The Jamaica Star :: Health :: Improving energy levels

Dear Readers,

D.R. is a 54-year-old gentleman who teaches. Between the summer heat and the long hours tutoring, he feels tired quite often and believes he is 'run down'. He says he knows he needs rest but would also like some advice on nutritional supplements to augment his regular diet and improve his energy levels.

While nutritional supplements should never be used as a substitute for a healthy diet, they can ensure that a person is receiving an adequate supply of all the basic nutrients the body needs to function optimally.

Boosting the body's defence

Supplements are also useful in boosting the body's defence mechanism during illness. For example vitamin C is well documented for its anti-inflammatory effects that lessen the symptoms of the common cold. It is also useful in the treatment of urinary tract infections by acidifying the urine. Beta-carotene and vitamin A help wounds to heal. Probiotic supplements such as those containing lactobacillus acidophilus help in the performance of several essential body functions. They produce the enzyme lactase required for the digestion of lactose (milk sugar) and also in the digestion of other nutrients.

Some varieties of lactobacillus help to destroy disease-causing bacteria by producing substances which act like natural antibiotics. They also help to reduce bad cholesterol and can inhibit growth of the yeast fungus, candida albicans.

Natural and synthetic sources

Vitamin and mineral supplements are either isolated from natural food sources or are synthesised. They supposedly do the same work in the body. However, the natural and synthetic sources are not always exactly alike. For example, synthetic vitamin E contains a single compound while natural vitamin E contains a mixture of substances, which result in higher blood levels of vitamin E, which is present for a longer time in the blood.

Minerals are best taken at the beginning of a meal, while vitamins should be taken after a meal, when the stomach is full.

Practising good dietary habits is an important means of remaining healthy. A healthy diet which includes lean protein, fresh vegetables, fruit, legumes and whole grains will increase body energy and vitality and will help the body resist illness.

Functions of vitamins and minerals

Some of the functions of the vitamins and minerals are:

Vitamin A - Aids in healing and boosts the immune system.

Vitamin D - supports bone and tooth formation

Vitamin E - Aids in tissue healing and formation of red blood cells. It also slows the aging of cells.

Vitamin K - Is essential for blood clotting

Vitamin B - Is involved in production of red blood cells. Supports a healthy nervous system and supports heart function.

Folic Acid - Is involved in growth and development and the production of red blood cells.

Vitamin C - Is important for growth of teeth, bones, gums, blood vessels. It is also important in the immune response to infection and to wound healing.

Calcium - Is needed for bone and tooth formation and nerve transmission.

Magnesium - needed for blood sugar metabolism and forming generic material.

Potassium - needed for the functioning of the heart muscles, kidneys and nervous system.

Chromium - helps to maintain blood sugar levels.

Sodium - helps muscles function normally.

Iron - supports growth and development as well as being essential for red blood cell production.

Selenium - promotes healthy body cells and increases resistance to cancer.

Zinc - promotes wound healing and boosts the immune system.

D.B should see his physician for a thorough check up and obtain some advice on vitamin and mineral supplements to boost his energy levels. He could also visit one of the Natural health and vitamin shops to obtain supplies.

Write Lifeline

P.O. Box 1731

Kgn 8