Should I compare diet supplements? | Exercise.com Learn: Your Fitness Business Resource

Should I compare diet supplements?

Tyler Spraul is the director of UX and the head trainer for Exercise.com. He has his Bachelor of Science degree in pre-medicine and is an NSCA-certified strength and conditioning specialist. He is a former All-American soccer player and still coaches soccer today. In his free time, he enjoys reading, learning, and living the dad life. He has been featured in Shape, Healthline, HuffPost, Women's...

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UPDATED: Aug 25, 2020

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  • Anyone starting a supplement regimen will want to know what kinds of supplements are out there and which are the best ones to take.
  • Diet supplements are taken for a variety of reasons and can be ingested in a number of ways for maximum efficiency.
  • The terms “diet supplements” and “nutritional supplements” can be used interchangeably.

Comparing diet supplements can help you find a good brand of supplements to keep your body healthy. The best way to compare diet supplements is to speak to a healthcare professional, visit a supplement retailer, or find a website that has information on nutrition.

Anyone who is making changes to his or her diet or exercise routine will need to find information on nutritional supplements.

For example, if you have decided to go on a low carb diet you will need to start taking a fiber supplement. Good carbohydrates come from fresh fruits and vegetables, so you will need additional fiber.

Remember, exercise is also an important component of your overall health. If you are looking for an exercise routine, look no further. Go PRO today for access to certified personal trainers, workout plans, and more.

What Kinds of Diet Supplements Are There?

Diet supplements can come in powder, pill, or liquid form. Protein shakes might be used by those who want to gain muscle mass, while multivitamins might be taken by an expectant mother. Anyone experiencing physical changes can take a diet supplement.

More specifically, different nutritional supplements deliver different types of vitamins and nutrients. There are diet supplements that have one main ingredient, while others have a proprietary blend.

And remember, as this physician talks about in this video, not all diet supplements are equal!

All dietary supplements are printed with written dosing directions. Depending on the type of supplement you are taking, you may need to make adjustments to your dosage.

It is not recommended that you increase the number of nutritional supplements taken unless you are certain there are no adverse side effects associated with the supplements.

Supplements are not regulated by the FDA, so it’s wise to do your own research!

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Do You Need to Take Precautions When Ingesting Diet Supplements?

Nutritional supplements can be categorized as herbs, vitamins, or even completely synthesized hormones. Because nutritional supplements can interact with other diet supplements, medications, or cause allergic reactions, always read all warnings and potential side effects beforehand.

You may not be able to take traditional diet supplements if you have a health condition.

Look for supplements that filter through the liver if you have kidney disease and vice versa if you have a liver condition.

Taking too many diet supplements can also cause negative side effects. Overdosing on a single nutritional supplement is possible if too high a dose is taken.

Make sure you are not taking more than the daily recommended allotment of any vitamins or nutrients with your supplements.

Do I Need to Take Vitamins If I Am on a Diet?

Since diets usually restrict the amount or types of foods you can eat, supplements are almost always necessary.

If you don’t get enough of a particular essential vitamin, you can have serious medical complications.

Generally, multivitamins that are specially designed for your age category and gender are best.

Nutritional supplements should be taken at the same time you start your diet. You will need to calculate the nutrients and vitamins you are getting in your meals so you can figure out the number of supplements you need to take.

When Should You Reduce Your Diet Supplement Intake?

If you start to experience any sudden changes in mood, severe muscle cramps, changes in vision, or anything else out of the ordinary, you might want to stop or reduce your supplement intake.

For example, ingesting too much protein can lead to dizziness, while too much vitamin C can cause kidney stones.

If you are taking a diet supplement that induces the production of hormones, you will need to stop taking it every few weeks.

Nutritional supplements like maca root can interfere with hormonal birth control, thus leading to unwanted pregnancies or changes in your menstrual cycle.

What Is the Safest Way to Incorporate Diet Supplements Into Your Life?

When you take dietary supplements as per the instructions, you will probably not have any adverse effects. By paying attention to the changes in your body, you can guard against experiencing negative side effects.

Gel capsules are generally faster acting because the acids in your stomach will break them down faster. Diet supplements that are taken in tablet form will continue to deliver nutrients throughout the day.

Liquid diet supplements should be consumed if you need a highly concentrated amount of fiber or protein. Small amounts of Echinacea, goldenseal, and similar diet supplements can also be taken in liquid form.

And don’t forget that taking supplements is just one part of a fitness regimen. Check out our PRO plan now and sign up to track and plan your workouts and stay focused on your long-term workout goals.

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