Supplements, as the name suggests, are an aid to the requirement of nutrients of a body. Back in 2019, the global supplement industry was worth $167B and is expected to reach $306B by 2026. Due to the poor modern diet, almost everyone in the developed world takes supplements. But they are not entirely risk-free. Sometimes the body does not need them. But still, people keep taking supplements just because they read or heard somebody say supplements are helpful. So how do you understand whether you need them or not! Keep reading because it was written just to answer this question!
When to take supplements
Most people don’t need supplements. All the necessary nutrients your body needs are present in your diet. You may focus on maintaining a healthy diet if you already don’t. But sometimes, a little extra help is required in the form of supplements. Reasons may include old age, disease conditions (i.e., taking certain medicines), not having access to healthy food, or having noticed some changes in your body. Your first choice must be consulting your doctor about your concerns. But you can also take supplements to help your body perform well. Typically, a supplement is required in the following cases,
Pregnancy
It is the most obvious case. A pregnant woman needs many supplements to keep her child healthy. It is the rapid development of the child which requires these extra nutrients. These supplements include Folic Acid, vitamin D, Iron, vitamin C, and Calcium.
Young Age
Infants receive most of their nutrients through breast milk. They may still become deficient in some nutrients such as vitamin D, iron, and vitamin B12. Children also require calcium, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin B12 and other B vitamins.
Older Age
With age, the absorbing capacity of our body decreases. So it may get deficient in certain nutrients, and you may need to take supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12. Some antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E may protect against some diseases. You also need Omega-3 fats to protect your heart.
Restricted diet
If you are taking a restricted or a limited diet, your body might be deficient in some nutrients. Imbalances can occur even without you being aware of them. For example, if you are a vegan or have a dairy allergy, you may need calcium and vitamin D supplements.
Apart from these cases, you may need a supplement if you notice the followings,
Your hair, nails and skin are weak!
If you feel your hair has become dry and thin and your nails are weak, you might be deficient in biotin, Copper and Zinc. Take Solgar skin, hair and nails formula. It contains all the necessary nutrients for your hair, nails and skin.
You get bruised easily!
Vitamin C is an antioxidant vitamin. It protects against free radicals of oxygen and other elements. Its deficiency results in the destruction of proteins, fats and DNA of cells. Thus damaged blood vessels might be leaking red blood cells under the skin.
You feel fatigued!
It may be a signal that your body needs calcium. Due to calcium deficiency, the bones get weaker, and you may need to take calcium supplements.
Your defecating habits have changed!
If you are experiencing constipation, diarrhoea, nausea or vomiting, or have bodily lesions that worsen in sunlight, you may be running low on niacin. It is one of the B complex vitamins, and its deficiency causes pellagra, a disease with the symptoms described above.
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