Proper nutrition is essential for maintaining optimal health. Yet in today's society of convenience, stress and busy schedules, it's difficult to achieve proper nutrition. Yes, America has a problem with being overweight, but an abundance of food doesn't necessarily equal enough good nutrition. That's why most trainers and doctors as well as nutritionists suggest taking vitamin and/or mineral supplements. Vitamin supplements can fill the gap between diet and nutrition helping you to lose weight, feel better, fight flus and colds, achieve more energy, focus, lessen/eliminate aches and pains, sleep better, among many others. But have you ever really tried picking out a vitamin? The first time I walked into a vitamin store I was overwhelmed at the thousands of tiny bottles. Where does one begin? Take heart! It's not as confusing as it seems. It's really all a matter of preference. It's similar to buying clothes. You purchase what works for you. Some people prefer the latest fashion. Some prefer easy care, or comfort. Some are concerned about price. It's the exact same thing. So with that in mind, here's a breakdown to help you pick which is the right vitamin for you.
1)Tablets – They're hard and come in a variety of sizes. If you are looking for something that you only have to take once each day, this may be for you. Be sure to look for something that says “time release” or that says it is specifically made to be taken once. THE BAD: Chemicals are used in the formulation of all tablets. It's what makes them keep their shape. Many times, tablets are more difficult for the stomach to break down. Especially if taken on an empty stomach. This would cause pain in the stomach or discomfort.
2)Capsules – Much easier to digest and for the stomach to break down. This way, the body can get to the business of absorbing the nutrients. Capsules are my personal preference. THE BAD: If you are a vegetarian or vegan, it's important to know that the majority of capsules on the market are gelatin based. While I do my best to live vegan, this is one area where I am willing to sacrifice.
3)Powders/liquids- These are available at most vitamin stores. Powders can be mixed with water (check the label), juice or sprinkled on your breakfast. Liquids come in the form of juice like products or tinctures taken by spoonfuls. THE BAD: Tinctures taste horrible!
4)Greens - Many people prefer to keep their nutrition as natural as possible. Green vitamins are in either powder or capsule form and are usually made from green plants such as alfalfa, algae, broccoli, spinach etc. Since most of us know that green vegetables are excellent sources of nutrition, it goes without saying why green vitamins are healthy. The powders are mixed with water. Some people chug them, some sip. Again, it's a matter of preference. Many people report fast bursts of energy and increased focus after taking greens (liquid). The capsules have good effects too. THE BAD: Greens are an acquired taste. If you like the taste of grass.....well these may be for you.
5)Phytonutrients or phytochemicals – According to Wikipedia, These “are chemical compounds... that occur naturally in plants.” These are my personal choices in vitamins. Kind of like greens, only instead of broccoli, they've taken the nutrients from the broccoli. They are usually encapsulated. I feel my best when taking this form of vitamin/mineral supplement. THE BAD: Because they are water soluble, they pass through the system quickly and so must be taken throughout the day. So if you're not a pill taker or don't want to have to remember to take them 3x per day, these may not be for you.
6)Enteric Coated – This is a process usually found in fish oil softgels. Enteric coating is a harder to digest coating that does not break down until in the small intestine. This is done to avoid a fishy after burp common with taking fish oil or omega (from fish) softgels. I just take the lemon flavored fish oil liquid to avoid that extra chemical process.
Selecting the best vitamin for you really is a matter of preference and what works best for your lifestyle. If you are looking for brand recommendations, I suggest, New Chapter, Source Naturals, Solgar, The Vitamin Shoppe's store brand and Trump Network/Ideal Health trumpnetwork.com/lbcenterprises . They all are excellent products made with superior ingredients. I also do not recommend brands found in grocery stores. Most are of poor quality and may not absorb very easily. I have had a few clients claim that they have passed straight through! Ugh!
When it comes to vitamin supplements, you really do get what you pay for. Besides, your health is not something you want to be cheap about. The benefits of feeling better are worth it. And isn't that what it's all about? Feeling better to have a better quality of life? When your body is properly nourished, all the systems work efficiently. When that happens, you feel better.
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