Lifeplus Wellness

Healthy Eating and Wellbeing Influences Generations to come

Fri, 05 Jan 2024 16:03:00 +0100

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Every action has a consequence and this is even true in terms of how our diet affects those who will be born after us.

The diet you eat today will affect the bodies and worlds of your children and grandchildren. From epigenetics to environmental sustainability, your own eating habits—for better or for worse—will influence generations to come.Internally diet affects our health. We all know that. But are you also aware that diet has been shown to affect us on a genetic level? DNA, the very basis of who we are and the genes we pass on to our children, is affected by diet. It makes sense that what we eat today will affect our children in the future.

Pregnant mothers are especially tasked with consuming a healthy diet because the nutrients they consume are sent directly to the foetus, but future fathers-to-be also have a less direct but equally important responsibility to their children. A man’s diet consumed even before having children has been shown to have an effect on his children after they are born. ¹

Eating well can affect multiple generations

Beginning in the 1930s, Dr. Francis M. Pottenger performed a 10-year-long study examining the effects of nutrition on cats through multiple generations. Dr. Pottenger’s ultimate results found that feeding cats a nutrient-poor diet resulted in nutritional damage after just one generation. After the third generation all the cats were unable to reproduce. Despite major differences in the metabolisms of cats and humans, we can clearly infer from his study that the quality of nutrition in one generation has powerful effects on not just one generation but possibly multiple ones.

Several studies have shown how healthy eating and wellbeing can be passed through the generations and how eating well can positively influence the health of babies. ²

The importance of a healthy diet

After they are born, our children and grandchildren will benefit from being exposed to a healthy diet. Children who are raised in homes where the family sits down and eats a healthy meal together on most nights are much more likely to practice the same healthy behaviour later in life.

They too will make healthy family meals a priority which in turn will be passed on to their own children.

From an external viewpoint, eating a healthy, environmentally conscious diet can affect the world future generations live in. Agriculture and farming have evolved rapidly since the end of World War II, when researchers discovered leftover nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (from explosives) made excellent fertilisers that produced enormous crop yields. Since then, selective breeding and genetic engineering have created agricultural practices far different from what our bodies and environment are used to.

Generation health and wellness

While huge agricultural corporations have taken up unsustainable practices in order to produce maximum profit, a counterculture has arisen that seeks to return to a more natural way of food production. Sustainable, organic, local farming does not use synthetic pesticides, herbicides or fertilisers.

Farmers often use ancient techniques for crop and field rotation that rely on natural replacement of soil nutrients that are more sustainable than repeatedly fertilising year after year.

Meats, fruits and vegetables from these sources tend to be a little more expensive. But due to the law of supply and demand, the more people who adopt such a diet, the lower these prices will become. The more people take an environmentally friendly approach to purchasing food, the more likely we are to give our children a healthy planet.

You are what you eat

We’ve all heard the saying that goes “You are what you eat.” Perhaps a more enlightened version would be to say, “You, your children and your grandchildren are what you eat.” Consuming a healthy diet cultivated from sustainable sources will affect the world and the health of generations to come. When you consider how closely healthy eating and wellbeing are linked, not just for you, but for those who will follow you, it’s another strong reason why we should all be concerned with what we put in our bodies.

Gunnar Kaati, Lars Olov Bygren, et al. “Transgenerational response to nutrition, early life circumstances and longevity.” European Journal of Human Genetics (2007) 15, 784–790; doi:10.1038/sj.ejhg.5201832 [↩]
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/21/7/2633 [↩]

Foods to eat and avoid during pregnancy

Fri, 03 Dec 2021 10:06:00 +0100

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Pregnancy is a time to be kind to yourself and listen to what your body needs.

It’s also a time to be aware of certain foods that are less than ideal for the health of yourself and your growing baby. With a few tweaks, you can still enjoy a healthy and satisfying pregnancy diet that shouldn’t leave you feeling too deprived.

