[Article content: from readers' contributions]
Mr. Zhang, 53, is a teacher. Recently, he has been feeling tired and tired, and his memory has deteriorated.
Mr. Zhang was worried about his old age and declining physical function, so he looked up information on the Internet and wanted to find some health products to supplement.
He stumbled upon an article about the benefits of folic acid, saying that taking one tablet of folic acid a day can prevent stroke and improve memory. Mr. Zhang was so moved that he immediately bought a few bottles of folic acid tablets and ate them every day.
After three months, Mr. Zhang feels that his mental state is much better and he is more passionate about his classes. He happily ran to the physical examination to see what changes had happened in his body, and the physical examination report came out, and all the indicators were within the normal range.
Mr. Zhang took the report and proudly showed off to the doctor: "Doctor Xue, you see, I have been taking folic acid every day for the past three months, and my body is great! Folic acid is really a treasure!"
Dr. Xue looked at the report and said with a smile, "Folic acid is a good thing, but it's not a panacea. As for your physical condition, I think it's mainly because of your regular lifestyle. "
Mr. Zhang was unconvinced and asked: "How can it be okay?" It was said on the Internet that folic acid can prevent cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, improve memory, and anti-aging. I've been taking it for three months, and the results are clear!"
Dr. Xue patiently explained, "Mr. Zhang, you may have some misunderstandings about folic acid. Folic acid does have many benefits, but that is based on the body's deficiency. "
"For a middle-aged person like you who is in good health, the folic acid in your body is actually enough, and there is not much need for additional supplementation. As for how you've been feeling better lately, it's probably more psychological. "
Mr. Zhang was skeptical: "Then folic acid is suitable for which groups of people to supplement?
"Folic acid is mainly used for pregnant women and women who are planning to become pregnant. The elderly, vegetarians and other people with insufficient folic acid intake can also be appropriately supplemented. "
"But for a healthy middle-aged person like you, there is no need to go out of your way to take folic acid tablets, just pay attention to a balanced diet. "
Mr. Zhang suddenly realized: "If I knew earlier, I wouldn't have listened to the propaganda on the Internet." "
Dr. Xue comforted: "It's okay, there is no harm in taking folic acid." Eating more vegetables and fruits every day, exercising moderately, and ensuring sleep are the fundamental ways to maintain health. "
Mr. Zhang nodded again and again: "Thank you Dr. Xue for your teachings, I must keep it in mind." In the future, I will never easily try unfounded health products, I still have to believe in science and follow the doctor's instructions!"
Mr. Zhang's story is a wake-up call for countless health fans. In the era of "tonic fever", various health care products that claim to "cure all diseases" emerge in an endless stream, and folic acid tablets are just one of the epitomes.
Many people know that folic acid is good for health, but they don't know that folic acid is just a vitamin, and not everyone needs to supplement it. Blind consumption not only has no practical effect, but may cause waste of resources and even cause side effects.
Of course, this does not mean that folic acid is useless, the key is to be different from person to person, prescribe the right medicine for the situation, and avoid a "one-size-fits-all" approach.
For example, pregnant women should supplement folic acid under the guidance of doctors to prevent fetal malformations; For example, the elderly can eat some foods rich in folic acid, such as dark green vegetables, animal liver, etc., without being confined to health products......
Health care and health are not a simple equation of "taking medicine equals no disease", but a system engineering that requires comprehensive trade-offs and precise efforts.
"There is a way to take care of health, don't blindly follow".
Let's learn from Mr. Zhang, embrace nutritional science with an open mind, and approach health supplements with a rational mind. neither easily believe in the promise of "miracle medicine", but regard health care products as "talismans"; It does not completely deny the value of folic acid, and regards supplements as a "flood beast".
Blindly superstitious, we may fall into the "trap" of health care products; By rejecting it, we may also lose the opportunity to improve our health.
The road to health care is long, but only science is firm. I hope that Mr. Zhang's consciousness can bring more people the wisdom of "distinguishing the true from the false", so that we can harvest the most reliable health protection in the various "health care feasts".
Do you have anything to say about that?