Supplements are becoming a big topic of discussion due to certain health scares, crazes and technological advances. We’re able to create more and more specific supplements that target different types of illnesses, conditions and deficiencies with such accuracy that it’s quite frightening. In a couple of years or decades, we might see real “miracle” supplements that automatically adjust to our bodies and provide us whatever nutrients and minerals that we lack and flush out excess we don’t need. If you are interested in trying a supplement brand, it helps to do some research on it so you can find out how it can help to improve your health and wellbeing.
However, that’s very far into the future. For now, we have to make do with analyzing our bodies and testing different supplements to see how our bodies react to each one. There are also nutrition experts we can consult if we feel that we need to take more supplements to go with our food to improve our daily lives. Supplements are already widely available and incredibly popular with many people, especially those in hollywood who are always looking to stay as youthful and healthy as possible. There are some secrets of hollywood celebrities pumps that ordinary folk have been able to get their hands on so they too can have the same youthful glows and health benefits that celebrities have.
To help you decide if you need to take extra supplements and which ones can benefit your body, here are a couple of pointers to enlighten you on the world of supplements.
Synthetic vs Natural
This is one of the biggest debates going on in the supplements industry. Many supplements advertise themselves as “natural” to give them an edge over their synthetic counterparts. However, what many people don’t realise is that a supplement that has just 10% natural content can be considered a natural supplement. So anytime you see a supplement being advertised as natural, keep in mind that it has been combined with synthetic chemicals to enforce the effects.
The majority of vitamins and minerals on the market today are synthetic because they are much easier to produce and can target whatever our bodies need. Most of these synthetic supplements do not come from natural sources and are created in laboratories with non-naturally occurring chemicals. They are made to mimic their natural counterparts and are not strictly designed for human consumption. However, they do offer the same effects as their natural counterparts but they aren’t as potent.
There is no doubt that some natural supplements are more potent and powerful than their synthetic counterparts. However, that doesn’t mean you should completely avoid synthetic supplements. Since they offer similar effects, it might be a good idea to invest in small doses of synthetic supplements to see if they have positive effects on your health. Natural supplements are far more expensive and many people aren’t willing to invest money into large tubs of pills that they might not use or don’t do much for them.
Consult a Doctor First
Remember that supplements will change your body in positive or negative ways. Your body might be allergic to certain materials or chemicals, or you might require more of one mineral than you do of another. The best way to check if the supplements you are taking are helping your body is to first consult a doctor. Speak to your GP and ask them what kind of vitamins, minerals or other supplements you can take before taking the plunge.
It is possible to overdose on vitamins if you aren’t taking them at correct dosages. Although most of the effects of vitamins and supplements are positive, you have to practice everything in moderation. Too much of anything is bad for you-even water! Follow the correct dosage or else you could experience bothersome side effects such as vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea, headaches or constipation. If you overdose on vitamins for a prolonged amount of time then it could develop into more serious or life-threatening issues.
Now that you’ve understood the risk of improper supplement usage, here are some of the best supplements to take for various different benefits.
MSM
MSM is known as a “miracle supplement” by many people in the industry. It has been known to fight the effects of stress and pain, but also increase our immunity and energy. MSM can help treat many different diseases too. For example, many people suggest that its a joint supplement since it can help with joint pains and is commonly used as part of an arthritis diet in the form of an MSM Powder. It helps to treat stiff joints, knee problems, back problems and can even improve your range of motion as you grow older.
MSM also helps with digestive problems like a leaky gut. It has been known to help rebuild the lining of the digestive tract and also lowers inflammation or adverse reactions to certain foods. Quicksilver Scientific has evaluated that it can even repair damaged skin cells and treat skin problems. Anything from allergic reactions to wounds can be treated with creams that contain MSM.
Fish Oil
Fish oil can be taken in a viscous liquid form or golden yellow pills. They contain essential omega-3 fatty acids which are vital to good health, improving your immune system and also improving your joint health. They’ll promote vision health and improve your skin and hair as well. It’s a great supplement to take especially if you aren’t eating much fish in your diet. As with other supplements, make sure that you pick a good brand that is clear of impurities and stick to the recommended dosage. The liquid form is generally very difficult to swallow and the taste doesn’t suit everyone, so stick to the capsule form whenever possible.
Multivitamins
A good multivitamin is often all you need when it comes to supplements. Instead of trying to treat illnesses and reduce their negative effects, taking regular multivitamins creates an immunity shield in your body that protects you from negative effects and common illnesses. It is by no means a miracle pill, but it can certainly help to boost your immunity in almost every aspect.
When searching for a multivitamin, make sure that you look for ones that can easily be digested. The packaging will usually advertise this. You should also remember to take multivitamins with food if possible and stick to the dosage which is usually one pill per day. Always make sure to consult your doctor before taking multivitamins, especially if you are currently taking medication for an illness or condition. Make sure you buy a reputable brand too because there is very little regulation surrounding vitamins.
For people who love the world of Food & Fitness. This blog brings together recipes, ideas, knowledge & articles from both of these exciting areas! 