Step into any supplement aisle and you'll find a wide variety of pills, powders and drinks. But do they really work?
It's important to remember that supplements aren't a replacement for a nutrient-rich diet. And too much of certain vitamins or minerals can cause problems. So talk to your doctor before taking any dietary supplements.
They Help You Lose Weight
From vitamins to herbs and minerals, nutritional supplements in pill, gummy or liquid form can give you an extra boost of micronutrients. But you should always talk to your doctor before you start a new supplement, especially if you're taking any prescription medicines or have certain health conditions.
According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), most adults use supplements to improve or maintain their health. But some use them for other reasons, such as to get more energy or to help them exercise more.
There are also a lot of supplements out there that claim to aid in weight loss by increasing your metabolism. But a healthy diet and exercise is the best way to lose weight, not a pill. So take care to read labels and avoid supplements that make grand claims about their benefits. Instead, look for a low calorie, high-quality foods in your supplements and in your meals. You can't out-train a bad diet, so stick with a well-rounded plan for your health.
They Help You Maintain Your Health
Supplements can be a great way to get more nutrients into your diet. They can be pills, gummies, powders or drinks and are made of vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids and enzymes to give you an extra nutritional boost. They are not meant to replace a well-rounded, healthy diet.
The main benefit of nutrition supplements is to help you maintain your health by providing micronutrients that can be hard to obtain through food alone. They are especially useful for people who cannot eat enough because of physical considerations, such as an eating disorder or malabsorption issues, and for certain medical conditions like diabetes or pregnancy. Check this site out to find out additional hints on nooLVL.
People who use dietary supplements are more likely to report having very good or excellent health, have health insurance, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and exercise regularly than nonusers. They also tend to drink moderately, eat a diet low in saturated fat and avoid smoking. They are also more likely to take a multivitamin and use a calcium supplement.
They Help You Stay Mentally Sharp
We tend to think of memory issues and cognitive decline as an inevitable part of aging, but research shows that taking steps to support cognitive health early on may have a big impact later on. A healthy diet and regular exercise are two of the most important things you can do to keep your brain sharp, but if you’re looking for an extra boost, there are some supplements that can help.
Omega-3 fatty acids, like those found in fish and algae, are widely recommended for their role in reducing inflammation and protecting the brain from oxidative stress. Also, studies suggest that dietary polyphenols like those found in soy products (especially the isoflavones daidzein and genistein) can reduce the risk of dementia and improve mental function with age.
But beware of extravagant claims from supplement manufacturers—the FDA doesn’t regulate dietary supplements the way it does drugs, so there are a lot of misleading marketing tactics out there. And even if you’re taking a supplement that has proven benefits, it’s a good idea to only take the recommended amount. Too much of any nutrient can be harmful.
They Help You Stay Strong
Supplements can provide a needed boost to your diet, especially for folks with certain health conditions or who are taking medications that interfere with nutrient absorption. It's also important to remember that supplements aren't a replacement for a well-rounded diet of nutrient-rich foods.
Talk to your doctor before introducing any supplements into your routine. Your doc can recommend what micronutrients you may be lacking and work with you to address them. He or she will be able to recommend high-quality products that are made to rigorous pharmaceutical standards and won't interact with your other medications.
You should also know that more research is needed on many of these supplements, so be wary of extravagant claims and only buy reputable brands. Check the label and look for certifications that guarantee adherence to FDA guidelines. It's also a good idea to only take the amount recommended on the label. Anything over that could be harmful. For instance, excessive vitamin E can increase your risk of lung cancer.
