We have come to a time when people are becoming a bit more conscious of their health. This is a good development from decades ago when fast food and many unhealthy lifestyle practices were at their prime. Now that different health conditions are becoming more common for everyone, people are taking different safety measures to keep their bodies in their best state. And when it comes to health, food supplements quickly rose to popularity.
Food supplements offer various promising for the health and body. True enough, they can do a lot of good things to your system. However, it is important to recognize that the benefits they promise will only be truly evident if taken right.
Before you jump into the hype for food supplements, you should be able to understand what they are, how they work, and how they actually affect your body. To give you a headstart, here are some of the things you should know about them:
Food Supplements Require A Balanced Diet
Supplements are not a substitute for a balanced healthy diet. A diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, adequate-protein, and healthy fats should normally provide all the nutrients needed for good health. However, certain groups of people can’t get the nutrients they need through diet alone. This can happen for a variety of reasons, so supplements may be essential.
Dietary restrictions may lead to nutrient deficiency in some people (vegans, for example). An inability to fully absorb B12 from food as we age is a factor. Increased nutrient needs are seen in hypermetabolic states like cancer might also be responsible. Whatever the cause, supplements can plug these gaps in nutritional intake.
Food Supplements Help In Weight Loss
Did you know that losing even just 5% of your total body weight could work wonders for your health? You’ll look and feel so much better than you do now when you make a commitment to losing weight.
The problem is that it’s not easy to lose weight. This is more true if you’ve really packed on the pounds in recent years. But there are some supplements out there that might be able to help you get rid of the extra weight you’re carrying around right now.
However, you need to be careful about which weight loss supplements you choose to use. Not all of them are going to be healthy enough for you to take. But as long as you’re willing to conduct a thorough search, you should be able to stumble upon at least a few options. These options could put your weight loss journey on the right path.
Food Supplements Are Best Taken In The Morning
There is debate about whether taking your vitamins in the morning or at night is best. The theory goes that because you’re getting nutrients throughout the day from food, having your nutrition supplements at night helps your body get some nutrition as you sleep.
Despite this debate, many nutritionists recommend that food supplements should be taken in the morning. Digestion slows down during sleep, so taking your nutrient supplement late at night would not be associated with efficient absorption.
Additionally, multivitamins tend to do best when taken earlier in the day, as the B vitamins in them might stimulate metabolism and brain function too much for a relaxing evening or before bed.
Food Supplements May Cause Adverse Effects
You are most likely to have side effects from dietary supplements if you take them at high doses or instead of prescribed medicines, or if you take many different supplements. Some supplements can increase the risk of bleeding. If taken before surgery, some supplements can change your response to anesthesia.
Furthermore, supplements can also interact with some medicines in ways that might cause problems. You may get more of these ingredients than you think, and more might not be better. For example, too much vitamin A can cause headaches and liver damage, reduce bone strength, and cause birth defects. Excess iron causes nausea and vomiting and may damage the liver and other organs.
Food Supplements Are Not For Everyone
Despite having a role in the health of some individuals, not all supplements are useful for everybody. In fact, for some people, it is not advisable to take certain supplements, in particular in high doses. Some studies show multivitamins can contribute to an increased risk of excessive nutrient intake. It has also been suggested that multivitamins should be formulated with greater consideration for the intake of micronutrients from foods.
Individuals should pay particular attention to reading the label and assure that a supplement is suitable for them. For pregnant women, for example, supplements containing vitamin A (retinol) including fish liver oil may be harmful. It can cause birth defects if the recommended dose is greatly exceeded, or exceeded over an extended period of time.
Key Takeaway
Dietary supplements are vitamins, minerals, and other substances designed to enhance your nutrition. Supplements come in many oral forms, like pills, powders, liquids, bars, and gummies.
People take supplements with hopes of maintaining or improving overall wellness, addressing specific health conditions, or preventing illness or injury. Each supplement offers unique potential benefits.
Supplementation does come with some risks. You might experience adverse effects or allergic reactions. Talk with a healthcare pro before starting any supplements, especially if you have existing medical concerns