Supplements: What you need to know today

Health, dietary and vitamin supplements are sold at health shops and pharmacies around the world. In fact, more than 70 percent of Americans take some form of supplements daily. Supplements are usually available without the need for a doctor’s prescription and come in pill, liquid, or powder form.

It is recommended that you seek the approval and advice of your GP before using any supplements. Not everyone needs to take supplements, especially not dietary supplements with their mix of ingredients. Essential nutrients from vitamins and health supplements help people boost their immune systems and help them fight certain medical conditions. Read diet supplement companies’ reviews to find more information and about the products used by real-world customers of i-Supplements.

Before taking any dietary supplements and formulas, it is advisable to seek medical advice from a professional: these supplements and formulas contain specific chemicals that may cause side effects. Mixing them with certain prescribed medications may cause severe side effects. For the large part, supplements are safe for adults, children, and pregnant women.

Multivitamins, calcium (improves bone health), vitamins B (controls cell metabolism), C (is an antioxidant that maintains cell health), D (helps in the absorption of calcium), and E (prevents cell damage) are essential for good health. Other supplements that one should consider are iron and folic acid – especially for women. Vitamin B12 is important for the nervous system’s health and it should be taken too.

On the other hand, Vitamin K works against blood thinning medication and inhibits their function. Gingko functions to increase blood thinning, so people on medication for this condition should avoid Gingko. St John’s Wort is used to treat depression, anxiety, and nerve pain, but it also works against some prescription medicines and can make birth control pills ineffective. Comfrey and kava herbs can damage the liver if used too often and over the prescribed daily value. As with all medications, treat supplements in the same way: read the instructions carefully and don’t use more than is recommended.

The aim of dietary supplements and vitamins is to improve our health. Our bodies, the complex organisms they are, require a variety of nutrients to function healthily. The average American’s diet leaves a lot to be desired in terms of nutritional balance. Getting those nutrients that are lacking in your diet via supplements will help you to maintain overall balanced health, but you should first try to eat the right amount of vegetables, fruit, fish, and other foods to absorb the essential nutrients before turning to supplements.

You can reduce the risk of side-effects by seeking advice from your doctor before taking any supplements. When choosing these supplements, search for information on the supplements on websites that offer independent information. The use of the word “natural” with regards to health and supplements doesn’t always mean they are safe to take. Don’t think that a supplement will be able to cure a chronic disease: there are complex processes and chemicals that need to work and your doctor’s advice carries more weight than a supplement’s marketer.