There are so many different supplements out there – each containing different ingredients and promising to do different things. You may be confused about the purpose of different supplements, if you should take supplements, or which supplements are right for you. While buying nutritional supplements can be as simple as going to the grocery store or making a purchase online, you should talk to your doctor about supplements before deciding to take them.
What are supplements?
Supplements include a wide range of products. They may contain vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and many other ingredients, and they come in a variety of forms including powders, tablets, capsules, drinks, and foods.
Dietary supplements are defined as a category of food rather than a drug or medicine under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA). This means that unlike a drug, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t determine whether or not a supplement is effective before it is marketed. This does not mean, however, that supplements are always safe.
Supplements can have a strong effect on your body. In some cases, they can have unexpected side effects. Sometimes combinations of supplements can interact with one another, and supplements can interact with prescription medications. Supplements can also influence how people respond to anesthesia and may present risks for those with certain health conditions.
Some supplements are safer than others. A multi-vitamin is safer than a weight loss supplement, for example. Some supplements may contain ingredients or compounds that aren’t indicated on the label. Supplements may also contain ingredients that are new and not yet fully researched.
This is just one of the reasons you should talk to your doctor before taking supplements.
Talk to your doctor about supplements
Adding supplements to your daily routine can help you get essential nutrients and stay healthy. It’s important to talk to a doctor before taking supplements, however. The best way to avoid the risks is by always consulting a doctor before taking supplements.
Talking to your doctor before adding supplements to your diet can help you:
- avoid supplements that interact with your medications.
- avoid supplements that could make your health issues worse.
- find supplements that are safe for you to take.
- answer any questions that you may have about nutritional supplements.
It’s always important that your doctor has a full picture of your health. This improves the overall quality of healthcare that you receive.
Millennium Chiropractic is now offering nutritional analysis and Standard Process nutritional supplements.