Physical and emotional well-being, as well as eating healthy, are all part of living a healthy lifestyle. On the whole, nutrition is the most essential factor that affects one’s health. The key to achieving good health is to hit the right nutritional balance. Too much or too little of either will do more harm than good and introduce health risks into our bodies. Hence, nutritional imbalances like overnutrition and undernutrition may lead to serious health problems.
People nowadays consume supplements to ensure they have all the necessary nutrients their bodies require. However, one fact they may have overlooked is that everyone is born differently and lives differently as well. Nutritional requirements vary from person to person, so consuming off-the-shelf supplements can lead to health problems such as overnutrition, as people may consume nutrients that their bodies do not even require.
Overnutrition is a form of malnutrition that happens when you consume more of a nutrient or nutrients than you need every day, or when you consume too much food to the point where it is hazardous to your health. Most nutrients can be harmful in excess; the danger of overnutrition is primarily associated with overweight and obesity, but it can also lead to nutrient deficiencies or even acute poisoning.
On the other hand, undernutrition is the complete opposite of overnutrition. It is an alarming symptom of nutrient deficiency when a person does not eat enough food. As a result, undernutrition may manifest as dry and inelastic skin, dry and fragile hair, or even being underweight. Doctors typically diagnose undernutrition based on the person’s appearance, height, and weight, as well as information about diet and weight loss. It is also important to note that the symptoms of undernutrition’s health risks do not usually occur immediately, but rather develop gradually over time.
Micronutrient deficiencies can be treated by changing one’s diet. It is also helpful to incorporate dietary supplements into the diet that have been prescribed by a doctor or a certified health consultant. Moreover, avoid taking megadoses of dietary supplements without first determining what your body requires. The simplest way to avoid overnutrition and undernutrition is to sign up for a personalised supplement package that tailors specific dietary supplements for every individual based on the data gathered from their DNA and their very own lifestyle.
In short, before consuming any supplements, it is important to know whether the potential benefits outweigh the risks. It is advisable for people to consult their doctors or health professionals about consuming any supplement to avoid signs of overnutrition or undernutrition. Until then, be judicious about your use of supplements.