Do I Need to Take a Multiple Vitamin Supplement?
By Kel Silas CFT MHT NS
Do I need to take a multiple vitamin supplement? Many wonder this from time to time. People go in nutrition stores and health food stores asking the people who work there if they should. Most report being tired a lot or they know they don't eat right. Many people ask their doctors what they should do. And I will tell you that most doctors know very little about nutrition or diet. I have no idea why we permit these people to write diets and to prescribe for us or give us advice on vitamins, minerals, and herbs when most know very little about them. Most physicians don't take any nor are they required to take any nutrition courses. Do most physicians even look like they workout?? I say this out of no disrespect. Many brilliant physicians try to give guidance on something most of them don't do or know very little about. It is not a requirement for their degrees in most cases for them to take any nutrition courses. Those who choose to take these classes do so because it's an elective. Most physicians take no nutrition classes or if they do they only take 1 or 2 classes at the most. I have a strong admiration for these people because they are specialist (in their field) but again as I have said, nutrition, vitamins, minerals, herbs, diet, weight loss, and exercise are not the fields of physicians.
So who do I ask? Who can I trust? Where can I find this information on whether or not I need to take a multiple vitamin? What can I do?? Let me say this my friend, it is important to make sure your body's daily needs are met in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, water, fiber, and macronutrients such as proteins, carbs, and fats are met daily and consistently. How do you know if you need a multiple vitamin or to use a supplement? (Or a protein supplement.) Although running tests would probably be the absolute best and most accurate way to determine such, judging how you feel can be equally as efficient at times. Your body has to have them. Your body will not function well nor be as productive without the necessary amounts of vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients of proteins, carbs, and fats, water, etc.
Determining protein requirements is generally easier. I will tell you this, no different than my recent research on how much water does a person really need, athletes and people who workout regularly typically need and require more protein than the daily recommended allowance; which is only about 30 to 40 grams for women and 40 to 50 grams for men. This is based on the average couch potato too. (The person who doesn't really exercise.) So for the person that does exercise daily and regularly, chances are you need and require more protein and more water too. I recently took myself from drinking about 12 cups or 96 oz of water a day to about 18 cups or 144 oz of water a day. And yes I have a system that works pretty well for me. More on vitamins below.
However just because one is tired and exhausted doesn't mean that a multiple vitamin is the answer. You may need more sleep or you could be stressed from things going on in your life. It also could be allergies. Talking with someone who understands your circumstances would be a good first step. I spent 12 years with GNC (General Nutrition Center) on a Government Military Base listening to people and determining what I thought and felt was best for them as far as multiple vitamins. It can be quite challenging. Everyone's body is different on its personal requirements for vitamins and minerals. And if you are someone who doesn't eat as healthy as they should, or you are eating at restaurants daily or quite often, you probably are not getting in enough of them. The military works out regularly and they really treat their body's like a temple. The U.S. military really takes good care of their bodies.
"Solutions for Stress" by Kel Silas
So do you really need a multiple vitamin? Yes you probably do honestly. In today's busy hectic world, most people don't nearly eat the way they need to to get in a perfect balances of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and even protein for that matter. (Protein shakes for protein deficiency or protein needs is another article but it strongly applies here.) How many servings of fruits and vegetables do you get in a day? According to the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, you should consume between 5 and 13 servings of fruits and vegetables each day. This is equivalent to about 2 1/2 to 6 1/2 cups daily, depending on the amount of calories you need to consume for your weight and level of activity. Here are the government standards below.
ChooseMyPlate.Gov
Healthy Eating Guidelines
Center of Disease Control on Fruits and Vegetables
Vitamins-Nutrition.Org
Which multiple vitamins one should get?? I could go all day discussing and debating this one. I would choose a company with a good reputation and do research them as you need to. Don't trust just every company. Be selective. Caplets and tablets are very inexpensive but your body does not absorb them well and you might as well. One might as well just throw them in the toilet! Your BEST bet is to choose a capsule or soft gel capsule, liquid, or vitamin powder. I will tell you that tablets and caplets can be gentler and easier on the stomach. In today's world I would hope that companies make tablets and caplets easier for your body to absorb. If this is the best option for you then go for it. But stay away from Centrums, One a Days, Store brands such as Walmart, Walgreens, and Sam's Club brands. I personally have had to take some tablets instead of capsules over the last few years. I have noticed my stomach seems to like them a little better in some cases. Chances are your best bet for getting a good multiple vitamin is either in a health food store, nutrition store, or online from one of many companies who sell supplements.
An even better choice would be from many companies who specialize in selling vitamins, supplements and wellness. Usually these are multilevel marketing companies and their vitamins can be very expensive. Just do remember that they ARE top of the line so you are paying for quality and research. Come next year in 2017, I plan on making a decision on what company I am going to represent and to have my knowledge available for them to clients and customers. I kind of already know but it's a secret right now. Ha ha ha!!!!! I will tell you this in fact, they are a phenomenal company. Stay tuned in!
A very easy way to get in more fruits and vegetables is to start juicing. I just bought a Nutri Ninja recently and will begin using it very soon. No matter if you choose a Nutri Ninja, Nutri Bullet, some other brand, food processor, or just a blender, many of these products are suitable to help you create a healthy drink that will help you on your health and fitness journey. No matter which one you choose, there is going to be clean up. Cleaning them is not going to be fun and may seem like a chore but think of all of the benefits. Just get on a system for cleaning it daily/regularly. Take the time to clean it or put what you can it in the refrigerator. One can always buy some of these healthy fruit and vegetable drinks from the grocery stores but they can be very expensive. You will make the right choice for you.
Feel free to contact me as you find yourself having questions.
Have a blessed week!
Sincerely, Kel Silas
If you missed recent posts, shame on you lol :) check out my post on my blog "Weight Loss 101". This is my Weight Loss 101 series and just like a good movie, you need to tune into it.
Are you trying to lose weight?? Do you think you need help with your diet and eating plan and trying to lose weight??
It will take you only about 10 to 15 minutes.
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