SUPPLEMENTS AND YOU; how they work and what to expect

Hi again,
So we look at supplements, what they are and how they work.

SO, WHAT ARE SUPPLEMENTS?

Dietary supplements:
A dietary supplement is a product intended for ingestion that contains a "dietary ingredient" intended to add further nutritional value to (supplement) the diet. A "dietary ingredient" may be one, or any combination, of the following substances:
-a vitamin
-a mineral
-an herb or other botanical
-an amino acid

Thus, it is A dietary substance for use by people to supplement the diet by increasing the total dietary intake :a concentrate, metabolite, constituent, or extract
Dietary supplements may be found in many forms such as tablets, capsules, softgels, gelcaps, liquids, or powders.
Some dietary supplements can help ensure that you get an adequate dietary intake of essential nutrients; others
may help you reduce your risk of disease (eg melatonin and cancer). (source)

Basically, this means that the supplements help you get the nutrients that may be missing or in little amounts.

Dietary supplements are mostly used by
-children (eg Scotts emulsion),
-adults (eg vitamins, pregnancy multivitamins),
-those healing from injuries or surgeries (eg post-work out supplements, BCAA's and protein shakes)
-to maintain beauty and prolong vitality (co-Q10, vitamin and mineral comlexes for hair and skin care)
-to help relax and sleeping aids (eg melatonin, valerian root).

Sports supplements:
Sports/Bodybuilding supplements are dietary supplements commonly used by those involved in bodybuilding and athletics. These supplements may
be used to :-
-replace meals (eg protein shakes/powders)
-enhance weight gain,
-promote weight loss or
-improve athletic performance.

Among the most widely used are vitamin supplements, protein, branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) , glutamine,
essential fatty acids , meal replacement products, creatine, weight loss products and testosterone boosters.

Supplements are sold either as single ingredient preparations (eg whey protein, soy protein)
or in the form of "stacks" - proprietary blends of various supplements marketed as offering synergistic advantages ie different nutrients put together so that they offer a balanced advantage to the body, an "all-in-one" type of supplement (eg mass gainers, pre-work out supplements).
While many sports supplements are also consumed by the general public, their salience and frequency of use may differ when used specifically by bodybuilders (ie a body builder/athlete will need more supplements than a non-athlete). (source)

THE MISCONCEPTIONS:
Many people believe that supplements work immediately. For most supplements, you will need to use for three weeks up to a month to see visible results.
This is because, the body will take the supplements to organs that need the most (eg brain, liver, skin) and once the inside is balanced, the external will show. This is why they are normally sold in large quantities (ie in 30's or so).
During the first three weeks you will notice that fatigue is reduced, you are more alert and your skin will glow (yes, even men). Your hair will become stronger and more lush and grow somewhat faster, and nails too (hence the famous hair and nail vitamin brands). After your body is sufficiently nourished and balanced, you will have to maintain a healthy lifestyle and the supplements will become optional. The results will NOT revert once you stop taking them. Provided you eat clean and exercise, you may find yourself taking months before you remember to buy another pack.

Some people believe supplements to be steroids. Just because it is used by body builders does not make it a steroid (the gladiators and heroes of the past did not use steroids yet they had impressive physiques - just to pass a point)

You should also be aware of dosage. All manufacturers will provide a dosage that you MUST NOT exceed. Some vitamins like A and D can be toxic to the liver when abused. Normally, the body will use and store what it needs and excrete the excess through urine ( thus the bright yellow urine if you use them regularly). This is another reason not to exceed the dosage - expensive urine flushed down the toilet!!

Most supplements can be bought at health stores and pharmacies, and you don't need a prescription. Just do not copy others; what works for them may not work for you, so its advised to consult and research first (or just ask whoever you know is into health and wellness.)

Stay healthy and live longer and happier....
This is Serenity!!!