Dietary Supplements Guide: How to Know What Your Body Needs
It can be difficult to get all the nutrients you need from food alone. Many people take a dietary supplement every day to fill in the vitamins they’re missing. There are different reasons to take supplements, and what are considered the best dietary supplements vary from person to person. If you’re interested in taking healthy supplements, how do you know where to start? Here are four ways to know what dietary supplement your body needs.
Talk to a Doctor
The best and most effective way to find out which healthy supplements will benefit you is to talk with a doctor. Your primary care provider knows you. They are aware of all your health concerns and can pinpoint which nutrients you need. Discussing the best dietary supplements with a healthcare professional takes the guesswork out of the process.
Even if you decide on your own which healthy supplements to take, you should still let your doctor know you’re taking a daily vitamin. This is especially important if you take prescription medication or are going to have surgery. Some supplements can impact the way your body responds to medicine and anesthesia. Keeping your medical records updated is vital in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Another reason to discuss supplements with your doctor is that they don’t have to be proven effective to be sold. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate vitamins and other supplements in the same way they monitor medicine. They generally only study the effects of a certain dietary supplement if people start having adverse reactions to it, similar to their role in recalling food. Talking to a doctor to make sure you’re staying safe with your supplement intake is your best bet.
Consider Your Diet
The best way to get nutrients is from the foods in which they naturally occur. However, this is not possible for everyone. Maybe you have allergies, can’t afford the healthy food you want, or live in a food desert where fresh produce is difficult to obtain. Whatever the reason, you’re lacking some major nutrients in your daily diet. Healthy supplements can help make up for this.
If you don’t eat a lot of fruits or vegetables, you probably want to take a dietary supplement that contains antioxidants and fiber. Calcium supplements are good for those who don’t eat dairy. Note that supplements are not made to make up for 100 percent of your daily need for any nutrient. Take only the amount recommended unless explicitly told by a healthcare professional to do otherwise.
Think About Your Lifestyle
The best dietary supplements for someone depend a lot on their lifestyle. If you’re a vegan, a dietary supplement with vitamin B12 can help make up for the lack of animal products you’re eating. The elderly need more of certain vitamins as well. Those who spend very little time in the sun may want to add vitamin D to their healthy supplements.
As your lifestyle changes, your need for different supplements will as well. Pregnant people are often prescribed vitamins containing a lot of folic acid. Athletes take certain supplements when they are training. Be sure that whatever you’re taking is what you need now, not something you used to be lacking.
Research Disease Prevention
While the FDA has not proven that any dietary supplement can prevent disease, many studies have found correlations between a dietary supplement and lowered risk. Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory supplements are both widely used as preventative measures for diseases associated with these symptoms including arthritis, cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.
No dietary supplement has been shown to prevent or combat sickness in the way medicine has, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t effective. Fewer studies have been done on healthy supplements than drugs and medication. Using supplements to maintain a healthier lifestyle may help you get sick less, as it’s unhealthy people who are most susceptible to germs.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Want the Best Dietary Supplements? DIY!
Are you ready to start taking a dietary supplement but aren’t able to find exactly what you need in stores? It’s easier than you think to make your own. That way you can combine the perfect vitamins, herbs, and nutrients for your body.
To make your healthy supplements, you’ll need empty pill capsules to put your ingredients into. Empty Caps Company has seven sizes of clear capsules you need to do it right. Available in both gelatin and vegetarian varieties. Visit our online store to purchase your empty caps today.