We hear a lot about natural supplements, they seem to have become popular over the last twenty years or so. Why you might ask?

I suppose many people have read about the side effects of prescription drugs and are looking for an alternative. Generally, good quality natural supplements that are made from whole foods don’t have too many side effects, a lot depends on the individual’s health, metabolism, other medications, and lifestyle.

If you are looking for a natural supplement to help with pain or inflammation it makes sense to look for a supplement that has ingredients that you understand, the fewer ingredients the better so you don’t lose the effect of the main ingredient. Do your research, I understand that it takes time but it’s for the best in the long run.

Whole food base

Look for supplements that have a whole food base, and check the label, in other words, if you read the main ingredient as a fruit or vegetable that you are familiar with the chances are that the supplement will be quality guaranteed.

Multi-vitamins generally contain fruit or vegetable as the main ingredient so you are more than likely going to buy a quality product.

Be careful when purchasing supplements and vitamins because many are filled with binders and fillers which are synthetic. Usually, the best quality product made from whole food costs a little more but as usual, you get what you pay for.

A good example of an expensive natural supplement is organic vitamins, generally, they are worth the money, so spending a little bit more on a vitamin or supplement that is organic is usually worth the extra investment.

These vitamins and supplements use organic sources and don’t have any additives or chemicals, so in my opinion, they should be your number one choice especially if you are conscious and have allergies.

Natural ingredients

Supplements are made from existing organically grown substances; they gently help the body without side effects. Because the ingredients are natural they do not work as fast as drugs for inflammation to relieve pain and inflammation.

Having said that they do work well as a natural inflammation treatment offering acute pain relief in the shorter term, whilst over time working powerfully creating a gradual but lasting change in the health condition.

So it’s really about taking the natural supplement to relieve pain and inflammation for longer to give your system a chance to recover from pain and inflammation, this is the reason that natural health practitioners will often ask you to take more of the supplements at the start to give it time to build up in your system.

Supplements can improve our overall health and well-being

Supplements can play an important role in our overall health and well-being. While it is always best to get nutrients from whole foods, sometimes it can be difficult to consume all the necessary nutrients through diet alone. That’s where supplements come in.

There are many different types of supplements available, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and herbs. Each type of supplement has its specific health benefits. For example, vitamin C is an antioxidant that can help boost the immune system and protect against illness, while calcium is important for strong bones and teeth. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and play a crucial role in many body processes, including muscle growth and repair. Herbs, such as turmeric and ginger, have been used for centuries to promote health and well-being.

Some people may choose to take supplements to address a specific health concern, such as a deficiency in a particular nutrient. Others may take supplements to support overall health and prevent deficiencies. For example, older adults may benefit from taking a multivitamin to help meet their nutrient needs, as it can be more difficult for them to absorb nutrients from food.

It’s important to note that supplements should not be used as a substitute for a healthy diet. A well-balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is the best way to get the nutrients your body needs. However, supplements can be a helpful addition for those who have difficulty meeting their nutrient needs through diet alone or for those with specific health concerns.

It’s always a good idea to speak with a healthcare provider before starting a supplement regimen. They can help determine the right supplements for your individual needs and ensure that they do not interact with any medications you may be taking.

In summary, supplements can be a useful addition to a healthy lifestyle. They can help fill nutrient gaps and support overall health and well-being. However, it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider before starting a supplement regimen and to remember that supplements should not be used as a substitute for a healthy diet.

What to look for when buying supplements online

When buying supplements online, it’s important to do your research and choose a reputable source. Here are some things to consider when shopping for supplements online:

1. Check the source: Make sure you are buying from a reputable website or retailer. Look for a privacy policy and terms of service, and check to see if the website is secured with SSL (look for “HTTPS” in the URL).
2. Look for third-party testing: Reputable supplement companies will have their products tested by independent labs to ensure their purity, safety, and effectiveness. Look for seals or logos from organizations like the US Pharmacopeia (USP), NSF International, or ConsumerLab.com.
3. Check the label: Make sure the label lists all ingredients and includes the recommended daily dosage. The label should also include a “Supplement Facts” panel with information on serving size, the amount of each nutrient per serving, and any other ingredients (such as fillers or binders).
4. Read reviews: Look for reviews from other customers to get an idea of the quality and effectiveness of the product. Keep in mind that not all reviews may be genuine, so read a range of reviews and use your judgment.
5. Check for recalls or warnings: Check the FDA’s website to see if the supplement or manufacturer has been recalled or has received any warnings. You can also check with other regulatory agencies, such as Health Canada or the European Food Safety Authority.
6. Compare prices: Shop around to get an idea of the going rate for the supplement you are interested in. Be wary of extremely low prices, as they may indicate a lower-quality product.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that you are buying a high-quality supplement from a reputable source. Remember to always speak with a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.