Caring for your health can come in multiple forms. Regularly visiting your medical provider, getting consistent exercise, and eating a healthy diet can all contribute to ensuring your health is in good shape for the long run. Supplements are also a great way to ensure you get all of the nutrients necessary for your body to operate optimally. Below you will find some helpful tips for taking dietary supplements.
Tips for Taking Dietary Supplements
Many people take dietary supplements to improve their health and wellness. Supplements can come in the form of pills, powders, or liquids. Below are some helpful tips if you are considering taking dietary supplements.
Read the Label:
Not only should you read the label, but do your research before you take any supplement. This includes ensuring that none of your current medications of supplements negatively interact with anything you are considering taking. Without a degree in nutrition and medicine, some of the supplement jargon can be confusing. Be aware of claims that are too good to be true and products that claim to have zero side effects.
Use as Directed:
This not only includes the amount you take, but how you take the supplement. You should follow the instructions for how much to take the supplements as some can cause major health issues if taken in doses higher than directed. For example, Iron is an essential mineral necessary for your body to function properly. However, taking more iron than necessary can lead to issues with your heart and liver. In addition to the amount, take your supplements as directed. Some supplements need to be taken with food and others can be taken without.
Properly Store Supplements:
Certain supplements have storage instructions. For example, some may need storing in the fridge while others in a dark, cool place. Storage requirements are necessary to preserve the supplement so it maintains its effectiveness. Because supplements can be expensive, check the storage instructions and follow them accordingly.
Integrate Strategically:
When people get motivated and ready to move forward with their health journey, they can get overly excited and ambitious. While you should definitely keep that fire alive, integrate your supplements strategically. If certain supplements need to be taken together to maximize their effectiveness, that is fine. However, refrain from taking multiple supplements at the same time as you may not be able to determine which one is working. While supplements can be a great investment into your health, don’t overspend on too many if you don’t know which ones are working. Certain supplements work great with some people while having no impact on others.
Not A Substitute:
Supplements are meant to add to your diet, not to replace meals. It’s best to get all of your nutrients from actual food. For those who need some extra help, supplements are a great way to complement a healthy diet.
Consult with a Medical Professional:
Talk with a medical provider if you have any questions about supplements and how they can improve your health. You can talk with your doctor at your annual physical or schedule an appointment. Because they know your medical history they will have better insights into what supplements are right for you.
Supplements for You
If you are concerned that you are deficient in certain nutrients or are interested in supplements to improve your health, contact Harbor Health and Apothecary. Their products are high quality and include only what is necessary. Many supplements have unnecessary fillers that provide zero benefits to you. Instead of roaming the supplement aisle at your local health store, visit the community pharmacy focused on high-quality therapeutic ingredients.