You are not alone if your morning routine involves tossing down one or more vitamins or dietary supplements. Over 40% of Americans take supplements, but there is still a growing amount of research that suggests supplements are, for the most part, unnecessary. If you take supplements, you may wonder if you are taking too much or too little. You may also question whether the supplements benefit your well-being or boost your McAllen longevity. Although supplements are generally considered a way to step up your wellness game, it is vital to understand what you are ingesting before gobbling down a handful of pills. Below are some of the things you should know before taking supplements.
Excess supplements can have severe effects.
Although your body requires vitamins and minerals to function as efficiently as possible, these essential nutrients are needed in certain amounts. Too much of a certain vitamin or mineral can be as harmful or dangerous as having too little. For instance, too much vitamin B6 is associated with nerve pain, and excess vitamin C can result in nausea and diarrhea. The tolerable upper intake level differs for each vitamin, so check your current supplements’ UL (tolerable upper intake level).
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to supplementing.
When it comes to supplements, you may ask yourself whether you need them; the short answer is maybe. Many people can get adequate essential nutrients from their diet, but some groups, including vegans and pregnant women, may need extra support. During pregnancy, the mother should get enough iron to prevent congenital disabilities, so the doctor is likely to prescribe iron supplements during pregnancy. On the other hand, because vegans don’t consume animal products, they fall short on B12 and therefore need to supplement with that nutrient. Your healthcare provider can help determine the supplement that will benefit your well-being.
Some supplements interfere with the efficacy of other medications.
This is another reason to consult your doctor before taking a supplement. When discussing with your healthcare provider about your supplements, they consider the medications you are taking. Vitamin K can be dangerous if you take blood-thinning medications since it can reduce effectiveness, promoting blood clot formation. Vitamin C and E can also affect the effectiveness of chemotherapy treatment. St. John’s Wort considered a treatment for depression and mood disorders, can lessen the effectiveness of antidepressants and birth control pills.
Supplements are designed to be additions.
If you are considering taking supple ments, remember that you get most of the vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients from your diet. Because some of these foods already have vitamins and minerals, you want to check each supplement’s tolerable upper intake level to stay within the UL. Popping pills should not replace eating a well-balanced diet but fill any nutritional gaps.
With all this information, it is easier to understand why your doctor recommends getting your nutrients from food than supple ments.
Contact Nova Vita Wellness Centers to speak with a healthcare professional regarding the supple ments you are taking and whether you need them in the first place.
