get enough calcium; and about 70 percent of people don't get the
vitamin E they need. Here is some advice on how to make sure you're
getting what you need.
Americans are notoriously bad eaters, and
though we know we should get our nutrients from food, that's not
happening. So more people are turning to supplements.
Dietician Debbie Strong, from the Ochsner
Clinic Foundation in New Orleans, says you have to be smart about
supplements. She says: "If you're taking 16 vitamins in one sitting, the
body can only absorb so much. So, they're either going to fight for each
other or you're only going to absorb some of it."
That's
especially true with calcium. Your body can only absorb 500 milligrams
at a time.
Vitamin D is also tricky. Strong says, "The
only natural food source for vitamin D is oily fish, and our intake of
oily fish is not substantial." Fifteen minutes of sun three times a week
will do it. If you live above about 40 degrees latitude, you might need
a supplement.
Also, go for vitamin E, but read the label
carefully. "You want to be sure you get d-tocopherol instead of dl-tocopherol.
So, if it says 'natural,' it should ideally be d-tocopherol."
And get an omega-3 supplement that has as much
DHA and EPA as possible. But leave omega-6 behind. "Omega-3 fatty acids
are anti-inflammatory, and that's pretty much in the vessels. It's
against the inflammation. But the omega-6 are pro-inflammatory," Strong
says.
Research shows up to 10 million Americans are
iron deficient because many foods inhibit absorption of it. To increase
iron absorption, take it with vitamin C, fruits or vegetables.
Strong says getting nutrients from food is our
best bet, but just in case, you might want to add some supplements to
the mix for a little extra insurance.
Source: worldhealth.net
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