5 Things You Should Know About Natural Supplements

With so much emphasis in recent years being placed on the need for a healthy lifestyle, there has been a great deal of focus on adding natural organic products into our diets. Healthy eating is best achieved with the assistance of supplementation. In most cases, natural supplements are the most effective way to introduce essential nutrients to a healthy eating plan. In this article, we will take a closer look at a handful of things you should know about natural supplements before you start using them.

How Popular Are Herbal Supplements?

Data collected in 2007 on the use of dietary supplements showed that usage increases with age. Adults between the ages of 20-39 show a 39% use rate, those between 40 and 59 had a rate of use at 50% and that went to 67% for Americans aged 60 and over. Individuals with health insurance use supplements more than those without coverage (53% versus 31%). Supplement use parallels exercise levels where those who say they have a low exercise rate report 43% supplement use, moderate exercisers were at 54% and individuals with high exercise levels report a supplement usage of 56%. And finally, survey respondents that reported being in excellent or very good health showed a 55% usage of supplements whereas those with good health were at 47% and individuals with fair or poor health use supplements 44% of the time. 

Natural Supplements Are Often Not Very Natural

This is very hard for individuals just starting to introduce supplementation into their lifestyles. It means that a product identified as being natural on the label may not be exactly that. Taking a closer look at the labels should reveal which supplements are truly natural and which happen to be organic. The reason why many supplements in the health food industry are labeled as being natural is simply to increase sales. There is a common misunderstanding that when the word natural appears on a product it means that the product is all-natural, which is far from true. The most reliable way to ensure that the supplements you purchase are natural is to work closely with either a supplement manufacturer or a certified vendor. What this comes down to is that if you purchase health products from a reputable retailer, the chances of ending up with counterfeit products are greatly reduced. However, be aware that artificial products do exist and sometimes get passed off as natural products. Do some research and make informed decisions by asking questions when things don’t seem right.

Natural Supplements Are Available In Different Formats

What comes to mind when you hear the term natural supplements? Chances are that you pictured herbal products in tablet form. While this is one of the most popular ways to administer supplements, herbs are sold in a powder or liquid form, among others. Dietary supplements are not restricted to just herbal remedies, either. Minerals, amino acids, and multivitamins are all considered forms of dietary supplementation. The majority of these products come from herbs and shrubs whereas others are artificial. Keep in mind that artificial supplements come in a variety of formats including pills and capsules, powders, extracts, gel tablets, and liquids. 

Natural Supplement Have No Regulations

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ensures that products offered to citizens are safe, effective, and secure therefore protecting public health. The FDA does this by monitoring the manufacture and sale of drugs, medical devices, cosmetics, and biological products consumed by humans and animals. Natural supplements do not meet the FDA-regulated guidelines. In other words, the high standards and strict testing that traditional medication are subject to before FDA approval and entering the retail market, natural supplements bypass all of these steps and often go direct to market. While this does not mean all natural supplements are suspect, it does indicate that it is important that consumers do their homework and only purchase health products from well-known, reputable brands and retailers.

Natural Supplements Work Best With A Balanced Diet

There is nothing wrong with turning to natural supplements to enhance a healthy lifestyle. However, for the best results, many nutritionists point to the need for a well-balanced diet with supplements as an add-on rather than a replacement plan. The health benefits offered by natural supplements are best when they result from eating well, which means three meals per day with the proper amount of calories, nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Supplementation should assist in rounding out the healthy daily amounts of these elements to fill gaps that are not being met by the food choices consumed. Nutritionists also point to the need for an active lifestyle that includes exercise as assisting in keeping the body strong and healthy.

Natural Supplements Do Work

Regardless of the number of people who question the actual benefits of natural supplements, scientists have proven that they do assist in keeping the body healthy with the proper amount of nutrients required daily. Where health supplements have the best results is typically in diets of individuals suffering from certain health conditions ranging from cancer and diabetes to high blood pressure. Supplementation tends to increase immunity and strengthen to body’s defenses in individuals with health concerns. However, it is always advisable to seek the advice of a medical professional before adding natural supplements to a diet. The main reason for this is to determine if the treatment is appropriate for the condition and to ensure that the chosen supplementation does not interact with current medications or complicate an existing condition. It is also good to get your products from a trustworthy retailer, as Orphic Nutrition natural supplements.

Final Thoughts

Staying healthy and strong takes work. There is no such thing as a magic pill. However, if you eat well and exercise regularly, by adding herbal supplements to your daily routine, you can help build your body’s strength and stay healthy at the same time. The challenge is identifying what is and is not a legitimate supplement. By dealing with qualified retailers and manufacturers, you can sort that out and find a reputable brand you can trust.