Nowadays, people have become health-conscious, and pharmaceutical companies have profited from it. Dietary supplement manufacturers and suppliers use compelling marketing strategies to sell health improvement, vitality, and well-being for a disease-free and fulfilling life. Healthy people can meet their nutritional needs through a balanced and proportioned diet. Supplements are not required if a person consumes large amounts of fruits, green leafy vegetables, and whole grains. Most fruits and vegetables are rich in essential nutrients and meet the daily dietary intake.
With a busy schedule, it can be difficult to keep up with a normal meal plan, and this is where dietary supplements come into play. Whether working professionals or fitness fanatics, the use of supplements has skyrocketed because it is an easily available and viable form of nutrition. Depending on gender, age, and food mix, the body may absorb more or less of the nutrients. But what are the advantages and disadvantages of dietary supplements? In this article, we’ll be discussing the main benefits and risks of taking supplements.
Pros of dietary supplements
Enhances physical performance
Dietary supplements can be used to improve physical performance during exercise, especially weight training. Weight training involves breaking down muscle and rebuilding it. Therefore, taking protein supplements can help you in the process and also delay the feeling of fatigue.
Prevents poor diet
Some people lead very busy lives and may not be able to buy fresh food or cook. For such people, taking nutritional supplements may be a good idea. Many people who realize that their diet is inadequate can make up for it by taking a multivitamin.
Prevents diseases
Taking supplements can prevent many diseases, such as arthritis, osteoporosis, etc. One of the important supplements is omega 3 fatty acids. Salmon, tuna, and fish are high in omega 3, but vegetarians may miss them. Omega 3 protects against many diseases, including heart disease, anxiety and depression, skin diseases, and childhood asthma. Therefore, taking an omega 3 supplement may be a good idea.
Cons of dietary supplements
Overdosing
Taking too many supplements may increase toxicity in the body. Taking too many calcium supplements may cause stones or hypercalcemia. Many supplements can also cause diarrhea. Sometimes the body may not be able to absorb these supplements, and they are also excreted in the urine. That might just be a waste of money.
Not having enough nutrients in your body
Supplements are artificial and in no way replace nutrients. They have their own side effects such as nausea, headache, liver damage, dizziness, etc. Taking supplements on a regular basis may hinder the body’s ability to absorb nutrients.
While it may seem tempting to break out of a nutritious meal prep routine and opt for a simpler dietary supplement, it may not be the right choice for your body. Remember, easier doesn’t necessarily mean healthier. Experts recommend the use of dietary supplements and whole foods to improve the cumulative nutritional value of the diet. However, relying heavily on dietary supplements ends up doing more harm than good.