More than half of all Americans take one or more dietary supplements daily or on occasion. Which isn’t all that surprising, as health has become a big commodity in the retail industry.
Everywhere you turn, you’re surrounded by messages that tell you what’s good for your body. Take, for instance, that extra dose of calcium in the morning to keep your bones strong and healthy. Maybe you read an article online that told you iron supplements can help you fight weakness and fatigue. We all want to do what we can to help our bodies, but at what expense?
The Truth about Dietary Supplements
If we’re to be honest, the truth about dietary supplements lies right in front of you — their name! Dietary supplements are meant to do just that — supplement for the nutrition you’re lacking on an otherwise regular basis.
The real magic lies in the foods we eat. A well-balanced, wholesome diet should provide you with the nutrients you need to fuel-up and function at your best. That’s why there’s so much diversity in food. Your plate should be well-rounded so you’re getting healthy doses of vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, carbohydrates — you name it!
At the same time, not all of our bodies function perfectly all the time. Some of us have nutrient deficiencies for numerous reasons. You might have food allergies, particular food preferences or even genetic circumstances that affect your nutrient intake. In those scenarios, dietary supplements are a perfectly valid choice. If you’re unable to get the nutrients you need after eating a rich and healthy diet, supplements can be a great stand-in.
Before Purchasing Supplements, Consider this…
- Is your food diet well-rounded?
- Do you have any food preferences/limitations that affect your diet?
- Have you taken labs that showed any nutritional deficiencies?
- Are the supplements you’re considering safe and well-researched?
- Are you prepared for any side effects?
- Has your healthcare provider specifically recommended supplements?
If you’re uncertain about any of the above questions, you may want to consider talking to a healthcare provider (such as a primary care physician or registered dietitian) about your nutritional needs.
Remember — food is fuel, and food is power! Your primary source of nutrition should always come from food. Supplements aren’t bad choices, but they do come second to the nutrients found in the foods you eat.
