Image by @myriamzilles via Unsplash

You might be eating healthily and having a balanced diet, but it is certainly tough to hit the daily recommended amount of nutrients from your meals alone. Taking health supplements is a good solution to making sure that your body has the nutrients it needs, especially if you do not eat a wide variety of food. Here are some general guidelines and tips for your body to absorb the nutrients your health supplements provide more effectively.

1. Learn to read labels

There are tons of health supplements on the market. Learn to read the ingredients used in the health supplements and recognize which are the ones that are essential for your condition. If the health supplements do not contain the essential ingredient needed for your body, the health supplement will not be effective. 

Other than the ingredient list, read the description of the health supplements as well. Take note of those supplements which tend to guarantee effects or promises certain results. If the claims are too good to be true, check it with your doctor first before purchasing it.

– advertisement –
Image by @tjump via Unsplash

2. Follow the recommended dosage

Supplements are packed to provide you with the nutrients your body needs in that tiny capsule. Overconsumption of supplements might cause unwarranted side effects, such as diarrhoea. There’s a reason why there’s a recommended dosage, so simply follow it for the benefit of your body!

Image by Pxhere

3. Timing is important.

Just like medicine, certain supplements are recommended to be taken before meals or after meals so that they can be better absorbed into the body. And if you’re taking vitamins, it’s best to consume them during mealtimes. When you eat, digestive processes start in the body. Taking vitamins during mealtimes would allow the nutrients to be better absorbed into the body. Vitamins B, on the other hand, is best taken in the morning to give you that boost of energy as you start your day. 

Another reason why taking vitamins during mealtimes is good is that it can help prevent nausea too.

– advertisement –
Sale!
Free 20
Sale!
Sale!

Cholesterol support

Red Yeast Rice for Men

$30.40 $27.40
Sale!
Free 20
Sale!

Cholesterol support

Red Yeast Rice for Women

$30.40 $27.40
Image by jeshoots.com via Pexels

4. Take note of other medications/supplements.

Are you currently on any medication or taking other health supplements as well? Don’t overlook them; certain vitamins and minerals can interact with other pills, affecting the absorption of your medication. For example, calcium supplements may hinder the absorption of thyroid medication. Many women, especially those over 40 tend to take calcium supplements to protect their bones and joints together with thyroid medication. So, be sure to check with a certified physician or a TCM practitioner before purchasing any health supplements.

Image by @maddibazzocco via Unsplash

5. Avoid grapefruit juice.

When taking your health supplements (this applies to medications too!), do not drink it with grapefruit juice. What grapefruit juice does is that it may increase the potency of certain minerals, causing side effects. Grapefruit juice can also hinder the absorption of some supplements.  If you’re thinking that drinking grapefruit juice several hours after taking supplements or your medication is fine, you can’t be more wrong. One grapefruit or a glass of grapefruit juice can affect your medication for 1-3 days. If you really love grapefruit, do consult your doctor if your medication works fine with grapefruit juice.