eat
COUPLES
THERAPY
With the endemic focus on quick fixes, it’s little wonder the
supplement market is worth some $4 million a year in Australia
according to recent figures. Yet the popularised notion of popping a
pill to compensate for poor dietary habits ignores the role of nutrients
in the human body. Separated from their significant others – which
occur naturally in foods – nutrients can behave strangely. “Some
nutrients compete with others, so by taking one supplement, you may
cause a deficiency in another,” says accredited practising dietitian
Melanie McGrice (melaniemcgrice.com.au). Certain lifestyle factors
can undermine absorption of vitamins and minerals and deplete
their levels. Conversely, some nutrients, whether in food or pills, can
compromise certain medications. Even greens and grapefruit can cause
havoc with some medicines. “Always check the brands, doses and types
of nutritional supplements with your dietitian and choose food over
supplements whenever possible,” advises McGrice. Even leafy greens,
green powders, juices and smoothies can contraindicate pregnancy and
blood thinning medications, says nutrition coach Stephanie Siemion-
Douglas (thenutritiongal.com), emphasising the power of vitamins
and minerals.
While science is still investigating the complex interactions between
vitamins and minerals in food, Monash University Emeritus Professor
of Medicine Professor Mark Wahlqvist says that vitamins derived from
food are unequivocally superior to those from supplements.
“Some people mistakenly think that vitamins alone are like magic
pills that can make them healthier so that they don’t have to think
about the way they live. In fact, we need to take a proactive approach
to our health – so it’s not good taking fistfuls of vitamins every day if
you eat take-away food, don’t exercise and don’t get enough sleep,” says
Prof Walqvist.
Former pharmacist and Evelyn Faye Nutrition head Ian Collins
advises consulting an accredited professional qualified in dietetics or
naturopathy or your GP before supplementing.THEY’RE TOUTED AS A SAFETY NET, BUT
TAKEN WITHOUT CRITICAL CO-FACTORS,
VITAMIN AND MINERAL SUPPLEMENTS
CAN BE FUTILE OR EVEN DAMAGING. WE
INTRODUCE THEIR SIGNIFICANT OTHERS.