How to choose your supplements?

You may have heard people saying, 'Taking nutrition is only making your pee more expensive.' Some even goes to the extreme and say, 'It doesn't cure last stage cancer. So it doesn't work!' Have we heard of 'prevention is better than cure'? Even the most advanced technology and medicine sometimes doesn't cure cancer.

I am not eliminating the fact that medicine is vital, I am only saying that nutritional supplements are preparing us better to support the functioning of our bodies.

Many of us would agree to eating healthy and exercising will help improve our health. As more and more of us are becoming aware of the importance of supplements, it has also created a profitable industry from selling nutritional products.

How are we to determine what is good and safe for us? Not all of us have the access to the in-depth information of this knowledge, nor the time to research in such detail of what's what that we are buying from the shelves or over the counter, or even through direct selling. But there are a few simple steps we can take before buying any supplements. At the end of the day, we are the ones who will be putting this substance inside ourselves that is not easily taken out as easily as we put it in, of course certain precaution needs to be taken.

1.'Natural' is not necessarily as it claims
Products which are labeled as using natural ingredients may not necessarily mean the whole product is produced using natural products. It may be just a puff to attract consumers. Did they say which particular ingredient is natural and how much natural is 'natural'?

2. More does not equal to better
The ideal amount of supplements differs among each individual. This is also the same with the quantity of the ingredients contained in a product. Don't buy a supplement because it has more in certain ingredients you are told to be beneficial to you. Look for one that can be safely consumed and made use of biologically. Usually a good company background of the manufacturer will justify the ethics in the production of a safe supplement.

3. Do some research
Buy from a manufacturer that clearly states the amount of ingredients contained in the supplements and they are honest about the figure. Research has shown that many supplements are of low or zero nutritional value. This is happening because the ruels and regulations for such products are almost non existance.

4. Buying it from a health shop does not necessarily mean that it is healthyThere is substance used in making supplements which are harmful to us, some taking a large amount may be poisonous. A good example is a type of Chinese herbs called Ephedra. It is a component of a multi-herb cold formula made by boiling ephedra with cinnamon twig, licorice root and almond. It is also marketed for weight loss, athletic performance and physical and mental stimulation. However, it is banned in the US because it was found that the use of ephedra has been associated with stroke, seizures, psychosis and death. As the use of the ingredient and the right to sell is not managed properly in certain countries, the chances of buying it without knowing is quite likely.

5. Pricing is not everythingSome buy certain supplements because it is cheaper. You would think the nutritional value of all supplements is the same. It is not. The nutritional value of a product can never be determined by its price. The importance is buying the type that works for you and that are safe to consume.

6. Avoid buying supplements with combination of multi herbsEvery type of herbs affect our bodies. Each of them results in different effect when combined differently. Therefore, combining more herbal into one supplement does not necessarily be better. It may seem that it is more valuable to have a supplement with more herbal combination but this is very deceiving. A supplement with herbal ingredients should have been included with sufficient research and development to ensure that the amount is safe.

7. How the supplements are manufacturedThe producing and packaging of the supplements are done according to a complete manufacturing guidelines. This will ensure that the products are hygienic and safe.

8. Choose a supplement without chemicalThat simply means that supplements which are food, should be made from food and not chemically combined substance

9. Choose organicApart from choosing supplements which are compressed from the essence of food, choosing supplements of organic food source makes it even safer to consume

10. Obtain your information from the right sourceOf course you can't depend on articles or information based on advertisement or sales centered presentation. Find independent source which is non-profitable and also scientists backed articles (be careful though some scientists aren't real)

11. If you are also under medicationYou may want to check with your physician about whether taking supplements is not going to give you side effects under your medication

12. Beware of Ayurvedic productsSome of these products contain heavy metals, which we know are not good for us. Traditionally, many Indian herbal practices still believe that heavy metal is good for us

13. Be smart
Reach a conclusion that is supported by good grounds, facts and evidence. Understand your body, discuss with your physician and do research.

I would trust a company with transparency that tells you how the supplements are produced. From the way the food is planted, processed and manufactured, even down to the packaging and the labels attached to it. It should be informative and honest.

It is easy to take any substance without consideration, thinking that it will be processed as a natural given function with our livers and kidneys. However, if a little thoughts are put in to determine the safety of a substance, we will save ourselves a lot more trouble in the future. It means responsibility to yourself and those around you.