best supplements

Have you ever waltzed into your friendly neighborhood Nutrition Store or frantically surfed the worldwide web searching for that elusive miracle pill
deluding yourself into believing that maybe
just maybe
it would somehow magically transform your so-called body into the next Brad Pitt or Angelina Jolie? Or perhaps you want pecks like Arnold. Or the energy to leap tall buildings in a single bound. Or heck
maybe you’d simply settle for enough energy to pry your sleepy little self out of that comfy bed as your annoying alarm clock goes berserk Monday morning
like a runaway freight train on steroids. If so
then you’ve probably encountered a severe mega-dose of chronic overwhelm. Yikes! We are continually bombarded with a never-ending avalanche of pills and potions. Plus
you’d almost need the bank account of Bill Gates or Donald Trump to afford the buffed-up body you’d “really” like to have. Meanwhile
Madison Avenue persistently insists that you won’t be able to live with yourself until you finally succumb to today’s latest nutritional fad.

So what’s the solution?

If you’ve read this far
you are probably convinced that supplementing your diet with vitamins is critically important. You probably already know how depleted our topsoil is. Chances are
you’re also cognoscente of the highly processed state of the foodless foods we consume on a regular basis. Taber's Medical Dictionary concludes that vitamins are indispensable for the maintenance of good health. Likewise
The Journal of American Medical Association concluded that everyone should take a multi-vitamin everyday.

So it’s not a question of whether or not we should take vitamins. Rather
the question we ought to be asking is
“With so many brands of vitamins on the market
which one is the smartest choice?”

Great question.

However
before we can even begin to answer that question
we have to answer a series of other sub-questions
such as:

1. Are cheap
synthetic vitamins just as good as all-natural vitamins?

2. Which vitamins and minerals do my body need?

3. What dosage should I take?


Let’s narrow the playing field by addressing those questions one at a time.

Are cheap
synthetic vitamins just as good as all-natural vitamins?

First
let’s compare synthetic vitamins with all-natural vitamins. I just completed an article entitled “Vitamin Wars: Natural VS Synthetic.” Putting everything into a nutshell
synthetic vitamins simply cannot measure up to nature’s finest. Over 3
800
different compounds have been identified in foods as having nutritional significance. However
in a laboratory
twenty nutrients are about all that modern science can reproduce and put into a vitamin product.

But even more of a concern than the ineffectiveness of these synthetic vitamins is the harm that they can cause. One of many examples is a recent study on Vitamin C as synthetic ascorbic acid. It was found to thicken the walls of the arteries.

On the other hand
all-natural vitamins made from whole-food sources have many positive benefits that synthetic vitamins just can’t duplicate in a lab. Whole-food vitamins derive their nutrients directly from fruits and vegetables. Unlike synthetic vitamins
whole-food vitamins do not rob precious nutrients from the body. Rather
they supply the individual cells with the nutrients they need to flourish. For greatest gains in terms of health
take only whole food vitamins. When evaluating a vitamin supplement
simply read the label. Rather than multi-syllable
unpronounceable chemical names
you should find the names of foods listed as the vitamin sources. What a concept! This is your way of knowing that you are getting the best possible absorption and retention of your vitamins.

Which vitamins and minerals do my body need?

The short answer is
there are many benefits to all vitamins and minerals.

Vitamin A is important for our vision
while preventing cancer and promoting wellness of bones
eyes
hair
mucous linings
membranes
nails
skin and teeth.

Vitamin B2 promotes healthy skin
nails
and hair.

Vitamin C extends life by enabling protein cells to hold together.

And we haven’t even begun to scratch the surface.

Minerals are critical

Minerals are also critical to maintaining good health. Approximately 75% of the people living in the Western World are not ingesting the right amount of Magnesium
approximately 68% are not ingesting enough Calcium
approximately 58% are not ingesting enough Iron
and approximately 40% are not ingesting enough Zinc.

