Just take some extra vitamins and/or minerals. We all do it sometimes, because nutritional supplements make it easier for us to supplement our deficiencies without having to make drastic lifestyle changes. However, there are important factors to keep in mind when you start taking supplements. Orthomolecular Advisor Sandra van Leeuwen tells you in this article what you should in any case pay attention to when buying your supplements.
With the right nutrition in an optimal ratio of fats, carbohydrates and proteins, you will go a long way towards a fit and healthy life. But sufficient sleep, an optimal stress balance and sufficient exercise are also important. Can you say that you always have this list completely in order?
Probably not… And that makes sense. Life is not static. Sometimes everything works out and sometimes it just doesn't. And if things really don't go well, then it is logical that you are not busy making healthy choices 24 hours a day. Fortunately, that is not necessary at all. If your basics are in order, you can easily spend a day in between with less good alternatives.
Besides the fact that it can be difficult in your life and you experience a lot of stress, stress can also be caused by toxic substances in the food. Think of aroma and flavor enhancers and preservatives. But also impoverished soil and environmental pollution can be causes that lead to mineral and vitamin deficiencies. Then it is nice that you can add it to your diet in the form of a supplement. But how do you find the right supplements for you in the jungle of brands from manufacturers? What should you pay attention to when purchasing? These are my advice when making a choice:
Choose a supplement with the highest possible bioavailability. This increases the effectiveness of the absorption by the body. For magnesium, a good form is bound to an amino acid, such as taurate. And so bisglycinate is the most biological form of iron. Is the connection form not stated on the packaging? Then choose another brand where you can find these details.
Read also Sandra's latest article :'Milk as a source of much-needed calcium, a good idea?'
Click on the dose needed per day. Sometimes one product seems cheaper than the other, but it turns out that you need 1 capsule per day from one brand and 2. In this case, cheap is expensive, and that is of course a shame!
Note the packaging form. For example, some manufacturers opt for plastic packaging. This can cause the supplements to come into contact with toxic substances or to oxidize more quickly. Therefore, it is better to choose a brand that offers its supplements in dark glass jars, then you can prevent both problems more easily.
Choose a manufacturer who has thought about the most optimal absorption and, therefore, the best efficacy of the product. A good quality supplement often has a so-called cofactor. This cofactor ensures that the body is better able to absorb the supplement. A good supplement is more expensive in price due to the addition of a cofactor, but therefore more effective.
In addition, pay attention to which fillers are used. In addition to the main ingredient and a cofactor, fillers are also added to a supplement. Some of these can be harmful. So read the ingredients list carefully before purchasing a product. Also pay attention to the amount of filler. The more fillers added, the less of the main ingredient is present.
With a good brand there is always a support team that can support you with questions about the supplement to use. Make use of this and do not experiment yourself.
Sandra van Leeuwen is an Orthomolecular Advisor and specialized in menopause. Her goal is to educate all women over the age of 40 about the transition and menopause. She gives workshops and retreats throughout the Netherlands. A healthy lifestyle is very important to her and that is why she would like to inspire and inform as many women as possible when it comes to a healthy lifestyle. Sandra lives in Weesp with her husband and his children and also has her own practice there. More information can be found at sandravanleeuwen.com.
