Whether you are at the gym daily, occasionally go for walks or mostly hang out at home, you may have heard of the term “supplements.” In a world where health and fitness always seems to be a hot topic, supplements have been around for a while. You may even be taking some now in a form of a multi-vitamin. Many companies promote supplements, but not all supplements are the same. If you are considering taking them, read on to find out what you need to know before buying supplements.
What are supplements?
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s site, dietary supplements are products that include a variety of vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, as well as enzymes. They can come in various forms in fact, including tablets, capsules, liquid and powders.
Supplements vary in components and reasons to take them. These reasons may include helping with a vitamin deficiency, assisting with constipation like our Bowel Boost Advanced, boosting your metabolism and weight loss like our Carbo Fuel supplement or helping your body detox like our Ultra Cleanse supplement. Supplements can be just one vitamin like Vitamin D or Folic Acid but they can also be a combination of the above mentioned components.
Who can take supplements?
Generally speaking, supplements are for adults looking to improve their health and fitness. You can be male or female, but also be any size, age, and at any fitness level. It does not matter what your occupation is or if you are a workout beginner or a professional athlete. In short, supplements can be for anyone and benefit anyone.
Do supplements replace meals?
As the Mayo Clinic states, supplements are not intended to replace food. A balanced diet is the best way to get the nutrients and vitamins you need, however it is not always possible. You may wish to use supplements if you are pregnant, have food allergies or digestive issues. Supplements should be used in addition to food and aide in your overall health goals.
Are there risks for taking supplements?
The short answer is yes. Like many things in life, too much of something can have a negative effect. It is important to be aware of what is in your supplement, especially if you have allergies. Some supplements should not be used with certain medications or if you are nursing or pregnant. Ensure you also take the correct dose and in the method recommended. Finally, do your research and talk to a health professional before using supplements if you have concerns.
What are supplement ingredients like?
Supplements may contain one ingredient or consist of several. Often these are derived from natural sources but sometimes can contain man-made components. It is important to read the label and be familiar with what you are taking. Life Value’s supplements contain ingredients such as hibiscus flowers which help with weight loss and lowering blood pressure. Some also contain cinnamon, thiamine and beetroot.
What should you look for in supplements?
There are a so many options out there when it comes to different brands and kinds of supplements. It is important to remember that not every supplement or company is alike. Here are a few points to consider:
- Manufacturing
- Check where the supplements are manufactured and of course, how. Some are made overseas. Life Value supplements are manufactured in the USA and in an FDA registered facility. Life Value also follows Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
- Ingredients
- Firstly, be aware of what ingredients are in your supplements. Secondly, understand where they come from and how they are created. Thirdly, if you do have allergies or food sensitivities, it is critical for you to know what you will be putting into your system.
- Testimonials
- What have past costumers said? Try and find testimonials about the products and see what has been said, both good and bad. Another thing to check is if the company offers a Money Back Guarantee. This will make the decision less risky to purchase but also show confidence in their product. Life Value offers a 30-day Money Back Guarantee on all products.
In conclusion, the above is just an overview of what you need to know about supplements. Do your own research and learn about how supplements may help you achieve your health and fitness goals. Once purchased, ensure you store them in a dark and cool place so they last longer. Overall, supplements can be a great addition to your health regime and we hope you consider adding them to your daily life.