Today, you will learn about everything you need to know before taking supplements: why they matter, what makes them different from each other (and why), and how they can help improve your health if used correctly.
What are the differences between practitioner supplements and retail supplements?
So, what are the differences between practitioner supplements and retail supplements?
Healthcare practitioners make practitioner doses for their patients. They often come in powder form, intended to be mixed with water or other liquids. The ingredients in practitioner ones also tend to have higher concentrations than those found in retail products. In addition, practitioner-made formulas don’t contain any fillers or binders that can cause digestive issues for some people.
Because of these reasons, it’s recommended that anyone considering taking a herbal supplement consult their healthcare provider first. This is especially important if you’re currently pregnant or breastfeeding or taking any prescription medications at all!
Do you need supplements?
If you eat a healthy diet, supplements are not necessary. Instead, your body gets all the nutrients it needs from food. Supplements are meant to be used in addition to a healthy lifestyle.
Are you eating enough foods that contain the vitamins and minerals your body needs? If not, taking a supplement can help fill any gaps in your diet. For example:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding, taking prenatal vitamins can reduce the risk of birth defects and developmental delays in babies.
- Women who are trying to conceive should take folic acid (a B vitamin) to prevent congenital disabilities before conception occurs and during early pregnancy when neural tube formation occurs (approximately one month before through three months after conception). Men also need folic acid to make sperm with normal shape and function, which helps protect against birth defects like spina bifida (a defect in which part of the spinal cord fails to close properly during development).
What ingredients should you look for in high-quality practitioner supplements?
Remember, you’re paying good money for these supplements. You want your money to go as far as possible and into the ingredients that will help you have the greatest impact.
Here are a few things to look for when shopping for practitioner-grade supplements:
- Ingredients that have been proven to work – Look for ingredients backed by scientific studies or clinical trials. This includes clinically proven herbs, minerals, vitamins, probiotics and more!
- Ingredients that are safe, natural and sustainable – It’s important that your practitioner-grade supplements come from reputable companies with high-quality control standards (did they test the product before shipping it out to customers?). Don’t be afraid to ask questions about where their products come from if you don’t know already.
Why do you need to see a professional before you take supplements?
Many people are unaware that the FDA does not regulate supplements. This means that there’s no guarantee of safety, quality or effectiveness.
Even if you take a supplement from a reputable company and it is considered safe for most people, it may not be safe for you. However, depending on your health history and current medications, certain supplements may interact in ways that could be dangerous for your body—or even life-threatening.
After reading this article, you should better understand the decisions you need to make regarding supplements. Remember that your health is important, and so is getting good quality products that fit your needs. Don’t just take any supplement without talking to an expert first!