Studies have found that some dietary supplements offer considerable benefits. For instance, melatonin eases jet lag and ginkgo helps patients with dementia, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health says.
However, with plenty of choices out in the market, it may be hard to work out which vitamins are good for you. Here are eight things you need to know before you take any.
Know Your Options
Assess your choices. Nutritional supplements include an array of products. Do you want capsules or liquid mineral supplements? Some are well suited to people with certain conditions. Also, supplements can either be single nutrients or multiple vitamins. Herbal oils also fall under this category, the Kidney.Org says. Find out what your options are, so you’ll have an easier time shopping for supplements.
Talk to Your Doctor
Consult with your doctor before you take any supplements. That step is even more important if you have an existing condition. Talk to a health care expert and find out which supplements will improve your condition and won’t make your disease worse.
Determine Your Needs
Going to a doctor means you can get tested. Once that’s done, you can shop for supplements based on the test results. For instance, if the results show that you’re low on iron, then you’ll need to get iron supplements.
Check Your Blood Levels
Certain nutrients build up in your body, so it’s best that you keep that information in mind. For example, potassium may accumulate in your system. That’s bad if you have damaged kidneys. The best thing for you to do is choose supplements that contain no potassium.
Pick What’s Right for You
Not everyone has the same needs. Even if two people both have the same existing conditions, your situations, health status, ages, and more will mean that you’ll have different needs. Choose supplements not because your friends use them but because they’re right for you.
Check Your Diet
Do a food diary. List down what you eat. Include any medication you take. That will help you figure out what’s missing from your diet. If you realize you only mostly eat protein, then what about adding fiber to your meals? What about calcium or iron?
Decide What Form
Supplements come in many forms and flavors. You have liquid supplements as special drinks. You can take them as shakes or even as juices. Some supplements are available in capsules. Consider the different types and forms before you shop for options.
Test the Results
Don’t just keep taking the supplements in blind faith, though. Get tested to see if the supplements are actually working. What do you feel? Do you feel like you have more energy? When you started using the supplement, did your condition improve in any way? Talk to your doctor about that. If the supplements aren’t working, you may need to try something else.
Shop for Supplements
Look for reputable brands when you shop for supplements. Companies that deliver topnotch quality products will provide you with what you need. You won’t need to worry that you’re paying for substandard supplements.
