We all have questions and assumptions that arise when you come across the idea of taking supplements. I have a few facts and ideas about supplements that I would like to share with you. Feel free to share your experiences with taking supplements. Enjoy the read!
Supplements make you fat.
Yes and no. Depending on the reason for taking the supplements and the type of supplements you are taking, you could gain weight or not at all. If you are taking multivitamins that increase your appetite, there is a high probability that you will gain some weight. However, this is not to say that consistent supplement intake will cause a weight fluctuation. Proper intake and regular exercise is recommended, as supplements will impact your metabolism rate, which in turn will have an impact on your body weight.
Supplements make you break a fast.
This is true. Supplements could break your fast. Some contain sugars and calories. Though there are supplements that you can take on an empty stomach, it is better to take supplements after meals. This helps with their absorption. Research the supplements you’d like to take and see whether they break your fast or not.
Supplements can replace food.
Supplements cannot replace food. They cannot replicate all food nutrients. Taking supplements plainly will be adverse for your health. It could cause organ failure, so be wary of this. Supplements are good, but just as the name suggests, they should be used to supplement your food, not replace them. Food is primary. Supplements are secondary. Nutrients that manufacture supplements are generally found in the common foods we eat each day.
Supplements will affect a drug test
Are you a sports person? This is something you have heard about. Performance-enhancing drugs could severely damage your career. Some of the nutrients that are considered performance-enhancing could be present in the day-to-day dosage of your favorite supplement. Currently, experts are still divided on whether this is true or not. My advice is that you consult a specialist first in such a case. A single dose could be detrimental to your career.
Supplements are not good for the vegan diet
This is false. We have vegan-specific supplements. It is good to understand what makes up a healthy balanced diet for a vegan. Once you have this, you can then supplement based on your nutritional needs. Calcium, vitamin B12, and vitamin D are the most common nutrients that vegans can fall short of. Keep this in mind in your transitioning journey.
Supplements cause constipation
This is true. Several supplements can cause constipation. Examples of supplements that cause these are iron, calcium, protein, and vitamin D. If you experience constipation consistently after taking any of these supplements, take plenty of water and fiber-rich foods. If this persists, talk to a nutritional specialist. They can advise you on other variations of the supplements, that will work best for you.
In conclusion, supplements are good, but always remember to have them prescribed to you. Do not do a self-prescription. Supplements also work best when taken on a full stomach. This helps in absorption.
Do you have other reservations to do with supplements? Feel free to share them with us in the comment section. Thanks for stopping by :).
