Doctors prescribe medicines to treat specific problems and achieve specific goals. For example, they may prescribe them to reduce inflammation or lower blood pressure. They can be pharmaceutical, herbal or traditional medicine or over the counter. Supplements are pills, liquids or powders that replace or complement nutrients in a healthy diet. They may contain protein, omega-3 fats, vitamins and minerals.
Taking supplements that are right for us can help make us feel better. It can increase energy, boost mood and help maintain a strong immune system. Supplements can also aid in the healing process after a strenuous game or workout. Many athletes and physiques take supplements in order to improve performance, heal muscles and bones, or recover from intense training.
If you’re considering starting a new supplement routine, it is always a good idea to touch base with your go-to healthcare professional. They’ll be in a position to give you an overview of your unique medical profile, and can advise you on how certain supplement might interact with medications or impact your medical conditions. They can help you select high-quality products that have been approved and tested by a reputable certifying group like the U.S. Pharmacopeia.
The line between a supplement and a medication is blurred. It can sometimes be difficult to tell them apart. A supplement is not a drug if it has certain characteristics, such as nutritional value, previous dietary intake, synthetic origin and FDA oversight of manufacturing. The most obvious factor to consider is intent. A supplement is only a dietary if the manufacturer has no intention to treat, cure or diagnose disease and is not marketed in a medical manner.
Researchers observed the types of pills and liquids that people use regularly, as they also recorded the names and prescriptions of over-the–counter and prescription medicines. This information was used in order to create a detailed portrait of medication use in America. This survey revealed that nearly half of participants take at least one dietary supplements on a daily base.
The most common reason to use a supplement was to achieve some health objective. For example, calcium and vitamin D for strengthening bones or zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin and copper (the “AREDS” formula) in order to slow down the macular degeneration. The second most popular reason for supplement use was to prevent future illness or injuries, such as folic and folate taken by pregnant women in order to reduce their risk of birth defect.
It can be hard to maintain good health when you’re always on the go, or deployed into an active military environment. If you’re a health-conscious athlete or trying to maintain your health, eating a balanced diet is essential. Also, make sure to take supplements in the correct dosage. If you experience any negative side effects, please consult your healthcare professional to know Supplements vs Medications. You can also report the problem to the FDA.
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