Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 38, Number 1, 1 January 2021 — New Year's Intentions [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

New Year's Intentions

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By Jodi Leslie Matsuo, DrPH As we reflect on 2020, we realize just how mueh our mindset and habits have changed in the past year. The pandemic shut down schools and businesses and separated us from family and friends. It has shown us how fluid our hnaneial future and job demands ean be. Mainly, it has taught us what is truly important in life. Our shift in priorities has been reflected in our spending habits. According to research, among the top items purchased in 2020 were vitamins and supplements. People now realize, more than ever, just how valuable heahh is. Due to clever marketing, supplements have been deemed essential to achieving optimal heahh. Last year, sales of supplements increased 50% in the hrst six months alone and continued to elimh as the year progressed. While taking supplements ean be useful toward achieving greater wellbeing, it is not the entire solution. Many people think that by taking supplements, they don't have to eat their vegetables, exercise, or get enough sleep. Supplements will not eaneel the effects of poor lifestyle choices. However, they ean be helpful to those who have challenges meeting their nutrient requirements. This may be the case for those with limited food budgets, for children who don't eat enough, and for the elderly, who often have difficulty absorbing key vitamins and minerals. Supplements are also useful to help heal from disease. Think of supple-

ments as medicine. You wouldn't take medicine unless you are sick. The same applies to supplements. Unless you have a medical need, taking supplements is not necessary. Another thing worth mentioning is that, like medications, supplements have side effects and ean interact with different medications. Caution needs to be exercised when choosing whieh type of supplement to take and how mueh. If you feel one of the above situations applies to you, how do you determine whieh type and brand of supplement is best? I would recommend you start with a multivitamin. Read the lahel and look for a brand that offers 100% of the daily value for eaeh of the nutrients. Next, look at the serving size on the lahel. Ideally you want one that requires you to take only one tablet per day. This makes it more affordable as opposed to brands that require two or more tablets per day. If you are interested in taking individual nutrient or herbal supplements (e.g., Vitamin C, curcumin, garlic, ginseng, red yeast rice, melatonin, lycopene), then I would recommend you speak to your doctor before purchasing. These types of supplements have a greater potential for side effects. Your doctor ean determine whether the supplement may be harmful, and if there are any associated potential drug interactions. Additionally, your doctor may be able to offer advice as to whether the supplement would actually be helpful for your medical condition or eoneem. Let's make heahh a lifelong intention, not just a new year's resolution. Hau'oli Makahiki Hou! ■ Born and raised in Kona, Hawai'i, Dr. Jodi Leslie Matsuo is a Native Hawaiian Registered Dietician anel certified diabetes educator, with training in Integrative and Functional Nutrition. Follow her on Facebook (@DrJodiLeslieMatsuo), Instagram (@drlesliematsuo) and on Twitter ( @DrLeslieMatsuo).