Our Shelbyville TN dentist often suggests aids to overall health in addition to giving tips on healthy teeth during dental care appointments. The subject of vitamin supplements is one that meets with a good deal of interest. Many people are aware that our diet, although good in many respects, like diversity of food, can possibly be short on vital nutrients due to a number of variables. One reason is that modern intensive farming practices over several years have depleted the soil of micronutrients to a large degree in some parts of the world. Another issue is that food is no longer grown locally for many of us, and is thus not fresh when it reaches our table. Green beans grown in Kenya, for example, may have to be flown thousands of miles to reach consumers in the UK and US, and are apt to be depleted in vitamin content by the time they arrive at their destinations.

Therefore, there is a good case for a lot of of us to take nutritional supplements, especially in certain situations. Our Shelbyville TN dentist understands that life is hectic for many individuals, and they often don’t have the time to spend in planning proper, balanced and nutritious meals. There is the tendency to grab fast food, processed microwave meals or foods that require little or no preparation. These foods tend to be high in carbohydrates and low in protein and nutrient content, such as vitamins and minerals.

Another class of people who may risk some nutrient deficiencies are those on a stringent diet, trying to lose weight. Unless they are consuming a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables they may not be receiving adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals. People who are taking more exercise than normal, perhaps trying to get fitter, may also need to increase their nutrient uptake by taking supplements, because of the extra demands on their bodies.

Our Shelbyville TN dentist explains the advantages of nutritional supplements as follows:
• Supplements help prevent nutritional deficiencies and therefore aid the proper function of the body. Deficiencies of vitamins and minerals interfere with vital body processes and can cause all manner of problems. Lack of some B vitamins, for example can cause neurological problems with tingling and numbness of extremities, whilst a lack of vitamin C can cause poor skin condition and bleeding gums.
• Nutritional supplements also help boost the immune system so that we are less likely to suffer disease. Most people know the benefits of taking vitamin C and zinc to help overcome a cold, for example.
• Nutritional; supplements assist the body in minimizing the effects of environmental hazards and toxins. There are numerous environmental allergens, such as carbon particles and hazardous chemical compounds in industrial smoke and motor exhaust fumes, harsh chemicals in manufactured goods and household products, and hormones in the water as well as the food chain, that were not present decades ago. Our bodies have to combat increasing environmental hazards and nutrients, specifically anti-oxidants, are important in this respect.

Our Shelbyville TN dentist points out that there are many different nutritional supplements available, either online, or at your local health-food store or drugstore. If you want to be sure of optimal health, wellness and endurance and longevity, it is worth looking for a reputable multivitamin and mineral supplement.