When I was a teenager I remember taking dietary supplements along with my older parents. My parents were the same age as many of my classmate’s grandparents. I remember my parents taking alfalfa, aloe vera juice, calcium, potassium, magnesium, vitamin C, B vitamins, and all kinds. When I moved away I stopped taking them. Now that I am older and dealing with my illnesses I take several. I currently take Vitamin D3, Zinc, Vitamin C, B complex, Iron, Folic acid, and Calcium with magnesium. I see the value in taking them.
With so many claims out there it overwhelms me. I can imagine it does the same for you. Here is one thing I know for sure, vitamins and minerals don’t cure diseases, but they do help you live better. Taking a supplement will not make up for unhealthy eating habits. What a supplement’s purpose is to fill in the gaps that you cannot get from food. Because we cannot eat everything that our body may need. Especially for those of us who are dealing with a chronic illness. From my research here are the people who may need to start supplementing:
- People who eat a calorie restricted diet
- Women who are pregnant or breast feeding
- People who are sick or recovering from surgery or an injury
- Those who have a chronic illness
- Infants, especially calcium or vitamin D 3
- People who eat a vegetarian or vegan diet
- People with food allergies
While researching I found a couple of sites where you can look up information on your supplement to see if it will interfere with any of your prescriptions. I will share a link to them below. It is vital that you list and share what you are taking with your medical team and your pharmacist. What I do, I keep the paperwork that my doctor gives me at every visit and I keep that with me in my purse or a special folder that I have to take to every appointment or emergency situation. Communication with your team members will be a great benefit for your wellness goals.
Here is some other information you need to know:
- Choose a multi-vitamin that provides you with a variety of vitamins and minerals.
- Check the expiration date on the supplements that you buy.
- Check the label for other ingredients, such as, corn, wheat, eggs, and gelatin.
- A generic brand or store brand may work just as well as a name brand.
- Most man-made synthetic supplements are as good as natural.
- No supplement has been proven to cure a disease or digestive issue.
- People over the age of 50 should consume B-12.
- Women should eat foods rich in iron or take a supplement
- Older adults or people with dark skin should take or consume vitamin D3
- Supplements have side effects
- Tell your medical team what supplements you are taking, you don’t want the supplements to interfere with your medication.
There are many different reasons to take a supplement. I am not a medical professional and I would suggest you talk to your doctor about what supplements they would recommend. When I had my chemical burn around my eyes the pharmacist and doctor suggested that I take zinc and vitamin C because it helps with cell growth. It did help me.
If you have any questions or can think of something you would like me to research for you please do not be embarrassed or afraid to ask by emailing me your questions. Be well my friends.
Here are some links I would like to share:
- Medicine Plus: Drugs, Herbs and Supplements
- National Institutes of Health: Vitamin and Mineral Supplement Fact Sheet
- News In Health: Understanding Drug-Supplement Interactions
- Nutrition.gov: Questions to Ask Before Taking Vitamins & Supplements
- U.S. Food & Drug Administration: Dietary Supplements
- WebMD: Choosing a Vitamin and Mineral Supplement – Topic Overview
If you are needing help with your meal plans Contact Karen G Clemenson at Wellness Works NW, located inside Forever Fit Gym in Longview, Washington. Wellness Works NW offers Weight Management Services in Cowlitz County and the surrounding areas.
Jamie Holloway lives in the Portland, Oregon area. Since October 2011 she has been sharing her Journey Toward Health and Wellness with Vasculitis through her blog at JamieChasesButterflies.com. As most of her articles will be about Men’s Health, Jamie intends to write her articles as though she was sharing important information with her brother, nephews and friends. We hope you are as inspired as we are with the raw candor Jamie uses in her writing. If you would like to help support Jamie’s writing efforts please Donate now.
