Do Supplements Really Work? Fan Da-ye's Experience Tells You the Answer

Do Supplements Really Work? Fan Da-ye's Experience Tells You the AnswerIn recent years, the health supplement market has boomed. Many middle-aged and elderly people buy various health supplements to improve their health

Do Supplements Really Work? Fan Da-ye's Experience Tells You the Answer

In recent years, the health supplement market has boomed. Many middle-aged and elderly people buy various health supplements to improve their health. But are these products really effective? Fan Da-ye's experience might give you the answer.

After retiring, Fan Da-ye lived a leisurely life until he heard his old friends enthusiastically discussing the "miraculous effects" of health supplements. Old Zhang talked endlessly about the "miraculous" changes he experienced after taking supplements, such as lower blood pressure and increased energy. Fan Da-ye was also moved. When he had a physical examination, he found that his triglyceride levels were high, so he decided to give it a try.

Fan Da-ye bought fish oil and collagen supplements at a health supplement store, which were claimed to lower blood lipids and boost immunity. He started taking them according to the instructions. He eagerly awaited improvement in his health, but after a month, there was no significant change. Instead, he developed a skin rash and weakness.

Initially, Fan Da-ye thought it was an allergy caused by seasonal changes, but the symptoms gradually worsened. His wife, Li Auntie, urged him to go to the hospital for a check-up. After diagnosis, the doctor found that the allergy was caused by the collagen supplement. The doctor also explained that fish oil supplements are not significantly effective in lowering blood lipids and are usually used as an auxiliary means. They should only be taken under medical supervision.

Fan Da-ye stopped taking supplements and started focusing on diet and exercise. He went for walks every day, increased his intake of vegetables and fruits, reduced his intake of high-fat foods, and researched which foods were healthier for middle-aged and elderly people. He learned that fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids is suitable for middle-aged and elderly people and decided to eat sardines twice a week. To socialize and exercise, Fan Da-ye also enrolled in a senior university.

After a few weeks, Fan Da-ye's symptoms gradually subsided and his health returned to its previous state. He sighed, "It seems that health relies on scientific diet and exercise, not just on supplements."

Fan Da-ye's experience is not an isolated case. Many middle-aged and elderly people are attracted by health supplement advertisements, but they ignore the foods that are truly beneficial to their health.

Does collagen supplement really restore skin elasticity?

In recent years, collagen supplements have become very popular, especially among middle-aged and elderly women. They are said to reduce wrinkles and restore skin elasticity. However, scientific studies have shown that the effects of oral collagen are not that miraculous.

Collagen is a large protein molecule that is broken down into amino acids in the digestive tract and then absorbed by the body after oral administration. Therefore, oral collagen cannot directly supplement the collagen in the skin.

• In 2022, a study published in the Journal of Dermatology found that the absorption efficiency of oral collagen is extremely low. Most of the collagen is broken down into amino acids during digestion, and the amount of collagen ultimately absorbed by the body is negligible.

Studies have also shown that a diet that includes adequate protein and vitamin C can also promote the synthesis of collagen in the body. Therefore, if you want to improve your skin condition, you can increase your intake of foods rich in protein and vitamin C, such as milk, eggs, soy products, vegetables, and fruits.

Does fish oil supplement really lower blood lipids and prevent cardiovascular diseases?

Fish oil supplements are touted as a "miracle drug" that can lower blood lipids and prevent cardiovascular diseases. However, more and more studies have questioned their actual effectiveness.

• A large randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that fish oil supplements are not significantly effective in preventing cardiovascular diseases. The incidence of cardiovascular events in participants who took fish oil supplements long-term was not significantly different from those who did not take supplements.

What does Fan Da-ye's high triglyceride level mean?

Triglycerides are one of the components of blood lipids. Elevated levels increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Research has found that elevated triglyceride levels are associated with an increased incidence of coronary heart disease, stroke, and atherosclerosis.

Fan Da-ye's long-term fondness for high-sugar and high-fat foods may be one of the reasons for his high triglyceride levels.

What foods may cause high triglyceride levels?

• Sugary drinks: Carbonated drinks and fruit juices can cause rapid blood sugar spikes, which are converted into triglycerides, increasing blood lipid levels. Last year, a study in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism found a significant association between intake of sugary drinks, high-fat dairy products, and processed meats and elevated triglyceride levels.

• Processed meats: Processed meats such as sausage and ham are high in fat and salt, which can not only increase triglycerides but also raise cholesterol.

How can middle-aged and elderly people control their triglyceride levels?

• Reduce intake of sugary drinks and processed meats.

• Choose healthier foods, such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.

What foods are more beneficial for middle-aged and elderly people?

• Whole grains: Oats, brown rice, and whole-wheat bread are rich in fiber and nutrients, which can help lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, improve cardiovascular health, promote digestive health, and reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.

• Leafy green vegetables: Rich in vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C, and folic acid, which can help maintain bone health, boost immunity, and promote eye health.

• Blueberries: Contain anthocyanins and other antioxidants, which can help lower blood pressure and triglyceride levels, reduce inflammation and cell damage.

Instead of spending a lot of money on supplements, choose foods that are truly beneficial to your health. Let's move closer to good health!

Summary

• Fan Da-ye's experience tells us that many supplements are not as miraculous as advertised and may even pose health risks.

• We should be rational about supplements, choose foods that are truly beneficial to health, such as whole grains, leafy green vegetables, and blueberries, and maintain good lifestyle habits.

• Pay attention to your own health, have regular physical examinations, detect problems early, and seek professional medical guidance.

Remember, health is based on a scientific diet, regular exercise, and good lifestyle habits, not on supplements!

References:

• [1] Chen Z. "Eating foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids can protect eyesight." China Food Science Journal 12.2 (2012): 1.

• [2] Wang Y. "Whole grains are different from coarse grains." Health Care for Middle-aged and Elderly People 7 (2015): 1.