If you have ever taken a supplement before, it’s quite likely you have taken a vitamin. Vitamins are the most popular supplements on the market, and you can get them anywhere, from your nearest pharmacy to supermarkets and even gas stations. Vitamins and other forms of supplements are considered a great help when it comes to leading a healthy lifestyle. For instance, if you have a hormonal imbalance, taking supplements such as PCOS Vitamins can help combat this problem by reducing irregular periods and improving your insulin resistance.
Are Supplements and Vitamins Any Different?
Any product that promotes health and adds nutritional value to your diet can be considered a supplement. Vitamins are a form of supplement, but not the only one. Other forms of supplements are herbs, minerals, or even nutrients like fiber.
Having explained what they are, let’s discuss the dos and don’ts when it comes to supplementing with vitamins and other supplements.
DO Consult a Medical Professional.
Depending on our lifestyle, mobility, sex, and age, we all have different requirements for vitamins and other supplements. Women, for example, need more iron than men. This is why a consultation with your chosen doctor or nutritionist can prove helpful in pointing out if and what kind of nutrients you lack.
DO Use Them as Advised.
There are active ingredients in many supplements that have the capability of significantly impacting the body. Even if a serving size is suggested by the manufacturer, your doctor may decide that a different amount is better suited for you.
DO Trust the Process.
Usually, if you are seriously deficient in a vitamin or nutrient, taking the right supplements will help you feel better faster. Studies show that it takes three to six weeks of supplementing to see any noticeable results. Supplementing regularly can help improve your condition.
DON’T Overdo It.
Even though eating a well-balanced diet can usually help you get all the nutrients your body needs, it’s a fact that in this day and age, we all struggle to eat balanced meals, which is where supplements come to the rescue. But even then, it is important to follow the daily supplement dosage recommendations and never exceed them. For example, a certain amount of calcium can encourage bone growth, whereas too much can result in kidney stones.
DON’T Treat Supplements as a Replacement for a Healthy Diet.
As the term suggests, food supplements are meant to complement a well-balanced diet rather than replace it. Studies show that people who supplement live longer, healthier lives. Yet, this is done while maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle, using supplements just as a binder.
DON’T Supplement on an Empty Stomach.
Instead, take them right after a meal. This method not only promotes better vitamin absorption but also reduces the risk of abdominal pain and nausea.
Supplements are not a shortcut to good health. You can’t just eat junk food all day, take some vitamins, and call it a day. When combined with a balanced diet, frequent exercise, and a restful night’s sleep, supplements can assist you in making the shift to a better and healthier lifestyle.
Read Also: Why Should You Include Hyaluronic Acid In Your Skincare Routine?