High mercury fish

Mercury is highly toxic and is commonly found in polluted seas, where certain fish can accumulate high levels of it. These highest amounts can be passed on to you where they may be toxic to your nervous and immune systems. Mercury exposure has also been shown to risk causing serious developmental problems in children, even in lower amounts. High mercury fish include shark, swordfish and tuna.¹

Raw, or undercooked fish

Unfortunately for sushi and shellfish lovers, it’s off the menu for 9 months. Raw fish have a higher risk of carrying a number of viral, bacterial or parasitic infections ranging from norovirus to salmonella and listeria. Not only can these make you very ill, but they can also be passed onto your baby. Furthermore, pregnancy seems to make you even more prone to picking up these infections, with research showing that pregnant women are up to 10 times more likely to get infected with listeria than the rest of the population.²

Undercooked, raw and processed meats

The issues that exist with raw and undercooked fish can also be seen in undercooked, raw and processed meats, which also pose a risk of bacterial or parasitic infection that can make both you and your baby seriously unwell. Most of these bacteria are found on the surface of the meat, so it’s best to ensure any meat you eat is cooked well done while pregnant. Processed meat also carries a higher risk of infection so is best avoided altogether if possible or if not, reheated until piping hot to kill off any bacteria.

Unpasteurised dairy foods

As with fish and meat, raw milk and unpasteurised or soft ripened cheese can carry a number of harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, Listeria, E.coli and Campylobacter, which can all cause serious complications to your unborn baby, as well as making you extremely ill.³

Raw eggs

Raw eggs can be found hidden in many products from homemade mayonnaise and ice cream to hollandaise sauce and cake icings. Poached and lightly scrambled eggs can also contain traces of raw egg. These are all best avoided as raw eggs come with a higher risk of containing salmonella, which can make you and your growing baby very unwell.

Caffeine

This can be a tricky one to give up, but caffeine is not the best thing for your pregnancy diet. As it is very quickly absorbed, it passes easily to the placenta where it can build up in high levels that are unable to be metabolised. This can lead to restricted foetal growth rates, which has been linked to lower birth weights and an increased risk of infant death or chronic illnesses during adulthood.⁴

Eat these foods instead!

The good news for fish lovers is that there are options other than shellfish and sushi, and not all ocean or farmed fish are high in mercury! Cod, haddock, salmon and freshwater trout are all safe options. Salmon is particularly good as it’s high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for the development of your baby.⁵

While soft and unpasteurised cheeses may be off the menu, you should still consume protein to support the needs of your growing baby. Dairy products like milk, pasteurised cheese and yoghurt are all perfectly safe.

Raw eggs might also be forbidden for a while, but eggs in general are absolutely fine. What’s more, they are an excellent source of choline, which is important for the development of your baby and can help prevent developmental abnormalities of the brain and spine.⁶

Lean meats and proteins are great sources of energy, and beef in particular is rich in iron, which is essential during pregnancy as you will need more of it while your blood volume is increasing. Lower levels of iron during early and mid-pregnancy have been linked to iron deficient anaemia, which can increase the risk of lower birth weights, so go ahead and eat that steak – just make sure that it’s well cooked.⁷

Avocados are great as part of a pregnancy diet as they are high in potassium, which may help relieve leg cramps that are common during pregnancy. Try not to think of your pregnancy as a time of food deprivation. You will need more calories than before to support the growth of your baby. Armed with the knowledge of what is, and what isn’t, a healthy food choice, you will be able to enjoy the ultimate pregnancy diet that is both satisfying and safe for you and your baby.

The importance of staying active during pregnancy

Fri, 24 Sep 2021 13:28:00 +0200

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Taking care of yourself and your growing baby is the priority during any pregnancy.

However, there’s an understandable temptation to view this as a green light to let exercise take a back seat for 9 months. The good news is that you can, and should, take things easier than usual – but this doesn’t mean stopping moving altogether. The health benefits of physical exercise are just as important as they were before you were pregnant. In fact, they could be considered more so, as any movement workout you do will now benefit your baby as well as yourself.

Why should you stay active?

The NHS stress the importance of keeping active during pregnancy as the more fit and active you are, the easier it will be for you to adapt to your changing shape and weight gain.¹ Regular exercise can also help reduce the likelihood of developing varicose veins, swelling in your ankles, feet and hands and may also help with back pain.²

Is exercise during pregnancy safe?

Exercise is not unsafe for your baby, but there are some exercises that are best to avoid – specifically those that carry a greater risk of falling; horse riding, skiing, cycling and gymnastics to name a few. It’s also advisable to avoid any contact sports that carry a risk of the baby being hit, such as martial arts or ball sports like tennis and squash. Going scuba diving is not advisable as your baby has no protection against decompression sickness. Finally, avoid anything that involves laying on your back for long periods once you pass 16-weeks. This is because the weight of your baby pressing on the main blood vessel that brings blood back to your heart can make you feel faint or even pass out. Yoga and Pilates are fine to do but be sure to tell your instructor that you are pregnant so that they can avoid putting you in positions that would make you uncomfortable or dizzy.

