The association of diet and health is nothing new. If you eat a diet that is consistently high in saturated fats and processed foods, and neglect fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean sources of protein, you are risking your health. High cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, inflammation, and even a higher risk of cancer and diabetes are just a few of the increased risks of a poor diet. However, while people understand this, often they reach for a pill or powder to address deficiencies rather than the foods they eat.

Why Food First?

Your body was designed to consume and process food. While supplements may offer nutrients, they may not process and absorb in your body the same as food. So, you may not actually get the benefits you are looking for. Also, there are often other fillers and substances used when producing pills and powders. These may affect absorption, or even interact with other medications that you are taking. The truth is that if you are eating a well-balanced diet that is heavy on fresh fruits and vegetables and low on processed foods, you may be getting all that you need.

When to Supplement

The supplement business is a lucrative one. Americans spend over $30 billion per year on various dietary supplements. Some of it is beneficial, while others you may be literally flushing down the toilet. To understand your body and its needs, first, see your doctor. A comprehensive physical that includes blood work may tell you what vitamins or nutrients your body is deficient in. You can then discuss with your doctor if supplements or diet are the best choice in addressing these issues. It's possible that you may even need medication. If that's the case, you do need to know how supplements interact.

If your diet is poor, or you have food allergies/intolerances you may want to see a registered dietitian. With the information from your doctor, a food log and your likes and dislikes, they can help you develop a plan to meet your nutritional needs, and improve your health. It's possible that supplementing may be necessary, but do it under the guidance of a professional.

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