Are Supplements Right for You?
A false sense of security is often a concern when assuming taking supplements means a healthier lifestyle. Everyone is unique in their supplement requirements and in fact in some cases can be detrimental.
Of course, for some, vitamins, minerals and other supplements provide some form of health benefits. Depending upon your health conditions your doctor may recommend adding supplements to your daily diet.
With the exponential numbers of supplements out there how does one know what is right for them? Talk to your doctor who knows you, because they can advise what may cause adverse effects, just as much of what could be beneficial. Most definitely, if you are taking medications advice is required to understand potential interactions.
An Ounce of Prevention May be a Pound of Trouble
Many studies have linked supplements to significant health risks. Excessive Vitamin A may be bad for your bones. Increased risks of heart failure have been associated with Vitamin E supplements.
The philosophical view of if something small is good, an even larger amount must be better, could not be further from the truth in many instances. While calcium supplements in women are associated with lower death rates, conversely, iron supplements are linked to higher death rates. This is not to say that supplements are bad for you, but you need to do your homework. You still need to have iron for a healthy body, especially for those anemic. But everything in proportion and based upon professional advice. Be careful what you read from marketers as opposed to healthcare professionals.
Supplements are Not a Panacea
There is no proverbial magic pill. There is no substitute of a healthy well-balanced diet. Popping supplements as a replacement is not effective. If you know you are not getting the most out of your diet rather than looking to supplements, look to modifying your diet instead. In fact, research indicates that nutrient-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains may surpass the benefits of supplements.
Benefits of Supplements
We live in a digital age where information is easily accessible and virtually endless. Understanding though fact from fiction is always the challenge. Supplements may provide health benefits and after consulting with a health professional you can research what may be right for you and other experiences. Always refer to “trusted” sources who provide unbiased results whether positive or negative. We provide information sourced from the National Institute of Health with respect to the variety of supplement ingredients.
