Be good to your body and ensure you glow from the inside out with these hero supplements
To supplement or not to supplement? That is the question we all face from time to time, and it seems experts are divided into one camp or the other. The NHS guidelines state that most of us can get the nutrients we need by eating a healthy balanced diet. But while this may have been true once, intensive modern farming has meant our soil isn’t what it used to be. Industrial methods using pesticides, herbicides and chemical fertilisers mean our food doesn’t offer the same nutritional content it once did. The way we consume has changed too – when was the last time you ate something picked from the ground the very same day? The chances are our food has been stored for days or even weeks, transported for miles and generally been depleted of nutrients. Then there is our tendency to grab processed foods on the go; let’s face it, running between meetings at work, ferrying kids to various activities and juggling other tasks isn’t always conducive to preparing home-grown food from scratch! Processed foods have been depleted of much of their nutritional content during the manufacturing process and so, while they may fill a hole, they don’t really offer much else to your body. So what’s a modern girl to do? Fear not, we’ve asked two of the country’s leading women’s health specialists, Dr Marilyn Glenville and Alyssa Burns-Hill, to reveal their own hero supplements that you need to know about…
1. VITAMIN D
“Your body manufactures vitamin D through your skin when it’s exposed to the sun,” says leading women’s health expert Dr Marilyn Glenville. “We know it has an important role in the prevention of cancer, especially breast cancer, helping with fertility, avoiding miscarriage, allergies, prevention of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis to name a few. Also, if you have joint pains it is important you are checked for vitamin D deficiency as a possible cause.” Try NHP’s Vitamin D Support, £10.98, naturalhealthpractice.com
2. OMEGA 3
“Omega 3 fatty acids are important as they help to overcome insulin resistance and have a part to play in your future health in terms of prevention of diabetes, obesity , high blood pressure and heart health,” says Marilyn. “Omega 3 is anti-inflammatory, helping relieve joint pains and arthritis, and a study published in 2009 showed it can help prevent blood clotting and lower blood pressure.” Take an at-home test to check if you are deficient in Omega 3 – visit naturalhealthpractice.com
3. L-THEANINE
“L-theanine is an amino acid that has a relaxing effect on both the mind and body without causing drowsiness,” says Marilyn. “The person feels more able to cope, but can still be alert and focused with good concentration. This amino acid also helps you get to sleep , stay asleep and have good quality rest.” Try NHP Tranquil Woman Support, £22.97, naturalhealthpractice.com
4. 5HTP
“5HTP is helpful as a mood-enhancer because it is a building-block of serotonin,” says leading hormone health specialist Dr Alyssa Burns-Hill. “It’s also great as a sleep support because serotonin plays an important role in the production of the sleep hormone melatonin. “Studies have found it as effective as some antidepressants in helping with depression and anxiety, without the side effects.” Try Healthspan 5-HTP, £13.95, healthspan.co.uk
5. VITAMIN C
“Many of us are deficient in vitamin C,” says Alyssa. “It is involved in collagen production, the functioning of our nervous and immune systems and protecting against oxidative damage. “Maintaining good levels can really help to ensure better adrenal support, which in turn boosts your ability to deal with stress.” Try Terranova Vitamin C 250mg Complex. Enhanced with active superfoods and botanicals. 100 percent free from fillers, flavours and sweeteners, and vegan-friendly terranovahealth.com
6. DIM OR I3C
“DIM (diindolylmethane) or I3C (indole-3-carbinol) are naturally-occurring dietary indoles found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli,” explains Alyssa. “I use these for women who have oestrogen dominance problems (such as PMS, tender breasts and heavy bleeding) as they help to shift the hormone balance, lessening the effects of excess oestrogen.” Try Thorne Research Indole-3Carbinol, £35, nutricentre.com
Dr Marilyn Glenville is the author of The Natural Health Bible for Women. Visit marilynglenville.com dralyssaburns-hill.com