Make sure your minerals are chelated – here’s why:

Most minerals found in synthetic supplements are cheap and not what we would recommend for the body. They are not chelated minerals and therefore it is extremely difficult for the body to absorb and utilize these minerals after ingesting them. Many times they cause problems with the digestive tract and other systems of the body.

What you might not know is that a chelated mineral acts differently within the body. A chelated mineral is a mineral that is bonded with amino acids or malates naturally found within the food in a stable form. Since 95% of amino acids are absorbed through the intestinal tract
it makes it very easy for high quality chelated minerals to be absorbed and utilized by the body.

Don’t forget to take your Probiotics!

You may be asking
“Probi – what – ics”?

The term “probiotics” simply means “pro life.” Their role in maintaining good health is tremendous. In the scientific community
they are known as “friendly bacteria.” Probiotics aid the digestive system and strengthen the immune system. Bottom line
probiotics have such a wide range of positive roles that nearly everybody could improve their health by supplementing their diet with probiotics.


The importance of Enzymes

Like probiotics
enzymes also aid digestion. Proper digestion of food should be your body’s top priority. Why? Because all other bodily functions
including the immune system
energy production and even brain functions
are all put on pause until the body digests its food. When digestion is functioning properly
food is broken down and nutrients are made available by the body itself for repair
metabolism
and healing without undue stress. Many negative factors wreck havoc on our digestive systems: the way our foods are grown and processed
toxins in the environment - even undue stress and anger. As a result
up to 70 million Americans experience a whole range of digestive disorders such as bloating
gas
and stomach cramps.

What dosage should I take?
Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA)

RDA's are based on scientific research and are set at levels to provide for 98% of all healthy persons living in the US. There is a cushion built in so that if you get 67% of the RDA for a nutrient
you should be getting a minimum amount as an average person. Remember that the RDA's are based on preventing deficiency symptoms specific to each vitamin and mineral. So when choosing a multi-vitamin
check to see if a daily serving contains 100% of the RDA
providing
of course
that a daily value has been established.

So in summary
there are five Steps to Choosing a Great Vitamin:

1. Choose a multi-vitamin made from the highest grade of Whole-Food sources. Do NOT choose a multi-vitamin that contains a concoction of synthetic ingredients that you can’t even pronounce.

2. Choose minerals that are chelated.

3. Choose a multi-vitamin containing Probiotics.

4. Choose a multi-vitamin containing Enzymes derived from vegetables.

5. Choose a multi-vitamin containing 100% of the Recommended Daily Allowances whenever established.

Keeping the above criteria in mind dramatically narrows the playing field.

It’s also a good idea to select a product that gives you a money-back guarantee. Quality multi-vitamins are not as cheap as synthetics
but they are affordable.

I hope this information has educated you and will help you make smart choices. Remember - you only get one body in this life. Treat it well and stay healthy!

For additional information
visit:

http://www.TomsVitamins.com.

Common Forms: calcium citrate
calcium carbonate
calcium gluconate
calcium lactate
calcium chloride
calcium malate
calcium aspartate
calcium ascorbate

Overview

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body. It is essential for the development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth; roughly 99% of calcium in the body is deposited in these two places. Calcium also helps the heart
nerves
muscles
and other body systems work properly. To function correctly
calcium must be accompanied by several other nutrients including magnesium
phosphorous
and vitamins A
C
D
and K.

The best sources of calcium are foods (see Dietary Sources)
but supplements may be necessary for those who cannot meet their calcium needs through diet alone. In fact
according to the National Institutes of Health
many Americans consume less than half the amount of calcium recommended to build and maintain healthy bones. Heavy use of caffeine can diminish calcium levels; therefore
higher amounts of calcium may be needed if you drink a lot of coffee. Also
a diet high in protein can increase loss of calcium through the urine. Excessive intake of sodium
phosphates (from carbonated beverages) and alcohol
as well as the use of aluminum-containing antacids also contribute to increased excretion of calcium.