There are a few other precautions that are advisable to take too. Carrying the extra weight of a baby around will make you feel hotter more quickly, so it’s important to keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other fluids.

What exercises are best during pregnancy?

Many exercises are perfectly safe during pregnancy – from the early stages right up until your due date. But, this is a time to listen to your body and while you can keep up your normal movement workout of choice, you should stop if you no longer feel comfortable. As your body shape changes, some exercises may feel more comfortable to complete than others and come with benefits specific to pregnancy:

Swimming in particular is a great option as the water will support the extra weight you are carrying. Some swimming pools even have prenatal classes especially for pregnant women, so if swimming is something you are interested in, it is worth contacting your local pool to see if this is something they offer.

Stomach strengthening exercises can support the abdominal muscles that can cause backache, which is a particular problem in many pregnancies. A simple exercise you can try at home is to start on all fours with your knees under your hips and hands under your shoulders, then pull in your stomach muscles while raising your back towards the ceiling and allowing your head to relax forward. Do this slowly about ten times to make your stomach muscles work harder.

Pelvic floor exercises help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, which come under increased strain during pregnancy. If these muscles are weak, it can lead to stress incontinence when you cough, sneeze or strain and while it can be an embarrassing topic, it’s a common one that affects many women both during and beyond their pregnancy. To exercise your pelvic floor muscles, close up your bottom as if trying to prevent yourself going to the toilet and draw in your vagina in a gripping motion. Try to hold this position for as long as you can and then relax and repeat ten times, a couple of times each day.

A final word of caution

Exercise during pregnancy can be perfectly safe but as with most things, there are always exceptions. If you are suffering from certain conditions including heart or lung disease, persistent vaginal bleeding, preeclampsia or high blood pressure, or if you are anaemic, at risk of preterm labour or experiencing a multiple pregnancy, be sure to speak to your doctor before beginning any movement workout, just to be on the safe side.

What is protein?

Thu, 11 Feb 2021 11:25:00 +0100

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Everything you thought you knew but didn’t

Most of us know what protein is. Along with carbohydrates and fats, it makes up the three most important macronutrients of our diet. Research has shown why it’s so beneficial as part of a balanced and healthy diet, as it plays a key role in the creation and maintenance of every single cell in our bodies.¹ So what happens if we don’t get enough protein and what are the best food sources to ensure we get the right amount?

Why our bodies need protein

Did you know that there are over 10,000 types of protein in everything from our internal organs to our tissues, muscles, skin, hair and bones? Every single cell in our body contains protein, and protein is needed in our diets to help those cells repair and regenerate.² Protein is critical in aiding the processes that give us energy and help move oxygen around in our blood. It is absolute essential for keeping us healthy and ensuring our bodies continue to work as they should do:

Building cells

Bones, muscles, cartilage and skin can only be built with the help of protein.

Repairing tissue

Protein is needed to build and repair damaged tissue.

Oxygenating blood

The protein compound in red blood cells delivers oxygen throughout the body and supplies it with the nutrients we need.

Aiding digestion

Dietary protein makes enzymes, which help us to digest food properly, and make new cells and body chemicals.

Regulating hormones

Protein helps to keep our hormones regulated, which is particularly important when cells are developing and transforming during puberty.

…and there are even more benefits to eating protein!

Protein is often at the forefront of those trying to either lose weight or build muscle and that’s because it’s great for doing both! Studies have shown that not only does protein reduce cravings and desires for late night snacking,³ but protein is the most satiating of the macronutrients and will curb your appetite longer than carbohydrates and fats.⁴ Numerous studies have also shown that you can increase strength and muscle mass, as well as decrease muscle loss,⁵ by eating plenty of protein.

Essential amino acids

During digestion, the protein we consume is broken down into amino acids – it’s these amino acids that are the building blocks of protein. The British Nutrition Foundation recognises around 20 different amino acids, of which 9 are needed in an adult diet to maintain good health.⁶ These are known as Essential amino acids and can only be made through eating protein-rich foods.

How much protein do we need and what foods are the highest in protein?

