We all know that eating a healthy, well-balanced diet is the best way to take on board the many vitamins and minerals our bodies need to function. The nutritional benefits of whole foods such as fruit, vegetables and grains have been well documented. But we lead busy lives and occasionally find ourselves short of time when it comes to meeting our nutritional needs. Even with the best intentions, eating the rainbow just isn’t always possible.
But what happens if your body is lacking certain vitamins? In short, it begins to revolt and signs and symptoms soon start to appear.
Feeling tired all the time and always seem to have a cough and cold? You may be suffering from a vitamin D deficiency. Recurring joint and muscle pain you can’t shake off? Could you need more vitamin C? Always find yourself fending off mouth ulcers and cold sores? Perhaps you’re low in B vitamins?
It’s food for thought.
Chances are, if you’re feeling a little low right now, your vitamin levels could do with a boost.
There are 13 essential vitamins; A, C, D, E, K, and B vitamins thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, B6, B12, and folate. Each one has a different job to help your body keep working properly. Some support your immune system, fight infections and keep your nerves healthy, while others help metabolise carbohydrates and proteins or maintain your skin and eyesight.
When the balance is wrong, you can soon end up feeling lethargic, irritable, stressed and anxious.
So, what can you do if your lifestyle doesn’t leave much room for a varied diet rich in everything you need to function fully? Do you need to take vitamins? It seems like sense, right, if you want to stay on top of your health? Especially if you’ve recently been ill or run down.
In a recent article he wrote for Forbes, food scientist Dr Taylor Wallace said “Why do I take a multivitamin? It’s simple. Research shows there are real benefits for most people and taking a daily multivitamin is a cost-effective way to insure against hidden micronutrient insufficiencies that can sap your immunity, health and long-term vitality.”
For most of us, that means taking a punt on a GP-approved multi is probably worth it.
Much the same as we advise taking supplemental oxygen at the start of your day, multivitamins are best absorbed into the body in the morning too. Couple them together and you could soon be on your way to better wellbeing.
