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There is something about food, beyond its functions for taste and use for sustenance, that makes it such an important subject. An entire field of scientific study is dedicated to understanding what it is composed of, what nutrients it contains and how it interacts with the human body. This is because food has the ability to both kill and heal.
Growing up, it seemed we could eat whatever we liked without worrying too much about the impact of our dietary choices on our health. Our parents would insist that we eat our vegetables, drink lots of water and go easy on the candy. Entire classes in school would be dedicated to encouraging us to eat better. Many of us could not see what the fuss was about until much later.
We tend to give more consideration to what we eat as we grow older – and with good reason. Diet plays such an important role in our lives. It impacts our growth, size, skin, energy level, performance, mood and even sleep. Many are also realizing the importance of including supplements to their diet but usually can’t determine the exact kind they need or brand they should patronize. For instance, searching for CBD products UK will lead you to an array of good options of CBD oil supplements within your region but how do you determine which is right for you?
A Bit About Supplements
Dietary supplements are tablets, oils, powder or gummies that are packed with vitamins, minerals, herbs and/or enzymes, to deliver essential nutrients directly to the body, in addition to a balanced diet. Supplements are, however, not magical substances. You still need to eat a balanced diet. Also, taking a large amount of a dietary supplement could be potentially harmful so like everything, usage of dietary supplements must be done in moderation. It is important that you know the recommended daily intake of the nutrient you are consuming and stick to it.
Talk to a Health Professional
Doctors and dieticians are equipped to understand your dietary needs and the exact dosage you require. But beyond considerations on dosage required, there are also risks of using them in place of prescription drugs, combining wrong supplements or using them with medicines that could lead to a bad reaction. In order to avoid these, it is important to provide full disclosure on your health history, conditions, allergies and other relevant information they might require to enable them to guide you.
It is also important that you ask them questions on supplements they prescribe or the ones you intend to use – such as the reason for their use, cost, effectiveness, possible side effects and how to use them. This is because a study revealed that physicians are not particularly good at conveying important information concerning dietary supplements. Taking responsibility to steer the conversation in the right direction might be your only chance to make the best out of the consultation.
Pay Attention to the Ingredients, and the Fine Print
Be sure to carefully read the ingredients on the label of every dietary supplement you are considering. Also take time to research and learn about the ingredients, especially, if they are such that you are unfamiliar with. While looking at the ingredients, it is important to look out for substances that you are allergic. You could take it a step further by researching the product online to be sure that it does not contain undeclared ingredients – and which it contains if it does.
Pay close attention to the warnings contained on the label to see what combinations of the supplements and medicines or other supplements are harmful. Like you would if you were buying a drug, read everything contained on the label and be sure you understand them before you use them.
Look for Third Party Verification
Supplements are not required to be third-party tested or approved. There are some brands, however, who allow their products to undergo testing to assure consumers of quality.
If you have dietary restrictions because of your profession, medical condition or religion, you could confirm from the third-party verification contained on the label if the supplement is safe for you to use.
Buy from a Verified Source
In order to avoid buying fake and ineffective products, it is always advisable to buy directly from the source, their approved agent channels or reputable pharmacies. Most companies that produce dietary supplements have an official website or a dedicated domain where their authentic products can be purchased. Others, in addition to this, list their agents or sales channels to guide their customers to their authentic products.
Many counterfeit brands imitate original products with low quality, fake or potentially harmful ingredients to make money off unsuspecting customers.
If you suspect that you have bought a fake product, report to the appropriate authority immediately to investigate and if your suspicion started after you had used the product, report to a doctor to test and certify that you haven’t consumed any harmful substance.
