A health supplement can be invaluable when your diet is not enough to provide the nutrients your body needs. But it's important to take them responsibly to avoid complications.
So before you buy health supplements from your go-to Singapore store, here are several things to remember so you can get the most out of them.
Points to Ponder When Taking Natural Health Supplements
Talk to a Healthcare Provider First
Health supplements may be generally good for you, but consult your physician first. The doctor can advise you on what benefits your needs best and how much you should take.
This is particularly crucial when you're taking other medications that could be incompatible with the supplement. Suppose someone is taking blood thinners. That person shouldn't take Vitamin K, which weakens the thinners' effectiveness.
There's also the possibility that the supplement could aggravate any pre-existing conditions you have.
Ensure That They’re Certified Safe
There are many health supplement stores in Singapore that you can buy from. But make sure that you're buying from a shop that ensures their products are safe for consumption.
The Health Sciences Authority has some guidelines for health supplements sold here in Singapore. You can check first if the supplements you're interested in meet the HSA's standards.
Some Supplements Should Be Taken Separately
Just like some supplements should not be taken with other medications, you should also be careful when taking different supplements.
One such example is taking magnesium and calcium together. It can reduce your body's ability to absorb magnesium effectively. The rule of thumb in this case is to take calcium at bedtime and have magnesium during meals. This reduces your risk of having magnesium deficiency.
Fat-Soluble Vitamins Are Better Taken With Food
Fat-soluble vitamins are vitamins that our body absorbs like fats. These include Vitamins A, D, E, and K. Health supplements for these vitamins are more effective when taken with food.
Water-Solubles Are Best for Empty Stomachs
On the other hand, water-soluble vitamins dissolve in your body's water. These are Vitamins B and C. They are best absorbed when you take their supplements with some water while on an empty stomach.
Keep Your Health Supplements Somewhere Cool and Dry
If you want to retain your natural supplement's nutritional value and quality for longer, you must store them properly. The best way is to keep them in a cabinet or a drawer away from heat and moisture. You'll want to avoid storing in the bathrooms or kitchen as they can easily get more humid than other rooms at home.
It's tempting to stash them in the refrigerator and be done with it. However, condensation can sometimes occur inside the fridge. The moisture could hurt your supplement's potency. Some health supplements like liquid vitamins and fish oil can be refrigerated.
You can also review the labels to see if the manufacturer included any storage guidelines.
Don’t Consume More Than the Recommended Dosage
Health supplements typically include the recommended dosage on their labels. You might think you'll be healthier if you take more, but please do not go beyond the label or your doctor's recommendation. It's very possible to overdose on vitamins and minerals and suffer from side effects.
What are some risks of overdosing on supplements? Let's take a look at them here:
- High doses of Vitamin A have side effects ranging from nausea to comas.
- Taking too much Vitamin C can cause diarrhoea and vomiting.
- Vitamin B overdose can lead to various complications like liver damage, heartburn, and stomach ulcers.
- Consuming high amounts of Vitamin D results in irregular heartbeats and even organ damage.
- Overdosing on Vitamin E can cause haemorrhages.
Conclusion
Health supplements can work wonders for your well-being. But it's also important to follow the label and your doctor's advice. Doing so lets you enjoy their full potency.
Don't forget to choose wisely from your Singapore health supplement shop to become the healthiest you can be!
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