Should Your Diet Include Nutritional Supplements?

Diets, Health, Nutrition

Maintaining your best health requires a consistent supply of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that may be difficult to get through food alone. Nutritional supplements are not a substitute for a well-balanced diet, but they can provide many benefits when used responsibly.

Dietary supplements come in a variety of forms, including liquids, powders, tablets, and capsules. If you purchase FDA-approved supplements, you can be confident that they meet quality standards and are beneficial when used according to directions and your doctor’s recommendations. Supplements are composed of specific combinations such as:

  • Vitamins
  • Minerals
  • Botanicals
  • Herbal ingredients
  • Amino acids (the building blocks of proteins)
  • Enzymes (complex proteins that speed up biochemical reactions)

Who Can Benefit From Taking Supplements?

Mature adults, pregnant women, and those with immune system disorders have the most to gain from adding supplements to their daily health routine. They can also help with general health issues and support mental and sports-related performance. It is important to check with your healthcare provider before taking supplements to prevent any interaction with prescribed medication.

Essential Vitamins and Minerals

Multivitamins, calcium, and vitamins B, C, and D are the most popular nutrient supplements. Calcium promotes bone health, while vitamin D aids calcium absorption. Vitamins C and E are antioxidants, which are chemicals that help to keep cells healthy by preventing damage. During pregnancy, women require iron, and breastfed babies require vitamin D. Folic acid, in the form of 400 micrograms per day from supplements or fortified foods, is essential for all women of reproductive age.

Vitamin B12 maintains the health of nerve and blood cells and is mostly found in meat, fish, and dairy foods. Vegans may want to consider taking a supplement to ensure that they get enough of these nutrients.

According to research, fish oil has the strongest scientific evidence to support its use among supplements not derived from vitamins and minerals. Other common supplements need to be investigated further to understand their effects. Glucosamine (for joint discomfort) and herbal medicines like Echinacea (for immunological health) and flaxseed oil (digestion) are examples.

Many supplements have few side effects and pose few dangers. However, proceed with caution. Blood thinners, for example, will be less effective if you take vitamin K, and thinning can be exacerbated by ginkgo. St. John’s wort is an herb that can help with depression, anxiety, and nerve pain, but it can also hasten the breakdown of antidepressants and birth control pills.

Track & Save on Your Nutrition

To help you keep track of your supplements, what you use them for, and how they help, the FDA’s Department of Health and Human Services suggests this handy form. Also, an amazon promo code can help save you money on a variety of vitamin and mineral supplements.

How to Find the Best OBGYN for Your Needs

Health

As a woman, one of the most important steps to take when caring for your health is to find an OBGYN you can trust. Although you may have access to many options, it doesn’t guarantee quality care. As you begin your search, there are a few suggestions to consider when finding a professional and experienced doctor to ensure you’re in safe hands.

Ask for Recommendations

One of the best ways to find the best OBGYN in the local area is by asking around. Ask your female friends and family members for their recommendations to find a doctor they’ve had a good experience using in the past. Ask what they enjoyed about visiting the professional and if the staff is welcoming and makes patients feel comfortable.

Reading online reviews will also offer insight into other patients’ experiences and if they recommend the services. Keep in mind even the top doctors have a few negative reviews at times and can’t satisfy everyone.

Consider Your Communication Style

The way your OBGYN communicates determines how well you understand the tests they’re reading or their recommendations on caring for your health. It will also determine your long-term relationship, and if it’s a doctor you feel comfortable visiting in the coming years. Find a medical professional who has a similar communication style to ensure you enjoy your visits. If you prefer a laidback doctor and at ease, you may want to find an OBGYN with a sense of humor. If you’re more serious when it comes to addressing your health concerns, consider looking for a doctor who is straightforward with the facts they deliver and doesn’t spend a lot of time making conversation. You may also prefer an OBGYN who is willing to teach you about obstetrics and gynecology to help you understand your health. 

Availability

Although you may find an OBGYN who is accepting new patients, it doesn’t mean the doctor has a lot of availability. Contact the office in advance to determine how long you have to wait to see the medical professional. It can be difficult to receive the care you need if you have to wait several months for your next appointment. 

Look into the Hospital Quality

If you’re planning on having a baby, look into the hospitals they’re affiliated with to ensure you feel comfortable delivering at the location. The quality of the hospital can reduce the risk of complications and increase the survival rate if issues occur. The distance to the hospital from your home is another factor to consider when searching for the best OBGYN.

Research Their History

Look into the background of the top doctors you’re considering to learn about their level of experience as a medical professional. Do your homework to determine if they’re currently practicing at a clinic or are board-certified. Your final decision may be choosing the doctor with more training or a professional who specializes in the type of care you’re seeking. 

Go with Your Gut

After conducting enough research, go with your gut when making your selection to find the best OBGYN. Consider who you feel most relaxed with during the visit. Questions should come up easily, and you should trust what they say. It should feel like you’ve found the right fit, as if you made a new friend.