Nutritional supplements have gained tremendous popularity with time among those seeking to improve the graph of their health and wellness. For some, taking a pill or capsule to help them feel better is a source of relief; others may be wary of potential side effects. While it is true that some supplements can cause adverse reactions, there are ways to minimize your risk and ensure that you get the most out of your supplement.
Here are 6 ways to avoid potential side effects from nutritional supplements.
Monitor the Body’s Response
After beginning a new dietary supplement, the role of the consumer is to monitor their body’s response accordingly. Taking note of any adverse reactions or changes in health can help identify potential side effects. For example, if blood sugar levels are elevated due to the supplement, it may be wise to discontinue use as sugar destroys health.
Monitoring the body’s response should not stop after the initial use but continue throughout long-term consumption. It will help consumers distinguish between any side effects the supplement may cause and those that are not. For instance, if changes in sleep patterns or energy levels are observed after taking a supplement, it may be a sign of a side effect.
Properly Timed Consumption
When the timing of the consumption of nutritional supplements is not done correctly, unwanted side effects can occur. Certain dietary supplements must be taken with meals to increase their absorption. At the same time, others must be taken on an empty stomach for maximum absorption. Taking supplements at the wrong time can lead to digestive issues, allergic reactions and other undesirable side effects.
Moreover, intermittent fasting can be incorporated into the consumption of nutritional supplements. Fasting for several hours allows the body to absorb more nutrients due to fewer distractions from food and other nutrients. It also reduces the energy required for digestion, allowing more of it to be allocated to the absorption of supplements. Thus, this category of fasting can increase the efficacy of dietary supplements.
Pay Attention to Serving Sizes
When taking nutritional supplements, paying close attention to the serving size is important. Overdosing vitamins and minerals can lead to side effects, such as headaches, constipation, diarrhea and even kidney stones. When the body is overloaded with certain nutrients, it can’t process them efficiently. Hence, they are excreted instead of used by the body.
Research shows that taking more than the recommended serving size of certain vitamins can be toxic and cause serious health effects. For instance, the recommended daily intake of vitamin A is 700-900 micrograms (mcg). Taking over 3,000 mcg daily can be toxic and cause nausea, skin irritation, fatigue and liver damage.
Those who are pregnant or nursing should be especially careful when taking any vitamin supplements, as certain nutrients can cross the placenta and be passed to the baby. Thus, taking more than the recommended daily allowance can be dangerous and should be avoided.
Reading Supplement Labels Carefully
Many dietary supplements contain ingredients that can have negative effects when taken in large doses or in combination with certain medications. Therefore, consumers should carefully read the labels of nutritional supplements before taking them. Moreover, going through probiotics reviews and researching which supplements are most beneficial for specific conditions can also help. Also, taking the wrong supplement can lead to side effects like stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, or headaches.
When the body fails to have the required nutrients (vitamins and minerals), it can lead to several problems, including fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability and low immunity.
By reading the label of any supplement, consumers will know what they are ingesting and can decide whether to take it. If any ingredients could be potentially harmful, it’s best to avoid the supplement altogether and find a better alternative.
Monitor for Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions to nutritional supplements can be mild (a rash or hives) to severe (such as difficulty breathing or anaphylactic shock). Its symptoms may include itching, swelling, dizziness and difficulty breathing. The body’s reaction to allergens can vary for each person, so it is important to be aware of any potential reactions when taking supplements.
Reading the label of any supplement before taking it can also help arrest the risk of an allergic reaction. Look for potential allergens, such as nuts, dairy products or shellfish, and avoid supplements that contain them. If unsure about a supplement’s ingredients, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice. Additionally, it is recommended to start with the lowest dose of any supplement while monitoring the body for any symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Staying Informed on the Latest Safety Findings
While some supplements may be safe, studies suggest others can have serious side effects. Thus, understanding the potential risks of taking a nutritional supplement is important for any consumer. Many online sources can provide up-to-date information on the safety of a given supplement.
Safety findings include proper dosage instructions, potential interactions with other medications and foods and potential risks associated with long-term use.
Checking for safety information, such as the presence of heavy metals (like lead or arsenic) and other contaminants, can also help in this regard. Additionally, users should be aware of potential symptoms to look out for, such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, dizziness, or blurred vision.
In some cases, manufacturers may not provide adequate safety information, or the findings may be outdated. In these cases, consulting with a healthcare provider can help ensure the safety of taking a nutritional supplement.
Conclusion
When taking nutritional supplements, knowing the potential risks is of vital importance. By understanding the ingredients in a supplement, the recommended dosage and any possible interactions with other medications or foods, you can help to reduce its potential side effects. Additionally, following your doctor’s or nutritionist’s recommendation before beginning any supplement regime can assist in making an informed decision. Thus, by adopting a proactive approach, you can ultimately enjoy the advantages of nutritional supplements without any hassle.