How Do I Choose Nutritional Supplements? |
Posted: March 23, 2023 |
Dietary supplements can be an important part of a healthy eating plan. They can also be used to fill nutrient gaps, such as during pregnancy or when someone has a dietary restriction. However, they are not intended to replace a balanced diet and should not be taken in excess or for long periods of time. This can lead to negative health effects, such as increased risk of cancer. Regular intake of quality nooLVL supplements can improve your overall well-being and health. This could include lowering the chance of developing chronic illnesses and boosting energy levels, enhancing mental clarity, concentration, and improving physical performance. What is a nutritional supplement?A nutritional supplement is a product that is added to the diet to provide nutrients that are missing from the normal food intake. They can include vitamins, minerals, herbs, fatty acids, or amino acids. These supplements can help you maintain good health, boost energy levels, support your immune system, reduce the risk of disease, improve performance in athletic activities, and heal from illness. They are available in many different forms such as liquids, pills, powders, and capsules. To be safe, nutritional supplements must be taken in reasonable quantities and according to manufacturers' instructions. Dosages vary widely for each nutrient and should be discussed with a qualified health care professional. VitaminsDietary supplements can help provide nutrients when your diet isn't sufficient. They can also be helpful for people with specific short-term and long-term health goals. The first step is to choose supplements that are independently tested and verified by reputable companies. Look for brands that are labeled with the NSF International, US Pharmacopeia, ConsumerLabs, or Underwriters Laboratory seal. These certifications indicate that the product has been tested to verify its ingredients and potency. They also ensure that it doesn't contain toxic or harmful ingredients. MineralsMinerals are inorganic substances that your body needs to function properly. They are divided into two categories: major and trace minerals. The major minerals your body requires in relatively large amounts are calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, and magnesium. Trace minerals are those needed in very small amounts. A healthy diet includes foods that are high in both vitamins and minerals. Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, and lean meats is the best way to get all the nutrients your body needs. If you have a health condition or are taking medications, you may need to take a nutritional supplement. Ask a doctor or pharmacist to help you choose the right one for you. HerbsHerbs are a wide variety of plant-based products that use stems, leaves, flowers, roots or seeds. They are a popular ingredient in food and supplements. Some herbs have medicinal value, such as mint for indigestion or basil for kidney disease. Others are used in cooking for flavor. They can be either annual or perennials, meaning they die down each year but return from the roots in the spring. Herbs have the potential to interact with medications, vitamins and minerals. This is known as Herb-Drug Interaction (HDI). PhytonutrientsPhytonutrients, or phytochemicals, are the natural chemical compounds that plants produce and use to stay healthy. These compounds can give foods their brightly colored pigments, like tomatoes or watermelon, and they also help plants fight off viruses and bacteria. A well-balanced diet is a good way to get enough phytonutrients. However, some supplements can provide more of these nutrients than you can find in whole foods. Several types of phytonutrients have antioxidant properties that protect your body from free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that damage cells and DNA.
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