By Exhaustion, pain, fever, anxiety, fitness—these are just some of the reasons people reach for a bottle of supplements to help their body. But are dietary supplements right for you? This is a common concern held by many, and for good reason. Are they regulated? Are they safe? Will they make me feel better? Many questions that come with taking supplements. As with anything you put in your body, it’s important to understand the risks and benefits to ensure it’s right for you. This is why you should always seek medical advice from a professional first.
However, supplements can be great at filling gaps in your diet to ensure you’re getting enough nutrients. In fact, over 50 percent of Americans take some form of supplement every day. But is it necessary? Keep reading below to see five reasons why taking supplements could be right for you.
1. You suffer from mental health disorders
Your mind controls your entire body, and when it suffers from a mental health disorder, it can impact your everyday life. Depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, stress are just some of the mental health disorders you can be suffering from. If your life is impacted by one of these disorders, a daily supplement can help. Supplements for mental clarity can help reduce stress, energize your brain, and improve focus and clarity.
Other options include herbal remedies like CBD. While research on CBD is limited due to recent legalization, more and more evidence is coming to light that shows how CBD is a great natural remedy for relieving symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. CBD can come in many forms, such as tinctures, gummies, and even water.
2. You have dietary restrictions
Whether you have allergies that prevent you from eating certain types of foods or make a conscious choice to eliminate certain foods, such as vegetarians and vegans, you may need a dietary supplement to fill any nutritional gaps. With limitations, it can be difficult to get all the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients you need to live a healthy life.
For example, because vegans and vegetarians don’t consume meat, they may have trouble getting enough iron or B12. In cases like this, a B12 or iron supplement can help ensure they maintain healthy levels. However, be aware that having too much iron can be harmful, so make sure you consult with a doctor to ensure your body’s not taking in too much iron.
3. You have unhealthy habits
For those who have vices, such as smoking or drinking alcohol, your body is at a disadvantage and may be more prone to illnesses and diseases. While the best way to prevent your body from getting sick is by giving up smoking or drinking, you can take certain supplements to help keep your body in check. For those who smoke and drink, your body may become deficient in vitamin C, which is where a vitamin C supplement can come in to help. Those who drink coffee can be prone to iron deficiencies because coffee reduces your body’s ability to absorb iron. To tell what vitamins, minerals, and nutrients you’re lacking, have your health practitioner examine your levels.
4. You have poor digestion
Some people suffer from digestion issues, which limits their body’s potential to absorb vitamins and nutrients. Taking a supplement can help improve your gut health, making it easier for your body to absorb vitamins and nutrients from the food you eat. Some supplements that can help improve your gut include:
- Probiotics
- Zinc
- Fiber
- Glutamine
- Collagen peptides
Restoring your gut health can take time. It’s important to work with your health practitioner to determine the best remedies to get your digestive tract back on track.
Potential health risk
While supplements offer many benefits, they also come with their own set of risks you should be aware of. Take a look at some potential health risks of taking supplements:
- Too much calcium and vitamin D can increase the chances of kidney stones
- High amounts of beta carotene can lead to lung cancer in smokers
- High doses of vitamin E can cause bleeding in the brain, which can cause strokes
- High doses of vitamin B6 can result in nerve damage and can impair body movements
As you can tell, taking too much of a certain supplement can have some serious side effects. Always consult with a doctor to determine what supplements are right for you.
Key takeaways
There are many reasons why supplements may be right for you. Whether you have digestive issues or suffer from mental health disorders, taking a daily supplement can give your body the proper nutrients to feel better.
