Taking extra nutrient supplements has become a fashion of the day. Most of the people think that by supplementing with prescription drugs from the pharmacies they can fill up the gaps in their nutritious health. They never think about the side effects of the supplements they take on their own accord.
Minerals and vitamins from natural food are ideal for health. But in certain conditions doctors suggest to take dietary supplements. It is true that when diet is not enough supplements can help to provide the needed vitamins and minerals. But you should not think that just taking some multivitamin tablets you can fill up the nutrition gap. Reports say that more than half of the adults in the USA take one or more dietary supplements every day. A government report says that multivitamins are used by nearly 40% of Americans. Taking multivitamins even without proper guidance from the physician is very popular today almost all over the world.
Role of supplements
Our body needs proper nutrition.
The food we take may not be able to supply all the necessary vitamins and minerals. In that case we may need to take multivitamins or supplements. It is only when it strikes suddenly through some illness or weakness that we search for a dietary or herbal supplement to help us get out of the hole we have unfortunately dug for ourselves.
Who need supplements?
For most people such as those who are dieting, vegetarian, pregnant and those who do not eat a nutritious variety of foods may need to take supplements to fill nutrient gaps. But for others, additions to their daily regimen of food may lead to an overconsumption of certain nutrients, which may turn harmful to them.
Expert dietitians recommend that vitamins and minerals from food are always ideal. However, certain dietary supplements taken with the guidance of a doctor can help manage some health conditions and improve overall health.
Money’s worth
Sometimes it may be unnecessary to spend money on supplements which you should skip. Always consult with your doctor before trying supplements as you may have to face harmful side effects caused by them.
Supplements to be considered
Today, lifestyle has become busier than earlier days. Food habits are also changing. Ever-tempting convenience of fast food is making life very difficult to enjoy excellent daily nutrition. Pollution and climatic changes cause many health hazards. Lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, heart attack, cardiovascular diseases, kidney stone, etc. have become common everywhere.
Vitamin D and Calcium are very helpful supplements. Vitamin helps prevent bone loss when taken with calcium. They build up immunity and prevent damage to muscles and nerves.
Some supplements such as bitter orange and kava can be skipped. Bitter orange is used for weight loss, nasal congestion and heartburn. Since bitter orange contains synephrine it raises blood pressure that leads to heart attack. Usage of kava is also warned since kava supplements are linked to a risk of liver damage.
Modern consumer world has become so commercial that every day we hear about a new vitamin or herbal supplement claiming that it will cure certain illness or drastically improve the quality of our lives. It is always safer to consult the doctor before using any supplement.