 (originally posted 3/28/2013. libbysfitnutrition.com)
Considering supplements to boost your health? What do you take? Do you even need them? More is better, right? Let's dig in a bit and see.... Dietary supplement, as defined by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is, "A product taken by mouth that contains a dietary ingredient intended to supplement the diet." Categorized as "foods," supplements are not as regulated as drugs, nor does their safety need to be approved by the FDA before selling. Furthermore, herbal/botanical supplements can interfere just like drugs with other medications you may be taking and/or medical conditions (ex: renal failure, diabetes, pregnancy, etc.). The serving size, or % daily value, is not regulated in supplements, but labels are required to follow certain guidelines including: identity, quantity, directions, supplement facts panel, other ingredients, and manufacturer's address for more information. Do I need to take supplements? Know that supplements are not intended to replace good nutrition, they are a "supplement" not an "instead-of." Vegans and strict vegetarians may need certain supplements. Speak to your Dietitian or Doctor about this. Different stages of the lifecycle and different disease states may benefit from certain supplements. Analyze your total diet first- are you lacking in certain nutrients? Try to find food sources first. Taking some supplements can be harmful, and taking any in excess can be fatal. Many water-soluble vitamins and minerals are not easily absorbed; therefore, you are just paying for expensive urine. Looking for a weight-loss pill? While many might not "hurt" you, know that if there was a magic pill there would not be an obesity epidemic. (And many supplements can definitely do damage!) Are you pregnant or planning to become pregnant? A multi-vitmain with iron and Folic Acid can be necessary if diet is lacking, to prevent infant abnormalities like spina-bifida. Inadequate calcium intake? Calcium + Vit D taken seperatly from calcium containing foods can be beneficial in preventing bone loss. (btw- there are vegan foods that contain calcium! Try dark green leafy veggies, like bok choy). When researching and selecting supplements, ask yourself: What is the purpose of the source (website, advertisement, article) you are getting the information from? Do they have a vested-interest in selling? Or is this purely educational? Is your doctor/whoever getting kick-back from the company to sell it? Claims that are supported by scientific evidence are important! How big was the study (s)? Same demographic of people as yourself? Were the results significant? "USP" or "U S Pharmacopoeia" should be on the package, to indicate that standards of processing were followed for safety. (Note- this does not mean that the dose/ingredients are "safe" to consume, just manufactured in a safe environment. "Natural" does not equal "safe." Many toxic substances are "natural," like Mercury. I hope this helped you understand supplements better so that you can be safe, informed consumers. If you have further questions about specific supplements please ask your doctor or registered dietitian. Source: Nutrition: An Applied Approach, 3rd Ed. Thompson, J., Manore, M. Pearson Education, Inc. 2012. Pg 360-367.
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 (Originally posted 3/20/2013, libbysfitnutrition.com)
Hypertension is a problem characterized by high blood pressure. A normal blood pressure reading should be less than 120/80. Pre-hypertensive is 120-139/80-90, and a hypertensive person has a blood pressure reading of more than 140/90. This pressure takes a toll on the heart and circulatory system, which can lead to cardiac arrest, aneurysm, metabolic syndrome, weakened or narrow blood vessels, stroke, and trouble with memory or understanding. Primary hypertension is generally hereditary, while secondary hypertension may stem from kidney problems, adrenal gland tumors, birth defects, certain medications, such as birth control pills, cold remedies, decongestants, over-the-counter pain relievers and some prescription drugs, and illegal drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines (Mayo Clinic). Treatment comes in two forms used simultaneously, medication and lifestyle. Lifestyle changes include adopting a heart-healthy, low-sodium (less than 2300 mg sodium/day) and low-fat diet. Switching to a low-sodium diet is a challenge, especially in the western world where so much food is processed and flavored with salt. Simply taking the salt shaker off the table is not enough (though it does help). Low-sodium versions of food, choosing foods naturally low in sodium (fresh, unprocessed fruits and veggies), reading food labels for sodium content and serving size, and learning to use herbs and spices instead of salt and sauces to flavor foods are all important in making a change in lifestyle. The label says…..........what it means Sodium/salt-free: Less than 5mg / serving Very low sodium: 35 mg or less / serving Low sodium: 140 mg or less / serving Low-sodium meal: 140 mg or less / 100g Reduced or less sodium: >25% less sodium than regular version Light in sodium: 50% less than original version Unsalted or no salt added: No salt added during processing (not a low sodium food) Foods that are naturally low in sodium are fresh (not processed); fruits and veggies, dried legumes/grains made without salt, unsalted nuts/nut butter, and low-fat yogurt (but be sure to read labels!) are generally low-sodium choices. For other foods be sure to check the nutrition facts label, and research foods and menus from the company producing/preparing it. Click HERE to see an infographic on what 1200mg of sodium looks like in everyday foods, from healthline.com |
AuthorLibby is a Registered Dietitian focusing on student eating disorder treatment and prevention. She is working on the central coast to create wellness in individuals and the community.  
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