There is such a wide assortment of products available in the supplement industry that it can be hard to keep track of them all. To make things simpler, let’s take a look at some of the truths and myths about supplements that can help you decide if they are right for your lifestyle.
Becoming a health conscious person is not always easy. Some people may struggle to adopt new health habits simply because of how busy they are. Others may have something in their family history or genetics that makes it difficult to reach their goals.
However, one of the biggest obstacles to leading a healthy lifestyle is a need for more knowledge. Every year, it seems like scientists are telling us something different about what the secrets to long life are.
It can be exhausting trying to keep up with the latest trends in wellness if we even have the energy to focus on health in the first place.
One specific health practice that many people misunderstand is taking dietary supplements. Some may swear by their effects while others claim they make no discernible difference to your health.
Truth: Supplements Provide Additional Nutrients
The main purpose of supplement products is to provide additional vitamins and/or minerals to the body. For the most part, food is the main source of nutrients that your cells need to function.
However, some people want to boost their nutrient levels further without having to consume a higher volume of food to do so. They can turn to supplements to accomplish that goal.
The varieties available for these products can provide all kinds of extra supplies for your body, so no matter what you are hoping to boost, you can probably find some daily supplements for adults that will work for your needs.
Myth: Supplements Can Be Food Substitutes
The most common mistake that people make when taking supplements is using them as a substitute for foods they don't want to eat. For example, let’s say someone does not enjoy eating vegetables.
Instead, they might choose to just ingest a supplement that specializes in some of the nutrients that most commonly come from vegetables. But your body understands how to process food much more efficiently, making food the ultimate delivery source for vitamins or minerals. Supplements should not be a substitute for a healthy diet but rather used to complement one.
When making balanced decisions with your food choices, supplements can be the perfect addition that gives you that extra boost of nutrients. But you should never rely on them to provide enough nutrition to avoid crucial food groups.
Truth: Supplements Provide Wide Varieties of Nutrients
The great thing about supplements is that there is something for everyone. There are varieties made for children, teens, adults, and even seniors. You can get them in all kinds of forms, such as tablets, capsules, gels, powders, liquids, and even gummies.
Most importantly, they can provide many varieties of vitamins and/or minerals. Supplements known as probiotics can support gut health and immune function. Vitamin D supplements can help with deficiency issues that cause hair loss, fatigue, and other adverse symptoms.
Fitness enthusiasts can enjoy pre- and post-workout supplements that increase energy levels and aid with muscle development to get the most out of their exercise routines. There are so many uses for supplements that can benefit total body health.
Myth: Supplements Cannot Be Taken with Food
In fact, the exact opposite is actually better for you. Some supplements could result in an upset stomach if they are not taken with food, as the food will help with the absorption process. Unless otherwise specified by the particular product, try to take supplements along with your meals.
This will also make it easier to form a daily habit, since you have to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day, so you might as well pair your supplements with one of those regular meals. However, feel free to decide for yourself when the best time to take supplements is.
Are Supplements Worth it?
While many doctors would say that supplements do not provide a ton of value to support health, there are still more positives than negatives if you choose to take them. They are convenient ways to boost specific nutrient levels if you want to focus on supporting certain systems within your body.
Plus, if you have allergies that prevent you from eating certain food groups, they can help you maintain balanced levels of vitamins or minerals that are hard for you to acquire.
At the end of the day, supplements can be a useful tool for supporting health if you understand how to use them. Make sure they are paired with an already healthy diet so that your body is receiving what it needs, plus a little extra.
Research the different types of supplements to find some that will help you reach your lifestyle goals.
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