Whilst it will depend on your age and weight, research has shown that adults need on average around 0.6g of protein per kilogram of bodyweight each day. Infants, children, pregnant and breastfeeding women have different requirements.⁷

Protein can be found in high amounts in meats, milk, fish, and eggs. If you are vegetarian or vegan you don’t need to worry though as you don’t need to eat animal products to get the protein you need. You can also find it in soy, beans, legumes, nut butters, and some grains (wheat germ and quinoa, for example).

What are the different types of protein?

Protein falls into different types, which is another bonus for people who have to, or choose, to avoid certain food groups.

Casein protein is found in milk, but is absorbed and digested much more slowly, so it may be a suitable option if you are lactose intolerant.

Egg protein is a great option for those who need to avoid dairy but are still looking for an animal-based protein source. Of all whole foods, eggs have been shown in studies to contain the greatest protein digestibility-corrected amino acids.⁸

Pea protein is great for people with allergies or sensitivities to eggs or dairy, and for those following a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle.

Hemp protein is an easily-digested source of plant-based protein that is rich in several amino acids – although it only has low levels of the amino acids lysine and leucine.

Brown rice protein contains all the essential amino acids but is not considered a complete protein as it is too low in lysine.

Mixed plant proteins can be a great option for those looking to avoid meat-based products but wanting to get high amounts of all the amino acids. Protein powders commonly blend plant sources so there are different options to suit your tastes and needs.

Whey protein and exercise

Whey protein is one of the most popular types of protein, especially when it comes to being used for sporting or fitness performance. Whey protein comes from milk and is the liquid that separates from the curds during the cheesemaking process. It’s a high source of protein that studies have shown can lead to the largest decrease in appetite for those trying to manage their weight.⁹

Whey protein has been shown in studies to improve exercise performance, as well as help to improve body composition through increasing muscle weight. In addition, it has shown to increase physical endurance and also slightly increase physical strength.¹⁰

Not all protein is created equal

When it comes to protein supplements, such as protein powders, the quality can vary. Not all whey proteins are the same, and not all of them will provide the same benefits. The key thing to look for is whether the protein has been denatured. When this happens, it’s the biochemical process in which proteins lose their structure, and it no longer performs its functions as well. When it comes to denatured protein powder, it means that the structure of the amino acids has been broken down by the exposure of whey protein to acids, oxidation of the amino acids or high heat during the pasteurisation process.

Due to this, it’s always better to look for non-denatured, or undernatured protein, as that will provide the most benefits by avoiding the breakdown of the vital immune-boosting proteins that make whey so beneficial. The best non denatured whey proteins are made with minimal processing and a cold filtration process.

Protein and your diet

While protein is extremely important, it’s not something you need to be overwhelmed by. You don’t need to consume your full daily recommended amount of protein in one sitting, as it’s more important to balance it over the course of the day.

Whatever your dietary preferences or health goals, there are plenty of protein-rich foods to keep you in top health while letting you enjoy and delight in what you eat.

Omega 3 fatty acids

Tue, 26 Jan 2021 16:43:00 +0100

Reading Time: 4 minutes

What are omega 3 fatty acids?

Omega 3 fatty acids are single or polyunsaturated fatty acids. You may be more familiar with them as “good fats”. They are also called essential fatty acids because they are essential for human life. The three most important omega 3 fatty acids are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). As our body does not produce the fats itself, these unsaturated fatty acids must be consumed through food.

What is the difference between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids?

Fatty acids differ, among other things, in their degree of saturation. People frequently use the expressions of “bad” saturated fatty acids and “good” unsaturated fatty acids. But where does this distinction between “good” and “bad” come from?

Saturated fatty acids are not essential for humans since the body also manufactures them from other food ingredients such as glucose or protein.¹ We consume saturated fats mainly through food: through animal foods such as meat and sausage, but also through vegetable foods such as coconut, coconut oil and palm oil.²

Unsaturated fatty acids are called “good fats” because they have a more favourable effect on cholesterol levels. Reducing the consumption of saturated fatty acids helps maintain normal blood cholesterol levels. Marine and plant-based sources of good unsaturated fatty acids include high-fat fish, vegetable oils and nuts.²

What types of omega 3 fatty acids are there?

The three essential fatty acids of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenic acid (DHA) are again divided into plant and marine-based omega 3 fatty acids. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is a plant-based omega 3 fatty acid, and eicosapentaenic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenic acid (DHA) belong to marine-based unsaturated fatty acids.

Where is plant-based omega 3 found?

