For a truly extensive and extremely detailed discussion where we explain at length the typology of supplements, their importance, how and in what combinations they are administered, complementing nutrition and lifestyle, you can always consult our materials Skin Diet I and Skin Diet II. We have discussed this subject in depth there, including recommendations for supplementation and combining supplements according to age, life stage, pregnancy, recovery, etc.
Yes, there has been a huge discussion about the definition of supplements, terminology, how to categorize them, what is the difference between supplements and medicines, especially by legislative authorities, pressured on one hand by the need to regulate the industry and, on the other hand, by continuously growing demand and supply. At least in the European Union, the evolution of supplements goes hand in hand with the increasingly extensive understanding of the role of nutrition in our health.
These are results that we support and applaud, because they truly reflect the depth of our understanding of health as a whole, and we understand that, to be truly healthy and function at maximum capacity, we need support.
The first specific legislative act for food supplements was "DIRECTIVE 2002/46/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 10 June 2002 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to food supplements". This includes the first definition of food supplements.
As the name itself implies, supplements complete...supplement.
So, it goes without saying that when we talk about supplementation, we implicitly talk about a deficiency, a void, a lack in our state of health – physical or mental – due to a combination of factors. Some we can control through conscious choices, for example, where we live, what we eat, how much sport we do, and some
we simply have to fight, for example, stress that we don't see or fatigue.
Although all supplements act on a lack or insufficiency, they have different roles. Some maintain, others strengthen, repair, heal, stimulate, fortify and beautify. Depending on the dosage and combination, supplements offer various benefits, including aesthetic ones.
Most of us don't live far from the madding crowd, but right in its midst, metaphorically or not. The demands on us, modern women and modern life, one where we are constantly on the move, active, on the road, in pollution and stress, leave a strong imprint on us. Sometimes visible, sometimes (still) not. Yes, it's real, we need support.
A balanced diet is essential for a healthy life, and it's clear that no supplement or care product will be able to compensate for the lack of nutrition, lack of sleep, or lack of basic hygiene for overall health and sleep. Let's think about a lunch. A complete meal is often replaced by a snack, fast food, or low-quality products that are far from providing the complex of nutrients needed to support our body and mind at optimal levels.
How much protein, carbohydrates, and fats do you think a croissant or processed food, hastily bought from the store or the canteen next to the office, has? This is how and why we come home exhausted in the evening, without energy, without the motivation to exercise or to enjoy harmonious time.
Of course, many of us consistently and constantly take care of how we nourish our bodies and souls – Ladies, we are incredibly proud of you! But even so, it's important to know that modern nutrition is usually unfriendly. Fruits and vegetables are subjected to chemical treatment and prolonged
thermal intervention, and meat from supermarkets is a bleak story of how animals are treated. Its transportation for supplying large consumer chains is also a sad scenario.
Therefore, although today we often have the possibility to consume the same foods that our grandparents did, their quality has significantly decreased! We are not only referring here to taste (although we are convinced that you have often heard the expression: "It doesn't taste like it used to"), but to the general concentration and quality of nutrients.
The direct, even immediate, consequence is the reduction of the necessary nutrient intake and the presence of a deficiency that is essential to supplement. Most of the time, the illusion of a healthy diet can make us believe that we lack nothing. The human body needs about 60 daily nutrients to function optimally. Nutritional science groups them into essential and non-essential, depending on the body's ability to produce them.
If the body doesn't produce them, the nutrients are essential.
When we consume food, in addition to essential nutrients (vitamins, minerals, essential amino acids, and essential fatty acids), the body seeks to obtain the energy needed for daily biological tasks from the three macronutrients: carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. In Skin Diet II, we discussed the subject extensively. This is the scientific approach to nutrition – a complete, necessary one, which does not unbalance, but addresses our needs and fills our deficiencies. That's why it's important to supplement appropriately with our needs.
The medical and scientific community also seem to agree on the necessity of supplementation and on the benefits of supplements in general, but also specifically in certain life conditions: in preparation for conception, postpartum recovery, strengthening the immune system, insulin resistance, inflammation, deficiencies, in the weight loss process, supporting the elderly, in the prevention of widespread diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, for example.
I have always maintained that information must be at the basis of any choice. Inform yourselves, discuss with your doctor, keep up to date with your analyses and then decide what kind of supplementation is valuable and useful for you. Where do you need to help your body with an intake, to support your well-being, vitality,
concentration power, a playful libido, and deep sleep?
Have you already read our dedicated guide to nutraceuticals specially formulated to support health and beauty? We explained in detail how our nutraceuticals work, how we formulated them, and the rationale behind the combinations used. You can find it here!
Yes, it is mandatory to read quality information, labels, and administration recommendations before consumption and to address your doctor for absolutely any question.
Don't forget! There is nothing magical when we talk about health and beauty. Things don't happen overnight (in some moments, however, you will see results overnight! You will quickly feel more rested, more focused, more energetic, more beautiful, inflammation will disappear quickly, the skin will become radiant). However, there is the certainty that each of us is unique and has specific needs that must be addressed constantly, consistently, with information and love.
Information means empowering ourselves as consumers.
Love means listening to our body and supporting it gently.
Beauty, health, and science are here to help us! When we make them work together, not against each other, magic happens.
Love,
The Biotiful Team
