Your body is only as useful as it is healthy. Think of your body as a car; you wouldn’t get where you’re trying to go if you didn’t take care of it or keep it properly fueled. Your body works in a similar way.
Before making any changes to your diet or physical activity, it’s always a good idea to speak with your doctor or health care professional. No two bodies are the same, so to make sure when you’re trying to improve your overall health you don’t do anything that would cause you more harm than good. Consult your doctor about any changes to your diet, exercise and incorporating dietary supplements. Be clear about your concerns and what improvements you’re trying to make. In return, you’ll get advice that takes your specific age, overall health and any medical conditions into consideration.
Supplement Know-How
Taking supplements is not a replacement for eating a balanced diet. As the name “supplement” suggests, they are meant to complement a healthy diet. Be sure to follow the dosage directions on the bottle (unless your doctor specifically recommended a different dose). Some supplements are more effective for certain people or for different stages in life. Calcium softgels, for example, are typically taken by older women because they help offset osteoporosis, especially after menopause.
There are other medical conditions that supplementing calcium help with such as Crohn’s disease or inflammatory bowel disease. Both conditions inhibit the body’s absorption of calcium, making it necessary to introduce an additional source.
Taking vitamin or mineral supplements should be done with food and a full glass of water. Minerals can cause stomach upset if taken on an empty stomach.
Vitamin B is known to help boost energy and lower stress. Although it is safe to take at any time of the day, it’s best to avoid taking it at night because it can interfere with your ability to fall asleep.
Fat-soluble vitamins, such as A, E, D and K are dangerous and can be toxic if taken in high doses. Fat-soluble means these vitamins dissolve in fat. For this reason, they should be taken along with a meal.
Benefits
Adding vitamin supplements to your diet can help to improve certain aspects of your overall health. They can boost your immune system making your body less susceptible to certain ailments. Vitamin C is the most popular supplement to support immune health.
Vitamins keep your body functioning as it should by supplementing the many processes it does daily. Working in conjunction with eating fresh fruits and vegetables, drinking sufficient water, exercising and getting adequate sleep can make sure your body is performing as it should.
Vitamins such as E, C and A are known for good eye health. Think about how much additional strain you put on your eyes living and working in a screen-driven way of life. Sitting at a computer several hours a day, watching television and playing video games can take its toll on both your eyes and vision.
Vitamins can also play a part in maintaining good mental health. Depression and anxiety may be caused by nutrient deficiencies, which can be offset by taking supplements. That’s not to say that because you take vitamin supplements you don’t need to strive to consume dark green or leafy vegetables. For optimum health, you need both.
When you strike a balance with good health habits, not only do you feel better but you also look better. Drinking a sufficient amount of water daily will make your skin glow and keep your complexion clear. A balanced diet will keep your hair shiny and your nails strong. Don’t you owe it to yourself to look and feel your best?
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.
