Women's Life Link Be Well, Be Happy, Be YOU!
Nutritional supplements refer to any food-based product that is taken to support health and wellness. Though they can be helpful to promote greater health, it’s still imperative to follow a balanced diet to supply most of the nutrients you need. There are so many types of supplements available today, so choosing them can be tricky and confusing. I recommend doing research into the companies that make them as well as the ingredients and purpose of each supplement you want to take. Also, don’t forget to talk to your doctor before starting new supplements as they could interact with medications and/or a diet plan you are on. Here are some things to consider before choosing your supplements.
Your Diet
Together, with your healthcare team, work on establishing a nutritional plan that meets most of your vitamin and mineral needs. Your doctor can also help you to understand what amounts of vital nutrients you need for your age, weight, and lifestyle. If you still need supplements for particular deficiencies and health goals, plan accordingly before you buy anything.
Your Goals and Needs
There are many supplements that are suitable for certain conditions and goals and some that aren’t. Remember, just because your daughter or Aunt Judy takes a handful of supps every day doesn’t mean you need to. They could have a specific reason for taking all of them. Perhaps, they need a boost of energy and extra strength for a fitness goal or are experiencing pain from a lingering illness. Believe it or not, there are even supplements to boost hearing health, which some people feel is necessary after a hearing aid evaluation, as they want to slow down the deterioration of their hearing further. Don’t assume you need it just because the commercial or ad says you do either.
Company and Product Reputation
Because of the large number of health supplements on the market, it’s important to be knowledgeable about the companies you buy from. When looking for the best place to purchase supplements, pay attention to the product, and customer service reviews. Look for reviews that aren’t featured on the company website because these can be filtered and quite deceiving.
Because you can’t afford to take a risk with health supplements, make sure the manufacturing practices are clean, fair, and green if possible. Check your choices against databases that specialize in rating health products. Additionally, super low prices can also be an indication of poor manufacturing practices. Doing these things upfront will give you a good idea about the quality of the company, the merchandise they sell, as well as the service they provide.
Don’t Believe Everything You Read or Hear
When you are ill or experiencing pain, it’s easy to get drawn into promises made by supplement companies. Unfortunately, some of them will do and say just about anything to get your business, including exaggerate and even lie about their products. If you find yourself being rushed into purchasing something by a riveting sales ad, it’s best to wait and do some research first. I always do an online sweep for reviews and any negative reports about the company or products.
If you have purchased products from a trusted company in the past, consider sticking with them or asking for a referral from your healthcare provider. In some cases, you can get samples or smaller quantities of products before investing in full-sized bottles. This will help you to know what supplements will best suit your needs and actually do the job you want them to.
