The opposite of wellness is sickness. Many of us fall somewhere in the middle of that spectrum. In an effort to move closer towards wellness, many people are taking health supplements.
Health supplements vary in their purpose and manufacturing, all with the aim of adding nutrients and minerals to the body to make it healthier.
It’s important to check whether supplements follow the FDA’s good manufacturing practices (GMPs) to ensure they were made with high quality ingredients and practices. You also need to check with your doctor, since supplements can have a significant impact on the body and potential side effects.
Once you’ve found a brand you trust and have cleared it with your doctor, it is time to choose the right health supplements for your needs.
The industry is a multi-billion dollar venture that is projected to increase to $60 billion by 2021. Because there’s so much out there, it’s difficult to sift through all the information. We’ve started by identifying some of the types of supplements available.
Heart Health
Heart health supplements boast omega-3 fatty acids to support better cardiovascular performance. With heart disease being the number one killer in America, this is an important claim. Many heart health supplements get omega-3s from fish oil and other natural nutrients, such as turmeric.
They are recommended to be taken daily and coupled with an active lifestyle to increase heart health.
Men’s and Women’s Health
As humans age, their bodies go through many changes. As a result, it isn’t uncommon to become vitamin deficient. Health supplements combine vitamins with the purpose of replacing what could be missing.
The benefits of different supplements vary between men and women. Some health supplements offer specific combinations of ingredients to support the health of each gender based on their needs.
Senior’s Health
Just as men and women are different, so are people at different ages.
As we enter the later stages, there are more health problems associated with digestion, bones, joints, and even hair. Supplements tailored to seniors incorporate vitamins and minerals in different combinations for these common ailments.
As with all supplements, it’s important to talk to your doctor first, since they can interact negatively with other medications you may be taking.
Kid’s Health
Children can also benefit from taking vitamin supplements. Children’s formulas offer combinations of essential vitamins and minerals to support an already healthy diet and exercise, and assist the body as it grows.
Often, doctors recommend supplements for children to fill what’s lacking in the traditional Western diet, which can be unbalanced due to processed foods.
Pet’s Health
Don’t forget Fido! Our pets deserve to be healthy too. These supplements balance out the processed food that is fed to your family’s furry friends, and claim to promote better health.
Just as you should consult a doctor, you should also consult your veterinarian before giving your pet supplements.
Now that you have the basics, do the research and decide whether or not health supplements are right for you and your family.