NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS

It is imperative to eat a balanced diet to avoid malnutrition. If you eat a wide variety of foods on a regular basis, it is unlikely that you would need to supplement your diet. However, if you are not eating the recommended five serving of fruit and vegetables a day, or if you would like to boost your bodily functions, you may need to supplement. Because a dietary deficiency takes so long to reveal itself, and many symptoms start as vague changes in your levels of energy or in the tone of your skin, you may not notice that there is something wrong. You may become accustomed to a symptom without realizing it is one. A supplement contains dietary ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, enzymes, organ tissues, metabolites, extracts and/or concentrates. Although one needs to use supplements for at least three months before the benefits can be realized, you should read up on the ingredients of your supplements if you intend to take it for longer than six months. You may want to try using a supplement if you eat unhealthy foods or smoke, or if you are pregnant, vegetarian, an athlete, an alcoholic, a convalescent, on diet, pregnant or breastfeeding. A supplement can be used to augment your diet under these circumstances.

TIPS WHEN TAKING SUPPLEMENTS

It is more cost-effective to choose a supplement with many ingredients than to buy the ingredients separately.
If you do want to use supplements separately, be sure you know the combinations that ensure absorption.
Don’t give your supplements to your children; you may be giving them doses which are too high.
Vitamin C is not stored in the body, split your daily dose into a morning and evening dose.
Store your supplements according to manufacturers indications, many nutrients are destroyed by sunlight and heat.
Many nutrients are more easily absorbed when taken with food. Don’t listen to anecdotal evidence when deciding which supplements to use. In fact supplements that are good for one person may be damaging to another. Each human body is unique and a supplement that works for one person may not work for another. It is imperative for you to o your own research and compare your findings to the conditions you are experiencing.

CONSULT A DOCTOR

If you are on medication, there may be negative interactions with certain nutritional supplements.
If you experience ANY new symptoms after taking supplements after taking supplements, be sure to mention which supplements you are taking. Bring the nutritional supplement containers to his office so that he can read the ingredients and pamphlets and record the brand on your file.