Your diet is meant to fulfill all your nutritional needs but for many people out there that isn’t the case. Whether you’re not choosing the best foods, eating too little of the essential items, or just don’t have the time to make healthy meals every day, you can be left with gaps. It’s for these reasons and more that people often turn to supplements, to help ensure they are as healthy as possible and their needs are met.
But before you grab a bottle off the shelf, it may be worth doing a deep dive into how to choose the right supplements. Here are some important tips to keep in mind when choosing supplements.
Stick To What You Need
The supplement industry is huge and with that means a massive selection of products for consumers. And while it can be tempting to pick up a wide array of supplements, the reality is that you probably don’t need that many. Instead, stick to the ones you need that address your specific health and wellness needs.
Some of the factors that will determine which supplements are right for you include:
- Age
- If you are pregnant or will be pregnant
- If you are breast-feeding
- If you are on a restricted diet
- Any specific vitamin or nutrient deficiencies
Keep in mind your needs can change over time, so you’ll need to be open to taking different supplements at different stages in life.
Has the Supplement Been Third-Party Tested?
It’s not just about what you need, but also if the supplement is good quality. Unfortunately, the results won’t be evident until you start taking the product, but you can help safeguard your purchase by looking for products that have been tested to ensure that the supplement has been manufactured properly and that the label is accurate.
Be Realistic About the Results
And speaking of results, you must be realistic with your expectations. Typically, supplements take three to six weeks of continued use before you start to see any results. This means you’ll need to practice patience before making any judgment.
Does It Fit Your Budget?
If it seems like everything has gone up in price over the past year or so, you’re not wrong. Today’s cost of living is extremely high for many across the country, and the globe for that matter. Choosing supplements that are affordable and fit with your budget is likely a priority.
A good tip is to check for digital coupons first, as these could save you a fair amount of money. If the coupons allow, you can stock up while the supplement is on sale.
Factor In Your Health Profile
Finally, be sure to factor in your health profile. Just because a particular supplement works for one person, doesn’t mean it is right for you.
Some factors to consider include:
- Allergies
- Contradictions with the medication you take
- The form you prefer (liquid, capsule, gummy or powder)
- Genetic disorders or diseases you may have
- Current health issues
Because you don’t want to make guesses and end up taking a supplement that isn’t a good fit for your health profile, it can be helpful to speak to a healthcare provider, such as your primary care provider or a pharmacist. They can also give you specific dosing information and advise you about the best time of day to take the supplement. You may even want to take a nutritional test to determine what areas are lacking.
The Right Supplements Are Out There
The fact is that the right supplements for your needs are out there, it’s a matter of weeding out those that don’t fit your needs and being picky about the ones you purchase.
