How to Choose the Right Nutrition Supplement for You

While eating a well-balanced diet is the best way to promote good health, sometimes supplements may be needed. It is important that the supplement you consume contains quality ingredients and has a high level of purity. Make sure to read the supplement label to understand what you are consuming, especially when it comes to nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, folic acid, and iron. Also consider the bioavailability. Vitamins Vitamins are nutrients your body needs in small amounts to work properly and stay healthy. They are found in foods such as fruits, vegetables, fortified dairy products, meats and whole grains. Most people get enough vitamins in their diet, but some may need additional supplements. Choose a supplement that is high in quality and made up of good ingredients. You will find that many cheap vitamins are full of additives and synthetic nutrients. Aim for a multivitamin that is free of artificial ingredients and low in fillers. If possible, purchase your Cognizin dietary supplements from a store or brand that has healthcare professionals vouching for their products. They are more likely to follow strict manufacturing guidelines and have a high standard of ingredients. Check for third-party verification like the USP seal. This ensures that what is on the label is in the bottle and will not interfere with your medication or health conditions. Minerals A mineral is a naturally occurring inorganic substance with a definite chemical composition and crystalline structure. The atoms of different minerals fit together to form crystals that are specific to their kind. Minerals have a fixed chemical structure and cannot be broken down mechanically into smaller parts. They are found in rocks, soil and water and also are used as building materials. Gold, diamonds and rock salt are examples of minerals. Some minerals are in a solid form and can be divided into flakes or powders, but most are in a crystalline or amorphous state. Minerals that are not crystalline in nature are called mineraloids. There are many forms of minerals for supplements, including chelated (bound to) compounds. These include amino acid chelates (such as citrates or oxides) and organic salts (picolinates and orotates). Chelated mineral supplements are better absorbed by the body than non-chelated forms. This is because the molecule acting as the "chelate" hooks onto the mineral ions and follows them into cells where they are needed. Herbs Herbs are plants that have savory or aromatic properties and may be used for culinary, medicinal, or spiritual purposes. A broader sense of the term includes trees, shrubs, subshrubs, annuals and perennials that have been used for therapeutic and culinary purposes. Herbals can be used fresh or dried in many different forms. Dried herbs have a long shelf life, are easy to store and can be used just like spices in cooking. Tinctures are a popular form of herbal medicine. They use alcohol as a preservative and preserve the potency of the medicinal plant constituents. They are also the most effective form of herb medicine. When choosing supplements, consider the following factors: Many people turn to medication when they are experiencing a mental health issue, but psychiatrists like Henry Emmons and integrative therapist Haas recommend trying nutritional supplements first. Both say that micronutrients often complement, rather than replace, other forms of treatment and that they can even boost the effectiveness of medications. When shopping for supplements, make sure the product you are considering has been verified by a third party for content, potency, purity and uniformity. Look for this certification on the label.