The most important sources of ALA omega 3 include:³

Vegetable oils such as linseed oil, rapeseed oil and soya oil
Nuts and seeds such as walnuts, linseed and chia seeds

Where is marine-based omega 3 found?

Marine-based omega 3 sources (EPA and DHA) include:³

Fish and seafood, especially high-fat cold water fish such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, herring and sardines

Another essential: omega-6 fatty acids

In addition to omega 3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids are among the unsaturated fatty acids. They are also essential for our body. The polyunsaturated fatty acid linoleic acid (LA) belongs to the family of omega 6 fatty acids.

Where is omega 6 found?

The most important sources of omega 6 include:⁴

Vegetable oils such as sunflower oil, safflower oil, corn oil and soya oil
Cereals and seeds such as walnuts, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds

Consumption of omega 3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids via food

The German Society for Nutrition (DGE) recommends that young people and adults consume omega-6 fatty acids and omega 3 fatty acids at a ratio of 5:1. More precisely, it is recommended that 2.5 percent of the daily energy supply comes from the omega-6 fatty acid linoleic acid (LA) and 0.5 percent comes from the omega 3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).⁵

How can we maintain a healthy diet, while keeping a balance between omega 3 and omega-6 fatty acids? Healthy nutrition means diversity: To keep the essential fatty acids in balance, small changes in diet can help:

According to the recommendation of the German Society for Nutrition (DGE), people who eat fish are advised to serve fish on their plates once or twice a week.⁶ High-fat fish are great sources of omega 3.
As an alternative to or as well as eating fish, fish oil can also be used more frequently during cooking.
Vegetarians who do not eat fish can add linseed oil to their meals.
Try to replace fatty foods with vegetables, fruit and fibre as much as possible. Reducing the consumption of saturated fatty acids helps maintain normal blood cholesterol levels.
Fats of animal origin (butter, meat, eggs) can often also be replaced by vegetable fats found in nuts, seeds and vegetable spreads.

What effect do omega 3 fatty acids have on the body?

Omega 3 fatty acids can affect the cardiovascular system, our eyes and our vision. During pregnancy and up to the 12th month of life, omega 3 fatty acids can be important for the development of the child. Learn how omega 3 helps our body.

Effect on the cardiovascular system

Some omega 3 fatty acids support the function of our cardiovascular system as well as having other benefits. The essential fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) helps maintain normal blood cholesterol levels. Consuming the marine-based omega 3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) also contributes to the normal function of the heart and helps maintain normal blood pressure. Omega 3 fatty acids also have a positive effect on blood fat levels: EPA and DHA help maintain normal blood triglycerides.

Effect on the eyes & vision

Some omega 3 fatty acids also have a positive effect on the eyes and vision. Docosahexaenic acid (DHA) helps to maintain normal vision.

The consumption of some sources of omega 3 not only has a positive effect on the eyes and vision, but also helps their normal development in infants and foetuses. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a valuable source of omega 3 for foetuses and growing children. When the mother consumes docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), this contributes to the normal development of the brain and eyes in the foetus or breast-fed infant.

Development of the brain

An adequate supply of some omega 3 fatty acids can also be important for the development of the child during pregnancy. When the mother consumes the essential fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), this contributes to the normal brain development of the foetus or breast-fed infant.

Effect on infants after birth

Consuming the unsaturated fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) contributes to normal eye development in infants up to 12 months of age. Essential fatty acids, such as alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and linoleic acid (LA), are needed for the normal growth and development of children.

Essential fatty acids as a staple of a healthy diet

Even small changes in diet can help the body to absorb essential fatty acids naturally and to maintain the balance of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. Try to make healthy sources of omega 3 and omega 6 part of your diet.

What is bioavailability?

Thu, 06 Aug 2020 09:43:00 +0200

Reading Time: 3 minutes

And why is it essential for nutritional supplements?

Sooner or later, if you are exploring the world of nutritional supplements you will come across the term ‘bioavailability’. It sounds slightly off putting, but is actually an extremely important factor in whether supplements are effective or not.

Like many scientific terms, it is better understood if it is broken down so it can be absorbed more easily. Which is rather appropriate, because that is essentially what it means!

Bioavailability is the rate at which a substance – which could be a nutritional supplement or a drug – is absorbed into a living system¹

Why is that important in relation to supplements? Because the efficiency with which the core elements of that supplement – whether that’s vitamins, minerals, enzymes or herbs – find the part of the body they are going to help means that they well be delivering more help, more quickly.

