The nutritional supplement industry is growing all the time as people seek natural ways to stay healthy. With so many choices, it’s getting more challenging for both customers and vendors to identify the most effective products. Let’s look at how to find the best nutritional supplements and how to get the best results from them.
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Consider Your Needs
With so many social media posts, articles, websites, books and videos about health and nutrition, it’s easy to think you need to take hundreds of products. It’s best to take a more targeted approach and decide what you really need, based on your current state of health, age, gender and lifestyle. Taking too much of a certain nutritional food supplement can be counterproductive, making it essential to understand your needs and goals. If you have symptoms, it’s always good to have them checked by a medical professional. If you’re taking any medication, check with your doctor to find out if you need to avoid certain ingredients.
Supplements Can Make Up For Deficiencies
If your regular diet doesn’t provide you with sufficient nutrients in certain areas, essential nutrients supplements can help fill the gap. For example, the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids are well documented. If your diet is rich in fish, you may not need an omega-3 supplement. Otherwise, a fish oil or other omega-3 supplement can help you get more of these healthy fats in your diet.
Read Labels Carefully
To be an educator consumer of supplements, you have to read labels so you know exactly what you’re taking. Similarly, sellers of supplements should be clear about what they’re providing. This includes:
- Active ingredients.
- Quantity of nutrients per serving. Whether you’re taking Vitamin C, COQ10, fish oil or any other supplement, you may want a lower or higher amount.
- Fillers and other additives. When searching for healthy dietary supplements, it’s best to find natural products without unnecessary ingredients.
- Contraindications — For example, some supplements shouldn’t be taken if you’re pregnant. Some shouldn’t be mixed with certain medications.
Be especially careful when products have a long list of ingredients. While many might be beneficial, you have to watch for anything you’re allergic to or that might have side effects.
Take Supplements Responsibly
There’s an old saying that the only difference between poison and medicine is the dose. Many ingredients that are beneficial in small quantities can be dangerous when taken in large amounts. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that more is better. Pay attention to the recommended dosage and stick to it, unless a qualified medical professional advises you otherwise.
Supplements Work Best When Combined With Healthy Lifestyle Choices
As the name suggests, supplements are meant to accompany your diet. They will work better if you eat healthy foods, get regular exercise and have sufficient rest. If you eat junk food, smoke and are mostly sedentary, you may be asking too much of supplements.
For example, an omega-3 nutritional dietary supplement such as fish oil may help manage blood pressure. However, you also have to consider habits such as smoking, consuming too much alcohol and not exercising which also affect blood pressure. Likewise, a sleep supplement may be of limited use if you consume too many espressos and energy drinks. Supplements should support your health goals but shouldn’t be seen as a complete solution.
Buy Supplements From a Reputable Source
You can now buy supplements from thousands of sources, from retail stores to online companies. To find the best nutritional supplements, it’s important to buy from trustworthy sources. The company should have strict standards of quality assurance to verify purity and freshness. Their products should also be tested by independent laboratories to assure the quality and accurate labeling of ingredients. It’s also good to find a company that offers supplements backed by the latest research.
Supplements Can Improve the Quality of Your Life
When used correctly, nutritional supplements can contribute to better health and well-being. Before taking any supplements, do your research to identify the products and brands that are in line with your needs. Monitor your progress and find out which supplements yield the best results.