One of the fast-moving products from pharmacy shelves is multivitamins. Studies show that over 70% of Americans use multivitamins regularly. Most of them take these vitamins in different doses. In any given home, you will find that the family has more than one vitamin supplement that they are taking on daily. With all these issues, the question that arises is, are the vitamins worth it. Studies done show that they might not be as good as they are advertised. However, people are still buying them off the shelves and in great quantity. Let’s look at how multivitamins are used and whether or not they are worth the hype.
Regulations Surrounding the Manufacture of Supplements
One of the things that make so many people skeptical when it comes to supplements is that there is very little regulation for making them. Unlike other prescription drugs that need to be approved by the FDA, supplements do not go through that strict scrutiny. For this reason, one cannot be sure of the quantity of vitamins per dose. Different companies will put different concentrations in their drugs. You do not know whether you are taking the right concentrate or if you are under or overdosing. With such relaxed regulations, you cannot help but wonder whether or not the supplements work as they are meant to. If they do what they claim to do, there needs to be strict regulation on their manufacture.
They Can Be Sold Without a Prescription
Another thing that makes one suspicious of multivitamin supplements is they are over-the-counter drugs. With all the benefits that people claim they have, you would think there will be more rules on getting them and using them. You can walk into any shop and get supplements without needing to have a note from a doctor. Due to this, it isn’t easy to believe that they have all the positive effects people claim they do.
Limited Research Is Done on Them
Another reason why multivitamins might not have all the benefits is that there is limited research. The only extensive research done on them is the impact of folic acid on young children and pregnant mothers. It is also the main reason young women and women planning to conceive take folic acid supplements. The claims that supplements can help with heart diseases and cancer prevention have little to no research done. All these are claims since one cannot provide solid evidence to support the claim.
What Are the Alternatives to Multivitamin Supplements?
With all these speculations going around, you might be wondering what the next step is. Chances are, you have spent all your life taking multivitamin supplements. You most likely do not know what else you can do to stay healthy.
How To Live Healthy Without Supplements
Here are a couple of pointers for you. You can live healthy without supplements by following these tips:
- Eat whole foods- In this present day and age, most of the food you eat is processed. Fully processed food has the nutrients stripped away. Eating them means you are not getting everything you need. To ensure you stay healthy, cut down on processed foods like rice and grains and go for the more wholesome ones. Switch to food like brown rice and cereals as they have more minerals and good fat.
- Eat more fruits and vegetables: One of the main reasons you might be having issues with your blood sugar and digestion is that you do not eat foods rich in fiber. Cut down on processed sugars and increase your fruit and vegetable intake. These have more fiber and good sugars that work well for your body, so you don’t have to worry about getting diabetes.
- Lead a healthy lifestyle. Cut down on the alcohol and sugar intake and exercise more. In keeping your body active, you can reduce the risk of heart failure and obesity as well. Join a gym or take walks daily to ensure that you keep burning calories. Drink more water in place of alcohol or carbonated drinks, and you will notice the difference. Staying healthy and disease-free is something everyone yearns. It is the main reason why multivitamin manufacturers make a lot of money daily. The only issue with multivitamins is, you never know if you are getting the right dosage or not.
If you are looking for a holistic way to stay healthy, visits us at vital force to talk to a professional. We have a team of people willing to help you live a healthier life without buying too many supplements. Call us at 205-352-9141 for more information.