Supplementation is usually managed by taking supplement capsules or tablets. They are swallowed, and then digested: just like food, they turn up in our digestive tract and then head out through the wall of the intestine into the bloodstream, and through some amazing nutritional GPS find their way to the system or organ in our bodies that they are intended for. Only then can they start working for our benefit. So the faster and more effectively they do that, the better for us. Some supplements are ineffective precisely because they never fully get absorbed into the body.

One thing to be aware of: manufacturers of supplements often claim that they have created a product with maximum bioavailability. But it’s not as simple as that. There are two elements at work; the supplement itself and your body.

As far as the supplement is concerned, critical factors include the form it comes in, how long it takes to disintegrate – in other words how quickly the essential contents can get to work – the quality of the ingredients and their formulation: some nutrients are better absorbed when they are paired with other nutrients. As an example, a calcium supplement might also include Vitamin D, which is shown to increase the body’s absorption of calcium² .

The other part of the equation is you. Your body is individual – every human being is different. So however bioavailable a nutritional supplement is in principle, the other factors that come into play are those of the person taking the supplement.

And that involves a range of factors: your age and gender, overall health, the state of your digestive system (which in passing can also be supported with the right supplements), the time of day the supplement is taken through to whether your stomach is empty or full. That’s a lot of variables!

On top of that we have to bear in mind your nutrient needs: growing children or graciously aging adults and pregnant women all have different requirements which impact on how easily a supplement will be absorbed.

Of course, you can always ask the manufacturers of the supplements you’re interested in. Ideally they will be ahead of you and be proactive in promoting the bioavailability of their products. You can also do a little research online about some of the optimal combinations of nutrients you should look for.

Behind all the science, the key thing here is pure common sense. The sooner you can absorb all the good things in supplements, the sooner they can start making a difference to your health and energy levels. So by taking a little time to understand how bioavailability works, you be that much closer to making informed choices about combinations to suit you!

Understanding Supplements

Tue, 04 Aug 2020 13:36:00 +0200

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Restoring the body’s natural balance

The combined onslaughts of processed, nutrient-poor food and lifestyles that can be at one and the same time hyperactive and sedentary, relentless and disorientating, mean that it is no surprise that our bodies sometimes feel the strain.

A healthy body naturally strives to achieve a balance between a rounded diet, a consistent level of regular exercise and a peaceful state of mind. But it doesn’t take much to knock that equilibrium out of kilter. So alongside making positive decisions and choices to stay active, to eat well and to achieve calmer mental wellbeing, nutritional supplements offer a fourth, complementary way to maintain those essential balances.

Supplements are a way of providing the body with a range of vitamins (micronutrients that support a huge range of body functions such as growth, energy levels and other processes¹, minerals like calcium and magnesium, as well as enzymes, in a form that can be taken and ingested easily and conveniently.

Why do we even need to consider nutritional supplements? This is partly because the basic foodstuffs that are available – the meat and dairy products, even the fruit and vegetables – can be lower in nutritional quality than a generation or two ago² . The rise of convenient processed food has exacerbated this problem.

However, there is an important point to make: although good supplements will likely support the nutritional balance of someone who takes them, they do not in themselves create wellness. That is why they are supplements, designed to work with your diet, not to act as a replacement. So even if you take the highest-quality food supplements that is never an excuse to exist on a diet of fast, convenience or refined foods.

Think of them as a support system for core nutrition – especially if your diet is a little uneven – while you continue to explore the pleasurable experience of evolving your own wellbeing.

They can also provide additional nutritional support for specific times in life, during pregnancy for example, or helping support joint flexibility in later years, for particular goals and for individual organs in the body. You can tailor a bespoke plan of supplementation that works for you.

With the availability of information on the internet, it is possible to learn more about supplements and how they work. A good starting point is to learn a little about the main micronutrients: the vitamins A-K and the main minerals. By learning more yourself you can gain an understanding of the potential they have, and more insight into what supplements might offer to your own life.

But above all, supplements should be as high in quality as possible – it really can make a difference.

With the right diet, supported by supplementation, so that our bodies are energised with the fuel they need, a wonderful thing starts to happen. We become even more empowered to make good, healthy choices. Things that once might have seemed like making a sacrifice – eating wholefoods, taking physical activity, making downtime, even work – become real pleasures.

And life becomes enriched. Supplements can add to that more rounder, healthier life.