This article has been researched and written by Arelang Naturals^® in-house writers.

The Essential Role of Supplements in a Healthy Lifestyle

In the quest for optimal health, many strive to maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and lead a healthy lifestyle. However, there's a myth that if you're diligent about your health, supplements are unnecessary. While a wholesome diet is crucial, obtaining all essential nutrients solely from food can be challenging due to various factors. Let's debunk this myth and delve into why supplements play a vital role in supporting overall health and well-being.

Soil Depletion & Modern Day Farming Practices

One significant factor contributing to the necessity of supplements is soil depletion. Soil degradation, a prevalent issue worldwide, particularly affects agricultural regions like India. According to the National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning, around 30% of India's soil is degraded, impacting crop production and food security. Soil degradation leads to nutrient imbalances, reducing the availability of essential micronutrients like zinc, iron, and copper in crops. As a result, even with a balanced diet, individuals may not obtain adequate nutrients vital for various metabolic functions. Farming practices are not the same that they once used to be. Food today is not the powerhouse it once used to be and doesn't give you the daily required nutrients that the body needs.

Seasonal Variation and Environmental Stressors

Irregular seasons and extreme weather events further compound the challenge of obtaining nutrients solely from food. Prolonged droughts, heatwaves, or unseasonal frosts can damage crops, compromising their nutritional content. Additionally, exposure to environmental pollutants increases oxidative stress in the body, necessitating higher nutrient intake for antioxidant defence and detoxification. As mentioned, food doesn't fully give us all the nutrients that our body needs. Supplements containing antioxidants, probiotics, and digestive enzymes can help counteract these effects and support overall health.

Impact of Food Processing

Food processing, while essential for safety and shelf stability, alters the nutritional composition of foods. Processing methods such as milling, extrusion, and thermal processing can result in the loss of vitamins and minerals. Moreover, the removal of fibrous husks and other nutrient-rich components diminishes the overall nutritional quality of processed foods. While processing enhances the taste and texture of foods, it's crucial to recognize its impact on nutrient availability. Modern day cooking practices also do not consider preserving the nutrients. Cooking produce in fact reduces its nutrient efficacy. Some vitamins, such as vitamin C and B vitamins, are heat-sensitive and can degrade when exposed to high temperatures during cooking. For example, boiling vegetables can cause water-soluble vitamins like vitamin C to leach out into the cooking water, reducing their content in the final dish. Water-soluble vitamins, including B vitamins and vitamin C, are particularly vulnerable to loss during cooking methods that involve water, such as boiling, steaming, or blanching. These vitamins can dissolve in water and may be lost when vegetables are boiled or soaked.Minerals like potassium and magnesium can also be lost through leaching into cooking water, especially when vegetables are boiled. To minimize nutrient loss, using minimal cooking water or opting for cooking methods like steaming can help retain these minerals. Phytochemicals, such as antioxidants and phytonutrients, contribute to the health benefits of fruits and vegetables. However, some cooking methods, such as boiling or blanching, can lead to the loss of these valuable compounds. Fat-soluble vitamins like vitamins A, D, E, and K are less affected by cooking methods that involve water. However, they can be lost during cooking processes that involve heat and exposure to air, such as frying or baking. Food processing, including milling, grinding, and refining, can also result in the loss of nutrients. For example, refining grains removes the outer bran and germ layers, which contain vitamins, minerals, and fiber, reducing the nutritional value of the final product.

Age and Life Stage

The necessity of supplements can significantly vary depending on age and life stage. Different phases of life demand diverse nutritional support for optimal growth, development, and overall health. For instance, infants and young children may require supplements like vitamin D to foster bone development, particularly if they're breastfed or have limited sun exposure. Pregnant and lactating women often need additional nutrients such as folic acid, iron, and calcium to sustain fetal growth and ensure maternal well-being. As individuals age, nutrient absorption may decline, and certain health conditions or medications can impact nutrient utilization. Hence, older adults may benefit from supplements like vitamin B12, calcium, and vitamin D to fortify bone health, cognitive function, and immune system resilience. Additionally, specific life events such as menopause or intense physical activity may call for tailored supplementation to address shifting nutritional needs. Therefore, recognizing the nuanced interplay between age, life stage, and nutrient requirements is crucial in determining the necessity of supplements to uphold overall health and vitality.

Nutritional needs vary based on age, gender, activity level, and health status. Older adults, for instance, may have reduced gastric acidity, affecting the absorption of certain nutrients like vitamin B12. Similarly, nutrient interactions and bioavailability play a significant role in determining the effectiveness of dietary intake. Excessive intake of one nutrient may interfere with the absorption or metabolism of another, emphasizing the importance of a balanced approach to supplementation. 

Combating Stress with Necessary Supplements

 Modern-day stressors, characterized by hectic lifestyles, demanding work schedules, and environmental pollutants, can significantly impact our nutritional status, making supplements necessary to support overall health. Chronic stress triggers the release of stress hormones like cortisol, which deplete nutrient stores and increase the body's demand for certain vitamins and minerals essential for energy production, immune function, and stress adaptation. Inadequate intake of nutrients due to stress-induced changes in appetite, digestion, and metabolism further exacerbates the situation. Additionally, exposure to environmental pollutants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and industrial chemicals increases oxidative stress and inflammation in the body, heightening the need for antioxidants and other nutrients to counteract their damaging effects. Supplements containing B-complex vitamins, magnesium, vitamin C, and antioxidants can help replenish depleted nutrients, support stress resilience, and mitigate the adverse effects of modern-day stressors on overall well-being.

Exposure to environmental pollutants, including heavy metals, pesticides, and industrial chemicals, can elevate oxidative stress and inflammation within the body. Consequently, this necessitates increased nutrient requirements to bolster antioxidant defences and detoxification mechanisms. Incorporating supplements rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, and precursors to glutathione can effectively mitigate oxidative damage induced by environmental pollutants. Furthermore, nurturing gut health through the supplementation of probiotics and digestive enzymes can optimise nutrient absorption and utilization, providing comprehensive support against the adverse effects of environmental factors on overall wellbeing.

While a healthy diet forms the foundation of well-being, supplements fill the gaps left by soil depletion, seasonal variations, food processing, and individual factors like age and stress. Incorporating supplements into your routine can enhance nutrient intake, support overall health, and mitigate the effects of environmental stressors. Remember, supplements should complement, not replace, a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. Here are some points to keep in mind:

1. Opt for natural, plant-based supplements that have the right quantity and quality of nutrients like our Rekindle For Men and Women supplements from Caim by årelang.

2. If opting for gummy supplements, opt for natural, plant-based gummies made with no sugar. Replenish With Greens & Phytos are made of 100% apple juice concentrate with all natural ingredients to help target specific deficiencies in the body.

3. If opting for supplements to help you sleep better, opt for non-melatonin supplements that help boost your body's natural melatonin production instead of those that give your body synthetic melatonin. Opt for candyceuticals like our Restore Your Sleep that are non addictive, 100% natural and safe for you.

Don't fall for the myths—embrace the essential role of supplements in optimizing your health journey.