Dietary Supplements: What You Need to Know

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image courtesy of Lynn Gardner (flickr.com)

The world has become accustomed to food feasts. We love what is served on our table, as long as they are visually appealing and taste great – never mind what it does to our body. Many times, we know those burgers don’t come close to giving us health benefits as much as they satisfy, but we take a bite anyway. Needless to say, we try to embrace a balanced diet but, try as they might, still end up gobbling up the same less nutritious, more delectable food that keep satisfying our appetite.

 We are fixated on the idea that we can replenish our body with the nutrients found in pills and supplements. We have this belief that if we do not have a balanced diet, nutritional supplements can fill this gap. These nutritional products are known to give us our health an extra boost and can strengthen our immunity against diseases. While this may be true, it is important to pay attention to getting those nutrients the right way.

 When you select and use your supplements, be sure to do your research. There are countless dietary products out there, and it pays to be able to get the specific type of nutrient you need. Know more about the calcium tablet, vitamin pill, iron soft gel or protein powder that is deemed fit for your nutritional deficiency.

 Check the product label. Read through each of the information provided in the supplement’s package. Find out the ingredients and the amount of nutrients that correspond to each recommended serving. This is important because you can’t get the ideal results unless you take the necessary limits for you. Generally, you should not take supplements in megadoses.

Remember that your multivitamins can lose their potency over time, so take note of expiration dates. When they are expired, throw them away. Also, pay attention to storage requirements. Avoid storing them in places that are too cold or too humid. Otherwise, the product will lose its effectiveness.

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image courtesy of Auntie P (flickr.com)

If you think your supplements can take the place of good old nutrition through food intake, think again. These dietary products are intended to aid your body in absorbing the specific nutrients you lack. However, you still need to eat well, and never take whole grain, meat, fruits, vegetables and water for granted.

Do not be too confident about getting the same dietary product. Health regulations keep certain supplements under constant review or further study, particularly those that have been found to be less effective or offer adverse effects. Stay informed by checking out supplement updates from government-regulated websites or by talking to your health provider.

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