Health Supplements - A Beginner's Guide

Posted by Green Minotaur on October 10th, 2023

nutritional

The dietary supplement aisle is full of pills, gels, liquids, gummies and powders that claim to boost your health. Some are science-backed, others have unfounded claims and some can be dangerous when taken at high doses or mixed with certain medications. It's important to remember that supplements are meant to support - not replace - a nutritious diet and healthy lifestyle.

What is a Supplement?

A dietary supplement is anything you take to improve your health. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbs, and even some foods (like komfrey or aristolochia) that have long been used as traditional remedies. Dietary supplements come in many forms, including pills, capsules, powders, and drinks. They aren't the same as drugs, which are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Check this site out to get a useful content about InstAminos.

The word "supplement" comes from the Latin noun suplementum, meaning something that makes up for or adds to something else. A new roller coaster is a suplement to the old one; it doesn't replace it but makes things better.

It's important to tell your health care providers about any supplements you take. They can help you determine if you need them and how to use them safely.

Vitamins

Vitamins and minerals are some of the most common dietary supplements sold. You can find them in a variety of tablet, capsule and liquid form, lining the shelves of drug stores and supermarkets.

Vitamins are organic molecules that play a key role in metabolism and are essential to the body. They can be obtained in small amounts through a balanced diet, but many people choose to take vitamins as supplements.

While vitamin studies often start with observational research, the best way to verify a supplement's health benefits is through randomized clinical trials. It's also important to talk with your doctor before taking any dietary supplement, especially if you have an existing health condition or are pregnant. They can help you decide which micronutrients to take and what dose is right for you.

Minerals

nourishment

A mineral is a naturally occurring inorganic solid that has a definite chemical composition and an ordered arrangement of its atoms. Only substances that have a fixed composition and crystal structure qualify as minerals. Wood and pearls, for instance, are not minerals because they are made by living organisms. Minerals also must have a specific physical appearance that can be readily identified. These characteristics include luster, streak, hardness, cleavage and magnetism.

There are about 4000 different minerals. Many have physical properties, such as cleavage and symmetry, that help people distinguish them from other minerals. They also have a specific crystalline structure that can be classified as isometric, tetragonal, orthorhombic, monoclinic or triclinic.

Minerals are found in foods and are essential for the body to function properly. Mineral supplements are available to provide additional nutrients if your diet does not contain enough of them.

Herbs

Herbs are the edible roots, stems, or leaves of herbaceous plants. They include a variety of species such as mints, basils, dills, rosemary and thyme. Herbs differ from vegetables in that they do not provide the bulk of our macronutrients (protein and carbohydrates), but are rich in micronutrients and bioactive compounds.

The herbs echinacea, feverfew and thyme all have health-promoting properties, ranging from strengthening the immune system to reducing menstrual cramps and easing headaches. Cinnamon has been found to stabilize blood sugar, and fenugreek has been shown to help the body burn fat.

Herbal medicines are another type of dietary supplement, and they can be sold in the form of tablets, capsules, extracts, teas and fresh or dried plants. They are used to treat diseases or maintain health and can be found in products such as ginseng, comfrey and ephedra.

Nutraceuticals

Nutraceuticals are a subset of supplements that are derived from whole foods and offer health benefits beyond nutrition. They include products like probiotics for a healthy digestive system, melatonin for sleep and jet lag, and silica to support flexibility.

These supplements are a great way to fill the gaps in your diet. But, you should be careful to avoid taking too many supplements and to check the label before you buy a product.

Because they are based on food, nutraceuticals have different labeling requirements than pharmaceuticals. For example, the FDA requires that any claim on a nutraceutical package includes the disclaimer: "This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease." It's best to talk to your doctor before you take a nutraceutical.

Like it? Share it!


Green Minotaur

About the Author

Green Minotaur
Joined: October 20th, 2020
Articles Posted: 65

More by this author