The great debate - to supplement or not?...

The debate about whether the average diet needs to be supplemented with vitamins and minerals is a heated one. Many nutritionists feel that people who are exposed to the following, need extra back-up by taking vitamins and mineral supplements.

• A diet that is nutritionally poor because it is made up mainly of convenience/processed foods.
  
• Experiencing high levels of all-around stress
  
• On a daily basis exposed to pollutants and toxic chemicals.

An alternative view is that it is foolish to waste money on supplements that at best are not needed and at worst may do some harm - if toxic mega-dose become stored in the body. This view is based on the notion that an average “balanced” diet should yield all the basic nutrients we need.

As is so often the debate/case with complex and emotive issues- the reality of the issue would seem to rest somewhere between these two opposing views. For people who live a hectic life and unable to eat healthy, taking nutritional supplements would seem to be an appropriate course of action.

On the other hand, those who practice a balanced life may get by very well without help from additional nutritional supplements.

Those who:

• Eating, at least five portions of organic fruits and vegetables a day.
  
• Eat nutritionally sound food on a regular basis.
  
• Have enough time to relax.
  
• Exercise regularly.
  
• Fight off minor infections without complications.
  
• Feel generally very positive about their lives.

It is likely, however, that even those of us who generally keep our lives healthy and balanced will find that there are time when we experience pressure and change of routine that suggest we need extra help from appropriate nutritional supplements. These experiences could include any of the following:

• A period of acute emotional stress or shock such as coping with bereavement, unexpected redundancy (loss of job) or the break-up of a relationship
  
• Physical stress and unusual emotional pressure resulting from working unusually long hours for an extended period of time
  
• Pregnancy and giving birth
  
• Menopause
  
• A protracted (prolonged) of severe viral illness

In any of these situations, following a programme of appropriate nutritional supplements can provide the essential boost needed to get us back to our health and well-being!