Why Use Supplements?
The obvious answer as to why you should be consuming supplements is that you “need to fill a need currently missing from your diet.”
We’ve all heard it.
It sounds so simple that we usually just subconsciously ignore it. We’ve heard it from people like Dr. Oz, Dr. Stork, your personal trainer, and then from places like infomercials, radio ads, and web banners.
At this point, if you aren’t living under a rock that is, you’ve heard why you should be using supplements so many times it feels like the beating of a dead horse.
However, the truth is that studies show and research has scientifically proven that supplements will benefit and aid a person’s overall health; especially if they are lacking sufficient amounts of certain minerals, vitamins, omegas, etc.
This is a fitness blog, so it is important we address not only what happens in the gym, but also what is happening in the human body because essentially it is what is supplying the energy to perform such movements.
Think of it like this. Your body (whether female or male doesn’t matter) is an engine. We all know an engine is a system of parts put together to power an object. In this instance, we will choose a car engine.
A car engine needs certain parts and fluids to successfully power it. You need gasoline, oil, brake fluid, anti-freeze, a car battery, aerator, etc.
These parts work in unison and each one benefits from the other and so on. If one part is missing, lacking, or defected, the car is bound to break down. It may not immediately break down, but in time the part or fluid that is missing will cause something to overwork or under-perform. The end result will be a breakdown on the side of the state highway.
You’ll then need to call for AAA to come tow you to a garage, call a family member to pick you up, and then pay the bill to get it repaired. I’m sure by now you get the point.
Your Body Is A System Of Parts
You see, the human body is really no different. It is a system of parts. If something is missing, lacking, or defective, then it’ll eventually fall ill or injured.
Now, it is worth noting that every case and every person is different, so this is not a hard and fast rule, but you can be proactive and be sure you’re safe and healthy by taking the necessary steps to avoid a problem later on in life.
It is very hard to tell if something was a cause of this or that without a full autopsy, but there is strong evidence that suggest supplementation can and will cause a reduction by “x%”. 
I don’t know about you, but I’d go with the odds and be sure I was consuming what is being suggested.
Everything we eat and drink has nutritional value to it – well, not everything for that matter…
Anyways, the foods and drinks we consume have vitamins, minerals, omega fatty acids, macro-nutrients within their chemical makeup. We all know this.
Here’s where the problem lies…
We as a society are severally lacking in many areas of nutrition; therefore, we must “supp-le-ment!”
According to the World Health Organization, 8 out of 10 people do not eat the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables a day.
Where do a large majority of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients reside?
IN FRUITS AND VEGGIES
Here’s another truth. In 2015, we are just too darn busy to always consume what we need. We are a “get it conveniently and fast” society. We don’t have the time to cook and prepare like those in the past did.
Now you know why obesity rates and healthcare costs across the country are at an all time high!
It’s a tough area to tackle, but it can be done by taking the necessary steps.
If you take care of the body NOW, it’s a good chance it will NOT break down as a result 5-6 years from NOW.
It’s just like the car. If you had put gas or oil in days or weeks ago, you wouldn’t be running into a problem in the moment.
It is very logical when you think about it. If you don’t do “A”, as a result “B” will occur.
Most times “B” turns into a “P” for problem.
Here’s what supplements can do for you.
- Improve eyesight
- Increase energy levels
- Reduce joint pain
- Increase alertness and awareness
- Increase muscle size
- Burn body fat
- Fight off diseases
- Improve mental clarity
- Improve the health of your heart, health, lungs, and liver
- The list goes on and on…
Do you think you could benefit from one of the above?
I believe you could and I just hope this comparison is an eye opener for you.
The good news is that supplement usage is on the rise with over half the adult population consuming at least a multivitamin. This is great news for our society because this would mean a trickle down effect to our children. It's our children that certainly need the education on supplementation because they are the ones at the biggest risk for poor food choices.
If there is any one thing I want you to take from this blog post, it is that consistency is a much needed component to the system that is the human body; therefore, to avoid breaking down, one must utilize supplementation to hit all nutritional levels or we "breakdown".
What is one supplement that has increased your energy levels? Finding lasting energy can be tough. Share with us your story. Help us help others. Maybe, it'll end up in a future blog post! :)
Patrick Mullin
Certified Personal Trainer
Body In Balance
P.S. For the most unbiased, academic research available on the Internet today, go to Examine.com to answer any questions you may have about a certain type of supplement.