Most of us have taken at least one dietary supplement at some point in our lives. Some of the most common supplements today include amino acids, minerals, and enzymes among others. They come in a number of forms such as capsules, traditional tablets and powders. There are also energy bars and drinks that contain important supplements.
While dietary supplements are meant to augment our daily nutrient intake, it is important that we use them the right way to avoid complications. As long as you follow the product instructions on each supplement that you take, you have absolutely nothing to worry about.
The fact that supplements are so readily available without prescriptions can pose a big challenge for people who want to use them safely. The best way to avoid problems with them is to consult your doctor before you take them. Since they are not necessarily for everyone, your doctor can help you determine whether you need them or not.
Here are some tips to help you take supplements with zero complications:
1. Follow the correct dosage
It is very important that you stick to the dosage directions printed on the container. If your doctor has suggested any dosage, make sure you follow it. There is no additional benefit that you can derive from taking too much of a particular supplement. In fact, using too much of any supplement can lead to unpleasant side effects. That is why you need to tread with caution when taking them.
2. Store your supplements properly
Supplements should always be stored in a cool and dry place. This is the best way to maintain their potency. In order to avoid accidental ingestions by young children, you should make sure you keep them in a place that is completely out of their reach. Every time you use them, make sure you put them back in their proper place.
3. Look out for the expiration date
Just like you are cautious with foods that expire quickly, you should exercise the same caution with supplements. This will help you get the best out of them. Even if they don’t kill you, expired vitamins will do nothing for you because they lose their potency over time.
4. Don’t replace food with supplements
Dietary supplements should only be used to supplement the nutrients in your daily food intake and never as a substitute for food. This is due to the singularity of their benefits. A vitamin C supplement will only deliver vitamin C and nothing else. So don’t take a pill in the morning and assume that you can just coast through the rest of your day.
5. Adhere to the directions given
In addition to following the proper dosage, it is also important that you carefully read all the other instructions on the label. This will help you understand how the supplements interact with the foods you eat or medication you are on.
In summary
In addition to taking supplements for the right reasons, it is important that you use them the proper way. Although they are largely safe, there are some negative effects that can only be avoided by using them the right way. These tips should help you in this regard.
