About Supplements

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The importance of high quality supplements

I believe there is a real need for supplements today, where optimal nutrition can be trickier to consume, for the following reasons:

  • Recommend Daily Intake (RDI) of nutrients per day typically state the nutrient amount needed per day to prevent deficiency such as vitamin C for scurvy.  However there is an 'optimal range' that naturopaths consider to meet nutrient needs for great health. 
  •  Nutrients, such as vitamin C and some B vitamins, are destroyed by heat during cooking. 
  • Some people may need to avoid certain food groups due to food intolerance or allergies, e.g gluten or dairy.  So there's an extra special need for nutrients to come from other foods or supplements to prevent nutrient deficiencies and related symptoms. 
  • New Zealand soils are particularly low in the following minerals:
    • Selenium (for heart, liver and prostate health)
    • Iodine (for thyroid function, vitality; weight, temperature and mood management);
    • Zinc (for skin, nail and wound repair; fertility, bowel and prostate health, hormone production, immunity);
    • Magnesium (for relaxed nerves and muscles; sleep maintenance, bones, brain messages, stress/adrenal management);
    • Chromium (for insulin, blood sugar, cholesterol and body fat regulation);
    • Boron (for estrogen, bone and joint regulation; cognitive function)
  • Physically active people can find it easier to meet their nutrient requirements with supplemental support.

Please note:  Not all supplements are created equal.  It is important to take reputable, high quality supplements that are free from fillers, hydrogenated oils, titanium dioxide and artificial colours and preservatives.