Monday Post

There is not much happening in the Polity of  the country, except for Punjab’s farmers’ protest on Delhi border .Initially they had blocked rail traffic for almost 15 days and now they  are blocking national highway. I do not understand why this protest, the new farm bill passed by Centre Govt has not been adopted by Punjab assembly, and they have passed their own farm bill. Why this demand to centre govt to withdraw the new farm bill, which as per them  does not favour  Punjab farmers.  If they want, they should pressurise the Punjab govt to implement their farm bill but no, they are protest  that centre should re think on their farm bill or   amend as per their demands. Now this is sheer politics of Punjab govt which is headed by Congress.

Now Coming to my non political item in today’s blog:

In all over the world it has become a trend to use SUPPLEMENTS along with your daily food. These supplements can be easily purchase over the counter without a prescription. People believe that it is good to consume supplements multivitamin, Calcium, Zinc, Vitamin D for better health and immunity. While in India it is still not that popular, but in USA more than 75% consume some dietary supplements. It is predicted that. the US supplement market is set to reach $60 millions in next 3 years, Covid Pandemic has boosted the sales, as people think supplements provode better immunity. The senior people have also started consuming this for better immunity.

Some of the question which are being raised by people are

• Are these supplements really needed ?
• Do they really help ?
• Are there any side affects ?

The answers to these question may differ from person to person depending upon their health conditions. Now if the Doctor has prescribed the supplements, then it should be followed strictly because doctor had prescribed the same depending on your health conditions. Now if you are otherwise healthy, then you pause for a moment before eating any of the supplements.

The most common supplements people consume are Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs, Amino Acids, Enzymes, Fatty Acids and Probiotics. And these supplements come in various forms like Capsule or Pills, powders, concentrate, liquid or syrup form, chewable edible bars and many more. It is a myth that any  ingredients like herbal/natural/organic are good for health and free from any side affects. The issue here  some of the ingredients may react with other medicines which you consume regularly, and some of these ingredients may not just suit your body. It is always advisable to take only those supplements which your doctor prescribes. Not that it is a natural or ayurvedic or herbal product. It is also advisable to stick to one form of medicine be it Allopathy, Homepathy or Ayuevedic.

There is a common myth that Vitamin C prevents cold, the only scientific  evidence towards this is that it may reduce the symptoms, but it can not prevent cold. The same is the case with Vitamin D that it prevents cancer, there is no scientific findings about this. Most scientists, dietician and doctors would say that supplements are never replacement for natural healthy diet. Some supplements may be useful in certain medical conditions, but the doctors are better judge for the same. It is not be consumed off the shelf. We all must have read often that antioxidants are good for our health and help prevent diseases like Cancer. However when taken as pure supplements, the scientific evidence suggests that it could reduce your life span.

So it is clear from above that supplements are not necessarily safe and will help in building your health, immunity or life span. Secondly supplements are usually not regulated/controlled as medication in most countries.

Here are some of the  risks that you should know—

• Overdose of Calcium and Vitamins may result in Kidney stones
• High dose of Vitamin E may lead in the brain to bleeding which may cause stroke,
• Vitamins K supplements may interfere with some medicines like blood thinner.
• High Beta Carotene doses may result in lung cancer in smokers
• Long term consumption of high doses of Vitamin B6 may lead to nerve damage.

The fact is some people do need to take supplements, which is good for their health. But this should be strictly based on doctor’s evaluation. There is proof that folic acid alone or with B6 and B12  helps in reducing stroke. For Osteoporosis , a patient will require Calcium and Vitamin D supplements. Vitamin B12 deficiency needs supplement. Even lactose intolerant people would need supplements to make up for calcium and Vitamin D. A formula of Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Copper and Zinc can reduce the progression of age related muscular degeneration.

In the end conclusion is . please do not consume supplements unless your doctor prescribe the same. Always try to eat healthy and balanced died so that you may not need supplements. There are many body builders who take the help of supplements, it has been proven that this may harm them in long run.

Awaiting your comments/views/feed backs.

Anil  Malik

Mumbai, India

30^th November 2020.