We all know we should be getting our vitamins and minerals. We all know we should be getting our micronutrients, our protein, our omega fatty acids. And we also know how hard it is to be getting everything we need every day regardless of our work schedules and hectic schedules and that surprise visit from that one friend that always convinces us to order the worst take out possible for our bodies.
Supplements are a fantastic way to make sure that even when we’re busy our bodies are getting the time and attention that they need. This being said, not all supplements are created equal and not all supplements function optimally without a little extra attention. Supplements need other things in our body at the same time to be absorbed and used entirely—this can mean the right levels of water, fat, and other vitamins. The following will explore some of the steps you can take to make sure you’re getting the most out of your dietary supplements.
Learn About Supplement Sources
As a general rule, you want to look for naturally-derived supplements, not manufactured in a lab. You want supplements that are from whole food sources as whole foods are what our bodies are designed to extract nutrients from. Sometimes our bodies don’t know what to do with vitamins, minerals, proteins, and collagens in unusual packages.
But you need to be careful and read the entire ingredient list. Just because the vitamin E inside one supplement is sourced from whole foods doesn’t mean there aren’t additional synthetic materials included in the supplement. Great natural supplements will make this information easy for you to access. Read the full list of medicinal ingredients and non-medicinal ingredients and research anything you don’t understand.
Store Your Supplements Properly
Most vitamins and supplements need to be stored in a cool, dry place. Most of them also have expiry dates. Make sure that you are doing everything you can to keep your supplements as potent as possible for the duration of your use. Always throw out expired supplements and purchase new ones.
Combine The Right Things
You need vitamin D to absorb calcium. You need to be hydrated to absorb vitamin b and c. You need healthy fats to absorb many others. Take a moment to research what you are supplementing. Make sure that you’re giving your body what it needs to properly absorb what you’re putting into it.
Pay Attention To How You Feel
Just because a supplement is right for someone else, doesn’t mean it’s right for you. Take whey protein, for example. Some people love this product and experience great muscle gains when they take it. Other people’s bodies have trouble with such a high quantity of dairy-sourced protein powder and experience breakouts. Take note of any changes that occur in your body when you take a supplement and make alterations if you don’t like some of the side effects.
The above tips are just a few of the ways you can make sure that your supplements are functioning optimally. Of course, if you are breastfeeding or pregnant different factors need to be considered. Speak to your doctor before trying any new supplements.