Natural health: Fitness devices and vitamin supplements
I would like to know if they are all much the same, or is there a benefit to purchasing one of the more expensive ones?
Now you can find discreet little devices that are highly accurate and measure any number of health variables.
These devices are really useful regardless of whether you are an athlete in training, or simply wanting to get up off the couch more often.
The first thing to consider is what you want to use it for.
If you are a keen swimmer, then you would be wise to look at devices which are waterproof; if running is your thing then you need to look out for a device that will provide more information about pace, distance, heartrate, etc.
Many devices can be worn in bed to measure the quality of your sleep, based on how restless your movements are during the night.
Some fitness trackers have a built-in altimeter to calculate how many floors you climb — generally about a 10 foot climb registers as a single floor.
Often you are able to use built-in GPS to map out your route as you run, walk, or cycle.
Almost all of the units available can be linked to an app on your phone and/or computer that keeps a record of your progress.
The other important consideration is comfort and practicality.
Once you have decided which functions you need from your device, you will need to consider how it fits with your daily life.
Do you need it to be hidden from view?
Would you prefer it to clip on under your clothing, or wear it on your wrist? Do you want to be able check the readouts at a glance?
If possible, try out options at a store before you commit to buying. Otherwise, online reviews can help you decide.
The cost depends on how many bells and whistles the device has. A basic model can cost as little as €50, through to €300 for a fully kitted out GPS smart watch.
Take a look at www.fitnessdigital.ie to get an idea of what is available and compare devices based on cost and functionality.
Liposomal supplements are being promoted as being superior, but they are significantly more expensive than the regular vitamins.
I am looking at vitamin C in particular.
The use of liposomes to improve delivery of nutritional supplements has only become popular in recent years.
Liposomes are made up of two layers of lipid molecules stacked in a spherical structure.
They work by fusing with the cell membranes in your body and delivering the nutrients (or pharmaceuticals) directly into the cells.
Their structure also allows for the substance in question to be contained safely inside the layers until they are released.
This is particularly important for bypassing the acid environment of the stomach for substances that need to penetrate mucous membranes and be delivered efficiently into the bloodstream.
It is estimated that liposomal nutrients are absorbed at a rate of 90%, whereas other nutritional supplements consumed orally tend to have a much lower delivery rate of about 20%.
The other advantage of liposomal delivery is that individuals who have impaired digestive function or sensitive guts can avoid gastrointestinal upset. This is particularly important with vitamin C, which causes diarrhoea when taken in larger, therapeutic doses.
As far as the higher cost goes — this is true of the initial purchase price, however you need to consider that you are getting what you pay for due to the higher bioavailability of this form of supplementation.
Because of the higher absorption rate, you should be able to take a lower dosage and get the same health benefits.
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