Calcium deficiency can be found in people with malabsorption problems
such as Crohn's disease
celiac disease
and surgical intestinal resection. Prolonged bed rest causes loss of calcium from the bones and the elderly are less able to absorb calcium.

Symptoms of calcium deficiency include muscle spasm or cramping
typically in hands or feet; hair loss (alopecia); dry skin and nails which may also become misshapen; numbness
tingling
or burning sensation around the mouth and fingers; nausea and vomiting; headaches; yeast infections (candidiasis); anxiety; convulsions/seizures; and poor tooth and bone development.

Uses

Obtaining adequate calcium can help prevent and/or treat the following conditions:

Osteoporosis

An inadequate supply of calcium over the lifetime is thought to play a significant role in contributing to the development of osteoporosis. Calcium is necessary to help build and maintain healthy bones and strong teeth. Studies have shown that calcium
particularly in combination with vitamin D
can help prevent bone loss associated with menopause
as well as the bone loss experienced by elderly men. If adequate amounts of calcium are not being obtained through the diet
calcium supplements are necessary.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Calcium levels often measure lower the week prior to one's menstrual period compared to the week after. Studies suggest that calcium supplementation helps relieve mood swings
food cravings
pain or tenderness
and bloating associated with premenstrual syndrome.

High Cholesterol

Preliminary studies in animals and people suggest that calcium supplements
in the range of 1
500
to 2
0
mg per day
may help to lower cholesterol. The information available thus far suggests that keeping cholesterol levels normal or even low by using calcium supplements (along with many other measures such as changing your diet and exercising) is likely to be more beneficial than trying to treat it by adding calcium once you already have elevated cholesterol. More research in this area is needed.

Stroke

In a population based study (one in which large groups of people are followed over time)
women who take in more calcium
both through the diet and with added supplements
were less likely to have a stroke over a 14 year time course. More research is needed to fully assess the strength of the connection between calcium and risk of stroke.

Colon Cancer

Although some studies are conflicting
mounting evidence suggests that people who consume high amounts of calcium
vitamin D
and milk in their diets are significantly less likely to develop colorectal cancer than those who consume low amounts of the same substances. Although it is best to obtain calcium from the diet
the suggested amounts for the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer (namely
800
IU/day of vitamin D and 1
800
mg/day of calcium) will most likely require supplementation.

Obesity

Both animal and human studies have found that dietary calcium intake (from low-fat dairy products) may be associated with a decrease in body weight. These effects cannot necessarily be attributed to calcium alone since dairy sources of calcium contain other nutrients (including magnesium and potassium) that may be involved in the weight loss. A review of all studies up to the year 2000 did conclude
however
that supplementation of 1
0
mg of calcium can facilitate as much as 8 kilograms (17.6 pounds) of weight loss and 5 kilogram (11 pound) loss of fat.

Dietary Sources

The richest dietary sources of calcium include cheeses (such as parmesan
romano
gruyere
cheddar
American
mozzarella
and feta)
wheat-soy flour
and blackstrap molasses. Some other good sources of calcium include almonds
brewer's yeast
bok choy
Brazil nuts
broccoli
cabbage
dried figs
kelp
dark leafy greens (dandelion
turnip
collard
mustard
kale
Swiss chard)
hazelnuts
ice cream
milk
oysters
sardines
canned salmon soybean flour
tahini
and yogurt.

Foods that are fortified with calcium
such as juices
soy milk
rice milk
tofu and cereals
are also good sources of this mineral.

Calcium may also be obtained from a variety of herbs
spices
and seaweeds. Examples include basil
chervil
cinnamon
dill weed
fennel
fenugreek
ginseng
kelp
marjoram
oregano
parsley
poppy seed
sage
and savory.

New Life Health Centers has no means of independently evaluating the safety or functionality of the products offered by their suppliers and affiliates and thus can neither endorse nor recommend products. Information presented is of a general nature for educational and informational purposes only. Statements about products and health conditions have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. Products and information presented herein are not intended to diagnose
treat
cure
or prevent disease. If you have any concerns about your own health
you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.