Dietary supplements aren't a substitute for the complex mix of vitamins and minerals found in foods. Instead, they can provide a boost when the diet doesn't supply enough of one particular nutrient or a dietary need arises that food doesn't meet.
The key is to choose a supplement that's been tested and made to strict regulatory standards. Look for a USP or NSF seal and read the label carefully to avoid harmful additives.
Should I Take Supplements?
If you’re concerned about your overall health, taking supplements can help you get the nutrients you need to support your body. But before you take them, it’s important to understand how they work and if they are safe for you.
Most people have trouble getting enough vitamins and minerals in their diets. That’s why more and more people are turning to dietary supplements. They can be helpful in meeting your nutrient needs, but they’re not a substitute for healthy eating.
But before you buy supplements, consider these five things to look for on the label:
The first is to make sure that they’re made by a reputable company. Check to see if the company follows current good manufacturing practices and has been certified by a third-party testing agency, like the USP.
Another thing to look for is whether the supplement’s ingredients are in the form of a vitamin, mineral, or other nutrient that’s easier for your body to absorb. Choosing the right form can be difficult, so consult a healthcare pro to find out what’s best for you.
Finally, you want to look for the label’s statement of use. This tells you what the supplement is used for and how much of it should be taken each day.
You also want to be sure that the supplement contains no toxins or artificial ingredients. These can cause harm, so be sure to choose a product that has been certified safe by a third-party organization.
In short, taking supplements is a great way to give your body what it needs to stay healthy and keep disease at bay. But remember to be careful and discuss any dietary changes with your doctor before you start taking them.
Reasons Not to Take Supplements
If you’re concerned about your health, taking supplements is an excellent way to improve your odds of living a long and healthy life. But there are some things you should know before you add a new supplement to your regimen.
First, it’s important to remember that supplements are not regulated by the FDA the same way as drugs are. This means they are not subject to rigorous testing for safety or effectiveness, like drugs are.
Also, many supplements come with unsubstantiated claims about how they will cure a disease or treat certain ailments. This is why it’s critical to read the label and product information carefully before purchasing.
In general, supplements can only be deemed safe when they are taken in the proper amount and under the guidance of a medical professional. Taking too much of a supplement, for example, can cause side effects like nausea, diarrhea and vomiting.
Another common mistake people make is thinking that a supplement will automatically correct a nutrient deficiency that has been identified through their personal health history or doctor’s recommendation. This is often a misconception because supplements are not designed to replace a healthy diet.
Finally, many supplements can interfere with certain medications or cause complications when used with other medicines. This is especially true if you have an underlying health condition or are on a prescribed medication.
Lastly, if you’re in the military, be sure to talk with your doc about what kinds of supplements you can take and which ones should not be taken while you’re deployed. Some supplements can reduce the effectiveness of your prescriptions or affect your overall mission readiness.
List of Bad Supplements
One of the best ways to find out if a dietary supplement is worth the money is to read the label. In addition to looking for the name of the manufacturer, make sure to read the product labeling for ingredients, dosage, and warnings. If you are unsure of the quality of a particular supplement, do not hesitate to ask for a refund.
The FDA's list of dietary supplements includes over 80,000 products, some of which may be questionable in the quality department. In addition, a number of products have been subject to health fraud* related violations. The list also reveals some of the more wacky gimmicks marketed to unsuspecting consumers. Despite their obvious shortcomings, a number of dietary supplements do actually help the body achieve optimal health. For example, vitamins and minerals play a key role in improving brain function. Likewise, some herbs and spices are touted for their ability to improve cholesterol levels, prevent infection or aid in weight loss.
Pros and Cons of Supplements
If your health is one of your top priorities, supplements are a great way to support it. They can help boost your immune system, boost energy levels, and improve your overall health.
The key is to know which ones are right for you, and how much you should take. Before you get started, it’s important to touch base with a healthcare professional who knows your individual medical profile and can advise you on how the different supplements may impact it.
You should also be sure that the supplement you’re taking has been properly tested to ensure that it’s safe for you to use. Ideally, you should look for a label that says it’s been certified by the United States Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) or a reputable third-party operator.
Lastly, you should be aware that some supplements can have negative side effects, such as causing allergic reactions, or interfering with the absorption of other medications you might be taking. For instance, vitamin E can increase the blood-thinning action of some drugs, resulting in nosebleeds or easy bruising.
If you’re interested in taking supplements, the key is to start small and add them gradually. If you notice any problems, stop taking them until you can determine if they’re caused by the supplement or by something else. This will give your body a chance to adjust and get used to the new additions to its routine. Ultimately, you should consult with your doctor or an expert in the BodyLogicMD network to see if a supplement is right for you. They’ll be able to recommend the best products for your needs and can guide you on how much to take and how often to do so.
5 Reasons to Take Supplements
One of the most common reasons people decide to take supplements is because they feel like they aren't getting enough nutrients from their diet. Whether this is due to a busy lifestyle or poor dietary choices, taking health and nutritional supplements can be an important way of supplementing the things that are missing in your daily diet.
Many people also choose to take dietary supplements to counteract the side effects of prescription drugs, which can leave you deficient in certain vitamins and minerals. This is especially true if you're on medication to treat an underlying condition.
In most cases, the best option is to get your vitamin and mineral needs from a healthy diet. The vitamins and minerals found in food are a complex combination of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals (plant chemicals), which work together to support the body.
If you want to ensure you're getting the most from your diet, you should consider a multivitamin or a range of individual supplements such as zinc, iron and magnesium. These supplements can help boost your overall immune system and protect against chronic diseases.
Often, the best place to start is by discussing your health goals with a qualified healthcare professional, who can help you find the right supplements for your specific needs. In addition, it's always worth checking with your doctor or pharmacist about any medications you might be taking.
Almost half of adults in the United States report using at least one dietary supplement, and this number is growing every year. Most users are older, have a lower body mass index and are more likely to be physically active than non-users.
