If your medicine cabinet is piled high with supplement bottles, you’re not alone. Americans have been taking health supplements for decades, ranging from vitamin A to zinc and everything in between!
Perhaps you’re attempting to correct a vitamin deficiency or reduce your risk of contracting certain diseases — or maybe you’re simply feeling more proactive about your well-being by taking a pill that claims to enhance it.
Well, our bodies rely on a consistent supply of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to work correctly. However, as we age, we are more likely to develop nutrient deficiencies (read more). The problem is that we simply couldn’t get nutrients all at one meal. That is why health supplements come in handy.
While these cannot completely replace a well-balanced and nutrient-dense diet, they can provide adequate amounts of essential nutrients. To help you learn everything you need to know about health supplements, we’ve tackled how they can help you.
The Basics
Health supplements are the ones that are commercially marketed to provide necessary nutrients to maintain a healthy lifestyle while giving a boost in your immunity. These are believed to contain nutrients, whether they are derived from food sources or synthesized.
The commonly found nutrient compounds in most supplements are vitamins, minerals, fiber, fatty acids, and amino acids. Moreover, they come in various forms, including pills, capsules, tablets, liquids, powders, extracts, and even gummies!
These popular supplements include:
Vitamin D
This vitamin is necessary to maintain healthy bones, muscles, and teeth. Its aim is to regulate the amount of calcium in our bodies. But a lack of this specific nutrient can lead to deformities and bone pain, which 42% of the US population are experiencing.
Fish Oil
The American Heart Association (AHA) recommendation states that every person should consume fish at least once or twice a week. Fish oils can be an excellent addition to your supplement regimen, especially for those who do not consume fish such as salmon, sardines, mackerel, tuna, and other types of fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Just make sure that the dosages are kept at a minimum.
CBD Pills
CBD pills are hemp-derived CBD products such as those at Nature and Bloom can supplement your overall health. Several studies have pointed toward its health benefits, including the ability to reduce anxiety, relieve pain and inflammation, and improve heart health.
Is It Necessary To Take Supplements?
You’ve probably heard of them, or perhaps you’ve tried at least once. But you might wonder, is it necessary to take them? Well, it actually varies.
Many vitamins and minerals are obtained through a healthy, well-balanced diet. And some people do not need to supplement their diet with them. But if you’re one of those who find it challenging to take all the nutrients solely on food, then taking a supplement wouldn’t hurt. In fact, it would be beneficial, particularly if you want extra help.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most American people cannot meet their nutritional needs through diet alone. Other research has revealed that most produce today has lower nutritional value than in the past, which is most likely due to soil depletion (link: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/soil-depletion-and-nutrition-loss/). That is why, in addition to taking a well-balanced diet, taking a high-quality health supplement can help to ensure that our bodies are getting the nutrients they need.
Finding The Best Supplement
Supplements are intended to help you achieve optimal health by providing the nutrients your body requires. However, not all supplements are made to meet these claims, which can happen if you don’t read the labels and buy the wrong brand. Then, that would foreclose you to see that these supplements aren’t worth it.
But if you choose a reputable brand that is transparent and honest, then it would be fine. Several brands like Cheefbotanicals do that, and it would be helpful if you search and read for feedback. Additionally, you must see the tests conducted, quality assurance, and the ingredients that make a product in choosing a supplement.
Certain health-related claims may appear on the labels of health supplements but remember that supplements aren’t made to treat certain diseases or replace any diet! Additionally, when taking a supplement, always seek medical advice to determine the best product to use and when to use it.
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