What Exactly Are the Benefits of Supplements?
Let’s face it. While many of us work to live a healthy lifestyle, some of us aren’t exactly making our health a top priority (don’t feel ashamed if you fall into this category; many of us do). And even those who do eat clean and exercise regularly still aren’t always getting certain nutrients.
This is where dietary supplements come in handy. And they’re everywhere.
Essentially, these supplements contain vitamins, minerals, botanicals, and other ingredients that can be beneficial to your overall health. You can consume them as capsules, tablets, gummies, drinks, powders, and even energy bars.
Long story short, many people buy and trust supplements to aid them on their health journeys. That’s likely why the global dietary supplement industry is expected to reach a value of $272 billion by 2028.
With that being said, it’s important to know that taking supplements can’t take the place of food that offers nutritional value. But they’re great for those who want to improve their health and/or may be allergic to certain foods that contain nutrients and minerals.
The benefits of supplements can be seemingly endless and we’ll give you a few examples of those benefits.
But first…
Safety When It Comes to the Benefits of Supplements
Supplements are generally safe, but there are just a few things to keep in mind.
It’s important to talk to a healthcare provider before introducing new supplements to your body. Your doctor may be able to tell you how much of a particular supplement to use as well as how those supplements could mix with any medication you’re taking.
You should definitely speak with a doctor first if you’re pregnant, nursing, or are considering giving supplements to your children.
It’s also important to note that supplement manufacturers aren’t required to have FDA approval to sell their products in the same way a prescription drug company would. But there are still guidelines these manufacturers have to follow.
Basically, don’t trust any supplement manufacturer claiming that their products will cure certain diseases. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. So use your best judgment.
With that out of the way, let’s talk about the benefits of supplements.
Can Help Your Immune System
Ever since the world was introduced to COVID-19, people have been rightfully worried about their body’s immune system during these uncertain times.
You can take supplements like vitamin D, vitamin E, and zinc (among others) to help your body fight off infections. You could also look for supplements that contain orange peel, astragalus root, and ginger.
May Improve Vision and Sleep
As we age, it can become harder to see things due to muscular degeneration. Vitamin C, vitamin E, copper, and zinc can help with this. This won’t necessarily cure muscular degeneration, but it can help with managing it.
If you need to get better rest at night, supplements containing melatonin can help regulate your sleep.
But it’s also important to have an effective wind-down routine before bed. Aside from supplements, making sure you get to bed on time and limiting your screen time before bed will also help with getting better sleep.
Beneficial for Athletes
Whether you play sports regularly or just like to get your body moving, supplements can be beneficial to you.
Calcium, vitamin D, and iron can all help in supporting your muscles, bones, and tendons. You can also get these benefits from dairy products, but it helps to have a look at the variety of supplements that can help with muscle and bone health.
Essential for Pregnant Women
There’s a good reason why doctors recommend prenatal vitamins to expecting mothers: they give you and the baby the essential nutrients needed for a smooth and healthy pregnancy.
Taking supplements with folic acid, vitamin B, and omega-3 fatty acids can be a great place to start. But of course, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider before taking any new supplements.
Learn More About How Supplements Can Help You
We’ve covered a few things, but the dietary supplement industry is huge and the benefits of supplements go much further than what we’ve mentioned already.
But if you want to learn more about these benefits, head to Kiwi Drug. They have different types of supplements for a variety of conditions and concerns, making it easy to make the right decision for you. Contact them today to learn more.